Farming boy with a magic ring

"Bro, this is my number. Call me if you ever have any trouble. Even if you poke a hole in the sky, I'll have your back," Xavier Jie said, giving Ethan a firm pat on the shoulder. "Alright, someone will be here soon to wrap things up. You can head out."

Ethan nodded, casting a reluctant glance at Second Bear's gun. Xavier caught the look and chuckled. "Like guns, huh?"

Ethan didn't bother hiding it. "Yeah."

Xavier laughed. "Alright, I'll get you a pair later. I can't give you this one — evidence and all."

"That'd be great. Thanks, Mr. Jie." Ethan grinned, waved, and headed back to his truck.

As Ethan drove off, Xavier watched him with a glimmer of excitement. Kid's got skills. What a waste selling vegetables. He rubbed his chin, already plotting how to recruit him. Since he likes guns, that makes things easier…

Back at the farm, business was booming. Just as Henry Wang had predicted, supermarket and restaurant owners kept calling, desperate to get their hands on Ethan's fresh produce. But Henry stuck to Ethan's new sales tactic — cash upfront, no credit, and higher prices. Surprisingly, no one complained. The demand was just that high.

Meanwhile, Ethan slipped into his space, rested, drank a few sips of spirit water, and practiced the Ease Immortal Spell. After waking up, he stretched and decided to cook dinner. Just as he was about to start, his phone buzzed with an unknown number.

"Hello?" Ethan answered.

"Hi, Brother Ethan? It's Rachel Ma." A soft, sweet voice came through the line.

Rachel Ma? Ethan blinked, trying to place the name. Then it hit him — the round-faced girl he helped on the bus. "Oh, Rachel. What's up?"

"Well… I'm off work today, and I was wondering if I could treat you to dinner." She sounded a little shy.

"Dinner?" Ethan scratched his head. "Ah… I've already bought groceries. Maybe next time."

Rachel was stunned. Rejected? Guys were usually eager when she invited them out. "T-Then… could I come over?" she asked hesitantly.

Ethan paused. "Uh… sure. I'll text you my address." After hanging up, he rubbed his nose, feeling a bit awkward. Is spring coming early this year?

He glanced at the ingredients and decided to make a little extra. After all, a guest was coming. He prepared four dishes: belly-boned chicken, Chengdu shrimp, stir-fried greens with sausage, and wood ear mushrooms with mountain yam. As he finished plating the last dish, he heard a knock at the door.

"Wow… Brother Ethan, what's that smell? It's amazing!" Rachel entered, eyes wide with delight. Despite the mouth-watering aroma, she remained reserved, quietly admiring the spread.

"Heh, just farm food. Sit down, dig in. Want something to drink? I've got red wine and Coke."

"No, water's fine." Rachel blushed slightly, stealing glances at Ethan. She was drawn to his calm demeanor and piercing eyes.

Just as they started eating, a car pulled up outside. Henry Wang burst into the room, grinning ear to ear.

"Boss! Business was insane today! Both trucks sold out in no time—" He paused, spotting Rachel. "Oh ho! Another beauty?" Henry elbowed Ethan. "And so pure-looking too! Hi there, I'm Henry Wang, General Manager of Golden Ring Corporation. May I know your name, age, and whether you have a boyfriend?"

"Enough, Henry." Ethan shot him a look. "Her name's Rachel. Don't scare her off. Sit down and eat."

"Haha, fine, fine. But you're jealous, huh?" Henry winked. "I can tell. This one's different, eh?" He gave Rachel a playful nudge. "Since ancient times, a sister-in-law is better than a mother!"

Rachel blushed crimson, head down, quietly nibbling her food. Ethan sighed, picking up some prawns with the public chopsticks and placing them in her bowl. "Don't mind him. Eat."

Rachel hesitated, then took a bite. Her eyes widened. "Brother Ethan… this is incredible! Have you worked at a five-star hotel before?"

Ethan laughed. "Nope. Never even worked at a lunchbox joint. Just cooking for myself."

"With skills like yours, you could make a fortune as a chef." Rachel's admiration deepened. "In a few years, you could even buy a house on the outskirts of Dongzhu."

Ethan waved off the idea. "Nah, I'm not that ambitious. Once I make enough, I'll go back to my hometown in the mountains. Build a house, find a wife, raise a family… that's more my speed."

Rachel froze, disappointment washing over her face. She had imagined a different kind of future for him — something bigger. Suddenly, the food lost its flavor. Each bite felt like chewing wax.

Henry, oblivious to the mood shift, happily munched away, praising Ethan's cooking between mouthfuls. But Rachel sat quietly, her heart sinking.

So, that's his dream…

The table grew quiet, save for the clink of chopsticks against plates.