HLM -Chapter 1252 Come to My Place

Originally, Wang Bo had planned to return the same day, but after helping out with some small tasks in the afternoon, Christian invited him to stay for dinner and spend the night.

It was hard to refuse such warm hospitality, so Wang Bo agreed to stay.

In the afternoon, Christian’s wife, Jacarina, was already preparing dinner. The dishes were numerous and lavish—over ten in total—to entertain both Wang Bo and Uncle Bing properly.

Seeing the abundant spread on the table, Wang Bo felt a bit embarrassed. “You’re too kind, preparing so many good dishes.”

Christian, freshly out of the shower, was drying his hair and said, “No, no, Wang. Honestly, it’s not just for you. During harvest season, even our own family’s meals are very hearty because this is the best time of year for us farmers, isn’t it?”

“Yes, this season is so precious. It would be a shame not to pair it with good wine and food,” said one of the farm workers.

The dishes were full of rustic charm: a plump turkey stuffed with herbs and mushrooms, still steaming when it reached the table; thick, fruit-filled pies, clearly made with generous amounts of fruit preserves.

There was also the roasted meat typical of farm gatherings. Jacarina brought out a tray covered with golden roasted meat, its aroma filling the air.

Christian, Bulls, and the farmers started singing a song—a local New Zealand folk tune called Harvest Season. Farmers often sang it to express their joy during harvest time.

Wang Bo and Uncle Bing clapped along to the rhythm. Singing before the meal really warmed up the atmosphere.

When the song ended, Uncle Bing applauded. “Looks like the farm had a good harvest this year. That’s really something to celebrate. I can feel the happiness in your voices.”

Bulls said, “We are indeed happy because we get to enjoy the food and drink God has given us. But as for the harvest itself? Not so much. Mayor Wang knows, our farm didn’t do well this year.”

He sighed at the end, “Being a farmer is really hard work.”

Wang Bo asked, “If you know farming is so tough, why are you willing to come back?”

Bulls thought for a moment and said, “After living in the city, I realized I feel freer in the countryside. I like rural life—peaceful and calm. Everyone works together during busy seasons, and in our free time, we gather for drinks and parties. That’s far happier than living in the city.”

Christian took a sip of beer. “When I was young, I, like Bulls, longed for the city’s excitement. But after experiencing it, I realized it’s lively and fun, yes, but it can make a person lose themselves. That’s why I came back.”

Bulls shook his head. “My younger brother and sister probably won’t come back. They really like Dunedin and Auckland. Except for Christmas and Easter, even during holidays, they’d rather work in the city than return.”

His mother, Jacarina, smiled. “You know why, Bulls. They don’t want to come back because your father pays them too little. They can earn more working in the city.”

Christian raised his hand. “No, dear, I’m not stingy. I pay them fairly—forty bucks a day for harvest work, which is pretty good for a farm laborer, isn’t it?”

He looked at Wang Bo as he spoke. Wang Bo smiled. “If they just want some pocket money, that’s fine. But if they want to earn tuition, that’s too low. Christian, you know the minimum wage now is fourteen bucks an hour.”

Bulls chewed on some roast meat. “Then it’s their fault for not working well. I help my father plow and harvest, and I also take care of a patch of sweet corn, earning ten thousand bucks per season.”

They chatted casually, and the dinner ended in a happy, cheerful atmosphere.

Jacarina arranged guest rooms for Wang Bo and Uncle Bing. Surrounded by the quiet farmland, they slept soundly that night.

In the morning, Wang Bo went for a stroll in the fields.

Hundreds of hectares of wheat had been harvested, leaving the fields wide and open. Looking up, the sky was a clear, deep blue; looking out over the pastures, the land was lush and green. Wang Bo felt a sense of serenity that wasn’t found in Sunset Town.

In this environment, his heart felt especially calm.

The German Shepherds ran out, darting into the woods beside the farm. After a while, they returned, and the lead shepherd carried a fat rabbit in its mouth, dropping it in front of Wang Bo before sitting and watching him.

Wang Bo squatted down, patting each of their heads. He gave them a thumbs-up. “Good kids, well done! You’re all amazing!”

The big shepherds immediately perked up, wagging their tails and circling him happily.

Bulls, standing at the doorway, saw this and shouted, “Mayor Wang, looks like you get along really well with Lucas and the others.”

Wang Bo turned and smiled. “Of course. They’re good kids.”

After breakfast, Uncle Bing started up the helicopter, and they waved goodbye.

Christian said regretfully, “If only you’d come a few days later. This weekend, our Otago region is holding a major farm gathering—a harvest season party. If you came then, you could have joined.”

Wang Bo, eager to make new friends, asked, “Have you already set the party location?”

Christian shrugged. “We usually take turns hosting. This time it’s at my place.”

Wang Bo said, “How about this—Sunset Town is close to Cromwell. Would you be interested in hosting the party at my place? You know, Sunset Ranch has lots of delicious beef and lamb. I’m sure you’d enjoy it.”

“Will there be beer?”

“Of course—plenty.”

Christian extended his hand. “Then it’s settled, buddy. We’ll come bother you then. Honestly, Sunset Ranch is famous worldwide. We’ve really wanted to try it.”

Wang Bo said, “Then don’t just try it—eat to your heart’s content!”

Seeing Jacarina and Bulls nearby, he added, “And feel free to bring your families.”

Bulls’s smile instantly brightened.

Back in Sunset Town, Wang Bo called Motak over. “I plan to double the size of the farm.”

Motak looked curious. “It’s your land, so it’s up to you. But may I ask—did you feel inspired after the visit?”

Wang Bo shook his head. “No, I just got some ideas. By building more houses on the new farm, we can develop tourism—like the ‘farm stay’ model in China. Many visitors will be interested in a leisurely, rich farm life experience.”