HLM -Chapter 807 The Calf’s Birth

Under the influence of the “Heart of the Pasture,” both the cattle and sheep were docile and obedient, showing hardly any wildness.

The Rottweilers had managed the ranch for a long time, and the herds were already familiar with their herding. As soon as the lead sheep saw those familiar faces, it bleated and ran forward. Once the lead sheep moved, the rest followed, huddled together, shuffling slowly as a group.

Seated high on horseback, Zhao Xiaohui turned and laughed. “They look just like clouds! These sheep are so white.”

Eva joked, “You can adopt one as a pet. Raise it until it’s big enough to eat—how perfect is that?”

Shy Liu Shanshan giggled softly. The old horse she rode moved at an easy, steady pace.

After the girls herded the sheep to the designated area, they rode back. Just as they dismounted, the others got on—not to ride, but to take photos.

Wang Bo said to Malone, “I’m actually starting to look forward to seeing what a proper horse farm in town would look like.”

Malone replied, “It’ll happen soon. We’ve already tamed the stallion and that golden-coated speedster from the wild herd. The rest will be easier after that.”

There was plenty of work to do around the ranch. One Simmental cow was about to give birth, and the cowhands were busy assisting with the delivery.

Simmental cows often struggled with natural births—their size made calving difficult, and the calves themselves were quite large, which could easily cause complications.

However, thanks to the Level 3 Heart of the Pasture, animal births on the ranch had always gone smoothly, never resulting in any gory scenes.

A crowd gathered around the cattle pen, blocking it completely. Everyone leaned over the fence curiously, phones and cameras poking out, eager to capture the moment.

Ian laughed helplessly. “Boss, don’t do that. The cow needs fresh air right now. She’s already nervous—crowding her will only make it worse.”

The cow’s hindquarters began to excrete thick mucus—disgusting to look at, perhaps, but a good sign of a smooth delivery ahead.

The mother cow grew increasingly restless, pacing, lying down, standing again, curling her hooves as if trying to touch her belly.

Peterson explained, “That means she’s in labor. Her belly contractions are making her uncomfortable.”

Wang Bo waved his hand. “Everyone, move behind her. Stay out of her line of sight.”

Fan Dong and Song Jiashu washed their hands and went inside to help. Fan Dong joked, “Hey, livestock—so, is this your cousin or your aunt we’re helping here?”

“I’m not sure,” Song Jiashu shot back. “Maybe she’s your great-aunt.”

Big Beeby handed Fan Dong a length of rope and gave Song Jiashu a saw. “Get ready. Focus on the cow—this isn’t a time for jokes.”

Fan Dong blinked. “What’s the rope for?”

The cowhands didn’t understand Chinese, so Wang Bo explained, “It’s for assisting delivery. If it’s a difficult birth, the rope’s tied to the calf’s legs to help pull it out.”

“And the saw?” Song Jiashu asked.

Wang Bo shrugged. “If the calf dies in the birth canal, it has to be cut apart to remove it.”

Song Jiashu inhaled sharply. “That’s brutal!”

Ian brought a bucket of veterinary lubricant, put on gloves, and carefully spread a generous amount inside the birth canal.

The cow mooed loudly in discomfort. Darwin brought over a basin of red liquid and placed it in front of her.

Wang Bo explained for the group, “That’s like an energy drink—it replenishes the cow’s strength quickly.”

Nurse Li Jiayi muttered weakly, “Wow… these cows are treated better than human mothers.”

Calving starts with the head. Normally, the calf’s body should face the opposite direction of the mother’s—if it’s sideways or facing the same way, that’s a breech birth.

Thankfully, this time it was a normal delivery.

The amniotic sac burst, and a gush of fluid spilled out. Ian checked with a small instrument, smiled, and said, “All good—it’s a strong little one. Looks eager to meet the world.”

First came two little hooves covered in damp fuzz, followed by a pink nose pushing out. Ian reached in to help guide it along.

Wang Bo waved to the others. “Alright, come on. Time for us to go.”

Song Jiashu asked, puzzled, “Why leave? It’s not over yet.”

Wang Bo smiled wryly. “Don’t be so curious. What comes next isn’t pleasant. You really want to see the placenta and all that? Trust me, you’ll lose your appetite.”

At that, the girls quickly turned away, and the rest followed reluctantly.

On the way back, the girls chattered nonstop:

“The mama cow worked so hard! The calf’s huge—it must’ve hurt.”

“All moms have it tough. We’ll have to go through that someday too. Men have it easy.”

“Exactly! They complain about work, but let’s see them give birth for once.”

Some of the men’s girlfriends were in that group, so they could only smile awkwardly and stay silent.

Wang Bo, however, wasn’t one to hold back. “You’re right—mothers work hard. But if a man cheats just because his wife’s body changes after childbirth, that man’s scum. If I met one, I’d take him out myself!”

“But!” he added, turning serious, “Don’t think men have it easy, either. You think it’s just working? Try being the breadwinner! You buy makeup, food, go on trips. What about men? They buy houses, cars, save for kids, and care for their parents. If you think giving birth isn’t worth it, don’t have kids—makes life easier for both sides.”

The women glared, ready to argue, but Wang Bo stood firm. “What, you want a debate? Chinese, English, Māori—I’m fluent in all three. Or maybe try being the family provider for a while?”

The women fell silent—not because they agreed, but because Wang Bo’s position gave him the upper hand.

Zhou Haojie and the others gave Wang Bo a sneaky thumbs-up. Wang Bo chuckled. “Marriage isn’t easy for either side. Mutual respect and support—that’s what matters.”

Su Dongdong sighed. “We know it’s tough for us. What’s tough for you, though?”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Wang Bo replied, “You think my life’s easy? I’ve got an entire town on my shoulders. Try that sometime.”

Na Qingyang added with feeling, “He’s right. We’re in New Zealand—surrounded by Europeans and Māori. For a Chinese guy here, every step’s a battle.”

After witnessing the cow’s birth, Wang Bo led everyone to the shearing shed. “Time for some exercise—makes lunch taste better when you’ve earned it.”

There were no domestic tourists visiting today, so Peterson had prepared all the tools in advance. When they arrived, the young “princes” drove out the Merino sheep, and everyone took a sheep to learn how to shear.