Chapter 114: Looking Ahead, Planning for Red Maple Mountain

After sending off the two people who came to sell Sanghuang mushrooms, Lin Heng returned inside to grab some paper and a pen to start planning and laying out the fish and shrimp ponds. Building a pond isn’t as simple as just digging a hole; you need to consider how deep to dig, how to prevent leaks, the design of the inlet and outlet, and whether to build an overflow pool, among other things.

Since he planned to turn the entire 20 acres of Red Maple Mountain into fish ponds, he also had to consider the relationships and spacing between these ponds and the remaining ponds.

Lin Heng didn’t want to just dig a pond to raise fish casually. He aimed to build a modern fish pond, and once he had the funds, he planned to pave a road up the mountain, install aerators, water quality monitoring systems, and more.

By figuring everything out now and laying a solid foundation, he wouldn’t have to start over in the future.

To work toward his vision of a super estate, Lin Heng first grabbed an A3-sized sheet of white paper and a pencil and headed out.

“Where are you going?” Xiulan asked.

“I’m going out to sketch; I’ll be back before Xiaoxia notices,” Lin Heng replied as he left with a book in hand.

He made his way to the foot of Red Maple Mountain, crossed the river, and climbed the mountain, sweating profusely for 40 minutes until he reached a high enough spot to view the entire expanse of the mountain.

From this vantage point, he saw that the lower half of Red Maple Mountain was quite gentle in slope, while the upper third steepened dramatically, from around ten degrees to thirty or forty degrees.

Estimating the size of each section, he drew them to scale on paper.

Once done, he looked over at this side of the mountain, devising a general plan.

The entire lower part of Red Maple Mountain comprised 20 acres of developed land.

In the middle lay about 80 acres covered with low bushes, brambles, vines, and grasses.

The top 120 acres consisted of a dense forest, abundant with maple and pine trees, followed by chestnut, boxwood, yellowhorn, locust, and other tree species.

After much consideration, Lin Heng’s initial plan was thus: leave the top 120-acre forest intact, later transforming it into a mountain park with a villa amidst the forest.

The 80-acre middle section, full of brambles and shrubs, would be developed like the 20 acres below into fish and shrimp ponds, totaling 100 acres.

The neighboring mountain stream would be reconfigured with four-tier earthen dams, each small at ten meters high, holding five to six meters of water, and carved into the mountainside. Each dam would cover about one to two acres.

Two-thirds of the ponds would farm shrimp, while the rest would farm fish.

Initially, he’d focus on farming blue shrimp, introducing crayfish later. For fish, mainly grass carp and common carp, with a portion reserved for research and breeding.

In the four-tier reservoir, with deeper, colder waters, he planned to cultivate Qinling salmon.

Within three years, he aimed to transform this place into a super estate. Excluding the salmon in the reservoir, just the fish and shrimp ponds could yield an annual net profit of 200,000 RMB.

This projection was based on minimal output. With good management, earning 300,000 RMB annually seemed easy.

Moreover, this profit came from aquaculture alone, without counting potential earnings from cultivating medicinal herbs like Dendrobium or economic crops.

It also didn’t account for possible income from leading the village in aquaculture or investing in industries like brick or feed factories.

Lin Heng estimated, according to his plan, that in five years, earning a million annually would be achievable.

In the 1980s, an annual income of a million would indubitably rank one as a big boss, and with enough initial capital and foresight from his rebirth, investing wisely could make him a billionaire, or even more with effort.

Given he knew the happenings of the next 40 years domestically and internationally, investing to become a billionaire wasn’t just a dream; with financing, the potential gains were exponential.

However, Lin Heng harbored little desire for such heights, uninterested in playing financial leverage games.

Content with modest wealth, his primary wish was to support his family, ensuring his descendants were born with the means to explore dreams without fear of failure.

More importantly, he doubted his ability to manage vast wealth.

Despite having clearer memories and enhanced recall from his rebirth, his intellect lagged far behind those world-changing geniuses.

He never believed that rebirth made him infallible; having lived to 60, he had faced realities that no rebirth could fully remedy.

Accepting life’s disparities was unalterable for him; often, human differences weren’t far from that of humans and dogs.

In this life, he would be satisfied if he could establish a sustainable industry, freeing his family and descendants from mere survival worries.

This year, Lin Heng aimed to develop at least ten acres of shrimp ponds, gradually improving his family’s life step by step.

He’d first ensure they had enough food and clothing before contemplating further ventures.

With the map drawn and the layout of future roads and basic plans set, Lin Heng put away the chart.

The evening sun painted the sky in hues of orange and red as it dipped below the horizon.

“Truly beautiful!”

Lin Heng took a deep breath, smiling at the sky.

While the sun set in the sky, it rose with unstoppable vigor in his heart.

“Can’t figure it out!”

Nearby, an elderly man working in the field shook his head, perplexed by young people’s odd behaviors.

Seeing Lin Heng gesture bafflingly at the mountain map before erupting into a smile puzzled him endlessly.

When Lin Heng returned home, he was greeted by the sound of Xiaoxia’s cries as she sought his presence, with Xiulan soothing her.

“No worries, Daddy’s here.”

Lin Heng opened the front gate and rushed inside.

Xiaoxia ran to him, clinging to his leg as he returned.

Lifting her up, Lin Heng comforted her with a smile, “Daddy didn’t leave, just went out to fetch some tasty treats for you.”

Digging into his pocket, Lin Heng produced a golden apricot, removed the stone, and fed it to Xiaoxia.

“Lucky girl , open wide,” Lin Heng said, offering the other half to Xiulan, who flashed him a look as he playfully fed her.

“Is it sweet?”

Lin Heng inquired with a chuckle, noting how various fruits had ripened recently, including sweet apricots and plums.

“Sweet,” Xiaoxia muttered with stuffed cheeks.

Xiulan devoured the apricot before looking at him and asking, “What took you two hours?”

“I climbed a mountain across Red Maple to draw; it took some effort,” Lin Heng explained while handing his sketched map to her.

Taking a look, Xiulan was taken aback. The diagram was intricate, filled with notations.

“Is this Red Maple Mountain?” she asked curiously.

“Yes, it’s my blueprint for the future. I’ll explain more when I draft a full plan.”

Lin Heng assured her that, despite the chaotic diagram, he alone understood it.

“Alright, I’ll put it down for now,” Xiulan nodded, folding the paper and placing it on the cabinet.

“Is anyone home?” Just then, a knock sounded at the courtyard gate.

Recognizing the voice as the village secretary’s wife, Wang Qin, Lin Heng hurried over to open the gate, warmly welcoming her. “Aunt Wang, what brings you here? Come on inside.”

Stepping into the courtyard, Wang Qin explained with a smile, “I came to invite you for dinner. Your Uncle Tian’s busy playing chess with Tian Yan, and he asked me to fetch you.”

“Was that osmanthus soap you made this morning? It’s very handy.”

“Xiu Lan made it. Uncle Tian is too kind; really, I owe you a meal instead,” Lin Heng replied courteously.

“Ah, Xiu Lan’s really skillful,” Wang Qin commented, surprised yet pleased, quickly urging, “Let’s go. I need to get cooking.”

“Just wait a moment; let me get you some water,” Lin Heng offered, heading inside for refreshments.

“No need, let’s go,” Wang Qin protested, shaking her head.

With no choice, Lin Heng prompted Xiulan to join them.

Seeing Xiulan carrying a piece of pork, Wang Qin objected, “I’m inviting you to dinner, not asking you to bring anything. Put it back.”

“This isn’t a gift; Lin Heng and I wanted to eat, but my skills aren’t great. Aunt Wang, your cooking’s praised all over the village. I brought this to learn from you,” Xiulan interjected with humor.

Even Lin Heng was taken aback by her words, which hit the soft spot for Wang Qin, making her smile broadly.

“My cooking’s pretty basic,” Wang Qin modestly replied, but Xiulan’s flattery endeared her to Wang.

With pleasantries exchanged, Xiulan and Wang Qin leading the way with laughter, Lin Heng, carrying his daughter, followed closely behind.

Before long, they arrived at Tian Dongfu’s home. Spotting Lin Heng, Tian Dongfu extended an invitation, “Care for a game? Come play a round with me.”

Xiulan and Wang Qin had already entered the house, leaving Tian Dongfu unaware of the pork Lin Heng brought.

“I know how, but only the basics,” Lin Heng chuckled while holding Xiaoxia.

“Then play a round with me,” Tian Dongfu insisted, shooing his daughter aside since he couldn’t match her skill; eager to find a more balanced opponent.

“Alright, Uncle Tian, but go easy on me,” Lin Heng quipped, accepting the challenge.

“I’ll let you take the red pieces,” Tian Dongfu offered, arranging the board as Lin Heng opened with a classic center cannon move.

Quickly, both sides maneuvered into a traditional game configuration, leading to an aggressive exchange that tested their strategic depth.

Lin Heng’s strong memory, having absorbed chess strategies over his previous life, began outpacing Tian Dongfu, much to the latter’s growing puzzlement.

“Ha-ha, Uncle Tian, I’ll take your knight,” Lin Heng gleefully announced, capturing the piece with calculated precision.

Yet, Tian Dongfu cheerfully praised Lin Heng’s skill, relishing the fair challenge rather than a hollow victory.

As the game continued, Lin Heng lost focus momentarily, allowing the recovery of a lost piece, resulting in a stalemate after a ten-minute standoff won by a narrow margin.

“Ha-ha, that was fun; let’s go again!” Tian Dongfu jested happily, eager for another round.

“Uncle Tian, you’re sharp; I almost lost,” Lin Heng grinned, acknowledging the oversight.

“Ha-ha, I just caught your slip. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have recovered,” Tian Dongfu replied humbly.

Resetting the board, they began a second game.

Xiaoxia observed intently, asking in a whisper, “Dad, what’s this?”

“This is chess, and this is the cannon piece,” Lin Heng explained patiently.

Every move Lin Heng made piqued Xiaoxia’s curiosity, and he answered her eagerly, never growing impatient.

Tian Yan, watching from the side, grew intrigued by Lin Heng’s altered demeanor—much different from her earlier perceptions of him.

Articulate and composed, his moves occasionally surprised her with their ingenuity.

His subtle restraint was executed skillfully, so much so that distinguishing deliberate mercy from genuine play was challenging. Were he less mindful, Tian Yan knew her father would’ve been thoroughly outmatched.

Yet, what baffled Tian Yan further was Lin Heng’s unyielding patience with Xiaoxia, an unexpected disposition for someone his age.

Unbeknownst to her, Lin Heng, aged by hardship, bore patience unusual for his young exterior, his sixty-year-old soul groomed by life’s trials.

In their second match, Lin Heng assumed the black side, clinching another challenging victory.

In the third game, again taking black, they tied after an intense battle.

Without intending to lose purposefully, Lin Heng engineered a competitive balance that engaged both players.

“Impressive, playing with you is truly enjoyable,” Tian Dongfu admired, sipping his tea after the match.

“I’ve read a few books, but the pressure against you was immense,” Lin Heng confessed modestly.

“Hey, let me have a match against Lin Heng,” Tian Yan proposed, intrigued to test him herself.

“Alright, you play,” Tian Dongfu agreed, ready for a break.

“Watch out, Lin Heng. When I play against her, I’m usually left with my last two pawns. She’s quite skilled,” Tian Dongfu cautioned with a smile.

“Uncle Tian, guide me if I falter,” Lin Heng requested courteously.

Playing against Tian Yan, Lin Heng refrained from underestimating her, knowing she often practiced with his cousin Lin Hai.

As anticipated, Tian Yan’s offensive was sharp and potent, albeit slightly below the standard set by Lin Hai.

Minutes into their game, Lin Heng succumbed to defeat, edged out in the final turns by Tian Yan’s foresight.

“Another round! Use your full strength,” Tian Yan challenged, recognizing Lin Heng’s restraint.

“I was going all out. I couldn’t keep up; my head’s tired,” Lin Heng responded, feigning exhaustion.

Though he could triumph if needed, he chose not to outshine here, aware that doing so might unravel his subtle strategies with Uncle Tian, and he had no interest in impressing Tian Yan while his cousin Lin Hai pursued her.

After much enjoyment, Tian Dongfu encouraged, “Our meal’s ready; let’s head inside.”

Tian Yan reluctantly complied, puzzled by Lin Heng’s transformation, yet respecting his evolution.

Inside, Xiulan assisted Wang Qin with meal preparations, with most dishes ready, carried to the table.

“Lin Heng, let me first toast to you, for saving my life,” Tian Dongfu raised his glass after serving wine.

“I should be the one toasting you, as my elder,” Lin Heng replied, toasting in return.

“Hey, is that wild boar meat? Lin Heng, did you bring it?” Tian Dongfu exclaimed, sampling a dish and questioning its origins.

“Just for Xiulan and me. It’d spoil by tomorrow anyway. Xiulan wanted to learn some cooking, so she brought it along,” Lin Heng explained, smiling.

“Don’t do it again; I’ll be annoyed,” Tian Dongfu gently reproached, yet understandingly.

Shouldering the night’s revelry, Lin Heng attended mostly to his wife and daughter, offering subtle insightful interjections where needed, keeping focus primarily on his family.

As dinner concluded, Tian Dongfu escorted the family out, even seeing them off at the courtyard.

“Lin Heng’s really changed; I bet he’s destined for greatness. What do you think, daughter?” Tian Dongfu remarked to Tian Yan, pondering aloud.

“Compared to before, he’s evolved a lot. Seems to be a good man now,” Tian Yan replied casually.

“I like Lin Heng; he speaks kindly and seems reliable. A real catch in hunting, wealthy now, and Xiu Lan’s just as sharp, making for a perfect pair,” Wang Qin praised, even musing whether earlier circumstances could’ve paired her daughter with Lin Heng.

“Indeed, he conducts himself beyond his years. Even in chess, he manages to make it engaging with gentle mercy,” Tian Dongfu reflected, smiling. Despite knowing Lin Heng tempered his play, he couldn’t pinpoint or critique it, appreciating the considerate mismatches left on the board.

Walking home, Lin Heng delighted in the evening, counting stars with Xiaoxia.

With his sights set on business ventures within the village, he understood the importance of cultivating good relations with local officials—crucial for smooth operations.

Luckily, their village secretary embodied integrity and dedication to rural rejuvenation.

A gesture here or there sufficed for a positive reputation; no extravagant gifts needed—just cultivating genuine goodwill.

“Daddy, why does the sky turn dark?”

“Because Mr. Sun’s gone to bed, just like how you’ll need to sleep soon,” Lin Heng answered softly.

“No, not with the moon and stars still here!” giggled Xiaoxia, mischievously denying.

“If you don’t rest, you’ll struggle to get up tomorrow. We’re shopping for candies; you don’t want to miss that, do you?”

Lin Heng nudged her little cheek.

“I want to go! But I can’t sleep!” Xiaoxia exclaimed excitedly.

Upon reaching home, he washed her face and feet, tucked her into bed, and read her a fairytale.

Though she didn’t fully understand, the storytelling soon lulled her with its rhythm, the words washing over her like the moments in advanced calculus classes—familiar yet abstract, swiftly leading her to sleep.

“Are you really going to town tomorrow? It’s not market day,” Xiulan asked, joining Lin Heng after her bath.

“Yes, planning to gather some supplies for the pond. If the town lacks them, I’ll head to the city,” Lin Heng assured, cognizant of the materials needed to break ground.

“Alright, let’s rest early,” Xiulan agreed.

Lin Heng took a refreshing bath, easing into the night’s slumber, the summer heat undeterred.

(End of Chapter)