My 1995 Small Farm.

Wang Zhenzhen has actually made a lot of progress recently.

She was a clever and quick-witted girl with a strong learning ability.

After arriving in Hong Kong Island, my spoken English improved dramatically, and I could also speak many sentences in Cantonese.

When she first arrived, she was a little reserved in such a big city as Hong Kong Island.

Now he's fearless and has returned to his mischievous self from the village.

If it weren't for the fact that she had three children at home who needed her help taking care of Wang Susu, she would have dared to take Tiedan up the mountain to hunt birds by herself.

……

That night, the moonlight, like water, flowed quietly across the windows of the villa on the hillside.

Perhaps it was the success of his recent travels and the smooth sailing of everything, coupled with a deep conversation with Zhang Lihua in the afternoon that outlined a clear blueprint for the future of the kennel and the business in Hong Kong, that made Chen Ling feel happy and in high spirits.

Instead of sneaking into the cave to work as usual after his family had gone to sleep, he washed up early and lay down with Wang Susu in his arms.

You can't say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but it's been a while since we've had any fun together.

Moreover, Hong Kong Island, far from familiar surroundings, offers a unique charm.

The couple whispered to each other, reminiscing about the day's events and planning their next steps, their voices mingling with warmth and affection.

Looking at his wife's profile, which appeared even more beautiful in the hazy moonlight, Chen Ling felt a surge of warmth in his heart and couldn't help but lean over.

Wang Susu trembled, her cheeks flushed, and she gave him a perfunctory push, her voice barely audible: "The children... Zhenzhen and the others are right next door..."

"Don't worry, this house is very soundproof."

Chen Ling chuckled softly, tightening his grip on her arm with a gentle yet forceful gesture that left no room for refusal.

The noise outside the window gradually subsided, leaving only the rustling sound of the night wind, intertwining with the increasingly rapid breathing inside.

The long-awaited intimacy, like a gentle spring breeze, nourished each other's bodies and minds.

Wang Susu's body, which had become increasingly voluptuous and graceful after having three children, softened like a pool of spring water.

She finally fell into a deep sleep late at night, a satisfied and shy smile still lingering on her lips.

Chen Ling held his wife contentedly, listening to her even breathing. He then listened carefully to the next room to make sure there were no unusual noises before closing his eyes to rest.

For once, he didn't plan anything, simply enjoying the peace and languor, and drifted off to sleep.

However, this tranquility did not last long.

Before dawn, with the first light of day appearing outside the window, Chen Ling and Wang Susu were still embracing each other, hovering on the edge of sleep, when they heard a rustling sound coming from outside the bedroom door.

Then came small, somewhat urgent knocking on the door, accompanied by a childish, babyish call:
"Dad...Mom..."

It's Lele's voice.

Then Kang Kang joined in, babbling and making "pat-pat" sounds as he patted the door with his little hands.

Chen Ling was the first to wake up, and upon listening, he couldn't help but chuckle.

Wang Susu groggily opened her eyes and lazily asked, "What time is it? Is Lele awake?"

"It sounds like they're both awake." Chen Ling put on his robe, got out of bed, and went to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, there were two little babies, Kang Kang and Le Le, wearing diapers, crawling on their hands and feet on the doormat.

Like two nimble little bears, they climbed up incredibly fast and steadily, huffing and puffing.

As soon as the door opened, the two little ones looked up. Kang Kang grinned, his mouth now adorned with a few tiny teeth, and Lele stretched out his little hand, clearly saying, "Daddy, Daddy!"

Meanwhile, the little Tibetan Mastiff, Tiedan, sat behind its two young owners, sticking out its tongue and wagging its tail, its bright black eyes filled with the excitement of "I'm here too."

It wanted to rush through the door, but Kang Kang and Lele blocked its way with their "crawling" tactics, leaving it helpless.

Chen Ling was both amused and annoyed. He bent down and scooped the two children up, one in each hand: "You two little rascals, why don't you walk properly and instead try to crawl like Tie Dan? Hmm?"

Wang Susu also sat up, looking at her children's antics, and couldn't help but laugh and cry: "Yesterday they were imitating Tiedan to poop, today they're imitating him to crawl, are they going to be imitating him to gnaw on bones tomorrow? Rui Rui wasn't this naughty when he was little!"

Just then, Wang Zhenzhen rubbed her sleepy eyes and poked her head out from the next room, complaining, "Sister, brother-in-law, Kang Kang and Le Le woke up too early!"

"They were babbling and trying to get down from their cribs before dawn. I was so sleepy, so I picked them up, but they disappeared in the blink of an eye. Turns out they came looking for you!"

Rui Rui was also woken up. Wearing only his little underwear, he ran out and saw his younger siblings being held by their father. He immediately pointed at them and complained, "Daddy! Kang Kang and Le Le are naughty! They're crawling like puppies! Rui Rui walks!"

His little face was full of pride, as if he were a big kid.

Chen Ling laughed heartily at his children's antics, nuzzling Kang Kang and Le Le's little faces with his beard: "Did you hear that? Your brother is making fun of you! From now on, you have to walk on your own two feet, just like your brother, understand?"

Kang Kang felt ticklish from being rubbed, and laughed even harder.

Lele hugged her father's neck, babbling incoherently while nibbling at Chen Ling's neck.

"Good, good, good! Our Lele is the smartest; she can say so many words now!"

Chen Ling's heart softened, and she carried the two babies into the house.

Wang Susu also quickly got up, and the family laughed and joked as they began to wash up.

While eating breakfast, Wang Zhenzhen was still thinking about the raw marinated seafood from yesterday. She smacked her lips and said, "Brother-in-law, those raw marinated shrimp and crab were so delicious! They were ice-cold, fresh, and sweet, with no fishy smell at all! Can we eat them again today?"

Rui Rui also held up his little spoon and called out indistinctly, "Eat! Rui Rui wants some too! Sweet!"

Wang Susu looked at Chen Ling with some concern: "Ling, raw food is bad for children's stomachs. It's fine for them to eat it occasionally to try something new, but will they eat it all the time...?"

Chen Ling smiled and picked up a shrimp dumpling for his wife: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Those were top-quality catches from the dock yesterday, extremely fresh. I also treated them with high-proof liquor and a secret sauce to thoroughly sterilize them."

"Let's not eat that today. Let's have something else. I'll make you seafood porridge, it'll be just as fresh and sweet."

He paused, then lowered his voice and said to Wang Susu, "Our child has a good foundation thanks to my guidance, so she's not so spoiled."

"Besides, I have a sense of right and wrong, and I won't do anything reckless."

Thinking of her husband's miraculous abilities and the fact that their children were indeed much stronger than other children their age, Wang Susu felt relieved and nodded, saying, "You can make the decision."

We had just finished eating, and the dishes hadn't even been cleaned up yet, when we heard a car horn and Director Zhong's cheerful greeting from outside:
"Fugui! Sister-in-law! Are you ready? We're moving to Repulse Bay today!"

Chen Ling went out in response and saw that Director Zhong had changed into a more youthful-looking polo shirt and casual pants, looking radiant.

Wang Susu straightened his shirt collar: "Go on, be careful on the road. Will you be back for lunch?"

"We'll see. If things don't go well, we'll eat on set. If you're bored at home, I'll have Sister Yinhuan take you for a walk around the neighborhood."

"Understood, don't worry."

Chen Ling went out and got into Director Zhong's car.

Director Zhong seemed particularly excited today, saying as he drove, "Ah Ling, Yue Min specifically instructed us about today's scene. He said we can't keep filming you walking the dog, making you look like a spoiled brat. He doesn't like that. We need to create a charming young entrepreneur image for you."

"The scene was set at the Bao family villa in Repulse Bay, which is very grand! It's just separated from the villa where Adam Cheng and the others filmed by a fence!"

"Oh? The Bao family?" Chen Ling raised an eyebrow. This was indeed a true elite family in Hong Kong.

"Yes! The third young master of the Bao family wants to be friends with Brother Yuemin. He heard that we are filming 'Return to Glory,' which promotes positive energy, and he is very supportive. He specially lent it out!"

Director Zhong said this with pride: "You'll understand when you get there, that's what a real mansion is!" The car drove into Repulse Bay, and the environment was indeed more tranquil and luxurious.

Villas of various styles are nestled among the green trees, facing the sea.

The villa that Director Zhong mentioned is even more magnificent, with a large lawn and swimming pool.

The crew had already set up the equipment, and Liang Yuemin, Zheng Shaoqiu, Jiao Huang, and others had arrived and were chatting.

Upon seeing Chen Ling, they all greeted him.

Liang Yuemin pulled Chen Ling aside and whispered, "Fugui, I've discussed it with Director Zhong..."

"For today's 'board meeting' scene, there's no need to memorize the lines. Let's just follow the same approach we use when discussing company development. Say what you think, and that's the most natural way!"

"The key point is to highlight that our 'Fugui Mountain Villa' is not content with just making instant noodles, but also has the ambition to revitalize national brands and go global!"

Chen Ling nodded; this was exactly what he wanted.

He becomes stiff when he reads from the script, but he is more confident when he talks about things he is familiar with and is actually planning.

After finishing her makeup and changing into a well-fitting suit prepared by the crew, Chen Ling stood in front of the mirror, somewhat surprised even by herself.

The well-tailored suit accentuated his tall and handsome figure, and the calm confidence in his eyes complemented the outfit perfectly, making him look every bit the young talent.

The greasiness of my past life is gone.

"Wow! Ah Ling, you're like a completely different person!"

Zheng Shaoqiu exclaimed, "This aura is amazing! People would believe you're an elite who came back from Wall Street!"

Jiao Huang smiled and nodded, "Good, very good! You look great! This image will definitely hold its own on camera!"

Shooting begins.

The set is a temporary meeting room converted from a luxurious study in a villa.

Several veteran actors from Hong Kong Island, including the company's directors, and Leung Yuet-man himself sat around the long table.

Chen Ling, as the "second boss" and the strategist, is the core of this drama.

Lights on, camera in position.

Director Zhong called "Action!"

The old man next to Liang Yuemin spoke first, looking worried: "Recently, foreign beverages have been having a huge impact on the market, especially Coca-Cola. Their advertisements are everywhere, and several of our old-brand soda factories are almost unable to withstand it."

"Our own company's soft drinks are also suffering setbacks."

"If this continues, our domestic beverage industry may..."

A very elegant old lady pushed up her glasses and said in a heavy tone, "Yes, there are huge gaps in technology, funding, and marketing. If we go head-to-head, we will suffer a great loss."

The atmosphere at the scene was somewhat somber.

At this moment, the camera focuses on Chen Ling.

His expression remained calm. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, before speaking slowly, his voice clear and steady:
"Everyone, I think we might be able to change our approach."

He paused, and seeing that everyone's attention had been drawn, he continued, "On the front lines, the enemy is strong and we are weak. Temporarily avoiding their sharp edge does not mean we admit defeat."

"What's the secret to the success of our 'Fugui Mountain Villa' braised beef noodles in such a short time?"

Leung Yuet-man chimed in at the opportune moment, with a touch of pride: "It's the taste! It's the genuine quality! It's the unique ingredients and craftsmanship of our mainland!"

"Correct!"

Chen Ling nodded firmly, his tone carrying a penetrating insight, "Foreigners have never tasted this flavor before! This is our advantage! This is also our opportunity!"

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening: "Since we're struggling to catch up in the beverage market, why can't we use our already successful instant noodles as a surprise weapon to open up the international market first?"

"We can make braised beef noodles a calling card representing Chinese cuisine, so that foreigners can get to know us, accept us, and fall in love with us!"

"Once they become familiar with the 'Fugui Mountain Villa' brand at the dinner table and recognize our quality and culture, then we can launch tea drinks, herbal drinks, or even other specialty beverages with Chinese characteristics. Wouldn't that be twice as effective?"

His vision made everyone's eyes light up.

Chen Ling's tone grew increasingly firm, carrying an undeniable confidence: "We must defend the domestic market, but the international market is an even bigger blue ocean!"

"Instead of fighting tooth and nail with foreign brands in the domestic market, why don't we go global, use our unique products to earn money from foreigners, and spread our food culture!"

"This, too, is bringing glory to the country!"

"Okay! Well said!"

Liang Yuemin slammed his hand on the table, his emotions running high—it was almost a natural performance for him. "My brother's words have really struck a chord with me! We can't always think about maintaining the status quo; we must dare to explore new frontiers! I think this strategy is feasible!"

Everyone present showed expressions of deep thought and approval.

"Crack!"

Director Zhong excitedly called for a stop, strode over, and patted Chen Ling's shoulder forcefully: "That's great! Ling! What you said was truly... impactful!"

"The eye contact, the tone of voice, the rhythm—everything was spot on!"

"Especially the last phrase, 'to win glory for the country,' immediately established the image!"

"This isn't acting at all; this is your genuine emotion!"

"It perfectly matches the theme of our 'Homecoming'..."

Liang Yuemin exclaimed excitedly, "Fugui, what's wrong with your brain? This is way better than the emergency lines we prepared beforehand!"

"Well-reasoned, well-supported, and demonstrates vision and courage! Once broadcast, it will definitely generate a strong response!"

Zheng Shaoqiu laughed and said, "Mr. Chen, your aura just now really impressed me. I think you should stop raising cattle and tigers and start a company in Hong Kong. I'll even be your spokesperson!"

The set was filled with laughter and joy, and everyone praised Chen Ling's performance.

The scene was filmed in one take, and the effect far exceeded expectations.

Chen Ling was also caught up in everyone's emotions and smiled as she humbly said a few words.

He hadn't expected that simply sharing his thoughts with Liang Yuemin and some ideas he had been pondering would achieve such an effect.

It seems that sincerity is indeed the best "acting skill".

The subsequent filming went exceptionally smoothly.

At noon, the film crew had a sumptuous boxed lunch at the villa.

We filmed a few more shots in the afternoon, and finished filming successfully as the sun set.

Director Zhong, still eager for more, said to Chen Ling and Liang Yuemin, "Today's scene is a highlight of our 'Return to Glory'! I'll show it to you after post-production is complete!"

“I have a feeling that once this scene airs, Ah Ling, your image as a ‘young entrepreneur’ will be firmly established!”

"It really is amazing, it captured a style I never even dared to imagine..." (End of Chapter)