My 1995 Small Farm.

The newly paved asphalt road gleamed black in the autumn sun, like a brand-new ribbon connecting Chenwangzhuang with the world outside the mountains.

The hustle and bustle of the road opening ceremony has faded, but the excitement and hope that permeated the village lingered for a long time.

The children love to run and roll around on the new road, enjoying the smooth and solid feel of it.

The elderly like to sit on small stools at the village entrance, watching the occasional tractor or car drive by, their faces beaming with satisfaction.

Standing on the terrace on the second floor of the farm, Chen Ling looked out at the road that embodied his hard work and felt a great sense of accomplishment.

This road is not only a transportation route, but also the future economic lifeline of Chenwangzhuang.

Wang Susu walked over with a bowl of freshly brewed rock sugar pear soup and gently placed it beside him: "What are you looking at? The road is all repaired, aren't you satisfied?"

"I can't get enough of it." Chen Ling took the bowl, took a sip, and found it sweet and refreshing. "This is the road to our village's turnaround. By the way, Susu, my eldest and second brothers sent word from Fenglei Town that the road is better now. They'll bring Dongdong and Xiaotong over in a couple of days to stay for a few days, to see our parents and to see how things are going."

"Really? That's great!" Wang Susu's face lit up with a smile. "I was just missing them. Perfect timing, let Dongdong and Xiaotong play with Ruirui and Xiaoming more."

Just then, a slightly urgent horn sound came from outside the courtyard. It wasn't the tractor or motorcycle that were common in the village, but a clearer car horn.

Chen Ling peeked out and saw a dusty SUV parked at the entrance of the farm. The door opened, and out stepped Anderson and Eva, along with a well-dressed, meticulously combed middle-aged foreign man.

"Huh? Why are they here?"

Chen Ling was somewhat surprised, as it had been a while since he had seen these foreign friends since their last meeting in Fenglei Town.

He put down his bowl and said to Wang Susu, "We have guests. I'll go down and see them."

Chen Ling quickly went downstairs to greet him.

Upon seeing him, Anderson warmly opened his arms: "Chen! My dear friend! Congratulations on the completion of your road! That's fantastic!"

"Mr. Anderson, Miss Eva, welcome, welcome."

Chen Ling shook hands with them, his gaze falling on the unfamiliar man.

Eva quickly introduced, "Mr. Chen, this is Mr. Charles Wellington, from England. He is... well, a gentleman with a great passion for the conservation and research of big cats, and also an important patron of our expedition association."

Charles stepped forward and said in slightly accented but very clear Chinese, “Mr. Chen Ling, I have long admired your name. Anderson and Eva have described your farm and your wonderful relationship with animals to me many times. Seeing you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved.”

His gaze was involuntarily drawn to Afu and Ashou, who were quietly dozing in the corner of the yard, his eyes filled with amazement and eagerness.

Chen Ling's heart stirred, and he vaguely guessed the purpose of the visit, but he did not show it on his face: "Mr. Wellington, you flatter me. Please come in and have a seat."

Everyone entered the room and took their seats, and Wang Susu brewed tea.

After a few pleasantries, Charles got straight to the point, his tone sincere: "Mr. Chen, I've come here today with a favor to ask. Our partners in Europe operate several wildlife parks and conservation organizations that meet the highest standards. They've seen information about you and these two extraordinary South China tigers through some channels, and they're extremely impressed by their... well, excellent genes and extraordinary physique."

He paused, observed Chen Ling's expression, and continued, "They hope that there might be an opportunity... to invite your Tiger King and Queen to have an international gene exchange with several purebred and equally healthy Bengal tigers in the park?"
Of course, we fully understand your feelings for them and will never take any coercive measures.

We can transport the selected female and male tigers to China separately, allowing them to coexist naturally in a safe environment that you approve of.

Everything should be done according to the animals' wishes.

Anderson added, "Chen, Charles and his friends are very reputable conservationists; they are by no means the kind of profit-driven businessmen."

They promise to pay a substantial fee for the construction of your farm and animal protection, regardless of whether the 'matchmaking' is successful or not.

In addition, they are willing to provide a batch of advanced animal medical equipment, and even help design and build a regional wildlife rescue station or ecological observation station in the Qinling Mountains that meets international standards.

This will be a huge boost to wildlife conservation throughout the region.

Eva also said softly, "Mr. Chen, this may also be a good opportunity for the genetic diversity of Afu and Ashou to be preserved. It may not be a bad thing for their population."

Chen Ling did not answer immediately. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table and looked out the window at Afu and Ashou.

This suggestion was indeed unexpected, but upon closer examination, it made perfect sense.

Afu and Ashou's size and intelligence have long surpassed the scope of ordinary tigers, so it was only a matter of time before they were targeted by professionals.

The conditions offered by the other party were quite generous, especially the construction of a wildlife rescue station, which coincided with his long-held desire to do something for this mountain forest.

But the key lies with Afu and Ashou themselves.

They are not ordinary animals; they are family members and partners.

Chen Ling would never agree to force them to do anything.

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Ling raised his head and a peaceful smile appeared on his face: "Mr. Wellington, Anderson, Eva, thank you for your high regard and frankness."

First of all, I must make it clear that Afu and Ashou are family to me, not commodities or mere offspring.

The primary principle in anything concerning them is to respect their own will.

Charles nodded immediately: "Of course! I completely understand! What we are looking for is a natural and harmonious integration, not artificially induced breeding."

"it is good."

Chen Ling nodded. "In that case, I think this suggestion... is quite interesting. We can think of it as a special, international 'blind date'."

"Blind date?" Charles found the seemingly mundane term intriguing.

"Yes, a blind date."

Chen Ling laughed and said, "Just like the young people here, they get to know each other through introductions. If they feel it's a good match, they'll give it a try. If it's not, they'll just be friends."

We can arrange a safe and comfortable environment so that Afu, Ashou, and the tigers you brought can get to know each other's scents and sounds through the fence and see if they feel a connection.

If they take a liking to each other and are willing to get close, then we would be happy to see that happen.

If either party shows resistance or unease, then let's just drop this matter, shall we?

As for expenses and assistance, we can discuss that after the 'matchmaking' has yielded results. Even if it doesn't work out, you've come from afar and are still guests, and we at Chenwangzhuang will do our best to be hospitable." Charles's blue eyes lit up upon hearing this, showing unusual excitement.
"Fantastic! Mr. Chen! This idea is so...so creative! 'Cross-border matchmaking' respects animal nature, it's simply the most ethical way to do things!"
I completely agree! This is much more interesting and meaningful than cold, impersonal artificial insemination or forcibly keeping people together!

My friends will surely applaud this idea, so full of Eastern wisdom!

Anderson and Eva exchanged a smile and breathed a sigh of relief.

They were most afraid that Chen Ling would refuse outright, but they didn't expect him to be so open-minded and come up with such a clever way that both protected animal welfare and could potentially achieve a cooperative agreement.

"However," Chen Ling changed the subject, "there are a few specific issues that need to be addressed. First, the transportation and quarantine of the tigers must be foolproof to ensure they do not carry any diseases, which requires the most professional team to handle."

Secondly, the resettlement location cannot be too close to my farm to avoid disturbing other animals and villagers, but it also cannot be too far away, as I need to be able to take care of it at any time.

I think... that gentle slope with natural streams and trees on the east side of the forest farm is a good place to temporarily fence off a large enough area to simulate a wild environment.

Third, the entire process must be supervised by me and the people I designate.

"No problem! We accept all these conditions unconditionally!"

Charles exclaimed excitedly, "We will complete all quarantine and transportation work under the supervision of the International Federation for Animal Protection. We can fund the site construction and build it according to your requirements! As long as this great... 'matchmaking' can be achieved!"

With the important matters settled, the atmosphere became even more harmonious.

Chen Ling invited them to have a simple meal at the farm. Although the food was simple, the ingredients were fresh and the taste was delicious, which Charles praised highly, especially the farm's own vegetables and fish.

After the meal, Chen Ling led them on a tour of the farm.

Charles was once again shocked when he saw the three clouded leopards in the woodshed, which had regained their energy and were even peeking out at strangers with some curiosity.

"My God... this place is a miracle! Even wild clouded leopards trust you so much!"

When they walked into the backyard and saw the leisurely strolling, magnificent little blue horse, and the exceptionally robust, glossy-coated water buffalo in the cowshed, Charles's eyes couldn't take it all in.

He kept taking pictures with his camera, muttering to himself, "Incredible... the ecosystem and the state of the animals here are far beyond my understanding..."

After seeing off Charles and his entourage, who were satisfied and ready to immediately contact their European counterparts to begin preparations, Wang Susu asked Chen Ling with some concern, "Ling, is this... reliable? What if the tiger that comes is fierce and hurts Afu and Ashou? Or what if Afu and Ashou don't like it and cause trouble?"

Chen Ling put his arm around her shoulder and comforted her, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. We'll control the area, and we have Afu and Ashou with us. They're smart enough to run away if they can't win. Besides, this is a new experience for them, and they might even enjoy it. As for helping build the rescue station, it's a really good thing and a blessing for the injured animals in the mountains."

Wang Susu thought for a moment and nodded: "It's good that you've thought it through. By the way, my brother and the others will probably arrive tomorrow. I'll have Zhenzhen tidy up the west wing."

"Okay." Chen Ling smiled, his gaze once again turning to the distant, layered Qinling Mountains.

The image of Huang Guoshan flashed through his mind.

With the road completed and open to traffic, foreign friends have brought new opportunities for cooperation, and my two older brothers' families are also coming to reunite...

Everything seems to be moving in a good direction.

But for some reason, he always felt that the secrets and turmoil hidden deep in these mountains were far from over.

This seemingly lively "international matchmaking" event may attract some unexpected visitors, such as that enormous creature that is constantly being forced to migrate and becoming increasingly anxious due to the road construction and continuous human activity.

However, when the soldiers come, they will be blocked, and when the water comes, the earth will cover it up.

A confident smile curved Chen Ling's lips.

He has a farm, a secluded paradise, intelligent companions, and above all, a determination to protect his home.

Whether it's a "blind date" or an "old neighbor" from the deep mountains, he accepts them all.

The days ahead look like they're going to get even more interesting.

The next day at noon, Wang Qingwen and his family indeed arrived at Chenwangzhuang in a tractor.

As soon as Dongdong and Xiaotong got out of the car, they were amazed by the flat and wide asphalt road and the lively village scene. They grabbed Ruirui and Xiaoming and started asking them all sorts of questions.

When brothers and sisters-in-law meet, it's naturally a lively occasion.

Wang Susu and Gao Xiulan prepared a large table of delicious dishes. At the dinner table, when Wang Qingwen heard about the "international blind date," he was so shocked that he almost dropped his chopsticks: "Good heavens! Lingzi, you're getting more and more outrageous! Even foreign tigers are coming to have blind dates with our tiger?"

Chen Ling laughed and said, "It's just an excuse. Whether it works out or not is still uncertain."

The family was chatting enthusiastically when Zhao Dahai came running in again, all excited: "Fugui! Hey, Qingwen, you're here! Perfect timing! Fugui, they dug up something strange at the construction site, Engineer Zhou wants you to go take a look!"

"Strange thing?" Chen Ling was taken aback.

"What strange thing?" Wang Qingwen asked curiously.

Zhao Dahai gestured, "It's hard to describe. It's a big, dark lump, like a stone or a bone. It's buried deep under the roadbed. It only came out when the excavator shoved it down. There are even patterns on it! Engineer Zhou said it might be an old object, and he's afraid it might have some special significance, so he doesn't dare to touch it."

Chen Ling's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that he had dug up some ancient fossils again?
Or perhaps it's what my great-uncle and the others used to say, that an ancient tomb from their old age was unearthed?
He stood up and said to everyone, "You all eat first, I'll go take a look."

He followed Zhao Dahai to a section of road outside the village where the roadbed had just been leveled. There, he saw several workers and Engineer Zhou pointing and talking around a large pit.

At the bottom of the pit, a huge, dark brown object with irregular pores and patterns is faintly visible.

Chen Ling jumped into the pit, brushed away the dirt with his hand, and examined it carefully.

It was hard and cold to the touch, indeed like stone, but its unique structure and texture...

He leaned closer and smelled it; there was a very faint, indescribable earthy smell.

This doesn't seem to be an ordinary fossil... more like... the horn or bone of some kind of dinosaur, and after a long period of time and special geological changes, it has become half petrified and half ossified.

In particular, the blurry, cirrus-like natural patterns on it subtly exude an ancient and desolate aura.

The cave seemed to emanate a very faint sense of connection, as if it were reacting to this object.

Chen Ling frowned slightly and said to Engineer Zhou, "Engineer Zhou, don't touch this thing yet. Cover it with a tarpaulin and put up a cordon. I have a feeling... this thing might be more than it seems. Let me call and ask, or maybe ask someone from the city's cultural center to take a look." (End of Chapter)