Fleeing from famine? Not a chance; the divine healer's wife made her fortune.

Chapter 213 Expanding the Bee Farm

Expansion of beekeeping areas

In order to increase honey production, Su Yunlan decided to expand her bee farm.

She set her sights on a plot of land—a hillside covered in wildflowers where bees could freely gather nectar and produce even more delicious honey.

“This place is indeed nice, but…” Xiao Yuhan looked at the hillside, hesitating to speak.

Su Yunlan asked in confusion, "Just what?"

“This land belongs to Chen the Beekeeper.” Xiao Yuhan frowned slightly, his tone tinged with worry.

Su Yunlan was taken aback, but then she understood Xiao Yuhan's concerns.

Chen, a local beekeeper, makes a living by beekeeping, but his beekeeping techniques are very outdated, and his honey production has always been low.

Moreover, this person is stubborn and inflexible, and probably won't easily sell the land to them.

Thinking of this, Su Yunlan couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

It's not easy for "Yunxi Honey" to make a name for itself, but if the honey production can't keep up, then it will be terrible.

She secretly resolved that she would persuade Chen Fengnong, no matter what, to buy that hillside.

Early the next morning, Su Yunlan and Xiao Yuhan went to Chen Fengnong's house together.

Chen Fengnong's home is located at the easternmost end of the village; it is a dilapidated mud-brick house.

Several old beehives were placed in the yard, emitting a faint honey smell.

The two walked to the door and knocked gently.

"Who is it?" an old voice came from inside the house.

“Uncle Chen, it’s us, Su Yunlan and Xiao Yuhan,” Su Yunlan said politely.

With a creak, the door opened, and a thin, wrinkled old man appeared before the two.

He was wearing a patched-up coarse cloth garment, holding a pipe in his hand, and was eyeing them warily.

"Oh, it's you guys." Chen the beekeeper took a drag of his cigarette and said slowly, "What are you doing here?"

"Uncle Chen, we'd like to discuss something with you about your hillside," Su Yunlan said, getting straight to the point.

Upon hearing this, Chen the beekeeper's face immediately darkened, and he coldly said, "That hillside was passed down from my ancestors, and I'm not selling it!"

Su Yunlan had anticipated Chen the beekeeper's attitude, and she patiently explained, "Uncle Chen, we know that hillside is very important to you. However, we also sincerely want to expand our beekeeping farm, increase honey production, and let more people taste delicious honey. If you can sell that hillside to us, we will definitely make good use of it and will absolutely not waste it."

Chen, the beekeeper, curled his lip in disdain and scoffed, "You think you're so great just because you've made a little good honey? Beekeeping isn't easy. Without experience and skills, even if you have the best location, you still won't be able to produce good honey!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuhan became somewhat angry and couldn't help but retort, "Uncle Chen, you can't say that. You've surely heard of our 'Yunxi Honey.' Our beekeeping techniques are absolutely no worse than yours!"

"Hmph, what's so special about 'Yunxi Honey'? It was just a stroke of luck!" Beekeeper Chen showed no appreciation whatsoever, his tone becoming even more sarcastic. "I've raised bees my whole life, what haven't I seen? You young people, all you know how to do is mess around blindly, you're bound to fail sooner or later!"

"How dare you talk like that, old man!" Xiao Yuhan was furious and rolled up his sleeves, ready to confront him.

Seeing this, Su Yunlan quickly stopped Xiao Yuhan, took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself down.

She knew that arguing with such a stubborn old man was useless; she could only move him with facts and sincerity.

“Uncle Chen, we know you are experienced and have superb beekeeping skills. However, times are changing and technology is advancing. We are willing to learn from you and share our experience. If we can cooperate, we will definitely be able to make the honey industry bigger and better,” Su Yunlan said sincerely.

Upon hearing this, Chen Fengnong hesitated.

He looked at Su Yunlan, seemingly pondering her words.

Seizing the opportunity, Su Yunlan continued, "Uncle Chen, name your price. As long as it's reasonable, we won't haggle."

After a long silence, Chen the beekeeper finally spoke slowly: "I will not sell that hillside. It is my root, the culmination of my life's work."

Upon hearing this, Su Yunlan felt a chill run down her spine.

She knew that Chen Fengnong was genuinely unwilling to sell the land.

Undeterred, she continued to persuade him, "Uncle Chen, please reconsider. We can provide you with better living conditions so you can enjoy your later years in peace."

Chen, the beekeeper, shook his head and said firmly, "Money is no longer important to me. I just want to stay on this hillside and protect my bees."

Seeing Chen Fengnong's resolute expression, Su Yunlan knew that no matter how much she tried to persuade him, it would be to no avail.

She sighed and said helplessly, "Alright, Uncle Chen, we won't force you. But if you change your mind, you can come find us anytime."

After saying that, Su Yunlan and Xiao Yuhan turned and left Chen Fengnong's house.

Walking home, Su Yunlan felt very heavy-hearted.

She looked at the distant hillside, her heart filled with anxiety.

If she cannot expand her apiary, her beekeeping business will stagnate.

Seeing Su Yunlan's dejected look, Xiao Yuhan felt terrible.

He comforted her, "Yunlan, don't be discouraged. There's always a way. Let's think of other solutions."

Su Yunlan nodded, forcing a smile.

She knew that Xiao Yuhan was right.

She cannot give up easily; she must find a solution to the problem.

Over the next few days, Su Yunlan kept thinking about how to persuade Chen Fengnong.

She carefully analyzed Chen's personality and psychology and found that although he was stubborn, he was very passionate about beekeeping.

Perhaps we can start from this point and win him over.

So, Su Yunlan went to Chen Fengnong's house again.

This time, she didn't rush to talk about buying land, but instead chatted with beekeeper Chen about beekeeping techniques.

She consulted with beekeeper Chen about some beekeeping issues and shared her beekeeping experience.

She also took out some books and materials about beekeeping and gave them to beekeeper Chen for reference.

Seeing how humble and eager to learn Su Yunlan was, Chen Fengnong's attitude softened considerably.

He began exchanging beekeeping tips with Su Yunlan, and the two hit it off more and more as they talked.

Taking the opportunity, Su Yunlan shared her plans for the future of the honey industry with Chen, the beekeeper.

She said she wants to make "Yunxi Honey" a well-known brand so that more people can taste the delicious honey.

She also wants to boost the local honey industry and help more beekeepers become wealthy.

After listening to Su Yunlan's plan, Chen Fengnong seemed to be moved by Su Yunlan's sincerity and wisdom.

Finally, Chen the beekeeper sighed and said, "Alright, Miss Su, I agree to sell that hillside to you."

Upon hearing this, Su Yunlan was overjoyed.

She excitedly grasped Chen the beekeeper's hand and said, "Uncle Chen, thank you! Don't worry, we will definitely make good use of that hillside and will live up to your expectations!"

In this way, Su Yunlan successfully bought Chen Fengnong's hillside and expanded her beekeeping farm.

After a period of careful management, the honey production of the bee farm has increased significantly, and "Yunxi Honey" is in short supply in the market.

Su Yunlan's beekeeping business has achieved great success.

As night fell, Su Yunlan and Xiao Yuhan sat in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky, their hearts filled with joy.

"Yunlan, you're amazing!" Xiao Yuhan said excitedly, putting his arm around Su Yunlan's shoulder. "I'm so proud of you!"

Su Yunlan nestled in Xiao Yuhan's arms, a happy smile on her face.

She knew that her success was inseparable from Xiao Yuhan's support and encouragement.

“By the way, Yuhan,” Su Yunlan suddenly remembered something and said, “I saw some very exquisite lanterns at the market a few days ago, especially that revolving lantern, which was quite interesting. I wonder how it was made.”

Seeing the gleam in Su Yunlan's eyes, Xiao Yuhan smiled and said, "What, you want to learn how to make lanterns?"

Su Yunlan nodded, her eyes filled with curiosity...