Landlord in the Arctic

MEOW!

Coca-Cola let out an aggrieved cry, lifting the little paw she had pressed on Tyson’s head.

’It was as if she were complaining: ’If I hadn’t been holding Tyson down with all my might, they would’ve been at each other’s throats by now!’’

"Alright, alright, I know you feel wronged. You’re the big sister, so you have to act like one. Be a little tougher. If anyone dares to disobey, just come tell me."

Feng Mountain knew Coca-Cola hadn’t started the trouble this time. After giving a few simple instructions, he seemed to remember something and spoke again.

"Have a couple of tigers stand guard at the plantation. Don’t let any strangers wander in."

"Alright, break it up!"

Hearing this, the horse herd and the Tiger Pack looked utterly dejected, slinking away with their heads hung low.

The crowd of onlookers, having witnessed Feng Mountain discipline these usually unruly animals into complete submission, were impressed beyond words.

Disciplining common pets like cats and dogs was one thing, but taming horses and tigers was something else entirely. It wasn’t something an ordinary person could do.

"You’re so amazing!" Xiaohua exclaimed, her eyes filled with adoration, a star-struck look on her face.

"You all scatter, too. You’re just causing more trouble." Feng Mountain waved his hand irritably, shooing away the group of gossiping guests as if they were little chicks.

Just then, his gaze swept over the crowd and landed on Chief Welta, Jeff, and Old Li.

"How did the project talks go?" Feng Mountain strode over and asked. He then looked at Jeff and added, "I just made the introduction. I’m not insisting on anything. If they don’t meet the construction requirements, don’t worry about sparing my feelings."

The importance of this highway to the Crown Territory was self-evident. One could even say it would largely determine the future direction of the Crown Territory’s development.

He had only agreed to act as a go-between out of his trust in Old Li. However, if Dahua Construction Company lacked the capability, and Jeff awarded them the contract simply out of consideration for him, the end result could be a shoddy, substandard highway. The Crown Territory would be the ultimate loser in that scenario, a price not worth paying.

That was why Feng Mountain had given Jeff a heads-up beforehand, hoping he would make an impartial judgment.

Jeff, understanding completely, nodded with a broad smile.

"The talks went wonderfully. I had our China branch investigate Mr. Zhang’s construction company. They’ve handled many large-scale projects, so building a highway like this will definitely be no problem. I’ll arrange for our relevant personnel to coordinate with Mr. Zhang to ensure the project proceeds smoothly."

It was a classic case of "you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours," with everyone giving each other enough face.

Zhang Qiang was equally satisfied with the outcome of the project discussion and said with a smile.

"Mr. Jeff is also very responsible. He will handle all the related issues with the protected areas, so my team can focus on organizing the construction without any other worries. That saves us a lot of trouble."

Since both parties were fine with it, Feng Mountain naturally had no objections.

"That’s good. When can you start construction?"

Zhang Qiang quickly replied, "I’ve already started mobilizing construction teams from back home. At the earliest, we should be able to start on January 1st of next year. We’ll strive to finish within two months and guarantee on-time delivery."

"That’s great! I’d like that as well." Feng Mountain appreciated their efficient attitude and work ethic. He then turned his gaze to Chief Welta and asked, "Chief, do Indians celebrate Christmas too?"

Chief Welta shook his head lightly, his expression serious.

"I’ve come to the Crown Territory this time to discuss something very important with you. I hope you can spare some time for a proper talk."

’Very important?’

Feng Mountain was slightly taken aback, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.

’Every time this Chief Welta opens his mouth, it’s bad news. Who knows what kind of stunt he’s planning to pull this time.’

Still, considering the man had gifted him a highway, he pointed toward the deserted riverbank nearby.

"Let’s talk over there!"

Chief Welta nodded in understanding.

At that moment, Zhang Qiang feigned a sudden recollection, a perfectly timed smile on his face. "Oh, dear," he said, "I just remembered I have some engineering matters to discuss with Mr. Jeff. Do you have a moment, Mr. Jeff?"

Jeff, of course, understood the implication and quickly nodded in agreement.

And so, the two groups, each with a friendly smile, departed one after another, tacitly leaving Feng Mountain and Chief Welta a private space.

The two of them walked to the riverbank.

The surroundings were quiet, with only the gentle babbling of the river.

Feng Mountain casually sat on the mossy ground. Out of boredom, he grabbed a handful of moss and tossed it into the Melt River.

The moment the moss hit the water, it caused a commotion.

Ripples spread across the calm surface as all sorts of fish gathered from every direction, vying for the plants floating on the water.

Some of the normally carnivorous fish, having managed to snatch a piece of moss, realized it was inedible grass. They immediately spat it out in disgust, flicked their tails hard to send up a large splash, and dove angrily back to the bottom.

Watching this scene, Feng Mountain averted his gaze and turned to Chief Welta, his expression wary.

"Chief, let’s get one thing straight. If I can’t solve whatever problem you’re about to bring up, don’t blame me."

Unhurried, Chief Welta copied Feng Mountain, slowly sitting down on the grass. A mysterious smile played on his lips as he spoke with conviction.

"That won’t happen. This matter is a good thing for you, a good thing for the Crown Territory, and beneficial to us both."

Oh?

Feng Mountain grunted, his interest clearly piqued by the statement.

’It’s related to the Crown Territory? Don’t tell me the old man is planning to stir up some trouble in my territory again.’

"What is it, exactly? Let’s hear it," Feng Mountain urged, unable to hold back.

Chief Welta slowly turned his head, his gaze fixed on Feng Mountain. A wise light glinted in his old, yellowed eyes, as if he could see right through him.

The stare made Feng Mountain feel a little unnerved. He quickly pretended to be fascinated by the moss beneath him, grabbing a few berries and saying...

"Chief, the wild berries here are quite good. Care to try some?"

"Thank you, but I’ve already tried them. They are indeed quite tasty." The corner of Chief Welta’s mouth turned up in a faint smile.

He then cast his gaze toward the Tundra Wilderness, shrouded by the polar night, his voice ancient and distant.

"This is truly a magical place. In a season when all things wither, the plants here can still grow so lushly."

"Haha, well, it’s alright. Didn’t Jeff tell you? It’s because of the underground..." Feng Mountain began to explain awkwardly.

Unfortunately, he was only halfway through his sentence when Chief Welta raised a hand to stop him.

The Elder Chief then turned to face Feng Mountain, his tone grave, and said, word by word...

"Feng, I hope the Crown Territory can become a Holy Land for the Alaska Indians’ pilgrimage."

What?

What did he just say?

Hearing Chief Welta’s words, Feng Mountain shot up from the grass as if launched by a spring, his eyes wide with disbelief.

’What does he mean, make the Crown Territory a Holy Land for the Indians? Is he joking? I thought we were friends, and he says something like this? Is he trying to take my home from me?’

Without a second thought, Feng Mountain shook his head in refusal. His tone abruptly hardened, losing all its previous politeness as he stated firmly...

"No, absolutely not! This land, the Crown Territory, was left to me by my family’s elders. Old man, I hope you’re just joking."

"Calm down, child." Facing Feng Mountain’s strong reaction, Chief Welta remained perfectly calm. Unflustered, he slowly raised a hand, gesturing for Feng Mountain to sit. "Sit down first. I hope you will hear me out before you make a decision. Impulsiveness will only make you lose your reason and lead to poor judgment."

’Impulsiveness? Reason!’

Feng Mountain was so angry he let out a few cold laughs. ’A perfectly good Christmas, with everyone gathered for a lively celebration... and you had to show up. Playing Santa Claus and bringing me a "gift" like this.’

...