The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains of Lin Feng's rented room as the clock struck nine. He was going through his notes, planning the next batch of shipments, when a sudden knock at the door made him pause. It was sharp and deliberate—an official knock.
Lin Feng wasn't expecting visitors. Usually, his days began quietly, with calls from suppliers or a message from Liu Ying updating him about market shifts. But this knock felt different. Heavy, urgent.
He rose and walked to the door, peeking through the peephole. Outside stood a man in his early forties, impeccably dressed in a white shirt and black trousers. His posture was rigid, and there was a professional air about him that instantly told Lin Feng this was no casual passerby.
With a deep breath, Lin Feng opened the door.
"Good morning," the man said with a polite nod. "I'm Zhao Wei, Agricultural Affairs Officer with the county bureau. May I come in?"
Lin Feng stepped aside without hesitation. "Of course. Please, come in."
---
The room was small but tidy—just as Lin Feng liked it. The visitor's shoes made a soft scrape on the wooden floor as he stepped inside, setting down a neat leather folder on the table.
Zhao Wei unfolded the folder and pulled out a stack of documents, some printed emails, photos of market stalls, and vendor registrations.
"We've been tracking the recent rise of small-scale boutique agricultural products in the region," he began, his tone neutral but firm. "Many of these vendors operate without proper permits or regulatory approvals. Naturally, this has raised some concerns on food safety and market regulation."
Lin Feng nodded slowly, maintaining a calm expression. He had expected this moment at some point.
"May I ask," Zhao Wei continued, "are you involved with any such operations?"
"I've been experimenting with niche crops and specialty teas," Lin Feng answered carefully. "It's a personal project mostly, nothing commercial at scale yet."
Zhao Wei's gaze sharpened, sensing the vagueness. "Personal projects aside, if products enter the market, regulations apply. You must be aware of that."
Lin Feng offered a slight smile. "I understand. I try to comply wherever possible."
---
To ease the tension, Lin Feng gestured toward the kettle and cups he kept at hand.
"Would you like some tea? I just brewed a batch of 'Forest Breath'—a slow-aged green tea. It's one of my better blends."
Zhao Wei accepted. The two men sat down at the small table near the window, the sunlight casting long shadows over the wooden surface.
Lin Feng carefully poured the steaming liquid into two cups, handing one to Zhao Wei.
The officer took a sip, pausing as the flavor unfolded.
"This is excellent," he admitted, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
"Thank you," Lin Feng replied, sensing a moment of connection.
For the next hour, the two spoke cautiously but openly. Zhao Wei asked about sourcing, processing methods, and packaging. Lin Feng offered enough detail to demonstrate transparency but stopped short of revealing the existence of his secret inner realm or the multiple supplier fronts he managed.
Zhao Wei nodded thoughtfully.
"Your operation is impressive for someone so new. But I must remind you—regulations exist to protect consumers."
Lin Feng agreed.
"I will make sure everything stays within the law."
As the conversation ended, Zhao Wei closed his folder.
"For now, I'll report this to headquarters. Continue your operations with proper licenses. We want to support local agriculture, not stifle innovation."
Lin Feng stood and extended his hand.
"Thank you for your visit and understanding."
---
After Zhao Wei left, Lin Feng exhaled deeply and closed the door behind him.
His mind raced.
The visit was not a threat—but a warning.
His small empire was drawing attention.
He needed to balance growth with discretion.
---
That afternoon, Lin Feng met with Xu Yuhan at a quiet teahouse overlooking a lotus pond. The air was thick with the scent of jasmine and freshly brewed oolong.
Yuhan's expression was serious as she slid a small stack of printed documents across the table.
"I've been digging," she said softly.
Lin Feng looked through the papers—supplier names, bank records, delivery routes, and email addresses. His own aliases spread across several provinces, each one carefully crafted to avoid detection.
"This isn't just farming anymore," Yuhan murmured, folding her hands. "It's a small empire."
Lin Feng smiled faintly. "I'm more like a ghost."
She raised an eyebrow.
"You're playing a dangerous game. What if the authorities crack down?"
"Then I'll be ready."
Yuhan sighed, then touched his hand lightly.
"Just promise me you won't lose yourself in this chase."
He met her gaze.
"I won't."
---
Back in the inner realm, Lin Feng inspected his growing crops beneath the warm, filtered light.
Months passed inside each day, allowing for rapid growth and careful cultivation.
He walked among the rows of mint, chrysanthemum, figs, and baby goji berries, their leaves glistening with dew.
Next to the pond, a small flock of ducks waddled happily, their soft quacks filling the quiet air.
He was no longer merely planting seeds—he was building an ecosystem.
Animals, plants, water—all connected in cycles of life and renewal.
He tested irrigation methods and soil treatments, all carefully monitored by sensors he had built himself.
This was more than a secret garden.
It was a self-sustaining microcosm of agriculture.
---
Meanwhile, Lin Feng's various supplier fronts gained subtle identities.
"EastWild Estates" focused on wild-harvested mountain herbs, boasting stories of ancient forests and untouched landscapes.
"Blooming Ridge Co." specialized in flower teas, blending jasmine, rose, and chrysanthemum petals into delicate infusions.
"Yuan Herbcraft" curated rare dried fruits and health supplements, with a warm, handcrafted feel.
"Green Thread Supply" catered to boutique wellness spas, offering essential oils and incense crafted from rare botanicals.
Finally, his original brand, "Chen Valley Naturals," became his exclusive boutique channel—limited to close friends and trusted clients.
Each front had separate phone numbers, bank accounts, and online profiles.
No link between them.
Only Lin Feng knew the truth.
---
One evening, Liu Ying called with a warning.
"There's chatter about increased inspections from the county bureau. Some boutique vendors are already being questioned."
Lin Feng's face darkened.
"We'll need to stay under the radar."
Liu Ying sighed, sensing the growing risk.
"You've built a small empire, Lin Feng. But empires attract attention."
Lin Feng paused, then replied quietly.
"Sometimes, attention can be used as leverage."
---
That night, Lin Feng sat by the river inside the inner realm, gazing up at a sky bursting with stars.
The water was still, reflecting the constellations in shimmering pools.
His thoughts drifted.
Growth was no longer just about crops or profits.
It was about survival.
About navigating a world where every step could be watched.
Where shadows and light danced on a thin line.
He smiled softly.
He was ready for the challenge.
---
Days later, Lin Feng received a carefully worded email from Zhao Wei.
It congratulated him on his progress, reminded him of compliance requirements, and invited him to a government seminar on boutique agricultural regulation and market trends.
Lin Feng accepted.
It was an opportunity to learn—and to watch.
At the seminar, officials spoke about tightening standards and encouraging innovation.
Several boutique producers shared their stories, some nervous, others defiant.
Lin Feng kept a low profile but noticed one name that stood out: WildSprout Naturals.
His silent competitor.
---
After the seminar, Lin Feng met with Xu Yuhan again.
"You're juggling a lot," she said, concern in her eyes.
"I know," he replied. "But this is just the beginning."
She smiled, tracing a finger on the tea cup's rim.
"Promise me you won't forget why you started."
He nodded.
"I won't."
---
Back at the inner realm, Lin Feng surveyed the first batch of goats he had introduced.
They grazed peacefully, their soft bleats mingling with the rustling leaves.
They were part of a cycle—providing manure for fertilizing crops, controlling weeds, and producing milk.
He planned to expand the herd carefully.
Slow, sustainable growth.
No shortcuts.
Just like the trees he nurtured.
He looked at the moon reflected in the pond.
"Three steps ahead," he whispered.
The shadows could copy the surface, but they would never know the roots.
---
End of Chapter 12