"Are you really not coming with me? It's a party—aren't you interested?" Jiang Hai asked in confusion as he watched the four women packing their clothes. They say girls love to join in the fun, so why weren't they excited?
"I'm a researcher. That kind of place isn't really suitable for me," Bernice replied first.
"I won't go either. I don't like being stared at," Xiaoya added quietly.
"If we go, some boys will inevitably hover around us, and that's just annoying. After all, we're your daughters," Darlene and Marian chimed in, exchanging looks before addressing Jiang Hai.
"Alright," Jiang Hai said, feeling a bit down. It seemed he'd be the only one going tonight.
"Okay, since you're going on a mission, leave early and come back early. Don't go flirting around or attracting butterflies—talk to them after the party," Bernice teased, patting his shirt like a hostess giving instructions.
Jiang Hai smiled helplessly. Did he really look like someone going to a party to fight for attention?
"Alright, I'm off." He glanced at the cash in his pocket—three thousand yuan—which should be enough. Then he left the villa, got into his car, and headed toward Old George's horse farm.
The night before, after Hodge-Selsey told Jiang Hai about his integration into the town, Jiang Hai had thought it over. Honestly, there wasn't much to consider since he didn't have to pay anything.
He had nothing else going on lately, so attending a local party wouldn't hurt.
After their conversation, Jiang Hai had called Old George to ask about the party tomorrow.
Old George was thrilled to hear Jiang Hai was coming. After all, inviting Jiang Hai was a big deal around here, and it was finally settled when the invitation was extended.
That morning, Jiang Hai got up, tied up some grass near the cowshed as usual, then went back to shower and change. After spending half the day at home, he left around four in the afternoon.
Taking advantage of the sunset, Jiang Hai drove to Old George's horse farm.
Leaving the manor's gate, he rolled down the window on the highway. Though the air was chilly, Jiang Hai enjoyed the natural breeze over air conditioning. It wasn't cold enough to be unbearable; if it were winter, he wouldn't have dared.
It was November 1st, officially winter. Though there was no snow, the temperature dropped quickly.
At noon, the sun kept temperatures above ten degrees Celsius, but as it set, it dropped to around five or six. Feeling the cold wind and seeing the distant grasslands and cornfields, Jiang Hai took a deep breath.
In theory, the corn should have been harvested last month. But farmers often leave some ears in the field. The longer they grow, the harder they become and inedible for people. These leftover ears are usually harvested before the snow, broken up, and fed to cattle.
Though his manor didn't grow corn, Jiang Hai was familiar with such farming details.
After about ten minutes of driving, Jiang Hai arrived at Old George's horse farm. Many cars were already parked outside—mostly pickups, some motorcycles, and a few ordinary cars. The arrival of Jiang Hai's car immediately drew attention.
Especially from the young people gathered around a bonfire in the farm's small courtyard.
"That's Jiang Hai's car! Why is he here?" Jiang Hai's car was well known in town. Many young people recognized it, including Old George's daughter, Dilia, who ran out excitedly.
"Hey, Jiang! Why are you here?" she asked as Jiang Hai stepped out.
"Haha, aren't you glad to see me?" Jiang Hai smiled, hugging her playfully. Dilia punched him lightly, amused. This guy…
"I called your dad last night and he mentioned the charity party here, so I came to check it out," Jiang Hai said with a smile.
Dilia frowned at her father for not telling her Jiang Hai was coming.
"Hey, Dilia, this is…" Just then, a white man approached, looking at Jiang Hai with some confusion.
Jiang Hai didn't recognize him—probably someone from out of town. Judging by the way he looked at Dilia, they were close.
"Let me introduce you. This is Jiang Hai. He owns Tenglong Manor out west. And this is Bavita Jean-Dro, my boyfriend," Dilia said, smiling.
"Hello," Jiang Hai greeted, shaking Bavita's hand.
But Jiang Hai noticed a trace of condescension in Bavita's eyes when he learned Jiang Hai was just a farmer. It was a familiar sort of human prejudice—city people often look down on country folk, even if they're wealthy.
To Bavita, Jiang Hai was just a simple farmer, ignoring Dilia's mention of his manor and status. Where did his confidence come from?
"Nice to meet you, Dilia. I'm going to greet the others," Bavita said, relaxing after the handshake. He then joined a group of young people dressed very differently from the locals.
"Bavita works in Boston as a stock trader," Dilia whispered to Jiang Hai, "which explains the attitude."
"Ah, that figures," Jiang Hai chuckled. Traders and bankers—they tend to be the most arrogant people around. Not necessarily because of their money, but because they've seen so much of it that they lose perspective. Even when the money isn't theirs, they act superior.
In China, people often joke about these professions as "you can save it or not," something Jiang Hai was very familiar with.
"Come in. My dad and the others are inside, but I doubt you'll enjoy chatting with those old men," Dilia said, leading Jiang Hai into the house.
As they entered, a group of girls quickly pulled Dilia away, despite her reluctance.
Jiang Hai wasn't bothered. He walked in and surveyed the courtyard.
There were two main areas. Outside, young people gathered on the lawn around a bonfire. Long tables were set up nearby, loaded with food: fruit plates, grilled chicken wings, barbecue, beef, salad, and of course, plenty of alcohol. Barrels of beer and various drinks were spread out.
Americans loved their cola—Pepsi and Coca-Cola were favorites. Other sodas like Sprite weren't as popular. Jiang Hai grabbed a bottle of Coke, avoiding the tempting cold beer since he had to drive.
He sipped the soda, observing the scene.
The party wasn't as loud as Selsey had described, though it might not have fully started yet. People chatted quietly in small groups.
But as Jiang Hai looked around, a bit of disappointment settled in. He didn't know anyone here.
True, he didn't know many people in town. Most were older men. The only young person he knew well was Dilia. Karma Clive was another, but she was in college and wouldn't be back yet, so Jiang Hai felt a little alone.
After a while, Jiang Hai decided to find Old George and the others—at least they were familiar faces.
He finished his Coke and walked into the horse farm's main room.
Inside, middle-aged men and women were gathered, chatting. Jiang Hai recognized Old George, Bob George, and Hodge Selsey—the same people he'd met yesterday.
They looked surprised to see him.
Others in the room were also taken aback, having not expected Jiang Hai to show up.
(To be continued.)