"Boss Ling, this is the liquor brewed according to the secret recipe you gave me last. Honestly, there are quite a few old wine enthusiasts in our village who are connoisseurs, and they've judged it well. It's truly delicious."

Ling Zhenfei opened the jar, then smelled it. Although he didn't often drink liquor, just a whiff was enough for him to feel that this wine was remarkable, even giving him the urge to drink some.

Ling Zhenfei thought for a moment and said, "Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, today is the twenty-ninth, how about you gather everyone tonight for a meeting and some fun?"

Zhang Duo laughed and said, "Of course, I don't have much of a hobby besides being asked to drink, but I guess this wine isn't just for pleasure. We'll definitely need to report the situation, right?"

"That's right, exactly. Let's gather at my house tonight. I'll call Xue Fei and Bai Lin to prepare the food. I have something to discuss with all of you."

Zhang Duo laughed, "Alright, rest assured. You'll handle the food, and I'll handle the wine."

Once the two had agreed, Ling Zhenfei called Xue Fei and Bai Lin, asking them to go home early to cook, and then returned home.

Xue Fei and Bai Lin arrived shortly after. Ling Zhenfei was their mentor and leader, so his calls were certainly taken seriously. Even if they were busy, they had to come.

The two helped Zhou Yun with the preparations, and soon they had laid out a large table of dishes. As night fell, everyone arrived, almost covering the main leaders.

However, because many people had gone home for the New Year, only the villagers showed up, but fortunately, Xue Fei, Bai Lin, and several key figures in planting, along with Li Ermeng, were there.

"I'll say a few words first. Since it's the New Year, let me treat everyone to a meal. I'm quite busy, and haven't been able to often come back here to the village, so I'm grateful for everyone's support in the work."

Sitting down, Ling Zhenfei spoke first, as he was the person in charge.

Ling Zhenfei said, "As you may already know, I am now mainly not responsible for matters concerning the restaurant. President Chen is in charge of the village issues, but his current focus is on the vacation villa, so I must depend on all of you for other matters."

"It's what we should do."

"Thanks to Boss Ling for the trust."

Everyone expressed their gratitude to Ling Zhenfei, as each of them had a bonus during the New Year, showing their appreciation for Xishan Manor.

Ling Zhenfei continued, "Let's discuss everyone's situation."

Zhang Duo said, "I'll start. Our main job is to grow medicinal herbs, and our success is pretty good. We've planted herbs in the areas bordering Xianling Mountain, so the hillside could be covered with herbs.

However, due to the long production cycle of herbs, and Boss Ling's preference for wild cultivation, it will take some time before the herbs are ready for use. But this is good, as it allows us to continue planting and form a cycle."

Ling Zhenfei nodded, "Let's talk about the wine."

Zhang Duo was very pleased and raised his glass, "Everyone has tasted it, how does this wine feel?"

"It's great, very tasty."

"I think it tastes even better than Hundred Flowers Drunk."

"The flavor here is truly fragrant and has a lasting aftertaste."

Zhang Duo said, "Exactly, this is Hundred Flowers Drunk, but it's an upgraded version based on the recipe provided by Boss Ling, and it's delicious."

Ling Zhenfei said, "Our Xi Shan Restaurant needs wine, but I don't like regular wine on the market. I want to create a brand of our own, so I hope Zhang Duo can keep up the effort.

Moreover, I'm interested in making beer, but I am completely unfamiliar with brewing it, so Zhang Duo must pay attention to this, and we should also consider creating our own wine."

"Everyone needs a forward-thinking mindset. If we don't advance, we will be drowned by the tide of history, so we must always innovate."

"I don't know how to brew beer, but I do know how to make wine. Every year I brew a little wine using wild mountain grapes, which aren't very sweet, but have a unique taste."

Ling Zhenfei looked at Zhang Duo, "This is your next task. The herb project has entered its cycle phase, so your next target can shift to brewing.

If the wine is good, it will be highly profitable, so this is a great way to succeed."

"Alright, Boss Ling, I'll take care of this." Ling Zhenfei arranged this task, and Zhang Duo seemed very confident.

Ling Zhenfei was very pleased and then turned to Xue Fei and Bai Lin, "What I just said applies to you two as well. As the head chefs of Xi Shan Restaurant, the executive chefs, you must have a sense of urgency.

The vegetables at Xi Shan Restaurant come from Xishan Manor, but many other restaurants are using them too. Aren't you worried that once other restaurants cook well, Xi Shan Restaurant may lose business?

If everyone uses the same ingredients and cooks deliciously, why would people choose Xi Shan Restaurant? Isn't it because we have to keep improving?

I'm insisting on unique wines to help Xishan Manor retain customers, and you must work harder. After the holiday, you should visit other renowned restaurants and taste their signature dishes; who knows, you might find inspiration for new dishes."

Xue Fei and Bai Lin nodded in agreement, clearly moved by Ling Zhenfei's words.

Ling Zhenfei continued, "What's the situation with our infrastructure?"

Li Ermeng said, "Infrastructure is progressing very quickly. The greenhouses are being built by experts who are very experienced, allowing us rapid progress. Additionally, the construction of Du Jian Villa's supporting design is almost complete."

"And what about the forest inn, what's happening there?" Ling Zhenfei asked.

Li Ermeng replied, "The wooden paths up the mountain have been constructed, but the cabins on the mountain haven't been built yet. The area is currently a scenic platform."

Ling Zhenfei considered for a moment, "What about the Planting Department, what's the situation now?"

After the old master Sun Liqing from the Planting Department left, they hired experts from nearby places, but management was handed over to Uncle Wu.

Uncle Wu is a local, formerly the village secretary, but he served only one term then resigned, because he couldn't accept the actions of some individuals.

Now he's overseeing the Planting Department, chosen for his good rapport. Most members of the Planting Department are locals and people from the nearby villages, so everyone respects him.

"The staff in the Planting Department are decent, but owing to the expansion of greenhouses, there's a shortage of manpower. However, I've already contacted village heads around to recrut people, which should resolve the issue."

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