The next morning, Lin Fan woke to the sound of voices outside. He peeked through the window and saw a small group of villagers gathered near his field, pointing and talking in low voices. Some looked amazed, others suspicious. Lin Fan's heart beat faster. He knew the sudden change in his crops would draw attention, but he hadn't expected it so soon.
He quickly dressed and stepped outside, trying to look calm. As he walked toward the field, Old Man Wu waved him over. "Lin Fan, come here, boy! Tell us, how did your rice recover overnight? My own field is still struggling."
Lin Fan forced a smile. "I just worked a little harder, Uncle Wu. Maybe the rain last night helped, too."
A few villagers nodded, but others weren't convinced. Auntie Mei, who was always quick to gossip, narrowed her eyes. "Hard work is good, but this is something else. Did you use some secret fertilizer?"
Lin Fan shook his head. "No, Auntie. Just the same old ways my father taught me."
The villagers murmured among themselves. Lin Fan could feel their eyes on him, some curious, some envious. He knew he had to be careful. The Spirit Farmer System was his secret, and he wasn't ready to share it. Not yet.
As the crowd slowly drifted away, Lin Fan's mother came to his side. She squeezed his hand gently. "Don't worry, Lin Fan. People talk when they see something they don't understand. Just keep doing your best."
Lin Fan nodded, grateful for her support. He spent the rest of the morning tending the field, using Growth Touch sparingly so as not to draw more attention. Each time he used the skill, the system rewarded him with a small boost of energy and a sense of quiet satisfaction.
[Spirit Farmer System]
[Field health: 80%]
[Next reward: Unlock "Spirit Sense" at 100% field health.]
The thought of a new skill made Lin Fan work even harder. He moved carefully through the rows, checking each plant and pulling weeds by hand. The rice seemed to respond to his touch, growing stronger and greener with every pass.
By midday, the field looked better than ever. Lin Fan sat under the spirit tree, wiping sweat from his brow. He closed his eyes and listened to the wind rustling through the leaves. For a moment, he felt truly at peace.
But peace didn't last long. That afternoon, the village chief, a stern man named Mr. Han, came to visit. He walked slowly around the field, his sharp eyes missing nothing.
"Lin Fan," Mr. Han said, "your field is the talk of the village. Some say it's a miracle. Others are worried. You know how quickly rumors can spread."
Lin Fan nodded, keeping his face calm. "I understand, Chief Han. I'm just doing my best to take care of my family's land."
Mr. Han studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "That's good. But be careful, Lin Fan. When something seems too good to be true, people get nervous. If you need help, come to me first."
Lin Fan thanked him and watched as the chief walked away. He knew the warning was serious. If the wrong people heard about his field, there could be trouble.
That night, Lin Fan sat with his mother by the fire. She made a simple meal of rice and vegetables, and for the first time in months, there was enough to eat. As they ate, Lin Fan told her about the chief's visit and the villagers' questions.
His mother smiled gently. "You have a good heart, Lin Fan. Just remember, sometimes the best way to help others is to stay safe yourself."
Lin Fan nodded, her words settling in his heart. He looked out the window at the glowing spirit tree, its leaves shining softly in the moonlight. He knew his journey was just beginning, and that every step would bring new challenges.
But he also knew he wasn't alone. With his mother by his side and the Spirit Farmer System guiding him, Lin Fan felt ready for whatever came next.