In the pale gray sky, sunlight struggled to pierce the layers of clouds, looking as if it might vanish at any moment.

That sliver of faint light, like a candle flickering in the wind, cast a weak glow over the vast, frigid land of the Far North.

Two black specks soared over the snow-capped peaks, heading straight for the camp as the roar of propellers echoed through the air.

Since this shipment consisted of fruit trees, the job was much easier for the helicopters than their previous delivery of concrete piles.

The fruit trees were relatively light and more uniform in shape, unlike the heavy concrete piles, which made transport much more convenient.

This batch of mature fruit trees was supposed to have been pruned before transport.

Pruning would have reduced the trees’ size and weight, lowering shipping costs while also minimizing potential damage during transit.

But Feng Shan demanded that not a single leaf be trimmed. They had to be delivered in the exact same condition they were in when planted in the soil.

Both Tom and the farm owner found this demand unreasonable and irrational. Without trimming the branches and leaves, there was no way to protect the trees from the cold. In the Far North Tundra, with its temperatures dozens of degrees below zero, wouldn’t they just be frozen solid on arrival?

But Feng Shan couldn’t be bothered with all that. His attitude was, ’I’m the one paying, so I’m the boss.’

’You’ll do it exactly as I ask.’

’And if they freeze to death, you don’t have to pay me back.’

With him putting it like that, Tom and the farm owner could only rack their brains for any possible way to keep the trees from freezing to death.

Before transport, they watered the trees thoroughly to ensure the soil was moist, providing an adequate water supply during the journey.

They also applied cold-resistant fertilizers, like those rich in phosphorus and potassium, to boost the trees’ ability to withstand the cold.

The trees were wrapped so tightly in insulating cloth that they were airtight, with numerous self-heating packs placed inside to raise the temperature.

During transit, they covered the transport vehicles with plastic sheeting to prevent cold air from blowing directly onto the trees.

They even arranged for the helicopters in advance, so the cargo could be airlifted immediately upon the trucks’ arrival, wasting no time at all.

Soon, two helicopters with transport racks slung beneath them arrived at the designated unloading zone. The sling-load systems activated, setting the racks on the ground with a dull thud.

Feng Shan and his crew sprang into action, quickly unloading the fruit trees from the racks.

Once the racks were empty, the helicopters lifted them and slowly ascended, flying back toward Dead Horse Town. The next delivery wouldn’t be for another three hours.

In the Far North, every new arrival had the potential to become a bright spot in the polar night, bringing a spark of life to their monotonous existence.

Watching the men bustle about, the female employees all gazed at the cargo, which was wrapped tightly in insulating cloth.

"What is that? It’s wrapped up so securely."

"What strange thing has the boss bought now?"

"Could they be streetlights?"

The wind gusted across the open campsite, as if joining the discussion.

Drawn by the noise, Young Master Xu, Xu Hongxin, and the middle-aged man came to the open area outside the camp, joining the others to see what the commotion was about. The girl’s face still held a trace of anger, and her cheeks were flushed, likely from an argument.

"Little Yingying, what are they doing?"

"I’m warning you," Xu Hongying said, looking helplessly at his smiling cousin. "You can call me Xu Hongying, Cousin Hongying, or even just ’Hey,’ but you are not allowed to call me Little Yingying."

"Alright, Little Yingying. What are they doing?"

"Fine, you asked for it, Zhaidi," Young Master Xu said with a mischievous grin.

This time, it was Xu Hongxin’s turn to snap.

Her expression, which had just returned to normal, instantly flushed with anger. She hooked an arm around Xu Hongying’s neck and viciously pinched the soft flesh at his waist, her composed demeanor completely gone.

"You bastard, how do you know the name Zhaidi? Talk!"

"I’m not telling! Beat me to death, I’ll never tell! Zhaidi! Zhaidi!"

"You’re so dead!"

The middle-aged man watched the squabbling cousins and shook his head helplessly. He discreetly took a few steps back, as if afraid of getting dragged into the mess.

"Hey, having fun?" Su Ziweng appeared, refreshed after a night’s rest. When he saw that Xu Hongxin’s face was like a finely sculpted work of art, he turned to Xu Hongying in utter shock.

"Little Yingying, didn’t you say your cousin was a buck-toothed, four-eyed, bald-headed, snot-nosed little terror when you were kids? She doesn’t look anything like you described."

Right now, Xu Hongying wanted nothing more than to kick his useless teammate, Su Ziweng, to death. ’Of all the things to say, he had to bring that up!’

But in the next moment, a chill shot down his spine, as if an invisible pair of eyes were staring at the back of his neck.

A sense of dread washed over Xu Hongying. He slowly turned his head and saw Xu Hongxin glaring daggers at him.

Her gaze was so intense it seemed to pierce his very soul, making him shudder.

"Buck-toothed... four-eyed... bald-headed... snot-nosed... little terror!!" Xu Hongxin hissed, squeezing the words through her clenched teeth. "Uncle Xiang, take my cousin to the cabin. I want to have a word with him."

"Cousin, let me explain."

Xu Hongying’s face went deathly pale. He knew he was in huge trouble this time. He opened his mouth to explain, but realized any words would be utterly useless now.

A large hand landed on Xu Hongying’s shoulder. The middle-aged man whispered, "Young Master Ying, don’t make this difficult for me. If you grovel a bit later, maybe Miss Xu will let you off the hook."

"No, no, I’m not going!" Xu Hongying knew all too well what his cousin was capable of; he wouldn’t get off easy if he fell into her hands. He twisted his head to look at the main culprit, Su Ziweng. "Wenwen, save me!"

Su Ziweng was about to speak, but one look at Xu Hongxin’s furious expression made him hurriedly look up at the sky.

"Hmm, what nice weather we’re having today. Oh, look! I’ll go help out."

With that, he was gone in a flash.

Xu Hongying looked on in despair as one of his so-called "blood brothers" bolted without a second thought.