Selecting Plantation Workers

Cynthia Green dashed into the nearby alley to hide, cautiously poking her head out to watch what was happening.

At that moment, Sam Evans happened to turn around and noticed that the girl who had been lying on the ground had vanished. Sam's face showed a sense of loss and sadness as he stood there, unmoving.

Su Li watched as her third uncle stood frozen in place and couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Sam, why aren't you leaving yet?" (Sam Evans is Su Li's third uncle, a close family member.)

Sam Evans turned to Su Li, then looked back at where the girl had left, murmuring, "When I saw that little girl just now, it felt like I was seeing Lana Evans."

Then Sam Evans gave a bitter smile and shook his head, muttering to himself, "No, she can't be Lana. If Lana saw me, she would definitely recognize me and come running, not just run away like that."

Su Li nodded, walked over, and gently patted Sam Evans's arm. "Uncle Sam, Lana will definitely come back. Stop worrying so much. Let's hurry up and go. Like you said, if Lana saw us, she'd ask us for help. But that little girl didn't even look at us—she can't be Lana."

Sam Evans sighed, nodded, and said to Su Li, "Ali, you're right. I was overthinking. Let's go."

Sam Evans followed Su Li toward the Eight Treasures Bistro. Only after they'd left did Cynthia Green dare to poke her head out, her eyes full of hatred. She spat fiercely on the ground, muttering, "Bah! All a bunch of hypocrites! The only person in this world who truly cares about me is my mother. Everyone else is just a fake and a liar!" Cynthia Green stomped on the ground several times to vent her anger, then hurried off toward her rented courtyard—if Cheng Jin found out she was late getting home, she'd get another beating.

Cynthia Green wiped her mouth, glared at the departing figures, and quickly slipped away, vanishing into the winding alleys.

Meanwhile, Su Li and her family were treated to a top-tier private suite at the Eight Treasures Bistro. Bella Bell, the witty manager, personally accompanied them, and the staff served the very best dishes from all eight regional cuisines.

It was the first time for Su Li's uncle's family and Sam Evans to enjoy such a lavish meal at the Eight Treasures Bistro, and they were all amazed by the delicious spread. Especially Emily 'Yaya' Wang, the young girl who was always a bit of a glutton—she ate so enthusiastically it seemed she might swallow her own tongue, exclaiming over and over, "This food is incredible!"

After the meal, Su Li arranged for a carriage from the restaurant and personally helped her family board it, reminding her uncle's family to keep the plantation a secret. Only after seeing them off did she happily return to the Prince of Qin's Manor.

Alexander Hayes handed the documents to Su Li, explaining, "The recruitment went incredibly well—almost too well. Most of the applicants are wounded veterans, eager for a second chance. We divided them into two groups: plantation workers and field laborers. The plantation workers signed indenture contracts for secrecy, while the field laborers signed long-term contracts."

Su Li flipped through the roster and nodded, "The indenture contracts are necessary. The plantation is a secret project, after all. We can't risk leaks."

Alexander Hayes smiled, "Don't worry, the contracts are fair. The indenture is only to ensure confidentiality. We're not exploiting anyone—everyone will be treated well and paid on time."

Su Li laughed, "Of course! Our Evans Manor is built on honesty. If anyone dares bully our workers, I'll be the first to kick them out!"

Alexander Hayes couldn't help but chuckle. "With you in charge, no one would dare!"

Su Li grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's right! Evans Manor is my turf—rules are rules!"