Chapter 56

"Traveling? Why this sudden idea?"

Yangcheng drizzled mayonnaise and black pepper sauce on the plate, saving the hassle of dipping each time. Taking a big bite of meat, he quickly tapped on the phone screen with his right hand.

"I've been busy with the Victoria's Secret show in the past few years. Plus, I have a baby and haven't been on vacation for a long time. I have some free time now. How about we go together?"

After reading Kerr's reply twice, fork in mouth, he typed with both hands, "Yes, where do you want to go?"

The acquisition project for Forum Publishing Company is in the bargaining stage, handled by Yang Sen. Yang Cheng trusts Yang Sen to handle the negotiations efficiently.

He doesn't need to monitor every day. With advanced information transmission, many things can be negotiated with a phone call or a video call. If necessary, he can fly back urgently; it takes only 10 hours, so it can't be too far.

"To New Zealand?"

Yang Cheng put down the plate, took a sip of juice, wondering if New Zealand was a bit far. At this moment, highlights of the Brazil World Cup match appeared on the TV. Yang Cheng stretched and licked the corner of his mouth, typing on the phone.

"Let's consider New Zealand later. How about Rio? The World Cup is happening there. Do you like football? Not American football. I mean English football."

"Football? Sure, let's go to Rio. The beaches there are also good."

"That settles it. When can you leave?"

"A week from now? I'll be recording the Jimmy Tonight Show in a few days."

"Sure, call me when you're done, and I'll arrange the schedule."

"Okay, dear..."

Three days later, on the last day of June, the sky was gloomy, hinting at rain.

At 9 in the morning, Yang Cheng left the bedroom of the Waldorf Astoria imperial suite. His long, untended hair and compressed sleep made him look disheveled.

Rubbing his hair, yawning, he glanced at White waiting in the living room. "White, back so soon?"

White had completed the assignment three days ago, setting off immediately. He called Yang Cheng with brief updates at each stop. White was in San Diego last night and appeared in New York this morning, arriving after a night flight, evident from the heavy dark circles under his eyes.

"Mr. Apologies for disturbing your sleep. Here's the situation. I was supposed to visit a ranch in Montana today, but last night, Mr. Juan, the owner of Juan Ranch, urgently needed a cash repayment of a bank loan. If we don't decide quickly, he'll sell the ranch to a lower-bidding buyer who can pay cash immediately." White apologized and succinctly explained the urgency.

Yang Cheng, shaking off his drowsiness, put his hands in his pajama pockets, recalling the information about Juan Ranch that White had provided.

Juan Ranch, located northeast of Santa Barbara, covers over 8,300 acres, known as Tennessee's 'Blackberry Ranch,' a luxury resort ranch. It's conveniently located, a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles and 30 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara.

White values Juan Ranch for its complete infrastructure, offering fishing, horseback riding, golf, hunting, and more. After Yang Cheng acquires it, minimal reconstruction is needed.

Juan Ranch's downfall is attributed to the owner's misguided positioning and stubbornness. Despite White's recommendation, Juan insisted on overpricing, leading to financial trouble. Yang Cheng sees potential in turning it around.

White had quoted $32 million, and although the price seemed steep for the land alone, considering the added value of infrastructure, Yang Cheng found it acceptable.

"Hmm... Do you know what the other buyer offered?" Yang Cheng sat down, hands on his shoulders, asking.

White shook his head, "I flew back before I had time to investigate, and it happened that the HR of the Waldorf Astoria asked me to talk."

Yang Cheng, still puzzled about the need for White's return, considered poaching White for his own super VIP client. Suddenly resigning would catch the Waldorf Astoria off guard. However, Yang Cheng remained composed and said, "Okay, you can talk first. We'll leave for Santa Barbara at noon. Inform Mr. Juan, and I'll personally visit the ranch."

New York is three hours ahead of Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara and Los Angeles are in the same time zone. Departing from New York at noon should mean arriving in Santa Barbara at noon, seemingly teleporting time.

At 12:20 noon local time, Yang Cheng's Yuanshan ship landed at Santa Barbara Airport.

It was Yang Cheng's first visit to Santa Barbara. As he descended from the plane, he marveled at the city's Spanish style. Gazing down through the plane's porthole, he saw white-walled, red-tiled buildings surrounded by palm trees, with a white sandy beach separating the city from the blue sea—a picturesque scene.

Stepping onto Santa Barbara's land, bathed in lazy sunlight, Yang Cheng couldn't help but slow down, savoring the tranquility of the town.

The ground crew warmly welcomed Yang Cheng. Their smiles and friendliness, along with the charm of Santa Barbara, made him fall in love with the city.

"White, I like Santa Barbara. You made a great choice." Yang Cheng complimented White, putting on sunglasses against the dazzling noon sun.

As the group of four walked out of the airport, White headed towards an old cowboy. Yang Cheng suspected he was Juan, the ranch owner.

White chatted with the cowboy briefly and brought him back to Yang Cheng. "Sir, this is David Juan, the owner of Juan Ranch," White introduced, subtly signaling that dealing with him might be challenging.

Yang Cheng extended his hand with a polite smile. "Hello, Mr. Juan. Just call me Jason. I'm very pleased to meet you. Your ranch looks beautiful in the pictures."

David Juan, a tough-looking man with a thick beard, greeted Yang Cheng unsmilingly. He was curt, "Enough with the nonsense. Let's go to the ranch. Leave a check if you like it; leave immediately if you don't. Don't waste time. Understand?"

Yang Cheng, undeterred, patted Hansen on the back, signaling him to stand down. "I understand. Let's go, Mr. Juan."

As David Juan led the way, Yang Cheng observed his temper and noted, "No wonder the ranch can't thrive with such a temperament."

Despite David Juan's abrasive attitude, Yang Cheng found dealing with straightforward individuals preferable. He strolled out of the airport, enjoying the clean streets and gentle breeze, taking in the fragrance of flowers. Yang Cheng squinted, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly, feeling content.