Morning Plans

| September 24, 2023 - 6:42 AM

Lin never used to wake up early on Sundays.

But now?

Now, every minute mattered.

She sat at the kitchen table, fingers wrapped around a hot cup of coffee, the faint scent of roasted beans filling the quiet air. The sky outside was still a mix of dark blues and soft grays, the city barely waking up.

Her mother, Helen, sat across from her, hair still slightly messy from sleep, scrolling through her tablet. A half-eaten buttered bun rested on her plate.

"You're up early," Helen said, stifling a yawn.

Lin sipped her coffee. "Got a lot to think about."

Helen hummed, tapping her screen. "You and your workaholic tendencies."

Lin smiled faintly. "Actually, I was thinking about you."

Helen looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Me?"

Lin leaned forward slightly. "About the farm."

Helen hesitated, her fingers pausing over the tablet.

"You were serious about that?" she asked.

Lin nodded. "Completely."

Helen exhaled, setting the tablet down. "Lin, moving to a farm isn't like changing apartments. It's a huge lifestyle shift."

Lin stirred her coffee. "I know. That's why I was thinking… you don't have to just farm. You could start your own business out there."

Helen blinked. "Business?"

Lin nodded. "You've been a vet for over thirty years. You could open a small animal clinic. Offer care for livestock, pets, injured wildlife—whatever the town needs. You'd be the only vet in the area."

Helen's brows furrowed. "I haven't run my own business before."

Lin smirked. "And yet, you've basically been running your clinic for years. The only difference is, this time, you'd be the boss."

Helen was quiet for a moment, her fingers tapping against her mug. Lin could see it happening—the gears turning, the cautious excitement bubbling underneath.

"You really think people would come?" Helen finally asked.

Lin shrugged. "They always need a vet. Especially in rural areas. Farmers, pet owners, even the local rescue groups—someone's got to take care of their animals."

Helen exhaled slowly.

"…You make it sound doable."

Lin smiled. "Because it is."

A long silence stretched between them.

Then—Helen's lips curled slightly.

"Well," she said, half amused, half thoughtful. "I suppose I could start looking into licenses and requirements."

Lin grinned.

Step two? Planted.

| September 24, 2023 - 7:21 AM

Richard walked into the kitchen, scratching his head, still in his old college T-shirt and pajama pants. He yawned.

"Why are you two awake?" he muttered.

"Business planning," Helen said simply, taking a sip of her tea.

Richard blinked. "What?"

Lin stood up, grabbing the car keys from the counter.

"I'm borrowing the car for a bit," she said casually.

Richard frowned. "Where are you going?"

Lin grabbed her jacket. "Just a drive."

Richard narrowed his eyes. "A drive where?"

Lin smirked. "I'll tell you later."

Before he could ask anything else, she was already heading for the door.

| September 24, 2023 - 7:25 AM

The engine rumbled to life as Lin pulled out of the parking lot, her heart steady.

Today, she would see the hotel for herself.

And if it was as good as she hoped—

She was buying it. Immediately.

| September 24, 2023 - 7:52 AM

Lin pulled into a gas station on the outskirts of the city, rolling to a stop next to Pump #3. The morning air was cool, the streets mostly empty except for a few early risers grabbing coffee and newspapers.

She slid out of the driver's seat, swiping her card at the pump.

She barely had time to start refueling before she heard—

"Auntie Lin!"

Lin turned just in time to see a small figure sprinting toward her, sneakers slapping against the pavement.

Jake Fang.

Four years old, tiny for his age but quick, his black hoodie slightly oversized, making him look even smaller. He skidded to a stop right in front of her, grinning up at her like a puppy who'd found its favorite person.

Lin blinked.

"…Jake?"

"Hey, Beauty," a familiar voice drawled behind him.

Lin looked up.

Lucas Fang jogged toward them, looking annoyingly effortless despite the fact that he was probably halfway through a run. Black running gear, a light sheen of sweat, sharp eyes already sizing her up.

"Fancy seeing you here," Lucas said, slowing to a stop next to Jake.

Lin leaned against the car, arms crossed. "You run with him?"

Lucas smirked. "Kid's got too much energy. Might as well burn it off before he destroys my apartment."

Jake bounced on his heels, still grinning. "What are you doing here, Auntie Lin?"

Lin ignored the "Auntie" part. She had given up on correcting him months ago.

"I'm taking a drive," she said, ruffling his hair. "Going to look at a farm."

Jake's eyes widened. "A real farm? With cows?"

Lin chuckled. "Maybe. But definitely with a lot of land."

Jake gasped, turning to Lucas. "Can we go? Can we go see the farm?"

Lucas snorted. "You want me to invite myself along?"

Jake nodded seriously.

Lin rolled her eyes. "Not today, kid. I'm just looking."

Jake pouted. "That's boring."

Lucas smirked. "Agreed."

Lin ignored them both and turned back to the gas pump.

| September 24, 2023 - 7:55 AM

Lucas leaned against the hood of her car, arms crossed, watching her. "So. Farm, huh?"

Lin nodded. "Thinking long-term."

Lucas hummed. "Didn't think you were the 'country life' type."

Lin smirked. "Didn't think you were the 'early morning jog' type."

Lucas chuckled. "Touché."

Jake tugged at Lin's sleeve. "If you buy a farm, can I come see the animals?"

Lin glanced at him. "Only if your dad behaves himself."

Lucas laughed, but Jake nodded seriously. "I'll make sure he does."

Lin shook her head, biting back a smile.

Her tank was full.

It was time to go.

She gave Jake a quick pat on the head. "I'll tell you if I see any cows."

Jake beamed.

Lucas pushed off the car. "Don't crash, Zhang."

Lin smirked, sliding back into the driver's seat. "Don't pass out on the sidewalk, Fang."

She pulled out of the station, leaving them behind.

| September 24, 2023 - 8:00 AM

Next stop?

Sunrise Valley Hotel.