Farming Games are All About Grinding-Chapter 166 - 159 Special Reward

"It’s me," Chen Dashan quickly said, "There’s a student from the city who wants a haircut, but the barber shops in the town are all too crowded. The kid’s in a hurry, so I had no choice but to bring him here."

Standing beside him, Han Qiwu: "?????"

When did I say I was in a hurry?

Grandpa Chen, oh Grandpa Chen.

I truly didn’t realize that you had a talent for dramatic performances.

"A student? The one who knocked just now?" The voice inside the yard seemed to be getting closer.

Hearing this, Chen Dashan hurriedly turned and started winking at Han Qiwu.

"Ah, yes, it’s me. Aunt Guo, could you help me with a haircut? My teacher is coming over later to check my study progress. My hair’s too long; it doesn’t look good. If I get scolded by my teacher, it wouldn’t be great." Han Qiwu instinctively replied.

Only after finishing did he realize—he seemed to have learned how to deflect a bit too quickly.

Why did this end up being Mr. Tang’s fault?

"Alright then, I’ll come open the door." Aunt Guo responded from inside the yard, walking toward the gate.

Chen Dashan gave Han Qiwu a thumbs-up, his face full of admiration, gratitude, and just a hint of anticipation.

*Creaaak*

The door appeared to have gone unused for quite some time, its hinges making a sound as it opened.

The woman who opened the gate was petite and thin, clad in a muted cyan qipao. Despite her head of white hair, her elegance still shone through—she must have been the dream girl for countless young men in her youth.

"Ah, the child is in such a rush; I had no choice. This is a college student from the city who often helps me deliver groceries or run errands—he’s called Han Qiwu." Upon seeing her, Grandpa Chen quickly spoke with a tone of helplessness while stepping into the yard. "Xiao Han, just call her Aunt Guo."

Han Qiwu nodded eagerly and replied, "Hello, Aunt Guo."

Just from Aunt Guo’s outfit alone, one could guess that her skills must be top-notch.

Looks like this head of black hair is safe.

"Xiao Han, you look quite dashing. Your hair’s indeed a bit too long—come on over." Aunt Guo didn’t even mention Grandpa Chen as she greeted Han Qiwu with a smile.

Han Qiwu nodded and glanced at Grandpa Chen from the corner of his eye, noticing that his hands were tucked into his pockets and he seemed noticeably uneasy.

Tsk tsk, it seems there’s something between these two elderly folks.

Han Qiwu walked into the yard, quietly impressed—it was far better maintained than his own yard.

The vegetable rows were neatly organized, racks were arranged methodically, and the plants were evenly spaced. At a glance, there were carrots, radishes, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, potatoes—all sorts of crops. In the corner of the yard, there was even a small chicken coop, equally clean.

Hanging under the eaves of the yard were rows of cured meats, sausages, corn cobs, and dried chili peppers.

"Aunt Guo, your yard is so well-kept." Han Qiwu sincerely complimented.

Upon hearing this, Aunt Guo clearly appreciated it, laughing as she replied, "It’s just a hobby. When there’s nothing else to do, tidying up is good for the mood."

"Right, keeping busy is always good. Cleaning up the yard is a great idea. You’ve been eating well lately, huh? You look like you’ve gained some weight." Grandpa Chen chimed in.

Han Qiwu, utterly bewildered: "...."

Was Grandpa Chen trying to flirt earlier?

And now he’s swapped out for Chen Dashan?

Who even compliments a woman by saying she’s put on weight?

Even if Aunt Guo is getting on in years, an 80-year-old woman is still a woman!

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Aunt Guo immediately shot a sideways glance at Grandpa Chen. Though she didn’t say anything, the latter instantly quieted down, poured himself tea, and pretended to be busy.

About ten minutes later, Han Qiwu was sitting properly on a chair, getting his haircut.

While waiting earlier, Aunt Guo had already asked him what hairstyle he wanted.

Before long, Aunt Guo had crafted for Han Qiwu a look worthy of "ten million-dollar" status.

"Thank you, Aunt Guo." Han Qiwu looked himself over in the mirror and nodded with satisfaction.

Aunt Guo smiled and patted him on the head. "No problem. If your hair grows out again, just come to me for a cut—I won’t charge you."

"Got it!" Han Qiwu nodded, thinking to himself, judging by how neat Aunt Guo’s yard was, he’d better bring some milk next time he visited.

Now that Han Qiwu was sorted, Chen Dashan seemed rather uneasy, repeatedly pouring water into the already full cup in front of him, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

Why isn’t she calling me?

Seriously, she’s not going to cut my hair?

If I ask her myself, she’d probably refuse outright.

Luckily, just as Han Qiwu stood up and noticed his predicament, he stepped in to help break the awkwardness. "Grandpa Chen, didn’t you say you wanted a haircut too? Go and ask Aunt Guo."

"Hmph." Aunt Guo hmphed lightly and turned to look at Chen Dashan.

Chen Dashan nervously set down the kettle and forced a smile. "Uh, why not give me a trim while you’re at it?"

"Alright." Aunt Guo nodded toward the haircut spot.

Relieved, Chen Dashan hurried over and enthusiastically fastened the haircut cape around his neck.

Seeing Grandpa Chen’s grateful expression, Han Qiwu chuckled and went for a stroll around the yard, eventually spotting a hat rack in the corner with many hats neatly displayed on it. Curious, he walked over to take a closer look.

The hat rack featured three orderly rows of hats. All of them appeared handmade, ranging from traditional cultural hats like turbans, small crowns, wide-brimmed hats, leisure scarves, and scholar caps, to modern pieces like berets, cowboy hats, and baseball caps. Each was exquisitely crafted and vibrantly colored.

"Aunt Guo is truly amazing," Han Qiwu couldn’t help but marvel. Worried about dirtying them if he touched them, he chose to clasp his hands behind his back and lean in to admire these handcrafted treasures.

"Wait a second."

Han Qiwu blinked his eyes, confirming that he hadn’t been imagining things.

These hats actually had attributes??

[Traditional Wide-Brim Hat]

[Activated upon wearing]

[Attributes: Defense +5, Movement Speed +5]

[Special Effect - Parry: Blocks 20% damage from blade-type weapons]

[Note: It provides profound protection]

[Brown Cowboy Hat]

[Activated upon wearing]

[Special Effect - Intimidation: Boosts success rate of taming wild cattle by 50%]

[Note: Cowboys are meant to ride wild bulls!]

[White Turban]

[Activated upon wearing]

[Special Effect - Eloquence: Reduces trading expenses by 2%]

[Note: Assemble the feather fan and turban for additional effects]

.....

The special effects of these hats varied widely but seemed quite intriguing.

Wide-brim hats were historically used during battles for head protection.

The cowboy hat’s special effect is quite unique—could it really be possible to tame wild cattle in the outdoors?

That would save a lot of money on buying calves.

As for the turban, also known as the Zhuge scarf, it’s famously associated with Mr. Zhuge. Its eloquence effect is perfectly fitting.

These are some truly remarkable items.

"How do I get one of Aunt Guo’s hats?" Han Qiwu wondered while examining them. None of the hats had a price tag attribute; it seemed they weren’t for purchase but perhaps goodwill rewards.

What does Aunt Guo like?

Maybe I should ask Grandpa Chen later.

Although, Han Qiwu suspected Grandpa Chen might not know either.

If he did, he shouldn’t have come empty-handed.

After spending a good fifteen minutes studying the hats, Grandpa Chen finally finished his haircut. While Han Qiwu wasn’t nearby, the two elderly folks even started chatting, making him wonder if he should leave early and let them be.

"In spring, flowers bloom in fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen. June sixth, you’ll see grain ripen. Spring begins right in the sixth turning."

Mr. Tang’s call came through.

Perfect timing—Han Qiwu used the excuse to step outside the yard to answer it.

"Han Qiwu, the roads are pretty crowded. I parked at Fisherman’s Rest—come pick me up on your electric scooter."

"Sure thing."

After hanging up, Han Qiwu planned to inform Grandpa Chen before leaving. But just as he turned around, he saw Aunt Guo approaching with a straw hat, smiling warmly.

Han Qiwu instantly recognized the straw hat—it was one he had observed earlier. Though it looked simple, it was actually intricately made: breezy and comfortable, as well as easy to carry.

"Xiao Han, since it’s your first time here, I don’t have much to give. The sun’s getting warmer—take this straw hat for some shade." Aunt Guo handed over the straw hat with a smile.

"Ah, how thoughtful of you," Han Qiwu said as he received the hat and immediately put it on.

[Traditional Straw Hat]

[Activated upon wearing]

[Attributes: Defense +3, Movement Speed +2]

[Special Effect - Cool Breeze: Maintains body temperature within a normal range]

[Note: Straw hats will never fall off in battle]

Aunt Guo chuckled, thinking to herself that this young man was quite straightforward.

Han Qiwu adjusted the hat’s fit, tied the strap securely, and used his phone’s front camera to check his reflection.

Still as handsome as ever.

The pale yellow straw hat was well-structured, with an inner lining that provided comfort where it touched the skin. It even added bonuses to movement speed and defense.

Still, the best part of the straw hat was its special cooling effect.

The moment he put it on, he could feel a cool stream of air gently emanating from the top of his head, refreshing and revitalizing him.

So comfortable.

"Thank you, Aunt Guo," Han Qiwu said earnestly, pulling out a simple business card from his bag and handing it to her. "Aunt Guo, if you ever need help with anything, feel free to call me. My phone number’s on here."

Aunt Guo accepted the card with a cheerful smile. "I doubt there’s anything I’d need you for."

Han Qiwu felt a bit deflated—not having requests was the trickiest of all.

"Your Aunt Guo loves flowers—any kind of flowers," chimed in Grandpa Chen, eager to help out.

Han Qiwu was speechless.

So you knew?

Then why come empty-handed...

Even Aunt Guo smiled warmly as she added, "Old Chen mentioned you like running around outside a lot. If you come across any beautiful flowers and have the time, you could help me gather petals, seeds, or plants. I’ve got plenty blooming in the backyard—you’re welcome to pick some for your little lady friend."

Flowers, huh?

Well, that’s easy enough.

No need to go to the mountains—even the ones in his yard were almost blooming.

"Alright, I’ll take off for now—I’ve got something to take care of," Han Qiwu said as he hopped on his scooter to head toward Fisherman’s Rest.

Don’t underestimate the straw hat—it was incredibly practical for riding, blocking both the wind and the sun.

Aunt Guo really was a gem.

While passing through town, Han Qiwu noticed plenty of cars from the city trickling into town.

February 2nd brings back the daughters.

During February 2nd, married daughters often return home to catch up and enjoy home-cooked meals.

Once he reached Fisherman’s Rest, Mr. Tang’s car was already parked there.

Han Qiwu strolled over, unexpectedly spotting Mr. Tang still engrossed in catching crayfish—it looked like he was almost done.

As always, Mr. Tang’s outfit was understated yet charming. It leaned toward sweet and fresh: an ivory knit cardigan paired with a lace-embroidered dress—one couldn’t help but feel drawn to her.