The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor)

She thought it was amazing how a shaker machine shook the hell out of the trees, making all the fruits fall to the ground. Then, another truck swept up the fruits and gathered them. After that, Taylor took her to the processing plant, where the magic happened.

Serena happened to be there to inspect the recent collection of nuts.

"This is amazing! I thought the barn I saw from the house was the only structure," Charlie commented as she watched the work happen with the plant's second-floor viewing area. "How big is the farm?"

"The Carrington Nut Plantation is over four thousand acres, Charlie," Serena answered. "And it already covers the two of our large-scale processing plants. We supply directly, distribute to global markets, and even provide for major brands. As you can see, Charlie, we're far more than just a nut farm."

"I can see that," Charlie noted while observing the workers within the processing plant sorting out the nuts.

"Um, if you don't mind me asking, how much income does the plantation generate?" Charlie asked hesitantly. "I don't mean to be nosey, but I'm just curious."

"It's all right," Serena chuckled, glancing at Taylor before adding, "It may not compare to your family's business, but the farm generates over a billion dollars in revenue yearly. Almonds account for the largest share of our earnings."

"Wow! That's amazing," Charlie remarked. "But with how much this farm brings, why is the governor still in politics?"

"Gramps likes serving the people. To him, it's his passion," Taylor said, leaning forward in the railings of the viewing area. "And thirty percent of his votes are workers here. The people have hopes and expectations that they feel only grandpa can provide."

"Many local residents support preservation, which is also what the farm needs. However, some politicians push for urbanization because it brings quick profits. Redfield, along with Luxford and its neighboring towns, has so much more to offer beyond just development," Serena explained. "Fortunately, Dad's position as governor helps maintain preservation efforts. Of course, his influence also makes things like permits much easier to secure."

Charlie did not know why, but she ended up crying. Taylor hugged her on one side, asking, "Why are you crying, Babe?"

"I think it's just wonderful. It would be such a shame to take down all those trees outside," Charlie muttered.noveldrama

"Oh, I don't blame Charlie, Taylor. I cry for the trees too," Serena admitted, laughing.

After the sorting facility, Charlie and Taylor had lunch at the farm's shop. It was a two-story store by the side of the road that sold various kinds of nuts, from raw to processed ones. They also offered small snacks and salads, which mainly featured nuts. Charlie and Taylor had a tight lunch and ate a salad with mixed nuts.

Soon after that, the actual date began.

This time, Taylor brought Charlie to the Walnut plantation. It initially started with average, high-looking trees until they reached a small hilltop at the very end.

Charlie saw a giant walnut tree with a constructed wooden treehouse built into its sturdy trunk and sprawling branches.

The treehouse had multiple levels, a wraparound platform supported by sturdy wooden beams, and staircases and ladders for easy access.

"Oh, my god!" Charlie reacted, looking out the window. "Is that a walnut tree?"

"Yep," Taylor answered. "A black walnut tree."

"How did that grow so big?" Charlie asked.

"It's one of the oldest trees here, even before Gramps had expanded

hitions of these lands,

Taylor said. "That tree is believed to be over a hundred years old."

"Amazing!" Charlie said with sparkling eyes.

Pointing to the treehouse, Taylor said, "We will have our picnic up there. We'll make out, and I might explore a little more than just your lips, maybe the part which you earlier wanted me to feast on."

Charlie, "..."

Guardian Angel: 'What did he say?'

Inner Devil: 'He better not be leading me on.'