"Not really." The man walked around the bench, not getting too close. "There's no need to clear them out, there's no economic benefit. The wood from these trees isn't good, and the land after clearing them wouldn't be of any use for now."

"You know a lot. What did you study?"

"Majored in history."

"No wonder. Then you must know a lot about our planet?"

"Uh... I majored in Earth's history, not so much in contemporary history."

"Ha, is it because Zhaiwang Star only has three hundred years of history, not enough for your research?"

"Now that you mention it, that does seem to be the reason."

Both of them laughed. Miss Bennett walked to the bench, sat at one end, and pointed to the other, signaling for him to sit as well.

The man sat at the other end, looking a bit reserved. He could talk eloquently, but his body wasn't as agile.

Neither of them had a ready topic. After ten seconds, the interesting encounter became a bit uncomfortable. Miss Bennett missed Mr. Griffin even more; with him, such awkward moments never happened.

"Miss Bennett, is this your first time at the farm?" the man finally asked.

"You know me?" Miss Bennett was a bit surprised.

The man smiled. "We've met before, at your great-grandfather's birthday celebration. I was a few spots behind you in line. Old Charles introduced us."

Miss Bennett couldn't recall this at all. "I'm really sorry, there were too many people at the time..."

"Yeah, there were a lot, and even more came later for the birthday." The man leaned forward slightly, switched his book to his left hand, and extended his right arm. "My name is Henry Lincoln. Hello, Miss Bennett."

Miss Bennett lightly touched his outstretched palm and smiled. "In your family, you're either a Mei or a Lu, right?"

"Yeah, there are other surnames, but those two are the most common."

"What did you just call him?"

"Old Charles? Yes, we all call him Old Charles. Here, the younger you are, the older your nickname."

"I see. What about you? What do they call you?"

"Old Lincoln."

Miss Bennett pressed her lips together in a smile, let out a breath, and looked up at the sky, planning to find an excuse to leave in a few seconds. Suddenly, she had a realization and turned to ask, "Are you also an interstellar orphan?"

Henry Lincoln nodded. "Just like Miss Bennett."

"All the Lus are, right?"

"In this family, pretty much."

Miss Bennett felt a bit more warmth in her heart. "I thought interstellar orphans were only sent to the city... There's an orphanage at the farm too?"

"No, we were born into the Mei family and grew up here. There's no difference among the siblings. It wasn't until after I turned fifteen that I understood the true meaning of 'interstellar orphan,' and realized I was one of them."

"I envy you all. The orphanages in the city aren't this harmonious. When you leave, sometimes no one even says 'goodbye.'" Miss Bennett scooted a little closer. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course. As long as I know the answer. I know more about Earth's era, though."

"I'm not asking about history—well, maybe it is history. Um, about... Mr. Griffin and Old Charles, do they often bring girls to the farm?"

A sly smile appeared on Henry Lincoln's face. "Not often. At least, I haven't seen it happen much."

"How many times? So it has happened? Tell me, I'm just curious, I won't spread it. And don't worry, between me and Mr. Griffin, who has had more friends is still up for debate."

"I lived at school for the past few years, so I don't know much about the farm." Henry Lincoln was clearly tight-lipped.

Miss Bennett became even more interested. She had a hundred ways to get a man to spill all his secrets, and using them on Henry Lincoln was like a seasoned general going hunting—part training, part entertainment.

Unfortunately, before she could make a move, this "hunt" was interrupted.

"Hey, so this is where you two were hiding!" came Mr. Griffin's voice.

"Old Lincoln, I didn't expect you to be so bold, daring to steal Old Charles's girlfriend!" said another voice, also a young man about the same age as Henry Lincoln, a bit shorter, just as thin, but not at all weak—overflowing with energy, even his simple walk had a bit of a spring to it, like a monkey begging for food.

Miss Bennett had a vague impression of this "monkey," but couldn't recall his name. She stood up and laughed, "There are hidden talents here, Old Charles, you've really opened my eyes. I'm debating whether to keep going with you."

Mr. Griffin spread his hands in mock disappointment. "Miss Bennett, you really have a good eye, picking out the number one talent at our farm."

The couple flirted, while the person being talked about just sat there smiling.

As they got closer, Mr. Griffin gave Miss Bennett a kiss, leaned in to her ear, and said, "Can I have a word with Old Lincoln?"

"What for? Asking him to drop out of the competition?"

Mr. Griffin kissed her again. "I've got plenty of things to ask him for."

Miss Bennett knew this wasn't the time to dig deeper, so she laughed heartily and walked away. The "monkey" followed closely, telling some irreverent jokes, as if they'd known each other for ages.

Mr. Griffin watched Miss Bennett walk off, then sat down on the bench, close to Lu Beilin. "Everything's settled. Third Uncle agreed. You can join the organization."