The next morning, Ashley woke to the cheerful chirping of birds. It had been the most peaceful night's sleep she had in a long time. The air on the farm was fresh and bright, a stark contrast to the heavy, stagnant atmosphere of the city.
She stood by the window, looking out over the fields. The morning mist hadn't lifted yet, and the distant mountains were bathed in a bluish hue, while the golden wheat swayed gently in the breeze. Everything seemed so perfect, so right. It made her more convinced that she had made the right choice.
"Ashley, are you up?" came her mother's voice from outside the door.
"Coming, Mom," Ashley answered, quickly washing up and heading downstairs.
Downstairs, Katherine had prepared a hearty breakfast—bacon, eggs, toast, and a cup of coffee. Ben was sitting at the table, his face buried in a set of financial documents.
"Good morning, little sis," Ben smiled at her, "I've gathered the financial information you requested."
"Thanks," Ashley sat down, picking up the documents and casually scanning the data. With her trained eye, she could tell that the Taylor family finances were healthy, but there were certainly growth challenges.
"Our main income sources are from agricultural sales and the direct sales store," Ben explained, "But over the past few months, the sales at the store have dropped by 30%, primarily due to competition from Walmart."
Ashley nodded, mentally calculating the situation. Walmart had the advantage of scale and standardization, but that also meant it lacked the personal touch and local appeal. This was where the small, traditional stores could make their move.
"We need to differentiate," she said, "We can't compete with Walmart on price, service, quality, or emotional connection."
Ben looked at her in surprise, "You really have a good business mind."
"We'll go into town today," Ashley decided, "I want to see the situation for myself."
"Good idea," Ben closed the ledger, "Today is market day, so we can check out the Chinese guy's factory as well."
A few hours later, Ashley and Ben arrived in town. It was a typical small American town, with various small shops lining the main street—hardware stores, clothing stores, cafés, and a small movie theater. The street was narrow but clean, with only a few pedestrians, most of whom were familiar faces.
"That's our direct sales store," Ben pointed to a shop at the corner, "And across from us is the new Walmart."
Ashley looked across the street. Walmart was indeed huge, with a parking lot full of cars. Meanwhile, their direct sales store seemed a little lifeless.
"Let's first visit the market," Ashley said, "Then we'll check out Mr. Chen's factory."
The market was set up in the town square, with various stalls selling farm products, handmade crafts, and everyday goods. Ashley observed carefully, analyzing consumer behavior and demands.
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the southeast corner of the square.
"Catch him! Thief!"
Ashley turned towards the noise. A young man was being chased by several people. He was tall, dressed simply in a white shirt and slacks. Despite his somewhat disheveled appearance, there was an undeniable elegance in the way he carried himself.
"I didn't steal anything!" the man's voice was cold and firm, with a slight accent. "Please, don't misunderstand!"
"Don't try to lie!" one of the vendors yelled, "I saw you steal my apples!"
As the crowd grew larger, the man was shoved around, but his face remained calm, almost unnervingly so. Ashley noticed that his hands were long and delicate, and his skin was fair—he didn't look like someone who did manual labor.
"Wait a second," Ashley walked over, "What's going on?"
"This homeless guy stole my apples!" the vendor pointed at the man, "And now he's pretending like nothing happened!"
Ashley looked at the man, his clear, steady gaze told her that he was not someone who would steal. Moreover, although his clothes were plain, they were clean, and he didn't have the scruffy appearance typical of someone down on their luck.
"Did you steal the apples?" Ashley asked the man directly.
He looked at her with a flash of surprise in his eyes, then shook his head, "No. I was just looking, I didn't take anything."
His voice was smooth and convincing, with an almost irresistible sincerity that made it hard not to believe him.
"Then why are you here?" Ashley pressed.
"I… I'm looking for a job," the man answered, his voice quiet and uncertain.
"A job?" the vendor sneered, "Someone like him can't work!"
Ashley frowned, "What do you mean, someone like him?"
"He's an amnesiac madman!" another bystander chimed in, "He showed up in town three days ago and doesn't remember anything, not even his name!"
Amnesia? Ashley's mind sparked with interest. She took a closer look at the man. Despite claiming to have amnesia, his movements, his demeanor, and his speech betrayed a certain nobility that didn't belong to someone ordinary.
"If there's no evidence that he stole anything," Ashley said, "We shouldn't treat him like this."
"But…" the vendor began to protest.
"How much are the apples?" Ashley cut him off.
"What?"
"How much for the apples? I'll buy them," she said, pulling out her wallet, "That way, everyone is happy."
The vendor looked at the money in her hand, and his attitude immediately softened, "Two dollars will do."
Ashley handed him five dollars, "Keep the change."
The crowd began to disperse, and the man stood still, as if unsure of what to do next.
"What's your name?" Ashley asked him.
"I… I don't remember," the man's voice was soft, "I only remember one name—Lucas. I don't know if it's really mine."
"Lucas?" Ashley repeated. "Alright, Lucas. Do you have somewhere to stay?"
Lucas shook his head, "No."
"So, where have you been staying these past few nights?"
"In the park," Lucas answered, making Ashley's heart tighten.
The nights in September were chilly. Sleeping in the park was hardly an ideal situation.
"Would you work for me?" Ashley asked, her tone casual.
Lucas looked at her in surprise, "Work? What kind of work?"
"I have a farm that needs help. Room and board are provided, the pay isn't much, but at least you won't have to sleep in the park anymore."
Ben stepped in, looking concerned. "Ashley, are you out of your mind? We know nothing about him!"
"It's fine," Ashley said, still focused on Lucas, "I trust my instincts. Will you?"
Lucas paused for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. Thank you."
"Then let's go," Ashley turned to Ben, "We'll head home first, and then we'll check out Mr. Chen another day."
"Are you sure about this?" Ben whispered, his voice full of concern.
"Absolutely," Ashley's voice was firm, "I have a feeling he could be useful."
As the three of them walked to the car, Lucas followed silently behind, moving with a lightness that almost made no sound. Ashley noticed that, although he claimed to have amnesia, his awareness of the surroundings was keen. His eyes reflected an unusual vigilance.
"How old are you?" Ashley asked him in the car.
"I… I'm not sure," Lucas looked at his hands. "Probably in my twenties."
"Do you have any skills?"
"I don't know," Lucas frowned, "But I feel… like I want a lot of things, I just can't remember what."
Ashley nodded thoughtfully. Her intuition told her that Lucas was far from ordinary. His mannerisms, his movements, even the way he spoke hinted at a background that didn't match his current circumstances.
And meeting him at this crucial moment could not have been a coincidence.
"We're here," Ben parked the car in front of the farm.
Lucas stepped out and stood still, gazing at the farm. Ashley noticed that his expression was complex, as if there was something familiar about the place that he couldn't quite grasp.
"What's wrong?" Ashley asked.
"Nothing," Lucas shook his head, "I just feel… this place is beautiful."
Katherine heard the car and came outside. When she saw Lucas, she was surprised.
"Who's this?" she asked.
"Mom, this is Lucas," Ashley introduced him, "He's going to help us around the farm."
Katherine, being a seasoned woman, immediately sensed that Lucas was no ordinary person.
"Thank you for helping, Lucas," she said warmly. "I'm Katherine Taylor."
"Thank you, Mrs. Taylor," Lucas replied with elegance. His mannerisms were refined, completely unlike a homeless man.
Jack walked out of the house and, upon seeing Lucas, furrowed his brow in suspicion. As a veteran, his instincts told him that Lucas had a unique aura about him.
"Are you a soldier?" Jack asked directly.
Lucas hesitated, "I… I don't remember."
"Your posture is perfect," Jack remarked, "And your eyes… they remind me of my old comrades."
Lucas instinctively straightened up, trying to appear more relaxed.
"Maybe," he said, "But I really don't remember."
Ashley watched the exchange, her belief in her instincts growing stronger. Lucas had a story, a big one.
"Well," she said, "Let's get settled first. Lucas, you can stay in a room tonight."
"Thank you," Lucas's voice was soft, but Ashley could hear a hint of gratitude.
That evening, the family gathered around the dinner table, and Lucas was invited to join them. Though he claimed to have amnesia, his table manners were impeccable, and it was clear he had been well-educated.
"Lucas, do you know anything about business?" Ashley suddenly asked.
Lucas looked up at her, thinking for a moment. "I… I'd like to know some things. But I can't remember the details."
"Like what?" she pressed.
"Like… market analysis, consumer behavior, supply chain management." Lucas's words caught everyone by surprise. "But I don't know how I know these things."
Ashley's eyes lit up with excitement. Her intuition had been right. This man was far from ordinary.
"Well, then tomorrow, you'll come with me to town," she said, "I need your help."
Lucas nodded. "Okay."
As the night grew late, everyone retired to their rooms to rest. Ashley lay in bed, her thoughts swirling. A mysterious man with amnesia had appeared just when she needed help most. This was no coincidence.
Moreover, the aura around him—something she couldn't quite put her finger on—reminded her of someone, though she couldn't tell who.
In the room next door, Lucas sat quietly by the window, gazing out at the night sky. The moonlight spilled over his face, casting shadows that deepened his features. He closed his eyes, trying hard to remember something. Some blurry images flashed through his mind: tall skyscrapers, luxurious offices, crowds of people in suits…
But everything was too hazy, as if he was looking through a fog.
The only thing that felt certain was that Ashley, the woman he had met today, was special. Her appearance, her aura, the strength in her voice—there was something so familiar yet foreign about her.
"Maybe… if I follow her, I can find the answers I'm looking for," Lucas whispered to himself.
He took a deep breath, stood up, and walked to the window, staring out at the peaceful farm. The wind was calm, carrying the fragrance of the fields. Everything seemed so quiet, but Ashley knew a storm was coming.
And Lucas—this mysterious man—would be her most important commander in the coming business battle.
What she didn't know was that his true identity would completely alter the course of her destiny.