Hollywood Immortal Chapter 313 314: Herbal Farming

[Chapter 314: Herbal Farming]

After signing the landscaping deal, Linton popped open a bottle of champagne at the Charity Foundation office to celebrate.

Jas van Sweden, Topher Delaney, and Miguel Herrera, the labor manager from South Columbia, joined the small celebration with wide smiles. They had just closed a $15 million design contract with Linton's foundation -- transforming 200 acres of land into a botanical park, sculpture trail, and outdoor public space.

"This is going to be sothing special," Jas said, raising his glass. "Two hundred acres of creative freedom? Can't wait."

Topher nodded. "This will be the benchmark for eco-design in the state."

"I'll be holding you both to that," Linton laughed.

"We're already mapping things out," Topher said. "Native plants, winding trails, water features, open-air seating... the works."

Miguel, anwhile, was already thinking ahead. He knew Linton's foundation had funded roads, schools and clinics in Popayán, and that his aunt Kelly had personally overseen several of the charity's projects in the Cauca region. The current job was a good opportunity -- but Miguel saw potential for much more.

"Mr. Linton, your commitnt to real impact -- it's rare. It ans a lot."

Linton gave him a half-smile. "Glad to hear it. But flattery doesn't get the job done."

"Of course," Miguel said quickly. "Just letting you know -- if you're ever thinking about expanding your outreach in South Columbia, I've got contacts. Good people. Education, farming, small infrastructure. I'd be happy to set sothing up."

Linton was intrigued. He'd always wanted to visit the area and now that his ability had reached the Celestial Presence stage and his Hollywood schedule was finally under control, he was ready.

"I might take you up on that," Linton said. "Thinking of heading down there next sumr. I want to visit so of the places our crew cos from. Maybe scout so land, look into long-term investnts."

Miguel lit up. "Say the word and I'll line up a proper tour. No tourist nonsense -- real local stuff, not the tourist traps."

"We'll talk again in a few months."

Then Linton shifted topics. "Quick question. You ever co across any traditional herbs from your region with dicinal value?"

Miguel nodded. "Plenty. You an stuff like suma root, guayusa, boldo, calaguala?"

"Exactly." Linton pulled out a layout of his estate. "I'm thinking of setting aside 45 acres for herbal dicine and tea cultivation. I'd like your help identifying the best varieties and finding reliable sources for seeds or starter plants."

Jas chid in. "Linton, your land's elevation and soil match up closely with mid-range zones around Popayán. Suma root would be a great fit -- resilient, marketable, and culturally tied to the region. For teas, you might consider a Cauca Highlands blend: yerba buena, wild chamomile, guaviduca -- easy to grow, flavorful, and marketable."

Linton nodded. "What about boldo, chuchuhuasi, or sangre de drago?"

"They're trickier," Jas said. "Chuchuhuasi needs hot, dense rainforest climates -- yours is too temperate. Boldo grows in dry, rocky hills, not great for yield. And sangre de drago needs shady jungle canopy. You'll be fighting nature."

Linton turned to Miguel. "Can you get pricing on the suma root and that Cauca tea blend?"

Miguel waved to his assistant. A few phone calls later, the numbers ca in: suma root seeds ran 220,000 pesos per acre, the herbal tea blend about 130,000 pesos per acre.

For 45 acres of suma root and five acres of herbal tea, the total ca to 10.35 million pesos -- around $7,000 USD.

Miguel scratched his chin. "I've got people back ho who can handle the sourcing and shipping. Export's not easy, but if you've got the right permits, it can be done."

"I'll take care of permits," Linton said. "What I need is soone trustworthy to manage the quality and shipnt."

Miguel nodded. "Give a few days. I'll line it up."

"Good. Now let's talk labor. What would it take to staff 45 acres of suma root?"

"With the right equipnt? About one skilled suma grower per five acres -- so nine total."

"And for the five-acre tea field?"

"One expert to run it, plus a few temp workers during harvest. Tea's easier to manage."

"Alright. Help recruit nine suma farrs and one herbal tea expert. Ages 25 to 40, reliable and experienced. I'll offer $50K a year, plus housing, als, and a paid trip ho once a year."

Miguel raised his eyebrows slightly. "That's more than generous. I know several people who'd jump at the chance. I'll handpick the best."

"Let's get it done," Linton said, offering a firm handshake.

Miguel took it, his voice confident. "Leave it to . After New Year's, I'll personally bring over ten of the best farrs from Cauca. You won't be disappointed."

*****

spatreon/Sayonara816.