Rian stared at the final line in his notebook. Goal: Escape poverty without anyone discovering the secret. He tapped the end of his pen against the paper. Then he looked at the enormous basil plant occupying nearly half of his kitchen. Then at the antique trash can. Then at Jojo. Jojo was sitting on the counter, calmly washing one paw. “So,” Rian said. “So?” “We have a plan.” Jojo continued grooming himself. “We have the beginning of a plan.” “What's the difference?” “A plan has been tested. Ours currently consists of enthusiasm, a magical trash can, and a basil plant that nearly destroyed your apartment.” Rian looked toward the basil. “That thing is still growing.” “Yes.” “Slowly, though.” “Thankfully.” Rian sighed. The excitement he'd felt last night was still there, but now reality was beginning to settle in. They had discovered something extraordinary. But extraordinary didn't automatically mean profitable. He still had an overdue electricity bill. His refrigerator was nearly empty. His wallet contained barely enough money for a few meals. And the restoration liquid inside the antique trash can was slowly decreasing. If they wanted to turn this miracle into something useful, they needed to understand it first. More importantly, they needed to stop acting like idiots. Rian closed his notebook. “Okay.” Jojo glanced at him. “Okay?” “We start small.” Jojo's ears perked up. “That is surprisingly sensible.” “Don't sound so shocked.” “I have known you for a very long time.” “You've known me for years, not centuries.” “Long enough.” Rian ignored him. “The basil was an accident.” “A very large accident.” “So we're not doing that again.” “Excellent.” “We test the liquid on something smaller.” Jojo nodded. “Preferably something that won't attack the walls.” Rian looked toward the backyard. “Lettuce.” Jojo tilted his head. “Why lettuce?” “It's cheap. Easy to grow. People eat it. And I already have seeds.” Jojo considered this. “A reasonable first experiment.” Rian grabbed his old bag of lettuce seeds from the shed. The packet was dusty and slightly crumpled. He had bought it months ago. Back then, he had imagined growing vegetables to save money. He had planted them in a few pots. Most had died. He'd eventually given up. Now he held the same seeds in his hand. Funny how things changed. A few days ago, they had been worthless to him. Now they might be the beginning of his escape. Rian walked into the backyard. It was tiny. Calling it a garden was generous. There was a narrow patch of soil surrounded by cracked concrete, a dying hibiscus bush leaning against the fence, and weeds growing wherever they pleased. Jojo followed behind him. He looked around. “This is your agricultural empire?” Rian frowned. “It's a work in progress.” “It appears to be mostly concrete.” “Details.” Jojo sniffed a weed. “I have seen larger litter boxes.” Rian grabbed the rusty hoe. “Do you want to help or criticize?” “I am capable of doing both.” Rian swung the hoe. THUNK! The blade dug into the hard soil. He pulled up a clump of weeds. Another swing. Another. His new strength made the work surprisingly easy. A month ago, clearing this patch would have taken him an entire afternoon. Now he could tear stubborn roots out with his bare hands. Rian looked at his palms. He still hadn't gotten used to his new body. Everything felt lighter. Stronger. Faster. He wasn't sure whether the restoration liquid had merely healed him or actually improved him. That question could wait. Right now, he had vegetables to grow. After nearly an hour, the small patch was finally cleared. Rian wiped the sweat from his forehead. He looked at the soil. “Not bad.” Jojo sat beneath the shade of the fence. “It is uneven.” “It's fine.” “There are still weeds.” “I said it's fine.” “The soil is poor.” “Jojo.” “Yes?” “Sometimes you can just say ‘good job.’” Jojo thought about it. “Good job.” Rian smiled. “Thank you.” “It was painful.” The smile disappeared. “Never mind.” Rian loosened the soil with the hoe. Then he took out the lettuce seeds. He carefully made several shallow rows. Unlike the basil experiment, he wanted to do this properly. He didn't know how strong the restoration liquid was. He didn't know whether too much would cause another disaster. So this time, he would be careful. One experiment. One small patch. One small amount of liquid. That was it. Rian returned to the kitchen. The antique trash can was still glowing faintly. He opened the lid. The restoration liquid shimmered inside. There was much less than before. Rian's smile disappeared. “It's definitely going down.” Jojo jumped onto the counter and looked inside. “Yes.” “Do you think it will keep producing more?” “It appears to.” “But slower than before.” “Perhaps because there isn't enough organic material.” Rian nodded. That made sense. The liquid had originally been created from vegetable scraps, banana peels, coffee grounds, and other food waste. Maybe the trash can needed more. That would become their next problem. For now, though, he had enough for one experiment. Rian poured a small amount into an old watering can. The green liquid glowed faintly beneath the afternoon sunlight. He carried it outside. He knelt beside the freshly planted seeds. Jojo watched from the doorway. “Ready?” “Yes.” Rian hesitated. “What if it turns into another monster?” Jojo looked at the tiny patch of soil. “Then we will have a very aggressive salad.” Rian snorted. “That's not funny.” “I disagree.” Rian carefully poured. The green liquid soaked into the soil. It disappeared almost immediately. Rian waited. Nothing happened. He frowned. “That's it?” Jojo sat down. “Apparently.” Rian stared at the soil. “Maybe it didn't work.” “Patience.” “I'm not good at patience.” “I noticed.” Rian poked the soil. Nothing. He poked it again. Still nothing. “Maybe I used too little.” Jojo's eyes narrowed. “Do not pour more.” “Why?” “Because the last time you said that, we acquired a basil tree.” Rian lowered the watering can. “Fine.” They waited. Ten minutes. Nothing. Thirty minutes. Nothing. An hour. Still nothing. Eventually, Rian gave up. He sat on the back step. “Maybe the basil was a one-time thing.” Jojo curled up beside him. “Possibly.” “Or maybe the liquid only works on plants that are already alive.” “Also possible.” “Or maybe seeds aren't affected.” “Another possibility.” Rian sighed. “So many possibilities.” Jojo opened one eye. “Science.” “I hate science.” “You studied it in school.” “I hated it then too.” The sun slowly disappeared behind the rooftops. Rian went inside. He made himself a bowl of instant noodles. He sat at the tiny kitchen table. Jojo sat across from him. The two stared at each other. “You know,” Rian said, “if this doesn't work, we're still broke.” “Yes.” “And I still have that electricity bill.” “Yes.” “And we haven't figured out how to sell the basil.” “Yes.” Rian slurped his noodles. “You're really encouraging.” “I am being realistic.” Rian looked toward the backyard. “Tomorrow.” Jojo nodded. “Tomorrow.” That night, Rian barely slept. He kept waking up. Every time, he looked toward the backyard. Nothing. He eventually fell into a restless sleep just before dawn. Then— CRACK. Rian's eyes snapped open. He sat upright. “What was that?” Another sound. Rustle. Rian jumped out of bed. “Jojo?” The cat was already awake. He sat on the windowsill, staring outside. “Rian.” “What?” “Come here.” Something about Jojo's voice made Rian's heart race. He hurried to the window. Then froze. The backyard was glowing green. Not brightly. Not dangerously. But enough to illuminate the darkness. Tiny green shoots had emerged from the soil. Rian's mouth opened. “No way.” The shoots grew. Slowly at first. Then faster. Leaves unfolded. One. Two. Five. Ten. The tiny sprouts became seedlings. The seedlings became mature plants. Rian rushed outside. Jojo followed. Within minutes, the entire patch of soil had transformed. Rows of lettuce stood beneath the early morning sky. But they weren't normal lettuce. Each head was enormous. The leaves were thick, crisp, and perfectly formed. Some were nearly the size of dinner plates. Others were even larger. Dew covered their surfaces, sparkling beneath the first rays of sunlight. Rian stopped breathing for a moment. He looked at the garden. Then at Jojo. Then back at the garden. “We did it.” Jojo walked between the rows. He inspected one of the lettuce heads. “Indeed.” Rian crouched. He touched a leaf. Cool. Firm. Perfect. There wasn't a single insect bite. No discoloration. No rot. Nothing. Rian carefully pulled one head from the soil. It was heavier than expected. He nearly dropped it. “Whoa.” Jojo looked at him. “Careful.” “This thing weighs like a watermelon.” “An unusually leafy watermelon.” Rian laughed. He lifted the lettuce above his head. “We're rich!” Jojo's tail flicked. “Not yet.” Rian lowered it. “Why do you always ruin the moment?” “Because someone has to.” Rian stared at the giant lettuce. Then his expression softened. “Still...” He smiled. “This is real.” The words came out quietly. For years, Rian had lived from one payment to another. Every month had been a calculation. Rent. Electricity. Food. Transportation. Debt. There had never been enough. Whenever he thought he was finally getting ahead, something happened. A broken phone. A medical bill. A higher rent. A lost job. Another debt. He had learned not to hope too much. Hope was dangerous when you couldn't afford disappointment. But now... He was standing in front of a garden that had been empty yesterday. And it was full today. His eyes became slightly wet. “Jojo.” “Yes?” “I think this is the first time I've actually felt like things might get better.” Jojo was silent for a moment. Then he gently rubbed his head against Rian's leg. “Then don't waste the opportunity.” Rian smiled. “Yeah.” He stood up. “Let's make some money.” Jojo immediately returned to his usual expression. “Much better.” “Why?” “Your emotional speech was becoming uncomfortable.” Rian laughed. “Idiot cat.” “Business partner.” “Same thing.” They began harvesting. Rian quickly realized another problem. The lettuce was enormous. One basket wasn't enough. He brought out an old laundry basket. Then another. Then a cardboard box. Soon all three were full. Rian stood in the middle of the backyard. “That's a lot of lettuce.” Jojo nodded. “For a small garden, yes.” “How much do you think it's worth?” “That depends on quality, demand, and your sales strategy.” Rian scratched his chin. “I don't know anything about selling vegetables.” “Then don't pretend to be a businessman.” “I'm learning.” “Slowly.” Rian ignored him. He washed one lettuce head. Then another. He cut a small piece. He tasted it. His eyes widened. It was crisp. Sweet. Fresh. There was almost no bitterness. He ate another piece. Then another. Jojo watched. “Well?” Rian nodded slowly. “This is incredible.” “Give me some.” “You eat vegetables?” “I am a sophisticated cat.” “You ate my crackers yesterday.” “A sophisticated cat can enjoy crackers.” Rian tore off a small piece and placed it in front of Jojo. Jojo sniffed it. Then took a bite. He paused. His eyes widened slightly. “This is...” “Good?” “Acceptable.” Rian laughed. “You're terrible at compliments.” “I said it was acceptable.” “You just ate the whole piece!” Jojo quickly swallowed. “I was verifying my assessment.” Rian shook his head. Then he became serious. “Okay.” He looked at the baskets. “We need to sell this today.” “Agreed.” “Where?” “Start with the neighborhood.” Rian looked toward the houses around them. Mrs. Wijoyo's house was two doors away. She was well known for her garden. If anyone appreciated fresh vegetables, it would probably be her. But there was a problem. Rian couldn't exactly walk up to her door carrying a giant lettuce and say: Hello, I grew this overnight with magical garbage juice. That would attract questions. Too many questions. So they needed a story. Rian thought for a moment. “Local organic gardening.” Jojo nodded. “Plausible.” “Small home garden.” “Also plausible.” “Natural fertilizer.” “Better.” Rian glanced toward the trash can. “Very natural.” Jojo stared at him. “Do not over-explain.” “Right.” Rian carefully placed several lettuce heads into a clean plastic bag. He took a deep breath. “Okay.” Jojo looked at him. “Go.” Rian opened the front door. He walked toward the nearest house. He barely made it three steps. A voice called from behind him. “Rian?” He froze. He slowly turned around. Mrs. Wijoyo stood at her gate. She was holding a dying orchid in one hand. Her eyes were fixed on the enormous lettuce in Rian's arms. Then she looked past him. Toward his backyard. Her expression changed. “What... exactly are you growing back there?” Rian swallowed. “Vegetables?” Mrs. Wijoyo narrowed her eyes. “Vegetables?” “Yes.” “Those?” Rian looked at the lettuce. “Yes.” She walked closer. She examined the enormous leaves. She touched one. Then she looked at Rian. “Where did you buy these?” “I didn't.” “Then where did you get them?” Rian's brain raced. He couldn't tell her the truth. He couldn't say the restoration liquid had transformed ordinary lettuce seeds overnight. He needed a believable answer. Fast. “Natural fertilizer.” Mrs. Wijoyo stared at him. “Natural fertilizer?” Rian nodded. “Very... natural.” Jojo, sitting inside the doorway, quietly covered his face with one paw. Mrs. Wijoyo looked suspicious. Then she looked at the lettuce again. Her expression changed. This time, there was something else in her eyes. Interest. “How much?” Rian blinked. “What?” “How much for one?” Rian looked at Jojo. Jojo slowly nodded. Rian's heart began pounding. This was it. Their first customer. He swallowed. “Thirty thousand rupiah.” Jojo's eyes widened. Rian had no idea whether that price was too high or too low. Mrs. Wijoyo didn't seem to care. She immediately pulled several crisp bills from her purse. “I'll take two.” Rian stared at the money. Two giant heads of lettuce. Sixty thousand rupiah. Just like that. His first sale. His hands trembled slightly as he handed her the vegetables. Mrs. Wijoyo took them. Then she looked at him again. “If these really taste as good as they look, I'll buy more tomorrow.” Rian forced a smile. “Of course.” Mrs. Wijoyo turned away. Then stopped. “And Rian?” “Yes?” She pointed toward his backyard. “Whatever fertilizer you're using...” Her eyes narrowed. “Keep using it.” She walked away. Rian stood frozen. The bills were still in his hand. Sixty thousand rupiah. His first money earned from the miracle. Jojo walked over. He looked at the money. Then at Rian. “Well?” Rian slowly smiled. “We made our first sale.” Jojo nodded. “Correct.” Rian looked at the empty basket. Then toward the backyard. Then at the antique trash can visible through the open door. His mind immediately began calculating. If one tiny patch could produce this much lettuce... What could a larger piece of land produce? And if the restoration liquid could be created from food waste... Then their raw material was essentially free. But before they dreamed about farms, greenhouses, and millions of rupiah, Rian knew they needed to take one step at a time. First, sell the rest of the lettuce. Second, find more organic waste. Third, test other crops. Fourth, save enough money to rent a larger piece of land. And most importantly— Keep the trash can secret. Rian looked at Jojo. “We're not telling anyone.” Jojo nodded. “Agreed.” “Not about the liquid.” “Obviously.” “Not about the trash can.” “Obviously.” “Not about you talking.” Jojo paused. “That one may be difficult.” Rian frowned. “Why?” Jojo looked toward Mrs. Wijoyo's house. “Because you have a habit of talking to yourself.” Rian's face went blank. “...That's true.” Jojo smirked. “Then we should establish another rule.” “What?” “Never argue with me in front of strangers.” Rian laughed. “Deal.” The two returned inside. Neither noticed Mrs. Wijoyo watching them from across the street. She glanced down at the enormous lettuce in her hands. Then toward Rian's house. Her expression was thoughtful. She had lived in the neighborhood for decades. She knew exactly how poor Rian had been. She also knew that the small patch of land behind his house had been practically dead for years. Yet overnight... Something had changed. The lettuce was far too large. Far too healthy. And far too fresh. Mrs. Wijoyo narrowed her eyes. “This boy...” She looked at the vegetable again. “I wonder what he's hiding.” Inside the house, Rian was already counting his first earnings. Sixty thousand rupiah. It wasn't much. Not compared to his overdue electricity bill. Not compared to his debts. Not compared to the life he dreamed of. But it was the first money he'd earned from something that belonged entirely to him. He held the bills tightly. Then smiled. “Jojo.” “Yes?” “We're really going to do this.” Jojo climbed onto the counter. “Yes.” Rian looked at the antique trash can. The green liquid inside glowed faintly. Tomorrow, they would collect more organic waste. Then they would make more restoration liquid. Then they would grow more crops. Slowly. Carefully. Quietly. And if everything went according to plan... This tiny backyard would be the first step toward something much bigger. But neither Rian nor Jojo knew that their first sale had already attracted someone's attention. And Mrs. Wijoyo was only the beginning.

Chapter 4: The First Harvest