Naura's Tears
28. Green Design
Adam had to work hard to find several people who owned land around Kenanga Lake. He had already obtained their data from the village officials he had met. He had written down all the lists and already knew their homes and residences. Adam even had all their phone numbers.
Adam wanted to quickly process the purchase of the land. Furthermore, the land around the lake was only covered with trees and coconut trees, and it seemed like the owners rarely visited it and simply left it there. Unfortunately, the beauty and clarity of Kenanga Lake were rarely known.
Only a few people owned land around the lake, and indeed, there were still many trees and thick grass. They had owned the land for generations, so they had inherited it entirely and were unsure what to use it for.
A good opportunity! Adam went to the house of a man named Wijaya. He owned the largest plot of land, 10 hectares, and his land was all in one block, located on the edge of the lake. Adam went to his house and asked permission to enter. His house was also ordinary, as the village official had explained, their land had been inherited for generations.
An elderly woman appeared. Her name was Mbah Sareah. Adam was invited in. In fact, Mbah Sareah knew Adam well as the man whose tears could heal the sick. Adam apologized, saying it was all because he couldn't face reality.
It turned out that the largest plot of land belonged to her husband. He had passed away. The land title was then transferred to Wijaya, their only son. Adam explained the purpose of his visit: he wanted to buy the land and improve the village and the Kenanga Lake area.
Upon hearing this, Mbah Sareah immediately agreed, as the land was unusable, or rather, unusable. Wijaya himself didn't live far from Mbah Sareah; he worked as a civil servant. Their house was only a single house, so Mbah Sareah told Adam to wait a moment, as he still had to discuss matters with Wijaya, the land's legal owner.
Adam waited a few minutes, and then Mbah Sareah arrived with Mr. Wijaya, who looked neatly dressed and looked around 50 years old. They introduced themselves and exchanged small talk for a moment.
Adam then reiterated the purpose of his visit to Mr. Wijaya. Mr. Wijaya nodded; he was an elementary school teacher, and when he explained Adam's good intentions, Wijaya immediately agreed. Adam was grateful, thank God, that Adam's price would follow the local market rate. Wijaya felt the same, as he felt he couldn't yet cultivate the garden.
Adam was relieved that one plot had been completed, and it was the largest plot of land around Kenanga Lake. Only a few people had land around it—about six others.
That day, Adam tried to get everything done. He didn't want to be half-hearted, as tomorrow was Sunday, and he would meet with Diandra again to discuss their future collaboration. Once the land had been cleared, the map would be ready, and he would fill in the area around the lake, creating a master plan for the business and its development.
Adam immediately went from house to house, everything already mapped out. He would take the largest plot first, then narrow down to the smaller ones. That afternoon, Adam successfully entered all the houses that owned land around Lake Kenanga. While there were obstacles, such as price, it was true that price was the primary issue. Some, seeing Adam's interest, immediately set a high price. However, Ada had learned how to respond to any situation. She said that if something was built, the landowner would be allowed to use it more easily, even for free.
It was a tempting proposition. A wise saying goes, "When negotiating business, don't threaten; offer benefits." Indeed, threats only embolden people and make them more challenged, but when it comes to benefits, they immediately light up and agree.
Deal! All seven houses we visited agreed to sell their land to Adam. After all, the plantations and grass were all very tall. Furthermore, when the land was demolished, Adam offered compensation in the form of felled timber, allowing them to take the timber for their own use.
Adam only needed land for the green design process he would soon be undertaking.
Later that evening, Adam sketched out a few sketches on a blank piece of paper. He drew a simple map of Lake Kenanga and all the surrounding land, orientated by its borders: the north, south, east, and west. Everything was clearly illustrated by Adam.
Tomorrow was all that was left to prepare: what suggestions Diandra would make to add to their mega-project.
Adam smiled, just a few steps away. He also jotted down any businesses he had in mind. Creative ideas emerged, from service-based businesses to refreshing ventures that would make people feel at home, specifically in the tourism industry.
As the night wore on, Adam decided to end his business for the night. He wanted to rest and recover. His mother had visited earlier, worried that Adam was overreacting, but he explained that he was strong enough now. She smiled, and they rested.
***
That afternoon, Diandra consulted with her brother, Elfan, about several businesses designed to serve the community and, of course, seek profit. Diandra visited her brother's house. Her two adorable nephews immediately greeted her.
They then proceeded to discuss Diandra's current venture. Elfan supported Diandra's endeavors, as she had previously been confined to her room. Now, she wanted to try, so he fully supported her.
As for results, that was a hope, and even if he failed, he wanted to see his sister's efforts and enthusiasm; that was enough. Elfan had gained extensive experience studying with his father, Hamid. Now, he was trying to become his sister's tutor, helping her realize Adam's dream, the man who had helped him rise from adversity.
First, Hamid wanted to know the conditions of the site where the mega-enterprise would be built. Diandra then talked about the land around Kenanga Lake. Diandra described Kenanga Lake as a beautiful place, one could even call it heaven when you were there and enjoyed the clear water.
Then there was the surrounding empty land, tall trees, bamboo thickets, and a few small palm trees and rubber trees. At least, Elfan had a good idea. He also suggested developing a business on a large plot of land in a semi-urban area.
Elfan gave a brief overview, suggesting a thorough mapping, especially considering the tourism potential. Of course, since Adam is known to be a devout believer, having graduated from an Islamic boarding school, he suggested a Sharia-compliant hotel, with no red-light districts, and avoidance of alcohol and other forms of partying.
Furthermore, there would be a semi-mall, a playground, and, of course, a fishing spot, thanks to the clear water. It would be easy for people to vacation, especially with the numerous fishing communities we now encounter. If the fishing spot is good and beautiful, anglers from everywhere would naturally flock.
Diandra paid close attention and even wrote down her brother's ideas.
In the midst of their chat, Elfan's wife, Fatimah, arrived with juice and snacks. Diandra teased her brother-in-law and thanked him for taking the trouble to provide them. Fatimah was also grateful to see Diandra so cheerful, as the story from before was familiar, and Fatimah understood it all too well.
They continued their conversation about business plans for the vast plot of land in the semi-urban area. Occasionally, Diandra's two nephews would join in and interrupt them, but they always ended up joking around. New ideas even emerged, as when business and tourism are combined, the focus of the promotion is inevitably children.
Playground!
Sure enough, it looked like a water bomb. There was also a playground, like a camping ground, with educational programs like English and other foreign languages, which surprised the crowds.
It's true what the saying goes: if you want someone else's money, seduce their child. Diandra learned a lot from her older brother. Her busy father had told her to learn directly from him, as it was the same thing. And, sure enough, Diandra learned a lot about business.
After a while, Diandra said goodbye, as her mother, Sarah, had asked her to go home. Elfan sent his regards to his father and mother, and Diandra agreed and left.
The next morning, Diandra had to board a plane to meet Adam again. The business they were about to start had to succeed, as this was a collaboration between two people who had just emerged from adversity and darkness.
Diandra was certain of that.