88: An Overseas Student Inherits a Bankrupt Australian Ranch from the Start

[1980s] [Australian Cattle Station] [International Student] [Grow Rich Raising Cattle] [Protect the Herd and Survive] [Hardcore Farming] [Data-Driven Face-Slapping]

In 1988, Gu Chuan, an international student in animal husbandry at an agricultural university, suddenly has his scholarship revoked. His visa has only ninety days left.

To avoid deportation, he has no choice but to take a job as a lowly temporary stockman at Red River Station, the most remote cattle station in Queensland.

The old manager Hank sneers, "Chinese students only know how to write papers. They can't even tell when a cow is in heat or has diarrhea!"

Gu Chuan doesn't argue.

When drought leaves them short of water, he repairs pumps, digs reservoirs, and calculates how much water the herd needs. When wild boars break the water lines, he tracks them in forty-degree heat. When saltwater crocodiles take over a watering hole, he doesn't act recklessly. He joins forces with the rangers to set traps and relocate the crocodiles, saving hundreds of dying cattle.

When Hank secretly sells calves, forges ear tags, and tries to pin the losses on Gu Chuan, Gu Chuan brings out stack after stack of handwritten records.

"Twenty-three head of cattle are missing?"

"Then explain why those same twenty-three cattle are wearing Red River Station ear tags at the neighboring ranch."

From a Chinese student whose visa is about to expire to a ranch partner, owner of a cattle-breeding farm, and key member of a regional ranching alliance.

Gu Chuan never relied on a System.

He relied on an ear-tag ledger, an eye for livestock, and a heart that refused to give up.