Chapter 94: Chapter 094: Fishing
Translator: 549690339
Well then… deal.
If it’s not necessary, so be it. Now that she had accepted orders from the county town, the tofu workshop needed to expand its operations and increase production. In this way, acquiring hard work points will likely be easier.
Just waiting a few more days wouldn’t be a problem.
This period was just as good as any to sort out the orders from the county town, and she also had other ideas for the town, all these required time.
Just remember to remind her to redeem it when there were enough hard work points.
[Alright, host, no problem, host.]
Xiaowu readily agreed.
Zhuang Qingning didn’t say much after that, and just cleaned the bowls and chopsticks, then went back to the room to get some rest.
At this moment, a boat was drifting on Cuiwei Lake.
The sun was intense, but the light breeze brought a faint mist from the lake that dissipated any dryness, creating a very comfortable atmosphere.
A small stove was burning on the boat, where tea was simmering over charcoal. The subtle bubbling sounds from the teapot were accompanied by the rising tendrils of tea aroma.
Two people on the boat were sitting at the bow, each holding a fishing rod, focusing on the tranquil surface of the lake.
Especially Chu Jinzhou, he hardly dared to breathe, not even blinking as he stared intently at his rod.
Meanwhile, Chu Jinnian was much more at ease. Sitting cross-legged, he supported his chin with one hand while yawning from time to time, looking relaxed.
Suddenly, the fishing rod next to Chu Jinnian twitched. His eyes darkened, he reached out to pick up the rod, and he gently lifted it.
A decently-sized carp jumped out of the lake and landed safely inside the boat.
Ning Feng was thrilled and hurried to unhook the carp’s mouth, then he re-baited and Chu Jinnian casually casted the hook back into the water.
“Master Chu’s luck is indeed abundant today, within a short time he has caught four or five…” Only as he glanced up to see Chu Jinzhou’s disappointed face could Ning Feng not finish his sentence.
Oops, why did he bring that up.
Although Chu Jinnian had good luck, Chu Jinzhou hadn’t caught a single fish yet. For him to go on boasting was just rubbing salt into Chu Jinzhou’s wound.
“Third Young Master, don’t get anxious. It’s likely that the big fish are coming up later. In my opinion, you will surely catch the biggest fish in a while…”
“I wish so.” Chu Jinzhou didn’t feel too encouraged by Ning Feng’s comfort. On the contrary, he sighed more deeply, furrowed his eyebrows, and looked at the fishing rod in front of him.
What’s wrong with these fish? Why don’t they bite his hook?
The fishing rods and bait are the same, aren’t they?
Why can’t he succeed…?
Maybe he’s not attractive to the fish?
With that in mind, Chu Jinzhou picked up his rod, lifted it a little, scrutinized the bait, and looked at Chu Jinnian for a while. He then decided to take his rod and go to the stern of the boat.
“You want to separate from your older brother?” Chu Jinnian laughed, his handsome eyes squinting into thin lines.
“Big brother’s luck is too good, I can’t beat him here. I’ll just move to the stern,” said Chu Jinzhou. “Brother, just wait for a moment. I’ll catch more fish at a different spot!”
“That’s terrific. We’ll have a fish feast tonight then.” Chu Jinnian didn’t lose his smile as he watched Chu Jinzhou move. His eyes, however, glanced over the water.
It took so much effort to get Chu Jinzhou to come fishing on the lake with him so he could spend more time with him and make him happy. But these fish were constantly biting his hook and ignoring Chu Jinzhou’s, which was really upsetting.
Just as he was pondering, the fishing rod shook again. Chu Jinnian lifted the rod, revealing another carp larger than the last.
Chu Jinnian thought for a moment, took the fish out from the hook, and unceremoniously threw it back into the water.
The fish “plopped” into the water, quickly disappeared, and gained freedom.
“Eldest Young Master, since your childhood, your luck in fishing has always been extraordinary, it’s not something that one can control…” Ning Feng muttered under his breath.
Chu Jinnian glanced at him.
What he said was indeed the truth. Since the time he began fishing, he had never been faced with the situation of not being able to catch a fish for a long time. Perhaps the fish took a particular liking to him?
If he had known, he would have given up the idea of fishing in the lake. Going sightseeing or hiking would equally be nice.
Chu Jinnian’s eyelids slightly drooped a little: “What about the matter I asked you to handle?”
He couldn’t stay here for long and must head back, the situation here should be peaceful and seamless. There should not be any violent waves disrupting this tranquil boat.
“Everything in the courtyard has been thoroughly cleaned up, and anyone who was remotely suspicious has been dismissed. You don’t need to worry, Eldest Young Master.”
Ning Feng continued, “As for Miss Zhuang who seemed suspicious earlier, I had her thoroughly investigated.”
“This Miss Zhuang, named Zhuang Qingning, lost her parents a few years ago. She was taken in by her eldest uncle along with her younger sister, and was treated harshly. Recently, Zhuang Qingning fell ill. After she recovered, she asked the village chief to set up a separate household for her. Since then, she has been grinding tofu for a living.”
“Her past looks clean. She hasn’t had contact with any suspicious individuals. Based on what the villagers said, she is an honest and simple kid who, despite her past hardships and hunger, has never stolen a thing. It seems Miss Zhuang is just a kind-hearted soul who asks for nothing in return.”
“That’s good.”
Chu Jinnian nodded in affirmation, and didn’t bother to ask further.
The most important thing was there was no hidden danger around Chu Jinzhou; the rest did not matter to him.
But this Zhuang Qingning…
Surely a rare breed.
Somehow, Chu Jinnian recalled the frail girl he saw in town and the determined expression on her face when she tossed the copper coins into the air.
Quite interesting.
Chu Jinzhou rubbed his chin.
“Big brother, big brother, come quick…” Chu Jinzhou suddenly shouted from the stern. “A fish bit onto the hook, it’s so big, I can’t pull it up, big brother, please help me.”
“I’m coming.” Chu Jinnian quickly strode over to see Chu Jinzhou’s small frame struggling with the fishing rod. The fishing line was taut, as though it might snap at any moment.
It seems it indeed is a big fish.
Chu Jinnian walked to him and reached out to lift the rod.
Heavy-was Chu Jinnian’s first reaction.
Even when he used all his strength, he couldn’t pull it up. But, if he loosened his grip, he could feel the weight sinking a little.
This weight was undoubtedly exceeding that of a fish. Through the lake water, he could vaguely make out the silhouette of this “big fish.”
Chu Jinnian’s heart sank along with the fishing line.
“Big brother, is the fish really big!” Chu Jinzhou asked, sounding jubilant. He leaned over to look into the water.
“Take the Third Young Master back to the boat.”
Chu Jinnian raised his arm to block Chu Jinzhou’s view and turned his head to order Ning Feng. His voice was deep, carrying a subtle hint of coldness.
Clearly, the situation wasn’t good.
Ning Feng understood, answered “yes”, and immediately picked up Chu Jinzhou, taking him back to the cabin..
