Chapter 53: Gifting the Fish

After pausing briefly, she continued, “These past few months, you’ve also guided me through the work and looked out for me in every way, which allowed me to integrate into our village so quickly.

Not to mention you’ve taught me so much. I just want to express my gratitude, so please accept this gesture.”

Auntie Qiao looked at her husband, and the captain finally said, “Since it’s the child’s goodwill, we’ll accept it. We’ll help out more in the future.”

Though her husband had agreed, Auntie Qiao still said, “You can’t do this again in the future. It’s hard enough obtaining good food for yourself, you should supplement yourself first. Look how thin you are, all skin and bones.”

Luo Qiao smiled, “I understand. In any case, thank you for taking care of me during this period of time.”

“What is there to thank? You’re a villager here after settling down, so it’s only natural we support you,” Auntie Qiao said, then added, “Also, our village isn’t so formal – no need to be so polite and use honorifics with me.”

Luo Qiao smiled, “Alright, if you say so Auntie, I won’t be so polite going forward.”

Hearing Luo Qiao change her manner of address, Auntie Qiao laughed heartily, “That’s better!”

They found a basin, filled it with water, and released the fish inside – it was fortunate the basin was large enough for the three-plus pound fish. The family gathered around.

The captain’s two young grandchildren pointed at the basin excitedly, “Fish! Big fish!”

Surprised by its size, Auntie Qiao asked, “Luo Qiao, you caught this from the pond?”

“Yes, I went up the mountain after work and saw fish in the pond, so I caught a few,” Luo Qiao replied before crouching down to play with the children.

The captain and his wife exchanged a look. He followed up, “You went to that pond?”

“Yes, I saw fish there so I caught some. What’s wrong?” Luo Qiao asked.

“Don’t go there alone in the future. The pond may not look big, but it’s very deep. A few years ago, someone drowned trying to catch fish there,” the captain cautioned.

“The villagers don’t even let children play near that pond. I regret not reminding you earlier. Don’t risk going there to catch fish again.”

“I see, got it. Thank you for the reminder, Captain,” Luo Qiao said obligingly, though she had no intention of avoiding the pond – she needed those fish to earn money. But she appreciated their well-meaning advice.

After chatting briefly, Luo Qiao excused herself despite Auntie Qiao’s offer to walk her back. Only after she returned to the youth courtyard did the shadowy figure following her leave.

Once home, Luo Qiao tidied up, entered her space, and headed straight for the pool by the waterfall in the valley.

Satisfied at the sight of the fish, she pondered introducing shrimp, crab, and other fish fry to enrich the pond’s ecosystem. She had only recently grasped some of the space’s capabilities – the letter in the study did not fully document them. Mental intentions could complete all operations, simplifying many tasks.

With a thought, she harvested all the ripe aquatic produce into storage. She had previously experimented with using her aura to accelerate growth but failed, as her wood abilities seemed ineffective on the space’s flora, likely due to some restriction.