"I get it, I get it. I promise to read it discreetly and not share it with anyone."
Buyu Raimei thumped his chest in assurance. "Believe me, back when I was a wandering ronin, I wasn't just idling around. I've got plenty of experience with keeping things under wraps."
"That's what I like to hear."
Xingqiu nodded in satisfaction. "It's all yours, then. If you come across anything that feels a bit off in the story, mark it for me. I'll see if there's room for improvement."
"Absolutely. No problem at all."
The two shook hands with exaggerated enthusiasm, a bond forged in mutual interests—or, perhaps, shared mischief.
---
Ten days later, Gu Sanqiu pushed open his front door, full of energy.
Anyone would feel invigorated after spending ten days alternating between cultivation and sleep, with no distractions in between.
"Well then, what should I do first?"
He stopped by Wanmin Restaurant and bought some of Xiangling's new specialty dishes: "Extra-Spicy Boiled Fish and Fowl Combo with Mora Meat Patties." After politely commenting that the price might not quite match the dish's value, he wandered off to the harbor to watch Uncle Tian fish.
"Hey, old man, are you even trying? It's been over half an hour, and the float hasn't moved. Want me to take over?"
Uncle Tian, clearly annoyed, grabbed a handful of bait and chucked it at Gu Sanqiu. "You brat, stop jabbering! If it weren't for your constant chatter, I would've caught a fish by now!"
"Tch. You think this is a creek? And at a harbor, you're blaming my voice for scaring the fish?"
With a flick of his wrist, Gu Sanqiu caught the thrown bait midair and cast it into the water with pinpoint precision.
"Let's face it—you're drawing blanks. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"Fishing isn't about 'drawing blanks!'" Uncle Tian growled.
"Got it. So, this is officially called legal wild fish feeding. You're such a compassionate man, Uncle Tian. Ever thought about shaving your head and becoming a monk?"
"Why are you even here?!"
Gu Sanqiu spread his hands. "I don't know what to do, so I'm just wandering around."
"Then come help me fish!"
Uncle Tian smacked Gu Sanqiu lightly on the head. "There's a spare rod over there—use it!"
"Are your rods even any good?"
"Of course, they're good!"
Gu Sanqiu gave him a sidelong glance. "You didn't use to get this worked up about fishing. What's going on today? Feeling competitive?"
Uncle Tian coughed awkwardly and took a puff from his pipe.
"Sanqiu, have I ever asked you for a favor before?"
"No, can't say you have."
"Then—"
Gu Sanqiu interrupted, tossing more bait into the water. "Whatever you're about to ask, I'm going to refuse."
"Is this how you treat your elders?!"
"Look, when someone like you—an old hand in official circles—starts a conversation like this, it's bound to be trouble."
"Tch, brat. You've got no charm anymore."
Uncle Tian grumbled under his breath. "Back during that Sanxuan Guild incident, if I hadn't stood firmly with Yuheng and Tianquan, you'd have been neck-deep in trouble."
"What? I only dealt with people who were guilty. Why would anyone give me grief over that?"
"Well," Uncle Tian sighed, "you did go overboard. The original plan was to lock you up at Yuehai Pavilion for some introspection and desk work."
Gu Sanqiu's eye twitched. "I'm pretty sure that idea came from my sister. Since when is office work considered a form of self-cultivation?"
"Details, details." Uncle Tian waved dismissively.
"What matters is that I backed you up back then. So now, when I ask for a favor, you can't turn me down!"
"Oh, come on. The Sanxuan Guild's assets went straight to my sister and Keqing. That was your 'reward' for helping me out. Fair's fair."
Uncle Tian snorted. "If those two managed to snag the spoils, that just means they're competent. Blame yourself for not getting any."
He leaned in with a sly grin. "But if you don't help me out today, I'll see to it that you're assigned to Yuehai Pavilion first thing tomorrow morning!"
"I hear Ganyu's workload is overwhelming these days. As a Vision holder, I'm sure you could handle a good chunk of it."
"You win, old man."
Gu Sanqiu set down his rod and cracked his knuckles. "Alright, who do you want me to kill?"
Uncle Tian nearly dropped his rod. "Why does your mind go straight there?!"
"Wait, isn't it?"
"Of course not, you idiot!"
Uncle Tian pulled Gu Sanqiu into a headlock, pushing him down slightly.
"Do I look like the type to order hits in broad daylight?"
"Should I ask you about it tonight, then?"
Uncle Tian took a deep breath, clearly struggling to maintain composure.
"Forget it. No point beating around the bush. You know how you've been giving me food lately? Got any on you now?"
"That's it?"
Gu Sanqiu blinked. "You hyped it up so much, and it's something this small?"
"If that's all you want, I could deliver it by the ton!"
"Not exactly. I mean bait. I was hoping to use it for fishing."
Uncle Tian coughed lightly. "Huixin has a rare day off today and is coming home for dinner. I thought I'd catch a big fish and show off a little. You know, whip up a feast for my girl."
He sighed wistfully. "I miss the old days of fishing to earn a living—felt like I had endless energy back then. Now I just fish to reminisce."
He released Gu Sanqiu and added, "Lately, though, the fish haven't been biting. I figured I'd try switching up the bait. If I use what you gave me, I might attract something big from Yunlai Sea."
Clearing his throat, Uncle Tian glanced at Gu Sanqiu. "So, if I do hook something massive, I'll need your help to pull it in."
"No problem, Uncle Tian. If Huixin asks, I'll swear it was all your doing—no doubt about it!"
Uncle Tian patted him on the shoulder. "Good lad. I knew you'd come through."
Gu Sanqiu swapped out the bait and teased, "Honestly, if you're that set on impressing her, I could just dive in and hook a big one onto your line myself. Save everyone the hassle."
"Not the same," Uncle Tian replied with a chuckle. "Besides, I want to enjoy the thrill of reeling in a big catch—been too long since I felt that rush."
"So, showing off to Huixin is just a bonus, huh?"
Gu Sanqiu smirked as he cast his line. "Alright, get ready for that thrill, old man."
---
By noon, Uncle Tian was practically glowing as he carried home the catch of the day—a massive fish the local anglers' club dubbed the biggest in three years. Gu Sanqiu followed, yawning and clearly unimpressed.
"Tonight, Huixin will get to taste my cooking," Uncle Tian declared proudly. "I'm not just some idle old man who fishes all day, you know!"
He paused, then looked at Gu Sanqiu with a twinkle in his eye.
"Well done, kid. If you and Huixin weren't so far apart in age, I'd consider setting you two up!"
Gu Sanqiu rolled his eyes. "Please, spare me your matchmaking instincts."
"Still," Uncle Tian mused, "you're at the age to settle down. Maybe I should bring this up with Tianquan Star. These things are best handled young—don't want you turning out like Huixin, making her parents worry."
What?!
Gu Sanqiu raised his hands in exasperation and made a swift exit. I help you out, and now you're plotting to bury me in marriage talks?!