Chapter 33: I Will Write to You

"Comrade Old Zhou, if you can't catch any fish, are you really going to go buy them at the market?"

Zhou Yan pursed his lips. Looking at the fidgety Comrade Old Zhou, asking him to lie was proving to be a bit difficult.

"These are really good; these crucian carp would be delicious braised in red sauce." Zhao Tieying picked up a crucian carp and nodded repeatedly. Looking at Zhou Miao, she said, "Then you should go fishing whenever you have free time. I love eating fish, and Momo loves it too. Our family can eat fish more often from now on."

"This... well..." Zhou Miao froze, hesitating to speak.

Zhou Yan was holding it in so hard he nearly burst out laughing.

It was obvious that Comrade Old Zhou's "secret stash" was running low on supplies. If he truly had to buy two fish to bring home every day, it would be a real struggle for him.

Zhou Yan contemplated secretly slipping him some private cash.

Young Comrade Zhou had received plenty of financial help from Old Zhou in the past.

【Ding! Side Quest Triggered: Original Investment in Food Supplier. The "Air Force" (failed fisherman) needs understanding and support. Provide financial assistance to Zhou Miao to support his passion!】

【Quest Reward: Agastache Crucian Carp Recipe】

【Accept: Yes/No】

The system task suddenly popped up.

*Alright, alright, the system is certainly brave, daring to act as an investor for a failed fisherman.*

But of course, he had to accept such a good task.

He might even get to eat Agastache Crucian Carp tonight.

"Dad, you should slaughter these two crucian carp and the eels. You're the expert at this; let's cook them for dinner tonight," Zhou Yan interjected, helping Comrade Old Zhou out of the awkward situation.

"Will do," Zhou Miao responded, carrying the crucian carp to the side.

Zhou Yan then said to Zhao Tieying, "Mom, go pick some agastache leaves. How about we have agastache crucian carp tonight?"

"Sounds good! Agastache crucian carp is delicious," Zhao Tieying said, heading out in the opposite direction.

Zhou Yan picked up the small bucket for the eels and followed Comrade Old Zhou.

"Skinning eels requires a bit of technique. Do you want to learn?" Zhou Miao tossed the crucian carp into the bucket and grabbed an eel.

The slippery eel was clamped between his two fingers; no matter how it wriggled, it couldn't escape.

"Sure, there's no harm in learning more skills," Zhou Yan nodded with a smile. "In a couple of days, I'll learn fishing from you. Those fish look delicious."

Comrade Old Zhou paused, glanced in the direction Zhao Tieying had gone, and mused, "Fish aren't that easy to catch. I just got lucky today; it's not like it happens every day."

"If you want fish to come ashore, you have to trade grain for them," Zhou Yan smiled as he pulled out a ten-yuan note and stuffed it into Zhou Miao's pocket.

"What?" Zhou Miao felt his pocket and looked up in confusion. "Why are you giving me so much money?"

"Dad, do you think I don't know your level?" Zhou Yan said with a grin. "Today I sold one hundred and sixty bowls of noodles and one hundred bowls of Qiaojiao Beef. This is my personal subsidy for you to go to the market. That way, you can hold your head high in front of Mom in the future."

Zhou Miao's old face flushed red. He hadn't expected Zhou Yan to notice. He cleared his throat twice and said, "It's... it's just that a big one got away, otherwise I wouldn't have had to buy them."

"Mm, I believe you'll definitely catch one next time. It must be an issue with the hook, the line, or the rod. When you have time, go to town and get some good gear," Zhou Yan nodded smilingly. "I really support this hobby of yours. After all, you'll be fishing when you're old; starting now will save you decades of trial and error."

Comrade Old Zhou didn't gamble or drink; what was wrong with liking to fish?

Moreover, he only went fishing after finishing his chores and arranging everything at home, no more than four times a month.

"What gear? A sewing needle can be bent into a hook, duck feathers can be floats, and if you dig up a few earthworms and use a bamboo pole, it's the same thing. Keep the money you earn safe and pay off your debts outside first," Zhou Miao shook his head, pulling the money out to hand it back to Zhou Yan.

"Keep it. Otherwise, I'll tell Mom that your fish were bought," Zhou Yan took a step back and said with a smile, "Don't worry, I can pay back the borrowed money in two months, including that five hundred yuan you guys owe."

"This is your private spending money. I won't tell Mom. It's a secret between men."

Clutching the ten-yuan note, Zhou Miao looked at Zhou Yan with a complex expression and mood. After a moment, he finally nodded. "Fine, then I'll save this money for buying fish."

"Then skin the eels. I want to learn some technique," Zhou Yan said, watching him.

"Skinning eels is simple. Just follow this mnemonic," Comrade Old Zhou grabbed an eel and pressed it onto a wooden board. He hammered a nail into the board, took out a small knife, and began reciting: "One eel with a yellow belly, head sharp and tail long; one nail in the head, a small knife sends you to see the King of Hell..."

With a few quick strokes, five eels were finished.

Zhou Yan understood the process, but he certainly couldn't do it that smoothly.

Comrade Old Zhou's knife work was too steady; Zhou Yan conceded defeat.

"Brother! Papa!" Zhou Momo's voice rang out.

Zhou Yan turned around to see Zhou Momo running toward them, clutching a doll, with Xia Yao following behind her.

"Look! Sister Yao Yao gave me this doll!" Zhou Momo held up a blonde Barbie doll. "Is it pretty?"

"Yes, it's very pretty," Zhou Yan nodded with a smile, then looked at Xia Yao. "I've made you spend money again."

"I saw it at the Jiazhou Department Store. It was very cute, so I thought I'd bring one for Momo," Xia Yao said with a smile. "It's clear she loves it."

"Mhm, super love it!" Zhou Momo nodded vigorously. "This is my first doll."

"Good girl. Sister will bring you other dolls next time," Xia Yao said, patting her head.

"Mhm, thank you, Sister Yao Yao," Zhou Momo said obediently, then took her doll to find Fan Wa.

"Are you all heading back to Chongqing tomorrow?" Zhou Yan asked her.

"Yes, our sketching session is over, and we have to return to school," Xia Yao nodded.

Zhou Yan was not good at goodbyes and couldn't manage sentimental words. "You're staying at the factory guesthouse tonight, right? It's a bit far from here. How about I walk you there?"

"No need, it's quite close on foot..."

"I'll go push the bike out. It's getting dark; it's not safe for a girl alone." Zhou Yan turned and walked away to push the bicycle out of the shop, with three bags of rice crackers still hanging from the handlebars.

"Suji doesn't have many specialties, but these are rice crackers. Take them for the road," Zhou Yan handed the rice crackers to Xia Yao.

"This... isn't this too much?" Xia Yao was a bit stunned, clutching the three bags.

"I prepared some for your friends too. You can just distribute them," Zhou Yan mounted the bike. "Hop on."

"Okay," Xia Yao responded, sitting on the back seat with a slight smile playing on her lips.

*He is quite thoughtful.*

The bicycle rode along the river embankment, the setting sun stretching their shadows long.

Xia Yao tilted her head slightly, staring blankly at Zhou Yan's profile.

"After graduation, do you plan to return to Hangzhou or stay in Chongqing?" Zhou Yan spoke up.

"Huh?" Xia Yao was startled, then shook her head. "I haven't decided yet. Maybe Hangzhou, maybe Beijing."

"That's good. They are both big cities, suitable for your development as a designer," Zhou Yan nodded.

"What about you?"

"What?"

"Do you have plans to open a restaurant in a big city in the future? Like Chengdu, for example?" Xia Yao suggested earnestly. "I think your cooking is delicious. If you go to Chengdu, you should have better prospects. Suji is nice, but it's a bit small."

"I don't know when I'll make it to Chengdu, but that day will come," Zhou Yan smiled faintly. "Chengdu is huge; there's no place for me there just yet."

"You are a clear-headed and optimistic person," Xia Yao mused.

The bicycle moved slowly. They chatted all the way—about ideals, future plans, and even literature and music.

In this era, there were no mobile phones and no internet. The world after dark was silent, as if it had been switched off.

It inevitably brought a sense of loneliness.

For the first time, Zhou Yan discovered that he also had a desire to confide in someone.

Communicating with a peer brought joy and a more authentic feeling toward the world.

It felt like a drifting boat had finally found its anchor.

Or perhaps, it was because the other person was a beautiful girl?

Xia Yao was well-spoken; many of her ideas transcended the constraints of the era, being so modern that even he found them surprising.

They weren't that different, except that he possessed a bit more knowledge of the future.

The bicycle slowly came to a halt at the entrance of the guesthouse.

Xia Yao got off and smiled. "Thank you for walking me back."

"You're welcome." Zhou Yan looked at her, then turned the bike around.

"Zhou Yan." Xia Yao took a step forward to call him.

"Yes?" Zhou Yan looked back at her.

"I will write to you," Xia Yao said to him with grace and poise. "I hope I will receive a reply from you as well."

"Okay," Zhou Yan nodded and smiled. "Then make sure to include your address."

Xia Yao laughed and waved to him. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye." Zhou Yan raised his hand slightly and pedaled away.

Xia Yao watched him disappear around the corner before turning to enter the guesthouse.

As soon as Zhou Yan turned the corner, he nearly bumped into someone.

"Brother Zhou! It's you! I was just thinking of looking for you!" Ma Xingye grabbed Zhou Yan, looking delighted.

"Did it work?" Zhou Yan asked with a smile, seeing the beaming Ma Xingye.

"It worked! Deng Hong said she likes me too!" Ma Xingye nodded proudly, then stuffed an oil-paper bag into Zhou Yan's hand. "This is a little token of my appreciation. If you come to Chongqing to find Xia Yao, you must find me. I'll take you to eat the best food in Chongqing."

"I'm happy for you guys, but there's no need for—"

Before Zhou Yan could finish, Ma Xingye had already run off.

"Brother Zhou, if you come to Chongqing, you must call me!"

"Alright, I'll definitely call you."

Zhou Yan shook his head helplessly. The paper bag in his hand was heavy; it felt like it contained glass bottles of cola.

He tossed the bag into the bike basket. Returning to the restaurant to cook was the priority.

...

"Zhou Yan walked you back? Yao Yao, what were you two talking about at the door? We saw everything. Confess and be lenient!"

"Oh my, he brought so much food? He's so thoughtful!"

As soon as Xia Yao pushed open the door, Deng Hong and Zhu Yuyu crowded around her.

"This is for you guys. One bag each. Rice crackers, a Suji specialty, from the best shop," Xia Yao set the items down and handed a bag to each of them.

"Zhou Yan is really a great guy, even thinking of us," Zhu Yuyu remarked.

"Yeah, he knows how to handle things, and he takes good care of Yao Yao too," Deng Hong nodded, tearing open her packaging to take a bite. She looked at Xia Yao and asked, "So, did he confess?"

"Just eat your food. We are still just pure revolutionary comrades," Xia Yao put her bag of rice crackers into her suitcase, but the corners of her mouth curled up involuntarily.

*Zhou Yan really is an interesting person.*

He was humorous, knowledgeable, and his wild, imaginative ideas even made her marvel.

Even though he was a chef, she felt they weren't that different.

In fact, he seemed even more like an artist than she did.