Chapter Seventy: The Eve of the Storm

After finding out from Xuanyuan Zhe and the others what had happened, they mentioned that they would still need their help in the future. The group unanimously agreed that the matter wouldn't be over until Yaya was found. The three great families immediately redeployed their people and resumed the search for Yaya's whereabouts.

Tang Wei and her team also set out once more for their forest adventure. Last time, they had hurried along, anxious for Yaya’s safety, and paid little attention to the scenery. But now, knowing that Yaya had come to no harm with Zhang San, and that the Tianshan Twin Fiends who had taken her only wanted her for her pills and likely wouldn't hurt her, Tang Wei felt completely at ease. This relaxed mood was contagious, and everyone’s spirits rose.

Without worry pressing upon them, the group wandered the forest with a leisurely, sightseeing attitude, pausing at every curiosity they encountered to explore and marvel. Time slipped by quickly, and their casual pace even gave ill-intentioned observers more opportunities.

With no need to rush, when they came upon a waterfall, they unanimously decided to stop there, pitched their tents, and settled down to rest until nightfall. The gentlemen displayed their chivalry, setting up not only their own tents but also taking care of the ladies’ tasks.

The waterfall was tall, and they had chosen just the right distance—close enough to see its full splendor, yet far enough that the sound of rushing water would not disturb their rest. The water flowed right past their campsite.

The stream was crystal clear and only thigh-deep. They could see fish darting through the water. Bored, Tang Wei rolled up her trousers, kicked off her shoes, and leapt into the water with a splash, sending the fish scattering in all directions. Yun Qian, amused by the sight, followed her in, and the two began to play in the water.

Ouyang Qianru had behaved like a different person these past days—quiet, poised, and gracious, with none of her former wildness. She was the very image of a refined young lady. It seemed love could not only drive people mad, but even change their character; whether her transformation was only skin-deep or truly from within, none could say.

At this moment, Ouyang Qianru sat beside Zixuan, leaning on her hand and watching his every move, occasionally passing him a tool, her eyes filled with undisguised affection.

Zixuan was not oblivious to Ouyang Qianru’s feelings, but since they all still needed to search for Yaya together, he avoided addressing it for fear of later awkwardness. Besides, his thoughts were elsewhere—his mind lingered on the incident in the mountain cottage. It had been both sweet and exasperating. Weiwei still hadn’t said a word to him; after all, it wasn’t his fault—she’d been the one to bump into him.

The laughter of the two girls playing in the water caught the attention of the men. Ouyang Qihua, by nature, was content to just glance their way from time to time. Xuanyuan Zhe, meanwhile, was itching to join the fun and hurried his task, eager to play with them. Chen Jiayi, on the other hand, was racking his brains for a chance to show off.

Tang Wei and Yun Qian splashed and laughed until they were soaked, their clothes clinging to their forms, outlining graceful figures—less voluptuous than Ouyang Qianru, but still alluring.

After their play, Tang Wei suggested they catch some fish for dinner. Yun Qian clapped in delight and dove into the deeper water, moving with the grace of a mermaid. She surfaced moments later, holding aloft a two or three pound fish, and shouted, “Little Zhe, come get the fish!”

Xuanyuan Zhe, already eager to join, immediately dropped what he was doing and ran over. Yun Qian tossed the fish ashore and dove back in.

Refusing to be outdone, Tang Wei, though not a strong swimmer, had her own methods. She moved her hands in the water, secretly channeling her water spirit energy through her palms. The fish, highly sensitive to such energy, swarmed eagerly toward her hands.

Xuanyuan Zhe, watching from the bank, was astonished and shouted in delight, drawing the others over. Zixuan, doting as ever, could only shake his head with a smile. The rest were thoroughly impressed—it was as if she were feeding fish in a park.

At that moment, Yun Qian surfaced again. Seeing the scene, she was momentarily stunned, and the fish in her hands slipped away. But quickly regaining her composure, she swam over to Tang Wei, exclaiming, “Wow, Sister, you’re amazing!” With a few catches, she tossed several fish ashore, thoroughly enjoying herself.

Tang Wei stopped her: “That’s enough, Yun Qian, stop now. This is more than enough for all of us.” She took Yun Qian’s hand and led her out of the water. With so many people, it was no fun anymore; better to go change clothes and prepare dinner. After all, with a group of pampered young ladies and gentlemen, expecting them to cook would be wishful thinking.

Even after Tang Wei and Yun Qian left the water, the fish lingered, hoping for another feast. Xuanyuan Zhe, unable to restrain himself, stripped off his shirt, kicked off his shoes, and jumped in, heedless of the ladies nearby. The others, seeing the girls had left the water, followed suit.

After changing into dry clothes, Tang Wei came out and saw Ouyang Qianru sitting alone where Zixuan had pitched the tent, lost in thought. She left her alone and instead fetched cooking tools and utensils from her spatial storage—pots, pans, bowls, tables, stools, anything one could imagine, she had it.

She set the rice to cook, laid out some fruit and vegetables, and after a moment’s thought, went to the water’s edge and called, “Xiao Xuan, are you done yet?” She hadn’t planned to talk to him, but had gotten used to his help; without him, no one would handle the fish. Tang Wei was adept at cooking, but she disliked cleaning fish or chickens, always needing someone else for the task.

Hearing her call, Zixuan immediately swam over from the deeper water and, ignoring Tang Wei’s presence, clambered out and set to work cleaning the fish.

Seeing him parading around in just shorts, Tang Wei blushed and quickly said, “Go change your clothes first!” She turned away to the table, hiding her embarrassment.

“Oh, all right!” Zixuan, grinning foolishly, was delighted that Tang Wei had finally spoken to him and went off to change.

With Zixuan’s help, dinner was soon ready—a large pot of milky fish soup, the rest of the fish braised, a plate of wild chicken stir-fried with spicy red peppers, and two dishes of greens made up their meal. Though simple, the portions were generous, and everything was wild and fresh, making for a thoroughly satisfying feast.