They've all separated, so what does it matter to me if they get poorer and poorer?

Chapter 379 Strange Man
The clear mountain stream flows from deep within the mountain forest, gathering springs of all sizes along the way, remaining icy cold even in the sweltering summer. Yet, the wild fish from this water possess exceptionally delicious and tender flesh.

The two men, carrying buckets, fishing rods, and nets, explored several ponds.

Liang Minglang was quick-witted and sharp-handed, and he always managed to catch something with his net, mostly various small fish about two fingers in size and many tiny black-shelled shrimp, which delighted Xu Zhichun and earned his praise.

She's much better than him.

She, along with Chunfen and Granny Qin, led two servants into the mountains in a grand procession, only managing to gather a meager amount after a long and arduous journey.

Xu Zhichun couldn't be of much help, so he just happily watched over the harvest in the bucket.

In the pool where the strange rocks formed countless culverts of all sizes, Liang Minglang switched to fishing. Only then did Xu Zhichun realize that the seemingly empty pool actually harbored so many fish hidden in the crevices of the rocks.

The majority of the fish are cold-water catfish. These fish don't grow very big by nature, but Xu Zhichun has eaten them and found them to be particularly tender and delicious.

Liang Minglang was incredibly accurate with every catch; these cold-water catfish were so naive that they kept taking the bait one after another, like they were lining up.

Xu Zhichun was overjoyed, feeling that he was quite successful, and that he couldn't even keep up with picking up all the fish.

Seeing Liang Minglang so easily take the bait only made her more eager. She looked over and said, "I want to try it too."

Liang Minglang smiled and handed her the fishing rod: "Give it a try."

Xu Zhichun happily took the fishing rod and, following the example, cast the hook to the crevice in the rock. He stared intently, not blinking, afraid that the cold-water catfish in the crevice would not give him any special treatment.

Surprisingly, even with a different person, those cold-water catfish were still just as foolish, biting at any bait they saw.

Xu Zhichun flicked his wrist and pulled up the fishing rod, reeling in a lively, wriggling cold-water catfish. The catch brought a smile to his face. "That was easy!"

Seeing her swaying on the rock, Liang Minglang reached out and steadily put his arm around her shoulder to support her, nodding with a smile: "There are probably a lot of fish here since no one comes around on weekdays."

The fishing line was reeled in, and Liang Minglang deftly caught the fish and threw it into the bucket. Xu Zhichun cast the fishing rod again and continued to fish for more fish. "Chunfen, Aunt Qin Qing, and I will also come. We just didn't expect there to be fish in these rock crevices."

"I'll be with you from now on."

"Great! How about we go hiking deeper into the mountains another day?"

Following him, she became bolder and had fewer concerns.

Liang Minglang smiled and said, "Of course."

There are too many suckers, and not enough bait.

After catching a dozen or so fish in one go, Xu Zhichun shivered as the mountain breeze blew past. Looking up, he realized that the shadow of half of the mountain wall had fallen on him. He could still see the bright sky, but the sunlight was no longer shining on him.

Liang Minglang laughed and said, "Let's go back and come again tomorrow."

"it is good."

Xu Zhichun smiled and agreed, then started walking, preparing to put away her fishing rod. The stones by the water were slippery, and she almost slipped and fell into the water while trying to do three things at once. Liang Minglang's arm steadily supported her waist.

"what!"

"Be careful."

Xu Zhichun smiled at him, her heart still pounding a little wildly. It belatedly came to her realization that he had been supporting her the whole time, which was why he was able to protect her so quickly.

Xu Zhichun's face gradually warmed up. She gently bit her lip. Minglang must also have some feelings for her, right?

I'm not entirely sure yet, let me think about it some more.
Cold-water catfish and small miscellaneous fish were pan-fried until lightly browned on both sides, then simmered in spring water with Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, garlic, tender tofu, and a small handful of fresh morel mushrooms. As the pot bubbled and boiled, the delicious aroma filled the entire kitchen.

Prepare some bright red chili oil; add it when the dish is done, and it'll be guaranteed to be fragrant and spicy. This stew of mixed fish retains its original delicious, spicy flavor, making it a truly delightful meal.

The servants on the estate flattered her with beaming smiles: "Madam's cooking is truly superb. Just by smelling it and looking at it, you know it must be incredibly delicious. This old servant has tried to make it, but it never looks or smells as good as Madam's. Master is truly blessed!"

Liang Minglang agreed with this statement and nodded, "Thank you for your hard work, Madam."

Xu Zhichun looked up and gave him a reproachful look.

The maidservant immediately smiled and sighed, a hint of envy in her voice, "Madam is so blessed; Master treats her so well."

The two looked up at each other simultaneously, their eyes meeting. Xu Zhichun seemed to see a smile flash across the man's eyes, like a soft feather brushing against her heart, sending shivers down her spine.

Liang Minglang: "It's only right to treat your wife well."

Xu Zhichun coughed, looked away, and her heart skipped a beat. "Let's eat."

It just so happens that the next day is market day in Qingyang County, so Xu Zhichun plans to go to the city first to look around and buy anything he needs. If he's lucky, he might be able to buy fresh mutton, lamb spine, delicious fish from the mountains, and all kinds of tasty wild mushrooms. Since he's already here, there's no need to rush to see the cotton fields.

Liang Minglang naturally had no objections.

The market days in the county town are always very lively, with all kinds of local specialties and snacks for sale. It's noisy and bustling, but it also makes people very excited.

Xu Zhichun was casually browsing in front of a stall selling various odds and ends while waiting for Liang Minglang to buy her steamed water chestnuts when she suddenly heard someone call "Zhichun!" She instinctively turned around.

The young man looked at her with an astonishingly bright eye and an equally radiant smile. He was so excited that he could hardly contain himself, as if he had found some priceless treasure. He grabbed Xu Zhichun's arms with both hands and exclaimed, "Zhichun! It really is you! It really is you!"

He was still smiling, but his voice was choked with emotion. Xu Zhichun stared at him blankly, her heart inexplicably aching, as if she were very, very sad.

She looked at him, and memories dormant deep in her mind were stirred up. The young man in front of her should be someone she knew very well, but because of the swirling mist, she just couldn't call out his name.

"Let her go!"

Liang Minglang bought some steamed water chestnuts and turned around to see this scene. He was furious and took a few steps forward to push the young man away.

"what are you doing?"

The two glared at each other simultaneously.

Liang Minglang stood beside Xu Zhichun with the air of a close confidant, and sneered, "Who are you? What did you do to my wife?"

"Your wife? That's impossible!"

"What's impossible?"

"Zhichun, is that you?" The young man was devastated, his face pale and filled with anguish as he looked at Xu Zhichun: "Zhichun, don't you... acknowledge me? I am Yingxuan, I am Yingxuan!"

"Ying Xuan."

Xu Zhichun felt that the name was very familiar, as if she had said it countless times. She should know him, but why couldn't she remember it?

She felt dizzy, raised her hand to support her forehead, and swayed.

"Knowing Spring!"

Both men reached out to help her up at the same time.

Without hesitation, he tried to brush the other person away.