Tomb raiding: A mere 20 is nothing!

When you come to Hangzhou, you absolutely must visit Lou Wai Lou.

Wu Xie, as the host, offered to treat everyone to a meal.

Shen Mingchao recalled some of the comments online, feeling both resistant and curious.

After the famous West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce was served, Shen Mingchao thought that it looked alright and that it couldn't possibly be that bad.

She picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth.

"..."

Don't make a sound, she's thinking.

The taste is a bit hard to describe.

The sour taste hits your nose, and the fish has an earthy smell mixed with a faint ginger flavor. The most unfortunate thing is that this dish is sweet!

Shen Mingchao put down his chopsticks, silently turned his head to look out the window without saying a word, looking at Zhang Qiluo even more like Zhang Qiluo.

Those at the table couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

Wu Xie suppressed a laugh and deliberately asked, "What's wrong with you?"

Shen Mingchao's eyes glazed over, and he began to ramble incoherently.

"The water in West Lake is so sour... No, this fish looks really good... No, that's not right either."

"Pfft, hahaha."

Some people couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Wu Xie feigned ignorance, asking, "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Shen Mingchao turned around, his face full of resentment, and finally concluded: "A fish that died with its eyes wide open, truly lives up to its reputation!"

Everyone laughed, even Zhang Qilin subtly twitched the corner of his mouth.

Xie Yuchen reached out and turned the table. "That dish has a rather unique flavor, it's normal if you don't like it. How about trying this sweet fermented rice balls? It's on the sweeter side, you should like it."

This osmanthus-flavored rice wine dumplings were ordered for Shen Mingchao; they rarely order desserts when they come to Lou Wai Lou.

"Okay~"

Shen Mingchao listened to the advice and scooped up a spoonful of the small meatballs and put them in his mouth.

The meatballs have a chewy texture and a sweet taste with a floral aroma; they are indeed delicious.

Her eyes crinkled into a smile, and she looked happy again.

After a quick meal, Shen Mingchao took advantage of Zhang Qiling's moment of solitude to hand over the prepared gift box.

"Idol, I hope you like the gift I promised you."

Inside the gift box lay a bracelet, identical in style to Shen Mingchao's, except that the front and back of the lock were engraved with the four characters "Qi Ling" and "Ping An".

Zhang Qiling was always one to keep his emotions hidden, making it difficult for others to discern even a fraction of his thoughts. Only the slightest gestures would reveal a trace of his true feelings.

He held the gift box quietly, remaining silent for a long time, but suddenly looked up and glanced at Shen Mingchao.

Shen Mingchao didn't delve into the deeper meaning in the other person's eyes, only assuming that the other person wanted to express gratitude but didn't know how to express it.

"Idol, I once heard a saying..."

"The bell I give you rings with every step, and reminds me of you with every step. You will remember me, won't you?"

The sound of silver bells mingled with the girl's words, and Zhang Qiyu's eyes flashed like fleeting shadows.

He didn't know when he would be blessed by heaven, but at least for this moment, he was willing to do as Shen Mingchao wished and imprint this scene in his mind.

After this matter is resolved, there is an even more important matter to be resolved.

The next morning, the group boarded the boat at the dock. Wu Xie had originally planned for a hand-rowed boat, but later, fearing it would sit too low on the waterline and for safety reasons, they changed it to a rowing boat. This boat was more spacious, and they were more comfortable.

The boat moved slowly on the lake, and the boatman stood at the bow, ferrying passengers while introducing the scenery along the way.

The atmosphere is just right now, perfect for discussing serious matters.

Since she was going to Yuchun, she decided to go to a company that Yuchun didn't know, so she needed an excuse.

"The wise do not fall in love, and the lonely king has pursued profound knowledge all the way!"

"Everyone, I've made up my mind. At my age, the most important thing is to study hard, take the college entrance exam, go to university and get a degree. That's the important thing."

That's half true and half false.

Shen Mingchao planned to go to Yucun under the pretext of preparing for the exam.

The group looked at each other, wondering why this perfectly normal child had started talking nonsense again after coming home.

"Oh, and this too."

Shen Mingchao took out Xie Yuchen's card and handed it back.

"This trip was worthwhile. There's a bank card my family left for me in San San's cat carrier. It'll be enough for me to live on for a long time. Hua Ye, here's the card back to you."

Does this mean you want to settle things with him?

Xie Yuchen gave a wry smile and asked, "Then what about your identity? You need some kind of identity to take the college entrance exam, right?"

That is a problem.

Shen Mingchao looked troubled. She was indeed not short of money, but she really had no experience in this area.

Seeing that Shen Mingchao remained silent, Xie Yuchen secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly seized the opportunity to speak: "If you don't mind, it can still be registered under the Xie family's name."

"Of course I don't mind," Shen Mingchao nodded hurriedly, adding that money was no problem.

Upon hearing this, Hei Xiazi was eager to try, and was about to say that he could do it too, when he received a deadly glare from Xie Yuchen.

He understood what that meant.

If he causes trouble, the rent will probably double.

The big spender couldn't be offended, so Hei Xiazi was flexible and said: "It's good to work for the Xie family. You get a Beijing hukou, which gives you an advantage in the college entrance exam."

Upon hearing this, Wu Xie suddenly asked, "So, do you want to go to school?"

Nobody wants to go through the grueling senior year of high school again.

Shen Mingchao firmly shook his head: "I'd rather not go to school. I want to rent a house in Yucun and study on my own."

"Yucun?!" Wu Xie was utterly astonished to hear those two words come from Shen Mingchao's mouth. "How do you know about this place?"

He did have the idea of ​​abducting Shen Mingchao, but it was just a thought; he hadn't found an opportunity to speak up yet.

Speaking of this matter, Shen Mingchao has to be extremely grateful to one person, who truly saved her from a dire situation.

"Fatty told me a few days ago that you guys are planning to retire in Yuchun, open a farmhouse or something. He said that place is great, secluded and peaceful, and asked if I wanted to go."

Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze slowly focused on the fat man, causing him to give an awkward smile.

Is it easy for him, a fat guy? He has two brothers, one a quiet, reserved guy, and the other a bit of a weirdo. What if he doesn't help him steal someone away and the girl runs off with someone else?

Black Bear reached out and put his arm around Fatty, his voice low and teasing: "Not bad, Fatty, you've been secretly helping him out. You've done a pretty discreet job."

"hey-hey."

While dodging, the fat man winked at the two brothers: I'm doing this for your benefit, aren't you going to help?

Of course I have to help.

Zhang Qilan, who had been relegated to the background, finally made a move. His slender, burial-trap fingers rested on Hei Xiazi's arm. He didn't use much force, but the gesture was incredibly intimidating.

Black Bear twitched the corner of his mouth and finally released Fatty.

During our conversation, the boat sailed into the famous Turtle Pond.

At the boatman's suggestion, Shen Mingchao crushed the pastries he had brought and placed them in his palm before tentatively extending his hand.

Several wild ducks and mandarin ducks were the first to flutter their wings and swim over, their red beaks gently pecking at Shen Mingchao's palm. Occasionally, bits of food would fall into the water through his fingers, attracting several koi carp to snatch them up.

Shen Mingchao became interested and fed the baby more and more enthusiastically.

She was so focused that she didn't notice that everyone else on the boat was looking at her.

A gentle breeze swept by, causing her green skirt to sway. The young woman leaned against the wall, like an elegant blue lotus, quietly blending into the surrounding lake and mountain scenery.