"Woof woof!"
At this moment, Naughty Boy was extremely proud, barking incessantly as if showing off to Cheng Xiaofan.
"Master, not only is this doggy a master at catching loaches, but even the white swans I trained can catch them."
Others couldn't understand what Naughty Boy was barking about, but Cheng Xiaofan could.
When did swans start catching loaches?
As he was in disbelief, after receiving Naughty Boy's command, the white swans suddenly fluttered into the reeds, stretching their necks and searching in the mud with their beaks.
Before long, the ten white swans had caught three thick and long loaches, flinging them onto the shore.
Back in Zhuxi Village, villagers didn't eat loaches. Generally, caught loaches were chopped up and fed to ducks.
Zhuxi people never ate loaches, snakes, or frogs.
Later, some young people who worked outside saw city dwellers eating loaches and only then realized that loaches were a delicacy and very nutritious.
Only then did the villagers start learning to eat loaches.
However, not many people ate them.
Cheng Xiaofan knew that the loaches before him were different from the ones that grew in ordinary paddy fields. They were exceptionally vigorous; even after their heads were chopped off, their bodies still twitched on the ground.
Loach blood was a good thing, possessing properties that dispelled wind and unblocked collaterals, promoted blood circulation, detoxified, and improved vision.
Four loaches were too large, so Cheng Xiaofan only killed two, collecting more than half a basin of blood. He planned to take the other two loaches back for his parents to try.
There were various ways to cook loaches. Fried until fragrant, or stewed into a soup with exceptionally tender meat, they were delicious no matter how they were prepared.
Cheng Xiaofan made a large plate of fried loach slices and stewed a pot of loach segment soup.
He first took care of Naughty Boy, the ten geese, and Broken Sky Eagle, then he and Bai Yiling and Xianyu Yan started eating.
Darkness fell. A lamp in front of the boat, the moon in the sky, accompanied by countless stars. The moon and stars were reflected in the water, the sky and water mirroring each other. The three of them sat in front of the boat, as if immersed in the starry sky, instantly transforming into celestial beings.
Cheng Xiaofan took out a bottle of "Happy Wine," pouring a cup for each person.
"Wow, such beautiful wine, such delicious loach slices! Everything is truly beautiful!" Xianyu Yan exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.
Bai Yiling scooped half a bowl of loach soup for Xianyu Yan and said, "Yan-mei, eat more if you like it!"
Xianyu Yan nodded repeatedly and said, "Mmm, Sister, I'll listen to you and eat more!"
"Squeak!"
"Squeak!"
"Squeak!"
At this moment, the nine fiery red drill rats suddenly appeared before Cheng Xiaofan.
Clearly, the aroma of the delicious food had attracted them.
"Come, come, let me let you taste the loach soup!" Cheng Xiaofan quickly scooped out more than half a basin of soup and meat slices and placed them in front of them.
Fortunately, the loach segment soup made tonight was plentiful enough for them to have half a basin to eat.
The nine drill rats didn't stand on ceremony. They gathered around the basin, burying their heads in the delicious meal.
"Brother-in-law, these animals are so beautiful! Can you tell me what they are?" Xianyu Yan was immediately captivated by the cute drill rats.
Cheng Xiaofan smiled and said, "These are legendary burrowing field rats. I'll tell you more about their origin when we have time."
"Mmm, okay!"
Xianyu Yan nodded and asked, "Brother-in-law, did you used to run a zoo? How did you end up raising so many magical animals?"
"..." How was he supposed to answer her?
"I can only tell you that these animals and I are fated, and through a fortunate encounter, we came together."
Cheng Xiaofan said.
Xianyu Yan nodded earnestly, "It's truly unexpected that brother-in-law has such a deep connection with beasts! I think throughout history, you're the first person when it comes to beasts!"
"..." Could this conversation continue?
If you say she's praising him, it sounds like an insult!
If strangers overheard this, they might think he had done something untoward to her.
Seeing Cheng Xiaofan's dumbfounded expression, Bai Yiling couldn't help but laugh. "Xiaofan, your sister-in-law is really humorous! Are you enjoying listening to her?"
"Uh..." Cheng Xiaofan bared his teeth, unsure how to respond.
Unexpectedly, Xianyu Yan laughed, "Yes, those who know me say I'm very humorous. It seems Sister understands me!"
"Brother-in-law, what do you say?"
"..." Facing the inquiry from his convenient sister-in-law, Cheng Xiaofan was speechless for a moment.
He was also afraid of upsetting her. After a three-second pause, he could only nod, "Mmm, I think the same way as your sister."
Xianyu Yan immediately beamed, "I knew you two shared the same thoughts! Otherwise, how could you have gotten together!"
This statement was flawless!
"You two beauties chat, I'll wash the dishes!"
After eating their fill, Cheng Xiaofan buried his head in cleaning the pots and pans.
Cheng Xiaofan had originally planned to return to Zhuxi Village that night. However, Xianyu Yan found the place so beautiful and discovered that the boat already had beds and bedding, so she insisted on spending the night at Bai Mang Lake.
When you encounter such a sweet and naive beauty, you can only indulge her!
"Yiling, you and Yan-mei sleep in the boat. I'll sleep on the shore!" It was getting late, Cheng Xiaofan said to the two beauties.
Xianyu Yan immediately said, "Brother-in-law, the boat cabin is spacious enough. You can sleep with us!"
Hearing this, Cheng Xiaofan's face immediately darkened. This girl had a problem with her brain. He definitely needed to find time tomorrow to give her a thorough check.
"Yan-mei, unrelated men and women should not touch. How can I crowd in with you!" Cheng Xiaofan said, while leaving the boat and heading to the shore.
The thirty-six date-red horses were lying on the nearby lake shore. Seeing Cheng Xiaofan approach, they immediately understood their spiritual awareness and circled around him.
This way, Cheng Xiaofan could sleep in the center of the circle, protected from the cold by their strong bodies.
"Oh, Sister, look! Brother-in-law really has a connection with beasts!" Xianyu Yan said with a smile.
"..." This time it was Bai Yiling's turn to be at a loss for words.
"..." And Cheng Xiaofan was almost struck dead by this airheaded girl.
The person was rescued, but this cute and dazed girl's brain seemed to have a problem.
If this mental issue wasn't resolved, he suspected that even if Xianyu's family business was handed over to her, she would likely squander it all before long.
Not long after Bai Yiling and Xianyu Yan fell asleep, Cheng Xiaofan also entered his dreams.
In his dream, as usual, Cheng Xiaofan transformed into a golden dragon and soared into the sky.
From the depths of the vast starry sky, another dragon boat flew over.
"Roar!"
Cheng Xiaofan let out a dragon's roar.
With a swoosh, he leaped onto the dragon boat, returning to his original form.
"Xiaofan!"
At this moment, he heard a woman's charming voice.
He turned his head and saw Bai Yiling standing on the dragon boat, looking at him with seductive eyes.
Facing the enchanting Bai Yiling, Cheng Xiaofan couldn't help but feel a surge of desire. He strode forward and pulled her into his arms.
"I want you!" he said tenderly, gently biting her earlobe.
Bai Yiling whimpered and shyly nodded.