Chapter 198: Chapter 198: Can’t Pick Them All Up, Just Can’t, Dividing the Fish

Gu Lanting looked utterly dejected.

Gu Qinghuan patted him on the shoulder. “Everyone has their strengths. This just isn’t your thing.”

“When they’re almost done chiseling, you can take over. That counts as contributing too.”

Sure enough, Gu Lanting felt much better. When the others got tired, he immediately took over, using all his strength to smash at the ice.

At last, he managed to break open a hole in the ice.

Meanwhile, Xu Huainian’s family pulled up their first net of fish—two small crucian carp. Not many, but it was a good start.

Gu Qinghuan took advantage of everyone’s attention being drawn to Xu Huainian’s first catch.

She quietly walked over to the freshly made ice hole, planning to drip a bit of spiritual spring water in to attract the fish, making it easier to cast the net.

But just then, Gu Lanting, of all people, suddenly shouted, “Sis, come look! There are two crucian carp!”

Gu Qinghuan was already feeling guilty. His shout startled her so much that her hand slipped, and she accidentally poured in what must have been a whole cup of spiritual spring water.

Oh no, I’ve messed up.

Blame Gu Lanting—why’d he have to yell for her right then?

She hurriedly stood up, worried that if all the fish gathered at once, everyone would get suspicious.

She’d barely taken a few steps when she felt the ice beneath her feet tremble slightly.

She looked back, just in time to see a huge fish leap out of the freshly cut ice hole, flopping its tail wildly on the ice.

Then another, and another, and another... two, three, four, five...

It was endless.

Gu Qinghuan almost wanted to kick them back in.

Gu Lanting, Chen Fengqin, and the others saw it too and rushed over.

“Qinghuan, what’s going on?”

“Sis, what happened?”

Gu Qinghuan spread her hands helplessly. “I have no idea! I was just coming over to look at the fish, and then it exploded like this!”

Xu Huainian seemed to know what was going on.

“We must’ve hit a fish nest. It’s happened before—this is good luck! Don’t just stand there, help pick up the fish!”

Gu Lanting hurriedly grabbed the big wooden basin they’d brought from home and started loading up fish.

Xu Huainian’s eldest son also put down his own net and came to help.

Fish kept jumping out of the ice hole nonstop.

They just couldn’t pick them all up—there was no end to it.

Not only were there a ton of fish, but they were all big ones, the kind you rarely see. Was it some kind of fish ancestor meeting for the New Year?

No one had time to think—just pick up the fish!

Gu Qinghuan’s own container was already packed to the brim, not a single fish more would fit.

“Fengqin, hurry, bring your stuff over!”

Seeing she really didn’t mind, Chen Fengqin didn’t stand on ceremony, and brought her own buckets over to fill.

She regretted not bringing a bigger basin—just two buckets, and they’d fill up in no time.

As she loaded fish, she told her eldest son to run home and fetch another big basin, since it looked like the fish wouldn’t run out anytime soon.

The commotion drew everyone’s attention, and people started gathering to watch.

When Ming Ruxue came back with the kids, she saw all their containers from home were already full.

Even Erdan’s family’s two buckets were packed to the top.

And fish were still jumping out of the ice hole, though not as many as at first.

Everyone was amazed.

Gu Qinghuan told Gu Lanting to keep an eye on their fish.

Then she went over to discuss with Xu Huainian. “Captain, there are just too many fish. Even though it was our ice hole, we can’t keep them all. After you keep enough for your family, you should divide the rest among everyone.”

She knew there was no way she could take all these fish home, and if she tried, people would accuse her of being selfish and undermining socialism.

Better to let everyone benefit—then no one could complain.

She could have fish whenever she wanted anyway, so there was no rush.

Xu Huainian had been thinking the same thing. Since Gu Qinghuan brought it up first, he thought even more highly of her.

“You’re right. We can’t take more than our share. We should share the fruits of our labor with the other villagers.”

“How about this: I’ll have Fengqin collect all the fish, and then we’ll notify everyone. We’ll distribute the fish by the riverbank, dividing them equally among every household. How does that sound?”

“As expected of the Captain—so thoughtful! I hadn’t even thought of giving some to every villager. Let’s do it your way. It’s a gift from nature, after all.”

Xu Huainian was very pleased with Gu Qinghuan’s attitude.

With the rest left for Xu Huainian to handle, Gu Qinghuan felt relieved.

She loaded up a sled full of fish and headed home with Gu Lanting, while Ming Ruxue stayed with the kids to watch the fish being divided.

She was over the moon. Now she finally understood what those old sayings meant about “beating deer with a stick, scooping up fish with a ladle, and pheasants flying right into the pot.”

The Northeast really was bountiful—here, you didn’t even need a net, the fish jumped out by themselves.

She didn’t know that for many people present, this was their first time witnessing such a magical scene too.

As Gu Qinghuan walked home, people stared at her and her haul, some even making jealous remarks.

“Huainan’s family, you’ve fished out the whole river for our village, haven’t you?”

“With all those fish, there won’t be any left for the rest of us.”

“Sure, the fish in the river are fair game, but isn’t this a bit much?”

...

To deflect attention, Gu Qinghuan called out as she walked, “The Captain’s giving out fish by the river! Everyone, hurry up and get yours, or the best will be gone!”

Sure enough, peace returned.

Everyone rushed off with their biggest containers to get fish.

Gu Qinghuan finally managed to get the fish home.

Zhong Zijun opened the door, surprised to see them back so soon. “You just left—did you forget something?”

Gu Lanting beamed. “Mom, come see! We’ve already brought back the fish—a huge basin full, plus two buckets, all packed to the top.”

“It’s just a shame we didn’t even get to use our nets before the battle was over.”

That was a bit of a humblebrag.

“What? Then how did you get all these fish? Tell me properly,” Zhong Zijun asked in shock.

Gu Qinghuan remembered that Ji Linhai in the cowshed probably didn’t know about the fish distribution yet. She quickly told Zhong Zijun she was heading out, leaving Gu Lanting to explain.

“Uncle Ji, hurry and take a big basin to the river—they’re dividing up the fish! We broke open a hole and hit a fish nest, and a ton of fish jumped out. The Captain’s making sure everyone gets some.” Gu Qinghuan was out of breath from running.

Ji Linhai nodded. “Okay, I got it. Thank you.”

Gu Qinghuan caught her breath. “Come have dinner at my place tonight, you and Grandpa Ji! Don’t forget to come early—my grandparents and mom will be there too. I want to thank you properly for everything you’ve done.”

Ji Linhai knew what she meant. Gu Qinghuan had started calling him “Uncle” instead of “Big Brother Ji.” He felt his face grow warm, wondering if Zhong Zijun had said something to her.

Old Mr. Ji poked his head out the door. “Qinghuan, you’re inviting us over tonight? Got any wine? If not, I’ll bring some!”

The two families were close now, so he spoke without reservation.

“We’ve got some. Just bring yourselves!”

After notifying them, Gu Qinghuan returned home to find the fish already unloaded and piled up in the yard.

The whole family gathered around, discussing what to do with so many fish.

There really were too many.

Gu Qinghuan already had a plan.

“We’ll freeze half of these to eat slowly. When you go home, take some with you too.

The other half, we’ll make into cured fish, pickled fish, fish balls, and fried fish pieces.

We’ll have enough for ourselves and can send some to Uncle’s family after the New Year.”

Cheng Shuying was moved. “Qinghuan, thank you for always thinking of your uncle. He wrote before the New Year saying things are much better now—they have enough to eat and wear, and your aunt’s health has improved a lot, all thanks to the supplies and money you sent.

He owes you and Huainan, and I’ll never forget it.”

Zhong Luoning lowered her head in guilt, saying nothing.

She’d had a hard time these past few years. Xu Jianguo not only refused to give her money, but tried every way to sideline her, so she couldn’t save anything.

To save up for her daughter’s medical bills, she’d been stingy with herself and naturally hadn’t been able to send much to her parents.

Maybe people really are selfish. After becoming a mother, she instinctively cared more for her own child and neglected her parents.

Compared to Gu Qinghuan, she felt she’d done a terrible job.

She wasn’t a good daughter."

"Chapter 199: Preparing for the Gathering

Gu Qinghuan noticed Zhong Luoning’s dejection and exchanged a glance with Zhong Zijun and Cheng Shuying. They immediately caught on.

“Look at me, why are we talking about this! There are so many fish— which one should we cook tonight?” Cheng Shuying squatted down and pointed at a mandarin fish. “Let’s use this one and make Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish. The kids love it.”

Gu Qinghuan nodded. “No problem, we’ll make Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish.”

Zhong Zijun sighed. Some things, others just can’t help with— she’ll have to work through it herself.

Zhong Luoning isn’t a tough person. As an only child, she was pampered and spoiled growing up, never having faced real setbacks. Now that she’s stumbled because of Xu Jianguo, hopefully she’ll be able to stand on her own feet from now on.

Gu Lanting wandered out of the kitchen, holding a freshly steamed bean bun in one hand and a meat bun in the other.

“Mmm, my sister’s filling is always the best.”

Zhong Zijun chuckled. “You’re so picky. Your sister’s generous with the meat, oil, and seasonings— of course it tastes good.”

“That’s true. We had such a big haul today— what delicious food are we having tonight?” Gu Lanting was still blissfully unaware of the seriousness of the situation and asked cheerfully.

“How about gnawing on a stinky shoe sole? Did you forget something? Didn’t we make a bet?”

“A bet’s a bet— you lost, so all these fish are your job today!” Gu Qinghuan pointed at the pile of fish on the ground.

Gu Lanting was thunderstruck!

He’d completely forgotten about the bet!

If he’d known they’d catch so many fish, he never would’ve asked for trouble!

“Jie, you’re my sister, aren’t you?” He looked at Gu Qinghuan with puppy-dog eyes.

“Not right now, I’m not. Hurry up and finish eating, then get to work! Mom, find him a sack to use as an apron so he doesn’t get his clothes dirty— I don’t want to have to help him wash them.” Gu Qinghuan shot him a disdainful look.

Gu Lanting looked pleadingly at Zhong Zijun and Cheng Shuying.

Cheng Shuying smiled. “Grandma would help you, but I haven’t finished my own chores! Don’t count on me!”

Zhong Zijun just shrugged, helpless.

Gu Lanting could only resign himself to his fate.

Zhong Zijun went back to making noodles and prepping crispy fried pork.

Gu Qinghuan started organizing ingredients for dinner.

It was a rare family reunion, and with two guests from the Ji family, she had to give it her all and make something special.

The two pheasants they’d cleaned in the morning would be simmered with hazel mushrooms for soup— that needed at least two hours, so she started that first.

She’d originally planned to make shredded chicken with the wild chicken, but since it was winter and everyone wanted something hot, she switched to stewed chicken with mushrooms, a classic Northeastern dish perfect for guests.

As for the wild rabbit, she’d make it in a spicy, stir-fried “jianghu” style after deep-frying— great with rice.

For the fish, as Grandma suggested, she’d make Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish for the kids.

Of course, she also needed a dish for the adults— pickled cabbage fish would be perfect. Everyone liked it, young and old, and it was a family favorite.

Grandma would also be frying up some crispy pork, which counted as a meat dish, and the meat buns could be served on a plate as well.

That covered the meat dishes.

For vegetables, she’d make vinegar-sautéed cabbage, spicy and sour shredded potatoes, braised radish, and a cold wood ear mushroom salad.

That should be plenty.

With the menu set, it was time to prep.

All the ingredients had been cleaned in the morning, so it was just a matter of washing, slicing, and prepping.

Zhong Luoning helped her, and the two of them got busy.

No one knew that at this moment, Xu Huaian had already quietly arrived in the Northeast and was hurrying home.

Ji Linhai had gone to the river to collect fish, while Old Master Ji, having finished his chores, came over first. Gu Qinghuan brewed a pot of good tea, and he and Zhong Weiqian played chess and sipped tea, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Zhong Zijun and Cheng Shuying spread a clean mat in the snow and set the steamed bean buns and meat buns out to freeze solid— nature’s own refrigerator, so they wouldn’t spoil.

Once those were set, the two started making dumplings. There was no need to cook them right away; they just placed them in the snow as they made them to freeze.

With the big iron pot freed up, Zhong Luoning, under Gu Qinghuan’s guidance, started frying the crispy pork— golden, crunchy, crispy outside and tender inside.

A few kids, tired from playing, peeked sneakily into the kitchen.

Zhong Luoning spotted them.

“Come on in!”

Dabao grinned awkwardly and led his sisters and Erdan into the kitchen.

“Auntie.”

Zhong Luoning gave them a basin of water to wash their hands, then handed each a long piece of crispy pork to gnaw on.

They’d been running wild all day and were starving. They sat in a row at the kitchen door, munching happily. When they finished, they didn’t ask for more, but each one licked their hands clean— it was hilarious.

Gu Qinghuan snickered but didn’t give them any more. One piece to taste was fine, but she wouldn’t let them fill up in the kitchen— there had to be some rules.

Ming Ruxue especially loved the bean buns, but didn’t dare eat too many since there’d be a big feast that night— bean buns were filling.

Once all the crispy pork was done, Gu Qinghuan finished prepping all the vegetables.

Time to start on dinner. With so many big dishes to make, she had to get an early start.

From the sound of things outside, Ji Linhai had arrived, chatting and laughing.

“Auntie, hello, I’m Ji Linhai. I never got to thank you for the padded jackets you made for us last time— they fit perfectly and are so warm.” It was Ji Linhai’s first time meeting Cheng Shuying, and he greeted her politely.

“Oh, that’s nothing. Really, we should be thanking you for all the game and furs you brought us.” Cheng Shuying looked over the sturdy man— just as Old Zhong had described, solidly built.

Unlike Gu Yunchuan’s scholarly look, Ji Linhai was all strength and determination, with a steady gaze— clearly someone with a story.

“Enough with the formalities, Lao Ji, come on in! By the way, did you get your fish? How many did you get?” Zhong Zijun was already familiar with Ji Linhai and spoke casually.

“I got there just as they started dividing the fish. They said there were over two hundred fish from that ice hole, so each household in the village got about four. The team leader was fair— everyone got four, all about the same size. I brought one over for tonight, plus a dried wild chicken and rabbit I had at home— you can decide how to use them.” Ji Linhai lifted his hands to show what he’d brought.

Zhong Zijun noticed the things in his hands.

“I invited you for dinner, why bring all this?”

“Well, you know what they say— it’s hard to eat with empty hands or take with empty hands. Your cooking’s so good, I want to come eat more often!” Ji Linhai laughed.

Zhong Zijun knew he was a stickler for etiquette and accepted the gifts— after all, the two families often exchanged things.

Ji Linhai was quick to offer help after the greetings.

His eyes soon landed on the young man in the corner, working hard to clean fish.

He’d been focused on Zhong Zijun and hadn’t noticed— when did this young guy show up?

Zhong Zijun followed his gaze and quickly introduced them. “This is my younger son, Lanting. He came to Xujia Village for the New Year with his sister. Lanting, this is your Uncle Ji— say hello!” She called out to Gu Lanting.

Zhong Zijun was clearly in high spirits, more genuine and lively than usual— it was hard to look away.

“Hello, Uncle Ji!” Gu Lanting had no idea the man in front of him was quietly eyeing his mother, and greeted him earnestly.

Ji Linhai forced himself to look away from Zhong Zijun.

“Hello, welcome! Good to see a young man helping out at home!”

But he could see Gu Lanting was a bit clumsy— with so many fish, he’d be at it until midnight.

Gu Lanting awkwardly wanted to scratch his head, but remembered his hands were dirty and didn’t want to soil the fur hat his mom made, so he stopped.

That morning, when they’d picked up the elders, they’d brought over the hats and gloves his mom had made. Everyone was pleased and put them on right away.

Zhong Zijun exposed him with a laugh. “He’s not being diligent— he lost a bet with his sister, so he has no choice but to do the work.”

Gu Lanting grinned sheepishly.

“Uncle Ji, please come inside— it’s cold out here.”

Ji Linhai rolled up his sleeves. “Could you get me a knife? I’ll help him out.” Otherwise, the job would never get done.

“That’s not really proper, Lao Ji. Come inside and let him handle it— young people need to get knocked around a bit.” Zhong Zijun was embarrassed to let a guest do chores.

Old Master Ji happened to get up and walk to the door, seeing the scene.

“Xiao Zhong, just let him help. He’d feel awkward sitting inside anyway.”

Ji Linhai nodded in agreement.

So Zhong Zijun fetched a knife from the kitchen and a sack to use as an apron.

Gu Lanting had thought he was doing a decent job, but after seeing the comparison, he was too embarrassed to even call what he was doing “cleaning fish”— it was more like playing around.

Now this was professional.

Ji Linhai held the fish head steady with one hand, the other hand moving so fast it was a blur. In a few strokes, one side of the fish was completely descaled.

With a flip, the other side was done just as quickly.

Then, with a swift motion, he slit open the belly, expertly removed all the innards, and tossed them into a basket.

Finally, he cut off the gills, scooped water from a bucket, and rinsed the fish clean from head to tail.

Clean and efficient— those moves, that speed, that control— you’d have to clean thousands of fish to get that good.

And the whole process took less than two minutes. Such a big fish was as docile as a chick in his hands, not slippery at all.

Why was it so easy for him, but impossible for Gu Lanting?

Gu Lanting was having an existential crisis— another day of embarrassment, outdone by both elders and kids.

Zhong Zijun, seeing her son frustrated, chuckled. “Lanting, you should learn from your Uncle Ji!”

Gu Lanting gritted his teeth and sidled over. “Uncle Ji, could you teach me?”

A smile flickered in Ji Linhai’s eyes.

He patiently taught Gu Lanting how to clean fish, and sure enough, with some guidance, Gu Lanting improved by leaps and bounds.

As they say, every craft has its own tricks— you need to master the technique to do things well.

Inside, the women were busy cooking; outside, the men were cleaning fish— a harmonious scene.

Chen Fengqin and Xu Huainian finished dividing up their fish and brought their buckets home, only to realize their youngest son was missing. She guessed he must be at Gu Qinghuan’s house.

Village kids were used to running from house to house— it was normal. But it was getting late, and the hosts were probably making dinner.

She had to call her son home, or people might think she was letting her kid freeload.

So Chen Fengqin bustled over, carrying a jar of her homemade pickled cabbage.

“Hey, are you home? Is my little rascal here?”

As luck would have it, Zhong Zijun had forgotten to latch the door after letting Ji Linhai in.

So when Chen Fengqin pushed the door open, she saw a man in the cowshed helping clean fish, and a strange woman in the yard laying out dumplings.

She guessed it must be Gu Qinghuan’s mother from the neighboring cowshed.

Wow, both sides of the cowshed were here— was she even allowed to watch this?

You couldn’t blame her for not being polite— in the countryside, if your door was open, people just assumed they could come in after calling out.

It was a bit awkward, but Gu Qinghuan quickly came out when she heard her.

“Fengqin-jie, Erdan’s here— he’s inside with the other kids, looking at the rabbits!”

Just then, Erdan heard his mom’s voice and poked his head out the window. “Mom, I’m here! Dabao’s family has baby rabbits— they’re so fun! I want to raise one too.”"

"Chapter 200: I’m Back