In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

On Monday morning, Yang Guangming arrived at the training ground on time.

The sky after the rain was a clear, deep blue, and the air was filled with the scent of earth and grass. The team members had all arrived and were doing warm-up exercises. Meng Zhigang stood at the front of the line, his posture as upright as a pine tree.

"gather!"

At Yang Guangming's command, the team members quickly lined up and stood in formation.

He assigned today's training tasks as usual: shooting practice in the morning and wilderness survival training in the afternoon. The rainy season was not completely over yet, and the timing of entering the mountains was unpredictable, so they had to seize every opportunity to improve their skills.

After training began, Yang Guangming noticed that Meng Zhigang looked at him differently.

Previously, Meng Zhigang's gaze held respect and professional scrutiny, but now it carries a hint of intimacy, and he even occasionally reveals a brotherly smile.

As the two checked the team members' shooting postures together, Meng Zhigang leaned closer and whispered, "Guangming, the meal yesterday was good. Yining was quite happy when he went back."

Yang Guangming's heart stirred, but his face remained calm: "I'm glad that Yining likes it. I was worried that my skills were not up to par and that I wouldn't be able to entertain him properly."

“How could that be? Those three pheasants were stewed to perfection, and the mushrooms were fresh too. It was much better than what you'd find in a restaurant.” Meng Zhigang paused, his tone casual. “Yining has always been sensible, though she’s a bit introverted. Seeing her eating and chatting with friends makes me think she’s much more relaxed.”

These words were spoken naturally, but Yang Guangming understood the underlying meaning. Meng Zhigang was implying that his sister had a good impression of him.

“Yining has a quiet personality, which is suitable for being a teacher,” Yang Guangming said. “How is she adapting to the work at the affiliated primary school?”

"It's only been a week, she's still getting used to things. But she likes children, so it should be fine." Meng Zhigang said, glancing at Zhao Xiaohu who was practicing aiming, and raised his voice, "Xiaohu, relax your shoulders, don't be so tense!"

Zhao Xiaohu quickly adjusted his posture.

Yang Guangming walked over to another team member to give guidance, but his mind was still lingering on the conversation they had just had. Meng Zhigang's attitude had changed noticeably; it was no longer just politeness between colleagues, but more like the casualness of family.

This put his mind at ease.

In the following days, this change became even more pronounced.

On Wednesday, Meng Zhigang and Yang Guangming worked together seamlessly, with one directing the left flank and the other supporting the right, resulting in a 20% increase in their harvest compared to usual. During a break, Meng Zhigang naturally sat down next to Yang Guangming and handed him a water bottle.

“Guangming, try this. I made my own goji berry water,” Meng Zhigang said. “It’s a habit I developed in the army; it helps cool you down in the summer.”

Yang Guangming took a sip; it was slightly sweet and had the unique aroma of goji berries.

"tasty."

Meng Zhigang smiled, looked at the distant mountains and forests, and suddenly said, "Yining should be less busy this weekend. School has just started, so there's not much to do."

Yang Guangming turned his head to look at him.

Meng Zhigang continued, "I recently made a fishing rod, and my skills are pretty good. I'm planning to go fishing by the river this Sunday. Do you want to come along? Fishing is more relaxing than hunting, so it's a good way to pass the time."

Sunlight brightened his heart.

In his past life, during a difficult period, he often went fishing by the river to supplement his family's income, honing his skills in the process. In this life, with a stable harvest from hunting, he had no intention of going fishing again.

But Meng Zhigang's invitation was clearly more than just fishing.

“Sure, I like fishing too.” Yang Guangming readily agreed, “It’s just that I haven’t done it in a while, so I might be a bit rusty.”

"Don't worry if you're not good at it, you can practice." Meng Zhigang was very happy. "I'll make you a fishing rod. I'm not bragging, I made one for my comrades when I was in the army, and they all said it was good."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Meng." Yang Guangming didn't refuse.

Meng Zhigang waved his hand: "No trouble at all, it'll only take a few days. By the way, it'll be more lively with more people. I'll ask Yining and Huang Yali if they want to come along. The two girls are free on Sundays anyway, so it'll be good for them to go out for a walk. If they catch any fish, we can stew a pot for lunch and improve their lives."

Yang Guangming secretly praised Meng Zhigang's thoughtfulness.

This wasn't fishing at all; it was clearly creating an opportunity for him to spend time with Meng Yining. And the arrangement was so natural and appropriate that no one could say anything about it.

"That would be great," Yang Guangming said with a smile. "I just don't know if they'd be willing."

“Of course I’d like to,” Meng Zhigang said with certainty. “Yining used to love going to the river with me when we were at home. She was even happier than me whenever a fish took the bait. Comrade Huang Yali has an outgoing personality, so she should enjoy this kind of activity too.”

The matter was settled.

Yang Guangming felt much more at ease. With Meng Zhigang acting as his liaison, his contact with Meng Yining would go much more smoothly.

On Thursday afternoon, Meng Zhigang actually brought over a newly made fishing rod.

The fishing rod is made of thin bamboo, about two meters long, with evenly spaced nodes, straight and flexible. The rod body is polished smooth, and the grip is wrapped with thin hemp rope for a non-slip and comfortable grip. The fishing line is a strong nylon line, and the hook is made from a repurposed sewing needle; although simple, it is very practical.

"Let's test the feel of it." Meng Zhigang handed over the fishing rod.

Yang Guangming took the rod, weighed it in his hand, and gently bent the tip: "Good craftsmanship. This rod is lightweight yet resilient. It can easily catch fish weighing three to five pounds."

"You have good taste." Meng Zhigang smiled. "I spent several days looking before I found this one that was suitable."

"Thank you, Brother Meng, for your trouble."

"Don't mention it." Meng Zhigang patted him on the shoulder. "It's settled then, meet at the entrance of the family compound at eight o'clock on Sunday morning."

"it is good."

On Friday evening, after dinner, Meng Zhigang strolled over to the affiliated primary school.

The primary school was right next to the pharmaceutical factory, only a five-minute walk away. The campus was small, with a two-story teaching building, a small playground, and a row of bungalows behind it serving as teachers' dormitories.

Meng Yining and Huang Yali were assigned a two-person dormitory room, facing south with plenty of natural light. The two girls had already settled in; the room was neat and cozy. New Year pictures were pasted on the walls, and a small glass bottle with a few wildflowers in it sat on the windowsill.

When Meng Zhigang knocked on the door, Meng Yining was preparing lessons, while Huang Yali was reading a novel.

"Big brother, what brings you here?" Meng Yining was somewhat surprised to see her brother when she opened the door.

"I've come to see you all." Meng Zhigang walked into the room and sat down in the only chair. "Are you settling into the dorm?"

“It’s great. The two of us have a room in the dorm, which is much more spacious than when we were at the teachers’ college.” Meng Yining poured her brother a glass of water. “Yali also brought some old newspapers from home, and we covered the walls with them.”

Huang Yali put down her book and asked with a smile, "Brother Meng, is something the matter?"

Meng Zhigang took a sip of water and said, "I do have something to say. I'm planning to go fishing on Sunday with Guangming. I was thinking you guys are free on Sunday, would you like to come along? Go out for a walk and relax."

When Meng Yining heard the word "light," her cheeks flushed slightly.

"Fishing? Sure!" Huang Yali was the first to respond. "I've never fished before, it'll be perfect for a try. Yining, shall we go together?"

Meng Yining lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes: "I...I don't know how to fish either, will I be a burden to you?"

"Don't cause any trouble, we're just going to have some fun," Meng Zhigang said. "Fishing isn't hard, I'll teach you. If you catch anything, we'll stew some fish for lunch and improve our lives."

The thought of seeing Yang Guangming again filled Meng Yining with anticipation. She nodded gently, "Then... okay."

“That’s right.” Meng Zhigang was pleased. “Meet at the entrance of the family compound at eight o’clock on Sunday morning. Remember to dress lightly, there might be mosquitoes by the river, so bring a long-sleeved shirt.”

"Understood," Meng Yining replied.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Meng Zhigang got up to say goodbye.

After seeing her older brother off, Meng Yining closed the door and turned around to see Huang Yali looking at her with a half-smile.

"What are you looking at..." Meng Yining felt uncomfortable being stared at.

Huang Yali stood up, walked around Meng Yining, and clicked her tongue, saying, "Some people blush as soon as they hear someone's name, and then pretend to be afraid of causing trouble."

"I didn't..." Meng Yining retorted, but her voice grew softer and softer.

"No?" Huang Yali leaned closer to her. "When you came back last Sunday, who was it that couldn't sleep at night, tossing and turning? Who was it that suddenly spaced out while preparing lessons and wrote someone's name in their notebook?"

Meng Yining's face turned completely red: "You...how did you know?"

“I sleep right across from you, how could I not know?” Huang Yali laughed. “Besides, your notebook is right there on the table, it’s hard for me not to see it.”

Meng Yining was so embarrassed she wanted to disappear into the ground.

Huang Yali stopped teasing her, pulled her to sit down on the edge of the bed, and asked seriously, "Seriously, Yining, what are your thoughts on Comrade Yang?"

Meng Yining lowered her head, her fingers twisted together, and remained silent for a long time.

“I think Yang Guangming is a good person,” Huang Yali said to herself. “He’s good-looking, capable at work, and knows how to behave appropriately. Most importantly, he cares about you a lot; anyone with eyes can see that.”

She paused, then said half-jokingly, "If you don't have any ideas, I'm going to take action. It would be such a waste to let go of such an outstanding man."

“Don’t talk nonsense…” Meng Yining quickly looked up.

“Then tell the truth.” Huang Yali stared into her eyes.

Meng Yining avoided her gaze, her voice barely audible: "I...I think he's pretty good. He was already excellent in junior high, and now he's even more...even more outstanding."

"So you like it?" Huang Yali pressed.

Meng Yining's face turned even redder, but she did not deny it.

Huang Yali laughed: "That's right. If you like someone, you like them. What's there to be embarrassed about? Comrade Yang is also interested in you. I think you two are a good match. You're classmates, you know each other well, isn't that great?"

“But…we’ve only been reunited for a short time…” Meng Yining hesitated.

“The length of time isn’t the issue; the key is the feeling.” Huang Yali patted her hand. “Spend quality time together on Sunday and get to know each other better. If you feel it’s right, don’t miss the opportunity.”

Meng Yining nodded gently, but her heart was pounding like a rabbit's.

That night, she indeed had trouble sleeping again. Yang Guangming's image kept replaying in her mind: his tall and straight figure, his steady eyes, his gentle smile, and the way he busied himself cooking at home that day.

As I thought about it, the corners of my mouth unconsciously turned up.

Saturday was sunny and clear, and we led the team into the mountains as usual.

Perhaps because he was in a good mood, he performed exceptionally well today. He hunted eight rabbits and five pheasants in just one morning, and even spotted a badger in the distance, hitting it with a single shot.

Meng Zhigang also had a good haul, hunting six animals. The team members all had their own successes as well.

During the lunch break, Meng Zhigang leaned close to Yang Guangming and whispered, "I asked Yining, and she and Huang Yali are both going on Sunday."

Yang Guangming was overjoyed. "That's great! Brother Meng, what else do we need to prepare? Let's bring everything."

Meng Zhigang casually said, "I've already prepared everything you need. Just grab your fishing rod. Do your best and try to catch as much fish as possible so we can have fish stew together for lunch."

"No problem, I'm pretty good at fishing, I'm sure I'll have a good catch." Yang Guangming was very confident.

After returning to the factory in the evening, Yang Guangming made a special trip to the cooperative.

He bought two straw hats and a small bottle of mosquito repellent. There are a lot of mosquitoes by the river this time of year, and young ladies have delicate skin, so he had to be prepared.

Everything is ready, and the sun will get some rest early tomorrow morning.

On Sunday morning, Yang Ming woke up earlier than usual.

He got up, washed up, and changed into light clothes: a slightly worn military green shirt, dark blue trousers, and canvas shoes. This outfit was suitable for outdoor activities and also looked neat.

After having a simple breakfast, he checked the time: 7:30.

Pick up the prepared items: a straw hat, a water bottle, a towel, biscuits, and a new fishing rod.

At 7:50, Yang Guangming walked out of his house and arrived at the entrance of the family compound.

Meng Zhigang was already waiting there. He was dressed casually today, his old military uniform replaced by a shirt and blue trousers. He was carrying a fish basket and a small cloth bag, which probably contained bait and tools.

“Guangming, you’ve come at just the right time,” Meng Zhigang said with a smile.

Yang Guangming walked over and asked, "Yining and the others haven't arrived yet?"

"It should be soon." Meng Zhigang glanced in the direction of the factory area.

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw two girls walking over from the elementary school.

Today, Meng Yining wore a light pink shirt with ruffled cuffs, dark blue trousers, and white rubber shoes. Her two braids were neatly combed, and she wore a white sun hat, looking fresh, youthful, and beautiful.

Huang Yali wore a white shirt with gray pants, her short hair was neat and clean, and she also wore a straw hat.

The two walked over, each carrying a small cloth bag, chatting and laughing.

Yang Guangming's heart skipped a beat.

Meng Yining's outfit today made her look even more graceful than when we last met. The light pink shirt made her skin appear even whiter, and the shyness and smile in her eyes were like a flower bud glistening with morning dew.

"Big brother, Guangming." Meng Yining walked up and greeted him softly.

Huang Yali also smiled and said, "Brother Meng, Comrade Yang, have you been waiting long?"

"No, we just arrived too." Yang Guangming said, handing over the prepared mosquito repellent. "There are a lot of mosquitoes by the river. I brought some mosquito repellent. Spray some on yourselves to avoid being bitten."

Meng Yining took the floral water, feeling a warmth in her heart: "Thank you, you've thought of everything."

Meng Zhigang watched this scene with a smile in his eyes. Guangming, that kid, really knows how to take care of people.

"Alright, everyone's here, let's go." Meng Zhigang picked up the fish basket. "The place I chose isn't far from here. It's just a 20-minute drive west out of town."

The four left the family compound and headed west towards the county town.

In the early morning, there weren't many people on the streets of the county town.

The air is fresh and the sunshine is gentle; it's perfect weather for an outing.

As they walked, the four of them naturally split into two groups.

Meng Zhigang and Huang Yali walked ahead, chatting. Meng Zhigang told Huang Yali stories about fishing, which she listened to with great interest, occasionally bursting into laughter.

Yang Guangming and Meng Yining walked behind, about a dozen steps away from the two in front.

At first, both of them were silent.

Yang Guangming could sense Meng Yining's nervousness; her steps were somewhat unnatural, her fingers gripped the strap of her cloth bag, and her gaze was lowered.

He thought for a moment and then chose a safe topic: "Yining, how was work this week?"

Meng Yining looked up at him, then quickly looked away: "It's...it's alright. The children are cute, just a little mischievous."

“First graders are at a lively and active age,” Yang Guangming said with a smile. “I remember when I was in first grade, I couldn’t sit still and was punished by the teacher to stand up several times.”

Meng Yining couldn't help but laugh: "Really? You don't look like a naughty child."

"You can't judge a book by its cover," Yang Guangming said. "When I was a kid, I gave my teachers a lot of headaches. But as I grew up and realized the importance of studying, I gradually calmed down."

“You’ve always been a good student,” Meng Yining said softly. “In your final year of junior high, you always got first place in physics, and Teacher Wang often used you as a role model.”

"You're very good at math too. I remember you got a perfect score once, and the whole class was envious."

When the conversation turned to their junior high school days, the two had a lot to talk about.

As Yang Guangming recounted amusing anecdotes from their class, Meng Yining gradually relaxed, occasionally adding her own comments. Those shared memories, like an invisible bond, brought them closer together.

"Remember our class's arts and culture representative? She always sang off-key, but she loved to show off," Yang Guangming said with a smile.

Meng Yining's eyes crinkled: "I remember once at a party, she insisted on singing a solo, but she sang 'The East Is Red' so badly that the homeroom teacher's face turned green."

“Yes, yes, that was it.” Yang Guangming nodded. “Later, whenever she wanted to sing, the class monitor would find all sorts of reasons to stop her.”

They both laughed.

The atmosphere relaxed considerably. Meng Yining was no longer nervous. She looked up at Yang Guangming and said, "Guangming, you've changed so much in the past few years. If it weren't for my brother introducing you, I wouldn't have recognized you."

“You’ve changed a lot too,” Yang Guangming said sincerely. “You’ve become…more outstanding.”

Meng Yining's face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head: "No way..."

"Really." Yang Guangming said gently, "Being a teacher suits you very well. You are patient and loving, and you will definitely be able to teach the children well."

Feeling warm inside after receiving such affirmation, Meng Yining said softly, "I will try my best."

Before I knew it, I had already left the county town.

A wide river appeared ahead, its clear water shimmering in the sunlight. Dense reeds and aquatic plants grew along the riverbanks, and occasionally water birds skimmed across the surface.

"We're here!" Meng Zhigang shouted from the front. "This is it. The river is wide and the current is slow here, making it easy to catch fish."

He had indeed chosen a good spot. There was a flat grassy area on the bank, with several willow trees hanging down their branches, providing perfect shade. The river made a bend here, forming a relatively calm body of water.

The four walked to the tree and put their things down.

Meng Zhigang took out two small stools and handed one to Yang Guangming: "Sit on this, it'll be more comfortable."

He then said to the two girls, "If you want to sit, you can sit on the grass. I brought a plastic sheet; just spread it out."

He took a blue plastic sheet out of his bag and spread it on the grass under the shade of the tree.

Meng Yining and Huang Yali thanked her and sat down on the plastic sheet.

Meng Zhigang began preparing his fishing gear. He took out two small tin boxes containing his homemade, unique bait, mainly made of flour mixed with sesame oil, kneaded into small balls, emitting a faint fragrance.

"Here, Guangming, bait your fishing rod." Meng Zhigang handed over a small dough ball.

Yang Guangming took the dough, skillfully pinched it onto the fishing hook, and adjusted the position of the float.

Meng Zhigang observed this and praised, "Your technique is quite skilled. Do you fish often before?"

"I used to fish when I was a kid, but I've gotten rusty since then," Yang Guangming said modestly.

In fact, his fishing skills in his previous life were already superb, but he just hadn't had the chance to show them in this life.

The two chose their spots, about five or six meters apart. Yang Guangming chose a spot near the edge of aquatic plants, a place where fish could easily hide. Meng Zhigang, on the other hand, chose a spot on the water's surface shaded by trees.

The fishing rod is cast into the water, and the float stands quietly on the surface.

Fishing requires patience. Yang Guangming wasn't in a hurry. He held the fishing rod steadily, his eyes on the float, but part of his mind was on Meng Yining behind him.

Meng Yining and Huang Yali sat on the plastic sheet, talking quietly, their eyes occasionally glancing at the river with curiosity.

Time passes slowly.

Yang Guangming seemed to be on a lucky streak; in less than fifteen minutes, the float suddenly trembled slightly and then sank sharply.

With a flick of his wrist, the fishing rod bent into a graceful arc.

"They've taken the bait!" Meng Zhigang shouted.

Sunlight was on his side. He calmly reeled in the line, feeling the pull underwater. It wasn't big; it must be a small fish.

Sure enough, a silvery-white crucian carp was soon pulled out of the water, shimmering in the sunlight.

"Wow! I caught one!" Huang Yali stood up excitedly.

Meng Yining's eyes widened, and a surprised smile appeared on her face.

Yang Guangming pulled the fish to the shore, and Meng Zhigang came over with a landing net to help scoop them up.

The crucian carp was small, weighing about two ounces, with intact scales, and was lively and jumping around.

"A great start!" Meng Zhigang laughed. "Guangming, you're on a winning streak!"

"Good luck." Yang Guangming took the fish off the plate and put it into the fish basket.

Reload the bait and cast again.

Perhaps I was really lucky today, because in less than ten minutes, the float moved again. This time the movement was much bigger than the last; the float was suddenly pulled into the water, and the fishing rod instantly bent into a large arc.

“This one is big!” Meng Zhigang shouted.

Yang Guangming steadied the fishing rod, feeling the power underwater. It was indeed quite large, probably over a pound.

He didn't dare to pull hard, but instead slowly maneuvered around the fish, following its momentum. The fish struggled underwater, creating ripples in the water.

Meng Yining and Huang Yali both stood up, watching the river surface nervously.

Meng Zhigang stood by with the copied website, ready to help at any time.

Yang Ming was very experienced; he remained calm and patient, sometimes letting out line, sometimes reeling it in, wearing down the fish's energy. After about five or six minutes, the struggling underwater gradually weakened.

He seized the opportunity and began to steadily reel in the line.

A large carp slowly rose to the surface of the water, its scales shimmering in the sunlight, its tail slapping powerfully.

"What a huge carp!" Huang Yali exclaimed.

With quick reflexes, Meng Zhigang scooped up the fish with a single swipe of the net.

The carp was thrashing about in the net; it looked to weigh at least two pounds.

"Guangming, you've got some good luck!" Meng Zhigang exclaimed. "This fish is enough for a delicious lunch for us."

Yang Guangming smiled and put the fish into the fish basket.

With these two fish, today's harvest wasn't a complete waste. But Yang Guangming's luck didn't seem to be over yet.

Over the next hour and a half, he caught five more fish: two palm-sized crucian carp, a three-pound grass carp, a one-and-a-half-pound catfish, and a small carp.

The fish basket gradually became heavier.

In contrast, Meng Zhigang's catch was much smaller. He only caught two crucian carp weighing two or three ounces each, which wasn't bad, but compared to Yang Guangming's catch, it seemed rather meager.

Meng Zhigang was not discouraged, but rather very happy: "It seems that all the fish in this area recognize you today, and I'm just there to make up the numbers."

Yang Guangming laughed and said, "Brother Meng is too modest. The fish were only willing to take the bait because you chose good bait."

It was almost eleven o'clock.

Yang Guangming glanced at his watch and suggested, "It's getting late, and we've had enough. Let's head back. We can cook it early for lunch."

Meng Zhigang looked at the full basket of fish and nodded in agreement: "Okay, let's go back. There are enough fish for us to eat to our hearts' content."

The two girls naturally had no objections. Who wouldn't be happy to eat fresh stewed fish sooner?
The four packed their things and began their journey home.

On the way back to the city, Meng Zhigang took the initiative to carry the heavy fish basket. He and Huang Yali walked in front, while Yang Guangming and Meng Yining walked behind.

The fish in the basket thrashed about every now and then, attracting the attention of passersby. Such a bountiful harvest was indeed rare in this day and age.

"Guangming, your fishing skills are really amazing," Meng Yining said softly. "My older brother always brags about how good he is at fishing, but you've outdone him today."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "You're really lucky. Fishing is seven parts luck and three parts skill."

"I think your skill is worth ten times that of others," Meng Yining said, her tone filled with unconscious admiration.

Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart: "If you want to learn, I can teach you in the future."

"Really?" Meng Yining's eyes lit up.

“Of course.” Yang Guangming looked at her. “It’s not difficult, you just need patience.”

Meng Yining nodded, a faint smile appearing on her face.

Back in the residential compound, as I entered Building No. 3, I ran into several neighbors.

Seeing them carrying heavy fish baskets, the neighbors all looked on with envy.

"Hey, Guangming, Zhigang, you went fishing? You've got quite a catch!" said Old Wang, who lives on the first floor.

Meng Zhigang laughed and said, "We were lucky to catch a school of fish."

“These two young ladies are…” Master Wang looked at Meng Yining and Huang Yali.

“My sister and her classmate,” Meng Zhigang introduced, “went there together today.”

"Good, good, good. Young people should get out and about more." Old Wang said, then looked at the fish basket. "This fish is really fat. It'll taste best when stewed."

Several other neighbors also gathered around to watch the spectacle, offering their praise all at once.

However, everyone was perceptive enough to notice that there were two young women present, so they exchanged a few pleasantries without asking any further questions.

Yang Guangming and Meng Zhigang exchanged a few perfunctory words before carrying their fish baskets upstairs.

Arriving at Yang Guangming's doorstep, Meng Zhigang said, "Let's cook here. You have all the necessary cooking utensils and seasonings, perfect for stewing fish."

"Okay." Yang Guangming opened the door. "Everyone, come in and sit down. I'll clean the fish."

Once inside, Yang Guangming told the three of them to rest at the table while he began to busy himself.

He first filled a basin with water and poured the fish from the fish basket into it. The fish were still alive and were thrashing about in the basin.

"So many fish, we can't finish them all in one meal, can we?" Huang Yali said, looking at the bowl.

Yang Guangming counted them; there were eight fish in total, weighing about seven or eight pounds.

"We really can't finish it all." He thought for a moment, "I stewed the two big ones at noon, and I'll process the rest. You can take them back and keep them to eat slowly."

Meng Zhigang waved his hand: "How can that be? You caught the fish, how can we take them all with us?"

“Since we’re working together, the harvest will naturally belong to the group. Besides, I can’t eat it all by myself,” Yang Guangming said. “It’s hot, so it won’t be fresh if it’s left out for too long. Yining and Yali have stoves, so they can keep the food in water basins for two or three days.”

Meng Yining said softly, "Then... we'll just take the two small ones, you can keep the big ones."

"Listen to me." Yang Guangming's tone was gentle but firm. "Keep two for lunch, and you can share the rest. Zhigang has a stove, and you all have one, so you can cook for yourselves."

He began processing the fish as he spoke. His technique was skillful; he scaled, gutted, and cleaned it all in one smooth motion.

Meng Yining and Huang Yali wanted to help, but Yang Guangming stopped them: "You can just sit and rest. This job is dirty, but I can finish it quickly by myself."

The two girls had no choice but to sit back down and watch Yang Guangming busy himself.

Meng Zhigang wasn't idle either. He went to the corridor to light the stove and then brought out the big iron pot to wash it clean.

After cleaning the fish, Yang Ming selected the two largest ones: a grass carp weighing over three pounds and a carp weighing two pounds.

"I'm quite good at making braised carp with tofu, but unfortunately I didn't prepare any tofu," Yang Guangming said with some regret.

Meng Yining said, "I have some, I just bought them, I haven't eaten them yet."

"That's perfect," Yang Guangming said with a smile. "Would you mind making the trip?"

"No trouble at all." Meng Yining stood up. "I'll go get it right away."

She hurried out the door.

Huang Yali watched her retreating figure and winked at Yang Guangming: "Yining seems to want to bring her entire fortune here."

Yang Guangming smiled but didn't say anything, though his heart felt warm.

Soon, Meng Yining returned with a piece of tofu, a few scallions, and a piece of ginger.

"I brought these too, we'll need them for stewing fish." Meng Yining handed the items to Yang Guangming.

"Great!" Yang Guangming took it. "With these, it will definitely taste even better."

He began preparing the stewed fish. He marinated the fish pieces with salt and cooking wine, cut the scallions into sections, and sliced ​​the ginger.

The pan on the stove was already hot, and Yang Guangming poured in a little oil. Once the oil was hot, he added scallions and ginger to sauté until fragrant, then added the grass carp pieces and pan-fried them until both sides were slightly golden brown.

The aroma of fried fish wafted out, making people's mouths water.

Add hot water to cover the fish, add the chopped tofu and a few slices of ginger, cover the pot, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer.

Mr. Zhang, the clerk across the hall, came out after smelling the aroma.

"Guangming, you've made something delicious again? This smells amazing, how about stewed fish?" Officer Zhang sniffed.

"Yes, we caught two fish today and stewed them," Yang Guangming said with a smile. "Officer Zhang, I'll serve you a bowl to try later."

"I can't accept that..." Officer Zhang said politely, but his eyes were fixed on the pot.

"We're neighbors, no need to be so polite," Yang Guangming said. "There's plenty of fish, enough to eat."

Technician Li from next door also came out, pushed up his glasses, and said, "It smells so good."

"Technician Li, I'll get you a bowl later too," Yang Guangming said proactively.

"Well... thank you." Technician Li was a little embarrassed, but he didn't refuse.

When Yang Guangming returned to the house, Meng Zhigang smiled and said, "Your two neighbors are both very honest people."

"They always share some of the good stuff they have with me," Yang Guangming said, as he began preparing rice.

It was still white rice, cooked in a big pot.

The fish was almost done stewing, so Yang Guangming opened the lid, added some salt and a sprinkle of pepper to enhance the flavor. Finally, he sprinkled on some chopped green onions, making the aroma even richer.

He filled two large bowls with fish and meat, and delivered them to Secretary Zhang and Technician Li respectively.

The two accepted it and thanked him repeatedly.

"Guangming, with your skills, you could easily be a chef in a restaurant," Officer Zhang praised.

"You flatter me, it's just a common home-style cooking method," Yang Guangming said modestly.

Back inside, Yang Guangming brought the stewed fish to the table. A large pot of tofu stewed with fish, plus a pot of white rice—simple yet plentiful.

"Come on, let's start eating," Yang Guangming called out to everyone.

The four people sat down around the table.

Meng Zhigang first picked up a piece of grass carp, blew on it, and put it in his mouth. The fish was tender, the broth was rich, and it had a light tofu aroma.

"Mmm! Delicious!" he exclaimed. "Guangming, your fish stew is absolutely amazing!"

Huang Yali picked up a piece of fish; the meat was delicate and melted in her mouth. The tofu had soaked up the fish soup and was incredibly delicious.

"It's really delicious!" she nodded repeatedly. "It's even better than what you get in restaurants."

Meng Yining picked up a piece of tofu, carefully tasted it, and her eyes lit up: "The tofu is stewed to perfection, even better than fish."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "Eat more if you like. Two fish are enough for us."

He picked up a piece of fish belly meat for Meng Yining: "This piece has no bones, you can try it."

This gesture was more natural than the last time she picked up food. Meng Yining blushed slightly, thanked her softly, and did not refuse.

Huang Yali saw it all and a smile crept onto her lips. Meng Zhigang also saw it, but he pretended not to notice and kept his head down, eating his fish.

The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Yang Ming hadn't prepared any wine today, only brewed a pot of tea. The four of them ate and chatted, substituting tea for wine.

The topic naturally returned to fishing.

"Guangming, you're such a good fisherman, did you fish often before?" Huang Yali asked curiously.

Yang Guangming said, "When I was a child, I often went to the river. Back then, my family was not well-off, and catching fish could improve our lives. Later, as I grew up, I had more things to do, so I fished less."

He casually mentioned that he hadn't fished much in this life.

Meng Zhigang said, "Fishing is also a skill. There are techniques to watching the float, lifting the rod, and playing the fish. Guangming's moves today show that he is an expert."

"Brother Meng, you flatter me," Yang Guangming said. "Brother Meng's fishing rod is really good. It's lightweight and easy to use. If it weren't for the good fishing rod, I wouldn't have been able to catch so many fish."

These words pleased Meng Zhigang, and he smiled and said, "No matter how good the fishing rod is, you still need someone who knows how to use it. Your skills are worthy of this rod."

Meng Yining said softly, "Fishing looks quite interesting. It's quiet and peaceful, suitable for cultivating one's character. And if you catch something, it can even improve your life."

"If you like, I'll teach you next time," Yang Guangming said, looking at her.

Meng Yining nodded: "Okay."

Huang Yali joked, "So next time we go fishing, will it turn into a teaching session? Teacher Guangming will teach Meng Yining how to fish."

Meng Yining blushed and scolded, "Ya Li!"

Everyone laughed.

Taking the opportunity, Yang Guangming said, "Actually, it's not just about fishing. If you have time on the weekend, you can go out more. For example, watching a movie or taking a walk in the park are both good ways to relax."

He spoke casually, but Meng Yining understood the implication. He was hinting that he would ask her out alone next time.

She lowered her head and said softly, "Hmm... watching a movie is nice."

This is tantamount to agreement.

Yang Guangming was secretly delighted, but kept his expression calm: "It's a deal then, I'll treat you to a movie next time. I heard there's a new movie coming out recently, I wonder if you'd be interested."

"What movie?" Meng Yining looked up.

"It seems to be 'The Red Detachment of Women,' I heard it was very well made," Yang Guangming said.

Meng Yining's eyes lit up: "I've heard of this movie and have always wanted to see it."

"Then it's settled," Yang Guangming said. "Next weekend, if you're free."

"I should be free." Meng Yining's voice was so soft it was almost inaudible.

Huang Yali and Meng Zhigang exchanged a glance and both smiled knowingly.

The meal took more than an hour. The two large fish were completely devoured, and not a single piece of tofu was left. The pot of rice was almost empty, and the tea had to be refilled several times.

Everyone ate to their heart's content.

After the meal, Meng Yining and Huang Yali took the initiative to clear the dishes.

"Neither of you should move today, we'll do it." Huang Yali stopped Yang Guangming and Meng Zhigang, who were about to get up. "You've worked hard cooking, leave the washing of the dishes to us."

Meng Yining nodded: "Yes, you guys take a rest."

Yang Guangming and Meng Zhigang didn't insist any further. They sat at the table, drinking tea and watching the two girls busy themselves.

Washing dishes, wiping tables, and tidying the stove. The two girls worked together seamlessly and efficiently, quickly cleaning the kitchen and dining table spotless.

Yang Guangming sighed inwardly. Meng Yining was indeed a girl suitable for a stable life—diligent, meticulous, and not spoiled. Such a partner was his ideal choice.

After tidying up, the four of them sat down again to drink tea.

Yang Guangming divided the remaining fish into two basins, one for Meng Zhigang and the other for Meng Yining and Huang Yali.

“These fish are still alive. They’re kept in a basin of water and will last us two or three days,” Yang Guangming said. “It’s hot, so don’t leave them out for too long.”

This time, Meng Zhigang didn't refuse: "Okay, then I won't be polite. Thanks to you today, I'll have fish to eat for the next two days."

Looking at the lively fish in the basin, Meng Yining said softly, "Thank you."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "If you like it, we'll go again next time, and we're sure to find something good there."

After sitting for a while, Meng Zhigang checked the time and it was already past 2 p.m.

"It's getting late, we should head back." Meng Zhigang stood up. "Yining, Yali, are you going back to school?"

Meng Yining nodded: "Yes, I need to prepare lessons."

Huang Yali also said, "I have something to do and need to go home."

Although Yang Ming was reluctant to leave, he knew he couldn't force him to stay.

"Then I'll see you off." He stood up.

The four of them left the room. Yang Guangming escorted them all the way downstairs.

At the building entrance, Meng Yining turned around and said, "Guangming, thank you for your hospitality today. The fish was delicious."

"I'm glad you like it. Next time I'll stew fish, I'll do it myself." Yang Guangming looked at her. "Take care on the road."

Meng Yining nodded and left with her older brother and Huang Yali.

After walking a few steps, she looked back and saw that Yang Guangming was still standing there watching her. Her face flushed, and she quickly turned back and quickened her pace.

This small gesture stirred something within Yang Guangming's heart.

He only turned and went upstairs after the three figures disappeared around the corner.

Back inside, the aroma of stewed fish still lingered in the air.

Yang Guangming sat in his chair, reflecting on the day's events.

Meng Yining's reactions were becoming increasingly obvious. She would initiate conversations with him, agree to another date, and blush when he looked at her. These details were enough to show her feelings.

Meng Zhigang's attitude also shows that he supports this relationship.

Next, we'll proceed according to plan. I'll invite Meng Yining to a movie next weekend, creating an opportunity for them to spend time alone. One step at a time, steadily and surely.

He has confidence.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

When Yang Guangming opened the door, it was Zhang, the clerk from across the hall.

"Guangming, here's your bowl back." Officer Zhang handed over the clean bowl with a smile. "This fish stew was absolutely delicious!"

"You flatter me, Officer Zhang. It's just a simple home-style cooking method." Yang Guangming took the bowl.

Officer Zhang winked: "Guangming, those two female comrades came again today? I noticed you were particularly interested in that girl with the braids."

With things starting to look clearer, Yang Guangming stopped hiding it and said, "Officer Zhang has a really sharp eye."

"It's not that I have a sharp eye, it's just that you're being too obvious." Officer Zhang spoke with the air of someone who had been through it all. "Serving food, pouring tea, talking to her—taking care of her in every way. The girl is cooperating too. I think there's potential."

He lowered his voice: "Hurry up, good girls don't wait for anyone. With your conditions, she'll definitely be interested. You have to act fast with such a beautiful girl, otherwise, you might have competitors."

"Thank you for your concern, Officer Zhang," Yang Guangming said.

"You're welcome. I've been looking forward to your wedding." Officer Zhang waved with a smile and went back inside.

Yang Guangming closed the door and shook his head. The people living across the hall were just a corridor away; they could hear each other talking all the time. Any secrets they had wouldn't stay hidden forever.

But that’s fine too.

Now that things have made significant progress and word gets out, others will know she's taken, and those who might be interested will back off. (End of Chapter)