Retirement begins with summoning Yuan Tiangang

In summer, the river is always the most alluring part of Hexi Town.

The sun hung brightly in the sky, making the bluestone pavement scorching hot underfoot. Cicadas were howling loudly in the ancient trees, each cry more urgent than the last.

At this moment, jumping into the crystal-clear, babbling brook at the east end of town and letting the icy water envelop your entire body is an enjoyment that even the gods wouldn't trade.

Lin Feng is naturally a frequent visitor to this river.

At thirteen years old, he is at an age where he is as energetic as a young calf.

After spending the morning in the classroom studying classical Chinese, I'm so tired that I can't wait to immerse myself in nature in the afternoon—of course, I usually have to bring a few friends along.

That afternoon, Lin Feng had just finished eating when he pushed his bowl aside, wiped his mouth, and darted to the grape trellis in the yard.

Ao Xiaohei was lying on a bamboo chair with his legs crossed, fanning himself idly with a palm-leaf fan, his eyes half-closed, as if he were dozing off or lost in thought.

"Uncle Xiao Hei! Want to go fishing in the river?" Lin Feng's eyes sparkled.

Ao Xiaohei didn't even lift his eyelids: "No way. What's fun in the water on such a hot day? I'd rather sleep."

"Ugh, sleeping is so boring! Let's go!" Lin Feng grabbed his arm.

"No, no, don't bother me." Ao Xiaohei shook off his hand, turned over, and faced away from him.

"Go play with your little lackeys."

Lin Feng pursed his lips, knowing that when Uncle Xiao Hei was being lazy, not even nine oxen could pull him up.

He didn't insist, and ran out of the yard like a gust of wind.

The first place he visited was the home of his neighbor, Zhang the hunter, on his left.

Zhang Kai, the youngest son of the Zhang family, is two months younger than him and is also thirteen years old.

But Zhang Kai was stronger than him, with a healthy bronze complexion from years of working in the mountains with his father. He had thick eyebrows and big eyes, didn't talk much, but was steady in his work.

When Lin Feng arrived, Zhang Kai was in the yard wiping a small bow that his father had made for him, looking very focused.

"Open up! Let's go fishing in the river!" Lin Feng shouted from outside the fence.

Zhang Kai looked up, saw Lin Feng, and smiled憨厚ly: "Brother Feng. Wait for me a moment, I'll put the bow away."

He carefully hung the bow back inside the house, said something to Zhang the hunter who was skinning animals, and then came out.

His movements were unhurried and calming, which was reassuring to watch.

Next is Brother Chen's house on the right.

Chen Jing'an was sitting on her doorstep, holding a twig in her hand, unconsciously scratching something on the ground.

The ten-year-old boy was still somewhat thin, dressed in faded old clothes, and was quiet, like a light ink painting.

"Jing'an! Let's go slack off!"

Lin Feng called out from across the fence.

Chen Jing'an looked up, her eyes somewhat vacant. After a couple of seconds, she focused on Lin Feng's face and gently shook her head: "Brother Feng, you guys go ahead. I... I'll watch the fire."

He pointed in the direction of the kitchen.

Lin Feng knew Chen Jing'an was quiet and not very sociable, so he didn't force her: "Alright, if I catch a big one later, I'll send you one to make soup!"

Chen Jing'an's lips curved into a faint smile: "Mm."

After leaving the Chen family, Lin Feng and Zhang Kai headed towards the south end of the town.

Widow Liu and her six-year-old son, Liu Xiaohu, lived over there.

The Liu family, consisting of an orphan and a widow, lived a hard life. But Liu Xiaohu was a notorious "mischievous monkey," clever and active, capable of anything from climbing on roofs to catching shrimp in the river.

Lin Feng really likes this little guy and often takes him out to play.

As soon as they reached the low mud wall of the Liu family's house, they heard Liu's widow's tearful voice cursing from inside: "Little Tiger! You little devil! I just mended your pants, and now you've torn such a big hole! I'll beat your ass to a pulp!"

Then came Liu Xiaohu's grinning, pleading voice: "Mom! Mom! Be gentle! I won't do it again! It was that crooked tree on the back hill that hooked me! Don't blame me!"

Lin Feng and Zhang Kai exchanged a glance, suppressing a laugh. Lin Feng called out, "Aunt Liu! Is Xiao Hu home? Let's go play in the river!"

The cursing stopped immediately.

The courtyard gate creaked open, and Widow Liu poked her head out. She was a haggard-looking woman with sharp eyes. Seeing Lin Feng and Zhang Kai, she forced a smile: "It's Feng and Kai. Little Tiger's here. That rascal's caused trouble again."

She turned and shouted.

"Get out here now! Go play with your Feng and Kai brothers, or I'll break your legs if you cause any more trouble!"

A small, mud-covered figure darted out from behind the door; it was Liu Xiaohu.

The little guy is only six years old, thin and small, but as agile as a lynx, with a pair of big, bright eyes that dart around, revealing a cleverness.

Sure enough, there was a large tear in his pants at the knee, revealing his dark knee underneath.

"Brother Feng! Brother Kai!"

Liu Xiaohu darted to Lin Feng's side, grabbed his leg, and tilted his little face up, revealing a smile with a missing front tooth.

"Let's catch some fish! I know which backwater has the most fish!"

"You're so clever!"

Lin Feng chuckled and ruffled his spiky short hair. "Let's go!"

Just as the three were about to turn around, they heard a clear, slightly coquettish voice call out, "Wait for me!"

Turning my head, I saw it was Li Qianqian, the youngest daughter of the Li family.

The Li family was considered wealthy in town, with a large courtyard house made of blue bricks and tiles, and it was said that they also had a big business outside.

Li Qianqian is eight years old this year. She is wearing a pink and delicate cotton dress, with two neat buns. Her face is fair and her eyes are big and round, like two black grapes.

She was carrying a small bamboo basket and was running out of her family's grand gatehouse, followed by a worried-looking maid.

"Qianqian, are you going too?"

Raymond Lam was a little surprised.

The Li family kept a close eye on their only daughter, and usually didn't let her play wildly with these "wild boys."

"Um!"

Li Qianqian nodded vigorously, her little face flushed red from running.

"My brother made me a new fishing net a few days ago, it's so pretty! I want to try it out!"

She shook the small bamboo basket in her hand, and sure enough, there was a small, exquisite fishing net inside.

"Miss, it's dangerous by the river, Madam said..."

The maidservant tried to dissuade her.

"Don't worry! We have Brother Feng and Brother Kai!"

Li Qianqian interrupted her, turned to Lin Feng, her big eyes full of anticipation.

"Brother Feng, take me with you! I promise I'll be good!"

Lin Feng scratched his head and looked at Zhang Kai.

Zhang Kai nodded: "Let's go together, just keep an eye on her."

"Alright then."

Lin Feng agreed.

"But it's agreed that you're not allowed to go into deep water, and you have to follow orders."

"Great!" Li Qianqian jumped up happily.

The young maid had no choice but to follow from a distance.

The group of five, along with a young maid following at a distance, made their way towards the small river east of the town.

Just as they were halfway there, passing the most magnificent Zhao family mansion in town, the two black lacquered copper-ringed gates suddenly creaked open.

A boy, about twelve or thirteen years old, wearing a silk jacket and a small silver crown, walked out with his hands behind his back.

Two burly, sharp-eyed servants followed behind him.

The boy had fair skin and an arrogance in his eyes that was beyond his years; he was Zhao Mingxuan, the young master of the Zhao family.

The Zhao family is the richest family in Hexi Town, and it is said that they also have a huge business outside the town. Even the gentry in the county town have to give them some face.

Zhao Mingxuan was the only son of Master Zhao. He was pampered since childhood and developed an arrogant and disdainful attitude.

He usually looked down on associating with "peasant" kids like Raymond Lam, finding them vulgar.

Seeing Lin Feng and his group heading towards the river in a lively manner, Zhao Mingxuan snorted and deliberately raised his voice to the servants behind him, saying, "Going to play in the river on such a hot day? How ignorant! Afu, go and get my newly acquired Jade Chessboard. I want to play a game at the Listening to Rain Pavilion; that's what you call refined pleasure."

The sound was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for Lin Feng and the others to hear.

Liu Xiaohu was too young to understand what "hand talk" or "refined interest" meant; he just thought the Zhao family boy's way of speaking was strangely annoying.

Li Qianqian pursed her lips and muttered under her breath, "Pretending."

Lin Feng and Zhang Kai exchanged a glance but remained silent.

They've never gotten along with Zhao Mingxuan, so it's best for them to keep to themselves.

Seeing that no one responded to his comment, Zhao Mingxuan felt awkward and glanced at the small fishing net in Li Qianqian's hand, then scoffed, "Fishing net? Little sister Li, if you want to catch fish, just tell me. I raise koi in my pond, much prettier than those mudfish in the river. I'll give you a few to play with. Why bother getting your skirt dirty by the river?"

Li Qianqian's face tightened: "I don't want your fish! I prefer the ones from the river! It's more fun to catch them myself!"

As he spoke, he deliberately hid the fishing net behind his back.

Zhao Mingxuan was rebuffed and his face turned a little ugly, but he didn't want to argue with a little girl. He snorted and led his servants toward his family's garden on the other side of town.

"You jerk."

Li Qianqian made a face at Zhao Mingxuan's back.

Lin Feng smiled and said, "Let's go, ignore him. Let's do our own thing."

The group finally arrived at the small river in the southeast of the town.

This small river flows down from upstream and runs close to the east side of the town.

The river water is clear and varies in depth, shimmering in the sunlight, revealing smooth pebbles and swaying aquatic plants on the bottom.

The river is not wide, the current is gentle, and there are large areas of shade and soft grass on the banks.

The sounds of cicadas chirping, flowing water, and rustling leaves in the wind mingled together, and a refreshing breeze swept over us, instantly dispelling the summer heat.

"Oh! Time to go in the water!"

Liu Xiaohu was the most excited. He quickly took off his ripped pants, revealing a pair of shorts underneath. Barefoot, he jumped into the knee-deep water with a "plop," splashing a huge spray of water.

"Little Tiger! Slow down!"

Lin Feng shouted, taking off his shoes and socks, rolling up his trousers, and carefully stepping into the water.

The cool river water washed over his ankles, making him shiver with pleasure.

Zhang Kai silently took off his shoes and went into the water. His movements were steady, and his eyes were already scanning the surface of the water, looking for fish.

Li Qianqian looked at the river with some hesitation. She was wearing embroidered shoes and a pretty dress.

The maidservant quickly came over: "Miss, let's just play on the shore, don't go into the water."

"No, I want to catch fish!"

Li Qianqian watched as Lin Feng and the others were already wading in the river, gesturing with fishing nets, and felt a strong urge to join in.

She bit her lip, but finally sat carefully on a smooth rock on the shore, took off her shoes and socks, carefully rolled up her skirt to reveal her fair calves and feet, and then tentatively put her feet into the water.

The coolness made her gasp softly, then she laughed happily, poking around in the water plants near the shore with her small fishing net.

Lin Feng and Zhang Kai were the main slackers.

The two men, one on each side, bent over, held their breath, and slowly reached their hands into the water to approach the fish that were swimming leisurely or still among the rocks at the bottom.

Liu Xiaohu, on the other hand, thrashed about in the shallow water like an eel, shouting and yelling. He often scared away the fish before they even got close, but he seemed to enjoy it.

Li Qianqian held a small fishing net, staring intently at the water's surface. Whenever she saw a small fish or shrimp swimming by, she would scoop it up with a quick scoop. Unfortunately, nine out of ten nets came up empty. Occasionally, she would catch a small shrimp, which would make her happy for half a day. She would then carefully put it into the small wooden bucket she had brought.

Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting shimmering spots of light on the water's surface.

The children's laughter startled several water birds in the reeds on the bank, which fluttered away into the distance.

Everything was filled with the lazy yet joyful vitality unique to a summer afternoon.

Lin Feng once again slowly reached his hand under a large rock, where a faint bluish-black shadow could be seen.

His movements were very light and slow, his fingertips almost touching the slippery fish...

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a fish about the length of a palm, entirely silver-white except for a faint golden tinge at the tip of its dorsal fin, floating quietly on the water not far behind him, its head facing him.

Unlike other fish that hide from people, this fish seemed to be... sizing him up?

Lin Feng was stunned for a moment, and his hands stopped moving.

Seeing that he didn't move, the little silver fish with the golden dorsal fin swam slowly toward him with a flick of its tail!

It swam to within a foot of his finger, stopped, and opened and closed its mouth slightly, its black bean-like eyes seemingly really looking at him.

"Huh?" Lin Feng exclaimed in surprise.

"Brother Feng, what's wrong?"

Hearing the sound, Zhang Kai turned his head and saw the strange fish.

"This fish...is it not afraid of people?"

Even Liu Xiaohu, who was splashing around, and Li Qianqian, who was focused on catching shrimp, were drawn to the attention.

"This fish is so beautiful!" Li Qianqian's eyes lit up.

Lin Feng tried to open his palms and stretch them out into the water.

What surprised him even more was that the little silver fish actually swam over and gently touched his palm with its mouth, making it tickle.

Then, it flicked its tail, circled his palm, and stopped above his hand, as if waiting for him to grab it.

"Hey! Is this fish stupid?" Liu Xiaohu came over and reached out to grab it.

The little silver fish immediately and nimbly twisted its body, dodging Liu Xiaohu's "claws," but it did not swim far and remained hovering near Lin Feng's hand.

A strange feeling rose in Lin Feng's heart.

He slowly reached out his hand again, and this time, the little fish hardly flinched as he gently lifted it out of the water.

The fish wiggled slightly in his palm, its scales shimmering with tiny silver light in the sunlight, and its golden dorsal fin was particularly eye-catching.

It didn't struggle violently, but simply swayed its tail gently, its black bean eyes quietly watching Lin Feng.

"It likes you, Brother Feng!" Li Qianqian exclaimed in surprise.

Zhang Kai also found it very strange: "I've never seen such a human-like fish before."

Lin Feng also found it amusing.

He put the little fish back into the water, but the little fish didn't leave and continued to swim around him.

He tried several more times, and each time he could easily catch it, and when he let go, it would come back.

"This fish seems to have a special connection with you, Brother Feng."

Liu Xiaohu said enviously,

"Why don't you take it home and raise it?"

Lin Feng thought for a moment, looking at the cool, smooth little fish in his palm, and then at Li Qianqian and Liu Xiaohu who were staring at him expectantly, and he had an idea.

He held the small fish, walked to the shore, and said to Liu Xiaohu, "Xiaohu, you can have this fish."

"Huh? For me?"

Liu Xiaohu was both surprised and delighted, and somewhat incredulous.

"It...it's with your..."

"It's alright. I think it's quite intelligent. Take it home, find a pot to keep it in, and take good care of it."

Lin Feng said with a smile,

"Doesn't your mother always say that it's lonely at home with just the two of you? Having another living creature would bring some life."

Looking at the beautiful little silver fish in Lin Feng's palm, and then at Lin Feng's sincere smile, Liu Xiaohu's eyes welled up with tears.

His family was poor, and apart from his mother, he had few living companions.

He nodded vigorously, stretched out his hands, and carefully took the small fish: "Thank you, Brother Feng! I will definitely take good care of it! I will change its water every day and feed it insects!"

The little fish struggled a bit at first in Liu Xiaohu's hands, but later it got tired and could only stay quietly.

"Let's give it a name?" Li Qianqian suggested.

"Hmm... call me... call me Little Silver!" Liu Xiaohu's eyes sparkled.

"Okay, Little Silver."

Lin Feng smiled and ruffled his hair.

Zhang Kai also revealed a simple and honest smile.

Seeing Liu Xiaohu's happy expression, Li Qianqian smiled too.

After giving away the small fish, Lin Feng felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

He looked back at the river and could almost see the little silver fish with its golden dorsal fin swimming towards a new home, carefully escorted by Liu Xiaohu.

As the sun began to set, it bathed the river in a warm golden light.

The boys, carrying their catch of a few small fish, some shrimp, and the "little silver coins" that Liu Xiaohu held like a treasure, along with their clothes covered in joy and water stains, embarked on their journey home.

Their laughter startled more birds returning to their nests, and drifted through the quiet, long twilight of Hexi Town.

In the distance, inside the high walls of the Zhao family's "Listening to the Rain Pavilion," Zhao Mingxuan sat alone facing the chessboard, listening to the faint laughter that came from the riverbank. His brows were furrowed, and he didn't put down the white jade chess piece in his hand for a long time.

"vulgar."

He finally uttered two words, but it was unclear whether he was speaking to someone else or to himself.

Further away, under the grape trellis in the Lin family's courtyard, Ao Xiaohei sat up at some point, gazing towards the river, his fingers unconsciously tapping his knee, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

"Golden fins and silver scales (a juvenile silver-attribute dragon)... Interesting. This wretched little river can actually raise such a creature with a hint of dragon vein? Although... is it a coincidence, or..."

He shook his head, lay back down, and covered his face with a palm-leaf fan.

"Who cares? As long as the boss is around, the sky won't fall."