Chapter 72

Qi Xiang took a look and found that something was slowly sinking in the lake water.

At first glance, Qi Xiang's heart stirred, and he immediately cast his fishing rod, the hook plunging into the water, then quickly chasing after the object. Before it sank to the bottom of the lake, he hooked it in one swift motion.

At the right moment, Qi Xiang slowly reeled in the line and smoothly pulled the object up. After a while, the object floated to the surface, its golden luster shining even more brightly, almost blinding to the eye.

Squinting, Qi Xiang examined the object and found that it was a chain seal. It was a golden chain with a gold seal attached.

At the same time, Zhu Shen, on the opposite speedboat, angrily shouted, "You thief, that's my thing, give it back to me..."

Ignoring the barking of a defeated dog, Qi Xiang took the object off the hook and examined it closely. It was clear that the chain seal was exquisitely crafted. The chain links were tightly interlocked, very sturdy and solid.

Most importantly, it was the gold seal.

It was small and exquisite, roughly the size of an egg, with a square and round shape.

The seal had a dragon button, with simple and ancient patterns, exuding a refined and elegant air.

Qi Xiang played with it, casually flipping it over to examine the seal face. He saw that the seal face was engraved with four characters in seal script. He had some knowledge of epigraphy, and he could recognize a few simple seal characters.

"Taogong Seal!"

Qi Xiang identified each character and was momentarily stunned. Could it be that after searching in vain, he found it without any effort?

"Hey, you damned thief, quickly return the seal to me."

On the other side, Zhu Shen was still shouting, "Return the thing to me, and I won't hold it against you. Otherwise, I'll call the police and accuse you of premeditated murder and robbery..."

"Don't talk nonsense," Qi Xiang rolled his eyes and continued to examine the gold chain seal.

Zhu Shen stomped his feet on the speedboat and shouted, "I'm not joking, if you don't return it, I'll really ram into you."

Qi Xiang carefully examined the seal text and suddenly asked, "Do you know Young Master Hai?"

"What?" Zhu Shen was stunned, his face changing, and he hesitated a bit, "Young Master Hai?"

"Yes, that's him," Qi Xiang smiled broadly, "So, you must be Taogong, right?"

Zhu Shen frowned, looking Qi Xiang up and down, and asked in surprise, "Who are you?"

By not denying it, he was implicitly confirming it.

For a moment, Qi Xiang also had a look of joy and chuckled, "I'm a friend of Young Master Hai. He mentioned you. But he said that for the past two years, you suddenly disappeared without a trace..."

"What else could it be, I just got tired of it."

Zhu Shen casually replied, then added unhappily, "If you knew Young Master Hai, why didn't you say so earlier? For his sake, I won't make things difficult for you..."

"Turns out it's a case of the flood washing away the dragon king's temple... I can't even get back at you now, what bad luck."

Zhu Shen muttered a few words, wiped his face, and continued, "Alright, as long as you return the chain seal, I promise not to hold it against you. Oh, and that big fish, you have to sell it to me..."

"I'll return the chain seal..."

Qi Xiang's heart stirred, and he casually threw the gold chain seal over. As Zhu Shen fumbled to catch it, Qi Xiang casually asked, "I'm just curious, why are you so interested in this fish?"

"I have guests to entertain," Zhu Shen said casually, "If you sell me the fish, I'll owe you a favor."

"Ah?"

Qi Xiang was somewhat surprised. After all, it was just a fish, worth at most a thousand or so, but Zhu Shen was willing to owe a favor to get it, indicating that the guests he wanted to entertain must be very important.

"Of course, you can have the fish."

Qi Xiang, slightly dazed, responded, "But I want to personally clean and prepare it..."

"Hmm?"

Zhu Shen was taken aback, then asked in surprise, "Are you... the eccentric chef Tian Shi? That's great, you can help me prepare a dish..."

"I'm not Tian Shi."

Qi Xiang shook his head lightly. When Zhu Shen looked disappointed, he added, "But Tian Shi is indeed in Huzhou. If you need him, I can help you contact him."

"Of course, I need him." Zhu Shen perked up and nodded eagerly, "You help me contact him and tell him that if he's willing to help me prepare a dish, I can... I can... I can give him a million!"

Qi Xiang was taken aback, even more surprised.

First, he was amazed by Zhu Shen's generosity. A million for a dish, even the ancient emperors' imperial banquets probably weren't as extravagant.

Second, he was amazed by Tian Shi's skills. For Zhu Shen to think it worth a million to have Tian Shi prepare a dish, Tian Shi's culinary skills must be at the pinnacle.

Of course, while amazed, Qi Xiang remained calm on the surface and smiled, "I can help you contact him, but I can't guarantee he'll come."

"Alright, contact him."

Zhu Shen agreed immediately, understanding that for someone like Tian Shi, it wasn't just about money, so he added, "Tell him that if he's willing to help me, I... I... I will definitely give him a satisfactory reward..."

"...Understood." Qi Xiang nodded lightly and then asked, "Where are you entertaining your guests? Let's take the fish there first."

"Over there, over there!" Zhu Shen pointed, "See that painted pleasure boat? That's my boat!"

Zhu Shen wasn't boasting, just stating a fact, in a matter-of-fact way. If he weren't drenched and looking a bit disheveled, he would definitely look like a wealthy and handsome young man.

But that was just an appearance. He was rich, but not particularly tall or handsome.

Qi Xiang's thoughts wandered, and under Zhu Shen's guidance, he slowly rowed the boat toward the painted pleasure boat in the middle of the lake.

During the journey, Zhu Shen suspected that Qi Xiang was rowing too slowly, so he took a rope, tied it to the small boat, and drove the speedboat, quickly reaching the side of the pleasure boat.

The pleasure boat was ancient and elegant, like a delicate pavilion from the Suzhou gardens moved onto the water.

Once on the pleasure boat, Qi Xiang could see more clearly. The boat was not only beautiful on the outside but also meticulously decorated inside, with carved beams and painted pillars.

Before Qi Xiang could admire the layout and decoration of the pleasure boat, Zhu Shen urged, "Stop looking around and contact Tian Shi quickly. When you have time, I'll lend you the pleasure boat for a few days, so you can enjoy it to your heart's content."

"Thanks in advance."

Qi Xiang chuckled, then walked a few steps and took out his phone to call Young Master Hai.

After a long wait, the call finally connected, and Young Master Hai's cautious voice came through, "Brother Qi, have you decided to give us the danmu?"

"No, not about the danmu..." Qi Xiang smiled slightly, his voice casual, "I found Taogong."

"What!"

Young Master Hai's voice was almost a shout, clearly shocked. Then he laughed, indicating doubt, "Brother Qi, don't joke around so early in the morning."

"It's true, he's right here, and he wants to ask Mr. Tian Shi for help." Qi Xiang said calmly, "He said that if Mr. Tian Shi is willing to help him prepare a dish, he can give a million."

"Of course, even if Mr. Tian Shi doesn't want money, it can be negotiated. He can offer a satisfactory reward to Mr. Tian Shi."

Qi Xiang said softly, "Young Master Hai, please help convey this to Mr. Tian Shi and ask for his decision. He's waiting for your reply."

For a moment, there was silence on the other end of the phone. But soon, Tian Shi's voice came through, "Are you sure you're not pulling our leg?"

"I'm not a fool, I wouldn't tell such an easily exposed lie." Qi Xiang chuckled, "He's right here. If you come and talk to him, you'll know if it's true."

That was the truth...

Tian Shi immediately made a decision and said firmly, "Where are you? We'll come right away."

"At Taihu Lake!"

Qi Xiang was very straightforward, giving the detailed address. He was wise enough not to set up barriers or make demands in such matters.

After all, the relationship between them was quite delicate. There wasn't enough trust yet. If more doubts were added, things would definitely fall apart...

To achieve success, he needed to take things step by step and be gentle.

Seeing Qi Xiang hang up the phone, Zhu Shen immediately rushed over and asked, "How did it go? Did he agree?"

"He didn't say whether he would agree, just that he'll come to take a look." Qi Xiang smiled, "The specifics will have to be discussed with him in person. I can't make the decision for him."

"As long as he comes, that's good..." Zhu Shen was very pleased. He didn't believe that Tian Shi was a saint, so refined that he had no interests. He believed that as long as he catered to Tian Shi's interests, Tian Shi would be willing to help him.

"Brother, thank you so much, you're a timely rain. I'll remember this favor."

Zhu Shen straightened up, patted Qi Xiang's shoulder in a friendly manner, then rubbed his wet hair and smiled, "Find a place to play, I'll go change clothes."

As he spoke, Zhu Shen smiled and happily disappeared into the boat, leaving Qi Xiang behind.

"Is this considered biting the hand that feeds you?"

Qi Xiang slightly pouted, waited on the deck for a while, and found it boring, so he walked into the boat.

The boat was very spacious. The corridor was lined with a thick, soft carpet, and the walls were adorned with fragrant flowers.

From the fresh and moist petals, it was clear that the flowers had been picked not long ago and quickly brought here to decorate.

"Money is good..."

Qi Xiang looked at the flowers with interest and then heard a melodious string music.

Someone seemed to be playing music inside the boat. The tinkling sounds were like a clear stream flowing happily in a mountain ravine, very fresh and natural.

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