Chapter 16

With a "swish," the old man stood up, but then, thinking of the cold shoulder Xu Jianxing had given him, he sat down again, feeling indignant. Part of his frustration was due to being lured to a new spot and then being outdone by a big catch, and part of it was that he couldn't bring himself to look or help, which left the avid angler feeling quite dejected.

However, his eyes never left Xu Jianxing and the water surface. After about twenty minutes, Xu Jianxing, tired of playing around and well-rested, began to reel in his line. As the line grew shorter, the back of a large fish became visible in the water.

Seeing such a big fish, Xu Jianxing remained calm, but the old man was extremely excited, trembling all over. He couldn't help but lean forward, stretching his neck to look into the water.

"Wow, someone caught a big fish, someone caught a big fish."

Suddenly, a shout broke the surrounding calm, startling many nearby anglers. They quickly noticed the large fish's shadow on the water's surface near Xu Jianxing.

Immediately, these people threw down their fishing rods and gathered around. Some expressed amazement, while others helped Xu Jianxing with a large net to bring the fish ashore.

"Black fish!"

Seeing the characteristics of the fish on shore, everyone knew what it was.

At the same time, Xu Jianxing felt a powerful warm current surge within him, rapidly spreading through his limbs and veins. Even his bones made a slight sound. This made Xu Jianxing feel an indescribable sense of elation, and his face showed great surprise.

When the warm current disappeared, Xu Jianxing felt his physical condition had improved by about half a level. This was an unprecedented gain. According to his estimation, this time, based on the game's experience, it was at least around 50 points.

Everyone naturally saw the joy on Xu Jianxing's face, but they were not too surprised. After all, even they would be excited if they caught such a large fish. This was not about money.

At this moment, a middle-aged man came to Xu Jianxing's side and said with a smile, "Congratulations, young man. Do you have any plans to sell this fish?"

"Yeah, do you plan to sell it? If the price is right, I'd like to take it home and try it."

"Me too, I have the same idea."

Others chimed in.

"I plan to sell it," Xu Jianxing said with a smile, picking up the net and estimating the black fish's weight. He then looked around and asked, "This black fish weighs about 40 pounds. If anyone is interested, please bid. The highest bidder gets it."

Although a regular black fish might only cost about ten dollars a pound, such a large fish was clearly not priced normally. It was a case of rarity making it valuable.

"I'll offer 2000."

"I'll offer 3000."

"I'll offer 4000."

When the 4000 bid was made, there was no more bidding. Although such a large fish was indeed worth that much, it would eventually be eaten. The novelty was what they were buying, and further bidding was meaningless.

Hearing no more bids, Xu Jianxing smiled at the middle-aged man who offered 4000 and said, "4000 it is. How do we proceed, sir?"

"Cash is fine." The middle-aged man laughed and took out a stack of money, counting it as he said, "Young man, I'm Xi Lei, the owner of Tianxiang Tower Hotel nearby. If you catch any more big fish, just bring them to me. I won't let you down. Here's my card."

Saying this, Xi Lei handed a business card to Xu Jianxing.

Xu Jianxing took the card and nodded with a smile, "I don't think my luck will always be this good."

"Who knows? Maybe your fishing skills are high, and you'll have another good catch next time." Although Xi Lei said this with a smile, he didn't really believe Xu Jianxing would have such good luck again. Of course, the necessary politeness was still needed, which was a basic element of business.

Xu Jianxing didn't care what the middle-aged man was thinking. After getting the money, he left immediately. He wasn't afraid of anything these days except for becoming famous. Catching a big fish was a small matter, but there were still many curious people, and even some journalists might pay attention. So, it was best to leave quickly.

Of course, he didn't plan to leave the area. The lake was large, and he could just move to another spot. He didn't believe that any journalists who might come would pursue him for this small news, insisting on finding him.

Even if they did come, Xu Jianxing wasn't afraid. After moving to a new spot, he wore a hat and a pair of large sunglasses. Even his parents would have a hard time recognizing him, let alone journalists who had never met him.

Seeing Xu Jianxing flee, the old man who had swapped spots with him felt an intense jealousy. It wasn't about the money, but about a sense of achievement.

The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became. He lost all interest in fishing, packed up his things, and left the park. He then got into a car and headed to a nearby villa complex...

Yunhai Villa Complex was one of the most upscale in Yunhai City, home to high-ranking officials and wealthy tycoons. Any slight disturbance here could affect the entire city.

Not only did the old man live here, but so did Lu Qian, Xu Jianxing's "game wife."

The old man's name was Chen Qingguo, a former professor at one of the top four universities in the country, Deep Sea University, and an economist. He was now retired and enjoying his golden years. He had even published papers in foreign journals, causing a significant stir.

He had three children, all of whom had achieved remarkable success, either in power or wealth.

He came to Yunhai City partly because his eldest son worked here and partly because the environment was suitable for retirement. His eldest son's daughter, Chen Haojie, often accompanied him, while his eldest granddaughter, Chen Haoxue, was a different story, which always saddened him.

When Chen Qingguo returned to the villa garden, he saw his wife, Han Guixiang, and his granddaughter, Chen Haojie.

Although Han Guixiang was now elderly, her youthful beauty was still evident. She had a dignified and graceful demeanor, born into a scholarly family.

Chen Haojie had fair skin and a delicate, elf-like face. She was quirky and lively, currently a freshman in college. Due to the summer break, she had been staying at the villa recently.

Seeing Chen Qingguo return, Han Guixiang and Chen Haojie were surprised. Chen Haojie asked curiously, "Grandpa, why are you back so early? Didn't you say you'd be back at noon?"

"Noon? I'm so angry I could burst," Chen Qingguo said, sitting down on a stone bench in the shade.

"Hmm." Han Guixiang and Chen Haojie were taken aback. Then Han Guixiang asked with a smile, "Old man, who could have made you so angry? What happened?"

"It's like this..." Chen Qingguo began to recount the events, as keeping it in would only make him more uncomfortable.

After he finished, Han Guixiang and Chen Haojie were both amused and sympathetic. It seemed that the old man was acting like a child, but they needed to comfort him. Otherwise, if he continued to sulk, it might affect his health.

Han Guixiang shook her head with a smile and said, "Old man, I have a question for you."

"What is it?" Chen Qingguo said, a bit irritable.

"If you were fishing and someone came to share your spot, how would you feel?"

"I'd tell him to get lost," Chen Qingguo said without thinking, then realized what he had said and glared at Han Guixiang, "You old woman, why are you taking his side?"

"I'm not taking sides. I'm just stating the facts. You might think that because you're older, the young should give way to you, speak nicely to you, and respect the elderly. But have you considered whether you've fulfilled your duties as an elder? Also, you need to change your mindset. This isn't a university, and you shouldn't act like an elder all the time. It makes people keep their distance. Fishing is a way to relax. You should have a normal attitude, not be too competitive. Winning is good, but losing can be laughed off. Don't assume that just because someone is young, they are frivolous. Their fishing skills might be good. As the saying goes, 'There are experts among the common people.'"

Han Guixiang understood Chen Qingguo's mindset well and felt that he was too competitive. She hadn't said anything before because he was still teaching at the university, and he might not have listened. Now that he was retired, it was time to address it, so he wouldn't get upset over small matters and affect his health.

Although Chen Qingguo admitted that Han Guixiang had a point, he still felt uncomfortable.

At this moment, Chen Haojie noticed something and quickly said with a smile, "Grandpa, tell me who that guy is. How dare he make you angry? I'll tell Uncle Liu to have him arrested."

Chen Qingguo laughed, "You little girl, even if I had no face, I wouldn't have someone arrested over such a trivial matter. What would people think?"

"Hehe." Chen Haojie smiled, "Since you don't like that idea, I'll go fishing with you tomorrow and teach him a lesson."

"Ha, I knew my darling granddaughter was the best." Chen Qingguo laughed heartily, but he only took her words as a joke.

"You two, one old and one young, are both so unserious." Han Guixiang shook her head with a bitter smile.