Chapter 302: Sightings in the Fishing Village, Strange Occurrences
A winter afternoon.
The sunlight was exceptionally warm and comfortable.
And this small fishing village, named Yumin Village, was especially lively.
Located by the river and the sea, the fishing industry was booming. Lin Tianlu and his group had just entered the village by carriage when they saw many fishermen and farmers busily transporting freshly caught seafood, a scene of prosperity.
And unlike the dry climate of the central plains, Wuchang Province was more humid and cold. Although the winter breeze wasn’t freezing, it was still biting and chilling. Most of the villagers on the streets were bundled up in thick clothes, but many of the fishermen working were still in short sleeves, seemingly full of energy.
“I didn’t expect that I would actually travel to the southern coast one day.”
Mao Ruoyu looked at the village scenery with curiosity, sighing inwardly.
The buildings and clothing styles that came into view were different from what she had seen before, novel and interesting.
Although she had wandered and traveled for many years in her childhood, she had never been to the coastal region. Being able to visit personally now was quite a unique experience.
“Just looking at the scenery, it’s actually not that different from the other villages and towns we’ve passed through.”
Cheng Yishi said softly: “But I heard someone say that the seafood in Yumin Village is especially fresh and delicious. If Master prepares it, it will be the most delicious seafood in Wuchang Province.”
“That’s why Yumin Village is so famous.”
Lin Tianlu grinned and slowly stopped the carriage in front of the inn, getting off and tying the reins.
He walked back to the carriage door, a gentle smile on his face, and bowed elegantly, extending his hand: “My beautiful ladies, may I help you alight from the carriage?”
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, who were about to get off, couldn’t help but smile at each other, taking his hand gently: “Thank you, Tianlu.”
After the two women got off the carriage, Youluo, who had been leaning against the driver’s seat, narrowed her eyes and teased: “Master Lin and the two Madams are already so affectionate in broad daylight, are you trying to make me envious and jealous?”
“You flatter me, Miss Youluo.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled gently.
Seeing her calm and composed demeanor, Youluo raised an eyebrow, a meaningful expression on her face.
Lin Tianlu quickly smiled and said: “Let’s go inside the inn first. After we put down our luggage, we can stroll around the village and see what kind of seafood they have.”
“Guests!”
An elderly man dressed as a waiter quickly emerged from the inn, smiling warmly: “Would you three like to dine or stay the night?”
“We’ll stay the night. But we’d also like to have dinner later.”
“Alright!” The old man greeted them enthusiastically: “Please come in and have a seat. We just got a batch of fresh and delicious seafood today, guaranteed to satisfy your appetites!”
“Oh?”
Lin Tianlu and the others couldn’t help but feel curious.
They followed him into the inn and looked around, quickly seeing steaming fish soup being served at several tables, its aroma filling the air.
“The fish are quite large.”
Cheng Yishi couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement.
The fish they could usually buy in the county weren’t this big, not even in restaurants.
“Heh heh, you don’t know, madam. There’s a wide variety of fish in the sea, and their sizes and shapes… are all sorts of strange and wondrous. Some of the big fish are quite scary!”
The old man quickly found an empty table, carefully wiping the table and chairs several times before smiling and gesturing: “Please have a seat, guests, what would you like to eat?”
Lin Tianlu glanced at the wooden menu hanging on the wall: “Bring us a few of your specialties. It’s rare for us to come here, we must try the local seafood and fresh vegetables.”
“Alright! Our restaurant guarantees good quality and reasonable prices, we’ll make sure you’re satisfied!”
The waiter’s smile widened as he quickly turned and ran to the kitchen.
Lin Tianlu placed his luggage on the seat beside him and looked up to see Youluo sitting rather intimately next to Mao Ruoyu.
“Madam Mao, you don’t mind if I join you for a taste, do you?”
Youluo tilted her head slightly, a charming and seductive smile on her face: “Although I traveled extensively in my younger days and have tasted southern seafood, it’s been decades since I last had it. I’m quite nostalgic.”
“If your words and actions were more proper, Miss Youluo, I wouldn’t say anything.”
Mao Ruoyu sighed helplessly, taking out a set of bowls and chopsticks for Youluo and wiping them clean with a handkerchief: “Sit closer to me, so the waiter doesn’t miss you and accidentally spill the hot soup on you.”
“You’re always so gentle and considerate, Madam.”
Youluo chuckled mischievously, glancing at her with a playful glint in her eyes: “Master Lin is truly fortunate.”
Lin Tianlu took a sip of tea and was about to speak when Youluo suddenly added: “Although those passionate nights must be wonderful, you shouldn’t bully Madam Mao too much, Master Lin. Hearing it makes me feel quite sympathetic.”
“Cough, cough, cough!”
“You, you…”
Mao Ruoyu blushed furiously, glaring at her angrily.
But her gaze didn’t carry much force, more like a wronged and pitiful little wife.
Lin Tianlu wiped his mouth and said awkwardly: “Miss Youluo, eavesdropping isn’t very appropriate.”
“I wasn’t eavesdropping.”
Youluo smiled meaningfully, pouring tea for Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi: “I was just openly looking and listening.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu and Mao Ruoyu were speechless, they hadn’t expected this woman to be so…
…shameless.
Cheng Yishi suddenly sighed softly and gave her a look: “Why are you saying such things to scare people, Miss Youluo?”
Youluo chuckled softly: “Madam Cheng is truly calm and composed.”
Suddenly, a snow-white figure emerged from Mao Ruoyu’s bosom and pounced on Youluo’s face.
Youluo, who was halfway through pouring tea, was suddenly covered by a large tail, her movements freezing. She awkwardly moved the fox’s body away from her face: “There’s no need for such an angry reminder, Miss Yun, I was just joking.”
“You should learn some etiquette and propriety.”
Yun Yue stepped on her head, patting it twice with her soft paws: “At least you should be more dignified and reserved in public and not say such embarrassing things.”
“Instead of learning those stuffy things, it’s better to live a leisurely life like you, Miss Yun.”
Youluo quickly smiled again, gently pinching Yun Yue’s paw: “Especially being able to sleep and rest in Madam Mao’s embrace, it makes me quite envious.”
“Shameless!”
Seeing them start to play and banter, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head, and looked out the window.
Yumin Village was peaceful and harmonious, everyone seemingly living and working in peace and contentment, without any strange occurrences.
However…
This village was only a few dozen miles away from Fengtai County, and they might arrive there in the next day or two. If there really were many unusual happenings in Fengtai County, there should be some signs in this village.
“Hmm?”
As Lin Tianlu was pondering, he suddenly felt a strange and delicate sensation on his leg.
His thoughts stirring, he quickly looked at Youluo, who was sitting opposite him.
While chatting and laughing with Mao Ruoyu, she was also subtly extending her right leg under the table, rubbing it against his leg. Her leg, wrapped in thin silk, felt incredibly smooth and slender, a subtle and alluring temptation.
Lin Tianlu sighed inwardly.
Having traveled with her for a while, he was becoming more and more aware of her unpredictable nature, perhaps no different from a so-called fox spirit.
Then, he nudged her leg with his knee, trapping her extended leg under the table.
The seductive smile on Youluo’s face froze, and she tried to struggle and twist her leg, but it wouldn’t budge.
“Miss Youluo, are you feeling unwell?” Mao Ruoyu frowned, puzzled: “Why did you suddenly…”
“N-Nothing, I just wanted to exercise a bit these past two days, hoping to have a figure as alluring and captivating as yours, Madam.”
She quickly chuckled awkwardly and averted her gaze.
Lin Tianlu nodded with satisfaction and casually looked at the other guests in the inn.
Besides the aroma of the delicious dishes, he could vaguely hear their conversations, mostly about family matters.
“This is a bit strange.”
“Your appetizers are here, guests!”
Just then, the old man quickly brought over two plates of dishes with a smile.
“This is a cold dish of tossed youmaicai and stir-fried bamboo shoots with meat. Please have a taste.”
“Thank you, old man.”
“You’re welcome, you’re welcome!” The old man smiled kindly, handing out bowls of rice.
“If you need more rice, just let me know.”
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi also nodded politely: “Thank you, old man.”
After the old man left, Lin Tianlu picked up some food and tasted it, quickly praising: “This restaurant’s cooking is indeed quite good.”
Sour, salty, and appetizing, with a refreshing crispness, it was a perfect side dish, making one curious about how delicious their signature seafood would be.
Seeing that his two wives were about to start eating, he quickly picked up some food and offered it to Mao Ruoyu with a smile: “Ruoyu, let me feed you.”
“Oh…”
Mao Ruoyu paused slightly, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. After a moment of hesitation, she opened her mouth shyly and took the food, chewing it carefully: “This restaurant’s cooking is truly commendable, not far from those in big restaurants.”
Lin Tianlu quickly picked up some more food and offered it to Cheng Yishi:
“Don’t be jealous, Yishi, I won’t forget you.”
“My husband has become even more considerate.”
“I was indeed a bit foolish in the past, but I’m gradually learning.”
Seeing her husband’s gentle smile, Cheng Yishi felt a sweetness in her heart, leaning closer and taking the food with her lips, savoring it elegantly.
“You two really are…”
Youluo’s expression suddenly turned strange.
Although getting closer would allow her to tease the young couple better, seeing their loving interaction firsthand made her feel quite complicated.
Could it be that Miss Yang left early because of this?
“Miss Youluo, try this stir-fried meat.” Mao Ruoyu smiled gently, placing a piece of meat in her bowl.
Finding herself being taken care of, Youluo’s expression became even more complex, not knowing whether to laugh or sigh.
And, although others couldn’t see her, her right leg was still trapped under the table…
It was a bit awkward.
…
As the seafood feast was served dish by dish, Lin Tianlu and the others couldn’t help but look excited and amazed.
The feast was even more luxurious than they had imagined, with steamed fish with scallions, fried crispy fish, fish balls, and more. But the most eye-catching dish was the thick fish soup, served with smooth, white tofu, the rich and creamy broth like sweet milk, emitting an alluring fragrance.
“This is truly—”
Looking at the “basin” of fish soup, Lin Tianlu was speechless.
This fish was too… much!
“Al-Although this fish soup smells delicious, this huge portion… I’m afraid we can’t finish it all.”
Mao Ruoyu sighed with a wry smile.
Cheng Yishi took a spoon, scooped up some fish soup, blew on it, and took a sip.
“Mmm!”
Her eyes lit up, and she exclaimed: “This fish soup is truly superb, more fragrant and delicious than any I’ve ever tasted, the rich flavor lingering in my mouth, so fresh.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
Youluo, intrigued, also took a small sip.
After savoring the taste, she quickly sighed: “I haven’t traveled for many years, I didn’t know there was such delicious food in the world.”
“Haha, after all, our Yumin Village is right by the sea and the river, these fish are delivered to your table fresh from the water, naturally delicious.” The old man, who happened to be passing by, smiled and said: “Not to mention, fish is the most abundant thing in Yumin Village, we’ll make sure you eat your fill, guests.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “This portion is definitely enough to fill us up.”
Even if the four of them shared it for three meals, they would probably be stuffed.
“Please enjoy, guests. If you can’t finish it, you can reheat it later and enjoy it slowly in your room.”
“Thank you, old man.”
…
The night was quiet and still.
The once lively Yumin Village gradually became peaceful.
Lin Tianlu, supporting Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi, one on each arm, slowly walked back to their room.
“I didn’t realize you two were such foodies, you can barely even walk.”
He chuckled, shaking his head, and looked at their bellies.
Even through their thick velvet robes and skirts, he could still vaguely see their previously flat stomachs slightly bulging, showing that they had eaten quite a bit tonight.
Mao Ruoyu blushed slightly, holding her belly as she sat down at the table, and murmured: “The innkeeper was so hospitable, I had to try everything. But it would be a waste to leave too much, so…”
“But this fish soup is truly unforgettable.”
Cheng Yishi stretched lazily, letting out a cute moan like a cat, a comfortable and satisfied expression on her face: “Mmm~ It was truly a feast.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and patted her belly: “You’ll have to walk around the room a bit, otherwise you’ll gain weight.”
“As my husband says.” Cheng Yishi blushed and smiled shyly.
Seeing them whispering to each other, Mao Ruoyu’s gaze softened, and she glanced sideways at the darkening street scene outside the window.
“—However, I still haven’t figured anything out.”
Before dinner, they had strolled around Yumin Village and asked many people about the local situation and anything related to Fengtai County.
But unexpectedly—
There was nothing unusual.
Although it was a good thing that the village was peaceful, proving that the residents were living safe and sound, without any victims, Mao Ruoyu still felt a strange premonition, as if something wasn’t quite right.
“Don’t worry too much, I’ll go out and check the situation later.”
Lin Tianlu seemed to sense her unease and approached her, touching her face and chuckling: “The winter wind is biting and cold, you and Yishi should stay warm under the covers, don’t catch a cold.”
Mao Ruoyu chuckled: “Hearing my husband say that makes me feel like a bed warmer.”
“However—”
Before he could speak again, the beautiful woman leaned closer and whispered seductively: “If I could warm the bed for my husband, I would be more than happy.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but click his tongue: “Ruoyu, your flirting skills are improving.”
“You’re ruining the mood again.” Mao Ruoyu playfully punched his chest, a charming blush appearing on her face.
“I mustered all my courage to say that.”
“There’s no need to force yourself.”
Lin Tianlu smiled faintly, bent down, and kissed her lips: “This is more than enough.”
“Mm—”
Mao Ruoyu trembled as if electrocuted, her face even redder, her beautiful eyes shimmering like stars.
“Husband, don’t favor one over the other.”
Cheng Yishi had also approached them from behind, wrapping her arms around him gently, a charming and ambiguous smile on her face, and whispered: “I’ll take care of Ruoyu later, husband, you can go and check the village with peace of mind.”
“You two should rest early.”
Lin Tianlu turned around and embraced her, bending down and kissing her passionately. After a lingering moment, the beautiful woman moaned softly, blushing and pushing him away slightly: “That’s enough, husband, that’s too intense…”
“I have to make you happy.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and quickly waved his hand: “I’ll let Xuanling out for some fresh air later. It’s getting darker, and the Yin energy is getting stronger, I’ll go out and check the situation.”
“Remember to come back early, Tianlu.”
“Naturally.”
Lin Tianlu quickly jumped out the window.
After landing on the ground, the smile on his face gradually faded.
Looking at the increasingly quiet and deserted streets, his gaze turned serious: “Indeed, something’s strange.”
