Chapter 23: No Pearls in Sight

Chapter 23: No Pearls in Sight

Back at the small inn, Xiong Zhaozhao handed the fish to Big Lin Zi for cleaning. It was his first time seeing this kind of fish, and she explained that it was caught by a killer whale who shared it with her. It wasn't exactly a lie since it wasn't too far from the truth.

After cleaning the fish, he cut off the three large fins, each as big as a fan, and marinated the body with scallions, ginger, and rice wine for a short while. Surprisingly, the fish had no fishy smell at all.

Steaming the fish for ten minutes, the moment the lid was lifted, an intense aroma filled the air. She drained the broth from the plate, poured in some fish sauce, garnished it with scallions, coriander, slices of chili, and red pepper flakes, then finished it off with a spoonful of hot oil. The rustic steamed fish was complete.

Grilling the fish was even simpler. After marinating it with scallions, ginger, garlic, and salt for fifteen minutes, she made several cuts on the body, generously coated it with olive oil to lock in the moisture, ensuring the meat remained tender and juicy. It only needed five minutes in the oven before flipping it over.

She struggled with what to do with the fins, eventually deciding to blanch them and toss them in a cold dressing.

With the three dishes on the table, she and Big Lin Zi each poured a glass of red wine. Before Gungun was a piece of the milder steamed fish, while Yao Guang had a plate of jaboticaba fruit.

Xiong Zhaozhao announced, "The White Dragon Feast begins!"

"What's this fish called? Why is it called the White Dragon Feast?"

"It reminds me of a fish I've heard about before, called the White Dragon. Anyway, let's eat!"

She tore off a piece of the grilled White Dragon fish. The skin was golden and crispy, but the flesh remained snow-white. As soon as she took a bite, an indescribable burst of freshness and fragrance exploded in her mouth. The juices were perfectly preserved, making it the most delicious grilled fish she had ever tasted.

After taking a bite, Big Lin Zi exclaimed in amazement, "Zhaozhao, you're amazing at grilling fish! This is so good! I've never eaten such delicious grilled fish before!"

"Maybe I'm also great at steaming fish..."

She picked up a piece of steamed fish. It was even more tender than the grilled version, perfectly capturing the freshness and fragrance of the White Dragon fish without any fishy taste, just pure freshness and tenderness.

Big Lin Zi gobbled down his food while giving his sister a thumbs up. "You could open a seafood restaurant and it would be a hit. I've been eating fish for twenty years and I'm sick of it, but I could eat this fish every day. There'd definitely be a line out front."

The least impressive was the fish fin that Yao Guang deemed the most valuable. Perhaps the cold dressing wasn't the right approach. It wasn't bad, but it lacked the stunning flavor of the fish's body. The texture was crisp, with little taste, and neither of them was particularly interested in trying more.

They focused on the fish's body, while Gungun ate without looking up. Yao Guang, noticing the neglected White Dragon fin, said, "Big Lin Zi, I remembered a few idioms."

The proud parrot took the initiative to engage him, leaving Big Lin Zi flattered. "What idioms? Tell me!"

"Succulent pears steamed, buying the box and returning the pearl, narrow-minded, and blind to pearls."

"Zhaozhao, is it insulting me...?"

No, it's insulting me.

Since the White Dragon fin benefited water cultivation, they couldn't waste it. She and Big Lin Zi shared it, and afterward, they felt a surge of spiritual energy coursing through their bodies. The White Dragon fish was indeed a remarkable delicacy.

She chose a larger of the remaining Porgy fish for Big Lin Zi and sent him home, preparing to practice her cultivation after setting her flag as a salty fish.

They hadn't eaten lunch due to the disruption caused by the killer whale, so they returned early and had an early dinner. When Big Lin Zi got home, his family hadn't started dinner yet. Qin Yunmei was peeling potatoes in the courtyard.

"Perfect timing for fish. We caught two Porgy fish today while out at sea." Hearing the mention of Porgy fish, Xiong Haitao emerged from the house. "Ah, they're quite big. I haven't caught one of these in a long time. How did your catch go today?"

Big Lin Zi finally found someone to brag to, enthusiastically recounting how lucky they were to catch over a hundred pounds of sole, how fast the Sea God was, and how exhilarating it was to drive.

Qin Yunmei took the Porgy fish to clean, noting its impressive size. She muttered, "We must have struck gold. Such expensive fish, and we're eating it ourselves."

Xiong Haitao didn't appreciate her comment. "It's not like you don't get to eat the fish. You always find something to complain about. I haven't even said anything. From now on, stay out of Zhaozhao's business. Don't let others' flattery make you forget your place. You can't make decisions for her!"

"Xiong Haitao, clarify what you mean. What business of hers am I meddling in? It was Si Hai's mother who asked me to inquire!" Hearing Zhaozhao's name, Big Lin Zi ignored his mother's displeased expression and turned to ask his father what the issue was.

"Si Hai's mother wants Si Hai to work on Zhaozhao's fishing boat and asked your mother to arrange it! Do you think I was sleeping? I heard everything loud and clear."

Big Lin Zi, straightforward as he was, didn't care whether his mother liked it or not. He bluntly stated, "Mom, how could you interfere in something like that? Si Hai is so lazy; what could he possibly do on the boat? He'd just be freeloading off Zhaozhao's wages. Don't hire him!"

Qin Yunmei felt humiliated by their comments. "Fine, you two are both surnamed Xiong, her uncles and father, so you can decide for her! I'm just an outsider. I won't bother with dinner tonight. You two can cook for yourselves, or better yet, go to East Street and see if your wealthy niece can feed you!"

Big Lin Zi, oblivious to the situation, added, "I've already eaten..."

Qin Yunmei was about to be driven mad by her foolish son. She glared at him and immediately untied her apron and went back inside.

Xiong Haitao glanced at his foolish son, grateful that Zhaozhao was willing to take care of him, otherwise, he would be quite a headache.

When Xiong Jin returned from work, she noticed that despite the usual dinner hour, there was no sign of cooking happening at home. Each member of the family was occupied with their own activities, creating an odd atmosphere.

She entered the house and asked her mother, "Mom, why haven't you started cooking yet? I'm hungry." Qin Yunmei continued watching TV, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "What? No one's feeding you? Dinner is canceled tonight!"

Well, the innocent suffered along with the guilty.

Before Xiong Jin could comfort her mother, another visitor arrived, the daughter-in-law from across the street.

Upon entering, she warmly mentioned that her cantaloupe had ripened and offered some to her second uncle and aunt to taste.

This daughter-in-law wasn't usually so enthusiastic. Indeed, after a few pleasantries, she got straight to the point, inquiring about Zhaozhao's fishing boat.

Finding a job close to home was highly sought after on the island, especially when it involved fishing, a profession passed down through generations.

Qin Yunmei was still upset and didn't respond. Xiong Haitao had to step in and explain, "Zhaozhao has graduated from university and has her own plans. We can't make decisions for her. Second Aunt, you should ask her yourself another day."

"I came to the island late and haven't had much contact with your niece. I don't know how to approach her. Second Uncle and Second Aunt, please ask on my behalf. Our Dazhu is very skilled at handling tasks on the boat! We heard from Aunt Hai Ming that it's a large ship, which means it requires many people, right?"

Qin Yunmei interjected, "You should ask her second elder brother. I'm just an outsider, so I can't speak on her behalf."

Sensing something was amiss, Dazhu's wife turned to Xiong Haitao.

"The ship is indeed sizable. Let Big Lin Zi ask tomorrow how they plan to recruit crew members. Dazhu is a capable worker. He should apply directly when the time comes. We really can't make decisions about who to hire or not."

After much persuasion, they managed to send Dazhu's wife on her way. Xiong Haitao called out to Big Lin Zi to close the front gate. "Ask your sister tomorrow morning about the recruitment process. Once it's decided, broadcast it to the village. This matter needs to be resolved quickly, or her life won't be peaceful. If it drags on, she'll end up offending people by choosing who to hire and who not to."

Xiong Jin seemed to have pieced together the reason behind the canceled dinner.

"Dad, will you go? Our small tin boat doesn't catch much fish in the near sea. Working on a bigger ship would be great, plus there's a guaranteed salary. Since it's your niece's boat, it probably wouldn't be too exhausting, right?"

The second son was a fool, and the eldest was overly cunning. Troublesome.

"I won't go. Big Lin Zi can take one spot and earn a decent monthly wage. You also have your salary. Isn't it better for me to enjoy my days at home?"