Chapter 528 They Are Fishing

**Chapter 528 They Are Fishing**

Jiang Yu had been feeling off lately, and He Tingyue wasn’t thrilled about her tagging along on the trip to the countryside.

But Jiang Yu couldn’t resist—it was as exciting as the time they dug up Sun Biao’s stash.

Even Lai Liuzi piped up: “Brother Yue, let the missus come along.”

He always believed in Jiang Yu’s luck.

Luck was a mysterious thing—intangible and elusive—but with Jiang Yu, it felt real.

With her around, Lai Liuzi was sure this trip would pay off.

Whether they found treasure or not, at least there’d be meat to eat.

He Tingyue frowned. “No reckless moves, and no going off alone. Got it?”

Jiang Yu blinked, putting on an innocent act. “I promise I’ll stay glued to your side.”

Before the weekend even arrived, Old Sir Wang came up to Jiang Yu. “I happen to be free this weekend. How about joining you all for some fishing? Let’s make it a competition. I even borrowed a boat—I’ll take you to a spot loaded with fish.”

“Sounds fun! But I’ve got great luck, so it doesn’t matter where we fish. You’re gonna lose, Old Sir Wang.”

Jiang Yu smiled at him.

Just days ago, he’d been reluctant, but now he changed his mind.

If that didn’t scream ‘setup,’ she didn’t know what did.

She grinned. “Then we’ll see you this weekend.”

Old Sir Wang lowered his head, avoiding her gaze, his breath shaky.

He stared at his hands—this was it.

Like unraveling a mystery, Jiang Yu was inching closer to the truth.

It was almost certain that Old Sir Wang had been helping Jiao Zongyao hide his dirty money.

He definitely knew where Jiao Zongyao stashed his loot.

But one thing still bugged her—why was Old Sir Wang helping Jiao Zongyao?

For cash? Or was there something on him—some leverage that made him play along?

On the day of the trip, just as they were about to leave, Cai Xiaole tagged along with Lai Liuzi.

“I heard you’re heading to Tangdian—how could you go without me? I spent every summer there growing up. I know every inch of that place.”

The moment Lai Liuzi mentioned fishing, she had to come.

“There’s a boar hunting spot near my hometown. I even got Sixie to borrow a hunting rifle—let’s see what Section Chief He’s got.”

Jiang Yu agreed eagerly. “Perfect! If we bag us a boar, we’ll haul it right back to Nanhe Village and butcher it.”

Tangdian wasn’t far from Nanhe Village—only about a mile away, just a quick walk.

Listening to their lighthearted chatter, Xiaoqi might’ve thought they were really just going fishing.

On the way, He Tingyue gave his shoulder a pat.

"Take it easy."

How could Xiaoqi relax? He was treating this trip like a mission.

"Brother Yue, back in our mission days..."

He Tingyue chuckled. "Xiaoqi, this isn’t work."

Xiaoqi frowned. "Didn’t we come to look for stuff?"

"If we find something, cool. If not, then we’re just here to hunt. Think of this as a day out—have some fun."

Xiaoqi glanced at Jiang Yu. They were cracking up about something, laughing loudly.

Slowly, he started to relax, caught up in the easy vibe.

Sitting on the packed, rickety bus, watching the scenery roll past, he found himself wondering—how long since he’d just kicked back?

Looking at Jiang Yu, he thought she was like sunlight, lighting up his once dark and messed-up life.

When the bus arrived, they had a bit of a hike left.

Halfway through, they ran into Old Wang and Jiao Zongyao.

The two were chatting and laughing, not even pretending to play nice in front of Jiang Yu.

In that moment, Jiang Yu knew—Jiao Zongyao was onto them.

She exchanged a glance with He Tingyue, figuring their plan was probably busted.

Jiao Zongyao was careful. If he showed up so openly, he’d already set things up.

He clasped his hands behind his back and signaled to the others.

Scrap the plan.

Jiao Zongyao smiled at Jiang Yu. "Fancy meeting you here, Department Head Jiang. You're here for fishing too?"

Jiang Yu nodded calmly. "I’ve got a bet with Old Wang. Today, we’re settling who catches more fish."

Old Wang let out a short laugh. "You don’t stand a chance. I’ve been fishing for years."

Jiang Yu huffed. "Old Wang, don’t be so sure. I’ve got a lucky streak."

"Oh? Lucky, are you?" Jiao Zongyao raised an eyebrow, his stare icy.

Jiang Yu held his gaze, steady.

"Yes."

Cai Xiaole wedged herself forward, completely missing the tension.

"Deputy Director Jiao, you’ve gotta hear this—Jiang Yu’s crazy lucky! Take her hunting, and you’ll bag something every time!"

Jiao Zongyao gave a thin smile, voice dripping with implication. "Let’s hope the *good* Department Head’s luck holds."

Jiang Yu chuckled, “Then I’ll count on Deputy Director Jiao’s good word!”

They all arrived at the reservoir at the same time.

Jiao Zongyao rushed off without saying goodbye, clearly in a hurry.

Old Sir Wang stole glances at Jiang Yu and her group. Not one of them even looked at Jiao Zongyao as he left, as if his departure meant nothing.

Jiang Yu chose a shady spot under a tree—it was cooler there.

"No more walking. We’re fishing here. Old Master M, why are you just standing there? Don’t blame me for being impolite to my elders if you end up losing."

Old Sir Wang snapped out of his thoughts just as Jiang Yu cast her hook into the air.

She looked completely relaxed, as if she had really come only to fish.

He Tingyue had even brought her a bamboo chair. She leaned back, listening to the chirping birds and buzzing insects around her.

The shimmering water was a bit too bright, making Jiang Yu feel drowsy.

But soon after her line hit the water, a big fish took the bait.

Too lazy to do it herself, Jiang Yu simply gave orders.

“Hurry, it’s a bighead!”

Cai Xiaole jumped up and down. “It’s huge! At least ten pounds! My goodness, Jiang Yu, you’ve got incredible luck!”

The sight of the large bighead being pulled in left them all amazed.

Inspired by this, Xiao Qi quickly cast his own line, thinking there must be plenty of fish here.

Old Sir Wang was stunned. He had fished in this reservoir for years and never gotten a bite that fast!

Beside her, he felt utterly pathetic. Suddenly, his competitive spirit kicked in, and he forgot all about Jiao Zongyao’s plan.

What nonsense. Fishing half-heartedly was an insult to the sport!

Yet while Jiang Yu kept catching fish, Old Sir Wang’s line stayed still. He grew restless, tapping his leg impatiently.

“Old Sir Wang, if you can’t catch anything, I’ll give you a couple,” Jiang Yu teased with a smirk.

Old Sir Wang sputtered indignantly. “You little brat! Just wait—this spot must be bad. It’s too hot here; the fish won’t bite.”

Jiang Yu shot back, “It’s cool over here. Why don’t you come join me?”

Xiao Qi stayed silent. He knew it wasn’t the spot.

They were under the same shade, less than two meters apart, yet he hadn’t caught a thing.

Used to this by now, Lai Liuzi patted Xiao Qi on the shoulder. “It’s all about the fun.”

Xiao Qi opened his mouth. “Is Sis really that lucky?”

“This is just the beginning. Wait until we get to the wild boar pit—she’ll blow your mind,” Lai Liuzi said mysteriously.

The phrase "good luck" was personified in Jiang Yu.

Old Wang grumbled as he moved to a new spot. He refused to believe that he, a veteran fisherman, could be outfished by Jiang Yu.

By now, he had completely forgotten about Jiao Zongyao, unaware of how anxiously Jiao and his group were waiting.

"There's no word from Old Wang. Director, did you not brief him clearly?"

Deputy Director Jiao gave him a cold look. "What do you think?"

The man lowered his head and said nothing.

"What about He Tingyue and Jiang Yu? What's going on with them?"

"I've already sent A Chang to check."

No sooner had he spoken than the aforementioned "A Chang" returned.

Jiao Zongyao asked sternly, "What's going on?"

A Chang had a strange look on his face. "Director, they're... just fishing."

Jiao Zongyao frowned deeply. "You mean to say they're fishing?"

A Chang gulped. "They're... just fishing."

I mean actually fishing—and having the time of their lives.

Not a single person in Jiang Yu’s group had left, let alone tried to gather any information. They were all completely focused on fishing.

And Jiang Yu’s luck was unbelievable—every flower carp she reeled in was fat and juicy. Even A Chang was downright jealous!

Jiao Zongyao’s face fell. "What about Old Wang?"

A Chang: "...He’s fishing too."