Chapter 30

That night, Lu Qing finally had a good sleep.Early the next morning, after breakfast, he took Xiao Yan to the river to fish.

This time, he saw fewer people at the riverside, unlike before when seven or eight people crowded a single fishing spot.

It made sense, as it was the busy farming season, and there was still much work to be done in the fields. Fishing was ultimately just a leisure activity, a way to occasionally improve their meals. The crops in the fields were far more important; they were the lifeblood of the farmers.

This time, Lu Qing did not go to the spot where he had previously caught the strange fish.

These peculiar fish were fine to catch occasionally, but if he caught a few every few days, even a fool would know something was off.

Besides, even if he caught one now, he had no place to sell it. He couldn't always rely on Dr. Chen to help him sell them.

As for eating them himself, he was reluctant. Ever since he learned the value of the strange fish, Lu Qing planned to make it an important source of income.

He decided to fish at another spot he had discovered on his first visit to the riverside.

After fixing up the fishing spot, Lu Qing began to fish.

Compared to the previous two times, this fishing trip was uneventful.

After an hour, he had caught nearly half a bucket of fish.

The fish varied in size, the largest being a two or three-pound grass carp, and the smallest being the same little white fish.

With nearly half a bucket of fish, Lu Qing began to pack up.

These fish should be enough to feed the nocturnal spirit fox for several nights.

Back home, after Xiao Yan fell asleep that night, Lu Qing once again heard the familiar scratching at the door.

This time, he did not panic. He calmly took the fish he had prepared from the kitchen and opened the front door.

As the door opened, he saw the little black beast standing in the middle of the courtyard.

However, its mood seemed much calmer this time.

Although it was still cautious, it didn't look as alarmed as the previous night, with its fur all standing on end.

"I've been waiting for you."

Lu Qing smiled, trying to appear as peaceful and friendly as possible.

He then took out a wooden basin filled with fish and slowly walked toward the courtyard.

The black beast retreated a few steps and made a warning sound.

Lu Qing immediately stopped, "Don't be nervous, I mean no harm."

He gently placed the basin on the ground and slowly backed away.

Once he was back inside, the black beast calmed down, sniffed the air, and in a flash, darted to the basin, grabbed the largest fish, and disappeared to eat it.

Lu Qing wasn't surprised. He waited quietly inside the door.

Sure enough, after a while, the beast reappeared in the courtyard, grabbed another fish, and disappeared again.

The little creature was quite cautious.

Lu Qing chuckled and lost interest in watching a wild animal eat.

There were plenty of small fish in the bucket. The little beast would be running back and forth for a while, and he didn't want to wait around.

He closed the door, went back to his room, and felt completely relaxed.

It seemed he had solved the problem perfectly.

Although he had to part with some fish, for someone who loved fishing, that amount of fish was nothing.

He always caught more fish than he could eat. Having the nocturnal spirit fox help consume them wasn't a bad thing.

It was like in the countryside, where leftover food and bones were fed to cats and dogs.

With a relaxed mind, Lu Qing had another good night's sleep.

The next morning, he found the basin empty.

Over two pounds of fish, all gone. The little creature had quite an appetite.

After cleaning up, Lu Qing prepared breakfast.

After eating with Xiao Yan, they prepared to visit Dr. Chen.

Carrying over a pound of freshly caught small fish, Lu Qing took Xiao Yan out.

Dr. Chen had mentioned he liked small fish, and since Lu Qing had caught plenty, he brought some along.

Walking up the mountain path, Lu Qing felt a hint of anticipation.

Dr. Chen had gone to town yesterday to sell the Red Moon Carp for him. He wondered how it went.

Although Dr. Chen said the Red Moon Carp was a rare and valuable fish that would easily sell, Lu Qing was still a bit anxious until he saw the silver in hand.

At the house, Lu Qing saw Dr. Chen just finishing his morning exercise.

"Grandpa Chen!" Xiao Yan ran up to him.

"Xiao Yan, did you miss Grandpa?" Dr. Chen picked up the little girl.

"I did~" Xiao Yan replied sweetly.

"Hahaha..."

"Good morning, Grandpa Chen," Lu Qing greeted as well.

"You're looking well today. Did the wild animal not bother you again?" Dr. Chen asked.

In Dr. Chen's view, his medicinal powder was always effective. No matter what wild animal it was, they would stay away after smelling it. He had given Lu Qing a large bag, enough to keep even tigers and leopards at bay. A mere unknown beast shouldn't be an exception.

However, Lu Qing looked a bit embarrassed.

"Grandpa Chen, it seems the powder wasn't very effective. The beast came to my house again these past two nights."

"Oh, really?" Dr. Chen was surprised.

"I don't know why, but it doesn't seem to fear the powder," Lu Qing answered truthfully.

"How did you get it to leave?"

Dr. Chen looked at Lu Qing's complexion, confirming he hadn't stayed up all night.

"I didn't do anything special. It seemed to be after the fish in my house, so I threw some fish to it. After eating, it left."

"It likes to eat fish?" Dr. Chen pondered. "What does this beast look like? Did you get a good look?"

"It's a small black beast, about two feet long, all black except for its paws and neck, which are white. Grandpa Chen, do you know what kind of beast it is?"

"A two-foot-long black beast?" Dr. Chen thought for a moment and shook his head. "I've traveled far and wide for many years and have never seen such a beast." Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ N0vᴇlFirᴇ.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

"Even you don't know?" Lu Qing was surprised.

"You must understand," Dr. Chen laughed, "this world is vast and boundless, full of countless creatures. Although I've traveled for decades, the places I've been to are just a small part of the world. It's normal to encounter creatures I don't recognize."

"You're right, Grandpa Chen." Lu Qing nodded.

He had hoped to learn more about the nocturnal spirit fox from Dr. Chen, but it seemed that wasn't going to happen.

"However, from your description, the little beast seems quite intelligent. Since it doesn't intend to harm people and only wants food, there's no need to drive it away for now."

Dr. Chen, with his vast experience, knew that some creatures in this world were very special.

From Lu Qing's description, the little black beast seemed to be one of them.

"I think so too. Anyway, I can't eat all the fish I catch. Sharing some with it is no big deal," Lu Qing smiled.

Even if he wanted to drive it away, he wouldn't dare.

That little creature was quite formidable!

Xiao Yan, who had been listening for a while, finally understood what they were talking about.

Her eyes lit up. "Brother, next time you feed the little beast, can Xiao Yan see it too?"

"That might be difficult," Lu Qing said. "It seems to only come when you're asleep."

"Why?" The little girl looked a bit disappointed. "Does it hate Xiao Yan?"

"I don't know," Lu Qing replied, "maybe it's just shy. When it gets more familiar with us, it might be willing to see you."

"Brother, you must make friends with it quickly. Xiao Yan wants to see what it looks like," she said eagerly.

"I'll try my best."

What else could Lu Qing say? He could only nod and agree.

"By the way, Grandpa Chen, this is for you. I caught some small fish yesterday. You mentioned you liked them last time. I hope these are enough."

Lu Qing handed over the fresh small fish he had prepared.

Dr. Chen looked at them, quite satisfied. "Put them inside. By the way, the items you asked me to buy are also back. They're in the house."