The Sly Old Man

The large group of people once again marched mightily toward the lake.

Zhou Nianqian walked between the Ye siblings, speaking softly about the vegetation distribution in the lake area.

He kept his eyes straight ahead and his steps steady. When he passed by Lin Mo and Jiang Yunlu, he didn't even shift his peripheral vision in the slightest.

This disregard wasn't an oversight, but an arrogance carved into his very bones.

Lin Mo didn't look up either. He was playing with a strand of Jiang Yunlu's hair. The two of them were busy chatting and laughing softly, completely ignoring this group of so-called wealthy heirs.

A moment later.

Ahem! Cough, cough!

A heavy, warning cough came from behind them.

As if burned by fire, Jiang Yunlu quickly broke free from Lin Mo's embrace and stood up abruptly.

Blushing, she hurriedly smoothed out the wrinkles in her clothes, her eyes darting around nervously.

Dad, Uncle Zhao, Jiang Yunlu called out in a low voice.

Jiang Chengshan walked over with his hands behind his back, followed by Uncle Zhao carrying a fishing tackle bag.

Jiang Chengshan's eyes, which had weathered decades in the business world, were fixed intensely on Lin Mo.

Although he had already accepted this kid's existence in his heart, seeing his precious daughter getting snatched away right in front of him still made his chest tighten with a father's protective pride.

Let's go fishing.

Jiang Chengshan's tone was stiff as he pointed at the lake. You kid, compete with me. If you can't catch any fish, or if you lose to me, I'll have Lao Zhao send you straight down the mountain. Don't be an eyesore here.

Lin Mo patted the grass clippings off his pants and slowly met Jiang Chengshan's gaze.

No problem, Uncle Jiang, Lin Mo smiled, his eyes revealing a sense of certainty. But what if I do catch some, and I catch more than you?

Jiang Chengshan's heart skipped a beat. Looking at Lin Mo's confident demeanor, he couldn't help but feel like he was willingly jumping into a trap the other party had dug.

But since the words were already spoken, he could only give a cold snort to cover up his guilty conscience.

If you win, Yunlu can make one more wish today. No matter what it is, I'll agree to it.

Jiang Chengshan added, After all, today is her birthday.

This old man is really wicked.

Lin Mo cursed inwardly. If he won, all the benefits went to Yunlu, but if he lost, he would be the one packing his bags. The old man's calculating abacus beads were practically snapping right in his face.

Sly, what a super sly old geezer.

Alright, I'll listen to you. This is indeed interesting. Lin Mo shrugged, looking utterly indifferent.

Listening from the side, Jiang Yunlu's eyes curved into crescents. She wasn't worried about Lin Mo; after all, he had caught two big fish before. Instead, she was looking forward to seeing her dad eat his words.

Actually, I'm more used to sea fishing. The feeling of being amidst strong winds and rough waves is what I call real fishing.

Jiang Chengshan directed Uncle Zhao to open the sunshade umbrella while striking the pose of an expert. However, this kind of small freshwater lake is no challenge either. Let's go, I'll show you how it's done.

At this moment, Jiang Yunlu suddenly raised her hand and stepped forward.

Dad, I want to participate too! If I win, both of you have to promise me one request each, no backing out!

Jiang Yunlu had a sporty personality to begin with, so she was full of interest in this kind of competition.

Lin Mo turned his head to look at her. I have no objections. Mine is yours anyway.

Jiang Chengshan choked a bit at these words and waved his hand in annoyance. Fine, fine, everyone participates. Maybe Yunlu really can beat the two of us relying on beginner's luck.

The four of them walked slowly along the bluestone path by the lake shore.

The afternoon sunlight shattered on the sparkling surface of the lake, and the wind carried a hint of fresh moisture.

Many fishing spots had already been set up in an orderly, scattered manner along the shore. Figures wearing sun hats sat as motionless as statues, staring intently at the bobbers on the water.

There weren't many good empty spots left, and some required a long walk.

Lin Mo simply led the two of them and stopped just a few meters away from Zhou Nianqian's group.

This distance was neither too far nor too close, just enough to let certain people see everything clearly.

Jiang Chengshan, on the other hand, tactically chose a spot further away so that no one would snatch his fish.

The little abacus in his heart was clicking away.

If the three of them gathered together, and he had bad luck with no fish biting, it would be troublesome.

But being here alone, he might fill his keepnet in minutes.

Then he, Jiang Chengshan, would use his absolute strength to crush that arrogant punk who didn't know the immensity of heaven and earth.

Thinking of this, Jiang Chengshan couldn't help but puff out his chest, as if he could already see the punk crying and begging not to be sent back.

Uncle Zhao came over carrying the fishing tackle box. After opening it, inside were two lure rods and one hand pole.

Generally speaking, sea fishing uses casting rods, while freshwater fishing relies more on hand poles and lure rods.

A hand pole refers to a fishing rod without guide rings or a reel; Jiang Taigong used a hand pole for his fishing.

It requires more patience.

Lure fishing, on the other hand, is slightly more complicated and requires more movement.

Such as actively casting, reeling in the line, and twitching the rod tip.

But for something like fishing, a lot of the time it all comes down to one word: luck!

There were only two lure rods among the poles Uncle Zhao brought over, and Jiang Chengshan took one.

Yunlu, want to try this one? Lin Mo handed the lighter lure rod to Jiang Yunlu.

Me? I don't know how. Jiang Yunlu was eager to try but afraid she wouldn't use it well.

I'll teach you.

Meanwhile, Lin Mo casually pulled out the hand pole.

Hand poles are actually more suitable for places like ponds and small rivers.

For the lake in front of them, which was shallow around the edges and deep in the middle, it was best to use a lure rod.

However, to Lin Mo, none of this mattered.

Uncle Zhao looked at Lin Mo's choice and hesitated to speak. Ultimately, he just nodded and turned to help Jiang Chengshan adjust his reel.

Lin Mo stood by Jiang Yunlu's side.

Watch closely. Don't just swing with your arms. Use your waist and abdomen to generate power, let it drive your shoulders, and then use your wrists to naturally snap the rod forward.

Lin Mo slowed down his movements and demonstrated it for her once.

Jiang Yunlu mimicked his posture and tried giving it a swing. As a result, the bait made a soft smack and landed limply in the water less than three meters from her feet.

Pfft. She couldn't help but laugh at herself first, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Don't rush, lower your center of gravity a bit more.

As Lin Mo spoke, he naturally stepped behind her. His left hand lightly hovered over her wrist, while his right hand gently rested on the side of her waist.

Feel that? Generate the power from here.

A warm sensation spread from her waist, making Jiang Yunlu's cheeks instantly flush with heat. Even her breathing slowed by half a beat. She could smell the refreshing scent on Lin Mo's body, and his steady voice echoed in her ear.

Jiang Yunlu truly lived up to being a little athlete. After Lin Mo's two demonstrations, she was able to cast the hook far out.

She nodded subconsciously and, following Lin Mo's guidance, swung the rod again.

Swish!

This time, the fishing line carried the artificial lure, drawing a beautiful arc in the air before landing far into the center of the lake, splashing a small circle of ripples.

Wow! I did it! Jiang Yunlu turned her head excitedly, her eyes sparkling brightly as if filled with stars.

Mhm, very talented. Lin Mo let go and took a step back, a faint smile on his face.