svetikya Chapter 20 Stealing a Moment of Leisure: Fish Fun at the Forbidden City
Chapter 20 Stealing a Moment of Leisure: Fish Fun at the Forbidden City
The next morning, Lin Yan woke up at nine o'clock as usual. He habitually stroked Xiao Qi, who was sleeping sprawled out on the cotton mattress by the bed, before going downstairs to wash up, swallowing a fasting pill, and then returning to his study on the second floor.
He cradled the drowsy Xiao Qi in his arms, stroking its soft fur absently, his mind somewhat blank. He didn't plan to engage in deep cultivation until the puppets dispatched across the country brought back definite news. Firstly, he feared missing important information; secondly, having only recently broken through, his meridians needed time to adapt and consolidate. In cultivation, a balance of activity and rest was the proper way.
"What should we do these next few days?" Lin Yan was a little lost for a moment, so he looked down and asked the little guy in his arms, "Little Seven, what do you think your brother should do these next few days if he's not cultivating?"
Little Qi, who had been enjoying the petting with her eyes half-closed, instantly rolled over and sat up upon hearing this. She clung to Lin Yan's arm with her two front paws, her bright black eyes wide with anticipation, and asked through her divine sense, "Brother, you're not cultivating anymore? Does that mean you can play with Little Qi now? Really? Really?"
Seeing its excited little face, Lin Yan chuckled, "Of course! So, what does Little Seven want its brother to play with you?"
Little Qi tilted her head and thought for a moment, then suggested in her childish voice, "Brother, can you take me outside to see the world? I want to know what the world is like!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Yan slapped his forehead: "That's right! How could I forget about that!" Since transmigrating here, he has been either dealing with his beastly neighbors or cultivating and making plans in his space. He has never really had a chance to properly explore this Beijing city from the late 1950s.
"Okay! Today, brother will take our little Qi to tour Beijing and see the palace where the emperor used to live!" Lin Yan decided immediately.
"Awoo!" Little Seven happily spun around on the desk, its tail wagging like a propeller.
Lin Yan changed into a slightly worn blue work uniform, put the money and tickets into a canvas shoulder bag, and then carefully placed Xiao Qi into the bag as well. Xiao Qi was a little uncomfortable in the cramped space, and tried to open the bag flap with its head, peeking out its little head and front paws. Its pair of curious dog eyes kept looking at the street scene rushing past the window, its mind already far away.
As Lin Yan passed by the front gate, an older woman who was sewing shoe soles saw him come out and casually asked, "Little Yan, you still don't look too good. Where are you going?"
Lin Yan immediately got into character, forcing a weak expression on his face and lowering his voice: "I'm almost out of my medicine, I need to go to the hospital to get another prescription. And while I'm at it... I'll go to the library to read some books and clear my head."
The auntie didn't think much of it, but just gave the usual advice: "Oh, be careful on the road. If you feel unwell, come back quickly. Don't push yourself."
"Oh, thank you for your concern, Auntie." Lin Yan said thank you and slowly walked out of the courtyard gate.
Once on the street, Lin Yan looked down at Xiao Qi in his bag and said, "Brother will take you to the palace where the emperor used to live, okay?"
Little Seven patted the canvas bag with its paw and excitedly whispered, "With my brother by my side, anywhere is fine!"
Lin Yan led Xiao Qi out of Nanluoguxiang and onto a bus on Dongzhimen Street, heading towards Jinyu Hutong. On the bus, Xiao Qi looked out the window at the bustling crowds, the clanging bicycles, and the occasional old-fashioned car, appearing unusually excited. Since gaining consciousness, it had lived in its spatial dimension, facing only silent puppets that obeyed commands every day. While this was comfortable, it was also lonely. Now, experiencing this vibrant, noisy, and lively human world, it seemed to understand why its brother couldn't bear to leave it behind.
"Although there's everything in this space, there's no one here... Although the air isn't good and there's nothing here, it's so lively. They're all my brother's kind..." Xiaoqi thought to herself, feeling a little down, but she quickly cheered up again. "It's okay! I'll spend more time with my brother outside from now on! I'm so smart!" She secretly gave herself a thumbs up.
Lin Yan was oblivious to his dog's subtle inner thoughts. After getting off the bus at the entrance of Jinyu Hutong, he joined the crowd to queue for the Forbidden City ticket office. He bought a ticket for one cent, carefully inquired at the ticket gate about bringing his pet in, and repeatedly assured them that he would keep a close eye on it and prevent it from running around and causing damage. The staff hesitated for a moment, looking at the seemingly docile and harmless little puppy in his bag, but ultimately gave him a few more instructions and let him in.
Entering the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate, a profound sense of history washes over you. Xiao Qi peeks out, curiously examining this legendary imperial palace. Then, she uses her divine sense to say to Lin Yan, "Brother, is this where the emperor lived? It seems a bit old; the stones on the ground are dented, and the red color on that door has faded a lot... It's not as pretty as our Starry Tower, which is so shiny."
Lin Yan smiled slightly upon hearing this and patiently explained to it, "Little Seven, the Starshine Tower is a magical artifact crafted by cultivators using refining techniques and rare materials, so it's naturally different. This palace, on the other hand, was built brick by brick by countless mortals using the most primitive tools, consuming the blood, sweat, and wisdom of countless people. In terms of wonder and mystery, it naturally cannot compare, but in terms of the craftsmanship, focus, and sweat embodied within it, its weight is equally profound."
Xiao Qi seemed to understand but not quite. She tilted her head and thought for a while before suddenly realizing something and transmitting her voice: "Brother means that although mortals don't have supernatural powers, the effort and wisdom they put into building this palace are the same as those of cultivators when they forge magical treasures. They did their best, right?"
Lin Yan was slightly surprised upon hearing this, but delighted by Xiao Qi's intelligence and comprehension. He praised her generously, saying, "Xiao Qi is amazing! You're absolutely right! Our Xiao Qi is no longer just a little Qilin who only eats roasted meat and plays around; she's a philosophical Qilin with depth and the ability to think!"
This barrage of praise made Xiao Qi blush. She immediately covered her face with her two little hands, pulled her head back into her bag, and was too embarrassed to show it again for a long time. She could only express her protest by humming and whimpering in her mind.
The warm spring sunshine bathed them as Lin Yan and his dog strolled leisurely through the majestic palace complex. As they walked, Lin Yan quietly explained to Xiao Qi the past uses of places like the Qianqing Gate and the Hall of Supreme Harmony. For him, the place held little appeal; he was mainly there to broaden Xiao Qi's horizons. Fortunately, his dog was very supportive, occasionally muttering "It's not as interesting as the palace," but its big eyes remained full of wonder.
After a whirlwind tour of the Forbidden City in the morning, Lin Yan took Xiao Qi to Shichahai Beach in the afternoon. It was much more lively than the Forbidden City, with the shore crowded with people fishing.
Lin Yan found a secluded spot under a willow tree, took Xiao Qi out of his bag, and asked, "Xiao Qi, would you like to come fishing here with your brother for a while and take a break?"
Xiao Qi had no objections; she was willing to do anything as long as she could be with her brother.
Under the cover of his satchel, Lin Yan took out a small amount of wheat and corn from his spatial storage, ground them into powder with his mind, and mixed in a few drops of spiritual spring water to create a "special effect bait" that was irresistible to fish. He then broke off a thick willow branch to use as a fishing rod and bought an old fishing line and hook from a kind-looking old man next to him.
Lin Yan baited the hook and cast the line into the water. He used his divine sense to monitor the underwater situation. Sure enough, in no time, a large black fish weighing over twenty pounds seemed to be summoned by something, forcefully pushing aside all the competitors and taking a bite of the tempting bait!
In an instant, Lin Yan's simple willow fishing rod bent into an astonishing arc, and the fishing line instantly became taut and straight!
"Wow! It's a big one!" exclaimed the old man next to him. He immediately put down his fishing rod, grabbed a landing net, and rushed over to help. "Young man, stay calm! Play it out first! Don't pull it too hard!"
Pretending to be flustered, Lin Yan, under the old man's guidance, began to "play the fish" with impressive skill. After a struggle, he finally dragged the incredibly strong blackfish to the shore, where the old man seized the opportunity and scooped it up with his net!
"Good heavens! Such a big blackfish! Young man, you're incredibly lucky!" The old man dragged the still struggling blackfish ashore, and the fishermen who had gathered around exclaimed in amazement and envy.
Lin Yan, panting, thanked the old man who had helped him and offered to give him half of the fish.
The old man quickly waved his hand and declined, saying, "No, no, I was just helping out. You caught the fish, how can I accept it?"
Lin Yan didn't say much. He reached into his bag as if to rummage around, but actually took out a sharp knife from the kitchen in his spatial dimension. With a swift and clean motion, he cleaved the large black fish in two.
"Sir, what you see, you get. If you don't accept it, I'll never dare to come here to fish again." Lin Yan smiled and handed over half of the fish.
Seeing his sincere attitude and quick movements, the old man felt it would be pretentious to refuse again, so he had no choice but to accept the fish with a smile. He then asked Lin Yan for his name and approximate address, and that was how they got to know each other.
Lin Yan, carrying the remaining half fish, led Xiao Qi to a more secluded and deserted corner by the lake.
"Xiao Qi, I'm giving you a treat today, grilled fish!" He pulled out Xiao Qi's special grilling mesh, charcoal, and various seasonings from his "sling bag"—which was actually from the kitchen in the small courtyard.
Little Qi was already drooling and wagging its tail, excitedly circling around Lin Yan, its little tongue lolling out and drool almost dripping out.
Soon, the aroma of grilled fish filled the quiet corner. Lin Yan carefully picked the fish meat, which was grilled to a crispy exterior and tender interior, and placed it on a clean leaf for Xiao Qi.
Xiaoqi took a big bite with a "whoosh," her mouth oozing with oil, her eyes narrowing into slits with happiness.
Watching Xiao Qi wolf down her food with satisfaction, and then looking at the shimmering lake and the faint figures under the weeping willows in the distance, Lin Yan felt a sense of peace and tranquility. He couldn't help but sigh softly, "What a peaceful half-day I've stolen from my busy life..."
He knew that such leisurely times were probably numbered. After the puppets brought back news from various places in a few days, he would have to start worrying and making plans for the difficult years to come, as well as for his own long-term future.