C3 He Made a Profit

Xiaoxia glanced at the tall tree, estimating it to be around six to ten feet high. The person had just jumped down without a scratch—could it be some kind of martial arts skill? She thought about her own black belt in Taekwondo and felt a bit eager to test her skills, but now wasn't the time.

The person in front of her looked about seventeen or eighteen, with quite a handsome face. However, Xiaoxia wasn't focused on his looks. She noticed he was dressed in fine silk, a stark contrast to her own simple clothes. It seemed he was from a wealthy family. Xiaoxia, being a businesswoman, knew not to engage in ventures without profit. Her mind raced with possibilities, and she suddenly thought about the arranged marriage with the "Idiot's Home."

Xiaodong and Xiaoqiu, her siblings, weren't oblivious either. Seeing the luxurious attire, they realized they were not of the same social class and timidly hid behind their sister. In the past, Xiaoxia might have done the same, respectfully offering the entire basket of fish, as they came from a poor background. Such a difference in status naturally dictated their behavior.

But Xiaoxia was different. She came from the modern world, having risen to the position of company president through her own efforts, earning great respect. Humility was not in her nature.

"The young master wants to eat fish, but it can't be for free."

Shaoxuan was a bit surprised. This girl seemed so delicate and frail, and although he had just witnessed her skill in catching fish, she was still just a country girl. He hadn't expected to be refused when he asked.

"It's just a fish. If I want to eat it, it's your honor."

To Shaoxuan, this statement seemed perfectly reasonable. Xiaoqiu and Xiaodong didn't find it odd either, but Xiaoxia just smirked coldly.

"Sorry, but I don't need that kind of honor. If you want fish, there are plenty in the river. Help yourself."

Shaoxuan was genuinely taken aback. He had grown up in a well-off family, always pampered, and had never been treated like this. His brow twitched slightly. "I want your fish."

"Sure," Xiaoxia agreed readily, catching Shaoxuan off guard. She took the fish off the fire and handed it to him. As Shaoxuan looked closely, he noticed something on the fish that made its skin golden and aromatic, surpassing anything he'd ever tasted. He instinctively reached out, but Xiaoxia put the fish back over the fire.

"Why the rush? It's not cooked yet. Here's the deal: I've got plenty of fish. You wanted just one, but I'll cut you a deal. One silver dollar for a fish, and I'll throw in an extra one for you. How about it?"

A silver coin for one fish, or even two? Not even the best restaurant in town would dare ask such a price. Wen Shaoxuan, arms crossed, studied Shi Xiaoxia for a while before cheerfully pulling out a silver coin from his pocket.

"Deal!"

He had plenty of money, but he'd never met anyone as intriguing as this. Watching Shi Xiaoxia calmly pocket the coin and hand him the freshly grilled fish, he took a bite. The taste was exquisite—tender, with a perfect blend of spice and heat, unlike anything he'd ever tried.

"How do you grill this fish?" he asked.

Shi Xiaoxia glanced at him. "Secret recipe. Can't share it."

Wen Shaoxuan rubbed his nose and suddenly moved over to Shi Xiaodong. He'd been observing the girls for a bit. Two of them called her sister, and the other one couldn't speak, so this was his best chance to get some information.

As Shi Xiaoxia walked away, Wen Shaoxuan quietly asked, "Where are you girls from?"

Shi Xiaodong immediately lowered her head respectfully. "We're from Red Apricot Village."

"Oh? What's your sister's name?"

Shi Xiaodong looked a bit surprised but answered honestly, "Her name is Shi Xiaoxia."

"Good girl." Wen Shaoxuan stroked his chin, noticing his father approaching from a distance. He glanced back at Shi Xiaoxia once more before quickly walking away.

Xiaoxia was busy with the remaining fish when Xiaodong came over. "Sis, that gentleman just asked for your name."

Xiaoxia didn't pause. "Did you tell him?"

Xiaodong immediately looked worried. "Sis, was I not supposed to?"

Xiaoxia shook her head, not particularly concerned. They had completed their transaction, so what was there to worry about? Besides, judging by his attire, he probably wouldn't care about a couple of dollars. With that thought, she picked up the basket and called out to her two younger sisters, "Let's go home!"

Xiaoqiu and Xiaodong responded cheerfully, hopping along behind her. After all, they were still kids, and the new experience had them chattering excitedly the entire way. Moreover, their sister had just sold two fish for a price they had never imagined!

She reminded her sisters not to mention this to anyone at home, and the three of them headed back. But as soon as they arrived, they were greeted by the sound of crying.

Xiaoxia stopped in her tracks. Although their family wasn't wealthy, they lived in a large courtyard due to the many family members. After their parents passed away, the house that originally belonged to the First Branch had gradually been taken over by the others. In the end, all that was left for the three sisters was a rundown little room.

The crying was coming from the third branch of the family. Xiaoxia remembered that was where Rongrong lived. Third Uncle, Laizi, had a reputation for being a gambler and a womanizer. His eldest son, Xiaofeng, seemed to have inherited all of his father's worst traits, amounting to nothing. The only source of pride for the third branch was their daughter, Xiaoyu, who had married the son of a wealthy family's steward in town. Hearing the cries, Xiaoxia instructed Xiaodong to take the fish basket back and put it away, telling her and Xiaoqiu to stay inside and not come out.

As for Xiaoxia, she quietly made her way toward the source of the noise. She had a good grasp of the family's dynamics; they were clearly a troublesome bunch. In business, Xiaoxia always adhered to the principle of "know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated," and it applied here too.

Before she reached the room, she heard Gaang's exasperated voice: "Everyone, shut up!" The people who had been weeping in the third branch were summoned to the main hall. This indicated it was something serious.

The Shi family home wasn't large, so Xiaoxia decided to step out boldly and follow them to the main hall. As soon as she entered, she saw a young woman wiping her tears. She was about Xiaoxia's age and was none other than Xiaoyu from the third branch. Gaang looked furious, glaring at Xiaoyu with such intensity that he didn't even notice Xiaoxia entering.

"You still have the nerve to cry! You've brought shame to the whole family!"

Shi Xiaoyu flinched and, under Shi Gaang's insistence, recounted everything that had happened.