C4 Fishing in the River

Sung Zhu and Sung Guodong strolled through the village, receiving greetings from time to time from the friendly locals. Sung Guodong, well-liked by the villagers, responded with a warm chuckle and engaging conversation. Some villagers, showing concern for Sung Zhu, inquired about her well-being, and she greeted them from memory.

"Zhu!"

"Ha, I knew you'd be up for it! Come on, let's head down to the river and play."

Just as Sung Zhu was feeling bored and contemplating heading home, two lively boys darted towards her, nearly colliding with her in their haste.

"Watch it, you two little rascals!" Sung Guodong couldn't help but laugh upon seeing the boys.

"Grandpa, let Zhu come with us. Look, we've got everything ready!" one of the shorter boys boasted, proudly brandishing the item in his hand.

Sung Zhu recognized them as cousin grandpa's grandsons, Sung Xiangqian and Sung Xiangdong.

Sung Guodong glanced at the "fishing poles" the boys were holding and frowned slightly. "Are you up to mischief again? What will you do if someone sees you?"

"Ah, it'll be fine. We're just kids, nobody minds!" Sung Xiangqian said nonchalantly, tugging at Sung Zhu to join them.

"Grandpa, I want to go."

Sung Zhu was aware that the boys intended to fish in the river, though their equipment was hardly adequate—just a couple of sticks and a tattered net woven from some indeterminate material.

"Zhu, please be good…"

"Nope, I'm going. Grandpa, I'll be back before you know it! You just wait and cook the fish for me!"

Before he knew it, Sung Zhu had scampered off with the two youngsters.

"This child..." Sung Guodong shook his head in resignation. Well, as long as she's happy, he thought, let her have her fun.

He wasn't concerned about any potential scolding for catching fish. As the boys had pointed out, they were just kids, and it wasn't a big deal. Sung Guodong's only real concern was for Sung Zhu's safety; he hoped she would be careful not to fall into the river.

"Ha, Zhu, just wait on the shore—I'll catch a big fish for you!"

"Indeed, Zhu, you've just recovered from being sick. Just wait and you'll have fish to eat!"

The two boys took Sung Zhu to the riverbank, playing the part of protective brothers by not letting her enter the water.

They avoided the deeper areas, stopping at a shallow bank where they waded into the river with their sleeves rolled up and pant legs hoisted.

Sung Zhu offered only a faint smile, taking time to survey the surroundings before she cautiously made her way into the water.

She had this strong hunch that she needed to get into the river—that there would definitely be something to gain!

"Hey, Zhu, don't come down here!"

Sung Xiangqian turned his head to see Sung Zhu entering the water and quickly came over.

They were quite fond of their little cousin and enjoyed including her in their play, but they didn't want her to face any dangers!

"It's fine! Oh, a fish!"

Sung Zhu's intuition grew stronger, and without hesitation, she reached out for the fish she spotted!

Suddenly, she felt an incredible force emanating from her hand, striking the palm-sized crucian carp with an electric current! She could actually produce electricity!

Her head spun, and she felt her consciousness slip into a murky space, dimly lit, with only a layer of black soil on the ground, devoid of any vegetation. Where was this? Was it a dream?

Or had she died once more?

"Fish!" A voice from outside the space startled Sung Zhu, snapping her consciousness back to her body.

Was it just a dream, or had she experienced the legendary transmigrator's golden finger—the space?

"Fish!" Sung Xiangqian also noticed the fish and hurried over with his tattered net.

The unfortunate crucian carp was belly-up on the water's surface, and Sung Zhu had already grabbed it in her hand.

"Zhu, you're amazing, catching such a big fish!" Sung Xiangqian hadn't detected anything unusual, assuming Sung Zhu had simply caught the fish.

Sung Zhu tried to smile, but her body felt as if all its energy had been sapped away, and she nearly toppled into the river!

Thankfully, Sung Xiangqian was already there to catch her, preventing her from an unintended dip in the river.