Jiang Mo comforted Gu Baotian for a while longer before the old man’s mood finally improved a bit.
Gu Xuan came downstairs after washing his face and immediately rushed to the kitchen to find her, tugging at Jiang Mo’s arm. "Sis Mo, did you finish our weapons order yet?"
"It’s done, it’s done, I’ve got it recorded," Jiang Mo knew he was anxious about it, so she had started working on it as soon as she recovered.
"But I didn’t finish all of it—only half the order. The rest will be done tomorrow."
Gu Xuan relaxed. "Half is fine too. As long as we have something to deliver, they won’t keep pestering me about it."
Jiang Mo laughed and nudged him out of the kitchen. "Alright, alright, go get ready and eat in the living room."
Breakfast brought three generations of the Gu family together at the table.
Gu Guofeng ate while discussing recent policies with Gu Xun, the father and son exchanging a few brief words.
Then, turning casually, he asked, "Dad, when are you planning to go back to the countryside? I can arrange for Old Li to drive you when the time comes."
Gu Baotian shot him a glance. "What? Sick of me already? Can’t I stay here? Trying to kick me out so soon?"
"Dad, what kind of talk is that? That’s not what I meant at all," Gu Guofeng choked on his food.
It wasn’t like the old man usually wanted to stay in the city for long anyway.
"I’m not a mind reader. How would I know what you really mean?" Gu Baotian sighed as he sipped his seafood porridge. "Old age is rough. Even my own family can’t stand me now."
"No need for you to send me. After breakfast, I’ll take my dog and go back to the countryside myself."
His tone was so mournful it sounded like he was about to pack his little bundle and leave right then.
Gu Guofeng’s lips twitched. What had he even said? He’d just asked a simple question!
The old man was such a drama king, always putting on a performance.
Only the naive Gu Xuan, still unfamiliar with the family dynamics, turned to his father and asked, "Dad, why are you making Grandpa go back to the countryside?"
Gu Guofeng was stumped by his son’s innocent question. "...Son, just eat your breakfast. I’m not making Grandpa leave. He’s just joking."
"My little grandson actually cares about me. I didn’t spoil you for nothing. When you grow up, I’ll give you some shares," Gu Baotian’s expression shifted instantly. "Unlike your two older brothers—all they do is party and waste time outside."
Gu Xun, who had been quietly eating, was caught in the crossfire. With only him present, it was obvious who the old man was targeting.
Gu Xun knew Gu Baotian well—sometimes, he just loved putting on a show for no reason.
Who knew what had set him off this time?
"Sorry, Grandpa, but you’ve already distributed all your shares. Don’t you remember?" Gu Xun said leisurely.
"...Really?" Gu Baotian coughed twice. "I thought I still had a few left."
Gu Xun wiped his mouth. "Grandpa, where did you even hear that I’ve been partying? I’ve been so busy I can barely catch my breath. Since you’re so full of energy, why don’t you come to the company and help Dad and me out?"
"Oh, this old body of mine can’t handle that. Just this morning, my legs were aching," Gu Baotian said, finishing his meal. "You all keep eating. Go to work, go to school. I’m going to lie down for a bit."
He’d finally retired—no way was he going back to work like a dog.
Work? What a terrible thought.
"You’re the only one who can handle Grandpa," Gu Guofeng remarked. It really took one to know one—the old man had raised him with strict discipline, but with his grandsons, he was a mix of sternness and playfulness.
Gu Xuan, however, was still fixated on the shares. "Big Brother, how much money can shares be exchanged for?"
"Stop asking about grown-up things. It’s not like the family’s short on money for you," Gu Guofeng checked the time. "Finish eating and get ready for school."
Gu Xuan sighed. "Aww."
As Gu Xun was leaving for work, he saw Gu Xuan carrying a large bag out of the kitchen.
"What did you pack for him?" Gu Xun frowned.
"Oh, just some flatbreads—the kind I used to make in the countryside," Jiang Mo explained. "His classmates all wanted some, so I made extra."
Gu Xun nodded in understanding. Before leaving, he instructed, "Come to my place tomorrow and clean up."
Mention of Gu Xun’s house reminded Jiang Mo of the broken doorknob. "Got it."
With the working adults and students gone, Jiang Mo ate with the other staff.
Chef Li quietly handed her two bags. "Ducks from last night’s high-speed rail delivery—straight from Jinling. Authentic stuff, tastes great."
"The other bag’s pastries—not too sweet, pretty good flavor."
"Thanks, Chef Li!" Jiang Mo happily accepted them. She’d heard him mention his wife taking the family on a trip to Jinling.
"How much do I owe you?"
"Don’t even mention money. These things didn’t cost much," Chef Li waved her off. "Besides, you’ve been sharing profits with me from those videos you’ve been filming for me these past two months."
"Well, if you insist!" Jiang Mo grinned. "But honestly, you could’ve filmed those videos yourself—you just never thought of it."
Jiang Mo had gotten Chef Li’s permission before posting the cooking videos, which had gained some traction online. Su Yunjin had seen them too—since they only showed the kitchen and didn’t reveal any personal details, she hadn’t objected.
"My daughter says filming, editing, and making captions is a lot of work. I wouldn’t have the patience for it," Chef Li admitted. "I’ve been testing a couple of new dishes lately. If they turn out well, you can learn them too."
Jiang Mo nodded. "Sounds good. More material for videos!"
Gu Baotian had claimed he was going to rest, but he couldn’t sit still—not when Jiang Mo had promised to take him fishing.
He headed straight to the toolshed to gather his fishing gear—nets, folding stools, and all—and piled everything in the yard.
Seeing the sun rising, Wang Xia dug out two hats for Jiang Mo. "Leave the housework for later. Just take the old man fishing for now, but don’t stay out too long. Come back early."
"Sure thing!" Jiang Mo agreed, though she knew the fishing trip’s duration was entirely up to Gu Baotian.
Since there was a lot to carry, Jiang Mo first took Gu Baotian and some gear to Moonbridge Lake on her scooter, then made a second trip for the rest.
Spotting the "No Fishing" sign, Gu Baotian grinned. "You see that? Means there’s fish here—probably lots of them!"
"This place does have plenty. I’ve fished here with a few grandpas from the villa area before."
They got to work quickly—picking a spot, setting up the gear, and mixing Jiang Mo’s secret bait.
Just as they finished preparing the fishing spot, a long voice message popped up on her messaging app.
After listening to the voice message, Jiang Mo leaned closer to Gu Baotian. "Grandpa Gu, I’ve met a few fellow fishing enthusiasts in the villa area. Some of them will be joining us later to fish—hope you don’t mind?"
"Not at all! Why would I? This lake is big enough for all of us," Gu Baotian thought to himself. A master standing alone in the martial arts world would feel lonely without an audience.
Unaware of Gu Baotian’s thoughts, Jiang Mo replied to the message on her phone, confirming they’d meet at their usual spot by Moonbridge Lake.
About ten minutes later, someone carrying fishing gear approached the lakeshore.
"Well, I knew I wasn’t mistaken—it was you riding that electric scooter over here!" Liu Guochuan called out cheerfully from a dozen meters away.
Jiang Mo hurried forward to take some of his things, walking alongside him as she made introductions. "That’s Grandpa Gu over there."
Liu Guochuan was straightforward. "Ah, the old man from the family you work for as a nanny. Just another codger like me."
When they reached Gu Baotian, Liu Guochuan strode forward with exaggerated steps and clasped his hand warmly. "Brother Gu! Your little brother Liu here is crashing the party to fish with you today. Hope we’re not intruding?"
"Not at all! The more, the merrier," Gu Baotian replied, gripping his hand in return and even pointing out a spot. "This space right next to me is perfect—why don’t you settle here?"
"Sounds good, I’ll follow your lead, Brother Gu," Liu Guochuan said. Then, studying him, he added, "You look familiar. Feels like we’ve met before."
"I was thinking the same about you, Brother Liu. What line of work is your family in?" Gu Baotian asked.
Liu Guochuan waved a hand dismissively. "Just a small business in fast-moving consumer goods. Nothing worth mentioning—barely enough to put food on the table."
"Now, now, no need for modesty!" Gu Baotian leaned back with a chuckle. "If yours is a small business, then ours must be downright invisible."
...
Seriously? They just met, and they’re already this chummy—like long-lost friends reuniting.
Jiang Mo stood silently watching their exchange. She’d planned to introduce them properly, but clearly, her help wasn’t needed.
Once the two had bonded sufficiently, Jiang Mo helped Liu Guochuan set up his gear.
The three of them lined up along the shore and began fishing.
"Jiang Mo and I actually met right here while fishing. She’s quite skilled," Liu Guochuan praised. "And that secret bait recipe of hers works like a charm."
"Oh?" Gu Baotian looked surprised. "I had no idea. This is my first time seeing her fish."
"Not at all, just beginner’s luck," Jiang Mo demurred, pulling out bottled water and fruit from her canvas bag to share.
Fishing could take a while, after all—best to keep their energy up.
She’d even packed snacks, just in case.
As Liu Guochuan and Gu Baotian chatted between watching their lines, Liu took advantage of Gu Baotian’s bathroom break to whisper, "So… how’s it going with my son?"
"Huh? Since when was there a restroom here? Handy, though, being so close to the lake," Jiang Mo muttered.
Liu Guochuan overheard and answered casually, "I had the villa staff build it—makes fishing trips easier." Then he circled back. "So? What do you think of the boy?"
Cornered, Jiang Mo pressed her lips together. "Grandpa Liu, your son is great—handsome, tall, very gentlemanly."
That opening made Liu Guochuan’s heart sink. That sounds like a classic 'nice guy' rejection.
That useless son of mine!
You’ve got to woo a girl, put in the effort! He resolved to grill him later—had he even tried courting her properly?
At the very least, he should’ve taken her out or given her gifts.
But with Gu Baotian returning, Liu Guochuan couldn’t press further.
Fishing, after all, was a test of skill and luck.
Thankfully, the weather cooperated, and the fish were biting.
All three of them got bites, but the biggest catch of the day went to Gu Baotian.
"Grandpa Gu, that’s amazing!" Jiang Mo cheered. "Hold it up—I’ll snap a few photos for you."
Gu Baotian knew the drill, striking several poses with a grin so wide it nearly reached his ears.
Liu Guochuan’s haul, while smaller in size, made up for it in quantity.
"Grandpa Liu, you did great too—quite the bounty today!" Jiang Mo peeked into the cooler. "Let’s get some pictures to show off the results."
"Sure thing, kiddo. Here’s my phone," Liu Guochuan handed it over.
Once everything was packed up, Gu Baotian beamed. "Brother Liu, meeting you today’s been a pleasure. Let’s head to my place for a meal and drinks!"
"I was just thinking the same—come to my home instead! We’ll drink to our hearts’ content," Liu Guochuan countered, gripping Gu Baotian’s arm. "I’ll call a few siblings over to join us."
"Since we’re neighbors in the villa, we should make this a regular thing—fishing, cards, dinners."
"No, no, my place. Plenty of room for your siblings too!" Gu Baotian insisted.
After several rounds of back-and-forth, Gu Baotian finally relented and agreed to go to Liu Guochuan’s.
"Alright, it’s settled. I’ll see you both there soon—don’t stand me up!" Liu Guochuan said as they entered the villa’s side gate.
Noticing another black electric scooter parked nearby, Jiang Mo remarked, "Grandpa Liu, you got one too?"
"Yep! Makes getting around the villa for fishing trips easier," Liu Guochuan said, mounting his scooter. "I’ll head back first to get things ready. Don’t keep me waiting!"
Back at the Gu residence, Wang Xia scolded Jiang Mo. "You should’ve brought the old man home earlier."
"Like Grandpa Gu would’ve listened if I’d tried?" Jiang Mo replied, transferring their catch into a bucket. The Gu family wouldn’t eat these, but the staff could share them.
Wang Xia paused, then conceded the point.
Gu Baotian showered and changed into fresh, presentable clothes.
It wouldn’t do to show up empty-handed, so he began selecting a bottle of wine to bring as a gift.
Su Yunjin watched his flurry of activity, baffled. "Dad, what’s all this?"
"Picking out wine—isn’t it obvious?" Gu Baotian checked the vintage.
"You’re drinking at lunch?" Su Yunjin asked.
"No, I’m heading to someone’s place for a meal. Can’t go without a gift," he explained.
"Whose home?"
"A new friend—you wouldn’t know them," Gu Baotian said offhandedly before turning back to his search.
Jiang Mo stepped in to clarify. "Grandpa Gu met a friend while fishing today—Grandpa Liu Guochuan, from the villa. He invited us both for lunch."
"Oh, I see," Su Yunjin nodded. "Keep an eye on him, then. Don’t let him overdo it with the drinks."
