I'll Treat You to Grilled Fish

Once the three of them had finished tidying up, Wang Sheng said he would take everyone to the cafeteria for dinner.

Tang San shook his head, "I don't have any money... I'll just eat my dry rations in the dorm, you guys go ahead."

"Money? What's that?" Xiao Wu asked curiously.

"..."

Not expecting that both Tang San and Xiao Wu were penniless, Wang Sheng couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.

They were all Work-Study Student, so him treating the two of them to a meal was barely manageable, but he couldn't just leave Huo Yuhao on the sidelines! Yet, he couldn't afford to treat all three of them!

When Huo Yuhao arrived, Old Jack had stuffed some money into his hands, but he didn't intend to spend it on this.

According to what Wang Sheng said, the food in the cafeteria lacked nutrition, and the nutritious options were too expensive.

Although Xiao Wu really wanted to go, she stopped in her tracks when she saw that Huo Yuhao wasn't making any moves.

Seeing everyone standing still, Wang Sheng gritted his teeth and was just about to say something when Huo Yuhao interrupted him.

Huo Yuhao scanned the group and asked, "Do you guys know how to catch fish?"

Seeing a few people nod, Huo Yuhao turned to look at Xiao Wu and said with a smile, "Today, I'll make up for the grilled fish I owe you."

The group arrived at a small river; it wasn't far from the school, just a short walk after exiting the academy gates.

The river was shallow, barely covering their calves, and clear enough to see the bottom, where rocks and fish were clearly visible.

This was a spot recommended by several senior Work-Study Student, who often came here to play in the water when the weather was hot.

Huo Yuhao looked at the surrounding environment, nodded in satisfaction, and immediately began assigning tasks.

A few of the experienced ones went into the water to catch fish.

He himself went around collecting dead branches and leaves for firewood.

"Tang San, help me find a few larger branches and whittle them straight so we can skewer the fish."

Everyone started getting busy, except for one person who didn't know how to do anything.

And so, Xiao "doesn't know how to do anything" Wu stood by the riverbank watching the others catch fish.

From time to time, she would even give directions, "Down there, down there! Oh, it ran behind you..."

The few who were catching fish couldn't help but feel that this time in the water was exceptionally tiring; perhaps this was the difference between working voluntarily and working under supervision.

Huo Yuhao gathered some dead branches and leaves, tore the leaves into shreds, and mixed them with some dried weeds to create a simple, flammable pile for the fire.

Just then, Tang San finished preparing the branches and brought them over. Looking at the neatly whittled sticks, Huo Yuhao nodded.

"Thanks for the hard work. Sit down and rest; I'll start once they've caught enough fish."

Afterward, he went to find a few larger branches to use as a grill.

Tang San found a large rock and sat down, watching Huo Yuhao work.

"It's been a long time since I've had your grilled fish. I didn't expect to have the chance on the very first day of school."

Huo Yuhao smiled. He had noticed Wang Sheng's predicament, which was why he offered to treat everyone to grilled fish; he couldn't let Wang Sheng foot the bill alone.

They were all Work-Study Student with little money, so Wang Sheng's intention was enough.

Before long, Xiao Wu came hopping over to the two of them, followed by the others, each carrying four or five crucian carp.

Huo Yuhao nodded, "That should be enough to eat. Everyone take a break where you are; I'm starting the grill now."

The sky gradually darkened, and a bonfire suddenly ignited by the riverbank, illuminating the children sitting around it.

They watched in unison as Huo Yuhao skillfully scaled the fish, gutted them, and skewered them with the whittled branches. Before long, over twenty fish were prepped.

He rubbed the seasonings he had brought into the fish bellies, stuffed in a few perilla leaves picked from the woods, and after these simple steps, placed the fish onto the makeshift grill.

The rack wasn't large, holding at most four fish at a time, but it was just enough. Under Huo Yuhao's professional control of the heat, the unique aroma of grilled fish began to permeate the air.

Xiao Wu sniffed the air, her eyes lighting up, "It smells so good! Yuhao, the first one has to be for me."

The others secretly swallowed their saliva; judging by the scent, the taste wouldn't be bad at all.

They hadn't expected that this newcomer, besides being a good fighter, was also so skilled at cooking. Everyone gained a new perspective on Huo Yuhao.

Xiao Wu, sitting nearby, stared intently at the fish flipping in Huo Yuhao's hands, her breathing becoming shallow for fear of disturbing him—if not for the sound of her swallowing saliva every now and then...

"It's ready, be careful, it's hot." The voice sounded like music, pulling the daydreaming group back to reality.

Xiao Wu immediately snapped to attention, looking up sharply as Huo Yuhao handed the grilled fish to her.

She reached out to take it, looked at the golden-hued fish in her hands, swallowed hard, and bit into it.

"Mm! Hot!"

Her cute little face twisted, her mouth working rapidly as if she were afraid the fish would run away.

Her pained expression left the others looking at each other, unsure of what to do.

"Boss, is this fish biting you back?" Wang Sheng asked cautiously.

A moment later, Xiao Wu finally endured the heat and swallowed the meat. Too busy to speak, she took another large bite.

Huo Yuhao handed out the remaining three fish. Seeing Xiao Wu's reaction, the others realized what was happening and joined the ranks of those devouring the grilled fish.

"Whew, Yuhao, your grilled fish is just too delicious. My stomach is about to burst."

Huo Yuhao ate his own fish while casting a sidelong glance at Xiao Wu, who was currently rubbing her round, bulging belly.

"..."

How could it not be big? He grilled four at a time, and after several rounds, Xiao Wu had eaten one all by herself. They were all still children without huge appetites; Wang Sheng, Tang San, and the others couldn't even finish two.

Only Xiao Wu had fought until the very last round.

Wang Sheng let out a satisfied burp, looking at Huo Yuhao with an expression of admiration.

"I never imagined your grilled fish would be this good. If you ask me, you should go sell them. I'm sure they'd be a huge hit."

"I could give it a try."

Huo Yuhao had been considering exactly that. Ingredients were easy to acquire, and setting up a stall was convenient and provided experience; it was perfectly suited to his current circumstances.

"Who would have thought? Getting rich depends on grilled fish," Huo Yuhao said with a wry smile and a shake of his head.

"Yay! Does that mean I can eat Yuhao's grilled fish every day from now on?"

Xiao Wu couldn't help but cheer, throwing her arms around Huo Yuhao's neck and bouncing a few times. This left Huo Yuhao blushing a deep red, causing everyone to burst into laughter. The meal of grilled fish had brought the Work-Study Student group much closer together.

What kind of schemes could a group of children have? A single meal of grilled fish, gathered together to chat about life and dreams.

"Tang San, what do you want to do in the future?"

Wang Sheng brought up the topic, and everyone else was curious too; the three newcomers were all more impressive than the last.

"Me? I haven't thought that far ahead. If I had to say, I'd want to earn enough money to open a blacksmith shop for my father in the most prosperous district."

Tang San thought for a moment and answered with a smile.

"What about you, Boss?" Everyone turned to look at Xiao Wu, teasing her.

"Me? I want to defeat the bad guys and avenge my mother." Xiao Wu's expression turned sorrowful when she mentioned her mother.

"Sorry, Boss, we didn't mean to—"

"It's fine." Xiao Wu shook her head, and together with the others, she looked at Huo Yuhao.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Huo Yuhao scratched his head, seemingly unsure of what to say. After a moment of contemplation, he looked up at the sky.

The stars filled the heavens, scattered across the black curtain of the night, looking exceptionally beautiful.

"I hope to be with my companions forever."

After returning to the dormitory, Tang San was summoned by Grandmaster. When he returned, he told everyone that he would be leaving for a few days to go train with Grandmaster. The others expressed their understanding, though they were also a bit envious—having someone provide private instruction really made a difference!

Huo Yuhao realized that Tang San was preparing to obtain his first spirit ring. A sense of urgency welled up in his heart; his own progress was falling behind, and it was time for him to head to the Star Dou Great Forest to find Brother Sky Dream.