24: Bai Xue's family banquet

Before long, the table was laden with dishes, and the host and guests took their seats. Bai Dahai, representing his family, expressed his gratitude to Yang Qi!

He then introduced Yang Qi to everyone, explaining that Yang Qi had rented his second uncle's old courtyard and planned to develop a fishing business there, hoping everyone would help if needed. He also introduced Zhang Jun and the other person.

When he mentioned that Zhang Jun was from the Shenglong Group in the city, the village chief was surprised to have heard of Zhang Jun, knowing he was the chairman's son.

And Tang Long, who came from the capital, looked like a rich young master at first glance.

Thus, everyone regarded Yang Qi, who was on such familiar terms with Zhang Jun and the other person, with even greater importance.

Coupled with the sight of the expensive cigarettes, alcohol, and tea that Bai Dahai had 'casually' placed on the table earlier, they felt that the Bai family might be on the verge of a change.

Everyone was also toasting and chatting, making for a lively atmosphere.

"Tonight's main course is here!"

Soon, Bai Xue and her mother brought out five or six Rockfish, weighing a total of five to six liang. Two were steamed, three were braised. There was also a large bowl of fish soup made from Rockfish weighing over three liang.

"Holy cow! Is this Rockfish? Such large Rockfish are rare. This must be worth a lot of money, right?"

"Dahai, you're really generous!"

Rockfish of this size were rare even for those who had grown up in a fishing village.

"Hahahaha! I didn't buy these; Yang Qi and the others bought them!"

Bai Dahai certainly wouldn't say that Yang Qi and his friends had caught them. Otherwise, if someone asked where they were caught, what would he say?

Tell the truth and expose the fishing spot? Only a fool would do that! Isn't it better to quietly make a fortune?

It was best not to bring up that topic.

Everyone's appetites were stimulated, and they eagerly picked up their chopsticks to taste. As expected, the meat was tender, the soup was sweet, the aroma was fresh and enticing, and it was incredibly delicious.

Everyone was happy and satisfied after the meal.

After the banquet, Yang Qi and Bai Xue saw Zhang Jun and the other person off.

On the way back, the atmosphere was a bit romantic, and neither of them dared to speak.

Yang Qi thought for a moment and decided he had to break the ice first. After all, he was a man, so he started making small talk:

"A Xue, shall we go to Qingshan Town tomorrow? I want to buy a freezer as well."

"Sure! I'll show you around Qingshan Town!" Bai Xue replied.

"A freezer is definitely needed. As you fish longer, you'll surely have more and more fish that need to be frozen."

"And you also need to buy some daily necessities and such; when you moved, there were many things you didn't have."

"Okay! Then help me think of anything I need to buy!"

"I'm going back to school tomorrow afternoon. When I don't have classes or on a day off, I'd like to go fishing with you."

"Alright, no problem. Whenever you don't have class and want to fish, just tell me, and I'll pick you up from school to fish. We can fish near the school, so you don't have to travel back and forth."

"Okay."

The two chatted all the way, and before they knew it, they were back at Bai Xue's house.

Declining Bai Xue's invitation, Yang Qi returned to his own small courtyard.

As soon as Bai Xue entered her room, her mother and father called her, starting a small meeting.

"Xiao Xue, you're back!" "Mm ~ Mom."

"Honestly, tell your mom, are you dating that Yang Qi?"

Bai Xue blushed, thought about Bai Lang's words from that afternoon, and prepared to tell the truth: "Mom, actually, ever since he saved me in the sea that day, he's been in my heart, but I've kept it hidden. This afternoon, my younger brother tested him..."

She then repeated what Bai Lang had said that afternoon.

Her parents were dumbfounded, feeling unable to refute.

"Dad, Mom, this is what I think: since he's in my heart, and he likes me too, why can't we be together?"

"I believe you both have learned a little about his character."

"Although he doesn't have much money now, I am willing to work hard and earn money with him.

I believe with his ability to find and catch fish, even as a fisherman, he wouldn't be bad."

Bai Xue's passionate speech left her parents deep in thought.

Bai Dahai was the first to break the silence: "Wife, I think Xiao Xue makes sense. As long as they are truly in love, I think it's fine for them to date.

This Yang Qi's character is basically beyond doubt. Otherwise, how could those two rich second-generation heirs be on such familiar terms with him tonight?"

Bai's mother nodded after hearing this.

"Since our daughter likes him so much, and this young man seems steady and motivated, we shouldn't break them up.

However, I don't quite agree with his plan to become a fisherman. After all, many old fishermen nowadays can't catch many fish! Resources are becoming scarcer."

Bai Xue immediately retorted: "Actually, Yang Qi has already earned a lot of money just from fishing recently. He said it's already over thirty or forty thousand. That's much better than working a regular job.

I believe he has determination and confidence, and fishing is also his hobby. If he wants to make a living from it, I should support his dream. If it really doesn't work out, then he can change jobs!"

Her parents exchanged glances, and after a silent communication, her father spoke: "Alright! In that case, your mother and I will support your decision!"

Seeing her parents relent, Bai Xue's heart filled with joy, and a happy smile bloomed on her face, "Thank you, Dad and Mom, for understanding."

On the other side, Yang Qi returned to his small courtyard, lay on his bed, his mind filled with Bai Xue's image. He thought of the little moments they shared, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

He secretly vowed to work hard and give Bai Xue a wonderful future.

Early the next morning, Yang Qi arrived at Bai Xue's house. Having confirmed their relationship, Bai Xue generously sat in the front passenger seat, and the two squeezed together in the tricycle, heading to Qingshan Town.

On the way, Bai Xue told Yang Qi about her conversation with her parents last night. Yang Qi was very touched,

"Thank you, Xiao Xue. I will definitely get better in the future and will not let down your trust in me. I will certainly make you happy!"

"I believe you!"

Upon reaching Qingshan Town, the two first delivered the remaining Rockfish, which had been frozen in the freezer since yesterday, to a relatively large purchasing station at the Qingshan Town pier.

"Boss, I have some Rockfish here. What price will you offer for them? We caught them ourselves!" Bai Xue asked.

The boss's eyes lit up when he saw the Rockfish; the larger ones had already reached about 3 liang.

He said, "Oh my, your fish are really good. The big ones are actually around 3 liang. And you caught them yourselves. Let's sort them by size first! For 2 liang to 3 liang, I can give you 110 yuan per catty, and for under 2 liang, 60 yuan per catty. How does that sound?"

The two looked at each other, then nodded in agreement: "Alright, we'll go with what the boss said!"

Afterward, several people graded the fish, and Yang Qi received another 960 yuan transferred by the boss.

The boss took out a business card and handed it to the two, saying:

"Brother, what do I call you? This is my business card. If it's convenient, let's add each other as friends.

If you have fish in the future, you can bring them to my 'Tianming' Trading Company. I guarantee you a fair price."

Yang Qi took the business card and saw: Chen Tianming, Manager of Tianming Trading Company.

"Okay, my name is Yang Qi, I'm a professional fisherman, and I just moved to Qingshan Town. Please take care of me in the future."

After the two exchanged contact information, Yang Qi took Bai Xue and left.