Chapter Eight: The Dongba Fish

The items given as gifts are meant to satisfy people's love of getting something for nothing, yet most don’t expect too much from them. The two entered the Lashihai Wetland Park with just such a mindset.

It was their first time seeing the park in person. A woman wearing a bamboo hat warmly invited them onto her boat. The wooden vessel was narrow and long, swaying gently, powered solely by the bamboo pole in her hands. The wetland resembled a freshwater lake; the water was shallow, barely a meter deep. Unlike the pictures online, with winter approaching, the aquatic plants had withered, leaving only dense stalks lurking beneath the surface, while the water was so still, not a ripple disturbed its calm.

“Hold on tight!” called the boat lady, plunging her pole into the water and pushing the boat away from the shore. Though it wobbled slightly, it soon settled. The setting sun, not yet dipped below the horizon, cast golden light across the lake, filling the heart with serenity.

There were few boats on the lake; along the way, they only occasionally glimpsed one or two. The boat lady stood at the stern, rhythmically guiding them toward the lake’s heart. In the distance, two boats appeared side by side, conspicuous against the expanse. As they drew closer, the sound of singing—strange in accent yet melodious—floated toward them.

On one of the boats, someone was singing a folk song from the Naxi people!

Their boat glided silently over, drawing alongside the pair. Liu Zichen peered curiously. On one boat, a middle-aged man sang heartily, deftly flipping a wire mesh. Suddenly, a waft of white smoke drifted past, carrying an enticing aroma straight to their noses—he was grilling fish.

The boat lady smiled and steadied the boat. “Hey there, Prince of Love Songs!”

The Dongba man glanced at her, smiled knowingly, and paused his song to focus on the fish. Nearby, several beauties protested, coaxing, “One more song! One more song!”

Chen Tianyu quietly observed the “Prince of Love Songs”: in his forties or fifties, his skin dark and radiant, his forehead deeply lined, yet nothing could mask his lively expression, glowing in the sunset’s afterglow.

It was plain to see—he possessed a vibrant spirit, just like the powerful resonance of his singing. Though the folk song was in the Naxi tongue, incomprehensible to most, the saying “what is ethnic is also worldly” rang true. Experiencing such music on the lake, its penetrating quality and ethereal charm rivaled any grand concert hall, perhaps even surpassing it.

They listened, utterly entranced, only returning to themselves after a long while. Chen Tianyu casually inquired about the price of the grilled fish: a palm-sized Dongba fish, fifteen yuan per serving—not a rip-off. They ordered one; the Naxi man pulled a live fish from a net under the boat, killed and grilled it on the spot, his actions swift and mesmerizing.

The hot, fragrant, crispy fish tasted exquisite, its flavor, aroma, and appearance all superb. If the song had won them over, now the food had utterly conquered them. Liu Zichen, unable to resist, ordered five or six more, still unsatisfied.

Only when the supply of Dongba fish was nearly depleted did the guests on both boats reluctantly part ways. Liu Zichen, after having two more grilled, packed them for the road, determined to savor them further. It was her first time eating so voraciously, and also her first time spending freely for the sake of good food.

The sun was nearly touching the horizon as the three boats returned to shore in unison.

Others walked away with heavy steps, but Chen Tianyu and Liu Zichen sat cross-legged by the shore, still indulging their appetites.

The bank was a narrow embankment, lined with two rows of nameless trees—perhaps poplars—tall and upright, their tops seeming to cradle the sunset, enchanting and picturesque. The evening was neither cold nor hot, and a gentle breeze stirred the golden light reflected on the lake, mingling with the tree shadows, creating a scene like a celestial paradise.

So absorbed were the two in their feast and surroundings, they seemed to blend into the artwork—a painting with people, people within a painting—beauty beyond words.

---

“Uh—”

“Do you know where this is?” Liu Zichen suddenly asked.

Chen Tianyu paused, then replied playfully, “The Land of Colorful Clouds, the home of peacocks.”

“Wrong!” Liu Zichen shook her head. “This is—the City of Romantic Encounters!”

Chen Tianyu burst out laughing. He pretended to be disappointed. “The scenery here is certainly stunning, but as for the people… I haven’t met anyone worthy of that description yet. Disappointing, disappointing.”

Liu Zichen pouted, “Hmph, did you have any naughty thoughts? No lying!”

Chen Tianyu smiled wryly—how could he ever fathom a woman’s mind?

“So should I have such thoughts, or shouldn’t I?” He cleverly tossed the question back.

To his surprise, Liu Zichen pondered seriously for a while before replying, “Uh… You’re a man, so it’s normal to be attracted to beautiful women. Not being interested would only mean you’re not a normal man.”

“What sort of logic is that?” Chen Tianyu was helpless. “With you by my side, if I’m still looking for a romantic encounter, surely my brain must be broken?”

He thought Liu Zichen would be pleased, but she still seemed thoughtful, prompting his curiosity. “What are you getting at…?”

“Ah? Oh… Do you think the scenery here is beautiful?” Liu Zichen deftly changed the subject.

Chen Tianyu nodded in confusion. “Of course! There are mountains and water, it’s tranquil and full of charm—a veritable paradise.”

“Have you noticed, there are hardly any couples like us here?” Liu Zichen said seriously.

Chen Tianyu considered carefully and agreed, “Not none, but very few.”

“So if we don’t have some sort of romantic adventure here, wouldn’t it be a bit regretful?” Liu Zichen looked rather earnest, genuinely contemplating the matter.

Chen Tianyu joked, “You mean… shall we give it a try?”

“Try your head!” Liu Zichen’s face changed instantly. “And you still claim not to have naughty thoughts?”

Chen Tianyu pulled a face, “Are you being reasonable or not? Besides, you clearly have a gender bias. Why say only men hope for romantic encounters? Don’t women want to snag a rich husband?”

“How vulgar!” Liu Zichen laughed, then added, “But equality between men and women—you make a good point.”

“So, if you suddenly saw a beautiful woman now, what would you do?” Liu Zichen posed another odd question.

“I don’t know…” Chen Tianyu replied calmly. “Probably just like when I see you—our Zichen is nation-toppling, so beautiful as to make fish sink and birds fall, moon hide and flowers blush…”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Liu Zichen kept a straight face. “Am I really that beautiful?”

“Absolutely! As beautiful as a fairy! I swear to heaven!” Chen Tianyu hurriedly assured.

“I’ve never heard you say such things before—always so deadpan.” Liu Zichen suddenly laughed.

Chen Tianyu grinned smugly. “Beautiful scenery, beautiful woman—no wonder I’m in such a good mood.”

“Looks like I need to bring you out more often.” Liu Zichen stood up. “Alright, let’s go… We still have a free tea voucher, and it’s the first time I’ve found a gift so worthwhile.”

Chen Tianyu wasn’t in a hurry to rise. Watching Liu Zichen’s cheerful silhouette, he reflected again on her earlier questions, faintly sensing her words carried more meaning—perhaps a feeling, perhaps a careful observation, perhaps… something deeper.

---

The two sat inside a modest tea room, quietly awaiting the tea master.

A waft of fragrance floated by, accompanied by the tinkling of bells. The tea artist, just now lifting the curtain and entering, glanced at the couple sitting on the sofa, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes. Chen Tianyu found his gaze drawn.

She wore a traditional Naxi dress, but her beauty could not be concealed: tall and well-proportioned, delicate features, large eyes with long lashes, hair reaching her waist. Most striking was her skin—a healthy, medium bronze, distinct from the pale city beauties, radiating a wild and spirited charm.

Indeed, beautiful women are born in places of natural beauty!

Liu Zichen nudged the entranced Chen Tianyu. “Look at you, drooling already—wipe your mouth.”

Chen Tianyu coughed lightly, laughing awkwardly, “I was just surprised… Don’t you think she looks familiar?”

His voice was low, barely audible.

Liu Zichen glanced at him. “Men always use the same excuse—seeing a beauty and claiming déjà vu. I bet it’s a memory from a past life.” She wasn’t angry; the woman’s beauty left her speechless.

Chen Tianyu said quietly, “Don’t get upset—doesn’t she remind you of Xiaoya?”

“Xiaoya?!” Liu Zichen was startled, murmuring after a moment, “There is some resemblance in the brows, but Xiaoya is a snow-white Japanese beauty, and this…”

Chen Tianyu nodded. “No wonder my eyes nearly popped out.”

“Smooth talker—I underestimated you before.” Liu Zichen snorted and fell silent.

The tea artist smiled at them, revealing a set of sparkling white teeth that contrasted with her skin—making her appear both charming and playful.

“Would you like to try our mountain tea specialties?” she asked, her voice as bold and breezy as her demeanor.

Liu Zichen answered eagerly, “We came specifically to taste tea. Is it really free here?” She was skeptical—150 yuan for a package, and so many complimentary items, not to mention such a beautiful tea master.

The tea artist smiled again. “Of course it’s free. We’re always hospitable. Having you visit makes us happy.”

She settled at the tea table and began preparing tea with practiced hands—clearly a professional: “I’ve been here for years, but it’s the first time I’ve seen a young couple come to drink tea together.”

Chen Tianyu guessed it was a polite remark; these tea artists are seasoned, always knowing how to please guests. Liu Zichen said nothing.

“This is a green tea I just picked—try it and see what you think.” The tea artist handed them two steaming cups.

They tasted it; the flavor was fresh and fragrant—impressive indeed.

“Ah, is this brewed with spring water?” Chen Tianyu guessed.

The tea artist nodded. “More precisely, snow water—from the mountain.”

Chen Tianyu understood at once. “No wonder the taste is so pure.”

“You must be regular tea drinkers to spot it immediately.” The tea artist nodded in admiration.

Chen Tianyu probed, “Do you sell this tea?”

He suspected this was a clever sales pitch, so he pointed it out first.

The tea artist was candid. “Of course we sell it, but don’t worry—it’s entirely voluntary. Once you take it out of the mountains, without snow water, the taste won’t be as good.”

Liu Zichen laughed. “Straightforward! Aren’t you afraid we’ll just leave after tasting?”

The tea artist smiled. “We’re not worried about sales. Don’t worry. We never force anyone—we let quality speak for itself.” She put down the teapot and handed them a business card.

“If you like it, you can contact me later—I’ll arrange for someone to mail it to you. As long as you truly like it, shipping is easy these days. If not, that’s fine too…”

Both privately admired her business sense—she valued the long-term, not just immediate profit.

Chen Tianyu examined the card: He Jiping, Tea Artist.

As he looked at it, he remarked, “So your surname is He?”

“Yes, everyone in our village shares that surname,” she replied, continuing to brew tea.

Liu Zichen sipped quietly, then suddenly asked, “What’s that on your windowsill?”

He Jiping glanced over and smiled, “Oh, that’s maca.”

“Maca?” Liu Zichen was surprised. “Isn’t maca yellow? Yours is purple.”

“This is wild maca from the base of the snow mountain. I dug it up just yesterday. When it dries, it turns yellow-brown,” He Jiping explained.

“So that’s why,” Liu Zichen realized. “Can it be eaten raw?”

“Yes. Women can eat it too—especially new mothers. It nourishes blood and supports pregnancy,” He Jiping replied.

“Really?” Liu Zichen was intrigued. “Can I buy some as a gift?”

He Jiping smiled, “We don’t usually sell it raw, but of course, if you really want some, it’s no problem. Unfortunately, I didn’t dig up much today—just those few on the windowsill.”

“What’s the price?” Liu Zichen asked.

He Jiping considered. “One yuan per gram. It dries quickly, so some is already half-dry.”

“Alright, I’ll take it,” Liu Zichen agreed without hesitation.