Chapter Thirteen: Children of the Rivers and Lakes

"Wonderful, she's out!"
A cheer rose from the riverbank as a bystander captured the precious moment of the lotus emerging from the water on their phone.
Chen Tianyu quickly extended his bamboo pole with the net, and Liu Zichen, with all her strength, swam towards it. She finally managed to grab the vine at the end of the pole, and with the combined efforts of those on shore, both of them were pulled safely onto the bank.
Liu Zichen was soaked to the skin, her face pale and body trembling uncontrollably. Seeing this, Chen Tianyu hurried to wrap his coat around her. Noticing that someone was already administering first aid to the rescued girl, he gently led Liu Zichen to a secluded spot among the hills, helped her change into his dry clothes, and held her tightly in his arms to warm her.
Her body was icy and stiff, evidence of the water’s bitter cold.
After more than ten minutes, some color finally returned to Liu Zichen’s cheeks.
"You really are reckless. Don’t you realize how dangerous that was?" Chen Tianyu reproached her gently, but there was concern in his voice. "How are you feeling now?"
"Hold me tighter," Liu Zichen murmured with her eyes closed, resting her head on his chest, savoring the heat radiating from him. She had no desire to speak further.
After a while, a commotion echoed from afar—the rescued girl had regained consciousness. Soon, the wail of an ambulance siren approached. Everyone worked together to lift her onto a stretcher, and Seventh Sister and her companion volunteered to accompany her to the hospital—truly two kind-hearted souls.
The siren faded into the distance—
Liu Zichen suddenly whispered, "Let’s go too."
"Alright."
The two of them, still in each other's arms, took a detour toward the park exit. Some sharp-eyed tourists began to applaud and gave them thumbs up, while a kindly woman hurried over and picked up the handbag they had left behind.
It was only after she had seen them into a taxi that the woman quietly departed.

The next evening, though she had caught a slight cold, Liu Zichen kept her appointment and arrived at a restaurant on Huama Street: Jinwen Restaurant. The name was quite creative—split into three characters, "Jin-wen" implied "three salmons," and referred to the popular golden trout used for sashimi.
After hearing the two were coming, Seventh Sister had been waiting at the entrance like a host expecting honored guests, ushering them to their reserved table. She bustled about, helping them choose their fish and side dishes, and even fetched the chef herself. She truly deserved her reputation as a gold-medal waitress—nothing escaped her attention. Even the hotpot base and sauce plates she insisted on delivering personally, not letting anyone else intervene. She also recommended two wild vegetables: one called mint leaves, and the other, curiously, “Water Lotus.”
Mint leaves were not to everyone’s taste—the aroma was strong and pungent, almost impossible for most to eat. But the “Water Lotus” intrigued them. It was said that when the sun shone, the flower would rise above the water, and on cloudy days, it would hide beneath the surface—hence the name. Slender stalks connected to a budding flower, and after a quick dip in the hotpot, the texture was delightfully smooth and crisp. They ordered several rounds, thoroughly satisfying their appetites.
The golden trout sashimi was a highlight as well. They selected the fish live, which was then swiftly stunned and expertly filleted in the glass kitchen. The knife skills alone were worth admiring. Here, it was customary to serve "one fish, three ways": the fillets as chilled sashimi, the steaks deep-fried, and the head used for a rich hotpot broth—nothing went to waste.
They ordered a few more small plates according to their preferences and Seventh Sister’s suggestions. She confided that the total bill was less than three hundred yuan, and with a thirty percent discount, only about two hundred—a true bargain.
After their meal, as they were preparing to leave, Seventh Sister came over to swipe their card. Liu Zichen casually asked why Meng Ge wasn’t at work, and Seventh Sister grinned, explaining that Meng Ge had taken special leave to care for the rescued girl at the hospital. The two immediately understood and admired Meng Ge’s sense of duty and kindness. After all, Meng Ge was just an ordinary cashier, not earning much; taking a few days off would mean a pay cut and losing the attendance bonus.
Such a sum might be insignificant to many white-collar workers, but for young wage earners like them, it could mean going without a meal.
“If you ever run into trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. We’ll do our best to help,” Liu Zichen said, her voice full of concern.

Seventh Sister giggled, earnestly ticking off the menu items for verification. "Don’t worry, we don’t waste money, so we won’t have any problems. Besides, I have savings. When the time comes, the two of us will take turns looking after her—we’ll make sure she recovers strong and healthy."
Liu Zichen and her companion couldn’t help but burst out laughing. What a cheerful soul she was.
Suddenly, Seventh Sister said, "Sister Zichen, could you wait a bit before you leave?"
"Um, why?" Liu Zichen asked.
With a mischievous smile, Seventh Sister replied, "Well, Meng Ge and the others are hurrying back from the hospital and called to ask you to wait for them."
"Others?" Liu Zichen asked, puzzled. "Who else? Are they all your friends?"
Seventh Sister shook her head quickly. "No, don’t you remember? The girl who nearly gave up on life—she wants to come thank you personally for saving her. I just told them you were here for dinner. Sister Zichen, you’re not angry, are you?" She was so candid, always speaking her mind.
Liu Zichen glanced at Chen Tianyu, hesitating. "There’s really no need for thanks. It was just a small gesture. Seventh Sister, why not tell her we appreciate the thought and she should rest and recover in the hospital? She shouldn’t be up and about right now."
"She insists on coming. Meng Ge said she couldn’t persuade her otherwise," Seventh Sister replied, a bit troubled.
Liu Zichen was about to say more when Chen Tianyu caught her arm, signaling her to stay seated.
"Let’s meet her," he said calmly. "Otherwise, she might dwell on this little matter."
Liu Zichen looked at him in surprise, not quite grasping his intention.
After Seventh Sister briskly settled the bill and hurried off to her tasks, Chen Tianyu explained, "Don’t be anxious. I was hoping to talk to her anyway. This is a good opportunity—no time like the present."
Liu Zichen pursed her lips, smirking. "I knew you had an ulterior motive."

About fifteen minutes later, Meng Ge returned with a beautiful young woman. Introductions were made, and Liu Zichen learned the girl’s name was Xiaoxue—the very one who had tried to end her life at Black Dragon Pool the previous day. Xiaoxue, in turn, learned their names.
Liu Zichen asked with concern, "Xiaoxue, how are you feeling? Are you alright?"
It was clear Xiaoxue was still pale and her expression weary.
"Sister Zichen, I’m fine. Thank you both," Xiaoxue replied, her voice faint and weak.
Liu Zichen quickly said, "I told Seventh Sister earlier, you didn’t have to come all this way. Rest and recovery are what matter most right now."
Xiaoxue nodded softly, "I know. Actually… you didn’t have to save me…"
Everyone was taken aback by these words.
Just as Liu Zichen was searching for the right words to comfort her, Xiaoxue gave a sorrowful smile. "But don’t worry, since fate has spared me, I’ll do my best to live on. I won’t seek death again. Meeting people like you has restored my faith in the goodness of the world—I’ve come to see things differently now…"

Chen Tianyu spoke calmly, "Most of life is dissatisfaction and disappointment. I imagine you’ve endured many hardships. You should talk openly with your friends; bottling it up will only harm you."
Meng Ge, who had been accompanying Xiaoxue, sighed, "I’ve talked to her a lot in the hospital, but she still won’t open up. Maybe she doesn’t consider us friends yet."
Xiaoxue shook her head, eyes glistening with tears. "It’s not like that. You saved me—of course I regard you as family. But… this is something only I can resolve. No one else can help, so please don’t misunderstand."
Suddenly, her face took on a determined look. "Don’t worry. I will seek justice myself! No matter where he hides, as long as I’m alive, I won’t let him get away!"
The girls fell silent, not knowing how to respond.
Watching her youthful face, Chen Tianyu sighed inwardly.
He spoke bluntly, "Xiaoxue, you’re being too naïve."
Xiaoxue was stunned. Liu Zichen cast him a reproachful glance.
"I don’t mean to discourage you, but where in this world is justice so easily found?" Chen Tianyu said frankly.
"I know it won’t be easy… but…" Xiaoxue replied timidly.
Chen Tianyu went straight to the point. "You’re still clinging to fantasies, but you need to face reality. Daydreams bring only disaster, nothing else. If you truly want justice, you need to rely on the law. You’re just a frail young woman—you’re underestimating the darkness of society. If you keep going like this, you’ll end up in trouble again."
Liu Zichen reminded him, "Don’t be so harsh. Can’t you be a bit gentler?"
"Alright," Chen Tianyu nodded. "This is already as gentle as I get."
Meng Ge immediately agreed, "Xiaoxue, I think Brother Chen is right. You should pull yourself together and face things bravely. If you’re afraid, I’ll go with you to the police. No matter how big the problem, the authorities can help. Should we go now?"
"No…" Xiaoxue reached out to hold Meng Ge’s hand, visibly hesitant.
Liu Zichen asked softly, "Xiaoxue, do you have concerns you can’t share with the police?" She had her suspicions.
Chen Tianyu suggested, "How about this: we change locations and let Zichen talk to Xiaoxue alone. Xiaoxue, Zichen risked her life to save you. She’ll help you find the best solution."
At last, Xiaoxue nodded.
Liu Zichen thought for a moment. "Come back to the inn with me—it’s quiet there."