Chapter 28: You Can Make Me Do Anything

Lu Cheng rushed to the beach. Yesterday, after finishing the mother-son basket trap¹ and lowering it into the sea, he had been swept up in a whirlwind of house building and the subsequent storm. He had completely forgotten about the fish trap.

Now that it had crossed his mind, he went down to the shore to check.

The rope he had woven from bamboo was quite sturdy. Tied to the trap and having endured a full night of battering waves, it surprisingly hadn’t failed.

At least the trap was still there.

Lu Cheng took two steps toward the water. When a wave surged in, he instinctively retreated two steps. After steadying his nerves, he continued forward to haul back the trap.

-Tsk, it’s obvious that nearly losing his life before still affects Lu Cheng. That step back when he reached the shore was heartbreaking to watch.-

-It’s understandable. Honestly, I think he’s pretty impressive. I almost drowned in a swimming pool when I was a kid, and I didn’t go swimming again for over a decade. He just went through a crisis like that and can still deal with the ocean; that’s already not easy.-

-And he thinks fast. He knew his spear-fishing skills weren’t up to par, so he immediately made a tool. It’s good; a man willing to use his brain to solve problems is a good man.-

-But I’m still skeptical about that thing. Can a trap he made really catch fish?-

Evidently, expecting a fish trap designed for small streams to work in the ocean was asking too much of the device.

Even if it was a modified version.

Lu Cheng dragged the trap out and opened it with high expectations. When he saw there was only one fish inside, his entire spirit collapsed.

In the entire trap, there was only one fish, and it was only about the size of a palm…

What was that supposed to achieve?

Even more fatal was that when he poured the fish out, it lay on the ground motionless.

It was already dead…

Though, based on the scent it gave off, it hadn’t been dead for very long.

But thinking about the fresh, plump sea fish Sister Tong had produced over the last two days, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of disdain for this one.

It seemed the trap still wasn’t good enough. If he wanted to catch fish, he had to keep refining the design.

Lu Cheng dragged his trap and carried the solitary, lonely dead fish back to the other two with a dejected expression.

“Sister Tong…” Lu Cheng called out weakly.

“Hmm?” Qiao Yitong looked over.

Lu Cheng raised his hand, showing the dead fish to Qiao Yitong. “I only caught one.”

And it’s dead.

He didn’t say the last part out loud. After all, Deng You was right there, and he didn’t want to be made a laughingstock.

Qiao Yitong glanced at the dead fish, her eyelids fluttering slightly.

If this were her previous life where resources were extremely scarce, a fish, even a dead one, would be a precious resource.

But now, given how easily ingredients could be obtained, she preferred to use fresher items.

However, the fish hadn’t been dead long, so it was still edible. There was no need to waste it.

Qiao Yitong looked at Deng You and assigned the ingredient: “For you.”

Deng You was still working on stabilizing the campfire.

He had seen Lu Cheng walk over with a fish. At the time, his mouth had watered, but he quickly forced himself to look away.

There was only one; no matter how the two of them split it, it wouldn’t be his turn.

So it was better not to think about it, then he wouldn’t crave it.

But he never imagined that in a situation where there was only one fish, it would actually be given to him.

Deng You was shocked, incredulous, and a flicker of genuine emotion rose from the depths of his heart.

“You’re really giving it to me?” he asked.

Qiao Yitong frowned slightly. “If you don’t want it, I’ll throw it away.”

Deng You panicked instantly. “I want it, I want it!”

He said it hurriedly.

Since the distribution was settled, Lu Cheng naturally handed the fish to Deng You.

He had guessed just now that Sister Tong would definitely look down on this fish. Sigh, why was he so useless? He couldn’t help Sister Tong at all.

Deng You took the dead fish. This was the first proper, protein-rich food he had seen on the island that he could actually eat.

Moreover, Sister Tong and the other guy weren’t eating it themselves; they had given it to him.

A sense of gratitude he hadn’t felt in a long time pierced his heart.

“Thank you,” Deng You said softly.

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was more sincere than ever before.

-Hahahaha, there was only one dead fish inside. Why am I not surprised at all?-

-It would be a miracle if that thing could catch fish in a vast area like the ocean. He should thank last night’s storm for that one fish, otherwise there probably wouldn’t be any.-

-No, what I’m focused on is Deng You’s expression. Why do I feel like he’s moved to tears?-

-Isn’t this just a dead fish the two of them didn’t want and handed off to him? Why is he so touched?-

-Maybe he’s been hungry for too long?-

-Wait, let me take a wild guess at Deng You’s mental journey… What should I do? They only have one fish, so there’s definitely nothing for me.-

-Sister Tong gave the fish to him.-

-Deng You: Sister Tong is so nice, she takes such good care of the newcomer. She’d rather give the good stuff away than keep it for herself.-

-I should give something back too, so I’ll be humble and not take it immediately, but ask Sister Tong if she’s sure she wants to give this precious item to me.-

-Sister Tong: If you don’t want it, I’ll throw it away. (Sister Tong is just telling the truth, since catching fish is so easy for her that she really doesn’t care about one dead fish.) But in Deng You’s eyes, this sentence is like a domineering CEO²‘s petulant line: “I’m giving this to you, so keep it. If you don’t want it, throw it away.”-

-That’s why Deng You is so moved. He’s touched by Sister Tong’s domineering love!-

-The person who analyzed that… even though your analysis sounds ridiculous, why do I feel like you’ve hit the nail on the head?-

-Hahaha, I feel the same way. Deng You’s moved expression doesn’t look fake. He might really think this is Sister Tong’s domineering love.-

-It’s over, I suddenly feel a bit bad for this guy. If he finds out the truth later, how big of a blow will that be? Hahahahahahaha-

The viewers had a God’s-eye view.

Knowing the cause and effect, they had perfectly guessed the reason.

Deng You was indeed kept in the dark, and as he held the fish in his hands, he truly felt the weight of this gift.

Sharing the sentiment that this represented love were Shisan and the others next door.

No matter how much they claimed not to care, Deng You’s departure had inevitably dealt a heavy blow to the group.

Of course, some were observing him in silence, nursing their own little schemes.

They wanted to see what kind of treatment Deng You, as the first defector from their side, would receive.

And then…

They saw Qiao Yitong’s side allocate their only fish to Deng You.

The crowd: ???

Could Qiao Yitong really be that selfless in such a harsh and difficult environment?

Regardless of whether she was doing it to build her public image or for some other reason, giving up a fish was likely no small feat.

Or did Deng You have something of immense value to Qiao Yitong that would make her trade such a precious resource for it?

But whatever the reason, seeing Deng You get a fish to eat filled them with genuine envy.

“Follow Qiao Yitong, and there’s fish to eat.”

This single act caused more than a few people to start having second thoughts.

Shisan saw the wavering in their hearts and gritted his teeth, quickly trying to divert their attention.

“We’ve been here for so many days. Although we’ve found some fruit to fill our stomachs, we haven’t had any protein for a long time. How about we eat fish today?”

Everyone was already craving it and chimed in one after another.

“Yes, yes! We’ve worked hard for so long, it’s time to treat ourselves to a better meal.”

“But I feel like catching fish here won’t be easy. Lu Cheng and his group have been here for so many days and they’ve eaten fish before, so they should be quite experienced. Even so, they only got one today. It seems it’s not simple at all.”

“But we’re lucky. We picked this up on the way here.” Shisan pulled a clump of green material from his backpack.

The group was stunned for a moment, then broke into cheers.

Indeed, they had been lucky enough to find a treasure on their way: a net that had washed ashore.

Though the net was tattered and torn, using a net to catch fish would have a much higher success rate than using their hands or stabbing with sticks.

It looked like they were definitely going to have fish today.

Under everyone’s expectant gazes, Shisan got to work immediately. He found a suitable wooden pole and used bamboo strips to weave a frame-like structure at the end. Then, he cut the fishing net, wrapped it around, and tied it firmly to the bamboo.

Just like that, a simple landing net was completed.

“Who wants to try it out and see how it feels?” Shisan held out the finished tool.

The Fitness Coach took it first and gave it a few swings.

The structure of the net appeared very simple, but it was remarkably stable.

“It works,” the Fitness Coach said.

“You know what this reminds me of? When I was a kid at the park, holding those little nets to catch goldfish. I’m telling you, I was the most famous fishing master in our neighborhood back then! I never missed a catch,” a normally quiet young man said.

“Hahaha! Then you’re up. If you don’t catch any fish today, you don’t get to eat!”

The heavy atmosphere instantly lightened, and everyone laughed and joked around.

Shisan’s hands didn’t stop moving.

The net was actually quite large. After cutting off a section, he used the remaining pieces to patch together two more landing nets.

With a total of three nets completed, they felt fully prepared for their fishing expedition.

“It just rained heavily yesterday, so the fish should be easier to catch. Let’s try to get a good haul today and improve everyone’s diet,” Shisan said.

“The rest of you shouldn’t stay idle either. Let’s split into groups. Two people keep watch, others go pick some coconuts and those fruits that taste like bread. One or two people should handle that, just in case we don’t catch many fish. We can’t go hungry.”

“Right, right. And firewood. We don’t have enough. We’re going to be grilling fish, after all; we need plenty of wood.”

“Everyone get busy, let’s get moving!”

“Yeah, everyone’s busy now. It feels like our life here is starting to get better bit by bit.”

Although they had just endured a rainstorm the night before, now that the issue of food was being addressed, everyone felt a renewed sense of hope for the future.

The three men heading into the sea with the nets were also feeling energized.

The marine environment on this side was indeed much better than the other.

It wasn’t just because of the recent storm; the fish populations here seemed naturally larger.

Not long after entering the water, they saw fish swimming past.

Furthermore, their weapons were no longer harpoons, but nets.

Everyone was filled with anticipation.

However.

Humans are, after all, land creatures, while fish belong to the sea.

Even with the help of tools, half a day passed and the three of them only managed to harvest four fish. Of course, one of them was just scooped up as it floated by. It had likely been washed ashore during the storm and then pulled back into the sea; it was a dead fish and not particularly fresh.

When the three men returned with exhausted bodies, they were treated like heroes.

“We had a great harvest today! Four fish split among ten people. Everyone gets nearly half a fish. This is definitely a step up for our meals.”

“Sigh, thinking about it, there really is strength in numbers. With so many of us taking turns, we can get fish every day. Look at them over there; they really have to rely on luck.”

“On their side, three people only have one palm-sized fish. We’re different. Our three people get more than just one fish to share.”

They had been quite discouraged by Qiao Yitong over the past two days. Now that they had the chance, they felt a deep sense of superiority, finally having surpassed her.

Shisan even felt a sudden impulse to take a fish and flaunt it in front of Qiao Yitong.

Of course, if Qiao Yitong wanted to trade something else with them, it might actually be worth considering.

But the thought only flashed through his mind before he dismissed it.

After all, everything they were doing was being watched by netizens. Once he left the island, he still wanted to make a living on the internet, so he couldn’t afford to act too out of line now.

“Come on, come on, who knows how to clean fish? Let’s get everything ready. We’re going to enjoy this meal to our heart’s content today!”

…

Over on Shisan’s side, everyone’s mood was at an all-time high, filled with unprecedented happiness. However, in the eyes of some viewers, this display of emotion was quite baffling.

-Wait, I don’t really get it. They spent half a day just to catch four fish. Why are they acting like it’s New Year’s Eve?-

-Uh… I don’t quite get it either. Maybe they’re just easily satisfied…-

-Plus one. There are so many of them and only four fish. Each person only gets a small piece. Is that really something to be proud of?-

-I’m fed up. Can Qiao Yitong’s fans stop making sarcastic remarks here? Are you unhappy just because you see others doing well?-

-The person above must be a fan of Jing Xueqin or someone else, right? Didn’t I already warn you? Before you speak, figure out what’s actually going on. Or at least go back and watch the previous livestreams, otherwise you’re just asking to be embarrassed.-

…

Happiness is born from comparison.

Forty minutes later, while Shisan’s group finished preparing their fish, Deng You was the only one eating on Qiao Yitong’s side.

“Let’s divide these up so everyone gets a taste,” Shisan suggested, advocating for sharing.

Each person didn’t receive much. Furthermore, because they lacked seasonings and proper cooking utensils, the grilled fish turned out a bit charred.

But for people who had been starving for days, surviving on snails and bitter berries, this was a gourmet feast.

Especially when compared to Qiao Yitong’s side.

Seeing that the two of them still had nothing and could only watch Deng You eat that single palm-sized fish, Shisan’s group felt their current happiness even more acutely.

Of course, Qiao Yitong wasn’t worried at all.

Following her own pace, she leisurely prepared the seasonings. She packed the ground spices into small bamboo containers she had prepared earlier, only then standing up with a look of satisfaction.

She glanced at Lu Cheng, who was busy weaving a net to improve the fish trap, and asked, “Are you hungry?”

Lu Cheng stood up and nodded, looking a bit sheepish.

He was indeed hungry.

What made him feel awkward was that he had originally planned to share Sister Tong’s burden, not have her take care of him.

Yet even today, he still had to rely on her care.

Qiao Yitong didn’t mind at all. To her, catching an extra fish was just a minor task.

She picked up her harpoon and headed toward the shore.

Qiao Yitong’s movements caught the attention of the group nearby.

Peppa Lamb was happily munching on his grilled fish. Although it was bland and tasteless—and perhaps due to poor cleaning, the meat had a hint of bitterness and a mushy, fishy texture—it was still fish!

To them, a delicacy like fish was a rare luxury.

So, while he ate with a satisfied heart, he watched Qiao Yitong’s actions and smiled at Shisan. “Brother Shisan, what do you think Qiao Yitong is doing? She couldn’t be losing her mind and trying to catch fish just because she saw us eating, could she?”

Shisan looked over.

Though he didn’t show it on his face, he had reached a similar conclusion to Peppa Lamb.

“Actually, if she comes over, we could lend her the net. It really is hard to catch fish in the ocean.”

“Yeah, she might not even be able to catch anything with a net, let alone a harpoon. Is she joking… Holy crap?” Peppa Lamb watched with wide eyes as Qiao Yitong entered the water. With a mere flick of her arm, a fish was brought up. He froze completely, even biting his tongue in his excitement.

He was stunned.

What on earth was this?

Shisan also stood there frozen. The composure he had just felt was instantly punctured by Qiao Yitong’s harpoon.

“Maybe it’s just luck. This kind of thing depends a lot on luck…” Shisan tried to explain.

Qiao Yitong struck again. Another fish on the harpoon.

Shisan: “…”

“Eat. Hurry up and eat before it gets cold,” Shisan said.

-Hahaha, why am I not surprised at all?-

-I’ve been waiting for this exact moment! Seriously, they looked so smug after putting in so much effort just to catch four fish.-

-Where are those people who said we were being sarcastic? Do you get it now? Was that sarcasm? We were stating facts!-

-Right, did you learn your lesson this time? Next time before you blame us, I suggest you check the replays first, otherwise I’ll feel embarrassed for you.-

-Tsk tsk, no matter how many times I see it, Sister Tong’s expressionless face while spearing fish is just too cool. I really love it.-

…

Qiao Yitong’s two quick strikes with the harpoon directly silenced Shisan and his group.

At the same time, their previously overflowing sense of happiness was shattered.

Oh…

It turned out they were still living quite miserably.

The other side easily caught one fish per person. By comparison, they weren’t happy at all.

Similarly, the person whose mindset underwent a drastic shift was Deng You, who had been sitting there eating his fish with a heavy heart.

After accepting Sister Tong’s kindness and deciding to eat the fish, he had been struggling with his conscience.

On one hand, he felt embarrassed that his arrival meant he was consuming their only fish.

On the other hand… he was truly craving that fish.

In the end, he had chosen to eat it.

However, the grace of Sister Tong’s gift, mixed with deep gratitude, was etched into his heart.

What he was eating wasn’t just fish; it was her kindness.

Then, right as he was savoring that gratitude, he saw Qiao Yitong walk into the sea with her harpoon and return in less than a minute carrying two fish.

Fresh, live fish!

Deng You: ???

He looked at the fish in Qiao Yitong’s hand, then back at the fish in his own.

Well…

Well, so much for being moved.

It turned out he was just making himself sentimental for no reason.

When she said to throw it away if he didn’t want it, she really did look down on that dead fish. If he didn’t want it, it was just trash to be discarded.

And yet, he had gone and over-interpreted the whole thing.

Deng You’s lips twitched as he felt a wave of embarrassment over the elaborate emotional narrative he had just invented in his head.

However, he quickly found a way to reconcile with himself.

They were in a cooperative relationship based on an exchange of interests to begin with. It was already good enough that she gave him a fish. Besides, he had said himself that all he wanted was a bite to eat.

She hadn’t done anything wrong.

Thinking this, Deng You finished off the fish in his hand in a few bites and reverted to his usual withdrawn state.

After eating and cleaning up, he sat to the side and minded his own business.

Except his gaze uncontrollably drifted toward Qiao Yitong from time to time.

Once the fish were caught, Qiao Yitong quickly began processing them.

Her technique was practiced, her movements fluid.

After cleaning them, she placed them over the fire to roast, sprinkling on some powder she had prepared earlier that morning. The fish gradually began to change color, turning a golden, mouth-watering brown.

As time passed, a rich aroma began to waft from the campfire.

Carried by the occasional sea breeze, the scent of the roasted fish aggressively invaded Deng You’s nostrils. The smell seemed magical; once it entered his body, it stirred up a ravenous craving.

Deng You felt his mouth constantly watering. Before he knew it, a bit of drool escaped the corner of his mouth.

Realizing this, he quickly wiped it away with his hand.

He stared fixedly at the roasted fish as if his very soul had been snatched away.

How could this roasted fish smell so good?

When the two fish were done, one was handed to Lu Cheng. Seeing Lu Cheng take an impatient bite, Deng You found himself unconsciously drifting over to Lu Cheng’s side.

Up close, he finally saw the roasted fish for what it was.

The golden exterior, the tender white meat, and the charred, savory aroma each struck his nerves with a vengeance.

Saliva flooded his mouth, and Deng You lost track of how many times he had swallowed.

Damn, he wanted to eat it so badly.

Lu Cheng saw him and took another bite right in front of his face.

This time, Deng You could even clearly hear the “crunch” as Lu Cheng bit into the crispy, scorched skin.

Deng You swallowed hard again, his mental state on the verge of collapse.

He had to clench his fists at his sides to stop himself from snatching the fish out of Lu Cheng’s hands.

He watched helplessly as Lu Cheng finished the entire fish, even sucking the bones clean. Deng You felt like he was going to explode.

The senses and desires he had kept suppressed for so long were now completely awakened by this roasted fish.

He wanted it. He really wanted it.

He would trade anything just for a taste of that fish!

Those two thoughts echoed incessantly in Deng You’s mind. It wasn’t until both of them had finished eating, Lu Cheng went to dispose of the scraps, and Qiao Yitong stood up that Deng You finally stepped forward.

His eyes were bloodshot from the sheer intensity of his craving. Looking at Qiao Yitong, he suppressed the twenty minutes of pent-up longing and desperation before speaking. “Sister Tong, is there any way I could have a chance to eat the fish you cook? If you’ll just give me a bite, I’ll do anything you ask.”

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Translator’s Notes

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1. mother-son basket trap: A translation of ‘zi mu lou’ (子母篓), a traditional Chinese fishing trap consisting of a larger outer basket (the mother) and a smaller inner basket (the son). The design allows fish to enter easily but makes it difficult for them to find the exit, utilizing a funnel-like mechanism. ↩
2. domineering CEO: A reference to the ‘ba dao zong cai’ (霸道总裁) trope prevalent in Chinese web novels and dramas. This archetype is characterized by an overbearing, wealthy, and possessive male lead who shows affection through blunt, commanding gestures. The viewers are jokingly interpreting Qiao Yitong’s cold pragmatism through this romantic lens. ↩