At sea, seafood is a must.
Sweet shrimp, plump crabs, and meaty yet not greasy fish with a slightly sweet aftertaste… all these were freshly caught and sent directly to the kitchen for cooking, so there was practically no fishy taste, only the sweetness of the sea.
Xu Gui, who had originally intended to catch a few sea urchins, also dug up quite a few—the area where they had filmed earlier was teeming with sea urchins, and the people on the ship had caught a whole bunch.
Sea urchins can be made into sea urchin fried rice or eaten raw. Xu Gui was first offered a raw sea urchin, and found it to have a refreshing sweetness, cool and smooth, with a rich, oily aroma and a delicate texture.
To describe its texture in detail, Xu Gui felt it had a texture similar to egg yolk, but the flavor was much richer and sweeter, incredibly delicious.
The staff member serving her the sea urchin glanced at Xu Gui's expression and, seeing that she was adapting well, smiled and said, "I was just worried that you wouldn't be used to raw seafood, Miss Xu."
Many kinds of seafood, freshly caught from the sea, can actually be eaten raw, possessing a unique freshness that cooking doesn't bring out. It's very tender, but while most people who live by the sea find the taste acceptable, many who don't live by the sea find it difficult to accept.
So the staff member was genuinely worried that Xu Gui wouldn't like it.
However, it was clear that Xu Gui not only enjoyed it but also ate it with great relish. She even had sea urchin fried rice. The chef on this cruise ship was undoubtedly a top-notch chef; a bowl of sea urchin fried rice was fragrant and delicious, and it was devoured as soon as it was served. Xu Gui only got a small bowl.
But she couldn't eat too much, because there were other delicious seafood options. If she filled her stomach with fried rice, she wouldn't have the chance to try the other delicacies.
The boat also caught eels, and the chef made eel rice and pan-fried eel... Xu Gui ate the latter and found the meat very tender, with a thick, rich aroma of fat. This rich aroma was completely different from the typical smell of animal fat; it was simply delicious.
Her ability to enjoy everything and find all seafood appealing drew envy from Yuan Lu beside her.
Yuan Lu, a native inlander who had rarely been to the coast, had very limited tolerance for seafood. She could only manage a little sea urchin fried rice, and raw seafood was completely unacceptable to her, instantly depriving her of many opportunities to savor delicious food.
Fortunately, there were other options she could eat: steamed fish and prawns—prawns were her favorite seafood.
Steamed prawns had an extremely pure flavor, untouched by seasonings, presenting a simple and unpretentious taste. The snow-white, pinkish prawn meat dipped in the chef's special seafood sauce was incredibly fresh, with a chewy and tender texture.
Yuan Lu exclaimed, "These are truly the best prawns I've ever eaten!"
Among the seafood dishes, the most eye-catching was the steamed grouper that arrived later, attracting countless gazes as soon as it was served.
Grouper isn't uncommon, but wild grouper is extremely rare, especially such a large one. Many people have heard that wild grouper is delicious, but they don't really know exactly how.
The fishing staff on the cruise ship couldn't help but sigh. They'd been fishing at sea for so many years, and wild grouper was becoming increasingly scarce. Sometimes they wouldn't catch a single one for a long time, yet Xu Gui would just swim around and a grouper would rush into her arms.
Hey, what were they supposed to say? Was the newbie buff really that terrifying?
The chef didn't use a complicated cooking method for this grouper. As the saying goes, the best cooking method is the most basic, which best highlights the natural freshness and aroma of the ingredients. Therefore, the kitchen steamed this grouper.
The steamed grouper was served still steaming hot. Since it was caught by Xu Gui, it naturally belonged to her, and the kitchen staff placed it in front of her.
Feeling the gloomy gazes cast upon her, Xu Gui smiled, first picking up a large piece of fish with her chopsticks and placing it in her bowl, then pushing the fish onto the table.
"Let's all eat together!" she said with a smile. "Everyone says this wild grouper tastes delicious, so let's all try it and see if it's just hype."
The others were flattered. Kuang Ming, sitting next to her, gave her a look of approval upon hearing her words, then picked up his chopsticks and reached out, saying, "In that case, I'll try it first..."
The first piece of fish he picked up wasn't put in his own bowl, but rather casually placed in the bowl of the person next to him. Then he urged everyone, "Don't be shy, everyone. This grouper is so big, even Xu Gui can't finish it all by himself. Everyone, please try some!"
His and Xu Gui's attitude didn't seem like mere formality. The others exchanged glances and then said, "Then we won't be polite?"
The group finally relaxed and began to dig into the steamed grouper.
Whether it was because they had a preconceived notion that wild grouper was delicious, when they tasted the fish, they only thought: "It truly lives up to its wild grouper reputation; it's really delicious!"
Yuan Lu sat on Xu Gui's other side. As Xu Gui's assistant, she had the advantage of proximity and snatched a large piece of tender, bright red fish meat. She eagerly stuffed a piece into her mouth—forgive her, as an ordinary person, she had never eaten such high-class food before. So even though she wasn't used to seafood, even though she might vomit, she was determined to taste the saltiness of this grouper.
Yuan Lu's face showed a truly heroic expression, but once the fish entered her stomach, her expression changed.
"Eh, eh, eh, eh!!
" Yuan Lu covered her mouth, looked at Xu Gui, her eyes sparkling: "Teacher Xu, this is a half-moon fish, it's so delicious!" She suddenly understood why grouper had such a renowned reputation.
This meat was truly delicious.
Xu Gui looked at her and asked, "Don't you think it's not delicious?"
Yuan Lu cupped her face and said, "What's not delicious? This is super delicious!"
Xu Gui seemed thoughtful and commented, "It seems your palate is quite picky; you can only order the expensive stuff."
Yuan Lu was a little embarrassed. She just thought this fish was delicious. The fish meat was very tender and chewy, and the flavor was very rich. It was simply the best fish she had ever eaten.
Her taste buds, which used to be averse to seafood, were now completely satisfied.
This grouper had clearly not only captivated Yuan Lu's tongue but also the stomachs of everyone else. No one who ate it said it wasn't delicious.
Kuang Ming was very good at interpersonal relationships. While the others were eating, he divided a third of the fish meat and had a staff member take it to the kitchen so that the kitchen staff could also try it.
Many people might think this gesture was unnecessary or even too humble, since they were just kitchen staff and might not have any further contact with them. However, for Kuang Ming, within his acceptable limits, making friends with anyone he interacted with was his principle.
No one can predict what will happen in this world. Who knows, maybe someone you just brush past will be able to help you someday? Anyway, it's just a casual act, so why not do it?
*
They ate their meal for a long time. The sun was setting when they were eating, and by the time they finished, the sun had completely set, leaving only a reddish hue on the horizon.
The day's work was finished, and the staff were drinking. A few drinks had gone a little too far, and they became quite agitated. Some were even singing loudly into empty beer bottles.
Xu Gui, who didn't like drinking and found the noise annoying, grabbed a soda and went to the deck to look at the churning sea below.
As evening approached, the sea temperature plummeted, and the wind picked up, whipping her already dry hair into a frenzy. Xu Gui reached up to smooth her hair when she suddenly heard a "click." She turned and met Bell's gaze.
Bell put down his phone and walked towards her.
"Miss Xu," he called out, "that scene just now was truly amazing… You're really photogenic."
Xu Gui felt she should thank him at this moment: "…Thank you?"
Bell smiled, his expression excited, and said somewhat excitedly, "I haven't been this happy in a long time. To be honest, after so many years and so many photos, I feel like I've run out of inspiration."
In photography, there seems to be no such thing as running out of inspiration, because it seems to test shooting technique, but for Bell, it's not like that.
The inspiration he's talking about is that he feels he no longer shoots with the passion and impulse he used to have, and his works are no longer as inspired as before, but rather bland and unremarkable, just pure technique.
Although the outside world's admiration for him remains unchanged, only Bell knows that he has now reached a dead end, and he wants to break out of this predicament, which is why he travels all over the country, even to war-torn and dangerous places.
But now, he feels that long-lost passion and conflict that makes him want to press the shutter. He feels once again that heart in his chest, born for photography, beating fiercely.
This feeling fascinated him, even made him dizzy.
"...Do you understand how I feel?" he asked excitedly, looking at Xu Gui.
Xu Gui took a slight step back, honestly shaking her head: "Sorry, I don't quite understand."
Bell wasn't angry at this; his excitement didn't really need outsiders to understand. He just needed to know why he was so happy.
"I'm certain that choosing Miss Xu as our 'fashion' magazine's promotional model was absolutely the right decision!" he exclaimed.
At this moment, he was truly overjoyed. All his past confusion and melancholy had vanished, leaving only the surging excitement in his chest. He even wanted to sing a song like those drunkards.
Xu Gui looked at him and suddenly exclaimed in surprise.
Hearing her voice, Bell looked at her with a puzzled expression: "What's wrong?"
Xu Gui, her gaze fixed on him, said thoughtfully, "Mr. Bell, have you completely given up on the idea of filming in that country?"
Bell was taken aback, asking in shock and confusion, "You could tell that?"
Xu Gui: "Yes."
Because the future she had predicted had changed. This was the first time she had sensed such a rapid shift in someone's future.
To know what a certain moment in the future will hold for many people, one only knows at that moment. But at this moment, Xu Gui saw that Bell's future, where he was supposed to die in a certain country, had already changed.
The future of death had transformed into a life of smooth sailing, even success.
Xu Gui: ...That changed too quickly.
Bell nodded, "I really don't plan to go to that turbulent country anymore..."
He was a little embarrassed to admit it; his reason for going to such a turbulent country wasn't exactly noble, it was simply because he wanted to create better works.
He had mentioned before that perhaps from taking too many photos, his desire to press the shutter had diminished considerably, and his love for photography seemed to be gradually fading. In this situation, he wanted to make a change, so he increasingly sought out scenes he hadn't seen before.
War-torn areas, filled with death and sorrow, often stirred his emotions with their powerful imagery, reigniting his urge to press the shutter.
But…
"I feel my love for photography has returned," Bell said excitedly, his gaze fixed intently on Xu Gui. He exclaimed, "It's all because of you, Miss Xu! You've reignited my passion for photography! I feel a surge of power within me!"
"I have countless scenes I want to capture… Ah, this feeling is truly wonderful!"
Bell excitedly spread his arms and spun around on the deck twice.
Xu Gui stood to the side, watching his excited "madness," her expression somewhat surprised—she never imagined that Mom Bell's future transformation would be because of her.
Me?
Xu Gui was shocked, then thought with a touch of pride: As expected of me, so excellent! He was simply the best turtle in China!
*
Just as night fell, Xu Gui and his crew's cruise ship docked at the pier.
Next came the return to the hotel to wash up… Their luggage had already been delivered to the hotel by staff, so they could check in directly. By the time everything was settled, it was already past 11 PM. Xu Gui and his crew didn't say much and quickly went to sleep.
The next day, there was another shoot.
This time, the shoot wasn't underwater, but on land, with a specially set up location by the staff. *Fashion* magazine even brought over many costumes, which Xu Gui constantly changed into during the shoot.
After a day of shooting, Xu Gui was quite tired, as were the other staff members. The only one who was still relatively energetic was probably Mom Bell, who had been extremely excited from the start of the shoot until its end.
"Oh, that's amazing!"
"This is truly the best work I've shot recently!"
"Yes, that's the feeling, look over here…"
…
During the shoot, Bell repeatedly exclaimed in amazement. Although Xu Gui considered himself the best turtle, he couldn't help but blush a little at the praise.
The filming lasted all day, finally concluding Xu Gui's work trip in the afternoon. If possible, she could return to City A directly the next day.
"...Mr. Kuang, if you're not in a hurry, you can stay in City H for a couple more days. We have a concert here these two days, it'll be very lively," a staff member said with a smile.
Kuang Ming looked at Xu Gui and the others, asking for their opinions: "What do you think?"
Xu Gui: "I'm fine with anything."
Yuan Lu also quickly added: "Me too!"
Kuang Ming thought for a moment and said, "Then let's stay a couple more days." Anyway, Xu Gui doesn't have any work right now.
Hearing this, Xu Gui and Yuan Lu had no objections. The *fashion* magazine, knowing they would be staying in H Province for a few more days, proactively extended their hotel stay, paying for each day they stayed.
As for Xu Gui, on the second day of her stay, she slept soundly until evening before taking Yuan Lu out to find food.
H Province was bustling at night, especially during peak tourist season. The beach and shore were packed with people. Xu Gui looked around curiously, finding the sea here completely different from the ocean where her Xuan Turtle clan lived.
It was noisier, more crowded… and the water quality was worse.
"I heard the concert is tomorrow," Yuan Lu told her, sharing her findings. "They've invited so-and-so celebrity and so-and-so singer!"
Yuan Lu's tone was excited, but Xu Gui remained unmoved. After all, she didn't recognize any of these celebrities or singers, though she did know Doraemon.
Yuan Lu, hearing this, was speechless.
As expected of Teacher Xu.
Xu Gui took Yuan Lu to a barbecue stall by the sea for some barbecue. Enjoying the sea breeze while eating was quite pleasant, though it would have been even better if there were fewer people.
There are just too many people here. As far as the eye can see, there are countless heads, and you can hardly see the sea.
"If you want some peace and quiet, go up that mountain to the south. It's much quieter there," someone interjected, their tone subtle.
Xu Gui looked over and saw that the person who had spoken to her was a thin-faced man. She casually asked, "Why is it so quiet over there?"
The man chuckled, his tone even more enigmatic, "Over there, those are all sea-view apartments. They're all inhabited by rich people. The location is fantastic. Every morning, you can open your window and see the sea, watch the tides rise and fall, and even see the sunrise..."
"I heard that the sunrise there is incredibly beautiful, the perfect angle!" someone nearby chimed in, clearly familiar with the place. "I've seen photos of the sunrise taken there online; the angle is absolutely stunning."
The thin-faced man scoffed, disdainfully saying, "Capitalists, they always keep the good stuff for themselves. The people over there look down on us poor folks. If you don't have some capital, you'll get yelled at if you go up there."
"Brother, you seem to be speaking from experience?" someone nearby remarked.
The man paused for a moment, then said, "What kind of spontaneous remark is this? I just heard about what happened there before. I heard that people there don't treat the poor like human beings."
His heavy gaze fell on the mountain. After a few seconds of silence, he gulped down a can of beer, letting out a sigh that sounded like pain.
Xu Gui glanced at the man but said nothing. After finishing their barbecue, she and Yuan Lu strolled around and rested for a while. As they strolled, they eventually reached the mountain that the two men at the barbecue stall had been discussing.
When they got there, it was noticeably quieter. The hustle and bustle of the beach had disappeared, leaving only streetlights and the shadows of people on the ground.
Halfway up the mountain, there was a gate guarded by security guards. You needed to swipe a card to go up. Xu Gui and Yuan Lu were stopped there.
"Teacher Xu, do you want to go up and take a look?" Yuan Lu asked her softly.
Xu Gui looked up and said, "I'm just a little curious about the view up there..."
Yuan Lu looked troubled and said, "What should we do? Maybe we should ask Brother Kuang if he has any ideas?"
Xu Gui hesitated for a moment and said, "I'll call Mr. Bell..."
"Will Mr. Bell have any ideas?" Yuan Lu asked.
Xu Gui: "He should. Isn't he very well-connected?" If you need connections, then find someone with connections.
Xu Gui went to the side to make a call. The security guard at the security booth stood watching them, his attitude very friendly, showing no wariness or hostility. Yuan Lu, however, felt a little embarrassed.
Suddenly, a car drove up from the bottom of the mountain. The streetlights shone from afar. Xu Gui glanced at it, not paying much attention, but unexpectedly, after the car passed by her, it reversed and moved closer to her, then stopped.
Xu Gui: ?
Just then, the rear window of the car rolled down, revealing a face that Xu Gui recognized. She couldn't help but exclaim, "Mr. Lu?"
Lu Baiyi's sharply defined, extremely aristocratic face appeared behind the window. Xu Gui found it unbelievable—how could she see this person even after coming all the way to H Province?
Just then, her call to Mom Bell went through, and Bell's voice came from the other end: "Miss Xu? Is there anything I can help you with?"
Xu Gui snapped out of her daze, shifting her gaze from Lu Baiyi, and said, "Oh, Mr. Bell, it's nothing… I originally wanted to ask you for help with something, but now…"
She glanced at Lu Baiyi in the car, "It seems I don't need to now."
She politely exchanged a few more words with Bell before hanging up. Then she walked up to Lu Baiyi and asked with great surprise, "Mr. Lu, what are you doing here?"
Lu Baiyi said, "I'm here on a business trip… But Miss Xu, what are you doing here too?"
Xu Gui said, "I also have work here."
After she finished speaking, the two looked at each other and suddenly burst into laughter.
"What a coincidence," Lu Baiyi said.
Xu Gui nodded in agreement, then glanced at the blocked intersection and said, "But meeting Mr. Lu here is wonderful!"
She bent down to look at Lu Baiyi and said, "Mr. Lu, I'm very curious about this mountain. Could you take us up to see it?"
Lu Baiyi glanced ahead and nodded, "Sure."
Hearing this, Xu Gui was immediately delighted and beckoned Yuan Lu over.
Yuan Lu was already standing a few steps away. Seeing Xu Gui's gesture, she immediately came over. She looked at Lu Baiyi curiously, then quickly looked away. Her thoughts were similar to Xu Gui's: How come I keep running into Mr. Lu everywhere? It's too much of a coincidence!
The two got into the car. Yuan Lu sat in the passenger seat, while Xu Gui sat in the back with Lu Baiyi.
"I was originally thinking of asking someone else for help, but I didn't expect to run into you, Mr. Lu, so coincidentally…" Xu Gui said with a smile