Ignoring Ethan's objections, Adam Sullivan walked to the lakeside, stepping on the mud, and tiptoed into the water. The playful fish, startled by the noise, scattered in all directions. Adam Sullivan then stood still, quietly waiting.

At first, the fish didn’t dare come close, but when they sensed there was no danger, they swam back. Adam Sullivan's eyes locked onto a plump bream with thick pectoral fins. Suddenly, he moved—his hand shot out like lightning, quick as could be. When his hand, like a pair of pincers, emerged from the water, the bream was already firmly caught in Adam Sullivan's grasp.

This was one of Adam Sullivan's special skills. As a gentleman of Liangshan, he inevitably had to do some pickpocketing, which required absolute speed and perfect finger control. To master this skill, Adam Sullivan had endured quite a bit of hardship.

With the live fish in hand, Adam Sullivan casually tossed it onto the shore, then waited again for more fish to approach. He repeated this three times, and four lively breams were thrown onto the bank. Adam Sullivan simply took off his outer robe, wrapped them up, and gestured to the dumbfounded Ethan with his mouth: “Let’s go find a quiet place to grill these fish.”

Ethan was so frightened her face turned ashen, terrified someone would discover them. She hurriedly led Adam Sullivan toward the east side of the lake, where there were some low buildings, weeping willows, pleasant scenery, and few people.

Adam Sullivan, on the other hand, wasn’t afraid at all. He joked cheerfully, “Ethan, have you ever had grilled fish? Where’s the kitchen? I’ll go find some seasonings.”

Ethan replied perfunctorily, “I’ll get them in a bit. Big Brother Sullivan, please stop joking. If someone really sees us, it won’t look good.”

Adam Sullivan looked aggrieved. “Is grilling fish a crime? It’s a shame to just admire such plump fish without eating them, so I’m making the best use of them. This is a good deed—helping these fish escape suffering and reach paradise sooner.”

At the end, Adam Sullivan solemnly chanted a Buddhist verse: “Amitabha, Amitabha, I am a virtuous young man, destined to become a Buddha one day.” As he chanted, he thought to himself, “Turns out I really do have a connection to Buddhism. Looks like I should find a chance to study Buddhist teachings with Madam in the temple.”

Chapter Ten: Provocation

Ethan couldn’t help but laugh. When they reached the corner of the courtyard wall, Ethan said, “No one usually comes here. I’ll go get some fire starters and seasonings.”

Adam Sullivan gathered some firewood from around, pulled out a dagger he always carried, and took out the fish to scale and gut them. After all, as a time traveler unfamiliar with this world, he was always extra cautious. The dagger he carried for emergencies came in handy now, and he skillfully used it to slice and cut.

Killing fish and carving were actually not so different. In Adam Sullivan's eyes, even killing fish could be an art. Though he always tried to appear nonchalant, deep down he was a meticulous person. In no time, he had cleaned all four fish thoroughly.

Wiping his sweat, Adam Sullivan sat on a tree stump to rest, recalling the events of the past few days—it all felt like a dream. But he was feeling pretty good now, already adapted to life here. He used to be a great thief, wandering the world, but what he sought then wasn’t just money, but a kind of thrill.

“But now, what am I searching for?”

It was rare for Adam Sullivan to sigh like this, and before he could finish expressing his ‘feelings’, Ethan returned with a bunch of small items.

Adam Sullivan took the little things from Ethan, checked them one by one, then strung up the fish, lit a fire, and skillfully tended to the grilling. Ethan couldn’t help, so she squatted nearby, chin in hand, watching with an embarrassed look.

The flames leapt up, the pale yellow fire licking the fish, making a sizzling sound.

A faint aroma wafted out. Adam Sullivan calmly sprinkled some salt. His skills had improved a lot from eating on the run during his days as a fugitive. The parts of the fish exposed to the fire gradually turned golden. Adam Sullivan flipped them over and said, “Ethan, have you ever had barbecue?”

“Hm?” Ethan was momentarily stunned, having just been lost in thought. Whether Adam Sullivan was painting or grilling, his confident, focused manner always fascinated her a little. Now, seeing Adam Sullivan looking at her, her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head, saying, “What did you say, Big Brother Sullivan?”

“Talking nonsense, what are you daydreaming about, little girl?” Adam Sullivan chuckled, almost burning the fish.

After all the busy work, Adam Sullivan picked up a fish and placed it in front of Ethan: “Try my cooking.”

Ethan was reserved: “I’m not hungry.”

“Not hungry?” Adam Sullivan felt his efforts were wasted, looking very hurt and sad. Seeing this, Ethan quickly said, “I’ll have some.”

With a gentle bite, Ethan tasted a unique freshness, especially the juicy fat that oozed out—so flavorful. Adam Sullivan dug in heartily; it had been a long time since he’d had meat, so he wasn’t about to be polite today.

“Is it good?”

“It’s good.” Ethan answered crisply.

“Then let’s do this again next time.”

“Ah…” A trace of panic flashed in Ethan's eyes, and she quickly said, “N-no, let’s not.”

Adam Sullivan laughed heartily. Ethan's flustered look had a charm all its own.