Chapter 662

Chapter 662 I Am More Than Capable

Finished

Rhizone emerged from the lake, his clothes completely soaked through, but the presence of his catch transformed his usual timid presence into one of pride. He eagerly exclaimed, “I caught this fish myself. I need to go tell my mom!” His voice carried a new sense of ambition, reflecting the pride children often feel when they accomplish something significant.

Lysander couldn’t help but smile at the boy’s enthusiasm. “All right then, make it quick and remember to change your clothes.”

Like a swift breeze. Rhizone hurried off, delivering the fish to the kitchen before quickly returning in fresh attire. He managed only a brief exchange of greetings with Lysander and the others before dashing back to assist in the kitchen.

Shortly after, the alluring scent of fish stew began to fill the courtyard.

Feeling a bit restless after sitting indoors for a while, Lysander and Josiah decided to step outside to enjoy the view of the lotus flowers blooming in the lake.

As they meandered behind the kitchen wall, they overheard a woman speaking tenderly to the children. “Last time, all the fish in the lake were poisoned and died. We tried introducing new fry afterward, but none survived. It took quite some time for the water quality to improve enough to support fish again. There are still hardly any fish, almost none at all. We’ll serve the fish to the guests first tonight, but I will cook you guys some eggs instead.”

Nilou and Rhizone were almost overwhelmed by the delicious aroma of the fish stew, but upon hearing their mother’s plan, they obediently nodded, their mouths watering in anticipation yet restrained.

Lysander and Josiah paused mid–stride. They then stealthily approached the lake’s edge, moving silently throughout their journey.

When lunch was called in the courtyard, the table was already adorned with three dishes and a stew. The centerpiece was a fresh fish stew, enriched with lotus root, complemented by homegrown vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a stir–fry of cured meat with dried chili and beans.

Although the meal consisted of simple country fare, it showcased the best ingredients the household hail

to offer.

During the meal, Lysander and Josiah focused primarily on the vegetables accompanying their rice. As for the aromatic fish stew, they each consumed less than half a bowl before politely indicating they were full.

The woman, noticing their restraint, appeared concerned. “Is this enough? Does it not suit your taste?” she asked, her voice tinged with worry, as she herself had barely touched the food she prepared, prioritizing her guests‘ satisfaction.

Meanwhile, the man of the house continued his labor in the lake, typically taking his meals alone on the boat.

Lysander gently reassured her, “No, the fish stew smells wonderful, and the dishes are quite appetizing. but… I ate too many lotus seeds earlier.”

Seizing the opportunity to provide a plausible explanation, Josiah smoothly added, “I had quite a few while peeling them. Besides, I just had an IV for a cold yesterday, so I need to be careful with what I eat.”

“So that’s how it it ” The woman felt somewhat resecured. She then diereibuted the remaining fish and creur 1/3

Chapter 662 | Am More Than Capable-

between the siblings and quickly consumed her own meal before returning to her chores.

Rhizone, content with his meal, happily finished his fish stew.

Finished

In contrast, Nilou, who was only two years older, seemed burdened by deeper concerns. She glanced at the fish in her bowl, then at Josiah and Lysander, her expression filled with unspoken words.

Observing her discomfort, Lysander asked with concern, “Nilou, what’s troubling you?”

Nilou bit her lower lip, her gaze flitting toward Josiah as if she feared he might leave at any moment, and shook her head, seemingly at a loss for words.

After a moment of contemplation, Josiah guessed at her worries and gently asked, “Are you worried that I might leave with Dr. Thorne after we finish cating?”

“Josiah, Dr. Thorne, if you don’t like the fish, when my dad comes back, he’ll bring lots of lotus seeds,” Nilou offered, her voice reflecting her concern for her family’s welfare.

Josiah, touched by her thoughtfulness and feeling a pang of sadness for her precocious maturity, reassured her, “It’s not that we don’t enjoy the fish; we’re just genuinely full. But no matter whether we finish our meals or not, we’ll still pay. You can rest assured.”

Lysander, moved by the young girl’s sense of responsibility, promised, “You have my word, I won’t back out on this promise. Also, your father’s straw origami is beautiful, we’ll take them all.”

Upon hearing this, Nilou and her younger brother cheered joyfully, finally allowing themselves to enjoy their meal fully.

In the afternoon, the section of the lake not covered by lotus pads glimmered under the sunlight, offering a breathtaking view.

Even the most stunning scenery could grow imonotonous after some time, and noticing Lysander simply strolling along the lakeside, Josiah worried she might be getting bored.

He glanced at the small boats navigating through the lotus leaves and suggested, “Would you like to go rowing? Many people are out there picking lotus seeds.”

They were all villagers whose livelihoods depended on the lake, including the father of Nilou and Rhizone.

Lysander approached the lake’s edge, her eyes filled with longing. Yet, she hesitated, “I don’t know how to row a boat, and besides, there are no spare boats available.”

“There is one!” exclaimed Nilou and Rhizone in unison, eagerly, interjecting before Lysander could decline further.

Without waiting for further discussion, Nilou took her brother to the neighbor’s house. However, Rhizone was the only one to return. He conveyed her message as instructed, “My sister has borrowed a boat, she’ll be here shortly!”

Grateful for their initiative, Josiah first expressed his thanks, then turned to Lysander with a reassuring smile, “It seems rowing doesn’t require much strength, even a child like Nilou can manage it.”

This bolstered Lysander’s confidence enough to agree, “Then, I’ll give it a try.”

Josiah, brimming with assurance, replied, “Don’t worry, if you don’t want to learn, you have me. I’ve

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Chapter 662 I Am More Than Capable

learned sailing abroad in the past.”

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#Finished

Sailing was a niche sport, and one could imagine that reaching a competitive level was no easy feat. He must have been highly skilled at maneuvering his sailboat.

Considering his experience, Lysander felt reassured about his boating skills. When Nilou handed over the oar, Lysander passed it directly to him, saying, “Do your best.”

Nilou, back on shore, watched them anxiously. “Josiah, Dr. Thorne, can you two swim?” she asked, her voice laden with concern.

Josiah earnestly reassured her, “I can.”

Persistent in her worry, Nilou asked again, “Are you sure you don’t need my help with the rowing?

Josiah and Lysander laughed together, dismissing her concerns, “Of course not, you and your younger brother rest well, don’t worry about us.”

They were both adults: They could hardly impose on a young girl to row for them, especially considering the added weight of two adults. Moreover, with the villagers watching, they did not want to seem incapable.

As they attempted to navigate the boat, the locals, intrigued by the sight of the city dwellers trying to row, paused their work to watch and even called over their friends to enjoy the spectacle.

Quickly. Lysander and Josiah found themselves in the center of attention.

Lysander knew they meant no harm but still felt somewhat uneasy being the center of attention. In a soft voice, she suggested, “How about you paddle toward the middle of the lake? There are more lotus pods

there.”

“All right.” Josiah agreed enthusiastically, wielding the paddle in his hand to stir up the water with all his might.

The boat, however, only spun in circles, staying in the same spot despite their efforts.

Lysander, looking up at Josiah skeptically, asked, “Can you really do it or not?”

With a slight furrow of his brow, Josiah retorted, “Of course I can, I’m more than capable.”

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