Temple Livestream

Ning Fei squatted down and patted Rhubarb's head. The dog looked up and closed its eyes, clearly enjoying the attention.

"I haven't eaten yet, but I'll feed you when I get back tonight," Ning Fei said with a smile. Rhubarb seemed to understand and trotted off with light steps.

As Ning Fei glanced at the comments on his phone, he noticed that many viewers were curious about the dog, so he began to explain:

"This dog is called Rhubarb. It doesn't have an owner, but it's well-known in the village. Mountain villages are very different from cities. In cities, dogs are kept as pets and walked on leashes. Here, dogs are more like partners; they live among us. Every household has a dog, and sometimes they give birth to wild dogs."

"The villagers are kind to these wild dogs. Even though they're not owned, they get fed when people eat."

"Rhubarb is special. His father was the former 'dog king' of the village. The title is a bit of a joke, but the dog king led the wild dogs and even protected the village. One time, a wild wolf entered a farmhouse. The adults weren't home, and only a six-year-old child was there. Thankfully, the dog king rushed in and fought the wolf, saving the child's life, but he was badly injured in the process."

"Rhubarb grew up with his father. Now that the dog king has passed, he's taken over as the leader of the wild dogs. He doesn't have a home and usually hangs around the Taoist temple. It's not that I don't want to take him in, but he refuses to come inside. Because of him, no other wild dogs have ever entered the temple."

Ning Fei continued explaining to the drone camera as he walked, and the viewers were touched by the story.

"Wow, I didn't know there were dogs like that in mountain villages!"

"I always thought village dogs weren't that smart."

"Do you underestimate the Chinese pastoral dog?"

"Streamer, here's a rocket! Use it to buy dog food for Rhubarb!"

"Me too! This reward is for Rhubarb!"

Many viewers began sending rewards, and Ning Fei chuckled. He hadn't earned much from his live streams before, but now, just by showing Rhubarb, he was getting quite a bit of attention.

People care more about the dog than the streamer, he thought with amusement.

But it wasn't just about Rhubarb. The simple, heartfelt story had touched the viewers, a welcome break from the fast pace and noise of city life.

Ning Fei walked on for over half an hour, occasionally pointing out interesting sights around him. The mountain air was fresh, the trees were dense, and there was something peaceful about walking along the mountain path.

Even the viewers watching the live stream felt relaxed, as if they were there in person.

Before long, the sound of rushing water reached the stream. After a short walk, a river about 20 meters wide came into view. The river flowed naturally, its bed and banks untouched by modern construction. The current was gentle, and large stones, worn smooth by the water, dotted the surface.

The grass along the banks grew thick and wild, creating a scene that looked like it belonged in a landscape painting.

"Oh my god, this place is beautiful!" someone commented.

"Where is this? I want to visit!"

"This is so peaceful! I want to move here!"

The chat was alive with admiration.

Ning Fei approached the riverbank and saw that someone was already there.

"Uncle Zhang, you're here early!" Ning Fei called out with a smile. Not far away, Uncle Zhang had set up his stool and bucket and was preparing his fishing gear.

"Haha, Ning Fei! Out fishing again? If you end up empty-handed like last time, just let me know. I'll give you a couple of fish," Uncle Zhang joked.

Ning Fei chuckled, pointing to the drone above him. "Uncle Zhang, I'm live-streaming. Don't reveal all my secrets."

Uncle Zhang glanced at the drone and gave a friendly shrug. Technology didn't surprise him anymore, even in the village.

The viewers, however, found the exchange amusing.

"So, the streamer doesn't know how to fish? I thought he was a pro!"

"Wait, you didn't catch a single fish last time?"

"Come on, I believe in you this time!"

"I used to hate watching people fish, but this streamer is just too handsome!"

Ning Fei set about preparing his bait. He wasn't planning to use the "primary bait" he had won from a lottery just yet; he wanted to practice first. The bait he used was a homemade mixture of barley, soybeans, corn, and some fish meal.

With his bait ready, he cast his line. The hook flew through the air, landing squarely in the middle of the river.

His casting technique was smooth and precise, and the viewers took notice.

"Wow, that was a perfect cast!"

"I've been fishing for years, and I have to say, the streamer has good form."

"That was professional. He picked the right spot too. He's a natural!"

"The scene is so relaxing. I feel like I'm there."

"The streamer's movements are better than most other outdoor streamers. Plus, he's easy on the eyes."

Ning Fei's skills were indeed top-notch, thanks to his "Fishing (Elementary)" skill. Even Uncle Zhang was impressed.

"You've gotten better after college, Ning Fei."

Ning Fei smiled modestly, but despite his skill, the next ten minutes passed without any action. The number of viewers began to drop slightly as some people grew impatient.

Then, suddenly, a rod began to shake—not Ning Fei's, but Uncle Zhang's.

Uncle Zhang swiftly reeled in his line, and with a quick pull, he landed a palm-sized grass carp. He expertly unhooked the fish and tossed it into his bucket, which already contained several others.

"Haha, don't get discouraged, Ning Fei," Uncle Zhang teased. "If you don't catch anything, I'll share."

The viewers laughed as well.

"Haha, the uncle's a pro!"

"The streamer's getting outdone by the locals!"

"We believe in you, streamer!"

Just as everyone was poking fun, Ning Fei's rod began to twitch violently. The fish had arrived.

Even Uncle Zhang looked surprised.

Ning Fei pulled with all his strength, the force of the fish nearly pulling him forward. Luckily, his regular exercise paid off. After a short struggle, he lifted the fish out of the water.

The fish thrashed wildly in the air, water spraying everywhere. The sunlight reflected off its shimmering scales, giving it a beautiful silver glow.

Ning Fei reeled it in, revealing the fish in full view of the live stream.

The fish was as long as Ning Fei's forearm, wriggling energetically.

The chat exploded.

"Whoa! The streamer caught one!"

"Congrats!"

"666666!"

Uncle Zhang was equally impressed. "That's a shad!"

The shad, also known as the "king of fish," was a rare and valuable species, once considered a delicacy reserved for royalty in ancient China.

Ning Fei had caught one on his first try.

Even Uncle Zhang had to give him a thumbs-up.

Ning Fei placed the fish in his bucket, smiling with satisfaction.