HLM – Chapter 182 Fishing at Twin Lakes

After introducing the little ones at home, Wang Bo grabbed a fishing rod and headed into the yard. He dug a hole at the base of a tree and managed to find a few earthworms.

Dale trailed after him curiously, Barbie doll in hand. “Wang, what are you doing with that?”

“Call me big brother, be polite!” Wang Bo shot her a glare. Just a moment ago she’d been sweetly calling him uncle and brother, and now she was just using his surname? This little brat needed some discipline.

Dale pouted and said unhappily, “But everyone else calls you Wang, why can’t I?”

Wang Bo replied, “Why all the questions? Because you’re a child. You’re supposed to call me brother, got it? Or I’ll drop these worms down your shirt.”

Dale widened her eyes and made a fierce face. “I dare you! I swear I’ll cry, and I’ll go tell my sister. She’ll definitely teach you a lesson!”

Wang Bo believed that. Among the girls he knew, Eva was the toughest—he still remembered her headshot double-tap when facing off against those kidnappers. Brutal and efficient.

So, Wang Bo’s attitude softened. Dale looked seriously kawaii, and he couldn’t resist teasing her. Smiling, he said, “Dale, do you like this big castle?”

Dale nodded enthusiastically. “I love it. I really, really love it!”

Wang Bo grinned. “Then, do you like me?”

She hesitated for a second, then whispered, “I guess I kinda like you too.”

Damn, kinda? He wasn’t satisfied at all, but he let it go and kept teasing. “Well, did you know—if your sister marries me, you’ll get to live here all the time. Isn’t that great? Come on, call me brother-in-law.”

But Dale who’d been nodding so eagerly suddenly stopped. She tilted her head, cradling her Barbie, and shook her head slowly. “Not calling you that.”

Wang Bo tried every trick he could think of to tempt her, but Dale just kept shaking her head. When she’d finally had enough, she darted off in a flash.

Wang Bo rolled his eyes in defeat and went back to prepping bait. He washed the worms, mixed them with sesame oil and chicken blood to make them more enticing for the fish.

Dale, having nothing better to do, ran back over again. She stood on tiptoes, peering curiously at the bowl in his hands. “What’s that for? If I call you brother, will you tell me? Brother Wang~ Brother Wang~”

“Nope. Not unless you call me brother-in-law.”

“No way! Big sis belongs to me, I’m not giving her to you!” Dale said firmly.

Wang Bo was speechless—this girl was way too stubborn. Giving up on that, he explained, “This is fishing bait. We’re going to the lake soon, and I’ll use it to catch some fish. I’ll stew some for you for dinner.”

He’d spotted plenty of fat fish by the lake during his morning jogs recently.

Dale’s eyes lit up with understanding. “Oh! You can catch fish with that? Wang, you’re amazing!”

Wang Bo: “…”

After wandering around for a bit, Dale wanted to find the queen, the prince, and Zhuang Din. But now that they were back at the castle, no way would the princes and Zhuang Ding play with a silly little kid—they were long gone.

But when Wang Bo left with his bucket and rod, ready to fish, they all reappeared. The Commander perched on his shoulder, and Zhuang Ding followed loyally behind.

From halfway up the hill, you could see the lake far below. In reality, it was still a bit of a trek—Wang Bo had to go around the base of a small hill to reach the west side.

He asked if anyone wanted to come along, but no one took him up on the offer. Hugo and Eva were happily exploring the castle grounds—after all, with such a huge place, it wasn’t something you could take in within minutes.

Bowen had just gotten back and, seeing how pitiful Wang Bo looked heading out alone, said comfortingly, “Come on, buddy, I’ll go fishing with you. Look at you—so lonely it’s tragic.”

“Scram. I only wanted to invite Eva. If she’s not coming, what use are you guys? Go find some rabbits or pheasants to roast or something,” Wang Bo replied.

You couldn’t have a New Zealander party without a BBQ. Before returning to the castle, they’d bought loads of supplies at the supermarket, and the first thing Eva picked out was a barbecue grill—said it’d definitely come in handy. And it had.

Still unwilling to give up, Wang Bo asked Eva again if she really didn’t want to go fishing. Eva shook her head firmly—she wanted to explore the castle properly.

To New Zealanders, a castle like Roberts Castle was a rare sight. First, because the island’s colonial history was short and old castles were uncommon; second, due to earthquakes, buildings were usually wooden or synthetic. You rarely saw stone-and-brick structures like this.

With the Commander and Zhuang Ding in tow—and a little tail named Dale trailing behind—Wang Bo made it to the lakeside and picked a stone that jutted into the water. He cast his line and waited for a bite.

This lake was part of Lake Hawea. Right beside it was the famous Lake Wānaka, and together, the two were known locally as the Twin Lakes, one of the region’s most important water sources.

As the sun set in the west, Wang Bo looked across the lake toward the northwest. The view was vast and magnificent—wide waters, lush vegetation, waves fluttering in the breeze. Breathtaking.

Since Sunset Territory was private property, outsiders couldn’t enter without permission—no visiting, planting, picking, hunting, or fishing. Because of this, the fish stock in Lake Hawea remained rich, and the fish were hilariously easy to catch.

The water was so clear that Wang Bo could see some fish swimming by. In the spot where he’d cast his line, a school of fat, brown-speckled fish had gathered. These were rainbow trout—very common freshwater fish in New Zealand.

One especially fat one chased off its companions and gobbled up the fragrant worm bait. Wang Bo chuckled and said to Dale, “See that? Behind every temptation lies danger. If someone gives you something, don’t just take it.”

As he spoke, he reeled in the fish. Rainbow trout are small to medium freshwater fish, and this one was about a pound. Its sides shimmered with colorful markings—hence the name.

Wang Bo handed the fish to Dale. “Here, take it. A fish just for you.”

“I don’t want it!” Dale immediately put her hands behind her back and raised her rosy face, clearly waiting for praise instead.

Wang Bo rolled his eyes. “I wasn’t giving it to you. I meant for you to put it in the bucket. Try using your brain, kid.”

After about forty minutes, he caught six rainbow trout, two freshwater black bass, and one nearly half-meter-long gray fish. He didn’t recognize it, but since Dale said it was tasty, he tossed it in the bucket too.

On the way back, halfway up the hill, Dale was panting, her chubby little face flushed red, and her black hair stuck to her cheeks with sweat.

Wang Bo laughed and said gently, “Dale, if you’re willing to call me brother-in-law, I’ll carry you.”

Dale shook her head, clutching her Barbie doll as she slowly climbed. That tiny figure of hers was stubborn to the core.