### Chapter 254: My Pet!
“Ahhh? Oh, that’s a shame.”
Hearing there were no big fish to catch, Jiang Kekai’s tone was tinged with disappointment because she had no idea what they would do next. “What about… fishing for snails?” Xia Ling suggested with a touch of optimism.
“Fishing for snails? Sure, where do we go?”
“Well, you go find snails in the rice fields. Just remember, wear water shoes or else those pesky leeches might bite you. They’re not just thirsty for bl**d but also carry infections.” Hearing this, Jiang Kekai couldn’t help but gawk at Xia Ling, then she praised her, “Nice one, Ling! You know so much. Water shoes? I’ll get us some. No worries.”
But Xia Ling gave Xia Yu a sly look, causing her to pout, “It’s not just my knowledge; my sister knows even more. She got bitten by snails before, and she ended up getting infected and had to go to the clinic for shots.”
Xia Yu, who had been reminded of an embarrassing past, became visibly annoyed. “Hey, that was ages ago. How can you still remember everything so clearly?”
“You cried so hard back then. It’s hard to forget,” Xia Ling replied while teasing Xia Yu’s eyes with a grin. “And let me ask, since that time, you’ve never dared to try snail fishing again, huh?”
Xia Yu could only glare silently.
“Alright, alright. We’ll be cautious now. Let’s go snail fishing this afternoon,” said Jiang Kekai while patting Xia Yu on the head, trying to calm her down. Jiang Kekai chuckled inwardly. She hadn’t expected Xia Yu had so much dirt.
She thought she might ask Xia Ling some about Xia Yu’s past later, but asking Xia Yu directly seemed pointless. She was sure Xia Yu would lie. As for Jiang Kekai’s speed, fast as she was, her bodyguard was even quicker. They had barely made it home when four pairs of water shoes were delivered.
Looking at the water shoes and then at the little ones, Jiang Kekai asked, “Are you two hungry? Should we eat lunch first?”
“No, Sis. Let’s just go snail fishing now. I’m too excited to wait,” replied the impatient younger sister.
Jiang Kekai smiled at her eager sibling and then turned to Xia Yu and Xia Ling, “How about you two? Should we eat before heading out?” That was quite obvious—Jiang Kekai wanted to go too; otherwise, why would she bring it up here and now?
Both Xia Yu and Xia Ling weren’t dimwitted. In unison, they answered, “Not hungry at all.”
Sure enough, Jiang Kekai’s smile grew even broader, “If you’re not hungry, let’s start snail hunting right away!” And off they went, changing into their water boots and wearing protective caps in the car.
They headed out with Xia Yu and Xia Ling leading the way, each holding a bucket.
Snails were available in the rice fields, ditches, and small ponds. But the rice fields were too dirty and the small ponds dangerous. So, Xia Yu and Xia Ling decided to stick to the ditches which farmers dug to control water flow.
On the way, Xia Ling continued to share her wisdom, “We’ll definitely see snails and apple snails. You can eat snails but not apple snails. Don’t pick the wrong one.”
Jiang Hanhan’s small face twisted with amusement and exasperation, “Oh? If it’s a snail, isn’t it all edible? Why differentiate them?”
“Even puppies and kittens come in different types; snails must too!”
Xia Ling couldn’t resist ruffling the ditz’s head.
Sis, she just hit me!”
Jiang Hanhan pretended to be hurt and ran to her sister, pouting.
In the end, Jiang Kekai saw through her act in one glance, “Go play then—you two. Or I’ll join in.”
“Okay, okay. Let Hanhan play. We should catch up on last month’s stuff,” Jiang Kekai reassured Xia Yu, holding her hand.
Poor Xia Yu felt sorry for Jiang Hanhan, who looked so pitiful, “Big Sister Xia Ling, aren’t we going to play with her?”
“Why bother? Can’t you see it’s all just for show? Let her entertain herself.”
True enough, when Xia Yu looked back, she saw Jiang Hanhan and Xia Ling quarreling happily as usual.
Arriving at the ditch, Xia Yu didn’t stop, saying, “The village is close by, so this place may be picked clean. Let’s go further out.”
Jiang Kekai nodded in agreement.
Soon, Xia Yu stopped and turned to her sister, “Little Sister, we can start from here.”
Without hesitation, Jiang Kekai stepped into the water with her boots on. Xia Yu followed suit.
The ditch wasn’t large, allowing them both to sweep for snails side by side. Even if one took it slow, they could manage.
Xia Ling and Jiang Hanhan, however, had other ideas. They ran ahead of Xia Yu and Jiang Kekai before entering the water.
Xia Ling and Jiang Kekai started arguing, none of which Xia Yu and Jiang Kekai noticed when they approached.
“Move, you two. You’re in the way.”
Hearing Jiang Kekai, Jiang Hanhan came back to reality. She pouted and looked to her sister, “Big Sister, Xia Ling threw away my pet. Can you teach her a lesson?”
“You got problems? Bring it!” Xia Ling challenged Jiang Hanhan without backing down. “Then come over and give me what for.”
“If you have the guts, come and hit me.” She taunted. “Come over if you’ve the nerve, hiding behind your big sister like that. I won’t move!”
Ignoring the bickering, Jiang Kekai turned to her sister, “When did you start keeping pets?”
“Just now. I caught a little crab and wanted it as a pet, but the naughty girl threw it away. Tell her!” Jiang Hanhan complained.
Ignoring her, Jiang Kekai simply led Xia Yu away from the argument. Before she left, she added, “Play on. We’ll call you back before returning.”
Jiang Hanhan stared blankly.
