123: Looking back, let's not forget those who traveled with us.

"First of all, along the way, I want to thank all you Brothers for your love and support. From the initial 1 million followers to 10 million now, none of this would have been possible without your support."

Gao Xiaofan raised his glass toward the livestream room and spoke loudly.

"And I also want to thank the Brothers who showed up today. I usually love a lively atmosphere, and I'm truly happy today. Plus, I didn't expect to be able to eat my favorite Chopped Chili Fish Head again today, hahahaha."

He then turned toward the fellow Anglers at the table.

"Finally, I wish all you Brothers good health and prosperity. May every fishing trip fill your nets, and may you hook a fish the moment you cast and adjust your float."

This long string of words immediately stunned everyone present, and even the fans in the livestream room were dazed.

"Holy cow, you're so smooth with your words. Are you preparing for a grad school exam???"

"That reminded me of what I said at my wedding a few years ago. That memory of Social Death is flooding back again."

"If you're so good at talking, then say a bit more, okay~"

"Actually, Brother Wo Zi is just using the most classic speech template: looking back at the past, thanking the present, and looking forward to the future. But for someone to be this smooth, most people really can't pull it off."

...Applause broke out wildly.

Li Shuai slapped the table, looking excited.

"Good, good, well said! Brother Wo Zi, give us some more."

Gao Xiaofan glanced at him, then a smile played on his lips. With his right hand holding the wine bottle, he extended three fingers and pressed them down in the air.

Once everyone slowly quieted down, Gao Xiaofan spoke softly.

"If you want me to keep going, then I'll say a few things that I find hard to ignore."

The Anglers were all startled, and even Li Shuai felt a pang of anxiety. This was a live broadcast; surely there wasn't anything they were doing wrong?

"Let me tell you a story. Back when I was working, I had a colleague who was a bit of a 'Salted Fish.' Since we were in sales back then, most of our income came from commissions on signed deals. Although there was a base salary, it was very low."

"This colleague of mine was the type who only took the base salary every month, around 2,000 yuan. It was enough to keep him from starving, anyway."

"Because he was quite honest and simple, we got along well. I once curiously asked him about it and even offered to give him some of my smaller clients, but he refused. He told me his parents were afraid he'd get too tired, so he didn't have much pressure. After that, I didn't say anything more."

As everyone listened to Gao Xiaofan's story, they found themselves drawn in, thinking those parents were really nice.

"Then, one day, he suddenly came to me to borrow money. I asked him what happened, and he just broke down. He said his father was sick and they didn't have enough for the surgery. His family's attitude changed instantly; they started criticizing his income and his job. This sudden shift in attitude was something he couldn't handle."

"So the point I want to make with this story is simple. Even though my parents passed away early and I can't experience that feeling, I still understand one thing."

"Parents want what's best for their children; that's undeniable. But when your life hits even a slight setback, your parents will certainly be the first to lash out at you. Yet, undeniably, that is also for your own good."

Everyone present fell silent. Listening to Gao Xiaofan's words, they all felt there was truth in them.

"So Li Shuai, I think your parents' actions are understandable, and what you did isn't wrong either. But there's one thing I think you didn't do well."

"Life has its helpless moments; looking back, don't forget your fellow travelers~"

"I chatted with the fellow Anglers for a bit, and what I heard most was that your wife has been exceptionally good to you. You have to consider your parents' opinions, but you can't ignore the wife who has always supported you either~"

Li Shuai was stunned for a moment, then looked at his wife beside him and saw her looking back at him with a smile.

"Oh, and about the fishing ground. Brothers, the environment at 518 Fishing Ground is indeed very good. The fish are in great condition and have plenty of fight. If you guys like it, feel free to come here and play."

After Gao Xiaofan finished speaking to the camera, he smiled, raised the wine bottle in his hand, took a sip, and then sat down.

"Whoa~ Li Shuai is going to strike it rich! Brother Wo Zi just gave you a formal endorsement!"

"I don't care, I'm going to the Big Fish Pond this afternoon. Who needs a lifebuoy!?"

"I'm going too, I'm going too. Otherwise, there might not be any spots left tomorrow."

Li Shuai stared blankly at Gao Xiaofan, who was advertising his fishing ground in the livestream room. His mind was a complete blank until the fellow Anglers started cheering, and then he finally snapped out of it.

He stood up excitedly and gave Gao Xiaofan a deep bow. When he looked up again, his eyes were completely red.

"Brother Wo Zi, thank you. I saw all those comments in the livestream room. Others were right—my parents indeed did many things wrong. The fishing ground was on the verge of closing, and I was almost at my breaking point. I didn't expect you to come here and even speak up for us. You've truly saved us. Thank you."

Gao Xiaofan patted him on the shoulder without saying a word. After Li Shuai left, he couldn't help but feel a bit lonely.

He missed his parents.

He had saved someone else, but who would come to redeem him?

After the meal, Gao Xiaofan declined the Anglers' invitations to the Big Fish Pond. After telling the livestream audience he was going offline, he went to his car and sat there in a daze.

Qiu Gu followed him. Looking at the dazed Gao Xiaofan, he didn't know what to say for a moment, so the two of them just sat in the car in silence.

A short while later, snoring began. Qiu Gu looked at Gao Xiaofan in the passenger seat and couldn't help but smile.

"Heh, his alcohol tolerance is still as poor as ever~"

Not long after, Gao Xiaofan's body jerked, and he woke up as if he had stepped into empty air in a dream. He opened his eyes in confusion and let out a sigh.

He shook his head to shake off that uncomfortable feeling, then pulled out a cigarette and handed one to Qiu Gu.

The two of them rolled down the car windows and smoked in silence. Beside them, the pond was bustling with excitement. The row of cheering Anglers and their own silence formed a sharp contrast.

"Are we almost out of cigarettes, Brother Gu?"

"It's alright, there are still a few packs left. When we head out, we can buy some more on the road."

"Let's go then~"

"Hmm? Leaving now?"

"The story is still continuing; we've only just set off~ You're not tired already, are you?"

"Oh, damn, I'm tired, I'm tired. I don't have the same drive as you young people anymore."

Qiu Gu laughed. Seeing that Gao Xiaofan's spirits had lifted and he was no longer depressed, he also felt happy and started the car.

Gao Xiaofan pulled out his phone and sent Li Shuai a farewell message. He then pressed his cigarette butt firmly against the car door to make sure it was out before casually flicking it toward the grass.

"Come on, let's get some music going~"

"You got it~"

I once crossed mountains and seas, and also passed through vast crowds of people

I once questioned the whole world, but never received an answer

I am just like you, like him, like those wild grass and flowers

In the unseen, this is me

The only path I must take