Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Monster

While Qiu Fengyu was serving noodles, a man slurping his meal suddenly let out a strange cry: “Oh my God, Qiu, you’re famous! Damn it, you’re famous!” His shout piqued the curiosity of the other diners, who crowded around to see what was happening, then burst into hearty laughter. One of them called out loudly to Qiu Fengyu, who was serenely boiling noodles in the kitchen, “This is the most badass cow-killing art in Texas!” He then trotted over, phone in hand, to show Qiu Fengyu the screen.

Qiu Fengyu, curious, took the phone and saw that it was indeed a video of himself slaughtering a cow the day before. Someone among yesterday’s onlookers had recorded the entire process and even set it to music.

The powerful rhythm of the music, combined with the cadence of the butchering, gave the whole scene a sense of artistry. He glanced at the uploader—it was someone calling themselves “Prometheus.” No doubt a pseudonym.

“Not bad,” Qiu Fengyu smiled, handing the phone back.

“That was so cool!” The man took his phone, fists clenched in excitement, bouncing on his feet. He struck a kung fu pose, exclaiming, “You must be a performance artist!”

Soon, many in the noodle shop began searching for the video, watching it with delight. The whole town basked in the newfound fame, a shared sense of pride making them feel deeply satisfied.

By afternoon, Alyssa called Qiu Fengyu. They spoke over video chat, though Qiu Fengyu was just about to head out fishing, tackle in hand.

The last fish he’d caught had been delicious—here, the salmon was exquisite, far superior to anything from the lakes.

“You’re famous now,” Alyssa said, her first words.

“Do you know who Prometheus is?” Qiu Fengyu chuckled.

“You don’t know? It’s Kevin—Kevin Knight,” Alyssa laughed. “He doesn’t seem to hold as much of a grudge against you now. He called me, said you’re a monster. That means he’s not so averse to you anymore.”

Qiu Fengyu shrugged. “Oh great, he gives me the nickname ‘monster’ and you tell me, ‘Hey, that means he’s not against you.’ My God—”

“Don’t be like that, Qiu…” Alyssa laughed. “All my friends want to meet you. I showed them your video, and the one where you made noodles last time. They were all stunned. I think… you really are a monster.”

Qiu Fengyu laughed, “That’s not important. Alright… someone seems to be calling me. I’ll go check. Let’s talk next time!” With that, he hung up and left the shop.

“Hey, Qiu, going fishing again? Take me with you…” April was standing by his car, eyes full of anticipation.

“Didn’t you learn your lesson last time?” Qiu Fengyu cast her a glance as he packed up his gear, preparing to get in.

April pouted. “It’s precisely because you didn’t take me last time that things went wrong. I promise, I’m not a troublemaker. I just want to watch you fish… please?” She even blinked her big eyes in a playful, endearing way.

The girl certainly had the right to act cute—pure, big-eyed, fair-skinned, with a natural charm that wasn’t put on. Qiu Fengyu felt a twinge in his teeth from her sweetness, shook his head, and motioned for her to get in.

“Great, thank you!” April darted into the passenger seat.

“I promise, I’ll behave,” she added earnestly.

“Then… start now by keeping quiet. Unless I talk to you, don’t say a word,” Qiu Fengyu replied as he started the car.

April nodded vigorously and actually fell silent.

As they drove off, Anthony followed in his own car, trailing them from April’s house toward the riverbank, a spot even farther upstream than last time.

“Why not go to the same place as before?” April asked as she helped Qiu Fengyu unload.

“The fish downstream eat corpses. I don’t like that sort of fish, so I pick upstream,” Qiu Fengyu replied, spinning a tale. “You wouldn’t want to eat a fish that’s dined on the remains of two Russians, would you?”

April immediately turned away, retching.

“You’ve successfully made April sick of fish,” Anthony came over, grinning. He never lifted a finger, just stood there in his ever-present suit and tie. “But I don’t care what fish eat, I only care who prepares it.”

Qiu Fengyu glanced at him and shook his head. “Is this how all you officials are?”

“You mean living off others?” Anthony seemed self-aware.

“No, I mean always in a suit and tie, just to make sure everyone knows you’re with the government.” Qiu Fengyu chuckled and settled down to fish.

April, having finished retching, looked conflicted as she eyed Qiu Fengyu. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

“You could watch a cow being slaughtered without flinching, but this bothers you?” he asked.

“It’s not the same…” April grumbled.

“No, it’s not. Sit quietly and watch, or go back with Anthony,” Qiu Fengyu said, turning his gaze to the river.

The girl closed her mouth, though the struggle was clear on her face.

Anthony and Qiu Fengyu chatted idly as they fished. After a long silence, April couldn’t help herself. “That video of you butchering the cow was amazing. Whoever set it to music is a genius—the rhythm matched your movements perfectly. Do you know who did it?”

“Kevin. Kevin Knight. Good kid. If you want to meet him, I can introduce you—”

“No, I was just asking. But… how did you learn to kill cattle with such artistry?” April pressed on. “Have you ever killed a person? Was it as rhythmic?”

“You forgot your promise…” Qiu Fengyu shot her a look.

“Alright, I’ll be quiet!” April clamped her mouth shut before he could say more.

By sunset, Qiu Fengyu had caught two salmon—neither as big as yesterday’s. He began to pack up.

April quickly claimed the passenger seat again, while Anthony followed behind them back to the shop.

Inside, they helped Qiu Fengyu carry everything in, then watched as he cleaned and filleted the fish, slicing the flesh into thin, translucent pieces. April held up a slice to the light, watching it glow softly.

“My God,” she exclaimed, “you really are a monster.”

She was the third person to call him that, after Kevin and his sister Alyssa.

Even Anthony was impressed by Qiu Fengyu’s knife skills. “If you told me you were once a world-class chef, I wouldn’t doubt it for a second.” Watching Qiu Fengyu wield his knife was like witnessing art in motion—a contrast to the simplicity and power of slaughtering cattle, this was intricate and refined beauty.

April and Anthony once again enjoyed the delicious hot pot fish. They couldn’t seem to stop eating, especially April, who gazed at Qiu Fengyu with longing when the meal was over.

“Is the other fish for tomorrow?” she asked.

“Yes, it’s for tomorrow,” Qiu Fengyu replied honestly.

“Can I come again tomorrow?” April asked eagerly.

Qiu Fengyu was speechless. He sighed. “Fine, but… you have to help me clean up—wash the dishes and mop the floor. It’s only fair: you help, I feed you dinner.”

“Sure, absolutely!” April agreed at once, thrilled as though she’d won a great prize.

And she was indeed good at such chores, much more meticulous than Davis had ever been. She cleaned every corner, even the spots Davis usually missed.

Later that night, Qiu Fengyu went to the bar. He had just sat down when Davis appeared out of nowhere and joined him, motioning to Breckin for a drink.

“Congratulations, Qiu, you win. I admit defeat—I’m no match for you.”

“What are you talking about?” Qiu Fengyu was taken aback.

Davis looked dejected, taking a swig of his drink. “I saw you two go out together. I know she likes you. You’re worthy of her—you’re incredible. Just look at your video; you’re an internet sensation now.”