Scott hurried over and found five brand-new hundred-dollar bills stashed under the cutting board.

"Officer Chad, for just a few cherries, this is way too much."

Chad hadn't planned this with Molly. It was all her, sneaking over, grabbing his wallet, and leaving the money there.

"Molly really gets me, huh?"

Molly grinned, "Of course, only I truly understand you."

Looking for a lunch spot, Molly found a riverside picnic club on her phone.

Molly nibbled on her thumb, "Chad-"

"Henry's too young."

"He won't eat much anyway."

"The smoke will be strong."

Molly stopped pleading and got down to business, "Chad, if you take me to the picnic, I'll stay over at the Byrne family's house tonight."

Officer Chad, always ready to compromise, asked, "Where's it at?"

A half-hour drive later, they arrived at the bustling riverside, vehicles parked all around. It was a busy weekend. Walking down the slope, Andre carried his son and held his wife's hand, surrounded by dirt paths and the smoke from woodland barbecues. Kids played by the river, and a few high school students in uniforms were there too.

was thrilled with his daughter's choice. He always had a soft spot

and Leo

supplies, nearby vendors sold all kinds

checked the food's freshness like

to chat, Anya and Leo fetched things, and Molly found a spot to clear some stones. Mia, the mom, wandered around with her child, feeling the heat and Henry's fussiness from

a donkey, setting a stove and charcoal on the ground, "This was ordered by a Mr. Cedillo. Should I

Mia asked, patting her son's

to play on," the young man said, setting

cushion, unwrapping it and laying it on the

the drowsy Henry, "He's not settled yet. I'll hold him;

young man returned, both carrying skewers of meat and vegetables, placing them on

his cane, asked, "Young man, what's this river called? The current's pretty strong, and I've never heard

a mat and thin blanket on the cushion for her son to lie on. Anya, wielding insect repellent, sprayed it

back, he remembered the fish and ate it again. Since then, it's said that eating fish from this river brings exam success. Gradually, it became known as Scholar's River. Every year around April and May, students and their parents come here for good luck. It's the peak season for fish, and that's when picnic

who had paused her spraying to listen, turned to the young man, "Do we

believe. Most visitors these past few

glanced at Chad, who was sitting on the mat,

in demeanor, as Mia remarked, "That explains all the high school students here

to Hansen, "This used to be part of the neighboring county but was

place is nice, with mountains, water, beautiful scenery, and

true, I'll bring my grandson here to eat fish when he's taking his college entrance exams in 18 years." Henry, cradled by his dad,

held across his dad's arms, instinctively clutching his dad's finger,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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