Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 703

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.

Hansen was thrilled with his daughter's choice. He always had a soft spot for the younger generation's world.

With that, Anya's carload of stuff came in handy, and Leo joked about Anya's blind luck in picking the right spot.

Even though they didn't bring supplies, nearby vendors sold all kinds of meats and vegetables.

Andre checked the food's freshness like a local.

Hansen went off 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 lack of sleep, whimpering in her arms.

Soon, a young man appeared with a donkey, setting a stove and charcoal on the ground, "This was ordered by a Mr. Cedillo. Should I leave it here?"

"Where's my husband?" Mia asked, patting her son's back.

"Mr. Cedillo went to rent a cushion for the child to play on," the young man said, setting down the stove and making sure I was stable before leaving.

Not long after, Andre arrived with a new cushion, unwrapping it and laying it on the ground, "Mia, let's put the child down to sleep."

Mia looked at the drowsy Henry, "He's not settled yet. I'll hold him; he cries as soon as I put him down."

Soon, Chad and the young man returned, both carrying skewers of meat and vegetables, placing them on a nearby rack.

Hansen, leaning on his cane, asked, "Young man, what's this river called? The current's pretty strong, and I've never heard of it before." He used to be a politician in Havenbrook, so he thought he should know.

Mia handed the child to her husband, then spread a mat and thin blanket on the cushion for her son to lie on. Anya, wielding insect repellent, sprayed it around to keep mosquitoes away from the baby.

The young man lit the stove and explained, "We call it Scholar's River. Legend has it that in ancient times, a scholar passing through here caught a fish. His wife cooked it, and after eating, he went to his exams and topped them. On his way 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 clubs by the river start."

Anya, who had paused her spraying to listen, turned to the young man, "Do we have to eat fish?"

"It's what locals believe. Most visitors these past few weeks have been high school seniors."

Anya glanced at Chad, who was sitting on the mat, deep in thought.

No one else noticed Anya's change in demeanor, as Mia remarked, "That explains all the high school students here today."

Chad later explained to Hansen, "This used to be part of the neighboring county but was incorporated into Havenbrook during the expansion. It used to belong to City X."

Reminded by this, Hansen recalled recent events, "This place is nice, with mountains, water, beautiful scenery, and a lively atmosphere."

But Hansen asked again, "Is that story true or just a legend? If it's 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, cried a bit, then continued to sleep.

The chubby, rosy-cheeked Henry was later held across his dad's arms, instinctively clutching his dad's finger, miraculously calming into a peaceful sleep.

Once everything was set up, the young man left after placing down the seasoning and giving instructions.

Anya, known for her cooking skills, was expected to take charge of the barbecue. Instead, she carried fruits and drinks, "Aunties, I'm going to put these in the river to chill for a bit, so we can enjoy them cold." Saying this, she left with the fruits.

Chad stepped in, "Then I'll handle the grilling. Last time I took Molly for a picnic, I was the grill master."

Molly, delighted, crouched beside Chad, hugging his arm and occasionally whispering sweet nothings, "Chad, Molly loves you." She even made a heart shape with her hands.

By the riverbank, Anya placed the fruits and cans aside, using stones to build a small enclosure. She looked back toward her family, unnoticed by them. Anya turned to gaze at the lake, conflicted.

She looked back at Chad again, then squatted by the bank, quietly taking off her canvas shoes, followed by her socks, which she placed inside the shoes. Standing up, she gathered her skirt, revealing her pale, glossy feet, and slowly stepped into the water.

"What are you doing, miss?" a passerby, seeing Anya's actions, quickly approached to inquire. Anya replied sweetly, "Catching fish."

With that, she stepped further into the lake, slowly submerging her other foot as well.

On land, Leo looked back, "Why hasn't Anya come back yet?"

Mia had just bought a deck of cards, planning to play a few hands with the old man, when she stood up and caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in the water, "Is that our Anya over there?"

Molly, who had been hanging back with Chad, also stood up to look toward the riverbank, "That's definitely our Anya!"

Hansen, advanced in years and not as agile, struggled to get up. Andre went over to lend a hand and helped his father up. Hansen looked into the distance, "Oh Lord, why has my child jumped into the water again? One moment she's climbing trees, the next she's in the water. What's next? Flying in the sky?"