ten
1
After Wengui returned home, he told Yongnian about Xi 'er's departure. At that time, Yongnian was holding Aren in his arms in the courtyard and shaking him around. Aren was amused and giggled.
"I'm a little worried. After all, one person was missing. He can't take care of himself." Wen Gui said.
"Aiya! It hurts. What do you want? Little brat." Yongnian touched Aren's head and hugged him tightly. He turned to look at Wen Gui, who was drying the blanket under the tree, and said,""Why don't we find someone for him? It's time for him to get married and have children."
Wen Gui smiled and shook the blanket.""Later. Now, she was going to do this for him. He might not accept it." She glanced at the middle-aged man standing by the door and raised her chin at Yongnian.
Yongnian turned his head, let go of Aren, and stood up.
"Daddy, where are you going?" Aren looked up and asked.
"Daddy is going out for a while. You should stay by Mommy's side first.”Yongnian waved his hand and said.
Aren returned to Wengui's side and watched his father walk to the door to talk to the man. The man took out a cigarette, lit it, and took a puff. He exhaled smoke, scratched his head, and whispered to Yongnian.
At this moment, Abu, who had been standing by the window and looking out, ran out and stood under the tree to look.
"Daddy." Abu called out.
Yongnian didn't respond. He waved his hand and left with the man. The cigarette was thrown away, and it sparkled on the ground.
"Where did Daddy go?" Aren asked.
"Daddy is going to work? He has to earn money to support his family." Wen Gui looked up at the empty alley outside the door. He gritted his teeth and said," Let's go back to the house." He will be back in a few days."
"Why is it sometimes so long, even a few weeks?”Abu asked.
"This is a matter for adults. Children should mind their own business. Don't ask questions. Go back to your room.”Wen Gui said.
Aren ran back into the house and played with the shells piled on the ground.
"Abu." Wen Gui turned around and saw his eldest son still standing under the tree and looking out. He said," Have you finished your homework? Why are you still standing here?"
"I finished it long ago." Abu said.
"Then come over and help cook." Wen Gui waved at him and led him into the house.
The two children were two years apart and had different personalities. Brother Abu was more like Yongnian, silent and hardworking. His grades had always been very good. He had never worried his parents or caused trouble. He would always quietly stay at the side and do his own things, looking a little young and mature. Aren was completely different. Aren was innocent and naive. Sometimes, he would do things that made people worry because of a moment of impulse. If the adults didn't look at him, he would have already jumped up the tree. He often fought with other children. His homework was also a mess. He went out to play all day, and when he came back, he was already dirty. Every time Wen Gui glared at him, he would jump into the bucket to play with the water. In comparison, Abu was as obedient as a mature adult. No one could find any fault with him. He would always quietly stay aside and observe the world. He did the housework for his mother, cleaning, cooking, and washing vegetables. His homework never worried his parents. He was often praised by his parents and was a class leader. And Aren was simply a headache.
"Aren, if only you could be like your brother. That saves me a lot of trouble." Wen Gui patted Aren's head and asked him to lie down.
"Isn't that brother? If I were like him, there would be no need for me to be with him.”Aren said.
"How can you say that? I just want you to be obedient." Wen Gui said.
"Mom, I'll be obedient. Don't worry.”Aren said.
"You're obedient. When?" Wen Gui asked.
"When I grow up, I will be as obedient as my brother. Mommy." Aren said.
"When I was your age, I was already able to help Mom wash clothes.”Wen Gui said.
"I can wash it too." Aren said.
Wen Gui shook his head and smiled. He scratched Aren's stomach and said,"The clothes you washed are even dirtier than before.”
Aren chuckled.
"Also, be obedient in school and don't run around, understand?”Wen Gui said.
"I want to go out and play. I don't want to stay in that place. I can fall asleep just by sitting there.”Aren said.
"You can play after school. Also, don't go into the sea. It's dangerous there.”Wen Gui said.
"Why not? Everyone can go there. Uncle went out to fish. She really wanted to follow him out. He seems to be very powerful." Aren said.
"Don't learn from your uncle. How many times have I told you not to go to the sea? That place is very dangerous. What is your uncle? He went out to sea because he had nothing to do. Why would Aren do that? Aren, you have to promise me not to go to the sea, okay?”Wen Gui said.
"Mommy." Aren sat up and touched Wengui's face. I won't make you angry again. I won't go back into the sea."
"That's good, that's good. Go to sleep. You still have classes tomorrow!" her mother said.
"Aiya!" Aren shouted and jumped out of bed.
"What's wrong?" Wen Gui asked.
"I haven't finished my homework yet." Aren took out his textbook and said.
Wen Gui turned on the lights. A pale yellow light shone in the small room. She sat at the wooden table and watched Aren do his homework.
Abu was lying on another bed, silently looking at Wen Gui. He was a good son, but he was not loved at all. He knew this very well. Every time Yongnian came home, he would pick up Aren and play with him. And when he faced Abu, he always had a strange reaction. He didn't seem to want to spend more time with this child, and he didn't know what to say to this good child. Wen Gui spent more time taking care of Aren. No matter how mischievous Aren was, she would smile at him. Aren had always maintained the innocence of a child, which made him even more lovable. However, Abu's early obedience and steadiness made people feel at a loss. His parents favored Aren more. This was an indisputable fact. Aren might not have realized this. Abu, on the other hand, was hurt by this preference all the time.
2
Every day, Abu would wait for Aren to finish school before going home with him. Most of the time, Alan would be detained, and Abu would just wait in silence. He had already finished his homework and could only look at his younger brother from the side. Sometimes, Aren was still fooling around with his classmates and was reluctant to pack his things.
"Aren, hurry up. We're going home.”Abu said.
Alan threw a few chalk bits at another student, giggled, and ran away.
"Aren, hurry up." Abu packed up Aren's movements and stood by the side with his book.
Aren ran away and continued to chase after the student. Seeing this, Abu rushed over and held Aren's hand tightly."Hurry up and take your bag.”
"Brother, it hurts. Let go." Aren waved his hand and said.
Abu stared at his younger brother who was shorter than him and squeezed his arm tightly.
Aren screamed, tears almost forming in his eyes. Seeing this, Abu let go and threw Aren's backpack on the ground.
After a while, they left the school gate one after another. Abu quickly walked in front. Aren lowered his head and slowly followed behind. They walked along the roadside and avoided the middle school students who were riding bicycles.
"Brother, why are you bullying me?”"I want to tell Mom and Dad about you pinching my arm.”
Abu was stunned. He turned around and stared at Aren."Who asked you to be so slow?"
"I just want to play a little longer. Anyway, I have nothing to do." Aren said.
"You have nothing to do. I have something to do." Abu said.
"Then you can walk by yourself. Don't wait for me." Aren said.
"I want to too. Mom said that she wanted to go back with you. Actually, I don't want to be with you either.”Abu said.
"Don't you like Aren?" Aren asked.
"I don't like it. It was very annoying. I hate taking you to and from school like this every day. They always like you more. No matter what I do, it's useless." Abu said.
"This time, they won't like me anymore. I only scored 20 points in my math test. I'll definitely be beaten up when I go back.”Aren cried and said in a low voice.
"Why are you crying? You don't understand at all. Even if you scored a zero. They will still like you." Abu turned to look at the crying Aren and said.
"Maybe it's because I'm stupid. He didn't know how to learn anything. I'm too stupid." Aren said.
"Alright, stop crying. No one will beat you up." Abu said.
"Big brother." Aren wiped his tears and said,"I really want to play at the beach."”
"You can't. Mom said no." Abu said.
"I really want to go play." Aren said.
"Hurry up and leave. It was too late. Mommy will be worried." Abu turned around and walked forward.
Aren wiped his tears, picked up his book, and followed behind. He looked up and saw the fishing boat returning to the seaside. He said,"" Brother, that looks like Uncle."
"Don't mention uncle. Mom doesn't want us to stay with Uncle.”Abu said," Let's go quickly. It won't be good if it's too late."
Abu went up to the lawn and turned around to find that Aren had already run to the beach. He sighed and turned to walk into the alley. He really didn't want to talk to his younger brother anymore. He felt that he was a burden, so he ran home by himself.
"Where's Aren?" Wen Gui stood by the door and asked.
"He ran into the sea." Abu said.
Wen Gui shook Abu's shoulder and said,""Didn't I ask you to look after him?"
Abu gritted his teeth and didn't say anything. Wen Gui left him behind and ran out of the alley. Abu entered the house, put down his bag, and went into the kitchen to cook. There was no one else in the room. It was very quiet. Abu didn't turn on the lights and waited for the light to dissipate in silence. The surroundings became dark. He ate in the dark, took a shower, and climbed into bed. He lay there, waiting for that moment to come. Sometimes, it would be very fast. Sometimes, it was very slow. Sometimes, it was neither fast nor slow. Every time, he pretended to sleep. In fact, he was the last to close his eyes. He simply turned around and faced the white wall, watching the moving figures on it.
The lights lit up and they entered. Abu heard the sound of chairs being pushed and pushed, the sound of bowls and chopsticks being picked up, as well as the sound of chatting and laughing. Someone entered the room, took a glance, and then left.
The lights in the room lit up. Aren went to bed with his parents. He quickly fell asleep. Abu looked up and saw the shadows of his parents moving on the wall to the door. The lights were switched off. The shadow disappeared.
Abu got off the bed and walked to the door, looking inside through the gap. His parents were drinking tea at the table.
"What do you think we should do? Aren was getting more and more mischievous. He seemed to like going to the beach. Today, he boarded his brother's boat. Perhaps, he would follow them out to sea tomorrow.”Wen Gui said.
"We can't let him get close to the sea. You can't let him get close to your brother either." Yongnian said.
"That's right. If she's like my brother, it'll be bad.”Wen Gui said," Why don't we move to the city?" Leave this small fishing village."
"It's dangerous in the city. It's easy to get caught." Yongnian said.
"Then what should we do? She couldn't let him continue to be wild like this. Look at his personality. He's lost in the sea and it's hard to come out. Your old man is also such a person. If you learn from him, you'll be finished. You also know that it's dangerous there." Wen Gui said.
"I'll tell your brother. No one dares to touch our children in this area. Only your brother. As long as he did not take Aren out, no one could. Besides, he was just playing by the beach. Soon, he will get tired of it." Yongnian said.
"Brother is always like that. He actually asked Aren to board the boat. I think he's just too lonely. That girl had been gone for a year. It was time to find him a woman. Let him settle down." Wen Gui said.
Yongnian smiled but didn't say anything.
"Aren is just a little wild. She was actually quite obedient. You even secretly gave me flowers." Wen Gui said.
"What flower?" Yongnian asked.
"Rose." Wen Gui said.
Yongnian reached out to touch Wen Gui's hand and comforted her,""Alright. Go to sleep. Leave these things to me. Don't worry.”
3
The next day, Yongnian went to find Wen Xuan. At that time, Wen Xuan was sitting on the porch with a book in his hand.
Wen Xuan looked up at Yongnian, who was standing outside the door. He smiled and said,""What a rare guest."
Yongnian turned his head and spat at his feet. He walked to the porch, one hand on the doorpost, frowning at the book in his hand.
Wen Xuan flipped through the pages and continued reading. Seeing this, Yongnian also sat down and turned to look at the roses in the garden.
"Your flowers are quite good. Do you usually take care of it yourself?" Yongnian asked.
"It's alright. He didn't really care. It's growing crazily on its own." Wen Xuan said.
"No one has come to pick it?" Yongnian asked.
"I'm not sure about that. During the day, I was at sea. If there are cats and dogs passing by, I can't care.”Wen Xuan flipped a page of the book and said," Besides, I can't stop anyone who wants to pluck these flowers.”
Yongnian touched his chin and took out a photo from his pocket. He placed it on the page that Wen Xuan had opened and looked down at him. Wen Xuan stared blankly at the photo for a few seconds before picking it up and stuffing it behind the page.
"Aren't you going to take a good look?" Yongnian asked.
"In front of you, it seems unnecessary to do anything serious.”Wen Xuan said.
Yongnian turned to look at the beach and said,"You can work with me." We should be doing it together. I'll definitely be able to grow bigger and climb higher."
"What are you doing?" Wen Xuan was still staring at the book.
"You know that. I'm about to kill another opponent now. However, this was only temporary. After a while, there was only one left. At that time, we'll be able to do whatever we want.”Yongnian patted the doorpost and said.
"I can't do such a thing. Don't tell me anything about you. Don't say a word." Wen Xuan said.
"You can. He might even be stronger than me. There was no need to go out to sea. You're just wasting it. If we work together, we can definitely do the best we can. What do you want? A woman? Or the one just now?" Yongnian pointed at the photos in the book and said," I can get someone to bring her back. Besides, I can find something else for you. Of course, there's money."
Wen Xuan smiled and ignored him. He continued reading.
"This is better than you going out to sea to sell those stinky fish. In addition, Xiao Gui also hopes that you can stabilize yourself. Why don't you follow me? In less than a year, he could have anything.”Yongnian stared at him and said.
"I don't need it." Wen Xuan said.
"What if I can scratch this girl?”Yongnian said.
"She's just an innocent child. Why are you disturbing her?" Wen Xuan said.
"I'll send her to where she should be." Yongnian smiled.”
"She doesn't belong to me. Your child does not belong to you. Just like Aren, can you stop him?”Wen Xuan raised his head and looked at Yongnian.
"This is another matter. Aren, I will never let go. Don't interfere. Don't let him board your ship.”Yongnian said.
"I can't stop this. I don't have time to look after an eight or nine-year-old child. It was just like how I couldn't stop cats and dogs from crawling into my yard. I didn't even think of stopping it.”Wen Xuan said.
"So, you have to continue being an idiot in this sissy place.”Yongnian said.
"I just want to finish reading this book.”Wen Xuan said.
"This will keep you safe. He was like a coward, hiding in this nest and growing moldy. You don't even dare to mention what I dare to do. Xiao Gui was right. You are an irresponsible person.”Yongnian said.
"I can't think of anything I'm responsible for. Do you want me to take responsibility for your ambition?”Wen Xuan put down the book, turned his head and stared at Yongnian." Those are all evil things." I don't know when you'll stop.”
"In the end, you're still afraid. You're afraid of death, right?”Yongnian said.
Wen Xuan bent down and suddenly reached out to pinch Yongnian's neck. He glared at him and said,""Do you know how many people died in the alley because of what you did? How many families would break up because of this?”
"Why don't you think about why people want to buy it and why people smoke it? No one forced them. No one pointed a gun at his head. If they didn't touch that thing, wouldn't it be fine? Everything was voluntary. This is their own choice. Can you blame me?”Yongnian licked his lips and said.
"You're quibbling. You're taking advantage of a person's weakness. You're harming these people to achieve your goal. One day, you will get your retribution.”Wen Xuan let go of Yongnian and said.
"You actually brought this up to me. Guo Wenxuan, do you believe in karma? This was what women said. And you have nothing. You're as weak as a stray dog.”Yongnian said.
"These words have no effect on me. You're still the same as before. You and Xiaogui are my younger brother and sister. I'm just advising you to stop. There was no benefit in doing this kind of thing too many times. There was only Xiao Gui at home all day. The two children have grown up." Wen Xuan said.
"Don't lie here and talk nonsense like a woman. If he did, he would get everything. It's better than being submerged in the sea." Yongnian lowered his head and spat.
"That sea is not something that ordinary people can soak in. Aren't you afraid to go out to sea because you're afraid?”Wen Xuan said.
"You can't earn a single cent there. It was purely a waste of time. You might as well follow me." Yongnian said.
"No, you're still afraid. Do you think Aren looks like an old man? I think it's quite similar. He was good at swimming and had spirituality. In the future, I'm afraid I won't be able to leave the sea." Wen Xuan said.
"How did you know? How do you know all this?" Yongnian asked.
"Dad said so. Before I leave. He told me." Wen Xuan said.
Yongnian turned his face away and did not speak.
"These are genes. He could swim as soon as he fell into the water. I told you, Aren doesn't belong to you. You can't tie him up. Can't you see his nature? He's more like an old man, your father who never goes ashore.”Wen Xuan said.
Yongnian turned his head and glanced at him, his eyelids drooping.
"Are you afraid?" Wen Xuan said.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Yongnian said.
"You know." Wen Xuan said. "And you must have thought about it. I know you like Aren very much. He was pure and kind. He's not like you, not even like your family. Abu is quite like you. But the problem is, your love for Aren can't stop him from developing. I saw this very clearly. Because that was his nature. He had the power to break through. You can't, and neither can Abu. Abu was born like you. Then, he acknowledged you and became more like you. That time, on the sandy beach, he hated the sea so much. At that time, I even saw your shadow when you were young.”
"This is another load of nonsense. I can't do anything." Yongnian said.
"Nothing much. You're the one who came to me to talk nonsense. Besides, it's useless even if I give it a lot of flowers. Because some people were destined to fall into the pit they dug.”Wen Xuan straightened his body and turned to look at the roses." I've already fallen into the pit I dug myself." Just like you said, I have nothing, and I'm moldy and smelly. You're wasting your time here. What's the point of persuading me to do your job?”
"Do you think that you're living a carefree life and can stay out of it, observing the world like a mirror?”Yongnian said.
"No one is carefree. I just chose a way that I wouldn't be too bored with. As for what you mean by staying out of it, I don't know.”Wen Xuan said.
"No one can stay out of it." Yongnian said. He stood up, one hand on the doorpost, and looked out at the sea.
"Do you mean responsibility or family? Or was it something else? I don't understand? I can only feel your fear of the sea. You're still the same, no different from the child who cried while hugging Xiao Gui. You have to be careful, don't spread this uneasiness to Abu. As for Aren, there was nothing to worry about.”Wen Xuan said.
"Abu doesn't need to worry. It's Aren." Yongnian said.
Wen Xuan smiled and shook his head, saying,""You are destined to lose these two children. It's no wonder. You don't have a father to begin with. How can you do it well? You're so stubborn, I can't continue.”
"Do we have to do this?" Yongnian asked.
"How is it?" Wen Xuan asked.
"Just like your parents. You're talking about the other party's sore spot." Yongnian said.
Wen Xuan smiled and lowered his head to spit at his feet, saying,""It's been so many years, but it hasn't changed.”
"What?" Yongnian asked.
"The way we get along as a family.”Wen Xuan said.
"Since that's the case, there's nothing much to say. Xiaogui and I hope that you, as your uncle, won't interfere. Don't let Aren get on that boat and go out to sea with you.”Yongnian stood outside the porch and looked back at Wen Xuan." I know you can stop him."”
"For now, I can still stabilize him. Children were always a hindrance on the boat. I'm not feeling well either." Wen Xuan said.
Yongnian looked back at the rose garden and said,""Do you need me to bring that girl back?”
"That doesn't belong to me. She just went where she wanted to go.”Wen Xuan said.
"Sometimes, I really don't understand you. Why did he make her stay back then? Why did you let her go now?" Yongnian asked.
"You don't understand?" Wen Xuan asked.
"I was just asking. You can do whatever you want. It's just that Xiao Gui keeps urging me to find you a woman.”Yongnian turned around and glanced at the bamboo shed." Now it seems that there's no need." I don't want to talk about anything else. I only hope that you can work with me.”
"Dad didn't teach you well, and I can't change it. At that time, he could just kill you here and throw your corpse into the sea. At that time, Abu was the only child. Let Wengui take Abu and remarry. However, he did not expect things to turn out this way. It's too late now." Wen Xuan said.
"You're thinking too much." Yongnian said. Seeing that Wen Xuan was unmoved, he left.
Wen Xuan rubbed his chin, picked up the book, and flipped it open.
Bu, who was hiding in the dark, secretly followed behind Yongnian and left.
4
For a long time, Aren did not run into the sea. Wen Gui was also relieved. Abu accompanied Aren every day and led him back and forth. Aren walked very slowly and was often attracted by the things on the roadside. Abu walked in front, absent-minded. He recalled the conversation between his father and uncle, feeling puzzled. In his heart, his father had always been a lofty and respected person. And he had always been determined to become that kind of person. It could be said that he approved of his father. However, his uncle's words made him feel that his father was not like that. His father seemed to have done something he shouldn't have done. The contradictory images confused him. At the same time, these were things that he could not understand at his age. He vaguely realized what the parents were looking at the two brothers with. Some of the older children would point at them. Many were avoiding them. Abu was used to this. He had very few playmates and disdained to make friends. Aren was very naughty. After fighting with some children, many children would avoid him.
When the parents were picking up their children, they would always turn their heads to look at the two of them and whisper something to their children. At this moment, Abu suddenly understood what was going on, so he pulled Aren and walked quickly.
"Brother, don't pull me." Aren shook his hand and said,"Ming still owes me something."”
"If we fight, we'll be scolded again. Mommy will be sad." Abu said. He walked in front and looked back at Aren from time to time. Then he ran to his side and walked with him.
"Ming Zi is too despicable. He called me a malignant tumor. He said I was the child of a drug dealer." "Brother, what's a drug dealer?"”
"Don't listen to him. That's nothing." Abu turned around and glared at Aren." Don't listen to him. He's talking nonsense."”
"He just wants to fight." Aren clenched his fists and said,"I'm not afraid."”
"Don't listen to other people's nonsense, understand? Aren." Abu said.
"I don't believe it. They just want to fight." Aren said.
Abu glanced at Aren and said,"They say that because they are jealous. Daddy was the best. He brought so many people to work together and helped the villagers.”
"I don't care what Dad does. He was often not at home. Only Mom and Brother accompanied me." Aren said.
"Daddy is too busy. He has a lot to do." Abu said.
"I don't care what he does. He did not know what it was. Uncle was the most powerful. He had a boat that could go to the sea often. I want to be like my uncle. Uncle said that when I'm older, he'll bring me out to sea. At that time, I can also go to the sea.”Aren said.
"Don't tell Mom about this. She would be very sad. Besides, Daddy loves you so much. If he knew, he would be very sad.”Abu said.
"Don't always mention Daddy. He wasn't at home, and everything was done by his mother.”Aren said.
"Don't you like Daddy? He's so powerful." Ah Ba said.
"I like uncle. Uncle is the best." Aren said.
"Don't keep mentioning uncle. Didn't you hear Mom and Dad say that fishermen are the lowest? I can't be a fisherman in the future." Abu said.
"Then can you stop mentioning Dad? He wasn't at home, so why did she mention him? And I like to go to the sea, so what?”Aren said.
"Because Daddy likes you more. He only has eyes for you. Mom too." Abu glared at Aren.
"That's because I always make them angry. Brother, don't be angry. You do everything better than me. I'm the idiot.”Aren said.
"Let's go. I'm not angry. It's too late, and Mommy is worried." Abu said.
"Brother, it doesn't matter even if Daddy isn't at home. As long as I'm here, it'll be fine." Aren said.
Abu turned his head and looked at Aren with a serious expression.
"Because every time I wake up from a nightmare and see my brother beside me, I feel fine.”Aren said.
"Let's go." Abu reached out and ruffled Aren's hair before leading him away.
5
As he got older, Abu's grades got better and better, while Alan's got worse and worse. Sometimes, Aren would be a little tired of studying. During class, he would always turn his head and stare blankly at the blue sky and white clouds outside the window. His homework was always incomplete. He seemed to be deliberately doing some things and falling some. The teacher complained to Wengui many times and explained some of his situation. He hoped that his parents could educate him well. Wen Gui understood it very well, but she couldn't teach this child herself. She was also at the elementary school level and had not read books for many years. Therefore, she wanted Abu to take Aren to study and tutor him. Abu didn't say anything and silently accepted this responsibility. He always finished his homework as soon as possible and helped Aren with his homework. Aren was always absent-minded and hid in the toilet. Sometimes, he even left his textbooks in the classroom. Many times, Abu had scolded her brother loudly, causing her to cry. Seeing him cry, Abu couldn't bear to scold him anymore. However, Abu felt wronged. He could have used this time to revise and prepare for the entrance exam. However, he still had to accompany his younger brother to study and waste his time. Aren was so naughty and unruly. This way, Abu felt even more wronged and his heart was burning with anger.
Now, Abu was in the sixth grade, and Alan was in the fourth grade. The two of them began to ride their bikes to school. After school, Aren rode his bike in front and looked back at Abu from time to time.
Abu turned to look at him, rang the bell, and rode off.
The surface of the sea reflected a golden light.
"Brother, can I swim there for a while?”Aren said.
"You can't. Mommy said we can't go into the sea." Abu said.
"Mom again. Brother, why don't we go down and swim together? Come up and put on your clothes." Aren said.
"You can't. Hurry up and go back." Abu said.
Aren glanced at Abu, turned the car around, and rode off the road. He dropped his bicycle and ran into the sea.
"Aren, come back quickly." Abu rode out of the road, put down his bicycle, and ran down.
At this moment, Alan had already rushed into the sea. He spread his arms and swam out. He swam so fast that he almost disappeared into the sea. Abu ran to the edge of the waves and looked out. Bai Lang pounced on him and almost hit his foot. In his eyes, the white bubbles spat out by the waves were like the mouth of a snake, rushing towards him. Startled, he fell onto the sand. He rolled and crawled as he hurriedly retreated. he shouted. The sound was soon drowned out by the waves. Facing the waves that kept pouncing on them. He first saw a group of vipers entangled with each other. They were hissing and revealing their sharp teeth. He felt an unprecedented fear, as if he was facing a great enemy. He tried to struggle, but found that his limbs were stiff and he could not move. It was as if his entire body was frozen. Then, he cried and closed his eyes, worried that the waves would surge up and drown him.
"Brother, what's wrong?" Aren had already swam back. He went to the beach and looked at the crying Abu.
Abu opened his eyes and saw Aren, who was drenched and dripping with water, and pounced on him. He pressed Aren under him and waved his fists at him.
"Brother, are you crazy?" Aren twisted his body and tried to resist. He was pressed down hard, and his face and chest were hit hard. He couldn't breathe and burst into tears.
Abu heard the crying and let go of Aren. He looked at Aren in a daze. His clenched fists hurt. His legs were numb.
Aren was still crying. He was crying and shouting.
Abu did not know what to do. He wanted to run away and stay. If he went back like this, he would definitely be beaten up. If he didn't go back, he would be in big trouble.
"I'm sorry, Aren." Abu said.
"I want to tell Mom and Dad. You hit me." Aren said.
Abu looked at Aren's swollen face and said,"Go ahead."
Aren sat up and wiped his tears. He turned to Abu and said,"You're dead. They will definitely beat you up."
"I know. You go ahead." Abu smiled and said," You've grown up too. It's time to be alone."
"Big brother." Aren saw Abu stand up and noticed that his brother's expression was not right, so he stood up and followed behind him. I won't tell you. I won't let them know. Don't abandon me."
"This matter. Even if you don't say it, they know." Abu walked in front and picked up the bicycle that had fallen on the sand.
"I told them that I fought with someone else.”Aren also picked up his bicycle, smiled, and rode behind Abu.
Abu turned his head and watched the light disappear into the horizon.
"Brother, if it's because I'm disobedient that you hit me. I promise that I will be obedient in the future and not run into the sea. But, can you not abandon me? I won't tell them." Aren said.
Abu turned to look at Aren. Aren's face was covered in bruises. The corner of his mouth was still bleeding. Abu looked at Aren and felt a little regretful. He even thought that the one who had attacked him just now must have been possessed.
"I scored 32 points today. The class was last. I don't want to go home. I want to play for a while." Aren turned to look at Abu's side profile and said,"Brother, don't be silent."”
"It's alright now. Aren." Abu looked at the road ahead. It became blurry and lost its outline in the twilight.
6
However, all of this did not escape Yongnian's eyes. In the beginning, he set his eyes on Abu. Aren stammered, unable to tell who he had fought with for a long time. Abu ran out and stood beside Aren, admitting it. Yongnian didn't say anything, he picked up the bamboo branch under the tree and whipped Abu. Abu gritted his teeth and remained silent. He turned his head and looked at the children who were standing at the door to watch the show. The children ran away when they saw his glare. Wen Gui came out of the kitchen and stood by the door to watch. She gritted her teeth and did not say anything.
The bamboo branches made a swooshing sound and kept falling on Yongnian's hands and feet. Red and swollen marks started to appear. Abu gritted his teeth and allowed his tears to flow. He just didn't say anything. Aren held Yongnian's hand and cried, Don't hit him, don't hit him. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have gone into the sea.
The bamboo branches had already split apart and scattered into pieces. Yongnian threw away the bamboo branch, grabbed another dry and hard one, and shook off Aren. He waved the bamboo branch and continued to hit Abu's foot. Abu couldn't hold on any longer and knelt down. The red marks on his body had already cracked. His hands and feet were bleeding. Abu was still gritting his teeth as he lay on the ground and spat out a mouthful of blood. Seeing this, Aren pounced over and lay on Abu.
"Don't hit big brother, don't hit big brother.”Aren turned around and said to Yongnian.
Wen Gui also ran over and blocked the way. Yongnian stopped, threw down the bamboo branch, and walked away.
Abu's back, hands, and feet were covered in wounds. Some were bleeding. He could only lie on the bed and stare at the dark sky outside the window. He could not move. The slightest touch would aggravate his pain. He couldn't close his eyes. The swooshing sound of the bamboo branches waving in the air still echoed in his ears.
"Brother, will it hurt?" Aren knelt in front of the bed and looked at Abu.
Abu looked at Aren's pale face and said,"It's okay. Go to sleep."
Their beds were very close together. Abu could almost touch Aren's hand.
"It's all my fault. Run into the sea." "Also, I don't even know how to lie.”
"It's nothing. Next time, I'll wear thicker clothes to withstand the beating.”Abu said.
Aren smiled and covered his face again. His face was contorted, and his wound hurt.
"Go to sleep." Abu said.
"But how can Daddy do this? It was too terrifying. I don't want to stay with him anymore.”Aren said,
"Didn't I also make you cry?”Abu said.
"I saw you crying." Aren shook his head. At the seaside. Brother, it's definitely not because of me. It's because of something else. Moreover, you stopped when I cried. Daddy was so fierce just now. I don't even dare to look at him."
"Alright then. Aren, go to sleep." Abu said.
Aren nodded and climbed back into his bed. He turned to Abu and said,"We can skip school tomorrow. Mom said that she could rest at home for a few days.”
"Is that so?" Abu said.
"Mom said so." Aren said.
"Go to sleep." Abu said.
"Brother, if Daddy hits you like this again, I'll kill you. Let's escape. Escape to uncle." Aren said.
"Go to sleep. Alan. Daddy won't do these things again." Abu said.
A moment later, Abu heard Aren's even breathing and turned his head to look at the dark sky. He couldn't close his eyes, nor did he feel sleepy. His entire body was in so much pain that he could not move. He glanced at Aren, who was sleeping soundly, and tears fell.
He stayed up all night, waiting for dawn.
When the sky turned light, he got up. He endured the pain, changed his clothes, and went out with his bag. He pushed his bicycle out of the courtyard. The dog lying in the alley looked up at him and lay down again.
The alley was quiet and filled with the heat of summer.
The morning star was dim, and the sky was filled with azure blue.
He looked up and felt that even the air was blue.
He endured the pain and rode the bicycle.
The road extended under the wheels, moving forward and winding up.
The surging sea surface glowed with blue light and then sparkled.
It had been a long time since he had been able to ride his bike so freely across this road. Now, he was completely alone, carrying pain as he ran forward.
The whistling sea breeze stung his wounds.
The slightly rising sea was filled with the morning light, which was very dazzling.
7
From then on, Abu put more effort into his studies. He hoped to be admitted to a key high school. Then he wouldn't have to stay in the town to study in middle school. When he reached the city, he could stay overnight at school and not go home. The teacher also thought that he had great potential, so he gave him extra tutoring, hoping that he could pass the exam. Aren's homework was still a mess. His results were still not good. However, Yongnian did not seem to care about his studies. He did not deliberately ask about the two children's studies. He was busier than ever and was not at home all day. Wengui still handed Aren over to Abu to tutor him. After a while, Aren's results improved a little. However, he was still not interested in learning. He still needed someone to supervise him.
Soon, Abu took the entrance exam. Just as the teacher had expected, he was admitted to a key high school with the best results in the town. After Abu received the news, he stayed up all night. He wanted to leave this small fishing village immediately. Aren, on the other hand, was depressed. It was not because he had scored last, but because his brother was about to leave. He couldn't bear to part with his brother.
Abu could tell what Aren was thinking and said,"I will come back every week. We can play together again this weekend.”
"But after brother left, I was alone.”Aren said.
"Aren is already so old. What's there to be afraid of alone?”Abu said.
"I'm not afraid. I just want to stay with my brother.”Aren said.
"Then study hard and get into junior high school. That way, we can be together again.”Abu said.
"But that's too difficult." Aren said.
"I can help you with your tuition. That way, you'll definitely be able to get in." Abu said.
Aren smiled and looked up at Abu."Alright then."
Before school started, Abu had already packed his things and was ready to go to the city. Just before he left, he looked up at the small room, stared at the ink on the table, and touched it. Soon, he could leave this place. Soon, he could go to the city. Soon, he would be able to meet new people and learn new things.
At this moment, Wen Gui suddenly appeared by the door and turned her head to look at him.
"Mommy." Abu said.
Wen Gui came in, sat on the bed, and looked at him.
"Have you packed your things?" Wen Gui looked at the bulging backpack and said. She touched them and took them out, placing them on the bed. Seeing her do this, Abu's tears fell.
"Child. Your dad has already helped you enroll in a junior high school in town. You don't need to stay in the dormitory.”Wen Gui said.
"Is it because of Aren?" Abu said.
"We don't want you to go this far.”Wen Gui said.
"Liar. You just want me to bring Aren along.”Abu said.
"You know that your brother is mischievous and worrying. You're the older brother. You should take care of the younger brother." Wen Gui said.
"It's all for him." Aren gritted his teeth and touched the neatly folded clothes."Then I can pick up my brother, right?"”
"Aren is still young. He needs to be taken care of." Wen Gui said.
"Aren is not young anymore. You only have eyes for him." After saying that, Aren threw down his clothes with tears in his eyes and ran out.
Wen Gui turned to look at him but did not chase after him.
Abu rushed out of the yard and kicked the bucket by the door. He walked out of the alley and saw people playing mahjong around the table. The dog that was lying on the side got up and ran over to Abu's side.
"Don't follow me." Abu turned his head and said. He bent down to pick up a stone and threw it at the dog. The dog barked and ran away.
Abu left the village, got off the road, and came to the beach. He thought that Aren would be there, but he saw a bunch of children digging sand. Some children stood up and threw stones at the sea. He thought that he was more mature than the average child and rarely participated in children's games. He stood at the side and looked down at the surging sea. He had an impulse to go into the waves. I must go into the waves. He gritted his teeth and walked forward. A wave surged up and hit his feet. He closed his eyes and walked forward slowly. He could not see anything. All kinds of voices entered her ears. The child shouted. The sound of the sea breeze. There was also the sound of waves rolling. He stood straight and waited. That voice was getting stronger, as if it was going to drown out the other voices. At that moment, he thought it was intense. In fact, it was gentle. The waves came up and wet his feet, then he retreated. He felt wet and cool, as if he had been touched by something. He closed his eyes and took a step forward. This time, the waves hit his knees. He was hit by the impact and fell onto the sand. He opened his eyes. A white wave pounced on him like a lion with its mouth open, wanting to swallow him. He screamed and turned his head away. The waves hit his body and made him wet. He hugged himself tightly and listened to the sound of water. At that moment, he felt a kind of tranquility. He opened his eyes and saw that the waves were coming again. The lion was nothing but a wave of white foam. He knew that he had overcome that fear and stood up.
"Abu, why are you here?"
Abu turned his head and saw Wen Xuan returning with a bucket. He walked over. The fish and prawns jumped out of the bucket and fell back in. The water splashed with silver light. Abu kept staring at the surface of the barrel without saying anything.
"I thought it was Aren." Wen Xuan put down the bucket and said.
Abu wiped the seawater off his face and shook his head.
"You can also reach in and grab it. Come, give it a try." Wen Xuan said.
Abu took a step back and lowered his head, not saying a word.
Wen Xuan squatted down and reached into the bucket. He dug around and grabbed a handful of small fish and prawns. The fish and prawns danced in his hands, glistening with water.
Abu lowered his head and looked at it silently.
Wen Xuan put down his hand and sat on the sand, turning his head to look at the blue sea.
"I saw you just now. You are very brave." Wen Xuan said.
Abu turned to look at him and sat down.
Wen Xuan reached out to touch his wet hair and said,""Child, you can surpass that weak fellow.”
"I heard you talking to Dad.”Wen Xuan said.
Wen Xuan reached out and scratched his chin. He scraped off the fish scales on his hands and threw them onto the sand.
"It's not right to eavesdrop. There are some things that you shouldn't know." Wen Xuan said.
"But I already know." Abu said.
"You mature earlier than other children, right?”Wen Xuan said.
"I just don't like to stay with them.”Abu said.
"Liu Yongnian was also like this when he was very young. She seemed to be more mature than other children.”Wen Xuan said.
"I don't understand why they like Alan more. And Aren likes you so much." Abu said.
"I don't understand why you like Liu Yongnian so much.”Wen Xuan said.
"He is my father." Abu said.
"It's his fault. You're only thirteen years old. You should be like a child. He made you look like a grown-up." Wen Xuan turned to look at Abu and said," You don't have to be like him. He thought about the problem early on. You should play like a child like Aren.”
"I have to take Aren with me every day.”Abu said.
"Liu Yongnian hit you, didn't he?" Wen Xuan nodded.”
Abu turned his head to look elsewhere, avoiding Wen Xuan's gaze.
"Aren came here and asked me if I could adopt you. He said that if Liu Yongnian hit you again. He will take you away. Don't let him hit you." Wen Xuan said.
Abu turned his face away and choked. His tears began to flow down.
"He seems to like my brother very much. When I was an older brother, Xiao Gui had never treated me so well. She would only follow Liu Yongnian everywhere and ignore me, her brother.”Wen Xuan said.
A few shrimps jumped out of the bucket and fell onto the sand. The prawn jumped a few times and was covered in sand. It moved its tail a few times and stopped moving.
"They won't let me study in the city.”Abu said.
Wen Xuan reached out, grabbed the prawns, and threw them into the bucket.
"They just want me to accompany Aren. Everything was about Aren. Dad always brings something for him when he comes back, but he only gives me a little.”Abu said.
"Even so. Aren will still give you the best, right?”Wen Xuan asked.
Abu wiped his tears and said nothing.
"Do you really want to study in the city?”Wen Xuan asked.
"I just want to leave home." Abu said.
"If you want to study in the city, I can tell Liu Yongnian. If she wanted to leave home, she should stay at her uncle's house for a while.”Wen Xuan said.
Abu shook his head. His parents would definitely not agree. They just want me to guard Aren."
"You're so young. You shouldn't have to bear so much. In fact, they were worried about Aren. Compared to you, Aren is more vulnerable.”Wen Xuan said.
"They completely ignored me. He only has eyes for Aren." Abu said.
Wen Xuan sighed and patted Abu's head, saying,""You're too similar to Liu Yongnian. He did not know if this was a good thing or a bad thing.”
Abu turned around and stared blankly at the rippling water in the bucket.
"Why don't you stay at Uncle's house for a while?”Wen Xuan said.
Abu stood up and said,"I'm going back."”
Wen Xuan glanced at Abu's back and stood up.
The children had already left the beach. Only Wen Xuan and Abu were left. Abu was slowly walking towards the road. The street lamps were turned on, casting a faint yellow light. Abu raised his head to take a look, then lowered his head and continued walking.
8
After entering junior high school, Abu still rode to school with Aren every day. Junior high school and primary school were only one alley away. Therefore, it was very convenient for the two brothers to travel together. Abu always left after Aren entered the school. Every day, they would ride their bikes past a row of arcade buildings. The first floor was mostly filled with shops selling some small items. Every day after school, there was a small shop that was always crowded with students. They were all squeezing around, trying to buy a serving of beef offal.
This time, Aren squeezed to the front, bought a bowl of beef offal, and ran back to Abu.
Abu leaned against the bicycle and looked at the steaming beef offal. He said,""This thing is not clean."
"So many people are buying it. I'm almost squashed. Just try it." Aren said.
Abu picked up the bamboo stick, tied a piece, and put it in his mouth. He chewed and reached out to poke another piece.
"Is it delicious?" Aren asked.
"It's alright." Abu nodded. At this time, he tried to pretend to be a cool brother and try to talk less. This stage was very funny. Many children learned to use all kinds of vulgarities from this point on, as well as understand some things about men and women. Abu became even less talkative. He tried to curse, but he didn't succeed. He felt that it would make him look strange, so he stopped imitating. Aren, on the other hand, seemed to be whispering and giggling. In fact, he could use it freely even before he understood the meaning. Especially when he was about to fight.
Aren stuffed the bowl into Abu's arms and said,"You eat!" He turned around and went back into the crowd of students. He cursed. The other children imitated him. If you didn't turn your head, you would think that these sounds came from a gambling stall in the countryside.
After that, he took out another bowl and started eating.
In the student group, there were a few senior students. They surrounded the stall and shouted,"Beef offal seller, how many daughters do you have?" Why don't we marry into the family?"
A few students giggled.
Steam rose from the big pot, steaming everyone's faces. There were beef lungs, intestines, tendons, and other beef offal in the pot, and the fragrance of the sauce wafted out. The auntie picked up a skewer of fish balls from the pot and stuffed it into the bowl of the boy who had just spoken. She said,"I don't have a daughter. I only have a son who's about your age.”
The student whistled for a while and said,""It's fine if you don't want to acknowledge him as your godson."
The others shouted.
The auntie ignored him and lowered her head to skewer the cooked beef lung slices with a bamboo stick.
Aren put the two bowls away and placed them on the table. He turned around and pushed the cart to catch up with his cool brother. After entering junior high school, Abu was even more unwilling to talk to Aren. He always wanted to find a place to stay alone. Aren was still as naughty as ever. His results were also good at times. However, he seemed to have lost interest in going out to sea. All day long, he hugged the football that Liu Yongnian gave him and played in the alley.
When the building was being rebuilt, they moved into the Guo family's old house. This did not affect Aren much. He picked up the football and ran away. Abu was not used to it. The old house was dimly lit and damp. He still needed some time to adjust himself and stay inside to read. Their house had been under construction for a few months and was finally completed before Abu's second year of high school. The new house had three floors. The rooms faced the sea. The furniture was new. Abu and Aren moved to the second floor. Each person had a room. The window was open to the sea.
In the morning, the morning light shone through the window. Abu moved the desk to the window. He sat there reading a book. As long as he raised his head, he could see the sea. He placed the books neatly on the table and opened them.
"Big brother."
Abu looked up and saw Aren standing outside the window. Abu was shocked. He stood up and opened the window.
"This is very dangerous." Abu said.
"I can crawl up here from my room.”Aren stepped on the branch of the longan tree in front of the window and said," Here. We can sneak into the yard from here and go out to play.”
Abu turned his head and looked out the window. The longan tree in the courtyard was as tall as the third floor. The branches and leaves had already reached their windows. Aren shook his legs and smiled at Abu. The branches and leaves swayed and rustled.
"What's wrong? Brother, do you want to come out and try?" Aren held the window and turned to look at him.
"I have to read. Don't disturb me.”Abu sat down and opened the book in his hand.
Aren sat by the window and looked at Abu."Let's go to town and get something to eat. Let's go eat beef offal. Then, he would see if there was anything else. We haven't gone out for a long time. Don't you want to buy some stationery? Hurry up while Mom and Dad are still sleeping."
Abu stood up, glanced at Aren, and said,"Can't we just take the stairs?"
"Alright, let's see who's faster." Aren turned around, jumped onto the tree, and began to climb down.
Abu went out of the room and rushed down the stairs, stomping on the floor. By the time he rushed out of the yard, Abu was already sitting on his bicycle. He turned his head and smiled at him. He pursed his lips and pushed out another bicycle.
They rode out of the courtyard and onto the road. The sun shone brightly on the surface of the sea. They rode around the mountain road. Aren rode very fast and rushed ahead. Sometimes, he even let go of his hands and let the bicycle go. Abu rode up and said,"Hold it steady. It's too dangerous."”
Aren smiled and rode away.
They parked the car on the street in front of the town and turned to look at the seafood stores on the street. A row of white shark's fins was lined up in front of the window. The boss lined up the dried squid in the cardboard box and looked up at the dusty road.
"Let's go eat something first." Aren turned to Abu and said.
Abu waved his hand and said,"You go ahead. I'll go buy something else."”
Aren walked across the road and slipped into the alley. Abu glanced at him, then turned around and walked towards the stationery store. A few alleys later, he saw Liu Yongnian standing at the end of a dark alley smoking. He quickly approached the wall and hid.
A boy around his age ran into the alley and came to Yongnian's side with his head lowered. Yongnian threw away the cigarette butt and took out a stack of money from his pocket. He placed the money in the boy's hand. The boy took the money and lowered his head respectfully.
Yongnian lowered his head and spat. He took out a small bag of powder and handed it to the boy.
The boy took it and quickly stuffed it into his arms. He looked outside. After a while, he turned around, lowered his head, and left quickly. When he passed by the entrance of the alley, he happened to look elsewhere and did not notice Abu who was peeking. Abu recognized him. He was a third-year student. He often fought and caused trouble and was criticized. In addition, Abu knew that the boy had gathered a group of students like him. They often hid in the bamboo forest behind the school and did bad things.
Abu turned his head and saw Yongnian still smoking in the alley. The flame flickered and extinguished. Smoke swirled around the area. He turned around and walked back. After a few streets, he saw the boy with a few other boys. They were smoking around the trash can, imitating adults. They spat out all kinds of vulgarities. Then, without warning, they would throw their heads back and laugh, exhaling strange rings of smoke.
There were not many pedestrians on the street. Abu leaned to the side and stole a glance before turning his head back.
A boy ran out of the shop and was instantly surrounded by the boys. Abu recognized this boy. He was the son of the uncle who often came to find Yongnian. The boys put their arms around his shoulders and giggled at him. One of them took out the bag and waved it in front of his eyes.
"Big brother." Aren rushed out of the alley with a bowl in his hand and bumped into the group of boys.
"Are you f * cking blind?" One of the boys said as he pulled at the wet corner of his shirt.
Abu rushed up and put his arm around Aren's shoulder. He apologized and led Aren to the side. The group of boys cursed for a while more and then walked away.
"Brother, who is that? Why are you so fierce?" Aren turned his head and asked,"Do you want to fight?"”
Abu let go of Aren's shoulder and frowned without saying a word.
"I bought you a bowl. It's almost all gone now." Aren raised the bowl and said,"Go buy another bowl."”
Abu followed Aren closely and looked back from time to time.
"I want another bowl." Aren handed over the bowl and stared at the hot beef offal soup in the pot.
"Do you want some spicy sauce?" The boss asked.
Aren nodded.
The boss reached out and scooped up a spoonful of spicy sauce, placing it in the bowl.
Aren picked up the bowl of beef offal, picked up a piece with a bamboo skewer, dipped it in spicy sauce, and was about to put it into his mouth. Abu turned around and saw him. He grabbed his bowl and threw it away.
"Stop eating." Abu said.
"What are you doing? I haven't finished eating yet." Aren said. He lowered his head and stared at the beef offal scattered on the ground. The ground was wet and steaming.
"Don't eat anything you want in the future, understand?”Abu said.
"That's beef offal. Don't we always eat together?" Aren asked.
Abra led Aren away and said,"Nothing." Especially if it was given by someone else, you know? Don't touch it. Do you know?"
"You just said you can eat it." Aren said.
"You can't. Not from now on." Abu stopped and stared at Aren. He waved at him and said,"You can't eat anything other than the things at home. You can't put it in your mouth. Do you understand?"
"Dad and Mom didn't say that." Aren said.
Abu grabbed Aren's collar and raised his fist at him."You have to listen to me, understand?"
Aren kept his mouth shut.
"Also, when you see those boys in the future, you have to stay far away, understand?”Abu said.
"We're not afraid of them, so why should we hide?”Aren said.
"Why? There was no reason. Aren, just listen to me.”Abu sighed and let go of his hand." Brother wants you to do this for your own good.”
"Alright then. Then I'll listen to you." Aren said.
Abu pushed the bicycle away and rode it onto the road. Aren rode his bike and chased after him. He turned to look at Abu.
"Brother, did I make you angry again?”Aren asked.
"No, I haven't." Abu said.
"Then why are you like this?" Aren asked.
Abu turned his head and looked at Aren's young face, speechless.
"If I did something wrong and made you angry, you must tell me. I'm stupid and stupid. I don't know anything.”Aren said.
"You didn't do anything wrong." Abu turned to stare at the road ahead and said," Aren, if you want to go somewhere to play in the future, you must tell me in advance.”
"Why?" Aren asked.
"That way, I can make time to accompany you.”Abu said.
"Really? But I didn't dare to disturb you when you were studying.”Aren said.
"We'll study together and play together. Don't you want to be with me?" Abu said.
"Alright. That was great. We can play football together." Aren said with a smile. He let go of his hand again and let the bicycle run into the slanted roundabout road.
The sea breeze blew past his ears.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。