thirteenth
1
After Wen Xuan let Xi 'er go home, he turned around and returned to the sea. He allowed the boat to drift on the sea, lying on the boat and watching the surging waves. He had once considered whether he should escape from this place again. Thinking of this, he felt exhausted and lacked courage. He was thinking about everything Xi 'er had said. He tried to find a clue and understand everything that had happened. When Xi 'er returned, he knew that she must have experienced a lot, but he did not expect her to take revenge. In addition, Xi 'er's performance in this aspect had indeed surprised him, even shocked him. At this moment, he was puzzled. Hunger, exhaustion, and thirst were gnawing at him every minute. Failure and powerlessness made him feel pain. He jumped out of Xi 'er's matter and thought of his entire life. He could not help but feel sad. Until today, he had not done a single thing well, nor had he obtained anyone. At this moment, he wished he could keep all the love and hate outside the door.
The sun, moon, and stars kept flashing above his head. Time seemed to have lost its meaning.
After an unknown period of time, he became absent-minded and unable to think. The kerosene lamp in front of him was still flickering. He stretched out his hand and gave it a light push. The tongues of fire crawled out and began to swim on the deck, jumping onto the canopy. The heat wave was pressing. He turned around and looked at the gradually brightening sky, thinking that there might be no place in this world that he could go to. So, he turned around and fell into the dark sea.
At that moment, he might have fallen asleep.
"I knew there was someone here. Hurry up and get up. Don't be like a dead fish." An old fisherman bent down to save Wen Xuan. He dragged Wen Xuan onto the deck and turned his head to look at the ball of fire on the sea.
"This is too careless. If the wind was a little stronger, it would only take a few minutes.”The fisherman turned his head to look at Wen Xuan, who was lying on the boat and coughing. He squatted over and patted his face, saying," Fortunately, he's not dead yet." I almost fed it to the fish."
Wen Xuan looked up at the black-bearded fisherman and turned around. He did not want to face anyone now. His frustration made it hard for him to bear anyone's gaze.
The sun had already risen, casting a dazzling light on the sea. The fisherman sat down, took out a packet of tobacco, and rolled it up in his hand. He stuffed the cigarette into his mouth and lit it. A ring of smoke came out of his mouth and was blown into the sea. He coughed and continued inhaling.
"Can you give me a bite?" Wen Xuan asked. He had already sat up, facing the black smoke coming out of the wreckage of his fishing boat.
The fisherman laughed. Wrinkles bulged under his eyes. He stuffed the cigarette into Wen Xuan's mouth and smiled when he saw him crying from the smoke. He said,"Young man, how long have you been floating in the sea? I think you're almost dried up!"”
Wen Xuan coughed intermittently for a while. Blood seeped out of his cracked lips.
A hot wind blew from the sea. The burning smell was very pungent.
The fisherman carried a pot of water and placed it beside Wen Xuan. He quickly picked up the water bottle, aimed it at his mouth, and gulped it down. Seeing this, the fisherman turned around and returned to the cabin. He took out a bowl of seafood soup and placed it beside him.
"Slow down, slow down." The fisherman looked at him patting his chest because of the fishbone stuck in his throat. He smiled and said," Sharks eat better than you.”
Wen Xuan spat out the fish bone and wiped his mouth. He looked at the smoke coming out of the fisherman's mouth.
"Come, come, roll it yourself." The fisherman took out the bag of tobacco and white paper and threw them at his feet.
Wen Xuan picked up a bit of tobacco and placed it on a piece of white paper. He used the white paper to roll up the tobacco and turned to look at him.
"Like this." The fisherman took it and licked the edge of the white paper with a rock. He stuck it on the paper and sealed the cigarette." This is mine." You can get yourself another one."
Wen Xuan imitated him and rolled one himself. He ordered it and stuffed it into his mouth. The two of them sat side by side on the boat, looking at the blue sea and exhaling white smoke.
"I've never tried this before." Wen Xuan said. He threw the cigarette butt into the sea.
"Do you want more?" the fisherman said.
"One is enough." Wen Xuan said.
The fisherman bit his cigarette butt and spat into the sea.
"You don't come here often, do you?”the fisherman said.
"I don't know where this is." Wen Xuan said. He looked at the vast sea, unable to determine his direction.
"Seeking death wholeheartedly and going out to sea are two completely different concepts.”The fisherman said," You don't look like the kind of person who wants to be saved.”
"Then what do I look like?" Wen Xuan asked.
"What do you think?" the fisherman said.
Wen Xuan turned around and stared at the porcelain bowl with prawns by his feet.
"In some aspects, I don't have a good role model. My father used to lock himself in his room to read. In my impression, he never left his book. When I reached a certain age, I was surprisingly like him in some ways. Now that he thought about it, this wasn't a good imitation.”Wen Xuan turned his head and saw that the fisherman had already turned his face away. He said," What I'm saying may annoy you.”
"There is only one fishing boat in this sea. There were only the two of us on the boat. I can't stop the sound from coming out of your mouth, nor can I stop it from entering my ears, unless I kick you into the sea.”the fisherman said.
Wen Xuan smiled and did not continue. He looked back at the surging sea.
2
In the following days, Wen Xuan stayed on the boat and helped with the fishing. The ship was anchored in a fixed area of the sea. Every once in a while, a fishing boat would pass by to bring him fresh water and cigarettes.
Wen Xuan often sat on the deck and stared at the sea.
The fisherman who delivered the water boarded the boat and glanced at Wen Xuan. He placed two buckets of fresh water on the deck and asked,""Were you also saved by Old Zhou?"
Wen Xuan turned around and looked at the fisherman who was about his age. He realized that the person who came up to deliver water was different every time.
"It seems so." The man sat down and turned to look at the fisherman who was waving the harpoon at the bow of the boat." I heard that there's a new person on Old Zhou's boat." So it's you."
"Newbie?" Wen Xuan looked up at the half-naked Old Zhou. His muscles were very firm. Her entire body was shining under the sunlight.
"Old Zhou is very famous in this sea area. Even if he did not go ashore, there would still be many people who would send him things. He had an intuition that told him that someone was drowning somewhere and that he would rush over to save them. Many people had been saved by him. Everyone was giving him things to repay his kindness.”the man said.
Wen Xuan suddenly realized that the person who saved him was Liu Yongnian's biological father, and he observed the similarities between their appearances. Although the old man's face was full of wrinkles, there were still some places that reminded him of Liu Yongnian.
"Over the years, Old Zhou has saved countless people. Most of them would come back to the sea to look for him.”the man said.
Wen Xuan turned his head and faced the blue sea. All kinds of trees and trees that passed by suddenly surged up.
The next night, that person left after eating. Old Zhou stood by the boat and waved at him, watching him disappear into the sea.
"He said you saved a lot of people." Wen Xuan said.
Old Zhou pursed his lips and sat down. He took out the bag of tobacco from his pocket.
The afterglow of the setting sun was smearing a red glow on the surging sea.
They sat on the boat, as if they were placed in a golden ball of light. Circles of light floated on their faces.
Old Zhou spat into the sea and lit a cigarette.
"That day, you saved me. I thought it was a coincidence.”Wen Xuan said.
"It's such a big fire.”Old Zhou said.
"Not everyone plays with fire.”Wen Xuan said.
"Interesting." Old Zhou said.
"They all worship you as a god. There must be a reason for this.”Wen Xuan said.
"If you break the dog's legs and put it back up, it will still think that you are a god.”Old Zhou said.
Wen Xuan smiled and said,"It's like I'm talking to myself." I finally understood what it felt like.”
Old Zhou turned his head and slowly exhaled smoke into the sparkling sea.
"Maybe there's something else.”Wen Xuan said.
"It's like a fish jumping out of the water and then falling back in. You will hear that sound." Old Zhou bit his cigarette butt and said.
"This is the secret?" Wen Xuan asked.
"What secret?" Old Zhou asked.
"You can always find someone." Wen Xuan said.
"The secret is that when you drive a boat and float around on the sea, you will always encounter a few fish that are not dead, just like how you cast a net to catch fish.”Old Zhou said.
"I understand." Wen Xuan said.
"If I encounter a dead fish, I won't care. Let it sink into the sea." Old Zhou said.
"I might know who you are.”Wen Xuan said.
I don't understand this question myself." Old Zhou said.
"You have a child who is a few years younger than me. His name is Liu Yongnian.”Wen Xuan said," Liu Ping is his mother.”
Old Zhou put down the cigarette in his hand and turned his face away without saying a word.
"Liu Yongnian married my sister. They had two children. One was called Abu, and the other was called Alan.”Wen Xuan said.
At this moment, the sky gradually darkened. They could only roughly see the expressions on each other's faces.
Old Zhou threw the cigarette butt into the sea. The specks of smoke fell into the water and were instantly extinguished.
"Perhaps you are wondering why I know so much. My father is Mr. Liu's student. Before Liu Ping died, she entrusted Liu Yongnian to him and even told him about his background. My father told me about this later.”Wen Xuan said," It's really strange. Some of your mannerisms and actions are very similar. But you have never met."
The light spots floating on the surface of the sea were dissipating and fading.
"I used to suspect it. Now I understand how you can never go ashore.”Wen Xuan said.
"I just fished up a shark from the sea.”Old Zhou said.
"That's not necessary. As you said, it was just a coincidence.”Wen Xuan said.
"Is he as sharp-tongued as you?”Old Zhou asked.
"He's different. He spoke very little. However, he is ruthless." Wen Xuan said.
"I heard about that. The news had almost reached the fish's ears.”Old Zhou said.
"What do you think about this? About what he did?" Wen Xuan asked.
"I haven't been on land for a long time. I've degenerated into a fish. What could a fish say?”Old Zhou said.
"At least spit out a few bubbles!" Wen Xuan said.
"Just like that voice. Can I stop it? Do you really want me to kick you down to feed the fish?”Old Zhou said.
At this moment, the sky and sea were almost dark, and only the vague and ambiguous color remained in the sky.
"Why didn't you choose to go ashore?”Wen Xuan asked.
"Things are far more complicated than you think.”Old Zhou said," Why are you like a little brat? You keep asking questions."”
"I've told you before that I don't have a good template in certain aspects.”Wen Xuan said.
"If I had known earlier, I would have kicked him. However, when he thought about the things he had fed you these past few days, he felt that it was a waste to really kick you.”the fisherman said.
"Since there are only two people on the ship. Just treat it as sprinkling some fish sauce on this fish.”Wen Xuan said.
Old Zhou sighed and said,"At first, I couldn't face it and couldn't bear it." Gradually, she realized that it was better to escape, and that was how she became. Besides, what was better than staying in the sea?”
Wen Xuan recalled the past. Perhaps he was just like his father, avoiding many things.
"Did some small shrimp or crab prick your hand? Or him?" Old Zhou said.
"It's a big whale." Wen Xuan said.
"I suddenly remembered. There's also a white whale in this sea area." Old Zhou said.
"White Whale, I thought there weren't any in this sea region.”Wen Xuan said.
"There's everything here. However, not everyone could get it. There was a guy who always got used to it. I don't even have a pair." Old Zhou said.
Wen Xuan looked down at his cracked black feet and said,""Go back, I'll get you a pair.”
"Do fish need shoes?" Old Zhou said," So you still have to go back.”
"There are still people waiting for me." Wen Xuan said.
"Of all the fish we caught, you are the most interesting one. I really can't bear to see you leave.”Old Zhou said.
"Why don't we go ashore together?" Wen Xuan said.
"How long has it been since I went ashore? Even if he did, his legs wouldn't know how to walk. Besides, I can't bear to part with this sea.”Old Zhou said.
The boundary between heaven and earth became blurry. The surroundings were silent. At this moment, it was as if all sound and light had sunk into the deep sea.
3
The next day, Wen Xuan boarded another fishing boat and went ashore. When he walked out of the courtyard and saw Xi 'er sitting on the porch, he heaved a sigh of relief. Behind him, the sea was shining with a bright silver light. He could feel the heat coming from there.
Xi 'er looked up and saw him. She stood up. Her stomach was clearly bulging. She went down the porch to his side and said,""Let's go to the beach for a walk."
Wen Xuan followed her obediently and walked to the beach.
The children were still playing football on the beach, running around and shouting.
Xi 'er looked at the rolling waves, blinked, and turned back to look at Wen Xuan.
"You can't." Wen Xuan pointed at her stomach and said.
"Alright then." Xi 'er said.
"How long has it been?" Wen Xuan asked.
"I don't know." Xi 'er said.
"We should go for a check-up." Wen Xuan said," The doctor knows best."
Xi 'er took his hand and held it as she watched the children chasing after her.
When Aren saw the two of them, he ran over and stopped in front of Wen Xuan. He put his hands on his thighs and panted. Bean-sized beads of sweat kept dripping down.
"Uncle, I finally see you." Aren said.
"What's wrong?" Wen Xuan asked.
Aren shook his head and did not say anything. He just stared at Xi 'er's stomach. Abu also ran over and stood beside Aren. He glanced at Wen Xuan, then at Xi 'er, and finally, his gaze fell on the big belly.
"Do you want to touch it?" Xi 'er asked.
Aren supported Abu's body with his hand and said,"Brother, look, there's a child in your stomach.”
"I know." Abu pushed Aren's hand away and said.
Aren reached out and patted his stomach a few times."It's really bulging, just like a ball.”
Xi 'er smiled and turned to look at Wen Xuan.
"Aren't you guys supposed to be in school?”Wen Xuan asked.
"Today is Sunday." Aren said.
"Aren, let's go. Mom will be unhappy if she sees it." Abra pulled Aren's hand and said.
Aren looked back at Abu's gloomy face and said,"Alright then! Uncle, next time, I want to go to your house.”
Wen Xuan waved his hand and let the two brothers leave. Xi 'er seemed to like the two children. She turned her head and watched them run away. They ran very fast. Fine sand flew up under their feet.
"I think I need to get another boat." Wen Xuan turned his head to look at the fishing boat returning from the sea and said.
"What about that one?" Xi 'er said.
"That old antique fell apart." Wen Xuan said.
"You can stay at home. I can't go out to sea, and neither can you.”Xi 'er said.
"Seriously, how hard is it to get another one?”Wen Xuan said.
Xi 'er lowered her head and stroked her stomach.""Actually, I want to abort him. However, he did not dare to leave. I never left that courtyard. Gradually, her stomach grew.”
"Why should I abort it? You're already so big!" Wen Xuan said.
"Even I didn't know I was pregnant. I just wanted to come back here. It was only after he returned that he confirmed that there was one. But I don't want it." Xi 'er said.
"But?" Wen Xuan hesitated for a moment, unable to speak.
"Have you forgotten that I told you how much I want to have a child with you? How I wish this child was yours. But he isn't." Xi 'er said.
"As long as it comes out of your stomach, it's my child.”Wen Xuan said.
"That's different." Xi 'er repeated," That's different."
"Xi 'er, I've always treated you as my child.”Wen Xuan said.
"Don't say anymore. Don't say anymore." Xi 'er said.
"Perhaps you'll change your mind when this child comes out. After all, he was just a child. At that time, if this place wasn't good enough, she could take him away and start over. You're so young. You can start over." Wen Xuan said.
"Will you leave?" Xi 'er asked.
Wen Xuan looked at the sea and did not speak. The rolling waves rushed up, wetting the sand and retreating, panting hard.
Xi 'er lowered her head. Hot tears flowed out of her eyes. She silently turned her head and looked at the rows of low buildings.
"If I didn't come back, what would you do?”Wen Xuan asked.
Xi 'er smiled with tears in her eyes and didn't say anything.
"Aren't you going to leave?" Wen Xuan asked. "What if the child is born?"
"Let's raise them together." Xi 'er said.
"Just let him grow up here?" Wen Xuan asked.
"You decide. I'll go wherever you go, and the child will be there too. The child is here. You can take him out to sea, and I can teach him how to read. This way, he did not need to go to school at all.”Xi 'er said.
"Have you really not considered what you would do if I didn't come back?”Wen Xuan asked.
"Why do you keep asking this question?" Xi 'er said.
"I just need to make sure that it was right for me to come back. Maybe you have a better choice." Wen Xuan said.
"What about now? What do you think?" Xi 'er said.
"I don't know." Wen Xuan said.
Xi 'er only hugged his arm tightly and did not speak.
A few women carrying baskets passed by the side of the road, looked at them, and walked away.
"Is there really no problem here?”Wen Xuan asked.
"Maybe in the past. He didn't feel anything now. He did not know why. If you're not here, I don't want to stay here for even a second.”Xi 'er said.
"Xi 'er." Wen Xuan said.
"What?" Xi 'er asked.
"Let's go back. It's getting late." Wen Xuan said.
They walked on the beach for a while. They only returned to the house when the sun set.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]