twenty
1
After entering the third year of junior high school, Aren's homework increased a lot. Facing the upcoming entrance exam, he felt an invisible pressure and paid more attention to his homework. He spent less time out at sea and often stayed in the house for Wen Xuan to tutor him.
Wen Xuan took the stack of papers and asked,"Where's the math paper?" Where did the one that was tested just now go?”
"I left it in the classroom," Aren said, pinching his textbook.”
Wen Xuan put down the test paper, looked at Aren, and asked,"How can I fall? There are key questions in there."
Aren turned his face away and looked out of the window.
The sea breeze that blew in gave off a fishy smell.
"Aren." Wen Xuan said.
"Uncle." Aren said.
"It doesn't matter if you don't do well. Let's just learn it again. Just understand it." Wen Xuan said.
"I don't want to learn. I don't want to take the exam." Aren said.
"What's wrong?" Wen Xuan asked.
Aren put down his book, walked to the window, and looked at the courtyard.
There, the scorching sun was scorching the red sea prawns placed on a circular dustpan. Looking from afar, the ground of the courtyard seemed to be blooming with huge round red flowers. As for the sea shrimps, they were spinning their petals. Kelp was hanging on a bamboo pole, fluttering in the wind. The row of dried fish hanging on the eaves of the door also swayed as if they were shaking in the wind.
"You've almost turned this place into an aquarium. He might as well put a sign in front of the door and let everyone buy tickets to visit.”Wen Xuan said.
"If you get into high school, you have to go to the city.”Aren said.
"Are you worried about this? You're a man, it's time to leave this barren island. You should leave this place like your brother. When you're outside, you have to learn the way I taught you. Don't hook up with shady people.”Wen Xuan said.
"This isn't some barren place. I like staying here. Also, I like to stay with Uncle. We still need to get a big fish boat out to sea.”Aren said.
"When you finish reading. It's not too late for us to do these big things together. Anyway, for the time being, these small fish, prawns, and crabs wouldn't be able to gather enough money.”Wen Xuan said.
Aren turned around and took out a paper bag from his bag. He stuffed it into Wen Xuan's arms and said,"This is mine."
"Aren." Wen Xuan looked down at the paper bag and said.
"If fishing can support you, why study? I don't like reading. I like fishing." Aren said.
"Studying is not to support yourself. Aren, don't think that way. However, you can discover that you have something else through reading. Just like Abu, didn't he handle it well?”Wen Xuan asked.
"Brother, you're always smarter than me. He wants to study medicine. That's amazing." Aren said.
"He wants to study medicine?" Wen Xuan asked.
"He's always reading medical books. He did say that he wanted to study medicine." Aren said.
"I see." Wen Xuan said. He suddenly remembered the set of medical books that Abu had taken away. Back then, no one would have thought that the medical books left behind would have such an effect.
"I don't want to be a doctor, or anything mentioned in the books. I just want to stay on the island and go out to sea to fish.”Aren said.
"This is fine too. It would be even better if you could finish your studies.”Wen Xuan said.
"Why?" Aren asked.
"Those fish and prawns will respect cultured people more.”Wen Xuan said.
"Uncle, I'm not a child anymore. Also, I'm not joking." Aren said.
Wen Xuan smiled and said,"It's just that if you can learn some ocean knowledge." Our fishing boats will be able to sail further. Not only can we fish, but we can also do more interesting things in the sea. At that time, uncle can be your first mate. You are the captain. How is it?" Wen Xuan said.
"Is this okay?" Aren said.
"Of course, if I knew something about the sea, I wouldn't have to open an aquarium with you.”Wen Xuan said," Come on. Let's learn together and advance towards the goal of driving a big ship.”
Aren seemed to be convinced. He returned to his desk and picked up the test paper.
2
Just as Aren was preparing for the entrance exam, Abu was also preparing for his entrance exam. He hid it from everyone in his family and signed up to take the college entrance examination in advance. What triggered him to end his high school career early was a newspaper in the reading room. While he was looking for information, he flipped through the journal. He understood that if he wanted to study medicine in Ying country, he would either have to spend two years in high school there and then take the entrance examination, or he would have to finish high school and then study for his undergraduate studies. After much deliberation, he decided to come here to take the college entrance examination first, then prepare the materials and apply for the pre-university.
After the college entrance examination, he told Yongnian about his decision and waited for his reply.
At that time, Yongnian had just returned from the outside world. He stood under the lychee tree and lowered his head to listen to Abu. Wen Gui also came out of the kitchen and stood by the door, looking up at the father and son. As for Aren, no one knew where he went. For the time being, no one thought of him.
The courtyard was stuffy and quiet in the summer. The air was heated by the sunlight. The branches that were full of dragon eyes drooped down, looking heavy.
Yongnian stroked his head and looked up at the Longyan tree that was covered in fruits. He reached out and plucked a huge dragon's eye. The fruit emitted the residual heat of the scorching sun and rolled around in his hand. He crushed the Dragon Eye Fruit and squeezed the flesh into his mouth. He chewed and spat out the core.
"How much?" Yongnian asked. This was the first and last thing he said after he returned. After listening to Abu's offer, he turned to look at Wen Gui, who was standing by the door. He licked his dry lips and turned to leave.
"I haven't been back for so long. Come in and drink some water." Wen Gui said.
Abu turned his head and watched Yongnian walk into the alley and drive away.
When Aren found out that his brother was going to the Ying Country, Abu had already contacted the school in the Ying Country. Now, he was preparing to go abroad. Originally, Aren was especially excited when he thought about having his brother accompany him in high school in the city. Now, her brother was leaving. Moreover, it was very likely that he would not return for a few years. Thinking of this, Aren felt depressed. Many times, Wen Xuan saw Aren secretly crying.
"You can also go to the Ying country.”Wen Xuan said.
"That's too difficult. Besides, I don't want to leave this place." Aren said. He left the house, walked to the porch, and sat down. The calm surface of the sea was glistening.
Wen Xuan closed the book in his hand and followed him out, standing by the door.
The dried seafood had already been sold. A few empty dustpans were leaning against the wall, sunbathing. Weeds sprouted out of the open space in the courtyard, and the fish scales that fell on them reflected light.
Wen Xuan turned his head and stared at the canoe that was locked upside down on the ground. He went down the porch. He flipped over the canoe, picked it up, and walked towards the beach. Seeing him leave the courtyard, Aren stood up and followed him.
Wen Xuan put the canoe on the water, turned his head and winked at Aren. He reached out and patted his shoulder, saying,"You can go."
Aren turned to look at Wen Xuan with a frown.
The sun was hanging in the sky. It was as if the surroundings had been overexposed, and everything was pale white.
Aren reached out to block his eyes, walked down the beach, and climbed into the canoe. He picked up the wood pulp and looked back at Wen Xuan.
Wen Xuan waved at him and sat down on the beach, looking up at the sea.
The head of the canoe was pointed up high. He swept past the surging waves and kept charging forward. The rough and rapid breathing became even and gentle, almost blending with the sound of the waves.
The flashing spots of light were like scales, covering the entire surging sea. The canoe glided freely on the light waves, moving forward.
Wen Xuan raised his head and looked at the small boat that had gone far away. He smiled. The young man took off his drenched shirt and leaned over to push the canoe forward.
The object in front of him was about to be surrounded by light. The small boat and the youth also turned into a dot on the vast sea.
Wen Xuan picked up a handful of sand by his feet and let it slip between his fingers. The warmth of the sand lingered between his fingers. He felt as if his hand had just been held tightly. He clapped his hands and turned his head to see Abu standing at the side. He smiled and waved his hand.
Abu went down the beach and sat down beside Wen Xuan.
"When are you leaving?" Wen Xuan asked.
"Two weeks later." Abu said.
"What about Aren?" Wen Xuan asked.
"You've taught him well. He doesn't need anyone else." Abu said.
Wen Xuan smiled and turned to look at Aren."Do you have enough money?"
"Daddy is ready." Abu said.
"I forgot that you have an omnipotent father.”Wen Xuan said," It should be very difficult to study medicine in Country Ying, right?”
"I'll study for a preparatory course first. The university I chose was very average. First, he would pick a major that was close to the edge. When the time was right, he would change his major and university.”
"If this continues, it will take seven or eight years.”Wen Xuan said," If you're in such a hurry to leave, no one can stop you.”
"I've also finished reading that set of medical books.”Abu said.
"It seems that this time, our family will have a big shot.”Wen Xuan asked," Are you not planning to come back?”
"Aren will also go out to the Ying Country.”Abu said.
"You've thought about this?" Wen Xuan said," Don't think too fast, child.”
"We should all leave this place. Something will happen here sooner or later." Abu said," When the time comes, Aren won't be able to handle it.”
"Don't think too far ahead. That's not what you should be thinking about. If he fled into the sea, he would not be able to find anything.”Wen Xuan said.
"The sea is dangerous." Abu said.
"You haven't forgotten what they said.”Wen Xuan said.
"That place is indeed dangerous." Abu said.
"Aren is indeed fearless when it comes to the sea. But in terms of psychological endurance, he is not as strong as you. He's actually very kind and fragile." Wen Xuan said.
Abu raised his head and looked at the canoe drifting back.
"He can put all his energy into the sea, just like how you spend your energy on books. He never felt that the sea was dangerous. That place was the source of his power. He was as pure as the sea. As for you, are you afraid of drowning in books?”Wen Xuan asked.
Abu smiled and shook his head.
"Don't think too far ahead." Wen Xuan said," It's strange. Some of the books were in Russian. In fact, its original owner had also studied there. In the Soviet Union. Now, you've run to the Ying Country. The young man wanted to leave his place. I've wandered around for a while, but I might not have gone far enough. In the end, he came back in a mess. This small fishing village couldn't hold people. This beach was the same. I've never seen anyone new on this beach.”
Abu saw that Aren had already rowed the canoe back. He put down the canoe and waved at Abu. Abu also waved his hand and stood up. He walked into the waves, took the oar from Aren's hand, and rowed out.
Wen Xuan looked up at the two brothers in the canoe, touched his chin, and smiled.
3
A few days later, Abu brought Wen Xuan to the pier in town to see an old fishing boat.
Wen Xuan stood on the dock and spat into the sea, frowning.
Abu got on the boat and entered the cabin, looking around carefully.
"This antique is hundreds of years old, right?”Wen Xuan rushed to the boatman standing at the side and said," It looks like the ship will fall apart when the big waves come."”
"Everything falls apart when the waves come." The boatman shook his head and said," However, this boat is still very useful in the coastal waters. He would be back after casting the net, and he would go out to collect the net in the evening. It was about time.”
"This is clearly a pile of rotten wood. Look at this tent, it's broken." Wen Xuan said.
"It's good enough that you gave me a pile of rotten wood. Why don't you go to the shipyard and see if those people are paying attention to you?”the boatman said.
Wen Xuan smiled and turned his head to stare at the old ship.
"Remove that tent. The space inside was very large and could hold many things. Don't look at it like this." The boatman stretched out his foot and stepped on the edge of the boat. He looked back at Wen Xuan and said," It's actually very sturdy." You're also a person who goes out to sea. I can't lie to you.”
Abu came out of the cabin and stood on the boat, saying,""We can indeed dismantle this."
"This boat can be added to the edge of the boat and painted again. It will look like new.”the boatman said.
Wen Xuan smiled and coughed a few times before turning his head to look at the row of boats at the side.
"Don't look at those new ones. Actually, it was not easy to use. The boat was narrow and not sturdy. In addition, the price is also expensive." the boatman said.
Abu turned his head and looked at the big ship parked at the bay.""Aren wants a big one."
"Use this little one to tease him first. If he was given a big one all at once, he would really stay at sea and not leave. At that time, it will be troublesome." Wen Xuan said.
"How is it? Is this okay?" The boatman asked.
Wen Xuan nodded and took out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to the boatman. Then, he turned around and faced the noisy town. A few motorcycles drove past, kicking up a cloud of dust. The children rushed into the harbor, shouting and jumping into the sea.
"Don't jump onto the boat." The boatman stuffed the envelope into his pocket and pointed at the children.
The children splashed the waves, giggled, and swam out with open arms. Their limbs were thin and short. In the water, they were like frogs, rowing further and further away.
Wen Xuan glanced at the child in the water, turned around, and went down the dock. He crossed the road and came to the clinic. He knocked on the door, pushed it open, and went in.
A man in his thirties sat at the table. The man was wearing a white coat and glasses. He turned around to look at him.
"Do you want to see a doctor or get medicine?" the man asked.
Wen Xuan held the doorknob and stood by the door, sizing up the room. He noticed that the beds and cabinets had been changed, so he asked,""What about the old doctor?“
"He passed away a long time ago." the man said.
Wen Xuan nodded and suddenly reached out to take off his hat. He retreated out of the door and closed it. He stood outside the door and turned to look at the dock. Abu was still standing on the boat, talking to the boatman.
A stray dog ran past and ran away after being thrown a stone. It stretched out a wet rock. The cut on the nose was obvious. It was a wound from many years ago.
That night, the lights on the dock shone yellow. He and the doctor were standing there, right where Abu and the boatman were. The water was full of squids looking for food. They were talking about the past. The strange thing was that Abu was going abroad. From the Soviet Union to the Ying country, how big was the leap?
"There's one here too." The scene of Xi 'er saying those words flashed by. She said this with a smile, looking forward to the two of them going out to catch squid together.
Thinking of this, Wen Xuan held the doorpost, rested his head on his arm, and closed his eyes.
"Uncle, what's wrong?" Abu had already arrived in front of the clinic and asked.
"It's nothing. I was just thinking of an old friend." Wen Xuan said.
"Aren will be very excited when he sees the boat.”Abu said.
Aren was indeed very excited. In the middle of the night, he pulled Abu along and secretly climbed a tree to go out. They sneaked out of the house to look for Wen Xuan.
They drove the newly bought boat into the sea. They lay on the deck of the boat and looked at the bright full moon in the night sky. Other than that, they did nothing else, as if they were just staying in the sea.
"Aren, after you finish school, we'll get a big ship.”Wen Xuan said.
"Sure," "Brother, when you come back from the Ying Country, we can sail the big ship together.”
"Sure," Abu said. He turned his head and looked at the village on the shore that was flashing with lights.
The two brothers spent two weeks at sea. However, the day of departure had arrived.
"When are you coming back?" Aren asked. His eyes were red.
The broadcast was announcing the flight information, reminding passengers to board the plane.
Abu glanced at the scrolling text messages and looked down at Aren, who was holding the suitcase. He saw that Aren was also holding the sliding bar with his head lowered.
Yongnian and Wengui stood on the other side, watching the two brothers. Wen Gui walked up and patted Aren's head, letting him lean on his shoulder.
"Take care of yourself when you get there.”Wen Gui said.
Abu nodded and turned to look at Yongnian with tears in his eyes.
Yongnian looked down at his watch and said,""Hurry up. Don't miss it."
Abu turned around and looked at the passing passengers as he pulled his suitcase. Someone patted him on the shoulder. He turned his head and saw Wen Xuan smiling at him.
"Uncle." Abu said.
"You silly boy." Wen Xuan patted his shoulder again, as if he was shaking off the dust on his shoulder, and stuffed a bag into his arms.
Abu held the bag and weighed it in his hand before turning to look at Wen Xuan.
"Alright. Take it. We'll open it after we get on the plane." Wen Xuan said," Let's go. Remember to call back often."
After Abu boarded the plane, he took out the bag. He tore the seal. A stack of hundred-yuan bills was revealed. He reached out to flip through the stack of money and pulled out an old photo. It was a photo that Wen Xuan had taken for them many years ago. At that time, Yongnian had brought Abu and Aren to the beach to play. Abu in the photo was only seven years old. Alan stood beside his father with the fish in his arms, while Abu looked at the shore in panic. Abu's tears fell as he looked at the photo. He put down the money and kept the photo in his arms, staring at the blue sky outside the window.
At that moment, not only did he fly away from the continent, he also flew away from a part of history.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]