thirty-first
1
That night, Abu carried his suitcase and moved into the small clinic at the village entrance. In fact, he had already talked to the old Chinese doctor in the clinic some time ago. Now, he had moved in without any hindrance. The old Chinese doctor gave him the key and went back to his own house. Abu moved to the room on the second floor. During the day, he treated patients downstairs and slept upstairs at night. This way, he didn't need to go home.
Wen Gui had come a few times to persuade him to go back. Every time, he would refuse. Many times, when Wen Gui mentioned the hospital's work and Yuhong's matter, Ah Bu frowned and looked impatient. Sometimes, he even refused Wen Gui's visit on the grounds that he was a patient. Seeing this, Wen Gui could only temporarily let this child calm down and wait for an opportunity to persuade him.
After Aren found out that Abu had moved out, he often went to the clinic to look for him. Sometimes, he would open the clinic door early in the morning and rush into the kitchen to boil water and make tea.
"What are you doing?" Abu yawned and walked down the stairs. He looked at Aren and said,"I'm not your uncle." You don't need to take care of me."
"I'm thirsty. Come in and drink some water." Aren leaned against the door and looked at him.”The morning light shone on his young face. At this moment, he was like a child, turning his head to look at his older brother.
"Why are you like Mom?" Abu sat down in front of the big wooden table and stared at the first aid kit on the table." Did they introduce you to someone else?"”
"I was just asking. They always quarrel when you're not around." Aren said.
"What are you arguing about?" Abu asked.
"I'm not sure. When I saw Dad's dark face, I quickly came out. Anyway, I have to go to the sea and look for uncle later. He hasn't been feeling well recently. He seems to be sick. You should go see him. Aren't you a doctor?" Aren asked.
"How is Uncle?" Abu asked.
"I don't know. He was frowning. I've never seen him like this." Aren said.
"Let's go over now." Abu said. He came to the door, turned his head to look at the morning light shining on the sea, and rubbed his eyes.
When they arrived at the bamboo shed, Wen Xuan was sitting in a wheelchair, asleep. He was still on the porch. She had a blanket over her feet. A book was spread out and placed on top of it. Aren went up to the porch and reached out to touch his shoulder. He turned his head and looked at Abu, who was standing at the side, and shook his head.
The roses in the garden were misty. The dew on the petals shone with the morning light. The surroundings were filled with a faint floral fragrance.
Wen Xuan woke up, squinted at them, and yawned.
"You didn't sleep like this for the whole night, did you?”Aren asked.
"I did stay here for a night. As for how she fell asleep, I don't know.”Wen Xuan said.
Abu walked over and looked up at Wen Xuan's face.
"I suddenly have a feeling that I'm about to be seen through. "Wen Xuan shrugged and smiled at Abu.
"You should let your brother take a look at you. "Aren said.
"Aren, help me boil some water. "Wen Xuan said.
Aren glanced at Abu and ran into the kitchen.
"Aren said you weren't feeling well. What do you think?" Abu said.
"I'm not feeling well?" Wen Xuan turned his head and shouted at the kitchen," Really? Aren, am I not feeling well?"
"Uncle, stop joking. Just tell Abu." Aren said.
The sound of gurgling water came from the kitchen. The sound made people feel as if time had stopped on a summer morning. The summer heat that had been stagnant for a night did not dissipate because of the sunrise. Instead, it began to slowly expand. The rising sun scattered its light and dispersed the fog in the garden. Gradually, everyone's forehead was covered in sweat.
"Uncle, you really don't look well.”Abu said.
"Is that so?" Wen Xuan said," Indeed, I'm feeling a little uncomfortable. And it had been a long time. You should give me a good checkup. That pain has been there for a long time."
"Where?" Abu squatted down in front of Wen Xuan and asked.
"Right in front of you." Wen Xuan said.
Abu glanced at the pair of legs, shook his head, and stood up.
"How is it? Is there no cure?" Wen Xuan asked.
"Uncle, I don't know what you mean.”Abu said.
Wen Xuan slapped his thigh and said,"Isn't this your job?"”
"This is not possible." Abu said," That can't be changed.”
"Yeah, I know. When he thought about how helpless he was, he felt despair.”Wen Xuan said.
"There's a wheelchair that allows you to stand up.”Abu said," The kind that can stand upright.”
"That still doesn't change the fact that we can't leave.”Wen Xuan said.
"Uncle." Abu said," Is that what you want to say?”
"Isn't your job to save lives?”Wen Xuan asked.
"To a certain extent." Abu said.
"To a certain extent? To what extent?" Wen Xuan said.
"I can do this, but it might not necessarily lead to results. Most of them could be done, but there would be exceptions.”Abu said.
"You saw the exception. Very good. That's what I'm going to point out to you.”Wen Xuan said.
"What?" Abu asked.
"An exception. Especially in some places, exceptions were the norm.”Wen Xuan said.
"Medicine is constantly improving, and there will be many breakthroughs soon.”Abu said.
"Doctors are not gods." Wen Xuan said," No matter what it is, it's still a job.”
"I know." Abu said.
"You don't know. You don't see it as a job, Abu.”Wen Xuan said.
"That's just your opinion." Abu said.
"No, that's what you did." Wen Xuan said.
Another voice came from the room. The cat meowed and ran around Aren's feet a few times. "Go play somewhere else." Aren said. The cat blinked and jumped to the sink to watch him wash the dishes. Its eyes stared at him, flashing with a faint green light. He washed the bowls in the pool, wiped the white bubbles on the side of the pool, and threw them on the cat. The cat meowed and shook its head, shaking Bubbles away. Aren smiled and took out a plate of fish from the cabinet and placed it by the pool. He raised his hand and stared at the cat. His lively green eyes flashed. The cat bent down, stuck out its tongue, and licked the clear water beside the pool. Seeing this, Aren reached out to push the cat and took a small plate. He turned on the tap on the sink, filled it with water, and placed it beside the cat. The cat licked its front paw, touched its head, and looked at Aren. Aren reached out and patted its head before turning off the stove. He turned his head and saw two people on the porch carrying the cat. "I hope uncle can let brother stay. That way, we can go out to sea often in the future.”Aren said. The cat put its head in Aren's arms, shook it, and meowed.
"Back then, I was studying. Now, I'm working. They are like the sea in front of you. The deeper you sink, the easier it is for you to drown.”Wen Xuan said.
Abu turned around and looked at the sea in the distance, shining in the morning light.
A few clouds scattered on the horizon like snowflakes. A green light suddenly flashed across the horizon. The seabirds flew past without stirring up any wind. A few fishing boats sailed into the sea. The fisherman stood at the bow of the boat, looked at the sea, and took out the net.
"How is it? Uncle, where are you feeling unwell?" Aren brought out a pot of tea and placed a few teacups on the porch.
"It's nothing. I just have insomnia. I'm old and can't sleep well." Wen Xuan said.
Abu turned around and looked at Wen Xuan before sitting down cross-legged.
"Abu, bring me some sleeping pills next time. I haven't been able to sleep recently." Wen Xuan said.
"Can't sleep? I slept like a dead fish." Aren said.
Wen Xuan smiled and took the cup of tea, saying,""When will I be able to sleep like a dead fish?”
Abu lowered his head and looked at the steaming tea without saying anything.
"Where's Abu? How did you sleep? I heard that you ran away from home." Wen Xuan said," Do you sleep well smelling Chinese medicine?”
Abu glanced at Aren and saw that he was playing with a cat, so he said,"Aren told you, right?"
"This isn't a big place to begin with. The wind could blow away all the sand on the beach.”Wen Xuan said.
"If you move there, you can treat people.”Abu said.
"That's a waste of talent." Wen Xuan took a sip of tea and said," It's just a bunch of smelly fishermen with rheumatism. They don't need a doctor from the Ying Country like you." They were all people who applied medicinal wine and endured the days.”
"There are three villages here, and there are quite a number of people who come to see the doctor. Such a remote place. Small illnesses and pains are quite torturous." Abu said.
"Of course. However, the old Chinese doctor could handle it. You stole his position and left him to starve?”Wen Xuan said.
"He's old and his health isn't good, so he wants to rest.”Abu said.
"I see. However, this matter of yours is still quite sudden.”Wen Xuan said.
"Brother was forced to get married." Aren pinched the cat's head and let it go. He turned around and said with a smile.
"No wonder." Wen Xuan said," I'm afraid she also wants to keep you.”
"That's not the only reason." Abu glanced at Aren and said.
"Don't soak it too deep. That's it, Abu." Wen Xuan said.
Abu looked up at Wen Xuan and shook his head, not saying anything. The sunlight shone on his face, turning it red.
The cat spun around Aren's feet and was caught by his tail. It turned around and stared at Aren. It opened its mouth and purred. Her teeth were sharp. His eyes flashed with green light. Her entire body stood up. Aren smiled and let go of the cat's tail. The cat meowed and jumped off the porch. It looked back at Aren, jumped into the rose bush, and left.
"Aren, I'll have to trouble you today.”Wen Xuan said.
"What is it, Uncle?" Aren asked.
"I haven't been out on the sea for a long time. Can you take me out to sea today, child?”Wen Xuan said.
"Are you going to cast a net or go fishing?”Aren asked.
Abu turned his head and looked in the direction where the cat had left. He had always felt that the cat had not left and was just hiding in the flowers to peek.
The surrounding heat gathered, causing everyone's faces to turn red.
"No, no, no. I just want to go out and take a look. It had been a long time since I was surrounded by seawater. I really missed that feeling.”Wen Xuan said," It's ridiculous to think about it. I used to bring you out to sea."
"At that time, I was just a hindrance on the ship.”Aren said.
"You finally understand this." Wen Xuan said," However, the person who's in the way now has become me.”
"It won't happen. With Uncle around, going out to sea became interesting.”Aren said.
"Is that so?" Wen Xuan turned to look at Abu, who had been staring at the garden, and said," Then let's do it at night." That would be cooler."
"I'll come and find you tonight." Aren said.
"Don't give me those fish, prawns, and crabs. I just want to lie on the deck and rest.”Wen Xuan said.
"Yes, Captain." Aren said.
Wen Xuan smiled and watched him walk down the porch and out of the courtyard. A boat was docked on the shore. Aren climbed up and blocked his eyes with his hands as he looked back at them. He pulled up the rope and lifted the anchor, ready to go out to sea. The sea reflected a white light. He steered the ship into a sea of light and drifted further and further away. Finally, the ship was completely engulfed by the light and disappeared without a trace.
2
At night, Aren came to the bamboo shed as promised. At that time, Wen Xuan was on the porch, looking down at a book. All this time, he seemed to be doing the same thing, but time kept flowing. It was already very far away from the first time Wen Xuan took Aren out to sea. Aren stood outside the porch and turned to look at his graying uncle without saying a word.
At a certain moment, Wen Xuan looked up and saw Aren. He closed the book.
"You can watch for a while longer." Aren said. He sat down on the porch and turned his head to look at the fragrant roses under the moonlight.
"I thought you forgot." Wen Xuan asked," Where's Abu?"
"He's in the clinic.”Aren said.
"Then let's go." Wen Xuan said.
"Sit a little longer." Aren said.
"What's wrong? Did you just come back from the sea?" Wen Xuan asked.
Aren smiled and reached out to touch his chin.
"If that's the case, let's rest for a while.”Wen Xuan said. He lowered his head and opened the book on his lap.
"Uncle, did you tell your brother?”Aren said.
"Say what?" Wen Xuan asked.
"Let him stay. Don't go to the Ying Country.”Aren said.
"Aren, did you just come from the clinic?”Wen Xuan asked.
Aren put down his hand and nodded. He looked at Wen Xuan hesitantly. He was still so innocent, and his eyes were filled with childishness.
"What did he say?" Wen Xuan asked.
"He started to persuade me to go to the Ying country again.”Aren said.
"Is that so?" Wen Xuan asked.
"That's right. It's still the same reason. Just treat me as a child." Aren said.
Wen Xuan smiled, closed the book, and threw it on the porch. He rowed his wheelchair, went down the porch, crossed the garden, and walked out. Aren followed him and pushed him with the help of the wheelchair.
The boat drifted gently with the waves, as if it was whispering something.
Aren carried Wen Xuan and went down to the beach. He walked through the undulating waves and came to the side of the boat, placing Wen Xuan on the boat.
"I really want to sail away by myself." Wen Xuan said.
Abu got on the boat and turned to look at Wen Xuan, saying,""If Mom finds out. She definitely won't let me off."
Wen Xuan smiled and lay on the deck, looking up at the stars in the sky.
The boat sailed out. A cool breeze blew on the sea
"That's enough. There's no need to drive far." Wen Xuan said.
Aren sat on the edge of the boat and turned his head to look at the dark sea. There were a few flickering lights in the distance.
"I should be in the canoe. That way, he could get closer to the waves.”Wen Xuan said.
The stars above his head shone brightly. The pitch-black night sky was like a black curtain. The stars on it formed a bright totem.
Wen Xuan held onto the edge of the boat and sat up against the side of the boat. He stretched out his hand and shifted his legs, sitting facing the sea.
Aren turned to look at him and held his shoulder.
"I haven't been here for a long time. I forgot that there's an ocean here." Wen Xuan said.
"I thought you didn't want to come out, so you didn't mention going out to sea.”Aren said.
"I thought so too. When I saw you working on those treasures the other day, I wanted to come out and take a look.”Wen Xuan said.
"Do you want to catch squid? There's a fishing rod inside." Aren said.
Wen Xuan grabbed Aren's hand and stopped him from standing up."Unless we meet someone bigger than the two of us.”
"I haven't seen him for the time being." Aren said.
Wen Xuan let go of his hand and looked back at the bay in the night. The lights there spread in the night sky, giving people an inexplicable sense of comfort.
Aren turned around and faced the vast sea."It would be great if brother came too. Back then, we were fishing for squid together.”
"It's still fresh in my memory. As for whether he still remembers, I'm not sure.”Wen Xuan said.
"He always said that he wanted to leave and return to the Ying Country.”Aren said," I thought he was back in the city. Many of the people here had moved to the city.”
"Are you moving to the city?" Wen Xuan asked.
"Uncle, you should know me. I don't want to leave this place. Not at any time." Aren said.
"How strange." Wen Xuan said.
"Why?" Aren asked.
"Everyone is trying to escape from this small fishing village. Why do you have to stay here? When I was about your age, I snuck out too.”Wen Xuan said.
"I just like staying here." Aren said.
"Maybe you should listen to your brother. There would be more interesting places outside.”Wen Xuan said.
"Everything is in this sea.”Aren said.
"Aren, you child." Wen Xuan patted Aren's shoulder and said," The sea has two sides. It was like many things. It was vast and gave people a sense of freedom. At the same time, he was also dangerous and terrifying.”
"I'm not a child. I know this." Aren said.
"In addition, there are some. There was something unknown hidden behind the darkness. Perhaps it's an even deeper darkness." Wen Xuan said. He looked back at Aren and moved his lips, but did not continue.
"I don't understand, Uncle. Do you want me to go to the Ying Country with my brother?”Aren said.
"It's just an attempt. You should go out more while you're still young. Anyway, the sea is still here. I can't leave for a while. We're all here. You're welcome to come back anytime.”Wen Xuan said.
"That would only be a waste of time." Aren said.
"Why do you think so?" Wen Xuan said.
"Just like when I was in university. At that time, I was wondering why I didn't stay in the fishing village. I can still do whatever I want there. Why did you stop?" Aren said.
"Aren, what should I say to you?”Wen Xuan said," There's also an ocean outside. You can also do these things outside."
"There's one at my doorstep. Why did you run so far away?" Wen Xuan said," Uncle, are you here to see the sea or not? Or have you already colluded with your brother?”
"I agree with his decision. Alan, we're all trying to protect you. I don't want you to leave this place either. However, following Abu was the best choice.”Wen Xuan said.
"I'm no longer a child. I don't need protection." Aren said.
"That's just a theory. After all, you're the youngest child in the family.”Wen Xuan said.
"Just because I'm the youngest doesn't mean I need protection.”Aren said.
"Not protection. I was wrong. That was just an attempt. Isn't it good to go out and see the world while you're young?”Wen Xuan said.
"That's not it. Uncle, I thought you would understand me. Actually, I chose to be like you because I wanted to be you. Why are you like them at this time?”Aren said. He turned his face away and looked at the dark sea water under the boat before jumping into the sea with a plop. He was like a black fish, pushing away the waves and sliding forward.
"Aren." Wen Xuan called out. He bent over and fell into the sea. His feet were heavy, as if they were dragging him down. He opened his arms and swam forward with all his might, calling out to Alan.
Aren turned around and swam back when he heard the call.
The seawater was bone-chilling. Wen Xuan trembled and waved his arms with all his might. However, it was as if he was wrapped in a huge net and began to sink.
The deeper it sank, the darker it became.
Wen Xuan fell into the darkness, wrapped in water. He moved his limbs, trying to find a place to put his strength. The water under the sea began to churn. The entire sea seemed to be trembling. He felt that he had turned a somersault in the sea and was being played mercilessly by Hai Bo. The dark waves pushed him one after another, sending him to the surface of the sea. He was floating in the white fog.
The waves pushed him to the shore. He stood up and stood in the shallow waves. He found it unbelievable and quickly ran on the beach.
The white mist dissipated.
A bright moon rose from the sea. Moonlight scattered on the sea, paving a long silver road.
Wen Xuan stopped and looked at the sea. There was no boat light there. He turned around and saw the lights in his yard. He felt that everything was so beautiful, even unrealistic. He began to walk back slowly.
The night breeze brought the fragrance of roses to his nose. He closed his eyes, sniffed, and continued walking forward. He walked into the courtyard and stopped. Her feet were stepping on some rose petals that had fallen to the ground.
Xi 'er was sitting on the porch looking at him. She smiled and stood up. She went down the porch and walked to his side with the fragrance of roses.
"You're here?" Wen Xuan asked.
Xi 'er reached out and patted Wen Xuan's thigh. She took a strand of seaweed from his thigh and asked,""Is this the gift you brought for me?”
"I was on the boat just now, and then I fell into the sea.”Wen Xuan said.
Xi 'er hung the seaweed on the bamboo and turned to leave. Wen Xuan followed behind her all the way to the beach.
"We can walk here for a while.”Xi 'er turned to look at the sea and said.
Wen Xuan looked at her, speechless for a moment.
Xi 'er turned around and smiled.""I waited for a long time. At home. Just like earlier."
"Sorry, I forgot to carry a bucket." Wen Xuan said.
Xi 'er lowered her head and grinned. Wen Xuan looked at her and knew that tears must have flowed out of her eyes again.
"It has been a long time since I walked on this beach.”Wen Xuan looked up at the long beach and said," I thought I would never have the chance to walk here again."”
Then, together, they walked slowly across the silver beach. The waves kept surging up, making a loud noise.
"Time's up." Xi 'er suddenly said. She turned her head to look at the sea and walked into the waves.
At this moment, the fog on the sea surface dispersed. Hundreds of whales were stranded on the water. They lay sideways in the water. The seawater had already submerged half of their bodies. Xi 'er walked to one of the whales, squatted down, and touched its head.
"Why are these whales here?”Wen Xuan asked. He walked into the shallow water and looked down at the blue whale's eyes.
"I should go." Xi 'er said.
"Where are we going?" Wen Xuan asked.
Xi 'er turned her head and looked at the path of light under the moonlight. She lowered her head and said,""I'm going back."
Wen Xuan walked up to Xi 'er and looked down at her.
"You should go back too." Xi 'er raised her head and looked at Wen Xuan. The moonlight shone on her face.
The whale flapped its tail, turned over in the water, and began to swim toward the surface.
At this moment, the surroundings were covered in fog.
Xi 'er glanced at him and smiled. She turned around and got on the whale's back. She lowered her head. Her shoulder-length hair was scattered behind her, fluttering in the wind.
The group of whales followed Xi 'er and swam back into the sea, entering the path of light cast by the moonlight.
Wen Xuan stood quietly on the shoal, staring ahead. The flickering silver light was gradually dissipating. The surroundings dimmed. He moved his legs, not knowing where to go, and fell on the beach.
3
"Uncle, uncle."
Wen Xuan woke up and blinked. He bent over and spat out a mouthful of bitter seawater on the sand.
Aren sat at the side, panting as he looked at Wen Xuan.
Both of them were drenched.
"It's all my fault. I threw a tantrum and jumped into the water.”Aren said.
Wen Xuan wiped the water off his face and propped himself up, wanting to lift his feet. He noticed that his lower limbs were still unresponsive, so he turned around and stared at the wheelchair not far away, laughing.
Aren followed his gaze and saw it. He stood up and pushed the wheelchair over. He picked Wen Xuan up and placed him in the wheelchair.
"I should soak in it for a while longer. Or he could just stay in the sea forever.”Wen Xuan said. He reached out and stroked his face, looking at the silent sea.
The full moon in the sky glowed with a blue light, as if it was submerged in shallow water.
"What's wrong? Uncle." Aren squatted down and looked up at Wen Xuan.”
"It's time for the typhoon.”Wen Xuan said. He rolled his wheelchair and went to the beach. Aren also stood up and pushed the wheelchair behind him.
"You can go back now. I can do it myself." Wen Xuan said.
"Let me send you back, Uncle.”Aren said.
"Go back and change your wet clothes.”Wen Xuan said. His voice suddenly became louder, as if he was talking to the entire beach. He slapped the handle of the wheelchair excitedly and turned his head to the other side.
Aren was shocked. He pulled the wheelchair and stopped.
Under the moonlight, the man in the wheelchair turned into an old man. He bowed his back and lowered his head, as if he was crying in a low voice.
"I'm sorry. I just want to be alone." Wen Xuan said.
"Uncle." Aren said.
"Uncle is too tired. I haven't swum in a long time. I've almost forgotten that feeling.”Wen Xuan said.
"You must be very sad!" Aren asked.
Wen Xuan raised his head and glanced at the youth behind him. He slid his wheelchair and returned to the courtyard alone.
The roses in the garden bloomed quietly in the night, emitting a faint fragrance.
The porch was filled with yellow lights. A book was lying flat on the doorpost. The pages of the book fluttered in the wind. The densely packed words seemed to be jumping rapidly in the air.
Wen Xuan slid his wheelchair onto the porch. He bent down to pick up the book and flipped through it. The photo fell out. He picked up the photo and stared at it for a long time, tears streaming down his face.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。