six
1
When Wen Xuan woke up, Yongnian's slightly plump face was the first thing he saw. He had a buzz cut and was staring at Wen Xuan in a daze. Wen Xuan moved his dry lips and turned his head to look to the other side. There was only this bed in the room. This was a separate ward. The room was fully equipped. There was even a television. There was a kettle and a vase on the bedside table. The fresh flowers were inserted into the vase, and under the sunlight that seeped in through the window, they emitted a blurry color.
"She's not here. Don't worry, someone is already taking care of her.”Yongnian stood up, poured a glass of water, and placed it in front of Wen Xuan's face. Wen Xuan shook his head and felt a splitting headache. He held the edge of the bed. Yongnian reached out and helped him sit up.
"Xiao Gui is very worried. Not long after she left. If you had woken up earlier, you would have probably seen her.”Yongnian said.
Wen Xuan took the cup, raised it, and drank the water. In the water, the round lamp on the roof was reflected.
"When did you get to say such things?”Wen Xuan said.
"The problem is with you, not me.”Yongnian said," Thank goodness you're back."”
Wen Xuan turned his head and stared at the vase of flowers. He reached out and touched the petals, saying,""What is this? What was he doing here? Paying respects to the mountain?"
All kinds of flowers were squeezed on the vase, forming a colorful ball that emitted a charming fragrance. The bouquet made the room seem calm and comfortable.
Yongnian smiled and sat down.
"You gave me such a big gift when you came back.”Wen Xuan said. "Are you going to tell me that you're a woman? I really can't see the problem. If there was, you wouldn't have had the chance to talk nonsense. Hurry up and shut up."
"Going astray and the end of a hero are two different concepts.”Yongnian said.
"You're telling me this, just like how this flower appeared here. It seems inexplicable.”Wen Xuan said.
"No matter what. What you did really confused me. I can't see what you're doing. But it was nothing. Now, you just stay here. I'm still alive." Yongnian said.
Wen Xuan turned his head and looked at Yongnian in confusion, not understanding what he was saying.
"That girl, you plan to stay?”Yongnian said.
"Where is she?" Wen Xuan asked.
"It's still in that place. The old doctor was looking at her. Don't worry, no one dares to step into that place now. I can assure you that she will stay there unharmed.”Yongnian said.
"I didn't expect your influence to be so great.”Wen Xuan said.
"Very soon, you will understand more." Yongnian turned his body sideways, as if he was about to reach into his pocket to take something.
Wen Xuan turned his head to look at him and found that he was only adjusting his sitting posture. He turned back to look at the television set opposite him. The television was not turned on, and the black screen reflected the faces of the two people. That face was motionless, as if it had been suddenly captured and frozen on the screen.
"Don't you think this girl is a little young for you? If you really want it, you can find a good one.”Yongnian said," Or something else. I'll do it according to your request." As for this girl…"
"It's really funny to hear such words coming out of your mouth. She's just a child." Wen Xuan said.
"Yes, it's just a child. What do you want?" Yongnian asked.
"I don't want anything. Do you understand what's going on?”Wen Xuan said.
"Tell me." Yongnian said.
"Forget it, it doesn't matter anyway.”Wen Xuan said.
"I heard the doctor say something.”Yongnian said.
"So, you still know." Wen Xuan said.
"That's what he said. How would I know what's going on with you?”Yongnian said.
"That's what happened." Wen Xuan said.
"You don't know what a stupid thing you've done."”
"That man is a beast. He could even kill his own daughter. If he was allowed to take this child away…This child would most likely not live.”Wen Xuan said.
"You still don't understand. it is difficult for honest officials to distinguish between family affairs. That was a family matter. Now, you're carrying someone else's daughter away. It doesn't make sense no matter where you go.”Yongnian said.
"What is reasonable in your eyes?”Wen Xuan said.
"They can knock you unconscious and throw you into the sea. Have you forgotten? How did those people deal with the thieves? And you, in their eyes, are not only a thief, but also a human trafficker.”Yongnian said.
Wen Xuan turned his head away and did not speak.
The sunlight outside the window extended all the way to the white wall.
"In the eyes of a group of barbarians, violence is justice. You've been away for so many years, but you've actually ruined the situation in your hometown. It was wrong from the moment you interfered in other people's affairs. Did the outside world teach you justice? Did they teach you how to fight for justice?" Yongnian stared at Wen Xuan and said," If someone throws you into the sea. We can't even find his corpse."
"I actually forgot, I actually forgot. It was the same no matter where he went. Even this place is not spared." Wen Xuan said.
"Fortunately, you went home too. Let me know you're back. Otherwise, no one will be able to save you.”Yongnian said," When the time comes, Wengui will only blame me and blame me for the rest of his life.”
"Then I have to thank you for saving my life.”Wen Xuan said," I didn't expect you to be so ostentatious." They scared the fishermen away."
"I don't know what you're going to take to heart.”Yongnian said," You're not listening to me seriously.”
"Compared to you, there's nothing in my heart.”Wen Xuan said.
"Do you want to keep this child?”Yongnian said.
"What do you want?" Wen Xuan asked.
"I was just asking. Anyway, she is now yours. You can do whatever you want. But Gui doesn't want you to do that. Also, I can get rid of her.”Yongnian said.
"Deal with it? Do you think it's goods?" Wen Xuan said.
"That's just a theory. There were adoption agencies in the city. I really don't know what the hell you're doing with all this.”Yongnian said.
"I haven't thought about that yet." Wen Xuan said.
"If you want a child, I can help you get one.”Yongnian said.
"You still don't understand what's going on.”Wen Xuan said.
"No matter what, at least keep your dog life.”Yongnian said.
Wen Xuan glanced at Yongnian's slightly bulging belly.
"Do as you see fit. Anyway, that girl's father won't cause you any trouble. No one will cause you any more trouble.”Yongnian said," Also, you should stay." When Dad and Mom left, they told you to stay and start a family if you came back. The outside is still the outside."
Wen Xuan looked out of the window. The streets were pale under the sun, and there were few pedestrians.
"I'm just telling you this. Think about it yourself." Yongnian said.
"Yongnian." Wen Xuan said.
"What else do you want me to do?" Yongnian asked.
"Thank you for taking care of Dad and Mom when I wasn't around.”Wen Xuan said.
Yongnian didn't say anything. He slowly walked out of the room, closed the door, and left.
Wen Xuan turned around and stared at the cluster of flowers, touching his forehead. Feeling tired, he lay down and fell asleep while staring at the round lamp.
2
A week later, Wen Xuan was discharged from the hospital. As soon as he was discharged from the hospital, he went straight to the small clinic to visit the little girl.
The clinic was deserted. Pedestrians lowered their heads and hurried past, as if they were deliberately avoiding them. There were still traces of blood on the steps. The broken lock on the wooden door had been repaired. The brass doorknob shone.
Wen Xuan touched the cold doorknob, turned his head to look at the steaming road, and pushed the door open.
The room was cold. Two hospital beds were leaning against the wall. The doctor was standing at the side, and he turned his head to look at her.
"You're finally here. No one had come here since the last incident.”The doctor said," It's as if those people have been injected with an all-purpose vaccine. They no longer have any illnesses.”
When the girl saw him coming over, she sat up and stared at him.
"She looks much better.”Wen Xuan said," How's her foot?”
"After the cast is removed in a week, you can walk again.”the doctor said.
"That's good." Wen Xuan said.
"The other injuries have already healed." the doctor said.
"Has anyone been here?" Wen Xuan turned his head and looked around the shabby clinic.
"Your sister and brother-in-law came once and left after paying.”the doctor said.
"Younger sister and brother-in-law." Wen Xuan smiled and said," There's such a title in the world?"”
"I didn't say anything wrong, did I?" the doctor said.
"No, you didn't. That's it." Wen Xuan said," Where are the others? Where are those people?"
"I just said it." The doctor said," You seem a little blurry. Could it be that he ran out without being cured?”
Wen Xuan shook his head and ignored the doctor's words. He turned to the girl and said,"You'll be able to walk next week.”
"Are you sending me away?" the girl asked.
"Don't worry, I won't let you go back.”Wen Xuan said," Now, I want to say a few words to the doctor. You can rest here first."
The girl nodded obediently and continued to stare at him, as if she was afraid that he would slip away.
The doctor followed him out and gently closed the door of the clinic. He glanced at Wen Xuan's face, leaned against the door, and looked at the hot road. The pier outside the road was crowded with fishing boats. The waves were beating over there, foaming at the mouth.
"What are you going to do? Should we keep her?" the doctor asked.
"I don't know. Anyway, he couldn't let her return to that place.”Wen Xuan's gaze landed on the blue sea. At this moment, he just wanted to jump in and swim a few laps.
"If you keep this child, there will be other troubles.”the doctor said.
Wen Xuan turned to look at the old doctor and did not speak. His tongue licked his cracked and white lips. Under the scorching sun, he felt unbearably hot and wished he could jump into the cold sea.
"First of all, her parents are still alive. Besides, she's a girl." the doctor said.
"There's a relevant moral doctrine? Or is it the law?" Wen Xuan asked.
"No, I'm just reminding you. Also, on this island, your brother-in-law is half the law. However, sometimes, a good thing would turn into a bad thing for no reason.”the doctor said.
"What do you use to judge whether it's good or bad?" Wen Xuan asked.
"Alright then." the doctor said.
"Everyone will say that. When we go back, Xiao Gui will say it again.”Wen Xuan turned around and looked at the overflowing sea, hoping to steal a trace of coolness from it.
"They're right." the doctor said.
"Them? What did Wengui and Yongnian say?" Wen Xuan said.
"They really want to know what's going on. He talked to me in detail. Your sister said that you don't know what you're doing. Your brother-in-law said that you don't want to do anything at all. At that time, I thought it was very funny." the doctor said.
"What do you think? Which one is right?" Wen Xuan said.
"What?" the doctor said.
"About my evaluation." Wen Xuan said," I'm very curious. Why do they care so much about this?”
"One can see a person's change from something. They were just checking on your condition. From what they said, it seemed like you hadn't appeared for a long time.”the doctor said.
"I was only absent for a while.”Wen Xuan said.
"Maybe they're right.”the doctor said.
"Everyone can point fingers at other people's affairs because it has nothing to do with them.”Wen Xuan said. He glanced at the passersby. They were in a hurry, and under the scorching sun, they frowned.
"They have no feelings for other people's affairs. They don't care. They're just passers-by.”Wen Xuan said.
"Fortunately, you saved this child.”The doctor patted Wen Xuan's shoulder and said," But the following days will be very long. You can't be as free as you used to be.”
"I don't have such far-reaching plans.”Wen Xuan turned sideways and glanced at the clinic's white wooden door. He turned around and walked down the road towards the port. He wasn't sure if he would jump into the sea without caring about anything. He only knew that he really wanted to see the seaside.
During the week that the girl stayed at the clinic, Wen Xuan would visit her every day and then rush back to the village. He asked a few people to build a bamboo shed for him. That place was far away from the village and faced the sea. Every evening, he would sit on the porch, look back at the outline of the bamboo shed, and then look back at the sunset sinking into the sea. He planned to stay here and guard this sea. Perhaps this was nothing in the eyes of others, but it was indeed what he wanted to do the most at the moment.
A week later, he brought the girl back to the village and brought her to Wengui's house.
"Brother, are you crazy?" Wen Gui stood in the courtyard and glanced at the girl sitting in the house." This girl has no relation to us." If we bring it back like this, the villagers will laugh at us. Especially you. They were all human traffickers behind your back.”
"You didn't say that when I brought Liu Yongnian home.”Wen Xuan said.
"That's different. At that time, Yongnian was an orphan. He was the grandson of his father's teacher. This child still had relatives. Her parents were still alive. Moreover, she was still a girl. It would be bad if word got out. People thought that we had a child bride.”Wen Gui stared at the girl who was looking at Wen Xuan.
"She won't be staying at your house for long. However, the shed was not ready yet. When it's done, I'll pick her up. I won't trouble you.”Wen Xuan said.
"Isn't it easy for you to have a child? Did he have to make things so strange?”Wen Gui said. "Doing this is too embarrassing. If you want a girl. I can help you. This child, don't mess around. Send her home."
"Aiya! My silly sister. What are you thinking? Do you know how much this child has suffered in his own home? I just wanted to save her and not let her suffer anymore.”Wen Xuan said.
"The people outside say different things. If you really do something embarrassing, you'll really let down your parents. You might as well leave this place quickly.”Wen Gui said.
"What do you think? What shameful things do you think your brother did?”Wen Xuan asked.
"You shouldn't have done that," Wengui said.”
"Then what should I do? What about what you guys did? What about what Liu Yongnian did? Wouldn't that be fair and square? Or are those people afraid to say it?" Wen Xuan said.
"I don't want to discuss these useless questions with you. Anyway, this girl can't stay here for long.”Wen Gui said," You shouldn't have brought her here. You should have sent her back. Why should you care about other people's family matters? Why don't we wait for Yongnian to come back and ask him to send it over? Once Yongnian went, he would know what to do.”
At this moment, the girl ran over and held Wen Xuan's hand.""No, don't send me back. He will hit me. He would really do that. Look, these, and these." The girl rolled up her sleeves, revealing old scars.
"This kind of beast won't let go at all.”Wen Xuan said.
Wen Gui looked at the wound on the girl's hand and thought for a moment before saying,""Alright then, let her rest here for now.”
Wen Xuan comforted the girl for a while and let her return to the house before returning to the construction site.
The workers had already erected the bamboo outer wall. As long as he continued to build a roof, the bamboo shed would be completed. The migrant workers got off the ladder, rolled up their clothes, and wiped the sweat from their foreheads. The few of them stood on the porch, picked up the kettle, poured tea, and drank it up.
"How much longer?" Wen Xuan asked.
"A week or so! Everyone was building buildings. But you want to build a bamboo shed, how interesting! However, this place was very hot in the summer, so he had to plant some trees behind it. It's best if there are trees in the front courtyard as well." the worker said.
"I'm also planning to plant some trees. Plant some flowers and plants in the courtyard." Wen Xuan said.
The laborer turned his head to look at the bamboo shed, then looked back at the blue sea and said,""This place is far from the village, and the electrical wires and water pipes are more troublesome. It's also near the sea.”
"I just want some peace and quiet." Wen Xuan said.
"It's quiet. There's no human energy, only the sound of waves." the worker said.
"How many rooms are there?" Wen Xuan asked as he held onto the door frame and looked inside.
"According to your request, I got two. The kitchen is on the right side. It's independent." the worker said.
The workers came down from the bamboo shed and walked past them to pour water. Wen Xuan walked into the bamboo shed and raised his head to look at the roof. He walked into the room and looked at the sea through the window. A few fishing boats were slowly sailing into the golden harbor. The fisherman carried the bucket, jumped into the sea, and returned on the waves. Seeing this, he also wished that he could have a fishing boat. The sunrise rose into the sea and returned at sunset. When he came out of the bamboo shed, the workers had already left. There were only a few empty bowls left on the porch. Wen Xuan moved the bowls away and sat down facing the sea.
At this moment, the sun had already set. A red light streaked across the sea and sky. The surface of the sea was covered in flames, as if there were raging flames burning.
Wen Xuan stared at the surface of the sea. The fire was extinguished and the sea and sky became blurry.
The sky was dark and the twilight was heavy.
A warm sea breeze blew over. Wen Xuan pulled the kettle over and was about to pour himself a cup of tea. Suddenly, he saw the girl standing behind him. He was shocked at first, but then he smiled and turned to look at the girl.
"I'm scared. What if I open my eyes tomorrow and find myself back there?”The girl cried and said," Anyone can send me back, except you.”The girl wiped her tears and squatted down beside Wen Xuan.
"I just want you to stay there for a few days. This place wasn't ready yet, so it couldn't be used.”Wen Xuan said.
The girl shook her head and took the kettle. She poured a cup of tea for Wen Xuan and said,""It's already very good. I used to live on the roof. It was dirty and smelly. It's pitch black."
"The roof?" Wen Xuan asked.
"They won't let me in at night, they'll chase me up to the roof. When it rained, he wouldn't let me in. I'll hide under the eaves." The girl said," When there's thunder and lightning, you're the most afraid. I'll just stand outside alone."
"This is too cruel." Wen Xuan said.
The girl sobbed softly and said,"If I go back there again." This time, they won't let me off. I've escaped a few times, but I was either captured by him or sent back. He was beaten up every time and had no food to eat.”
"Don't worry. I won't let anyone take you away. You don't need to go back to that place anymore.”Wen Xuan said.
The girl threw herself into Wen Xuan's arms and cried loudly.
Wen Xuan had never seen her so excited. Her entire body trembled as she cried out loud, almost using all her strength. Wen Xuan couldn't help but stroke her head without saying anything.
At night, they lay in the shed and looked at the starry sky.
"You won't have to do this in a few days. When the time comes, there will be a roof." Wen Xuan said.
"Every night, these stars accompany me. It's on the roof." The girl said," I know you're a good person. I'm not afraid as long as I'm with you.”
After that day, the girl stayed in the bamboo shed to help. The girl's hands and feet were very agile. She followed Wen Xuan around and helped him with the work. Sometimes, Wen Xuan would ask her to stop and rest. She just smiled and wiped her sweat."I'm not tired. Let me help." She wore a worker's straw hat and ran around in front of the bamboo shed. The straw hat blocked her vision, so she stopped, straightened it, and continued to work.
"This child is quite capable. Your child." The foreman poured a bowl of water and said.
Wen Xuan smiled awkwardly and turned to look at the girl who was handing the hammer to the worker. He did not say anything.
When the project was completed, these people would help him move the furniture from his old house. Wen Xuan carried the box of books back to his room. After living in the roofless shed for so many days, he looked up at the roof and suddenly felt uncomfortable. Wen Xuan pressed a button. The chandelier lit up. A pale yellow light illuminated the entire room. He sat down and poured a glass of water. He turned to look at the girl leaning against the window and asked,""What are you looking at?"
"You can see the sea from here. There are many stars there." The girl pointed outside and said.
"Your room is fine too." Wen Xuan drank a glass of water and said.
"My room? Can I stay with you?" the girl asked.
"We're just in different rooms. But we are still together. Look, this room is right next to that room. What's the matter? If you call out, I will hear you." Wen Xuan said.
The girl lowered her head and did not speak.
"How about this? You are in the room. I placed a bench outside the door. I'll just stay there, okay?" Wen Xuan said.
The girl nodded.
For a long time, Wen Xuan slept by the door and guarded the girl. In the morning, whenever he woke up, the girl had already left the room and was busy in the kitchen.
Wen Xuan moved the bench back to the table, walked to the kitchen, and coughed a few times. The girl guarding the stove turned to look at him and said,""Wait a moment. It'll be done soon."
Wen Xuan only knew how to laugh and was actually unable to speak. He stood by the door for a while before turning around and returning to the table. The kettle on the table was steaming. He sat down and poured himself a cup of tea.
The blue sea and sky were reflected in the window. After Wen Xuan took a sip of tea, he went out and stood on the porch. The clean clothes were hanging on the rope, fluttering in the wind. The original holes had been patched up. He smiled and turned his head to look at the girl in the kitchen. He suddenly felt that he had returned to his childhood and returned to the home he had not seen for a long time. After so many years of wandering outside, he had already forgotten the feeling of home. A regular schedule was a luxury for him. He never thought that he could return to that time. And now, he had returned. The sea breeze was still blowing, but wrinkles had already appeared on his face. He went down the porch toward the glistening sea. This time, he did not walk into the sea. Instead, he stood by the waves and listened to the sound of the waves with his eyes closed.
After a moment, he opened his eyes and looked back. He saw the girl standing on the porch and looking at him. He turned around and bent down. The light blue sea water gently moved in front of him. He reached out and scooped up a handful of seawater, splashing it on his red face before turning around and walking back.
After a while, Wen Xuan found someone to buy an old fishing boat and prepared to push it into the sea.
On the day they went out to sea, Guo Wenxuan pushed the boat out while the girl was still sleeping. When he came back, he saw the girl sitting on the porch crying. She saw Wen Xuan coming from the shore from afar, so she stood up and ran over to hug him.
"What's wrong?" Wen Xuan looked down at her and asked.
"I thought you didn't want me anymore. I thought you left. So scared. I'm afraid those people will come and catch me." the girl said.
"It's all my fault. Don't be afraid. I just went out to fish." Wen Xuan put down the bucket and said.
The girl hugged him and cried for a while, refusing to let go for a long time.
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry. I left you behind. It won't happen again." Wen Xuan squatted down and said.
The girl let go of him, wiped away her tears, and followed him back to the house.
From then on, the girl woke up even earlier every day. She made breakfast in advance and climbed into the boat, refusing to come down. No matter how Wen Xuan persuaded her, she was unwilling to come down. Therefore, in the next six months, Wen Xuan had to bring this child out to sea. Every time, the girl would sit motionless on the bow of the boat and look at the sparkling sea. When the net was pulled up, she ran over to help and worked even harder than Wen Xuan. As time passed, her originally fair face gradually tanned. However, her thin body had become much sturdier.
3
That evening, they returned from the sea as usual. Wen Xuan carried the bucket and lowered his head to talk to the girl beside him. He realized that the girl's expression suddenly became nervous. He raised his head and saw Wen Gui, who had been waiting on the porch for a long time.
"Long time no see, little sister." Wen Xuan put down the fish bucket by the door and said with a smile.
The girl let go of his hand and ran into the house.
Wengui turned to look at the girl and followed her into the house.
"I really don't know why you want to live in this place. It's so far from the village." Wen Gui placed the bamboo basket on the table and looked up at the bamboo shed.
At this moment, the girl had already hidden in the kitchen and looked out through the crack in the door.
Wen Gui opened the lid of the bamboo basket and took out a few plates of pastries and placed them on the table. Small pieces of banana leaves were wrapped in red and green rice cakes. The pastries were glistening under the light.
"Yo. Lil Gui, you finally remembered me as your big brother.”Wen Xuan took a cake and chewed on it." There's still a difference from what Mom made." However, it's barely edible."
"I gave you a cake during the festival, and you still dislike it. Don't eat it.”Wen Gui said.
Wen Xuan threw down the banana leaf, poured a cup of tea and drank it, saying,""Liu Yongnian is still too easy to raise. Just some pig feed could make one fat.”
"You don't say. Yongnian loves to eat my food. You, on the other hand, are picky when I send it to you. Stop eating." Wen Gui took the plate and stuffed it into the basket.
"Wait, wait. Since you sent it all the way here. How can I return it? Leave it there. His sister made it, so he had to eat it even if it was pig feed. "Wen Xuan said.
Wen Gui glared at her and sat down to watch him take the plate out of the basket.
"Your place is quite clean. I thought it would be like a pigsty. In the past, your room was the messiest.”Wen Gui said.
"She was the one who cleaned up." Wen Xuan said.
"Speaking of this." Wen Gui said," Why haven't you sent her away yet?! Didn't they say that they had found an adoption agency last time?”
"Why should I send him away?" Wen Xuan said.
"Brother, that's someone else's child, and it's a girl. Are you crazy?”Wen Gui said.
"You've already said the same thing. I've already answered. I'm not crazy." Wen Xuan said.
"Brother, sometimes, I feel that the things you do and the person you are are really inexplicable.”Wen Gui said," I thought those people were talking nonsense. So that was really the case. Don't you think it's strange for an old man like you to live so far away from the village with someone else's girl? You're not ashamed of this, but I'm ashamed of you.”
"What's the big deal? She's my child now. I want to raise her up." Wen Xuan said.
"I don't know what's wrong with you to have to do these thankless things.”Wen Gui glanced at the kitchen and said," If that's the case, you have to send her to school. This was the minimum. She was in her teens and should be in junior high school. If she could go to school, those people would not say anything.”
"I didn't think about going to school. However, you don't have to worry about education.”Wen Xuan said," Whether she goes to school or not, I will teach her.”
"You're really like Daddy." Wen Gui said," You must send her to school. Otherwise, it won't work. I can ask Yongnian to inform the school.”
"Liu Yongnian again. After I left, he became able to call the shots.”Wen Xuan said.
"He just let a lot of people not rely on the sea to eat.”Wen Gui said.
"Then do you know what he relies on?" Wen Xuan asked.
Wen Gui didn't reply. He turned his face away and stared at the wet bucket by the door. The fish tail shook violently, stirring up a stream of water. A silver light flashed on the surface of the water.
"Do you know how many people that thing can kill?”Wen Xuan asked.
Wen Gui didn't answer. Instead, he kicked the bucket. Seawater splashed out, wetting the floor. The magical beast in the barrel stopped. The surface of the water returned to normal.
"You're still working on this. Yongnian even asked me to ask you if you want to work with him. Now, it seemed that there was no need to ask. You've also found what you should do.”Wen Gui said.
"Dad has never objected. It's just that you women are so wishy-washy that you won't let me go out to sea. If I don't go out to sea, why would I come back here?”Wen Xuan asked.
"If I follow Yongnian, I won't have to go out to sea. These were dirty, tiring, and dangerous. They couldn't earn money. Why do you still want to immerse your brain in it? This was not what her parents meant by starting a family. Now, you kidnapped a girl from outside and rushed into the sea. What was this? If that's the case, you might as well not go home. Everyone was already doing other things to earn money, but you had to run back to the sea. What are you trying to do? Are you going to make a fool of yourself?" Wen Gui said.
"I didn't do anything wrong. What's there to be afraid of? I just want to continue like this. Who else can stop me? Even if his father was still alive, he would not object.”Wen Xuan said.
"Hmph, Dad, you still don't understand.”Wen Gui said.
"What do you not understand? The older brother wanted to hear his younger sister's brilliant ideas.”Wen Xuan said.
"Because I'm already a mother of two children. I'm already a parent. So I can understand the feelings and thoughts of all parents. And big brother, in my eyes, you are just like a child.”Wen Gui said.
"I'm a child? Hurry up and go back. Go back and take care of your three children.”Wen Xuan said.
"You still say you're not a child? You're clearly the same as when you were young.”Wen Gui said.
"Then let me ask you, if Aren wants to go out to sea when he grows up, what will you do?”Wen Xuan asked.
"I won't let Aren or Abu get close to that dangerous place.”Wen Gui said.
"You better remember what you said.”Wen Xuan said.
Wen Gui stood up, rolled his eyes at Wen Xuan, and took the bamboo basket. She walked to the bucket, kicked it over, and left without looking back. Seawater splashed all over the bamboo planks. The fish opened its mouth wide and slapped its tail. The water splashed onto the bamboo wall.
"Aiya! My little sister. You're still the same. Why are you still talking about being a mother?”Wen Xuan walked to the window and shouted at Wen Gui who was rushing past.
"Be careful that I go back and slap you, you ungrateful bastard.”Wen Gui turned his head and shouted at Wen Xuan before walking away quickly.
Wen Xuan clapped his hands and laughed. He turned around and saw the girl squatting by the door with a fish in her arms.
"There's no more water." the girl said.
"Then let's go to the sea to pick up some.”Wen Xuan carried the empty bucket and led the girl out of the bamboo shed. He turned on the chandelier on the porch and looked around at the faint yellow light.
"Stand here first. The waves were huge. It's best if you don't go down." Wen Xuan said.
With that, he carried the bucket and walked out of the courtyard. He walked into the waves and pressed the bucket into the surging water. The pail was gurgling, swallowing cold water and blowing bubbles.
The girl looked at the bucket in Wen Xuan's hand and giggled.
Wen Xuan turned back to look at her and smiled. He shook the bucket and walked back with it.
"Don't come over. The water is very cold." Wen Xuan waved his hand and said to the girl who was running over.
The girl stopped and looked down at the fish in her arms."Can you let it go?"
"It's yours. You can do whatever you want.”Wen Xuan said.
The girl ran to the wave and squatted down. She put the fish into the waves and watched it swim away with its tail.
"Alright, let's go back. The water is too cold." Wen Xuan said.
The girl stood up, looked at him and said,"Look, it swam away."”
A wave flipped over and pushed the girl down.
Seeing this, Wen Xuan threw down the bucket and ran over to help her up. The girl only giggled and grabbed Wen Xuan's arm.
"Are you alright? Did you fall?" Wen Xuan asked.
The girl shook her head and smiled.”She held Wen Xuan's arm and walked further into the sea. There were still white waves that came up and retreated.
"Was it fun?" Wen Xuan asked.
The girl didn't say anything. She squeezed Wen Xuan's arm tightly and took another step forward.
"Looks like I should throw you into the sea.”Wen Xuan said.
"I don't want to." The girl screamed, turned around, and threw herself into Wen Xuan's arms, then laughed out loud.
"Let's go back! It's very cold here. You'll catch a cold." Wen Xuan hugged her and patted her back.
"One more time." the girl said. She walked to the front again, waiting for the next wave to come, screaming.
Wen Xuan walked to the front of the wave and hugged the girl. He walked back and said,""Alright, that's enough. It's too cold."
"Alright then." the girl said.
"Can you swim?" Wen Xuan asked.
"I won't." the girl said.
"Next time. Next time, I'll teach you how to swim." Wen Xuan put the girl down, took the bucket, and looked up at the yellow light in front of the porch. The light was like a fog, permeating the night. He looked at it for a while before coming back to his senses and walking back.
"Why? Why do you want to learn how to swim?" the girl asked.
"Then, next time, I can just throw you into the sea. Then, you can swim back by yourself. You don't need anyone to get you." Wen Xuan said.
The girl looked up at him and said,"No, don't throw me into the sea."”
Wen Xuan smiled but didn't say anything. He stepped onto the porch and put down the bucket. He turned around and saw that the girl was still standing below, so he turned around and patted her head.
"We're home. Come on up. Go and change your clothes." Wen Xuan said.
The girl shook her head and did not look at him.
Wen Xuan squatted down and sat on the porch, looking at her.
"Are you sending me to school?”the girl asked.
"Do you want to go?" Wen Xuan asked.
The girl shook her head. The pale yellow light shone on her face, making it very bright. Her cheeks were much rounder than before, and there was a blush on her cheeks.
"Then I won't go." Wen Xuan said.
The girl turned around and hugged Wen Xuan, burying her head in his strong shoulders. Wen Xuan could feel the moisture on her body and reached out to pat her back.
"In that case, I'll have to teach you myself.”Wen Xuan said.
The girl nodded and looked up at him. There was a glint in his eyes.
"Alright then. Go take a shower and sleep." Wen Xuan said.
"Can I sleep with you?" the girl asked.
"No, we can't sleep together.”Wen Xuan said.
"Why not?" the girl asked.
"Because men and women are different. Alright, go take a shower. I promise you that I won't send you to school. But you have to be obedient, understand?”Wen Xuan said.
"Alright then!" The girl let go of Wen Xuan, lowered her head, and walked into the house.
Wen Xuan glanced at her, then turned back to look at the pitch-black sea. The night sky was filled with stars. The river of light seemed to be right in front of him, but also far away. He touched his chin and noticed that his beard had already sprouted. He stood up and entered the house.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。