sjar Chapter 377 Dawn Beachcombing
Chapter 377 Dawn Beachcombing
"Hurry up, or we'll miss our train."
Xu Anyang hurriedly picked up Sihai, carrying a heavy food box in his hand, and anxiously poked his head out of the back door.
“Brother Anyang, you should hug Third Brother.”
Sihai sighed deeply. The chubby boy pointed at Sanchuan, who was slowly packing his book bag in the yard, and said, "Third Brother is a snail, so slow."
Sanchuan blushed upon hearing this.
"Sihai, you're talking nonsense! I'm not a snail."
Having said that, he quickened his pace slightly.
Xu Yiyi stuffed the ledger back into the drawer and gave instructions to the few people left in the restaurant. Old Lu winked and looked unhappy.
"You all went to have fun, leaving me here."
Xu Yiyi rolled her eyes at him, "You're the only one who treats beachcombing as a fun activity."
Just like a farmer tilling the land, facing the soil and turning his back to the sky, working hard only for the autumn harvest, which is his job and his lifeline.
Beachcombing is also a job for fishermen.
The older women who worked at the restaurant had already gone home.
"Don't even think about going out for a random stroll and drinking again."
Xu Yiyi gave a warning, then turned around and picked up Wu Yuan from the cradle.
At this hour, the child was full of energy, his chubby little hands tugging at her collar, babbling and drooling on her faded white shirt.
Er'er and Sanchuan remained calm, following slowly behind. Sanchuan was still clutching half a piece of unfinished hard bread in his hand.
"Let's get going!"
Xu Anyang was in such a hurry that Sihai felt a little uncomfortable being held by him.
The dock was still bustling, with the shouts of fishing boats returning home and the cries of fishmongers mingling with the salty sea breeze.
Their two boats swayed gently with the waves, the newly applied tung oil on their hulls gleaming faintly in the dim candlelight.
"Get on the ship!"
Xu Yiyi stepped into the boat first and placed Wu Yuan in a basket lined with a soft cloth.
Snowball was lying next to meowing when Wu Yuan's little hand grabbed its fur.
Er'er excitedly snatched the oar, but Sanchuan slapped her hand: "Second sister, don't rock it like that, or it'll capsize."
As soon as the small boat left the shore, another boat immediately docked.
When we returned to the island, the night was completely dark.
The moon was barely visible, and only a few sparse, cold stars were fixed on the inky black sky, their faint light barely illuminating anything.
Their boat, illuminated by two lanterns at the bow and stern, approached the even darker shore of the island in this darkness.
The signs of the receding tide are already quite obvious.
The reefs, which were completely submerged by the sea during the day, now revealed their dark, slippery tops, resembling the spine of a giant beast.
The beach had expanded, its surface glistening with a damp, muted sheen in the dim light, scattered with seashells and small crabs that the tide hadn't had time to carry away, occasionally reflecting a few scattered rays of light.
"Grandpa! We're back."
Sihai waved from the bow of the boat, while Uncle Taiye sat on a small stool as always, holding a fishing rod in his hand.
Hearing the shouts from all directions, he subconsciously forced a smile.
"Grandpa, when are Father and Mother setting off?"
Xu Anyang quickly threw the rope onto the riverbank. After the two small boats came to a stop, a group of children got off.
"Grandpa brought you pork rib congee and roast duck. Judging from the current situation, the tide is at its lowest point in the morning, so we probably won't be able to set off until 1-3 AM."
Xu Yiyi carried Wu Yuan down and said enthusiastically.
It's only 7 PM, there's enough time to go back and get some more sleep.
"Let's talk about it later. We just finished eating not long ago."
Uncle waved his hand. His body, which had been very thin a while ago, had gained some weight thanks to their daily feeding.
They look much healthier now.
"Take the child home quickly to bathe and put them to bed."
Xu Yiyi will also be going to the beach later, and Wu Yuan will definitely need someone to take her.
And the only people who can take care of the child are him and his wife.
Thinking of this, Uncle Taiye suddenly felt as if he were facing a formidable enemy.
She glanced warily at Wu Yuan, who was nestled innocently in his older sister's arms sucking his little hand, and said, "Quickly put this little brat to sleep."
They won't fuss once they fall asleep.
……
The fishermen's shadows swayed in the dim light, like characters in a shadow puppet show.
When I got home, the chickens and sheep were still awake.
When it sees people, it calls out very happily.
"Big sister, I'm going to milk the cows. Wuyuan can drink them after he takes a bath."
Sanchuan excitedly put the book bag back in his room.
She came out carrying a small basin for milking.
Auntie and Auntie Si happened to arrive at the house.
"You're back early today, but I haven't boiled any water yet."
As she spoke, Auntie Si quickly walked to the well to draw water.
"Auntie, we're back now, so we can't trouble you any further."
Xu Yiyi quickly stepped forward and took the wooden bucket from her. Great-aunt slowly walked to the rocking chair and sat down, while Er'er placed the chubby little Wu Yuan on Great-aunt's lap.
"Will you go beachcombing by yourself later, or will you take your sister with you?"
The night was as dark as ink, and a dim yellow lantern hung under the eaves, barely illuminating a small patch of space around the stone table.
Grandma sat on the worn-out bamboo chair, swaying slightly, humming a mumbled lullaby.
Wu Yuan was amused and laughed heartily, revealing a rosy, round little face with eyes like black grapes.
Grandma and Uncle's rough hands rhythmically patted the child's back.
Her voice was hoarse yet gentle.
Xu Yiyi just put down the bundle of freshly chopped firewood she was carrying on her shoulder in the corner and patted the dust off her hands.
Before she could answer, Er'er, who was boiling water in the kitchen, suddenly looked up, her eyes sparkling, and shouted, "I'll go! I want to go with my older sister!"
Her shout was like a pebble thrown into calm water, creating ripples.
Immediately afterward, Sanchuan, who was boiling goat milk, also spoke up, "I want to go too!"
Even while squatting in a horse stance, Sihai didn't forget to respond, "I want to go with Big Sister too."
The courtyard suddenly became lively.
Xu Yiyi pouted helplessly and shrugged her shoulders slightly.
They didn't say whether or not we could go.
The dim light cast her slender shadow on the muddy ground. From the kitchen came the splashing sound of water being poured into an iron pot, followed by the soft crackling of burning firewood.
Steam rose from the kitchen, carrying the unique aroma of burning firewood, filling the cool night air.
Xu Yiyi carried out a steaming bucket of water, poured the hot water into a large wooden basin about half her height in the washroom, and tested the water temperature with her hand.
"Sanchuan and Sihai, come and take a bath right now!"
She shouted.
Sanchuan quickly put down the book in his hand, and Sihai could no longer wield his long staff. Upon hearing this, his little face immediately fell.
"I won't wash it!"
San Chuan stiffened his neck, his feet rooted to the spot. "I feel so nice after the shower, but I'll get all dirty again if I go beachcombing."
Sihai, that kid, followed suit, shaking his head like a rattle drum: "No! I'm not going! I want to go beachcombing!"
Xu Yiyi snorted coldly, completely ignoring their protests. Her wet hand grabbed Sanchuan's ear, the force not heavy, but carrying an undeniable authority.
"Dirty places are most likely to attract bugs, hurry up, don't dawdle."
With his other hand, he skillfully scooped up Sihai, who was trying to escape, and quickly stripped off the child's little jacket, which was covered in mud and sand.
In an instant, the world became barren.
All that soft flesh looks so cute and squishy.
Sihai howled, but in the end he couldn't resist her strength and was half-pushed and half-forced into the wooden basin, splashing a lot of water, and reluctantly began to wash himself.
"Sanchuan? Does he need my older sister to help him take off his clothes too?"
Xu Yi smiled and reached out to unbutton Sanchuan's clothes.
The child blushed and said, "No need, big sister, I can do it myself."
After saying that, he quickly closed the door.
Just kidding, he's a big kid now, he can't let his older sister help him take off his clothes.
"You little brats! You think I can't handle you?"
Xu Yiyi put her hands on her hips, walked into the courtyard, and stripped Wu Yuan naked as well.
The little baby sat in the wooden tub and immediately became excited. His chubby arms and legs, white and tender like lotus roots, splashed around in the tub, making water droplets fly everywhere. He grinned, revealing his two tiny teeth, and let out giggles, extremely happy.
The weather was a bit cool now, so Xu Yiyi didn't dare let him play in the water like he did in the summer. She gave the child a thorough wash and quickly changed him into a clean T-shirt and shorts.
Er'er then brought over a small bowl of warm goat milk.
Little Wuyuan sat obediently on his special little stool, letting his older sister feed him spoonful by spoonful.
Take your time, there's no rush.
Xu Yiyi coaxed her.
The child drank quickly, a ring of milky white foam spilling from the corner of his mouth, while his eyes slowly narrowed, his long eyelashes covering his eyelids like small fans.
After he finished the last sip, his little head bobbed up and down, and he was almost asleep.
She quickly picked up the child, preparing to take him back inside. The little one tilted his head and immediately rested his head heavily on her shoulder, close to her neck, his breathing becoming even and long, as he fell into a deep sleep.
The courtyard quieted down, with Sanchuan and Sihai each wearing a headscarf.
Auntie A-Si pulled him over to dry his hair.
It was the hour of Hai (9-11 PM), and the hot water soak brought on a wave of fatigue.
Sihai had already started nodding like a chicken pecking at rice. Sanchuan forced his eyelids open, looked at the sky, and then at his eldest sister who was carrying Wuyuan and preparing to go into the house.
He rubbed his eyes hard and tugged at Sihai, who was almost asleep: "Come on, let's go to bed and take a nap for a little while, just a little while..."
His voice was also full of sleepiness, but he still forced himself to speak to his older sister.
"Big sister, when you go to the beach, you must! You must call us! Don't sneak away!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he led the drowsy Sihai, slipped on his cloth slippers, and staggered back to his room, looking like he could fall asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
The courtyard finally fell completely quiet, with only the water in the wooden basin gently swaying, reflecting the sparse stars in the night sky.
"Do you want to take a shower too?"
Xu Yiyi gathered up the tools in the yard and turned to tease Er'er.
"I'm not going to wash, I'm definitely going to go beachcombing with my older sister."
Er'er snorted, "My older sister did it on purpose."
Just now, Sanchuan and Sihai also said they wanted to go, without any hesitation.
The two kids actually thought they could go beachcombing.
She was so sleepy after taking a shower. If her older sister coaxed her to go to sleep, her sister would definitely sneak off to go beachcombing without them.
……
The night was so dark it seemed impossible to see through, and the salty sea breeze turned cool, making one's skin tingle.
Midnight has passed, and all is quiet.
Xu Yiyi went into the room, glanced at the three children, and then tiptoed into the yard with Er'er.
Er'er had already lit the two whale oil lamps in her hands, and their dim, warm light struggled to break through a small patch of darkness in the thick night fog.
Lamp oil is extremely precious; it cannot be extinguished even in a strong wind, and we are reluctant to use any of it on ordinary days.
She inspected the bamboo basket; inside, pliers, rakes, various nets, and hemp ropes clattered together, making a dull, soft sound.
Er'er then went to the storeroom and took out the seesaw, which was an excellent tool.
Walking on the mudflats is difficult, so people can sit or kneel on them to move forward and prevent themselves from sinking into the mud.
In the courtyard, Auntie was still sitting in that rocking chair, as if she hadn't moved since they went back inside.
An old padded jacket wrapped around her hunched body, and her gray hair gleamed faintly under the lamplight.
"Grandma."
As Xu Yi spoke, he put on his gloves and booties, then stepped forward and stopped, keeping his voice very low so as not to disturb the tranquility of the night.
"The tide has completely receded, and we're about to set off. The dew is heavy tonight, and the chill seeps into your bones. Don't try to tough it out here; come to my room and lie down on the bed; it'll be warmer there."
If they set off at this hour, they probably won't be back until dawn.
If my great-aunt sits here all night, she will definitely get sick the next day.
Great-aunt lifted her droopy eyelids, her cloudy eyes flickered, and she raised her withered hand slightly, waving it casually: "Don't worry about me, I'm just an old woman, I won't feel the cold. You all go quickly, watch the road carefully and follow Auntie and the others, pay attention to the tide..."
After all, beachcombing is not without its dangers.
Ordinary people don't pay attention to the changes in the tide and lose their vigilance when the tide slowly rises.
By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late to swim back.
However, since Yi Yi was a good swimmer, she felt a little relieved.
Auntie's voice was so hoarse that it was almost drowned out by the wind.
Xu Yiyi said no more, poured her a cup of hot water and placed it in her hand.
Only then did he step out of the courtyard and into the deeper night.
Before long, her great-uncle arrived at her house, and the two of them went into the inner room together.
The small fishing village slept in a vast darkness, the wind howling so loudly that human voices could barely be heard.
Only a few scattered, dim lights could be seen flickering and moving in different courtyards.
They were families who were also preparing to set off.
On the entire island, almost all able-bodied adults who could go into the sea, as well as children their age, were out and about, leaving only the elderly who could no longer walk and infants still soundly asleep in their swaddling clothes.
"Big sister, how long are we going to walk?"
Er'er followed behind, holding a lamp and asking curiously.
It's not uncommon to go out to beachcomb at night, but it's rare to see someone go through so much preparation.
"It's far away."
The two hadn't gone far when they heard hushed coughs and footsteps coming from the darkness ahead.
Pinghai's tall and imposing figure gradually came into view, a sour plum dangling from his mouth to keep himself awake.
Beside him was Aunt Si, who was bending down to tighten the hemp rope around her waist.
Xu Anyang excitedly held up the lamp, with Sister Honglian following closely behind. Upon seeing them, she immediately skipped over, her voice filled with barely suppressed excitement.
"Yi-yi, I thought you guys weren't going. It'll be nice to be together again."
"move."
Xu Yiyi replied.
The group reunited and, chatting and laughing, headed towards the sea.
In the darkness ahead, other flickering candlelight could be vaguely seen, and indistinct whispers and footsteps could be heard from time to time.
Behind them, new candlelight also flowed from the crossroads into this silent river.
After walking for a very long time, the outline of the village had long been swallowed by the night.
The path beneath my feet changed from gravel to wet sand, and finally to cold, sticky mud.
The salty sea breeze became fierce and cold, carrying the chilling scent only found in the deep sea.
By this time, their clothes were already covered in mud.
Before me stretched an endless expanse of black, fertile land, newly emerged from the sea.
The trenches and caves that are usually hidden underwater have been completely exposed.
The tide had receded to its lowest point, revealing a vast expanse of black mudflats, glistening with moisture under the starlight and candlelight, seemingly without end, stretching into the unseen depths of darkness.
"Big sister! Look! Something good."
The group walked along, picking up and digging.
By the time they reached the point where the tide had receded to its lowest point, some of the nets were already full.
The little girl's cheerful voice rang out, and Xu Yi looked over and saw her holding up a large grouper, weighing about six pounds.
It's probably stuck in the water and didn't have time to swim away. It's completely still, so if you're not careful, you won't notice it at all.
Unfortunately, it encountered Er'er.