Chapter 815: Chapter 815: Strength
Su Yuanyuan allowed herself to cry out loud, feeling upset and suppressed. Until she no longer felt like crying again. She wiped away her tears and then turned the boat around.
Shao Hongming had been waiting on the boat with Wang Er and the others all along, until the third round of explosions happened, and he instructed Wang Er to start the engine and head over.
Wang Er dared not delay for even a moment. He immediately started the boat, stopping when they could finally see Su Yuanyuan.
On the endless sea, a small boat was floating, with a person standing on it. Just by looking at her back, one could feel the loneliness and sadness.
Shao Hongming and the others watched her from afar. Now that they had confirmed she was safe, they felt relieved.
However, there was a deep sadness in their hearts. What burden did that frail figure carry?
A woman who lost her husband and child. It’s not that such situations don’t exist. Some faced even greater trauma, but ended up deranged. Others remained calmer than she did. But none could have such profound sadness when reminiscing, right?
No one on the boat made any noise, afraid to disturb her. This was her third year, the fourth time she’d acted recklessly.
Everyone wanted to persuade her, but she interrupted them each time. She persisted, although no one knew what she was so steadfast about. Did she think her husband and child would fall from the moon in the sky? That was impossible. They had been missing for three years. How could they return?
Yet she persisted with such determination that no one could stop her.
Shao Hongming remembered when he was first informed that he was supposed to go abroad in April. But notices changed to August.
When he learned Su Yuanyuan would go too, he knew it was to accommodate her, as she must be at the seaside on the fifteenth of July.
Therefore, he worked day and night to be by Su Yuanyuan’s side at this time, wanting to move her, but more so out of concern for her safety.
Those were bombs, nine of them, and in his eyes, Su Yuanyuan was risking her life.
They waited for about half an hour before seeing this remarkable woman crouch down and cry her heart out. Her sobs, carried by the sea breeze, reached their ears.
Even Shao Hongming had tears in his eyes. The softness and sadness she had hidden in her heart, only to release them today at this very moment.
Shao Hongming suddenly had a feeling he would never have the chance to have Su Yuanyuan in this lifetime. This feeling made him uncomfortable but was so real.
At that moment, Shao Hongming also suddenly felt Shiran – if they couldn’t be lovers, they would be lifelong friends.
This woman had it too hard, and he didn’t want her troubled anymore. As long as she wanted, he would always be behind her.
From now on, he wouldn’t create trouble for her. He wouldn’t let her mood be troubled by such worries anymore.
Watching the woman stand up, pull up the anchor, and row back over, everyone felt relieved.
Su Yuanyuan tied the small boat to the larger boat and then climbed aboard, holding the rope.
"Su Yuanyuan, shall we go back?"
"Let’s go back. Thank you all."
The men nodded. They didn’t need her thanks. As long as she could release her stress, that was enough.
"Xiao Su, we found some fish today."
"Brother Wang, you can handle the fishing however you see fit. I have no objections."
By the time they returned to the shore, it was already late. The sky was bright. The old village chief was waiting on the seashore.
He was worried. But he comforted himself that, with no wind or waves at night, there shouldn’t be any danger.
The sea was so vast. They were so insignificant, with no chance of resistance. Even the slightest wind and waves could cost lives.
Having lived so long, he had seen many disasters and knew the dangers of the sea.
Finally seeing the village’s fishing boats return, he felt relieved. Though it would take some effort to return since the tide had risen, as long as everyone returned safely, it was all good.
Unexpectedly, there was such a big harvest this time.
The old village chief sent the children on the shore to fetch people.
"Xiao Su, this time no need for your money."
Su Yuanyuan shook her head, "This money is necessary. Village chief, don’t make it difficult for me. I understand the reasoning. After all, there are still two more times we need to go to the sea."
The old village chief looked at Su Yuanyuan, sighed, and said, "I’ll give you all the shrimp you like."
This time, Su Yuanyuan didn’t refuse. She understood the old village chief’s character. It was best when both sides made concessions.
Shao Hongming followed behind Su Yuanyuan as they went home together.
"Su Yuanyuan, I’m leaving now. I’ll probably reach the Capital on the third."
Su Yuanyuan nodded. She was leaving too today. There were many meetings to attend to back home, and even if she was just playing a small role, she needed to know things. She didn’t want to cause trouble or be a hindrance.
"Alright, see you in the Capital. I’m leaving today too. Be careful on your journey."
"Okay, you too, take care. This is a gun I found for you, with almost no recoil, so it’s safer to use. I’ll put the bullets in your trunk later."
"Thank you. Are you sure this won’t get you into trouble?"
Shao Hongming shook his head, but didn’t say anything. He could handle this little thing alone.
He directly put two boxes of bullets in Su Yuanyuan’s car. Glancing at her once more, he turned and got in his car to leave.
Su Yuanyuan returned inside, and there wasn’t much to pack.
Two young boys came over, carrying two baskets full of shrimp and one of fish.
Su Yuanyuan thanked the young lads. After watching them run off, she shut the door and stored away the four baskets.
Then she went to the village chief’s house, gave him money, and bought some dried sea shrimp, shrimp skins, seaweed, and dried fish, which she planned to take back to Yang Chunsheng and Zeng Hongling.
"Village chief, I’ll be back next year. Also, research on the salt-resistant rice for this region is underway, and in two months we’ll know its yield.
I’ve already submitted this address, and if successful, technicians and seeds will be sent to our village."
The old village chief smiled, his face wrinkling up in a friendly, kind manner.
"Thank you, Xiao Su."
"I should be the one thanking you, village chief. I know the taboos here. Allowing a woman like me to use the village boat is because of you."
The old village chief waved his hand, smiling.
"Don’t worry, village chief. As long as I can, I will help support the village. Better days are ahead."
The old village chief nodded excitedly. He might not believe it if someone else said this, but because it was Su Yuanyuan, he certainly did.
"Thank you, Xiao Su. On behalf of everyone in Taolin Port, thank you."