Chapter 913: Departure

Lying in bed at night, Ye Yaodong was still chatting incessantly with Lin Xiuqing. He was mostly giving her instructions for after he left, telling her to assess the situation every day and have A Cai hold onto the goods, as long as they settled the accounts every few days.

Furthermore, there were the recent bills for the trawling; he would go and settle them tomorrow to clear the books, so that when he wasn't home, the bills wouldn't pile up and get mixed up.

Additionally, he told her about the wages for Wang Guangliang and the others—40 yuan a month for the four of them, which was only 160 yuan. With him away from home, the workshop's operations still needed them to keep an eye on things day and night.

"Also, when you send goods to the city every few days, you can have Wang Guangliang go along with the truck, but don't have our father bring the money back. Let our father hold onto it first; he doesn't understand electronic transfers. I'll just go get it when I come back."

"You should still go to the city and withdraw it before you leave. It's been so many days, it must have accumulated one or two thousand yuan. No, wait, the military just received 2,000 jin, so my father must have several thousand accumulated in his hands."

"While you're at it, send all these miscellaneous goods from home to the city. The dried fish being sun-dried these two days will still take a few more days, so sending the ones at home first can also act as a buffer."

"Hmm, that works too. I'll prepare everything at home and then make a trip to the city the day after tomorrow."

Lin Xiuqing lay in his arms, hugging his waist, and rubbed her head against his neck. "Be careful and listen to Father more."

"Hmm, let's sleep early. Pack everything up tomorrow."

The next morning, Ye Yaodong rode his bicycle to town first. The photos he had sent to the photo studio to be developed the day before yesterday were ready to be picked up today.

Just in time, before he left, he could mail all of Chen Juzhang's photos to him. A few had been exposed, but most of the ones with his portrait were fine, and there was even a photo of the damaged motorcycle inside.

He didn't know how the procedure worked—was it just a matter of his word, or did it just need some random paperwork?

Anyway, since he had the photos, they could prove the motorcycle was indeed damaged and scrapped. Regardless of whether he could use them or not, he would mail them all to him together; it would be best if they didn't come in handy.

After mailing them, he hurried home to prepare to take the rice that his mother had collected from other villages early in the morning to the workshop to be milled.

He didn't know how long he would be gone, but he had told his mother to buy enough rice for 12 people for two months; he only had to cover the expenses for his two boats.

He wouldn't worry about the other boats. Anyway, it wasn't just their own people this year; it was impossible for nearly a hundred people to eat together. The people on his two boats were enough, so it was best for everyone to solve their own meals and split the costs.

Early in the morning, the villagers were also active, and even the queue at the rice milling workshop was made up of people from their village.

Those preparing to go to Zhejiang Province together had not gone out to sea at all last night; they had all stayed home to prepare.

A Guang was also coming and going all day, back and forth between the fields and home. He didn't know when his father would be back, but he had prepared everything that needed to be prepared. When his father returned, he could just move the things onto the boat directly.

Ye Yaodong also hoped that the Fengshou would not be gone too long this time and would return early to catch up; after all, he still had a three-share stake in that boat.

However, the typhoon had just passed, and they had rested for half a month. The fishing boats had just gone out, so there must be a lot of goods. It was hard to guarantee that Uncle Pei wouldn't be greedy and linger at sea for a day or two more, so he could only wait for now.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. They had been hoping and waiting, but they still hadn't seen the Fengshou return.

Early in the morning before departure, A Guang ran over again. He planned to go with his boat first and let Huimei leave a message for his father: if he returned, have him move the prepared supplies onto the boat directly, and then sail straight to Zhejiang Province.

Both boats at home had been arranged by him to follow and catch jellyfish, and he had to go along too. Otherwise, if they sold them for a certain amount, there would be no one to supervise. If they just reported a false figure, no one would know, and their family would suffer a huge loss.

"It's a good thing Uncle Pei went last year and will know the route. The Fengshou is also a large boat. We'll take a step first. They'll probably be back in these two days. When the time comes, let Uncle Pei sail over himself. At most, it'll be a bit of a hassle when we rendezvous."

"Sigh, I've been pondering for two days and thought the same. Just let my father sail over later. If he can't make it, there's nothing to be done. So many people have agreed to go today, so we can't just have everyone wait around because of the Fengshou."

"The main thing is that we don't know when it will return. If we wait for half a day or a day and it can return, that's nothing. The fishing season is so long that that big boat can earn back its cost with just a few catches."

"It's not just us; so many people are waiting to follow. If we delay for a day, who knows if the whole group will lose a day. Anyway, it's settled. Aside from a few clothes, I don't have anything else to take. What time are we departing?"

"My mother checked the time and said the hours between 7 and 9 in the morning are good. Today is also a suitable day for a long journey. Do you want to stay for breakfast before going back to get your things?"

"No need, it's already cooked at home. I just came over to say this while I was up and before we set off."

"Alright, fine. Then go back to eat. After you finish, bring your luggage over, and we'll board the boat together in a while."

After A Guang nodded in response, he rode his bike back home.

Some people were in a rush, starting to move things onto the boats early in the morning, pushing back and forth with handcarts. It was rare for the pier to be so lively early in the morning.

After moving everything, everyone didn't go home but started sitting at the entrance of Ye Yaopeng and Ye Yaohua's house next door, waiting to depart.

Just as Ye Yaodong finished breakfast, over a hundred people had already gathered on the open ground by the entrance, either standing or sitting.

Not everyone was going out to sea; some were their family members who were also accompanying them and waiting on the side.

Seeing Ye Yaodong and Ye Fu come out, everyone asked one after another if they could leave.

"I checked the time; it's better to depart between 7 and 9. Everyone can board the boat first and tidy up the things you brought. If there are no problems, we'll leave when the time comes."

He had basically moved his things onto the boat, and he would have to check again in a while to see if he had missed anything.

"Then let's go now, let's board the boat first..."

"Go, go, go, let's board the boat first. It's already 7 o'clock. Everyone check each other's things. If there's no problem, we'll go together."

"Then let's go..."

Everyone greeted each other in twos and threes and moved toward the outside of the pier.

Ye Yaodong was also preparing to walk out, but suddenly he had an attachment on his foot, and several children were surrounding him.

Ye Chenghu was reluctant to part, his face full of admiration. "Father, are you going to be out at sea for a long time this time?"

"Hmm, maybe I won't be back until the Mid-Autumn Festival. You guys be obedient and well-behaved at home, and don't run around everywhere so your mother can't find you."

"Got it, Father."

Ye Chengyang also looked up, watching eagerly. "Father, you must also be well-behaved and earn a lot of money back."

"Hmm, I will."

"Third Uncle, you and Father and the others must all come back safely." Ye Chenghai was an older child and knew a bit more, knowing that safety was the most important thing.

"Hmm."

"My father and the others have left, we'll follow."

"Hmm, go ahead. You guys go in front, I'll follow behind."

Ye Yaodong also looked down at Ye Xiaoxi, who had been hugging his thigh tightly. He lifted his foot to walk, and the child sat on his instep, hugging his lower leg, moving along with him. She was heavier than iron or lead.

"What do you want?"

"Want a hug!"

"Don't be naughty, your father is about to set off."

Lin Xiuqing tried to pull her hands away, wanting to pull her off, but met with her fierce resistance. She waved her hands and slapped, shouting, "No, no."

"It's alright, I'll hold her for a while."

Ye Yaodong helplessly lifted the child and held her in his arms, touching his forehead against hers. He moved a bit and said with a smile, "I'll carry you to the pier. In a while, I have to board the boat, so you be good and go home with your mother, okay?"

Ye Xiaoxi pouted, hugging his neck tightly, and didn't make a sound.

Ye Yaodong kissed her cheek and hurried to catch up with the main group in front.

Ye Mu muttered a couple of words on the side, "A daughter, precious as anything. Even when he's about to leave, she's still hanging on him."

"Dongzi also dotes on his sons; he'll dote on the other children too."

The old lady was also following on the side, leaning on her cane, walking slowly, and helping to speak up.

"Just wait and see if they'll be more filial when they grow up, if they can buy some wine, buy pig's trotters, and visit home more often."

"Daughters will do that."

A Guang also said with a smile, "Dongzi has a good life; two sons and one daughter, all complete and fulfilled. He's not lacking anything in this life."

"Nonsense, I'm still lacking money. If I weren't lacking money, would I be this diligent?"

"Who isn't lacking money? All the people in China are lacking money. The richer people are, the more they are out there earning money."

"Makes sense... It's rare to hear you say something so reasonable..."

"Pfft~"

The people in front had already walked a long way, but their family was still lagging behind, chatting as they walked.

Wang Guangliang and the others were quite conscientious and stayed by their side, but they were all very tactful and didn't interrupt the conversation of their family.

Ye Mu, however, was really starting to worry again. Huimei hadn't given birth to a son, and this worried her to death. Waiting 5 years was too long; by then, A Guang would be 30 years old. But getting pregnant early also made her worry.

An old mother's heart was completely broken with worry.

Along the way, Ye Mu was immersed in her own thoughts, struggling, until everyone reached the pier, and she immediately came back to her senses. Now was not the time to think about this.

The old lady looked at the dozen or so spectacular fishing boats lined up in front and said with some melancholy, "Are we leaving now?"

"We're leaving."

The things that needed to be said had already been said over the past two days. Just now, walking all the way here, they had basically finished giving instructions, and there was nothing left to say.

Ye Fu also urged Ye Yaodong, "Let's go, board the boat. Everyone has boarded their own boats, and the workers have also gone up."

Lin Xiuqing also reached out to hold Ye Xiaoxi in his arms, but the child hugged him especially tightly, refusing to let go no matter what, and kept shouting for her father.

"I want Father, I want Daddy, I want to be with you."

"Daddy has to board the boat. You be good, I'll be back very soon. Look, that's Daddy's boat. I often have to go out to sea, don't I? Shouldn't you have gotten used to it earlier?"

"No, I want to be with you."

Ye Yaodong held her little wrists, not daring to use force. They were so thin and small, and he was afraid of hurting her if he used any force, so he could only patiently soothe her.

"You be good, I'll bring you fun toys and delicious food when I come back..."

"No!"

Before he could finish speaking, she shook her head firmly and refused loudly.

"I promise they'll all be things you don't have and haven't played with, okay?"

"No!"

"This little girl has so many issues, let me handle it." Ye Mu saw him dawdling and couldn't stand it, reaching out to help hold her.

Ye Yaodong dodged and glared at his mother.

Didn't she know he was enjoying it and finding pleasure in it?

He tilted the child toward Lin Xiuqing's arms, and Ye Xiaoxi instantly burst into tears, "Want you, want you, just want you..."

Lin Xiuqing also hugged the child tightly, not letting her continue to cling to Ye Yaodong. "Be good, or I'll beat you when we get back. Have you seen how I beat your brother? Your brother's butt is all red with stripes, are you afraid?"

She cried loudly, her teary eyes fixed on Ye Yaodong.

Usually, when he went out to sea, he left at night, so how would she know?

This was the first time she had watched her father go out to sea with so many people during the day, and she could clearly feel that the atmosphere at home had been different over the past two days.

Children were very sensitive. Although she didn't understand, she vaguely knew that she wouldn't be able to see him for a long time, and she couldn't bear it in her heart, so she could only burst into tears.

Ye Yaodong turned his head to look, then touched the heads of his two sons beside him, and had no choice but to board the boat with a hardened heart.

"Brother Dong, come back early~"

"Hmm."

Everyone on the boat was checking the things they had brought. Those long-term workers only needed to bring a few clothes, and after checking, they sat on the ground and waited.

When he boarded the boat, Ye Fu and A Guang had already basically finished checking the things they had brought.

"Oh? Did you bring the 4 newly made cast nets?" Ye Fu was startled, almost giving them a big fright.

"Brought them. We already moved a batch of things yesterday and locked them in the cabin."

Because the cast nets had been damaged while catching those sea wolves a while ago, he had bought nylon thread after returning and asked someone to make two more. Knowing they were going on a long journey these two days, he had rushed to ask someone to weave two more.

Being away from home, nothing was convenient, so preparing a bit more wouldn't hurt, saving them from being in a situation where they called to heaven and earth for help but got no response if something came up unexpectedly.

"What about the fishing rods?"

"Brought them too. Afraid of forgetting them at the last minute, we sent them over together last night and locked them in the cabin."

There were also a few guns, which had also been taken to the cabin and locked up a night in advance.

"That's good, that's good!"

"Actually, bringing them probably won't be of much use, at most just fishing for fun on the way back and forth."

"Better to bring them; it's more reassuring to have them under our own eyes. Otherwise, who knows who might take them to herd ducks. There are so many children at home, and your wife might not be able to keep an eye on all of them."

A Guang asked in surprise, "You even brought fishing rods? Made with bamboo poles yourself?"

"That's not it. The one in my hand is a real fishing rod! Later, after the boat sets sail, I'll let my father show you a trick."

"A real fishing rod? Where did you get it?"

"Earned it."

Ye Yaodong told him about the origin of the fishing rod, and as a result, he was hammered hard by him.

"Motherfucker, you didn't even call me when you went to earn a fishing rod? Don't you know I've been idle at home and almost molding?"

"Damn, didn't you say you weren't idle all day long? You've been working non-stop in the fields and still have to help look after the children."

"That doesn't mean I couldn't spare a moment."

"Forget it, you still have to receive goods in the evening."

"Quick, let me see your fishing rod. What does it look like? Is it like the one we saw on that yacht before?"

"About the same. Let my father take it out for you. After checking that nothing is left behind, I also need to ask the other boats. If there are no problems, we'll set off."

Having many boats is troublesome. You have to see if the other boats are ready. Only when they are ready can you set off. If a boat leaves behind something important, that's at least half an hour of waiting.

It really was a case of fearing what you fear. He turned his head to ask the boats on the left and right, telling them to pass the word along to the ones next to them. After confirming there were no problems, he would set sail directly.

Who knew that a boat really had left behind something important, and it was the large dip net specifically for catching jellyfish. This time, they really had to go ashore to get it.

The person who left it behind turned out to be A Zheng, and his was also temporarily newly made during these two days.

Too fucking unreliable!

"We'll go first. You just catch up in a while. There are so many boats, the distance between the front and back will always widen, and you'll always be able to catch up. Just take a step first; we won't sail too far, and you won't lose us."

"Alright, alright, alright. I'll run back and run over immediately. It'll be very fast. You guys sail a bit slower in front."

"Hmm."

Just setting off, he still had to look after the other fishing boats, so he couldn't go fast even if he wanted to.

After Ye Yaodong's fishing boat pushed away from the shore and started moving, the other fishing boats also started up one after another.

More than a dozen boats setting off at the same time was also spectacular for the current time. Generally, there weren't that many trawlers in the village. Counting them up, the ones belonging to Ye Yaodong's own family accounted for more than half.

However, compared to the scene on the first day of the fishing season after the fishing ban ends in the future, it was still a case of a small witch meeting a big witch.

The pier was full of villagers seeing them off, all waving their arms and only putting them down after a long time. After the fishing boats sailed to the other side of the mountain, and their shadows could no longer be seen, the villagers returned in twos and threes.

And the fishermen on the boats also found a random spot and sat on the ground.

They didn't know how long they would have to drift at sea to reach the destination. If it was fast, they said it would be eight or nine hours; if it was slow, it would be thirteen or fourteen hours. It depended on the wind direction and water currents. Anyway, it would definitely be at least evening, or even dark, when they arrived.

For most of the day, some people were quite good at finding entertainment. Ye Yaodong saw that on the fishing boat next to him, some people had directly taken out playing cards and started playing.

There were also people on other boats who had brought them, and those who hadn't were all there beating their chests and stamping their feet in regret.

And Ye Fu also took out that fishing rod from the cabin to show off to A Guang, making A Guang stare, and he also directly reached out to touch it.

"Let me try, Father..."

"Let go, let go..."

Ye Fu hurriedly slapped his salty pig hands several times before slapping his hands away. "What business is it of yours?"

"Let me take a look, play with it. Don't be so stingy. A son-in-law is half a son, and I'm not an outsider..."

"Play with what? You don't know how, so don't move it around. Don't break it; it's very expensive. Wait until I fish a few times to show you, and after you know how to use it, I'll let you play with it for a bit."

"I know how to use it..."

"Know how to what? Watch first!"

A Guang rubbed the back of his hand that had been slapped red. "Alright then."

His father-in-law's palm had a lot of force, just like his father's; hitting people was quite painful.

"You go take the cast net and throw it, get some fish bait up first. Otherwise, it's not easy to get a bite without bait."

"Alright."

Ye Yaodong stood at the bow of the boat, steering, observing all directions and listening to all sides. From time to time, he turned his head to pay attention to the situation of the other boats following, and also saw the scene of his father and A Guang fighting over the fishing rod.

Men are teenagers until they die!

He shook his head and turned back, concentrating on steering the boat.

For this first stretch of the road, they were still within their daily activity range, and the sea area was still quite familiar. He steered first, and later his father would replace him.

Although he felt he was capable, his father didn't think he was, and there were so many boats following behind, so his father would definitely be more worried and would definitely do it himself later.

Sigh, actually, taking so many people to do this kind of thing was quite thankless, but these people had to be brought along; they were either their own people, neighbors, or his father's friends.

However, when they arrived at the destination to catch them, they had to act separately. Otherwise, the mobility would be too poor.

He didn't want to share the natural gully he had discovered last year. Last year, just relying on that gully, he had already earned a full pot.

After the fishing boat sailed out of the village, he controlled the direction, first sailing toward the town, as he still had to go to the town pier to pick up Chen Jianian.

Probably by the time he arrived at the town pier and picked up the person, A Zheng's boat would have almost caught up.

However, when he arrived, he found that Chen Jianian was already waiting on the fishing boat.

"Hehe, these two boats belong to my own brothers. Knowing that I was going to follow you to Zhejiang Province, they also wanted to follow. I thought that your village also had more than a dozen boats going together, so two more boats should be fine. Having a few more boats can also provide mutual support..."

"Alright, then let them follow. However, I'm only responsible for leading the way. As for the rest, once we arrive, I won't care about it. Safety and such are even less of my business."

People are intermediaries, and they still have to rely on him to help contact the factory to receive the goods, so what could they say? Just bring them along. Anyway, there were already 15 boats, so two more wouldn't hurt.

"Alright, alright, I know this. I've already said it. I didn't dare to bring too many. I pushed away the others. Only these two are my own family, no choice..."

"No problem, then hurry up and follow."

Ye Yaodong glanced at the shore. When their fishing boats docked, quite a few people had already gathered, curiously watching them and pointing. It was rare to see more than a dozen boats docking at the same time.

If there were, they were all like the night before last, quietly docking at the small pier at night, or sand transport boats and other cargo transport boats, which would dock at the large pier.

Their dozen or so boats setting off at the same time and moving forward together was eye-catching wherever they went. It was better to leave the crowd as early as possible. Otherwise, if they were mistaken for smugglers and someone reported them, and they were intercepted halfway, that would be depressing.

After agreeing, Ye Yaodong's boat took the lead and started moving, taking a step first. The two boats also merged into the back of their team, and A Zheng's fishing boat also happened to catch up.

On the vast sea, the fishing boats moved northward along the coastline. More than a dozen fishing boats were like a huge fleet, moving in concert, forming a spectacular scene.

The sunlight sprinkled on the sparkling sea, as if countless diamonds were dancing happily.

This scene shocked some large and small boats along the coast and near the sea. People at sea couldn't help but drop their jaws in shock. Seeing them from afar, they couldn't help but stop their work for the first time and hurriedly avoid them.

It would have been even more spectacular if the Fengshou hadn't been missing.

Ever since the fishing boat sailed out, Ye Fu started fiddling with that fishing rod. After A Guang threw a net and got some fresh miscellaneous goods up, he started casting the rod.

In the half-hour it took to go to town, he had fished up 4 black sea breams, attracting the attention of everyone else on the boat. Everyone surrounded him, watching him troll.

A Guang watched with an itchy heart, urging him from time to time, one sound after another, "Father, are you done yet? Should it be my turn?" almost annoying Ye Fu.

Ye Fu was also an old kid, constantly stalling, telling him to wait or telling him to play cards with others, just reluctant to give it up.

A Guang was helpless later. If it were in Dongzi's hands, he could have hooked his neck and snatched it to play for a while, but he didn't dare to do that to his father-in-law, so he simply went to play cards with others.

Today was not only auspicious, but the weather was also good. The morning sun was warm and pleasant, the blue sky was cloudless, reflecting the sea as a piece of azure blue. The sea breeze brushed over the sea, bringing a cool breath and a faint fishy smell.

However, by noon, the sunlight seemed a bit poisonous. In the July weather, the land was like a furnace, and the sunlight was scorching, but the sea felt more comfortable. Surrounded by seawater on all four sides, it could reduce the heat of the light, and there was a sunshade above their heads, which could block most of the light.

After sailing for most of the day, the fishermen were also a bit lazy. After a simple lunch, they slept in the afternoon, half-sitting and half-leaning on the ground.

Some people might not have slept all night, always thinking about setting off for Zhejiang Province early this morning, their minds disturbed. After lunch, it was just right for a nap.

And Ye Yaodong also took turns with his father. After steering for more than 4 hours, they were almost at the edge of their city's range. Next, they still had to cross another city to reach the Zhejiang-Fujian border.

Reaching the Zhejiang-Fujian border could be considered approaching the destination.

His father was also worried and didn't covet fishing. After lunch, he directly took over the job of steering the boat.

Ye Yaodong was also happy to be relaxed.

He looked at the fishing boats beside and behind him. The distance between everyone was not large, and they were following closely behind.

The horsepower of his family's fishing boat was not turned to the maximum. After all, there were so many boats behind, so he had to take care of other fishing boats with less horsepower.

However, while sailing and rushing on the road, the horsepower could not be as small as the kind used for daily trawling operations.

At 3-5 nautical miles per hour, it would probably take a day or two to arrive.

Their current speed, according to the favorable wind and water today, was about 10-14 nautical miles per hour. If there were no unexpected events, they would probably arrive by evening.

After leaning on the side of the boat and watching for a while, he intended to pick up the fishing rod his father had just put down. Who knew that A Guang, this bastard, had already taken advantage of the situation and started fishing. ===== CHAPTER 914 =====