Chapter 253: Opponent

Wu An entered the main hall; Father, elder brother and A Qing were playing Fight the Landlord. Father and son acted improperly, teaming up to bully A Qing, and he laughed heartily.

A Qing's technique is lacking; he shouts but does not laugh.

Even when he loses, he's still cheerful.

Someone dropped by for a chat.

Ordinarily Li Juan's home isn't this bustling; after all, a widow's door invites gossip.

Everyone came to chat, mostly because of Wu An.

Everyone wondered how Wu An had come back safely, and asked: "A An, with such huge waves at sea, how did you avoid them?"

A Qing, hearing this, got excited and wanted to show off, but Wu An pressed him down, not letting him get up, and said with a smile: "Of course we found a sheltered harbor."

"I didn't just save a person; it was Lao Fu Tou of Shangwancun."

"He's an old fisherman, very familiar with the sea conditions, and he led us to find an island."

"The island looks like it's embraced by people."

"We hid inside it, and it's steadier than the village dock."

Everyone suddenly understood.

"I know that island."

"We pass by it when going out to sea, but we've never gotten close."

"That's right, there are many reefs there."

Wu An again pressed A Qing; "Good luck, plus Lao Fu Tou was steering—he's experienced enough that he could sail with his eyes closed."

"So that's how it is."

"It sounds okay enough."

"You must have water in your brain; A An saying that is just them being modest—don't talk about such huge waves, try sailing through calm waters yourself."

"I'm just looking for trouble."

"Then that's settled."

Someone also quietly asked Wu An whether the boat needed more hands.

Wu An indicated they weren't short-handed.

Others also asked where they dropped their crab pots and longlines; Wu An gave a vague answer, joking, "Is this something you can just talk about?"

"Frankly, these aren't questions you should ask!"

"If it weren't for the fact that the asker's relationship is okay, he wouldn't even give them a pleasant look."

He guessed that everyone wasn't really just coming to chat.

"Everyone had their own motives."

Wu Yingwei was playing cards, squinting while smoking; he seemed not to be looking, but actually he was silently paying attention, seeing that Wu An handled things well, his mouth corners involuntarily rose.

"Indeed, he's my son."

"Steady, down-to-earth, not at all ostentatious."

"Not bad."

"Not bad."

Wu Yingwei was praising in his heart, not even sure who he was praising.

That person didn't get anything out of it, still a bit displeased; after saying just a couple of sentences, without Wu An saying anything, others chimed in with a few barbs; the person, finding it boring, snorted twice and left.

Li Juan came to say it's time to eat.

Those who had come to chat also dispersed.

Today there weren't many flying insects, and the weather was cool, so they simply set up a table under the shade.

They also lit mosquito coils around, just in case.

Various seafood, hearty chicken and duck dishes filled a table; some dishes had to be stacked to fit, and the aromas of food and wine intertwined and spread.

Not only the men drank; Mei Yueqin, Li Juan, and the neighboring aunt also had some homemade rice wine.

Nearby people heard the laughter and merriment from the courtyard, thinking that this widow's household hadn't been this lively in a long time.

They ate and drank until past eight in the evening.

After the meal, Wu Yingwei and Wu Ping had flushed faces from drink, but were still fairly sober; having eaten and drunk their fill, they didn't linger long.

Mei Yueqin didn't leave; she helped clean up.

A Qing and Wu An also followed along.

These two brothers also brought some side dishes, planning to go back to the old house for another drink; frankly, drinking with family isn't fully satisfying.

Just as they stepped out, Wu An sent a message to Gu Anran saying he was drunk.

A Qing, carrying the dishes, glanced over, saw it, and asked: "Brother, how are you deceiving people?"

Wu An spoke righteously: "Nonsense, how can talking about love be called deceit?"

They walked to the small shop.

Wu An intended to buy some cigarettes and alcohol; although he doesn't smoke, he always carries cigarettes on him, and today he met many people, handing them all out.

He needed to restock.

He greeted Lao Jiang, grabbed a pack of cigarettes and two bottles of liquor, and said he'd deliver two cases of liquor to the old house once Lao Jiang was free.

Lao Jiang cheerfully agreed.

Wu An saw there was chewing gum and took a box.

Green Arrow.

Fresh breath, bringing us closer.

Wu An felt it was a good omen and decisively bought it.

Just as they were speaking, a series of continuous footsteps came from the Gate, followed by four or five youths pulling back the curtain and walking in.

A An.

What a coincidence.

Wu An turned his head and saw Mao Wang and Shen Nan and the others.

They were all Village peers about his age, the oldest only three or four years older; Shen Nan wasn't the oldest, nor high in seniority, but it was clear these people all followed Shen Nan.

Wu An nodded and returned a greeting.

He didn't pay attention to Shen Nan, but gave Mao Wang a few more looks; he had heard the kid had been cooped up at home for two days, and now couldn't get out?

Mao Wang, being stared at, lowered his head unnaturally.

"Today the Village has been talking about you; lately you haven't been short of showing off," said Shen Nan, with a smile on his face.

Wu An looked at his forced smile and said, "Almost died in the sea; with that kind of show‑off, whoever wants to, go ahead."

"Then, I've bought it, I'll make room for you."

"If I linger and delay you buying things, Elder Jiang will probably chase me away."

He stepped forward and went out.

Shen Nan said, "We have nothing else; Mao Wang also plans to go out to work. Since we grew up together, I've set up a gathering, as a chance for Mao Wang to practice."

Wu An frowned and looked at Mao Wang.

Mao Wang seemed to lower his head even more.

What is this guy feeling guilty about?

Wu An thought for a moment and suddenly realized, Mao Wang, the ultimate sycophant, might be going to find Shen Fang!

Damn!

He cursed silently in his heart, then said aloud, "Fine."

Kind words can't persuade that damned ghost.

It got to this point, and Mao Wang still wants a "wife‑chasing crematorium"; what can the others say, maybe once he's out, seeing flowers and plants, Mao Wang might change his ways.

At the Gate, after all they grew up together, regardless of how close or good their ties, they were still childhood friends; A Qing patted Mao Wang's shoulder, said "Bon voyage," and hurried to catch up with Wu An.

Shen Nan watched, his brow slightly furrowed, and muttered softly, "Hard to deal with…"

"Shen Nan, what are you muttering about?"

"Nothing, Elder Jiang, a piece of Hua... and..." Shen Nan bought a bunch of things.

The people beside them watched Wu An walking away and couldn't help snickering.

"We did grow up together, Wu An is really cold to us."

"Indeed, far colder than Shen Nan."

"Mao Wang wants to go work, but in the end it's thanks to Wu An's blessing."

"Enough, say a few fewer words."

"I'm not a coward; it's just luck that made money. If I had his luck, I could go too."

"Lucky? That's nothing; you need skill."

"A An is the one who handles big matters."

"A An, from now on we'll just hang out with you."

Shen Nan paid, turned back and smiled, "Whether you follow me or not, we're childhood friends; when there's money we naturally earn it together."

"As for A An, you all say a few fewer words."

"Everyone has their own aspirations."

Everyone pursed their lips and muttered, "He's just arrogant."

"Just got into university, what's so lofty about that."

"Now he's not like us."

"That's it..."

Usually hearing everyone say that, Shen Nan was quite happy, but today, for some reason, he felt uneasy.

Thinking of Wu An's indifferent attitude toward him, he couldn't help to think.

He regarded Wu An as a rival and had already subtly meddled once.

But Wu An…

Did he consider him a rival?