Capítulo 342: Chapter 342: The Most Popular Island Resident of the Year
Boats shuttled back and forth on the sea, the waves they stirred up splashing against the hulls as if an invisible hand gently wiped away the regrets and flaws of the vessels, protecting the fishermen for a safe and bountiful new year.
Chen Jianhai and the old man in the undershirt stood at the bow, chatting from the island's customs to the gossip of the islanders. Eventually, tired from standing, they each took a small stool and sat on the boat, pointing at the sea and discussing grand plans. Meanwhile, the old man's son diligently piloted the boat.
Looking at the old man's undershirt, Chen Jianhai reached out and touched it, enviously saying, "Where can I buy this shirt? I want to wear it too."
The old man slapped Chen Jianhai's hand away and solemnly said, "This is an exclusive shirt for the island, only islanders can wear it."
After speaking, the old man tentatively asked, "How about joining our island? Move your household registration here, and I'll give you my shirt right away."
Chen Jianhai glared at him fiercely. "Tui! If you don't want to give me the shirt, just say so! Stingy old man!"
From noon until sunset, they kept chatting. Unfortunately, the islanders' songs and prayers didn't clear the overcast sky; it remained gloomy and grey. The sea wind stirred up waves, causing the boat to rock.
Though it wasn't the lead boat, Xiao Lang captured the scene and sent it to Xu Bo, who was quite envious.
At night, the lights on the fishing boats lit up. The scattered fishing lights gathered like stars reflected in the sea, spreading a soft glow in the shimmering waves.
The roar of the engine filled their ears, yet it felt as if the boat had come to a standstill. "Has the boat stopped?" Chen Jianhai looked at the dark sea and curiously asked.
"For the first catch of the new year, we're going to fish here," the old man replied, pulling out a fishing net from the boat.
The old man's son came out from the cockpit, carrying a pot and bowls, setting up a small table, seemingly ready for a meal. As fishermen living on the island, they knew the fertile and productive sea areas well.
Seeing the old man ready to cast the net, Chen Jianhai became interested, leaning over the side, "Last time, I caught some small squids. They had a lot of ink!"
The old man rolled his eyes at him, "Small squids…tsk tsk tsk, that's all you've got!" He then lifted the silver fishing net, which shimmered in the light, and gently spread it over the sea.
Other boats also cast their nets, fishing for the first catch of the new year. Not for profit, but for sustenance. The fish caught would be eaten entirely on the boat before they could return to the island, symbolizing respect for the sea and sustainable living.
Chen Jianhai joined in the fun, casting the net and catching a few small fish. A warm bowl of fresh fish soup, accompanied by steamed rice, quickly dispelled the chill of the sea night. The hard work of the day felt worthwhile because of that bowl of fish soup.
"Are you full?" The old man asked Chen Jianhai after finishing his fish soup.
Chen Jianhai, stuffing his mouth with rice, nodded vigorously. "Great! If we're full, let's set off!" The old man checked his watch, waved his right hand, and the boat slowly turned, heading towards the island's dock.
They say people get sleepy after eating. Chen Jianhai, with a full stomach, yawned and slumped on his small stool. Next to him, the old man quietly sat, his head drooping, and soon snoring softly. The daytime authority had faded, leaving only old age and fatigue.
"People really can't handle much as they get older," Chen Jianhai muttered, taking out his phone to snap a candid photo of the old man, planning to post it in the island group later for a bit of fun.
After about 40 minutes, they finally saw the dock in the distance. Chen Jianhai stretched his sore muscles, the discomfort of his tall frame cramped on the small stool evident. Although he hadn't done much, staying on the boat all day was tiring. Now, he just wanted to take a hot shower and enjoy his phone in bed.
"Hey? Why are there so many people at the dock?" Suddenly, Chen Jianhai noticed a crowd at the dock, feeling a bit panicked.
"Do we have an event tonight?" he asked.
"There's a small performance," the old man replied.
Chen Jianhai was stunned. "Wow…this island's New Year celebrations are really something. This will go on until late!" Though he thought so, he quickly tidied his hair to look more presentable.
"On celebration day, the men go out to sea, and the women tidy up the houses. After dinner, everyone gathers at the dock for a small celebration," the old man explained, jumping off the boat and walking ahead.
"Take your time, no rush," he added.
"Got it, old man," Chen Jianhai replied, following slowly.
Not long after, Xiao Lang stumbled off a nearby boat, wiping drool from his chin and yawning. "Brother!" Xiao Lang's eyes lit up when he saw Chen Jianhai, rushing over like a monkey. "I'm so bored today. Let's play games tonight!"
Chen Jianhai sighed, "What games? There's still a performance!"
Xiao Lang was shocked, "It's not over yet?"
As they talked, a bright fire suddenly lit up on the beach. The sweet scent of burning incense and the gentle sound of a guitar filled the air.
Chen Jianhai stopped in his tracks. On the beach, dozens of island children stood in the middle of the crowd, hand in hand, singing earnestly. In front of them, the woman in the white dress from earlier waved her hands, conducting.
Islanders on either side applauded enthusiastically as Chen Jianhai and Xiao Lang approached. The old man stood before the children's choir, holding something, smiling at them.
"Brother, what's happening?" Xiao Lang whispered, "Why does this feel like a wedding, with the groom greeting the bride?"
Chen Jianhai wanted to kick him. This is no time for jokes!
They nervously walked up to the old man. The old man smiled and announced, "Chen Jianhai, after a unanimous vote by our islanders, I hereby declare you the most popular island resident of the year!"
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