Chapter 266: Concern

Chapter 266: Chapter 266: Concern

Whenever their parents set sail on another long voyage, they would leave with heavy hearts, repeatedly urging the boys to stay safely at home. The two brothers were told to support and look after each other, eat their meals properly, and go to bed on time. More importantly, they were warned never to run wild or cause trouble.

But the two brothers were well-behaved and considerate. Seeing their parents toil day in and day out just to put food on the table, they felt a pang of guilt and constantly looked for ways to contribute to the family. Consequently, once they were a little older, they began joining the adults out on the water whenever the shores were bustling with daytime activity.

Naturally, knowing they were still young and inexperienced, they never recklessly ventured out into the open sea. Instead, they kept to the shallows near the coastline. This way, the people on shore could keep an eye on them at all times. If an emergency arose and they needed to cry for help, their voices would easily carry back to land. Furthermore, they were surrounded by a multitude of experienced fishermen. Should anything go awry, a single shout would bring plenty of willing hands to their aid.

True to form, the two brothers were currently following the crowd out to sea in high spirits.

After spending some time with the locals, Ling Qianfan had grown quite familiar with everyone. He smiled and chimed in effortlessly. "That’s right, we just finished putting these bamboo rafts together! Come on, take a look. What do you think of our handiwork?" As he spoke, he tilted his chin up slightly. The expectant look on his face made him resemble a child eagerly awaiting praise.

Hearing this, the two brothers immediately turned their attention to the two bamboo rafts, examining them carefully. After a moment, they exchanged a glance before simultaneously shooting Ling Qianfan a thumbs-up. "These rafts are exceptionally well-made!" they praised in unison.

Ling Qianfan thrilled at the compliment, his eyebrows practically dancing with excitement. Still, he feigned modesty, waving a hand. "Oh, they’re just alright. Nothing special." However, anyone could easily see through his act to the smug, irrepressible grin beneath.

Just then, the sharp-eyed brothers noticed the fish swimming inside Hua Buwan’s basket. Every single one was plump and lively, occasionally thrashing against the woven bamboo. Their curiosity piqued, the boys craned their necks and eagerly leaned in for a closer look.

"Wow, what fat fish!" one of them gasped in awe.

"Yeah!" the other chimed in. "They’d make a spectacularly delicious fish head soup!"

Hua Buwan stood nearby, watching them with a gentle, affectionate smile. "I’m sure you two will catch even bigger and fatter fish later!" she said warmly.

Delighted by her encouragement, the brothers thanked her in unison, "Thank you, Sister Wan!" With that, they paddled off without hesitation, rowing vigorously toward deeper waters.

It was common knowledge that the depths of the ocean teemed with a greater abundance of large fish, but the accompanying risks were equally immense.