Chapter 6

After having dinner, Wei Hang did not immediately join the crowd by the sea. At this time, the beach was bustling with activity, and some people even set up wires and large lights to shine out to sea to prevent any accidents.

At this time, Wei Hang searched for some diving equipment online for use the next day. There was no oxygen tank, but he could stay underwater for a long time, though it might be hard to explain. Therefore, he decided to buy an oxygen tank, a snorkel, and a diving mask. This way, he could stay underwater for a long time without arousing suspicion.

The oxygen tank cost over 700 yuan, and with the other items, it totaled nearly a thousand. Such behavior was hard to understand in a fishing village. Everyone knew these things were useful, but they were reluctant to spend so much money.

When Wei Hang arrived at the beach, he saw many people who greeted him, making him feel a bit overwhelmed. He understood that his high-priced purchases and generous actions towards the villagers had won him their favor.

"Those who studied outside are different. They have connections. It looks like the Wei family is going to prosper."

"Yes! At first, everyone misunderstood little Hang."

"The buyers in town are too unfair. They only give us seven or eight yuan per pound for crabs, but they sell them for twenty to thirty yuan outside."

...

Some women were searching for crabs that had climbed ashore, chattering away.

The men were out in wooden boats, setting nets in the nearby sea, leaving the elderly, women, and children on the shore to wait or collect crabs that had come ashore at night. The children played on the beach, their laughter and shouts filling the air. They were always the happiest people, not yet burdened by the difficulties of life.

The cool sea breeze carried a hint of the sea's unique saltiness. Wei Hang walked along the beach, searching for his sister and mother with his eyes.

Soon, he saw them by a large light, talking to a mother and daughter. Seeing them, Wei Hang's heart tightened, and he almost turned to run.

"Xiao Hang, come over here," his mother called out, spotting him immediately.

Wei Hang had no choice but to walk over, forcing a smile as he greeted the mother and daughter. "Aunt Xu, hello. Xue Ru, it's been a long time!"

The two figures were indeed the previously mentioned tofu lady, Xu Jing, and her eldest daughter, Zhang Xue Ru. Both had skin as white as tofu. Due to overwork, Xu Jing, who was not old, had a few strands of white hair. As for Zhang Xue Ru, she had matured a lot and was as full-figured as her mother. According to his mother, such a girl would be good at bearing children.

Xu Jing smiled kindly at Wei Hang, examining the young man with growing satisfaction. They were from the same village, and she had practically watched him grow up, knowing his character and personality.

"Xiao Hang, it's been a long time since you visited Auntie's house. Xue Ru has been back for a few days," Xu Jing said with a smile. She didn't want her daughter to miss out on such a good match. Her eldest daughter was a bit weak, and she didn't want her to marry a rough man who might mistreat her.

"Brother Hang, how are you?" Zhang Xue Ru asked shyly, her face still flushed, making her look particularly alluring. Wei's mother had almost treated her like a daughter-in-law, and the inexperienced Zhang Xue Ru's heart had been racing. Seeing Wei Hang made her even more nervous.

Glancing at his sister who was making faces, Wei Hang smiled awkwardly. "Aunt, I've been studying and working outside. I'll definitely come more often to eat tofu pudding."

Then, he turned to Zhang Xue Ru. "You've gained twenty to thirty pounds since last time."

"Go for a walk around, you two! You don't have to stay with us," Wei's mother immediately created an opportunity for her son, showing her eagerness.

As a man, Wei Hang knew he had to take the initiative.

"Let's go over there," he said, leading Zhang Xue Ru away as if escaping.

"Brother! Sister Ru, wait for me," Wei Lan, who didn't want to stay with her mother, called out.

Just as she was about to step out, her mother pulled her back. "Where are you going? Stay here with us." This was a bit unreasonable, as she had just said the young people didn't need to stay with her, but now she wanted her daughter to stay.

Seeing her daughter's reluctance, Wei's mother relented. "Forget it, go play, but don't go to your brother."

Walking along the beach, Wei Hang and Zhang Xue Ru were both silent, both inexperienced in dating and unsure how to break the ice.

"Xue Ru, where have you been working these past few years?" Wei Hang finally spoke.

"I've been in Zhuhai. It's by the sea, but much more prosperous than here."

"Yes, they have advantages we can't match. Do you plan to go back?"

This question made Zhang Xue Ru very nervous and conflicted. On one hand, she really liked Wei Hang and was afraid he didn't like her. Her affection for him had started when they were young, and even Wei Hang didn't know. Back then, he had always been at the top of his class, admired by many girls, and she was one of them, though her feelings weren't very strong.

On the other hand, she wanted to stay, as the outside world, though bustling, made her feel incredibly lonely.

However, her sister's tuition fees forced her to leave. On one side was her future, and on the other was her sister's. She didn't know how to choose or answer Wei Hang's question.

After a while, seeing Zhang Xue Ru still hadn't responded, Wei Hang felt a bit disheartened, thinking she preferred the outside world. He thought to himself, "Yes, young people all like the outside world. Only someone like me, who doesn't strive for progress, would want to escape."

"Going outside does offer more opportunities and a brighter future," Wei Hang said a bit stiffly, as if mocking himself or trying to ease Zhang Xue Ru's tension.

Girls are generally more perceptive and sensitive to tone. Zhang Xue Ru seemed to understand what Wei Hang was trying to convey, feeling a bit flustered.

"I don't like the outside world. My mother also wants me to stay. But staying in the village means limited income, and I don't know how to pay for my sister's tuition," Zhang Xue Ru explained hurriedly, caring deeply about Wei Hang's opinion.

Hearing this, Wei Hang was slightly shaken and felt a bit ashamed.

"Stay then! I promise I'll help you earn enough for your sister's tuition," Wei Hang turned to look at Zhang Xue Ru, speaking earnestly. On one hand, he had a liking for her; on the other, he felt sorry for her, knowing how hard it was for a girl to leave her hometown to earn a living.

Zhang Xue Ru nodded instinctively, agreeing, as if afraid Wei Hang would change his mind. She felt a subtle, indescribable joy.

Dear readers, the collection is quite bleak!

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