She Knew

The tide had begun to rise, so Father Zhou said to Jiang Xia, "Call Doctor Ruan and the others. It's time to go! The tide's coming in!"

"Okay."

Zhou Chenglei put the Fishing Net back on the tractor, then returned to Jiang Xia's side, picked up the two buckets of fish she had gathered, placed them in the Bamboo Basket, and carried them back on his shoulder.

Jiang Xia pulled Zhou Zhou and Zhou Ying along to call Ruan Tang. "Doctor Ruan, let's go! The tide's coming in!"

"Okay!" Ruan Tang answered, then reminded the woman, "Remember to go to the hospital for a checkup. From your pulse, I can tell you may have some heart problems. It'll be safer to get examined."

"Okay. No wonder I always feel tightness in my chest. Thank you, Doctor Ruan."

Ruan Tang turned to everyone and said, "The tide's coming in, so I'm leaving. Everyone, hurry back to shore too! If we get the chance, I'll examine you again sometime."

Once the tide came in, they had to leave. They were still a long way from shore.

If they didn't hurry, it would be too dangerous.

Everyone dared not delay and began making their way back.

Ruan Tang came over to Jiang Xia's side.

Zhou Chengsen approached with a shoulder pole bearing two baskets of fish, and his and Ruan Tang's eyes met again despite themselves.

Zhou Chengsen smiled at Ruan Tang. "The villagers are awfully enthusiastic, aren't they?"

He had already regained his calm composure, as though Great-Grandmother's teasing had never happened.

Ruan Tang nodded. "They are."

She had been worried it would be awkward, but with a man like him, as long as he was willing, he would never let the other person feel awkward.

It wasn't awkward, but it was