When they had first started back, they had remarked that the sky was getting a little dark. But halfway home, they could clearly feel the waves beginning to churn. The boat rocked harder, and the wind over the sea picked up. Coastal weather could be unpredictable.
"The wind's picking up again."
"Mm. Good thing I didn't let you steer. Go stay in the cabin. It might pour in a bit."
"Let me take over. Give me the compass. I can get us home."
"Go on, get inside. I don't need you taking us the wrong way and wasting time until we get caught in the rain." Father Ye pushed him aside without giving him a say, then increased the throttle.
Ye Yaodong could only retreat helplessly into the cabin.
Dark clouds blotted out the sun, and the sky rapidly dimmed. It was only a little past three, not even four, but it looked almost as dark as six or seven in the evening. A streak of lightning flashed across the horizon, briefly lighting everything before it darkened again.
Father Ye was also afraid of a sudden downpour. There was greater danger out at sea, and natural disasters were what he feared most. He concentrated on finding their way back, hoping to reach shore before the heavy rain began.
But after successive flashes of lightning, accompanied by rumbling thunder, fat raindrops came pattering down.
It had not rained for over a month. Who would have thought the first rain would be such a heavy one?
Rain fell on Father Ye, soaking him from head to toe in no time. It grew heavier and gradually blurred his vision, but he remained standing straight, controlling the boat's course.
Watching from the cabin, Ye Yaodong kept frowning. His father was far too stubborn about