"These fish aren't worth anything!" Ye Chenghai had little interest in fish this small.
"They aren't, but we can use them to make fish sauce. Fish sauce made from anchovies is salty and savory, really tasty. It's perfect for dipping taro in."
Fish sauce was a very popular seasoning in their area, an ancient condiment in coastal regions. It was indispensable in Teochew cuisine, Fujian cuisine, and Southeast Asian cooking alike.
If he hadn't wanted to take them home to make fish sauce, he wouldn't have bothered scooping up these worthless little fish. Some weren't even as long as his palm.
Fortunately, the fish crowded over eagerly, saving him any effort. A casual scoop brought up a netful.
"Hold the flashlight steady. Don't wave it around. Just shine it on the water in front of me, and they'll swim over themselves."
"Oh." Ye Chenghai stopped shining the flashlight everywhere and focused it in front of Ye Yaodong again.
His lack of interest didn't mean Lin Guangyuan wasn't interested.
To someone from the mountains, everything by the sea was a novelty. The schools of fish scrambling toward shore kept drawing his eyes, leaving him itching to have a go.
"Little Maternal Uncle, are you tired? Are your arms sore? Let me help. Take a break. Don't wear yourself out..."
"Hahaha! Have you never seen fish before?" Ye Chenghai laughed beside him.
"Obviously, I-"
Ye Yaodong gave him a speechless look. "If you're so eager to work, take over!"
He happened to be tired of doing it anyway. It was hard on his back!
He needed to save his back for when it mattered!
"Sure!"
Lin Guangyuan excitedly rolled up his trouser legs and jogged over to take the hand net from him. Gripping the mouth of the sack, he scooped with