A-Zheng and Xiao Xiao each took another turn diving, bringing their total to three dives apiece.
Xiao Xiao had come up empty on his first dive, while A-Zheng had caught two sea cucumbers. On their next two dives, both had done quite well, coming up with their mesh bags stuffed full, though abalone still made up the bulk of the catch.
After they came up, Ye Yaodong went down once more himself. Of course, whatever he gathered belonged to him.
Looking at the catch in their baskets, A-Zheng said gleefully, "Looks like there should be thirty jin here, plus a few sea cucumbers and small green lobsters."
"Who would've thought there were so many abalone down there? This place really is a treasure trove."
A-Zheng rubbed his hands together excitedly too. Both men were soaking wet, but neither cared in the slightest. They were too busy being happy.
"I wonder if there's this much stuff underwater in other places too?"
"Who knows? Who would dive to the seabed unless they had to? There's a reason abalone and sea cucumbers are expensive. Pen shells are easier-they don't necessarily grow on the seabed. You might even find them at the low-tide line."
"Dongzi, tell me honestly. Have you been burning incense for good luck?"
"What do you mean, burning incense? My ancestors are blessing me with incredible luck, all right? From now on, everything's going to go smoothly for me-good fortune all around, a flourishing official career, promotion after promotion, money pouring in..."
"Enough, enough. Shut your mouth. Stop showing off what you learned in those few days at the Literacy Class." These days, just hearing him speak gave Father Ye a headache. He really thought he was an educated man. Once he was done boasting, he started showing off.
Xiao Xiao