Father Ye set down his bowl and chopsticks and answered, "I need to take it to the Typhoon Shelter now."
The boat had only just been repaired. It was their family's prized possession, and they could not afford to let anything happen to it.
Although past experience suggested that there would not be a very strong typhoon this early in July, it was better to be careful. They could not afford the risk.
"Dad, let me come with you!"
"Trying to get out of work?" Father Ye gave him a sidelong glance.
"What? Of course not! Haven't you seen how hardworking I've been these past few days? The Typhoon Shelter shouldn't be far. Take me along to have a look, and teach me how to steer the boat on the way."
The Typhoon Shelter was in their town's waters and really was quite close. There was no reason not to take him along for a look. After a moment's thought, Father Ye nodded his agreement.
Ye Yaodong followed Father Ye to take the boat out, while everyone else went to work at the Homestead as usual. There was no sign of any effect on land. The sun still hung high in the sky, and there was not even a breeze.
Only after boarding the boat did he feel that a typhoon really was coming. Waves churned across the sea, throwing up layer after layer of spray.
Many little wooden boats only a few meters long were floating on the sea too, calling to mind the solitary skiffs of ancient times.
The boatmen were putting all their strength into sculling, presumably heading for the Typhoon Shelter. Watching them, Ye Yaodong felt nervous on their behalf, afraid a wave would wash in and capsize their boats. Fortunately, his family's boat was larger,