The night stretched on. Outside, a cool breeze blew gently, while inside, everything seethed with heat. Even the moon blushed and hid behind the clouds.
Early the next morning, after breakfast, the couple left their three children to go to school and play on their own, then slipped away by themselves.
Carrying a bucket, Ye Yaodong whistled as he walked toward where his boat was moored. The wind along the shore was rather strong. Although it was not yet time for padded jackets, he had put one on before leaving, worried about the wind at sea. Now he actually felt a little hot.
He tugged at his collar and fanned himself a few times, then turned to hurry her along. "Come on, are you ready yet? I told you to put your hat and scarf on before we left, but you insisted on waiting until we reached the pier. Afraid people won't get to see your stunning beauty?"
Lin Xiuqing jogged along, wrapping the scarf around her face and head, then put on her hat to hold it in place so it would not fall off.
"What nonsense are you talking about? I was worried people would think I looked strange walking down the road all bundled up! Nothing good ever comes out of that mouth of yours. Every time you speak, you annoy me. I'm not going."
She stamped her foot angrily and made to turn back. Ye Yaodong hurried over to catch her, smiling apologetically. "Don't! I was wrong. My wife's so pretty, you shouldn't cover up at all. Show everyone your face so they can see what a real beauty looks like."
Lin Xiuqing immediately laughed at his teasing and slapped him twice. "Get on the boat already. Stop standing there running your mouth."
"Don't I have