The scorching summer sun made even the cicadas listless, their chirps few and far between.
Blazing sunlight beat down on miles of tidal flats, distorting the air with waves of heat. The hot, salty sea breeze carried a searing sting, yet such weather couldn't deter the fishermen who lived by the sea.
After the tide receded, the tidal flats revealed a bounty of treasures waiting to be discovered. Each small treasure unearthed brought elation to the fishermen, as it was the fuel for their survival.
"Haochen, it's the sixteenth today, a major low tide. No need to rush out so early, it's too hot," Li Dehai said, his brow furrowed with concern as he watched Li Haochen approach with a bamboo basket for small clams.
"It's alright, Uncle. The earlier we go, the more we can find. The clams and whelks are fetching a good price now," Li Haochen replied with a slight smile.
"Haochen, don't overexert yourself. My money isn't urgent, you know?" Li Dehai was quite worried about Li Haochen's excessive diligence.
"Uncle, I'm heading off now."
After bidding farewell to Li Dehai, Li Haochen quickened his pace, soon arriving at a vast stretch of sea within Li Family Village. Several figures were already scouring the tidal flats.
It was evident that these figures were from families facing financial difficulties in Li Family Village. Li Haochen entered the tidal flats, nodded a greeting to a few of them, and then moved away from their area.
This season was the peak time for harvesting whelks, and the hottest days were the best for catching them. Driven by the heat, the whelks emerged from the mud to breathe, their long, slender forms bringing a smile to Li Haochen's face.
"Heh, not bad. What the books say is true; the early bird catches the worm. In just a short while, I've got almost half a basket. Even at two yuan a jin, it's pretty good."
An hour later, Li Haochen joyfully carried his full basket of whelks ashore. Several second-hand dealers were already waiting to purchase them.
"Haochen, you've already got a full basket? You're truly diligent!" Li Zijian admired Li Haochen's industriousness.
Li Haochen smiled and said nothing, pouring the whelks into the scale's basket.
"Uncle Zijian, just note it down. I'll settle up later."
With that, Li Haochen returned to the tidal flats, only to find the entire area teeming with people.
"Looks like I can't pick whelks anymore. I'll dig for clams instead!"
Li Haochen plunged his small clam-digger into the soft sea mud, pulling back to work the tool.
"Clang!"
A crisp collision sound reached his ears. Li Haochen pressed the clam-digger down, then quickly lifted it, a clam as wide as a chicken egg landing in his hand. It was as white as refined mutton fat, making it irresistible. Li Haochen smiled in satisfaction and continued to dig for the hidden treasures of the sea, bending his waist.
Unbeknownst to him, the searing sun had donned its deep orange cloak, and waves of seawater rushed towards the shore.
"Time to head back...!"
Li Haochen straightened his back, stretched, and with his basket full, strode happily towards the shore.
"Sizzle...!"
"Huh? Water jets?"
After just a few steps, he noticed several small water jets spouting not far ahead, drawing his attention.
Locking onto their direction, Li Haochen waded through the tide.
"Such a large clam? That's rare."
Li Haochen dug out the clam, which was the size of a mixing bowl. As if startled, it quickly snapped shut, playfully dousing Li Haochen with a mouthful of salty, natural beverage.
"You pesky thing, I'll stew you when I get back."
...
"Wow, Haochen, your luck has been really good lately. This basket of clams must be twenty jin or so!"
"Auntie, take some back to cook soup. They're quite fresh," Li Haochen said a little bashfully.
"Heh, no need. Auntie dug up some too, it's enough. And don't push yourself too hard."
"Mm, I know. I'll take these to Uncle Zijian to weigh now."
Li Zijian's eyes widened with surprise as Li Haochen brought another full basket of clams.
"Haochen, you've dug up all the clams on the tidal flats, haven't you? Haha!" Li Zijian chuckled. "Oh, and what a big old clam this is. Are you selling this one?"
"No, Uncle Zijian. The meat of this old clam is tough and not worth much. I'll take it home to make soup," Li Haochen said, selecting out some smaller clams and whelks, placing them along with the large clam into the basket.
"Haochen, it's 395 in total. Let's round it up to 400 for you. Here you go."
Li Haochen accepted the money with a happy "Thank you, Uncle Zijian!" without feigning refusal.
...
Upon returning home, Li Haochen immediately took the small clams and whelks into his personal space, scattering them into the sea. He then went to check on the sea snails he had placed in the rock crevices a few days prior.
"Good, they've all survived. I hope you'll bring me some surprises in the future."
Emerging from his space, Li Haochen picked up the clam and said with a smile, "Old fellow, you were quite feisty earlier. Let's see if brother can deal with you today."
Li Haochen took a small knife and poked it into the seam at the back of the clam. The clam, as if sensing pain, opened a slight gap in its tightly shut shell, releasing some viscous fluid.
Li Haochen grinned triumphantly. Gripping both ends with his hands, he exerted all his strength to pry it open. The already heavily injured clam was no match for Li Haochen, and its shell slowly gave way.
"Crack~"
A crisp cracking sound shattered the clam's last vestiges of pride, revealing clam meat as white and tender as congealed fat, glistening invitingly.
Li Haochen grabbed the clam meat, holding his small knife, and began to cut towards the base of the meat.
"Huh? What are these hard bits?"
Li Haochen stopped cutting the meat, made a small incision in the flesh with his knife, and pressed with his finger.
Three round objects came into view, and instantly, Li Haochen was stunned, his heart pounding, his breathing rapid, his body trembling.
"Are… are these pearls?"
Li Haochen held the three pearls, each about the size of a little finger, in his hands. He was so excited he dared not breathe. Under the fading glow of the sunset, they emitted an alluring radiance that was utterly captivating.
"So beautiful. I hope you'll bring me a substantial profit."
Li Haochen made up his mind, quickly washed up, skipped dinner, and carefully wrapped the pearls securely in his old shoulder bag. He then took bus route 7 towards the bustling heart of the city – Wanda Plaza.
As the streetlights flickered on, the city center was vibrant and lively. Li Haochen gazed out through the bus window at the familiar yet unfamiliar downtown area, a wave of emotion washing over him.
"I really miss it. Three years, a thousand nights, and I never truly looked at you!"
"Attention passengers, Wanda Plaza has arrived. Please disembark from the rear door...!" A sweet announcement voice interrupted Li Haochen's reminiscence. He smiled slightly, clutched his shoulder bag, and stepped into the bustling city center.