The fisherwoman could only smile bitterly.
"I grew up by the sea, and all I learned was how to survive on the ocean. If I left the island, I don't know what I could do."
Tang Qiyue understood.
"What about your family? I mean your maternal family?"
Mentioning her maternal family made the fisherwoman's bitter smile vanish, leaving only numbness.
"I have no maternal family. I lost them the moment they sold me for a bag of beans!"
Tang Qiyue was speechless.
Perhaps because she had no one to confide in for so long, the fisherwoman began to recount her story.
Ten years ago, she was only eight. Her maternal family lived in a war-torn area, struggling through famine. Life was harsh, and the family had eight children, with her being the fifth. Middle children were often neglected, and being a quiet girl, she received little attention.
As her family traveled to escape the famine, the girls were sold one by one. When it was her turn, they encountered Aunt Hai and her family, who were heading inland for supplies.
Aunt Hai noticed the fisherwoman's long arms and legs—traits that suggested she could become an excellent swimmer. On the island, female divers were common, but not every family allowed their daughters to train, and survival was uncertain.
Aunt Hai had a daughter but didn't want her to become a diver. However, it was mandatory at the time, so she spent a sack of beans—just five pounds—to buy the fisherwoman. Though she claimed the girl would be her son's bride, in reality, she was a substitute for her daughter in diver training.
Despite this, the fisherwoman wasn't unhappy. Compared to being sold repeatedly, at least she had enough to eat on the island. She learned to go to sea, discovering abundant seafood, eating oysters, fish, and shrimp when Aunt Hai wasn't watching.
When she turned fifteen, Aunt Hai arranged for her son Biaozi to marry the fisherwoman.
Life seemed normal for a while. The first year, Biaozi treated her well, but by the second year, she hadn't conceived. Biaozi, a cowardly fisherman, was ridiculed in the village and drank heavily at home, marking the start of domestic violence.
He had beaten her for three years. If Tang Qiyue and others hadn't intervened, it would likely have continued.
The fisherwoman spoke with quiet despair:
"I've thought countless times about waiting for him to get drunk, coaxing him to the seaside, and then drowning him in the sea!"
She looked at Tang Qiyue.
"But I'm afraid the Sea Goddess will despise me, and then I won't receive her gifts anymore!"
Tears streamed down her face. Tang Qiyue didn't know what to say—she realized the fisherwoman only needed someone to be there and listen.
After crying, the fisherwoman calmed down, somewhat embarrassed, wiping away her tears.
"But things are better now. I heard from Sister Zheng that Biaozi will be executed. Once he's gone, my good days will start. I'm not leaving. I want to live here forever, watching my mother-in-law go mad. When I'm old, I'll join the Sea Goddess!"
Since the fisherwoman had made her choice, Tang Qiyue respected it.
Looking at the sun, she didn't linger. She told the fisherwoman that if any trouble arose, she could come to the family compound for help, then left.
The fisherwoman reminded her, "Today is the high tide. If you're going beachcombing, go early. You'll find rare things!"
Tang Qiyue acknowledged her advice. She had left early for the same reason—to collect items for her trading system.
The fisherwoman stayed behind; her health didn't allow her to go to the beach. She could venture into the sea later, and food wasn't a problem.
When Tang Qiyue left the village, she saw many carrying rakes and buckets toward the beach. She quickly ran to the family compound.
Her neighbor, Xu Qiuju, called out: "Sister-in-law, hurry! Everyone's going beachcombing—let's go too!"
Tang Qiyue joined Xu Qiuju and others, carrying her bucket. Adults and children from the compound filled the beach, even the one-eyed uncle had brought canteen staff.
The high tide was indeed unusual. As it receded, some couldn't wait and swam in the surf. Tang Qiyue was patient; her goal was rare finds for points.
While everyone else collected common seafood, Tang Qiyue used her trading system's scanning function, revealing hidden treasures. Each item she picked was valuable.
Engrossed in collecting, she didn't notice a boat docked nearby. Her bucket overflowed with seafood. Though her back ached, she was happy. She bent down to carry the bucket home, but someone grabbed it first.
Looking up, she saw Zhan Zeyi smiling.
"Wife, a good haul today!"
He held the bucket in one hand and Tang Qiyue's hand in the other. Yet his tone felt… odd.
"The big tide brings treasures! I got tons of sea cucumbers, a few fish, and even some giant conch!"
Tang Qiyue pointed to the bucket—it was her collection. But Zhan Zeyi didn't glance at it. Instead, he released her hand and hoisted her onto his shoulder.
"Let's go home!"
Suddenly lifted, Tang Qiyue screamed. Onlookers laughed—it was clear they found the scene amusing.
"Zhan Zeyi, are you crazy? Put me down!"
She pounded his shoulder, but he replied calmly:
"Behave, or I'll kiss you right here!"