Chapter 8, The Forgotten Time, Qi Yi in Present Continuous (Part 1)

The so-called "the pearl returns to He Pu" refers to the idea of things returning to their rightful owner, lost and then regained; or the notion of someone finding it hard to leave their homeland, departing and then returning. Cai Manxin squinted slightly, exhaling a long breath, "Belonging here, I will no longer leave."

Indeed, two years ago, when developing the tourism industry, I felt that the name "Tears Island" was too sorrowful during the promotional phase. Therefore, we solicited a new name, which means a pearl in the crescent-shaped inland sea. Cai Manxin explained, "In fact, if it weren't for that television series that became popular across the country, I would have preferred the name 'Returning the Pearl'.

Qi Yi nodded and said: "Do not drain the pond to catch fish, do not set fire to the forest to hunt; the Chinese have understood these principles since ancient times"

After lunch, Cai Manxin began to gather the items to be sent to Granny Lu. He Tianwei waved from the front desk, "Manxin, come here, what is the password for this hotel registration system?"

He Tianwei still wanted to say something, but upon seeing Qi Yi smiling beside him, he merely moved his lips without making a sound

"What a lazy girl, sleeping in even as the sun shines on her backside," Cai Manxin shook her head and walked over to pull down the curtains. Outside, Qi Yi was carrying a toolbox, walking across the grass towards the steps by the cliff.

Alright, alright. Cai Manxin stopped him, "Do you think this is writing a novel? If he is a gang member, then I have seen plenty of mafia bosses."

She said in the past: "Let's eat first, and then we can fix it later"

Did we not just talk about this a couple of days ago? Why do you ask every time?

The pace of life here is very slow. Cai Manxin smiled as she greeted the fruit farmers she passed by on the road, "Look at them, some people aspire to stand out, while others are content with delivering a few baskets of vegetables and fruits to the residents on the island every day. Their income may not be much, but it is enough to support their families, and in the afternoon, they go to the tea house by the street to drink tea and chat. Perhaps some might say they are not diligent or ambitious enough, but this is a place that can bring peace of mind. I really like it here because every day seems to be the same, as if time has stood still." She smiled and added, "That way I won't grow old, and of course, that makes me very happy!"

Qi Yi smiled: "Is this island now also called 'Hanzhu' Island?"

That being said, Pearl Island is indeed a nice name

She lifted her head, the tropical trees standing tall and straight, as if they could pierce through the low-hanging clouds above. Tiny circular spots of light scattered across her face, the scorching rays bringing a strong sense of presence, as if someone's fingertips had brushed against her cheek

Qi Yi's question took her by surprise, as if he had discerned the subtle sigh that had just sprouted from the depths of her heart

He Tianwei and Qi Yi's rooms are adjacent. Cai Manxin speculated that he was not speaking boastfully, and after a moment of contemplation, she said: "So what? It does not mean he has harmed others."

No," she shook her head slightly, "have you heard the story of the return of the pearls from Hepu?

It will be ready soon, otherwise there may be guests who get injured

"Well, what I just mentioned was recorded in the Book of the Later Han, but actually, I prefer another folk legend." Cai Manxin began to narrate, "It is said that in the White Dragon Sea near Hepu, there exists a rare and precious pearl. The emperor dispatched eunuchs to seize it, ordering the pearl divers to dive deep into the sea for pearls, leading to the suffering of the people. The skilled pearl diver Haisheng, with the help of the Pearl Princess, obtained the luminous pearl to save the countless pearl divers who had already suffered casualties. However, every time he reached Yangmei Ridge, three miles from the city, a white light would rise from the sea, and the precious pearl would return to the White Dragon Sea. The skilled pearl diver Haisheng, with the help of the Pearl Princess, obtained the luminous pearl to save the countless pearl divers who had already suffered casualties. However, every time he reached Yangmei Ridge, three miles from the city, a white light would rise from the sea, and the precious pearl would return to the White Dragon Sea. Later, the eunuch cut open his thigh and sewed the luminous pearl inside, believing that this would allow him to safely bring it back to the capital. However, unexpectedly, after passing Yangmei Ridge, a sudden thunderclap occurred, and the sea surface shone brightly, causing the luminous pearl to disappear once again. The eunuch, unable to report back, was consumed by anxiety, and his wound flared up, leading to his death." However, unexpectedly, after passing Yangmei Ridge, a sudden thunderclap occurred, and the sea surface shone brightly, causing the luminous pearl to disappear once again. The eunuch, unable to report back, was consumed by anxiety, and his wound flared up, leading to his death.

"Xiao Wei should be back soon; no matter how upset he is, he won't take it out on his stomach." Cai Manxin had no doubt about this.

How have you been these past few years

What should be done after logging in to confirm the guest's reservation

As the two conversed, they passed through the dandelion flower field at the center of the island, walked a short distance downhill, traversed the fragrant banana grove, and arrived at a flat clearing where an ancient little church stood tall

He just changed his clothes, and I saw it by accident

How do you know he is not? Have you seen his lower back?

"In front are all private villa areas," Cai Manxin pointed to the sign by the main road that read 'Hanzhu'. "Do not wander around recklessly; some of the houses don't even have walls, just some shrubs to mark the boundaries. Be careful not to stray too far, or a big dog might come and bite you!"

Wow, what a long scar, it looks very fierce! Don't tell me that was caused by cutting vegetables.

Turn off the light? Cai Manxin looked around, wondering where there was a light on, but it was merely the midday sun shining directly on her bed

"With such a memory, are you still in university?" Cai Manxin shook her head, walked over, and said, "I will demonstrate it for you once more!"

It is hard to guarantee that he is not a gang member, a master chef, does he need to train to develop six-pack or eight-pack abs

It's alright, I bought some things for Grandma Lu that day, and I will deliver them in the afternoon

You also say that I am lazy and gluttonous! What a case of good intentions being mistaken for foolishness! Even if he does not go to harm others, if he is pursued by enemies, we will also bring trouble upon ourselves! You do not know those gang members... He Tianwei felt frustrated to discover that ever since Qi Yi arrived, all his organs had turned into "foolishness" time and again.

Indeed, He Tianwei stood on the porch with a surfboard in hand, wearing a grim expression: "Where have you all been? Aren't you afraid of thieves coming?"

You only write novels, where have you seen it?

Better to be the one who has forgotten the past, better to not remember anything at all

There is also a grandson, A-Jun, who has been engaged in border trade, saying he wants to earn more money to support his grandmother in her old age; later, he enrolled in a night school at a language university in Hanoi, so he doesn't come back often. Fortunately, Grandma is in very good health, but..." She tapped her forehead, "My memory isn't very good."

Still asking, you only know how to have fun, Brother Qi has already repaired the steps. Let's go eat, this afternoon you stay at the shop honestly, I will take Qi Yi around to have a look.

"Oh, I want to take a look around the island." Qi Yi checked the other joints of the steps, pointed to the travel bag, which seemed very full, but deflated with a single slap. Upon opening it, there was only a single-lens reflex camera inside. "Can I have half a day off?"

Hello... why are you still carrying the travel bag

Under the clear sky, the sunlight is scorching. Fortunately, the island is lush with trees, and through the varying shades of green leaves, the shimmering blue ocean can be faintly seen. After walking for a while, the path forks at a corner; the main road continues to circle the island, while the branch leads into the interior of the island.

I have a general understanding

Because "I return the pearl to you, with tears streaming down my face, regretting that we did not meet before marriage"?" Qi Yi asked

I mean, after leaving your hometown, have you become accustomed to life here? These days seem quite leisurely, but will you grow weary of them over time? Tourists must certainly envy you, but are you truly happy yourself?" Seeing her hesitate, Qi Yi added.

Xiao Wei, why do you always treat others as wolves?

You take care of the store; running around is too tiring. Leave it to me.

During lunch, Tao Tao was still not awake. Cai Manxin went to call her, and she lazily turned over and said, "Sister Manxin, can I sleep a little longer? Could you please turn off the light?"

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is said that the Hepu County in the regions of Guangdong and Guangxi produced pearls. The pearl divers, under the oppression of officials, harvested pearls in large quantities. Due to overfishing, the local seas gradually ceased to produce pearl oysters. Later, a new governor named Meng Chang took office and put an end to the excessive harvesting. After some time, the pearl oysters began to reproduce, and the pearl industry was restored.

The old lady has no relatives left

Aren't you supposed to watch the store

"Of course I know," He Tianwei said, placing one hand on her shoulder and leaning in to whisper, "Just a reminder to be cautious of that Qi Yi."

"It is noon, work hard, but be careful of heatstroke. I will go prepare some herbal tea," Cai Manxin said. "In the afternoon, I will take you around. The sun by the seaside is too harsh; it would be better to go to the shaded area in the back mountain to enjoy the scenery."

Cai Manxin glanced at him and said, "What do you think?"

"Young and Dangerous", and also "A Better Tomorrow", Brother Ma!" Cai Manxin no longer spoke much to him, smiling as she raised her hand, "Take good care of the shop, I will bring you the zongzi that Aunt Lu wrapped for you to eat"

"No!" Cai Manxin shook her head, "There are private gardens and beaches belonging to others, you cannot go around them."

This church was built by French missionaries in the early 20th century. It fell into disrepair for a long time, but in recent years, it has been renovated for tourism purposes. There are also believers who take turns living here to handle basic daily maintenance. They also organize volunteers to care for the elderly who do not have family nearby. Granny Lu originally had a small inn in Ganggang, which she now rents out to others to manage, while she lives on the island and cooks for everyone. This arrangement is good as it makes it easier for me to look after things.

Qi Yi also smiled, weighing several tools as he inspected the wooden steps up and down, and before he knew it, he was drenched in sweat. His cotton T-shirt had formed a V-shaped wet mark, sticking to his back

You know everything again

"Always treating me like a child," He Tianwei muttered discontentedly, shaking his fist vigorously at Qi Yi's back

You are quite observant! Cai Manxin couldn't help but laugh, nudging He Tianwei's belly with her elbow, "What's wrong? You've been lazy and envious of others' abs lately."