In the early morning, the gentle sunlight bathed the earth as Li Baolong and Wang Yumei arrived side by side at the county bus station. While waiting for A-Jun, they occasionally exchanged glances, a subtle affection filling the air.
Ah Jun finally appeared, and the three of them boarded the minibus together, heading towards the small town that held their childhood memories. Along the way, Wang Yumei excitedly watched the scenery flashing by outside the window, chattering away about her recent interesting experiences, while Li Baolong and Ah Jun listened quietly, smiles occasionally appearing on their lips.
Upon arriving in the town, Ah Jun went home to retrieve his fishing gear, and the three of them walked several more miles to the banks of the Tarim River. As soon as Wang Yumei reached the riverbank, she was awestruck by the picturesque scenery before her, and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. The Tarim River shimmered under the sunlight, its waters flowing gently, as if telling ancient stories.
Li Baolong and Ajun were already used to the beautiful scenery. They walked to the riverbank in tacit understanding, skillfully spread out the fishing net, and each set one end of the net. Wang Yumei, like a cheerful child, ran around on the bank, picking up pretty stones one moment and chasing after water birds flying low the next.
Before long, the fishing net was laden with dozens of fish of all sizes. Ah Jun grinned from ear to ear as he looked at the net full of fish, and Li Baolong's eyes were also filled with joy. Wang Yumei excitedly clapped and cheered around the net, having long since abandoned her usual reserve. They removed the fish from the net, then spread it out and placed it back in the middle of the river, looking forward to the next harvest.
Afterwards, Ah Jun and Li Baolong gathered some dry branches by the river and started a bonfire. They cleaned several plump fish, rubbed them evenly with salt, skewered them with branches, and placed them by the fire to roast. Every few minutes, they skillfully turned the fish over. Soon, the fish sizzled with oil, and an enticing aroma filled the air. Wang Yumei sat to the side, her mouth watering at the smell.
The fish was grilled, and the three sat down on the ground, each picking up a fish to enjoy. The fish was tender and juicy, its aroma filling their mouths; they ate with increasing relish, unable to stop. Wang Yumei, disregarding her image, devoured the fish with gusto. Seeing her satisfied expression, Li Baolong and Ajun exchanged smiles.
After they finished eating, Ah Jun and Li Baolong quickly got up to haul in the net. This time, there were only a dozen or so fish in the net, but they were still very happy. Wang Yumei ran over to help, but she slipped and almost fell into the river. Li Baolong reacted quickly, catching her and pulling her into a tight embrace. Wang Yumei's face instantly turned red, and her heart began to race. Ah Jun, seeing this, was slightly taken aback, a hint of envy flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and teased them with a smile.
As the sun gradually set, the Tarim River was dyed orange-red. The three of them, laden with their harvest, slowly walked back along the riverbank. Wang Yumei walked in the middle, with Li Baolong and Ajun on either side. Their shadows stretched long and thin in the afterglow of the setting sun, like a painting that would never fade.
Ah Jun returned home with his catch of fish, and then he, Li Baolong, and Wang Yumei hurriedly caught the last minibus to the county town. That day, Ah Jun accompanied Li Baolong to play on the Tarim River in the town, which brought back happy childhood memories for Li Baolong. The three of them had a very rewarding trip to the town.
The night market in the county town was bustling with activity. Li Baolong, in high spirits, pulled Ajun to sit at a night market stall and declared boldly, "Tonight, let's drink until we drop!" Ajun readily agreed, ready to challenge him. Wang Yumei was in charge of pouring drinks, and the bottles of Urumqi beer gradually piled up on the table. The two of them went back and forth, downing more than a dozen bottles of beer, both feeling slightly tipsy.
It wasn't until 1 a.m. that Ah Jun said goodbye to Li Baolong and made an appointment to treat them to dinner the next night after work to see them off as they were about to return to the Iron Gate Pass of Korla. After all, they still wanted to visit Wang Aiguo and had some things to say to him.
Wang Yumei helped the tipsy Li Baolong back to the hotel. She gently placed him on the bed, washed his face, and took off his shoes and socks, her every action showing concern. Sitting by the bed, gazing at the drowsy Li Baolong, Wang Yumei felt a surge of emotions she had never experienced before. This was the first time she had been alone with a man like this, and the thought of her upcoming university life, the uncertainty of her future with Li Baolong, made her heart race, as if a deer was pounding wildly within her.
In the hotel room, Li Baolong, in a daze, suddenly grabbed Wang Yumei's hand tightly, mumbling incoherent words. Wang Yumei was startled, but quickly calmed down and leaned down to gently comfort him.
However, as if seeking more comfort, Li Baolong suddenly pulled Wang Yumei into his arms. Wang Yumei's heartbeat quickened abruptly, her body stiffened slightly, but she ultimately did not struggle. She slowly rested her face against Li Baolong's chest, listening to his murmurs, and unknowingly fell into a deep sleep in his arms.
The morning sunlight streamed into the room through the gaps in the curtains, and the two slowly awoke, instantly realizing their intimate actions the night before, a blush of embarrassment spreading across their faces. Although nothing inappropriate had happened, they both knew that their relationship had unknowingly taken a step forward.
Li Baolong broke the silence, speaking first: "Wang Yumei, let's go back to your father's place at Tiemenguan in Korla today. Ah Jun works hard, and we can't keep bothering him. We've remembered his warm hospitality during this trip. I've already left my address, so we can keep in touch by letter." Wang Yumei nodded slightly in agreement.
They got up, packed their bags, and left the hotel for the train station. After buying tickets to Tiemenguan at the ticket window, they embarked on their return journey. Sitting on the bumpy train, their eyes occasionally met, then quickly looked away. A unique feeling welled up in their hearts, and they were filled with anticipation for future correspondence. They wondered how this affection, which had quietly sprouted during their trip to the small town, would grow and spread over the years.
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