Catch a lot of fish

After returning from the village head's house, Lin Qing'an and Lin Changyu quickly prepared to travel up the mountain again. She and her father did not say much during the initial part of the journey, and the two focused on preparing the necessary equipment, which were neatly placed in a large woven basket that Lin Changyu had made himself.

" The sky is a little cloudy today. It doesn't seem as sunny as yesterday," Lin Changyu said as he looked up at the sky.

" Yes, Father. That's good. We won't get tired from the sun," Lin Qing'an replied, tying her headscarf tighter.

The path up the mountain remained the same, filled with tall trees providing shade. The sound of leaves rustling was pleasant to the ear, and the rhythmic singing of birds created a peaceful atmosphere. Lin Qing'an walked ahead, holding a small cane in her hand to help her balance on the steep slope.

" Qing'an, do you think we can catch as many fish as before ?" Lin Changyu asked, looking at the path ahead.

" If the hole is still intact and no one has found it, I think we should be able to catch enough fish," she turned to give her father a small smile.

" Father, do you still remember how to set up the fish trap ?"

" Of course, I remember it well. Although my hands are not as fluent as before, I still want to help you do your best," Lin Changyu said with a firm tone.

As they were walking up the mountain, Lin Qing'an noticed a bright yellow wildflower blooming by the side of the road. She paused for a moment before pointing it out to her father.

" Father, look, those flowers are so beautiful. Should we take some home ?"

" If you like it, then keep it," Lin Changyu replied with a chuckle.

" But be careful, don't forget that our basket must mainly contain fish."

" I know," she replied with a smile before carefully picking up a few flowers and placing them in the small compartment of the basket.

They soon arrived at their destination. Lin Qing'an placed the basket on the ground. She looked at the fish trap that had been covered with large leaves the night before and slowly used her walking stick to push the leaves away, revealing clear water in the hole and several fish swimming around below.

" Look, Dad, I think we should catch more fish than yesterday," Lin Qing'an said excitedly.

Lin Changyu nodded.

" Good. Hurry up and take care of it. It's going to get dark soon."

The two of them helped each other, Lin Changyu carefully scooped up the fish with the prepared bamboo tray, while Lin Qing'an held a nearby clay bucket to put the fish she had caught.

" Father, be careful, don't let the fish fly away," Lin Qing'an warned when she saw a fish struggling and almost breaking out of the barrel.

" I know, I won't let you suffer for nothing," Lin Changyu replied with a chuckle.

Lin Qing'an helped to drain the water in the hole to make it easier to catch fish. She used her hands to reach for the small fish hiding in the deep corners, and then turned to her father with an amused tone.

" Look, Dad. This fish is so cute."

" Cute ? I think it looks more delicious," Lin Changyu replied with a chuckle.

After catching the fish in the pit, Lin Changyu and Lin Qing'an helped each other carry the fish into a large basket on a cart.

" We really caught a lot of fish today," Lin Qing'an said, wiping the sweat off her forehead.

" Yes, but we have to hurry back before it gets dark. The way down the mountain will be dangerous," Lin Changyu warned as he loaded the last basket onto the cart.

The evening sunlight slowly set behind the mountain peak, leaving behind a glowing orange-red sky. Lin Qing'an and Lin Changyu helped each other pull a cart full of large fresh fish from the fish trap back down the mountain. The path back home seemed quite difficult as the sky began to darken, but the two of them did not feel discouraged at all.

The bamboo wheels of the cart were rhythmically grinding against the soil and small rocks. The sloping ground made pulling the cart less difficult than going up a mountain, but extra care had to be taken to avoid the wheels from tripping and causing the cart to flip. Lin Changyu walked in front, holding the handle firmly, while Lin Qing'an walked behind, holding the fish basket on the cart to prevent it from shaking too much.

" Qing'an, are you tired ?" Lin Changyu turned around and asked with a concerned tone.

Lin Qing'an smiled, even though her face was covered in sweat.

" I'm not tired, Father. I'm stronger than you think. "

Lin Changyu laughed softly.

" I know, but we've been working all day today. You should rest too. Don't overdo it ."

" Father should also be careful. He just recovered from an illness. Don't push yourself too hard, " Lin Qing'an replied, reaching out to help support the tug when her father stumbled slightly.

" I'm much better now because you and your mother took such good care of me ," Lin Changyu said as he turned to smile at his daughter.

" Also, I want to help you as much as I can. You shouldn't have to suffer alone ."

The sound of crickets chirping throughout the forest began to grow fainter as darkness approached. The fragrance of wildflowers wafted in on the cool breeze. Lin Qing'an paused for a moment, looking at the mountain peak that was starting to darken with a thin mist hanging low.

" Father, if we earn a regular income from selling fish, can we set up a small shop in the county ?" Lin Qing'an asked, looking up at the sky where the stars were starting to shine.

" It's definitely possible if we work hard and plan well, " Lin Changyu replied.

" But I want you to remember that the most important thing is to take care of your health and your family. Money is important, but a peaceful life is more important ."

Lin Qing'an nodded, agreeing with her father's words. She felt lucky to have a father who could always guide her in the right direction.

When they arrived near their house, the sound of flowing water from a nearby stream echoed in their ears. Lin Changyu said.

" We should arrive at the district early tomorrow morning so that we have time to select fish to sell to the best inn in the district ."

" Yes, I will prepare before dawn so that we don't waste time, " Lin Qing'an replied with determination.

Finally, the father and son arrived at the front of the house. Lin Changyu helped park the cart in the courtyard next door and checked to make sure none of the fish they caught were damaged. Lin Qing'an walked into the kitchen to see what her mother and two younger brothers had prepared for them.

Warm laughter and conversation came from the kitchen, and the aroma of the leftover soup from dinner still lingered in the air. Although she was exhausted from the long day, Lin Qing'an's heart was filled with hope. She looked at her father who was still intently handling the fish on the cart, and thought that one day, they would definitely be able to build a more stable life.