Chapter 33: Locked Back Home

The wind was especially strong today. As Ethan Yang walked toward the riverside with Blackie trotting at his side, he spotted Old Man Su, a weathered figure in his sixties, standing on a small wooden boat. The old ferryman gripped the rope strung across the river with both hands, slowly pulling the vessel toward Ethan's side.

Aboard the boat were three women, a little girl, and a little boy — likely heading to town for the day. The boat itself was worn and cramped, barely enough space for the four adults and two children.

Midway across the river, a sudden gust of wind swept through the valley. Startled, Old Man Su instinctively yanked on the rope to steady the boat, but years of wear had weakened the line. With a sharp snap, the rope broke.

The old man lost his balance and fell into the river with a loud splash. The passengers cried out in panic. As they scrambled to help him, the boat tilted dangerously, water rushing in over its sides. The fragile vessel gave a loud crack and capsized, sending everyone plunging into the icy water.

"Blackie, save them!" Ethan roared, tossing aside the heavy bag and gunny sack he'd been carrying. He quickly stashed his phone and other belongings into his magic ring, then dove into the river without hesitation.

Blackie paddled fiercely, but Ethan's body surged through the water like an arrow, powered by the Genuine Qi coursing through him. In mere moments, he reached the struggling passengers.

Most children in Mistwood grew up swimming in rivers, and the little girl and boy instinctively floated to the surface. They tried to cling to their mothers, but their tiny hands weren't strong enough to keep hold, and they gulped down water as they thrashed.

Old Man Su, though a decent swimmer, was exhausted and panicked. Desperately, he grabbed at the nearest woman in an attempt to save her, but she latched onto him like a drowning octopus, dragging him down with her. Both of them flailed wildly, swallowing mouthfuls of water.

Ethan reached the overturned boat and swiftly righted it, using one hand to stabilize the hull while scooping passengers out of the water with the other. One by one, he plucked them from the river, tossing them gently into the boat. His movements were quick yet precise, ensuring no one was hurt.

When he reached Old Man Su and the woman, he grabbed them both and hurled them onto the boat in a single motion.

"Awoo!" Blackie barked indignantly, arriving just in time to see Ethan finishing the rescue.

"Haha, you're late, buddy!" Ethan laughed. "Alright, you push from that side — let's get them to shore."

With Ethan and Blackie guiding the boat, they quickly reached the riverbank. The rescued passengers coughed up water, shivering from the cold but unharmed. As they caught their breath, they realized who had saved them.

"Ethan? Is that you?" One of the women gasped.

Mistwood Village was home to two large family names: Yang and Su. Ethan's family had once numbered in the hundreds, but over the years, many had moved away, leaving only fifty or so families behind. The Su family had also dwindled to about thirty. Most of the younger villagers had left to work in the city, leaving behind the elderly and children.

"Ethan, you didn't even come back for the Spring Festival. What brings you back now?" an old woman asked, still panting.

Ethan shrugged, hauling the boat ashore with ease. "I came back to farm. After drifting around for a few years, I realized the air here is fresher."

Old Man Su wrung out his soaked shirt with a loud squelch and shook his head. "You're a strange one, kid. Everyone else is heading to the city, and you come running back. Look at me — risking my life ferrying people for a measly hundred yuan a month. If I were ten years younger, I wouldn't be here."

"Hang in there, Uncle Su. I've got a plan," Ethan said with a grin. "I'll ask a friend to help build a bridge and fix the road to town. You know the saying: 'If you want to get rich, build a road first!'"

The villagers exchanged looks of disbelief. Old Man Su scoffed, "A friend? Building a bridge costs a fortune, kid."

"He's a big boss," Ethan insisted. "And he owes me a favor."

"Tch! Big boss, huh?" One of the women laughed. "If you really had a rich friend, would you be back here playing farmer?"

Ethan just smiled, handing a piece of candy to each child before tying the broken rope for Old Man Su. With his bag and sack slung over his shoulder, he resumed his journey home.

As he walked through the village, familiar faces greeted him with curiosity and pity. His wet clothes and weathered bag painted a humble picture, and he could feel the judgment in their eyes.

Just ahead, he spotted a middle-aged woman — his Third Sister-in-law — standing with her hands on her hips, watching him approach.

"Third Sister-in-law," Ethan greeted politely.

She sneered, arms crossed. "Well, well, if it isn't Mistwood's only university graduate — the great Ethan. What happened? Lose all your money in the city and come crawling back?" She clicked her tongue, eyeing his soaked clothes and worn-out sack. "Did you drop your wallet in the river? Say the word, and I'll have my boy dive in and fetch it for you."

Ethan chuckled, unfazed by her mockery. "No need. I've got everything I need right here." He patted his bag and strode past her without looking back, Blackie following loyally at his heels.

As he walked toward his family's old farm, he took a deep breath. The village air was crisp and clean, carrying the faint scent of wildflowers and freshly turned soil.

Home.

It was time to start over.