Smooth and Calm

Three days later, all was calm in the blueness of the sea and the sky. The ship cut through the still sea, leaving behind ripples that spread in all directions. The sea wind was moist with a slightly fishy smell; it was relaxing.

Under the afternoon sun, Ye Qingxuan leaned against the mast. He squinted up at the end of the sky and sea. He was both spacing out and focused.

"Mr. Ye, it’s dangerous there!" The second mate looked up at him from the deck with concern. Putting a smile on, he asked, "Can you come down?"

Ye Qingxuan leaned against the mast at the top of the sail and looked down. "You don’t have to worry," he said. "Let me stay here alone."