Chapter 48: The Mysterious Hitchhiker

Before dawn, the entire fishing village lay shrouded in tranquil silence. The sea, still cloaked in darkness, resembled a vast expanse of black silk—deep and serene—blending indistinguishably with the faint pale light on the horizon, making it impossible to tell where the ocean ended and the sky began.

A gentle sea breeze stirred softly, carrying a subtle chill as it brushed against the rocks and sparse seaweed along the shore, producing a faint rustling sound, as if the ocean murmured quietly in its slumber.

At this hour, Lin Yu rose promptly, tidied himself briefly, and hurried toward the village chief’s home. After borrowing a donkey cart, he quickly returned, swallowed a few mouthfuls of breakfast, then hoisted the basket filled with fish, carefully placing it on the cart. Calling out to the donkey, he set off toward the city.

The old wooden wheels creaked as they rolled over the uneven dirt road, each turn releasing a dull groan. The donkey trotted steadily, its bell swinging gently with each step, emitting a clear yet lonely “ding-dang” that echoed far through the quiet morning.

Trees along the roadside loomed faintly through the morning mist, while the path itself lay mostly empty, save for the occasional figure hurrying along—everyone still immersed in the calm before dawn.

Wrapping his coat tighter around him, Lin Yu guided the donkey cart forward, mentally calculating how much he could earn from today’s catch. This haul was abundant, the fish large and exceptionally fresh. He hoped to reach the city early to fetch a good price and, on the return trip, buy some small necessities.

As he pondered, a figure appeared ahead on the road—a man in his thirties struggling to push a sturdy, old-fashioned bicycle.

The man wore a deep blue work uniform, worn but spotless, with two neat patches sewn onto the knees of his trousers. His black rubber-soled shoes gleamed, polished to a shine. A military-green cap shaded a sharply defined face.

In these times and this remote place, owning such a classic “two-eight” bicycle was a sign of wealth. Priced at over a hundred yuan and requiring special permits, this bicycle was a rare and prized possession, symbolizing a prosperous household.

Hearing the approaching donkey cart, the man stopped and turned. His eyes lit up instantly, and he waved vigorously, calling out, “Hey, kid! Hey, kid!”

As Lin Yu drew near, the man’s face beamed with a warm smile. Enthusiastically, he greeted, “Kid, are you heading to the city? My bike tire blew out, and I can’t ride it. Mind giving me a lift?”

His eager eyes seemed to cling to Lin Yu like a lifeline.

Lin Yu sized him up—he didn’t seem like a bad person. There was a subtle air of valor about him, a unique aura forged through experience. Lin Yu recognized it immediately; having served in the military in his past life, he could tell at a glance the spirit that seasoned soldiers carry.

The man’s upright posture, even while pushing the bike, exuded a rugged strength, and the occasional steely resolve in his gaze inspired Lin Yu’s trust.

After a moment’s thought, Lin Yu nodded and agreed readily, “Hop on. There are wolves prowling up ahead. If you keep walking alone, you might not make it.”

The man’s expression turned alarmed. “Really?”

“Absolutely. I ran into them just a few days ago.” Lin Yu patted the spear he carried beside him and added, “See this? For protection. I killed two wolves with it.”

He spoke purposely. Out here, it was wise to maintain some caution. Showing that he was armed—and capable of fending off wolves—might deter any ill intentions.

The man seemed to catch on, glanced at the spear, and chuckled as he lifted his bicycle onto the cart. “Well, I never would have guessed, young man. You’re quite the expert.”

Lin Yu’s cheeks flushed, but he remained composed. “I’ve been out on my own since I was young. Without some skills to protect myself, how could I survive? Life’s not as easy as it looks. Out here in the wild, it’s not just wolves, boars, and bears—you’ve got criminals hiding from the law too.”

“Those are desperate men. If you meet them, you can’t just give up, can you?”

The man smiled knowingly and nodded.

Lin Yu was right. In such a desolate place, with no village or shop in sight, encountering fugitives meant pleading for mercy was futile. Only by fighting back could one hope to survive.

“That’s true!” the man laughed, growing more interested in Lin Yu.

He thought to himself, this kid may be young but has a daring spirit. So articulate and seemingly fearless—he’s no ordinary boy.

After securing his bike on the cart, the man dusted off his clothes and settled on the seat with a teasing smile, eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Hey, kid, aren’t you afraid I’m a bad guy? Out here in the wild, you just let me ride along—pretty gutsy of you.”

Lin Yu laughed and shook his head. “You don’t seem like a bad person. There’s a certain heroic air about you—I bet you were in the army.”

“Hey, kid, you’re sharp! How’d you figure that?” The man was surprised, impressed by the boy’s keen observation. Just from his bearing, the kid had pegged him as a soldier.

His eyes casually scanned Lin Yu’s cart and caught sight of several fishing traps hidden under some straw. The unmistakable scent of fish wafted up. He smiled. “So you’re from the fishing village? Selling fish?”

Lin Yu nodded honestly. “Yes, big family to support. If I don’t work hard, life won’t get by. So I catch fish and take them to the city to sell, to help with expenses.”

“But before I head to town today, I have to drop by Uncle Yang’s place in the mountains and give him a couple of fish. If you’re not in a hurry, you can come with me.”

“You’re quite capable, kid,” the man complimented, leaning back comfortably. “I’ve heard this road hasn’t been safe lately. You better watch yourself.”

There was an unspoken warning in his tone, but when Lin Yu glanced back, the man closed his eyes, and Lin Yu didn’t press further.

As they pressed onward, the path grew rougher and rockier.

The old donkey’s steps slowed and became more cautious. Lin Yu sat firmly on the cart’s shaft, gripping the reins tightly, eyes fixed on the road ahead, occasionally soothing the donkey softly.

The surroundings were quiet except for the creak of the cart and the occasional crisp call of birds breaking the morning stillness. The breeze carried the unique scent of forest foliage, mingling oddly with the fishy smell on the cart.

Soon, the modest yet homely mountain uncle’s courtyard came into view. Surrounded by a low fence overgrown with fiery red Virginia creeper, it was a charming sight.

A simple shed stood inside, piled with firewood and hunting tools, marking the owner’s identity.

Lin Yu called out loudly, urging the donkey to stop before the yard, then jumped down, unhooked the fish, and walked inside, shouting, “Uncle, it’s Xiaoyu! I’ve brought you some fish!”

Yang Youjiang stood in the yard, holding a sickle, carefully whittling a wooden stick with a focused expression, as if crafting an important weapon or setting a clever trap.

Seeing Lin Yu, his face brightened. “Ah, Xiaoyu! What do you want to trade this time?”

Lin Yu shook his head. “Nothing this time. Last time I took quite a bit from you. My mother felt a bit guilty, so I caught some fish and insisted on bringing you a couple. I’d feel bad otherwise.”

Yang Youjiang laughed heartily. “No need to be so polite.” He accepted the fish and went inside, returning with two rabbits. “Caught these yesterday. Take them home for your mother and sister to try.”

Lin Yu tried to decline. “Uncle, I’m just taking advantage again.”

“No such thing. Next time, bring me some rare seafood. The last batch you gave me was amazing—I’ve never tasted so much seafood in my life.”

Hearing this, Lin Yu accepted the rabbits without further protest.

“Well, Uncle, thanks. I have to get to the city to sell the fish, so I won’t keep you.”

But Yang Youjiang caught Lin Yu’s arm, his face serious. “Xiaoyu, be careful on the road these days. Something’s strange in the mountains—there’s a gang moving through. Not sure if they’re poachers or fugitives. You’d better travel with company for safety. Understand?”