Chapter 86: You Catch
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
However, perhaps because of the deep emotional scars, Ye Ling felt that the loofah vine resembled a twisting snake.
During dinner, Min Nan vaguely sensed that Ye Ling’s demeanor was off. Her expression seemed distant, and her complexion was paler than usual.
But apart from that, he didn’t detect anything out of the ordinary.
For the following days, Ye Ling went to Auntie Tan’s doorstep every afternoon, accompanying her to the fields and watching her catch snakes.
To avoid Auntie Tan’s disapproval, Ye Ling even sent some fresh vegetables to her. Auntie Tan neither accepted nor declined them, so Ye Ling left the vegetables at Auntie Tan’s kitchen entrance.
During these days, Ye Ling noticed that most of the snakes Auntie Tan caught were nonvenomous. However, occasionally, Auntie Tan would also catch venomous snakes. When dealing with the venomous ones, Auntie Tan became more serious and cautioned Ye Ling to keep her distance.
On this particular day, after capturing a venomous snake, the two of them continued walking ahead. Suddenly, Auntie Tan looked at Ye Ling and inquired, “Have you learned?”
Ye Ling paused, asking, “Learned what?”
Auntie Tan’s impatience was evident as she responded, “You’ve been following me for days. Haven’t you grasped how I catch snakes?”
It was only then that Ye Ling realized Auntie Tan’s misconception. She believed Ye Ling wanted to catch snakes for profit.
“Auntie Tan, I don’t intend to learn snake catching. I’m simply afraid of snakes. I thought that by watching you, I might overcome my fear,” Ye Ling clarified.
Upon hearing this, Auntie Tan’s furrowed brows deepened.
While Auntie Tan could understand Ye Ling’s behavior if she thought Ye Ling was following her to make money, it was harder for her to grasp Ye Ling’s pure intention of conquering her fear.
“Afraid of snakes? What’s wrong with that? Many people are afraid of snakes.
Why must you overcome your fear? Fear exists to help people avoid danger. You’re not in a life-threatening situation, so why torment yourself?” Auntie Tan continued walking, expressing her thoughts.
Having spent these days with Ye Ling, Auntie Tan’s opinion of her had improved significantly.
According to Auntie Tan, even though this young girl had some issues, her character was acceptable. She spoke politely and courteously, embodying the qualities of an educated urban youth.
With her improved impression, Auntie Tan’s demeanor had softened. Occasionally, she exchanged words with Ye Ling, and Auntie Tan shared insights about the snakes commonly found in the mountains and fields.
Initially, when Ye Ling heard the names of different snakes, her face would turn pale. Gradually, her reaction became less intense.
Hearing Auntie Tan’s words, Ye Ling smiled helplessly. “I had no choice. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be subjecting myself to this torment.”
Though uncertain of Ye Ling’s reasons, Auntie Tan related to her own experiences and began to understand Ye Ling’s choice.
Hadn’t Auntie Tan also chosen to learn snake catching out of necessity? Back then, she overcame her fear through sheer willpower, eventually mastering the skill better than many.
Suddenly, Auntie Tan halted her steps. Ye Ling hesitated, thinking Auntie Tan had spotted a snake. She tensed up and carefully scanned the surroundings.
However, Auntie Tan had no intention of catching a snake. Instead, she turned to Ye Ling and gestured for her to come closer, saying, “Come here.”
Ye Ling was perplexed, but she approached Auntie Tan.
Auntie Tan handed over the snake fork and pliers, instructing, “You’ll catch the next snake.”
Ye Ling was taken aback, wanting to speak but being interrupted by Auntie Tan.
“I know you’re not here to catch snakes for profit, but if you genuinely want to conquer your fear, you must catch a snake yourself. Otherwise, even if your fear diminishes, it will still linger. Only by catching a snake will you realize that it might be afraid of you.” Auntie Tan’s voice remained composed as she explained.
Ye Ling immediately shook her head and responded anxiously, “I can’t!”
“What are you afraid of? I’ll find a nonvenomous snake for you. Even if you get bitten, there won’t be any harm. Plus, I’ll be right there beside you. Just grab it confidently.” Auntie Tan sounded relaxed as if discussing today’s weather.
Ye Ling clutched the snake fork and pliers tightly. Despite her fear and resistance, she acknowledged Auntie Tan’s wisdom. If she didn’t catch a snake herself, her fear would continue to linger.
Taking a deep breath, Ye Ling’s voice trembled as she agreed, “Alright… Auntie
Tan, please help me find a nonvenomous one.”
Auntie Tan revealed a satisfied smile and nodded approvingly. “That’s the spirit..”