"Such a big fish is rare. Usually, the price for sea fish in town is twenty-five wen per catty. This big fish could probably sell for more than thirty wen per catty. It should fetch more than a silver tael. It would be best to sell it." Said Ye Zi’an, explaining the market condition in village. He agreed with Yang Chuxia that selling the fish was the right choice, as a tael of silver could support a family’s living expenses for two or three months.
"Okay, we’ll save it for selling in the market later."
Having said that, Yang Chuxia and Ye Zi’an moved the fish to a higher spot using their combined strength, dug a hole, filled it with some seawater, and put the fish in it.
Thanks to the big fish they found, the group were in high spirits and their scavenging speed was faster than usual. Though, perhaps because of the big fish, there seemed to be fewer items on the shore. Everyone’s bucket was only half filled.
Looking at Ye Zi’an, his basket was not filled with much either. In addition, he picked small fish and shrimp only, giving all the crabs and scallops he found to Yang Chuxia.
But it didn’t matter, they had the big fish and a little less of the other stuff was not a big deal.
As there was nothing left on the seashore, the group cheerfully started to return with their small buckets. But on their way, Yang Chuxia was troubled about what to do with the fish. If they simply took it home, once the villagers found out, it would be difficult for her to scavenge at the shore alone in the future.
However, it seemed there was no other choice. The fish was too big to hide properly.
Recognizing Yang Chuxia’s dilemma, Ye Zi’an offered, "If you trust me, I could handle this for you?"
"Yes, my house is the closest. Leaving it there no one will see it. I will be heading to the town this afternoon. If you don’t mind, I can sell it in the restaurant where I work."
After hearing Ye Zi’an’s suggestion, Yang Chuxia’s eyes lit up. Indeed, why hadn’t she thought of that?!
"Brother An, your idea is wonderful. It will be slightly troublesome for you, though. As for embezzling, what joke are you making? We all saw the fish together, so naturally, you have a share in this. How could you embezzle your belongings?"
Upon hearing this, Ye Zi’an quickly shook his head, "No, the fish was spotted by Qingtong. I’m just helping you to sell it."
However, Yang Chuxia said, "Let’s leave that discussion for now. We can talk about it after the fish is sold."
So, Ye Zi’an nodded, bent over to pick up the fish, which was wrapped in some twigs, and Yang Chuxia was following him carrying his small basket.
However, as they neared Ye Zi’an’s house, they faintly heard voices of people talking inside. Yang Chuxia’s heart lurched, could there be thieves?
She looked at Ye Zi’an, but found him quite calm.
Then a voice came from inside, "Brother, where the hell did this bastard hide the silver?"
"Let’s keep looking. He didn’t swallow it, did he? We didn’t find any silver on him, so it must be hidden somewhere in the house."
After recognizing the voices and their conversation, Yang Chuxia knew it was Ms.Hua Junior’s two sons. How shameless these two men were, sneaking into other’s houses to steal things!
Seeing this, Yang Chuxia called out to Qingtong, whispered something in his ear, Qingtong nodded and quickly ran towards the village.
Then she signaled Ye Zi’an to place the fish in an old jar nearby, and quietly moved closer to the door.