Chapter 50: Staying Temporarily; Even if it Looks Tame, It’s Still a Wolf

“Is that so?” Bai Yu’s reply was a bit uncertain.

The steward asked, “You don’t know?”

“I haven’t paid much attention,” Bai Yu spoke the truth, but seeing so many people cleaning up, she added another sentence. “Everyone avoids talking about such matters.”

This was true. She did not know exactly which dynasty ruled the current imperial court. After all, having lived on a boat in the past, almost no one went out of their way to discuss who was currently on the throne.

She had heard that there were places on shore for operas and storytelling where people occasionally spoke of imperial affairs, but that had nothing to do with the Bai family, who could only live on the water. They never heard it, and they didn’t have the time anyway.

Every time they went ashore, it was only to procure supplies. The time their boat could stay docked was limited; most of the time, they would be driven away after only an hour or two.

“I see. If the elders don’t mention it, it’s natural you wouldn’t know,” the steward said understandingly. He thought it was normal for a young girl like her to be ignorant of such things. He continued, “I wonder if I might speak with the elders of your family.”

Bai Yu shook her head.

The steward was puzzled. “Is it not allowed?”

“No, they are all busy and not on the island right now,” Bai Yu said, looking at the steward and thinking about his previous words. “If you want food, we can trade some to you.”

“Thank you, being able to trade for food would be best,” the steward thanked her hurriedly. “Please lead the way, young lady.”

Bai Yu nodded and carried Bai Miao back toward the settlement.

Bai Xi followed beside her, casting a quick glance back. Once she turned back, she whispered, “Eldest Sister, there’s no one else on our island. If they go there, won’t our secret be out?”

“Even though there are no other people, there are several empty houses,” Bai Yu also whispered. “We’ve put some miscellaneous items in them. With so many houses, they won’t imagine that only we are on the island. They’ll naturally come up with their own explanations for any questions they have.”

“Mhm,” Bai Xi nodded. “But do they have to stay here?”

“I want to ask if they have a map,” Bai Yu explained her reason for letting these people stay. “Even if they don’t have a map, they should know the direction back. If we have the chance later, we might be able to return.”

Bai Xi realized, “That’s right! They speak the same language as us. As long as we learn the direction from them, we can go back in the future!”

At this point, the doubts in Bai Xi’s heart vanished completely. She looked over the group of people behind them, her gaze finally landing on the only woman among them.

This woman was also very sturdy. After a few brief words, Bai Xi learned of her situation.

She had followed the ship with her husband, mostly acting as a cook. However, due to the previous accident, she had been separated from the fleet and could only drift along with these men.

Bai Xi started chatting with her about cooking methods. They soon found common ground, and Bai Xi managed to gather quite a bit of information regarding the return journey.

After walking for a while, the group reached the area where the houses were clustered.

Previously, to clear enough space in the Forest Plane to plant vegetables, they had collected a massive amount of timber. Because the quantity was so vast that it couldn’t all be used for firewood, the excess wood had been used to build houses.

However, they were mostly small wooden huts.

These small houses weren’t wasted. Some served as woodsheds, some as areas for drying vegetables, and others were prepared for raising animals in the future. So, although many were empty, the place was filled with traces of daily life.

Besides the interiors, all sorts of things were drying outside the houses.

Dried fish, dried vegetables, dried meat… they had everything.

The rescued people were somewhat shocked to see this settlement. The steward said directly, “On such a remote island, you actually live so well. Young lady, your family must be skilled in many crafts.”

“We live on the island and have plenty of free time, so these things were gathered bit by bit,” Bai Yu said, pointing to the houses on the other side. “No one is living over there for now. Since you need to rest on the island for a couple of days, you can stay there. As for this side, it’s where we live. If you need anything, just shout for us.”

“Rest assured, young lady, we certainly won’t disturb your lives.” The steward understood Bai Yu’s meaning. He took a coin pouch from his robe, opened it, and grabbed a handful of broken silver, handing it to Bai Yu.

Bai Yu looked at the silver in his hand.

The steward placed the silver in her palm. “We will be troubling you for a few days. We mainly need to determine the direction home and repair our boat. Once the boat is fixed and the direction is set, we will leave. This silver is for the lodging and the food. Could you let us know what food is available for purchase?”

Silver had no use on the island.

However, this handful of silver was likely about twenty taels. If they were still on the mainland, this would be enough to feed the three sisters for a year. For them to stay on the island for just a few days and give such a large sum was indeed generous.

Holding the silver, Bai Yu spoke to Bai Xi, “Xiao Xi, go to the kitchen. Put the rice and flour into the cupboard and lock it. The rest of the ingredients can be used by them as they please.”

As she spoke, she winked at Bai Xi.

Bai Xi understood her meaning instantly. She went to the kitchen to put away the rice and flour, and while she was at it, she also hid the seasonings she had obtained from the Check-ins.

Bai Yu continued talking to the steward, “Rice and flour are not easy to get on the island. We save them for ourselves, so we can’t give them to you. But as for the rest of the meat, vegetables, and fish, you can eat whatever you like.”

“Understood. After all, transport is inconvenient on an island, and it’s hard to grow rice and wheat. Grain is precious. Being able to eat meat, vegetables, and fish freely is already very good. Thank you, young lady.” The steward thanked her again.

“You’re welcome,” Bai Yu added. “You can also use the stove and firewood in the kitchen. If you want to eat fresh fish, you can use our fishing nets. Is there anything else?”

“No, this is already excellent.”

Bai Yu nodded and led Bai Xi and Bai Miao toward the pavilion on the other side.

Compared to those ordinary wooden huts, the construction of the pavilion had been much more difficult. After they walked over, the group that had just arrived on the island also noticed the pavilion’s existence.

Once the three sisters had left, the men couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.

“Why would they build a pavilion on an island?”

“Yeah, that pavilion looks complex. I’m afraid someone among the people on this island is extremely skilled in construction. I didn’t expect an island at sea to have such a place.”

“Living on an island like this actually feels like a hidden paradise.”

“Indeed. If one doesn’t have to worry about food and drink, living here would be most pleasant. Working at sunrise and resting at sunset, free from the world’s turmoils. How leisurely.”

“That’s only if you don’t have to worry about food and drink. This island is in the middle of the sea, with no large landmasses in sight. It’s easy to net fish and shrimp, but if you want clothes, rice, or flour, you have to cross the ocean to find them. One slip-up with the sea winds, and is it still stable?”

“Putting it that way, they aren’t as well off as us. At least if we take these spices back, we can trade them for a lot of silver. Once I return this time, I’ll be able to save up some money and won’t come out again. Traveling back and forth across the sea is truly fraught with danger.”

While they were talking, the cook came out of the kitchen.

“They are also short on salt, so we have to prepare our own. As for the other ingredients, although they aren’t complete, they are enough for us to eat. I’ll make a potato and meat stew in a bit so everyone can have a full meal.”

“There are potatoes here too?”

“Mhm, a whole large basket of them. They must be grown in the forest further off,” the cook said. “Do you want to eat fish? There’s also salted fish in the kitchen.”

When this question was asked, everyone shook their heads repeatedly.

During these days on the water, they had eaten more than enough fish. Now that there were other options, no one was willing to eat it.

Having received her answer, the cook turned and went back into the kitchen. Not long after, she cooked up a large pot of potato and meat stew.

Each of these people filled a large bowl, slurping the food down with great satisfaction.

During their days drifting at sea, they had fish and shrimp every day, but it never provided much of a sense of fullness. Now, with a large bowl of potato and meat stew in their bellies, everyone rediscovered the happiness of being truly full.

Only after eating and drinking their fill did they have the peace of mind to savor the flavor of the meat in their bowls.

“This doesn’t taste like ordinary meat.”

“It should be wild boar. I’ve had it before. On an island like this, wild boar is the easiest to find. Unless someone brought domestic pigs with them, where else would you find any?”

“True, but if that’s the case, wild boars might suddenly come charging out while living on this island. It’s actually quite terrifying when you think about it.”

“So the people here don’t have it that easy either.”

Just as they were talking, two howls suddenly echoed from not far away.

“Awoo!”

“Awoo! Awoo!”

The sound was so familiar that everyone shuddered the moment they heard it, instinctively huddling together.

“What was that sound? Is… is it wolves? It can’t be, right?”

“It sounds like wolves, but how can they be so close?”

“There are wolves here too?”

“Why is that little girl running out of the pavilion? Little sister, be careful!”

Bai Miao was currently rushing toward the two wolves running her way. Hearing the voice, she stopped and turned her head. “Huh?”

“Wolves!” The person who shouted pointed at the two wolves getting closer and closer, his finger trembling. “Be careful!”

Bai Miao tilted her head, trying to understand the person’s words. After thinking for a moment, she looked at the wolves that had already reached her. She reached out and grabbed the ear of a wolf that was nearly as tall as she was, attempting to show it to the man. “He’s not called ‘Be Careful,’ his name is Xiao Hei.”

“Miao Miao, they’re worried about you. They’re afraid Xiao Hei will hurt you,” Bai Yu said as she walked over.

“Oh,” Bai Miao realized suddenly, walking closer while leading the wolf by its ear. “It’s okay, no need to be careful. Xiao Hei is very good and obedient.”

As she took a few steps forward, the group huddled together took a few steps back.

Fortunately, Bai Yu stopped Bai Miao and Xiao Hei in time, explaining the situation to the group. “You don’t need to be afraid. We’ve raised these two wolves since they were cubs. they are very close to people and won’t bite. They look big, but they’re actually only a few months old. Don’t worry.”

“You raised them? Wolves?” The steward was also terrified, but he forced himself to take a half-step forward. He tried his best to look directly at the wolf in Bai Miao’s hands and squeezed out a smile. “Their eyes really don’t seem to have a wild nature. That’s good then. Raising wolves can protect against wild boars.”

“Yes, they guard the house for us,” Bai Yu patted Xiao Hei’s head, then patted Bai Miao’s head. “Miao Miao, take Xiao Hei and Xiao Bai back.”

Bai Miao’s eyes sparkled as she spoke to Bai Yu. “Eldest Sister, I want to play in the water!”

“But it doesn’t look like it’s going to rain for now,” Bai Yu looked up. “If you take them to play, how are we supposed to bathe?”

Bai Miao lowered her head.

Bai Yu turned and glanced at the water level on the beach below. “But you can go down there and play for a while. Let your Second Sister take you. Don’t go far.”

“Yay!” Bai Miao raised her hands in excitement and immediately beckoned the two wolves to follow her as she ran down, shouting for Bai Xi to follow along as well.

The two wolves let out “Awoo” sounds as they quickly kept pace with her.

Someone spoke in a low voice, “Those wolves… why do they look so much like dogs?”

“They’re domestic, so they probably don’t have a wild nature. Thank goodness they’re pets, it scared the life out of me.”

“Even if they don’t look wild, they’re still wolves.”

“No wonder they can live peacefully on this island.”