Jiao Ba finally got to the point, and I quickly observed the expressions of those around me. Unfortunately, I was still disappointed; no one showed a sly look, or perhaps my skills were lacking, making it impossible for me to discern.
Jenny hurriedly asked, "So, according to what you said, that coffin was salvaged from this Wreck?"
"That's very likely. What do you think, Mai Lao?" Jiao Ba tossed the question to Mai Lao, who had recently taken a liking to arguing with this Old Man. I wasn't sure why.
Mai Lao nodded and said, "Yes, that makes sense! If that's the case, then the Ming Dynasty Shipwreck should be nearby. Jenny, quickly bring me the Nautical Chart, I need to take another look."
Jenny hurriedly fetched the Nautical Chart. After examining it closely, Mai Lao said, "Yes, that's right. Our current position is not far from the marked location on the Nautical Chart. The Ming Dynasty Shipwreck must be around here."
Jiao Ba took the Nautical Chart and looked again, saying, "Indeed, our current position is very close to what's marked on the Nautical Chart. To be precise, we have already found the location; we just mistook the Wreck."
I snatched the Nautical Chart from Jiao Ba's hands and stared at it for a long time before saying, "There isn't even a specific scale on this thing. How do you know the Wreck is nearby?"
Jiao Ba, watching me with a smile, said, "Brother Yi, you just don't understand. There are many hints on this chart; every symbol drawn and every line is a clue. Oh well, even if I explain it to you, you wouldn't get it. I've been in tomb raiding for so many years; I can't be wrong."
"Damn it, fine! You're impressive," I said begrudgingly as I tossed the Nautical Chart back. But there was nothing I could do; I really couldn't make sense of it. I'd just follow along.
Mai Lao nodded and said, "Alright then. Since Xiao Ba is so confident, let's rest for a few days before setting off."
Regarding the salvage of the Wreck from the Guangxu period, everyone except for Jenny was quite pleased. Especially the sailors, who were so excited they could hardly contain themselves; they were ready to start drinking and celebrating. It was clear they were genuinely happy. No wonder—now that the Antique Market is so hot, as long as you have good items in hand, you can sell a few for a great price.
However, Jenny felt a bit disappointed. Aside from those two pieces of Ming Dynasty porcelain, she decided to distribute everything else from the Wreck to others—whether porcelain or Silver Ingots, she kept none for herself. Naturally, I and Shunzi received quite a bit as well. Shunzi was thrilled; selling these items would save him over a decade of hard work. The sailors were even happier than ever.
As for that decaying Wreck and the Coffin Corpse inside, Jenny planned to drag it back in a few days and then send it to the National Museum, considering it a small contribution to the country. Mai Lao agreed, treating it as a personal favor.
However, Jiao Ba and I were puzzled. Why hadn’t Jenny and Mai Lao thought about opening the coffin to take a look? Were they not curious about the female corpse inside? Or did they already know the secret of that corpse?
I intentionally asked them, “Are we really just going to send the coffin back without opening it?”
Jenny shook her head and said, “No need to open it. It’s just a coffin; what’s there to see? Besides, didn’t Jiao Ba say it could be dangerous? I think it’s best if we leave it alone.”
I glanced at Jiao Ba, and he immediately spoke up, “Ah! What’s that? Jenny, I was just joking. Let’s open it and take a look! Everyone seems curious; don’t spoil the fun for everyone.”
Jenny shot a glance at Mai Lao, who chuckled and said, “Heh, it’s just a corpse. What’s so interesting about that? If you two really want to see it, go ahead! I won’t join you.” After saying that, he turned and went back to the cabin.
As soon as he left, Jenny smiled and said, “I’m heading back too; you two can do as you please.”
Jiao Ba and I exchanged glances, both wearing expressions of helplessness.
“Brother Yi, who do you think that man in black could be?” Jiao Ba asked me quietly.
“I was about to ask you! Didn’t you notice who is most suspicious?” I shot him a glance.
Jiao Ba pouted and said, “Damn, looks like we’re on the same level.”
In the afternoon, the sailors started drinking on deck. Shunzi, Jiao Ba, and I were also there; how could we miss such an occasion? Everyone was drinking white liquor since out at sea, beer was rarely brought along. Shunzi and I were quite happy; it had been a long time since we had such a lively gathering.
Jiao Ba usually didn’t drink white liquor as a principle, but this time he ended up downing a big gulp. The spicy burn made him chug water like crazy. After so many days at sea, everyone was exhausted like turtles; now we finally saw some hope.
These people were mostly those who had left their homes and families behind, and some, like me, were still single. They came out to sea, aiming to earn a bit more money. Although we had encountered some strange events before, it seemed that this joy had overshadowed them.
Even the deaths of Heizi and another sailor seemed to have been forgotten by them. Yet, I still remembered; it lingered in my mind, an unshakable thought. I felt a sense of impending danger creeping closer to us. But every time I saw the smiles on their faces, the words I wanted to say got stuck in my throat. I chose to swallow them down, convincing myself and everyone else that we should hold onto a beautiful hope.
Soon, Jenny and Mai Lao joined our celebration, while Li Xin did not show up. That woman was just too cold; I even doubted whether she had any human emotions at all.
She walked around with a deadpan expression all day long. No matter how beautiful she was, it didn’t matter; I hardly heard her speak a word. She ignored everyone and acted aloof, pretending to be knowledgeable and like an expert. Sometimes, I felt as if she didn’t even exist on this ship—like she was invisible. I was too lazy to talk to her, not wanting to see her cold gaze.
We were having a lively time drinking. Mike had an impressive capacity for alcohol; he was the best drinker I had ever seen—fearless when it came to booze! He raised his glass and downed it without hesitation. Old Man truly had a bottomless pit for a stomach! He could probably drink several kilograms of liquor without any issue, which really opened my eyes.
Jenny also took a shot of liquor; her face turned slightly redder, adding a touch of allure compared to before. I deliberately looked at her and said, “This beauty is still stunning even after drinking.”
Jenny smiled at me and replied, “Have you said such flattering things to many girls?”
I immediately responded with righteous indignation, “Hey, you’re mistaken! Currently, I’ve only said that to you.”
Jenny shot me a glance and said, “Oh please! Do you think I’m three years old? If men’s words could be trusted, the world would be at peace.”
Comment 0 Comment Count