Deng Wen waved her wooden stick, pointing to a spot on the water's surface. "There's a snake in the water!"
On the water, a small, gray snake was swimming across the surface.
Startled by the voices on the shore, the little snake swam away quickly, diving underwater and disappearing from sight in the blink of an eye.
"You all have been busy all morning. Have some lunch."
Xiao Xuemei came over, carrying two bags.
One bag held a large, steaming clay pot, while the other contained bowls and chopsticks.
Lifting the lid of the large clay pot, steam billowed out, revealing a congee made of tender, stewed fish, shrimp, and wild vegetables.
"I've picked out all the fish bones, so you don't have to worry," Xiao Xuemei said, ladling a heaping bowl for Qin Ziwen first.
"Thanks, Sister-in-law," Qin Ziwen said, quickly getting to his feet.
He took the large bowl. The congee inside was steaming, releasing a savory aroma.
