Chapter 127 A rare leisure time
The port is a bustling intersection.
The sea seemed bluer than usual, the sky was boundless, and even the clouds seemed too lazy to stay.
The vast sea has its own rhythm. The shadows of warships appear and disappear from time to time, drawing white lines between the sea and the sky.
Jinan carried a small stool and tapped out a rhythm on the wooden plank road with easy steps. He found a good position and put it down steadily.
He folded the bench nimbly, sat down gently, turned his back to the busy dock, and a relieved smile spread across his face.
A cold drink in hand, with drops of cool water on it, is just a little comfort in the summer.
He took a sip, and the coolness immediately exploded in his throat, bringing an instant sense of refreshment.
"Life is so comfortable..."
The wind blew gently from the sea, lifting up a strand or two of messy hair and seeming to take away the heat from my body.
He closed his eyes, feeling the sunlight casting shadows through his eyelids, and the smile on his lips deepened.
At this moment when there is no need for swords and only relaxation and enjoyment, even time moves lazily.
The sea breeze and cold drinks, simple and pure, weave a rare tranquility for Jinan.
Next to the dock, the laughter of children, the cries of seagulls, and the knocking of ropes and masts can all be heard not far away.
And he sat in the center of this small world, enjoying his own little happiness.
At this moment, the rumbling of bells echoed in the silent square.
Like an echo from the sky, melodious and profound.
The Oaks Bell, a beacon in the hearts of the navy, rang on time at the first moment of the new year.
Its bells penetrate the space again and again, announcing the arrival of the new year to the world.
In accordance with ancient naval custom, the Oaks bell rang 16 times to ring in the new year.
Every time the bell rings, it seems to be counting every important moment in the past year, every hard work and harvest, every difficulty and overcoming.
These 16 bells are not only a thanks for the past year, but also an inspiration and blessing for the future.
The sailors stood in the square with clouds dotted above their heads.
Facing the Oaks clock, their expressions were solemn and expectant.
Everyone is silently recalling the past, grasping the present, and looking forward to the future.
With each ringing of the bell, the hearts of the sailors beat along with it, as if they were breathing in sync with the clock tower and the entire world.
After the last bell rang, warm applause and cheers broke out in the square, resounding through the night sky like a tide.
"I hope there will be fewer pirates going out to sea in the new year."
"May your family be healthy and have a peaceful new year."
"..."
The lights lit up instantly, and ribbons and fireworks streaked across the sky, adding a bit of magnificence and mystery to the arrival of the New Year.
At this moment, the navy and citizens hugged and smiled, praying together for a new beginning, new hope and new happiness in the new year.
The Oaks Clock is not only a witness to time, but also a bridge connecting the past and the future, and connecting everyone's heart.
"..."
Just in the quiet moment when the sea breeze gently caressed my face, suddenly, the tranquility was broken by a burst of hurried footsteps.
A young figure rushed towards Jinan like a wild horse.
It seems to have the power to smash time and space into pieces.
Before Jin An could react, the boy threw himself into his arms, his bright red hair digging into his chest.
As the chairs tilted back, the two men fell backwards together, raising a cloud of dust.
"elder brother!"
A warm and familiar voice echoed softly in Jin'an's ears, carrying with it the joy of a long-awaited reunion and a hint of complaint.
Jin An smiled, without any blame in his eyes. He gently rubbed Shanks' hair in his arms, as if he was afraid of hurting the baby. His actions were full of love and nostalgia.
"Shanks, long time no see."
There was a smile in his voice.
Shanks's expression changed accordingly, and his little face quickly went through all the emotions from surprise to dissatisfaction, and finally stopped at a kind of stubbornness with blame.
With his lips pouted, his words were filled with loneliness and reluctance:
"You also know it's been a long time since we last met?"
"It's been several years, and you haven't come back to visit us in the Kingdom of Solbei."
"Big Bear and his brothers are also busy with their work in the navy, so they haven't been able to spend much time with me."
"Today is New Year's Day, and you don't even think about going back to see me."
"And asked me to come find you."
"Humph…"
As he spoke, Jin An could sense a slight nasal sound that Shanks was trying hard to suppress, which was a sign that he was trying hard not to cry.
That heart-wrenching blame was just the child's small protest against the void left in his heart by his brother.
In this sudden collision, the distance between Jinan and Shanks, the passage of time, and the sincere feelings between them, merged and intersected in an instant.
Whether it is the responsibility of being a navy or the warm concern of the family, they are all closely connected in this New Year.
The sun lazily shines on the pier, warm but not hot, and the sea breeze blows gently, bringing a bit of coolness.
Such a leisurely atmosphere was broken by a pair of inseparable figures.
They walked slowly, like a scroll slowly unfolding in front of Jinan.
The playful figure was as light as the wind, pulling the tall figure next to it.
Just like a little bird leading a gentle boy, the scene looks particularly warm under the warm sunshine.
As the distance shortened, Jinan's eyes met theirs, and a warm and familiar smile unconsciously appeared on the corner of his mouth.
"Big Bear, Ginny, you are here too."
Jinan's voice was gentle, containing deep concern and joy for his old friend.
Then his eyes fell on the two people's tightly clasped hands, his smile became even more intense, and his tone was a bit teasing and blessing:
"When can I drink at your wedding?"
Ginny's cheeks immediately flushed with tiny blushes, like the rising sun in the morning, beautiful and shy.
She stamped her feet lightly, pretending to be angry but unable to hide the smile on her face.
"You're teasing us like this just after we met, right? Long time no see, big brother."
The voice was full of complaints, but also revealed the joy of reunion after a long separation.
Jinan and they have a deep friendship that spans many years, and I hope they can be happy.
“Although we haven’t met, we’ve been in touch.”
"Why do you guys make me seem like a scumbag..."
"..."
During this rare gathering, warm laughter filled the area.
With the relaxing feeling brought by the cool breeze, Jin An slowly stood up from the ground.
Holding the still playful Shanks in his arms.
Patting Shanks' clothes, gently shaking off the dust that was stained by the sudden hug.
While taking pictures, Jin An had a bitter smile on his face, as if he was lamenting the helplessness in his heart.
"I just returned to the headquarters after completing a mission outside,"
There was a hint of fatigue in his words, but he also revealed a heavy sense of responsibility.
He bent down slightly to make sure Shanks was standing firmly, then continued:
“It’s so hard to take a vacation now.”
Having temporarily unloaded a heavy burden, there was a hint of relief in his voice.
After a brief pause, Jin An's eyes swept over every familiar face present, the warmth in his eyes like the warm sun in winter:
“It’s great to see you guys here.”
...
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