Fang Yi crossed Taiping Lake aboard a bamboo raft paddled by Old Man Zou's granddaughter.
The small raft glided steadily across the wide expanse of the lake. The autumn wind ruffled Fang Yi's hair and stirred his thoughts. He looked down at his own shoes, then at the girl's bare feet, and finally couldn't help asking, "The weather is so chilly, aren't your feet cold?"
To his surprise, the girl burst into laughter. "I knew you'd ask that. You must be from outside the mountains. I grew up amidst these waters, following my grandfather across the lake since I was little. Through wind and rain, I've grown used to it. I don't know from which day on, I found that even when the weather turns cold, my bare feet aren't afraid. So, except for winter, I often go without shoes. Besides, I love wading into the water to catch fish and shrimp, and going barefoot makes it so convenient. When I spot a big fish, I can just jump right in and grab it."
Chapter 73