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墨書 Inktalez
A friend of mine, who is a businessman, navigates the bustling world of commerce, busy with various meetings, negotiations, and decisions. However, an accidental trip to an island changed the trajectory of his life forever, as if fate had quietly guided him.
On that vast blue seaside, he caught a few small fish. Little did anyone know that this seemingly insignificant catch would enchant him like magic, leading him to fall deeply in love with sea fishing, a passion that would consume him entirely.
His dream was to catch a two-pound Grouper. This was no ordinary fish; in the nearly depleted fishing resources of the South China Sea, catching a wild Grouper weighing over a pound was akin to searching for a specific pearl in a desert—extremely challenging.
Yet he dove headfirst into this daunting goal. My friend became like a dedicated explorer; to achieve this aim, he spent a great deal of time researching shore fishing gear and bait.
During that period, he transformed into an eager scholar. He mastered every component and function of shore fishing equipment; he became intimately familiar with the types and characteristics of bait and their appeal to different fish species. In a short time, he truly became an expert in both astronomy and geography.
However, despite his efforts, he still hadn’t caught that two-pound Grouper. The money he spent on this pursuit could have bought him a ton of Grouper instead. It was like a treasure hunter investing vast amounts of money and energy in search of legendary riches without ever seeing a hint of treasure.
Later on, I went fishing with him on an island in Zhuhai. It was a small island standing solitary in the ocean, resembling a castle amidst the sea. We spent the night on a lonely rock in the water, where the night winds howled past us, carrying the salty scent of the sea that made us feel slightly cold.
We used a portable gas stove to cook Gudgeon and instant noodles for dinner. The small stove emitted a faint glow that felt especially warm against the dark sea backdrop. The Gudgeon rolled around in the pot while the aroma of instant noodles filled the air; this simple meal took on a unique flavor thanks to the company of the ocean.
As dawn broke, it felt as if the entire world was being slowly illuminated by a magical hand. The morning glow resembled splendid satin, turning the endless sea surface crimson—a fiery hue that seemed to set the water ablaze, transforming it into a dazzling red sea.
Waves crashed against the rocks beneath us with tremendous sound, as if the ocean were performing an exhilarating symphony.
Countless seagulls circled around the island; their white figures glimmered under the morning glow like lively spirits. The sunrise radiated brilliantly; its intense light pierced through clouds like countless golden arrows, as floating clouds opened and closed like a massive painting unfolding before our eyes.
Isn’t this scene quite poetic? On the surface, we were merely trying to catch a two-pound Grouper. Yet throughout this process, we found ourselves immersed in a world belonging solely to nature and inner tranquility.
That time, I still didn't catch any fish, but the magnificent sunrise over the sea that day was a sight to behold, one that few are fortunate enough to witness.
Nature bestows upon us its most precious gifts; its beauty is enough to shake the heart, making one feel the insignificance and greatness of life, as well as the vastness and mystery of the universe.
For that friend, poetry and distant horizons could be summed up in a single fish—the solitary figure waiting for a bite, much like a poet living in seclusion, immersed in his own world, which is poetry itself;
And the knowledge of astronomy and geography he acquired for fishing became his distant horizon. We know that when atmospheric pressure is high, oxygen in the water is abundant, making fish more eager to bite. My friend always checks celestial phenomena before discussing business or signing contracts with clients, choosing days with high pressure. He resembles an ancient diviner, predicting fortunes by observing the skies.
However, he is not divining fate; he is seeking a favorable moment for fishing. This habit has deeply integrated into his life and even influenced his business decisions.
We also know that during astronomical tides, fish are active and exuberant, less interested in feeding and more inclined to swim wildly. Every time my friend holds a motivational meeting for employees, he looks for a time during an astronomical tide.
He believes that the atmosphere at such times is vibrant and passionate, akin to the surge of tides, inspiring employees to be proactive and forge ahead like fish in a strong current.
Of course, fishing may not be considered particularly "elevated," but this small hobby can open the door to another world.
As long as there is an inconsequential little thing that allows you to immerse yourself without concern for gain, you may become a person of interest and poetry. Just like those dedicated woodworkers who strive to create the perfect little stool; they seem to enter a world apart from reality.
Every grain of wood appears to them as a unique code bestowed by nature. They spend all their spare time meticulously polishing every edge, as if sculpting a rare treasure. Their focused gazes and skilled movements make it seem as though time stands still for them.
Then there are those who love photographing insects; they will wait like loyal guardians for a cicada to shed its shell, sometimes squatting in the forest for three days. During those three days, they quietly remain near the cicada's habitat, enduring mosquito bites and disregarding the damp ground and sweltering weather.
Their eyes are fixed on every movement of the cicada, just to capture that miraculous moment of transformation. That instant is like witnessing a miracle of life for them—nature's greatest magic.
There are also those who love cooking, and in order to create the perfect Tom Yum Soup, they travel across Thailand like brave travelers, searching for spices. They weave through the streets and alleys of Thailand, seeking out hidden spice shops nestled within the bustling markets.
They savor the taste of each spice repeatedly, much like a sommelier tasting fine wine. They leave no detail overlooked that could enhance the flavor of the soup, all to create a unique feast for the palate.
Then there are those who practice calligraphy diligently; to master the European style, they meticulously trace every character from The Inscription of the Ninefold Palace Spring a thousand times.
Their study is always filled with the fragrance of ink. Each stroke feels like a conversation with ancient masters of calligraphy. They focus on the flow and transition of each brushstroke, pouring countless efforts into every dot and line. In those strokes, one can sense their passion and respect for the art of calligraphy.
Moreover, there are those who walk the ancient Tea Horse Road just to enjoy a good cup of tea.
They tread along the old Tea Horse Road, where the stone path bears witness to the passage of time. They traverse towering mountains and endure the trials of wind and rain, much like devoted pilgrims. Each step is filled with longing for tea, and every drop of sweat merges into their exploration of tea culture.
These pursuits do not require quitting one’s job to travel or waiting until you have saved ten million; as long as there is a spark of interest in your heart, you can start immediately. I cannot say that those who engage in such activities are necessarily interesting people, but at least in solitude, their hearts are rich and fulfilling.
There is no need to seek attention or gather friends to indulge in excesses. Because these "brain-teasing" hobbies are enough to fill all spaces of thought. I believe that waiting patiently with a smile for a flower to bloom holds significant meaning. It reflects a respect for life, reverence for nature, and a pursuit of inner peace.
In this fast-paced modern society, we often lose ourselves amidst busyness and noise, while these small hobbies serve as guiding lights, illuminating that tranquil and beautiful world deep within us.
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