Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 52

As the boat traveled west, carrying seven traps, Karlos tried to recall the location of an island he had visited during a fishing trip years ago.

"If I remember correctly, there's a small island around this area."

He had already passed his usual fishing spot and continued further west, keeping his eyes sharp on the horizon and scanning the sea. An hour later, Karlos spotted a small island. He decided to place his traps here instead, remembering that it had shallow water with no corals or reefs that could snag his traps, making it safer.

He found the best spots and set his traps in different locations to spread them out, hoping at least some would yield a good catch.

"Since this is in the same direction as my fishing spot, I can just come here."

Still, Karlos wasn't sure if he would actually catch anything at this location. Other fishermen also knew about this spot and sometimes rested on the island.

"This is better than leaving my traps in the mangroves and letting a thief steal my hard work."

Karlos left eight traps in his territory near the mangrove trees so that the thief would have to go out of his way to reach them, hoping this would discourage him from going deeper into Karlos's area.

After finishing, Karlos returned to his fishing spot, hoping to catch enough fish to ease both his frustration and the financial hole left by the thief. He had spent money on fuel yesterday, and now someone had stolen half of his catch, so he was determined to make it back.

He considered asking the island manager for compensation but decided against it, knowing it would only complicate things. He hadn't helped the stranded man for money, and he wasn't even sure the man was trustworthy. Karlos had asked why the man was floating in the sea, but he hadn't answered, which made Karlos decide it was better to stay out of the situation.

Despite the rising sun, the cold breeze persisted. In fact, Karlos noticed the wind was colder today than yesterday, making his fingers stiff throughout the sail.

Once at his fishing spot, he quickly set up his bait with renewed determination. He wanted to catch as much as possible to earn more.

His first catch was unexpected: a big salmon, a species called King salmon or Chinook salmon. Locally, they referred to it as King salmon.

"Considering the sea is getting colder, I guess the salmon migration has started in the region."

Every November to December, as the temperature dropped, Timog-Kanluran became a migration route for salmon heading north. Locals eagerly anticipated this rare opportunity to catch such prized fish.

During this period, fishermen could catch salmon, especially in December, the peak season when salmon traveled in large schools, rippling the water as they moved.

"This salmon is almost as thick as my leg," Karlos said with genuine excitement, momentarily forgetting the fatigue of the past few days.

Salmon were rare in their country and expensive. Even during peak season, the price only dropped slightly since demand always exceeded supply. King salmon could sell for 500 pesos per kilo. This species could reach 1.5 meters, or 5 feet, and was known for being both delicious and highly valuable.

The salmon Karlos caught was about 25 inches long and probably weighed 5 kilograms. One catch like this alone could cover household expenses for several days.

As the sun rose, Karlos continued fishing. To his surprise, every fish he caught was salmon, ranging from 15 inches to 40 inches.

"Seven King salmon..."

He was speechless. Perhaps the salmon season had arrived early this year, a blessing.

"But yesterday I didn't catch a single salmon. It doesn't matter, the more money the better!"

Now, he wasn't bitter about losing his catch. The sight of the shimmering silver-and-pink scales stacked on his boat lifted his spirits.

At the fish port, other fishermen were surprised to see Karlos with seven King salmon.

"Has the salmon season started? But it's still early November."

"Perhaps."

When buyers saw the catch, they eagerly asked Karlos how much he wanted to sell it for, knowing salmon could fetch at least double the price in city markets. Many loved salmon, and seeing Karlos with so much, they competed to buy it.

"I'll buy all your salmon for 450 pesos," one buyer offered.

"470 pesos."

"500 pesos!"

"521 pesos!"

A sudden bidding war broke out. Karlos sold to the highest bidder at 535 pesos per kilo, leaving even his fellow fishermen in awe.

The seven King salmon weighed a total of 62.5 kilograms, earning Karlos 33,437 pesos and 50 centavos. He also sold crabs and prawns for 2,825 pesos.

In one day, Karlos earned 36,262 pesos and 50 centavos, a sum far beyond his usual earnings. His heart raced with excitement.

Other fishermen asked where he had caught the fish. Karlos answered vaguely, not wanting to reveal his usual fishing spot. Sharing that information would be like giving away his family's future. He simply said he caught them while fishing for fun.

"A few months ago, you caught a Bluefin Tuna, and now King Salmon. Karlos, tell us your secret."

"I have no secret. I just attend Ocean Church every Sunday, religiously."

"We do too."

"Well, I offered 1,000 pesos every Sunday."

"Now that's bullshit! A family can live on 1,000 pesos for two weeks if they live frugally. How can you give that without blinking?"

Karlos shrugged.

"I'm not lying. You asked my secret, so I told you. I just follow the Ocean Church doctrine faithfully."

The other fishermen stared at him with awe, some whispering among themselves, wondering if the Ocean Goddess truly favored him above all others.

Karlos bid them farewell and left with his earnings. Some fishermen were curious to follow his pattern, but most thought 1,000 pesos was far too much. They wanted to earn money, not give it away.

Karlos returned early that day, around 1 p.m., and Maya was delighted. She was even happier when she saw he had brought back 36,000 pesos.

Later that afternoon, Karlos was invited by his friends to drink. Maya reluctantly gave him 100 pesos, lecturing him softly not to stay out too long. She wasn't supportive of his drinking habits.

---

[Author's Note: Hello, I just want to say thank you guys for all of your support.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 53

"Hey!"

"Yeah!"

"Drink up!"

The four friends, Jerry, Brandon, Andres, and Karlos, were drinking together, joined by another friend, Domingo, a truck driver who delivered machinery and equipment across the province. He was often busy, so whenever he managed to join them, the group felt complete.

"Since you have free time, how about buying us more drinks?" Brandon joked.

"I already bought a case of beer, that's enough for all of your thirsty throats," Domingo replied.

The five men laughed and continued their drinking session as the night breeze carried, accompanied by sound of crickets.

"By the way, I'm not sure if you've heard, but the police recently raided a drug den in our region. I was near the crime scene and saw the officers detain almost 100 people in one night. The scene was filled with sirens and handcuffs," Domingo murmured.

"Really? Why haven't we heard about it?"

"Yeah, that operation would have been broadcast on TV. That's big news." Jerry added.

"Shh, this is just between us. Don't tell anyone else." Domingo glanced around and leaned closer.

"I heard the drug den was owned by the Patong family," he whispered.

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Really? The Patong family? Lang Patong is currently the governor of Timog-Kanluran province. And now you're telling me that the current leader owns a drug den? That's a stretch." Even Andres was shocked. Rumors about politicians were common, but this one carried serious weight.

"Listen first. There are rumors that the news of the raid was suppressed because the Patong family might have been implicated. The people detained had information that could badly affect the family. To cover it up, the story was buried as if it never happened."

"How did they do that?"

"I don't know, connections, money, threats, blackmail. A powerful family like the Patongs has the resources. They can probably do it."

The five men sighed, struggling to believe that the governor of their province could be a drug tycoon. The thought made their drinks taste bitter.

To lighten the mood, they switched topics, talking about their days and jobs. They also teased Karlos about his luck recently catching Bluefin Tuna and salmon. They didn't know exactly how much he earned, since Karlos kept quiet, but they noticed he had bought a brand-new television and renovated their second shop, a clear sign he was doing better than the average fisherman.

"So when are you going to build a house?"

"Once we have enough savings and the timing feels right."

"You guys are lucky. I'm still living with my parents," crossed-eyed Brandon sighed. He was the only bachelor among them. Even Domingo had a serious girlfriend.

"That's why we said you should try betting on lottery tickets."

"I do that almost every day. If I calculate how much I spent this year, it's probably around 8,000 pesos, and I haven't won a single peso back."

"Damn, that's a lot."

"Yeah, don't even talk about it. At this point, I'd be happy if I struck gold."

"By how?"

"I don't know."

They laughed, voices echoing under the night sky, a moment of carefree friendship.

.........
......
...

When Karlos returned to the kubo, he heard the television and confirmed that Maya was still awake, patiently waiting as always.

"You're back. Come, you need to drink water."

"Hm."

As always, Maya tended to her drunk but affectionate husband. Karlos gently kissed her neck, sending shivers down her spine. Even drunk, he was dangerous in the sense that his touch could melt away her irritation.

Karlos tended to be touchy and cuddly when drunk, but fortunately, drinking water and eating food quickly sobered him, a quirk Maya had come to rely on.

Once Karlos was sober, he stayed up with Maya to watch a telenovela before they slept together, their night ending with intimate hanky panky that sealed the day.

.........
......
...

Larry groaned as he sat up, his head still aching, but feeling better than yesterday when he could barely open his eyes from dizziness.

"Looks like you're doing fine," Roman said, noticing his cousin from his mother's side waking up.

"How long did I sleep?"

"A whole day, that's what Alfred said."

"I see... Thank you, Roman."

"So what happened? I just received a call that you were found floating in the sea by a fisherman."

He passed a glass of water to Larry, who drank it quickly, still thirsty.

"It's a long story."

"Is it confidential?"

"No, but I'm not sure if you want to hear it. It might put you in danger."

"I'm from the Alejandro family. One of the richest families in the country, worth billions. I swear, they won't touch me."

"Alright, if you say so." Larry lay back, staring at the ceiling.

"That bastard Lang Patong hired people to drive my car into a cliff. I survived, but I was swept into the waves. Fortunately, I found a floating log and stayed afloat all night. A fisherman saved me, I thought I was going to die."

"As expected. That's why I say being a policeman brings nothing but danger, especially for a righteous one. Rich people hate your kind," Roman joked.

"Oh, fuck off. I'm not doing this for righteousness. We have to dethrone the Patong family. I even had to bypass the Police Chief to raid Lang Patong's drug lab."

"And look what happened, you almost died." Roman shrugged. "Is your family really that desperate to have the governorship of Timog-Kanluran?"

"Yes," Larry said.

"Dealing with drug crimes is one thing, but your father also targets the governor's position."

Larry Araneto's father was the current Vice Governor of Timog-Kanluran province.

The Patong and Araneto families had been fighting for dominance for decades. Araneto had weakened because the Patong's grew richer through illegal activities, particularly drug creation and trafficking, which expanded their influence.

---

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[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 54

'You and your political wars. You guys have been fighting for many years for the leadership of this province.' Roman listened to his cousin's endless words, as if the cycle of greed and ambition in their family line would never end.

Larry Araneto and his family had been longing to take the Governor's position and cripple the Patong family. Hence, Larry raided Lang Patong's drug laboratory despite the police chief's hesitation and the warning signs that such a move might trigger retaliation.

Sometimes Roman was confused about how his mother had been born into a power-hungry family like the Aranetos. She might be strict, but she never tolerated crimes and always carried herself with integrity.

'But so far, Araneto is less poisonous than Patong. At least Araneto never participated in murder and drug crimes in the region, as far as I know. They're just greedy and power-hungry. They're also corrupt and embezzle government funds, squeezing every peso from projects meant to help ordinary people, but they don't kill people.'

Both families were corrupt, and Roman often wondered how long their dirty games could last before the province itself broke apart.

Fortunately, the Alejandro family was different. Their money came from clean businesses. Roman's grandfather started with a construction company, then later dabbled in real estate and hotels. Eventually, the family expanded into fast food restaurants, resorts, and many other industries.

Roman's grandfather was respected because he came from a poor family. Without him, the Alejandro family would be nothing, just like most of their relatives who still lived modestly.

'So it's not surprising that I met a fisherman who shares my surname. Not every Alejandro is rich, and the bloodline is scattered far and wide.' Roman thought to himself.

In Timog-Kanluran, where his grandparents came from, the family owned hotels, resorts, and restaurants. It was Roman's job to oversee the businesses in the region, a responsibility he found exhausting. That was why he decided to reconnect with his relatives from his mother's side, the Araneto family.

As for the resort island, it belonged to his father. It stood as one of the crown jewels of their estate, attracting wealthy guests from the capital and even foreign tourists.

"Anyway, now that their drug laboratory is gone, their business will be heavily damaged. We can slowly cripple the Patongs. Those bastards... I can't believe they tried to kill me. I'll make sure they face the same treatment."

Larry smiled coldly at the ceiling, his expression chilling.

'I won't be surprised if another person ends up floating in the ocean.'

Roman shook his head. He had thought reconnecting with the Aranetos would help him expand the business, but now it seemed it would take longer than expected, and might even cost him more than he had planned.

"I already contacted your parents and told them you're recuperating in my resort. So far, people still believe you're missing. Even the Patongs. What's your plan?"

"Thank you for informing my parents. For now, I'll rest. Once I'm healed, I'll take care of the Patongs and pay them back tenfold for what they did to me." Larry grinned like a devil, his lips curling with the promise of blood and vengeance. Now that the enemy had resorted to murder, he saw no reason not to do the same.

"By the way, Roman. Where's the fisherman who saved me? I want to return the favor. He saved my life, and it's my responsibility to help him back."

"I don't know. I had just returned when I heard about your accident. I haven't had time to look into it. Alfred probably knows the fisherman's name."

Roman called the resort manager, and Alfred appeared.

"Sir Larry, the fisherman who saved your life is Karlos Alejandro. He didn't leave his address. He just brought you here and left a few minutes later."

"He didn't leave a message or any way to contact him?" Larry was surprised and secretly impressed. The fisherman clearly hadn't expected anything in return. He had acted out of goodwill. Larry formed a great impression of the man and decided he would not forget his name easily.

"He just told me his name and left right away."

Alfred glanced at Roman while speaking, clearly wanting to say something but hesitant to do so in front of Larry.

"..." Roman kept a calm expression, though his mind was working.

"Alejandro, huh? Roman, this fisherman has the same surname as you."

"You know my family hails from Timog-Kanluran. There are plenty of Alejandros in this region."

"You're right, haha. Four of my classmates in high school were Alejandros."

A few minutes later, Larry Araneto returned to rest, still weak.

"Sir..." Alfred lowered his head before Roman as the two left the room.

"The man who saved Larry was named Karlos Alejandro?"

"That's right. He's also the fisherman who sold Leopard Coral Groupers and Yellowfin Tuna back when you were relaxing on the yacht," Alfred confirmed. He remembered clearly, he had been the one to pay Karlos and meet him up close.

"Really? I didn't know that." Roman had already forgotten, but Alfred's reminder brought it back.

"This Karlos Alejandro, does he have black hair?"

"That's right, sir. Also..." Alfred hesitated. "He resembled you and the first young master."

"..."

Roman fell silent.

He and his older brother were twins and looked nearly identical. His brother had even grown a beard to distinguish himself. Roman was used to hearing that his brother looked like him, but he hadn't expected another man to share their features. The thought unsettled him more than he wanted to admit.

"Alright, you can leave now. Don't tell the others what you saw. Keep it a secret that someone is recuperating on the island."

"Yes, sir."

Alfred excused himself.

.........
......
...

The next day, despite his hangover, Karlos was speechless as he opened the trap he had set around the small island.

"Jackpot... I hit the jackpot!"

Karlos laughed out loud as he looked at the contents of the trap, it was filled with lobsters. Huge spiny lobsters.

In any country, lobsters were a delicacy. Delicious and expensive, they were a prize catch that could fetch a handsome price at any market. No wonder Karlos was so happy.

The first trap he hauled in contained four adult spiny lobsters. They were plump and very much alive, thrashing in the container with surprising strength.

He placed them in a container one-third filled with seawater. The price of lobster was around 600 to 700 pesos per kilogram. He grinned at the four big lobsters in the container before returning his traps to the shallow waters, only about two meters deep.

 

[Goodman65]

Tftc.

 

[Phantom0408]

Interesting developments. Keep up the good work

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 55

Despite having a hangover, Karlos' mood was great after pulling his first trap, which was filled with lobsters wriggling fiercely, their spiny antennae scraping against one another.

"Even though I didn't get many crabs today, these lobsters can balance the equation and even turn the tide in my favor."

Karlos looked at the styrofoam box, which wasn't even half filled. When he went to the mangroves earlier, he was relieved to find that the thief hadn't touched his eight remaining traps near the trees, which meant at least some of his effort hadn't gone to waste. However, his mood still didn't fully improve because the crabs and prawns he caught were too few, not enough to meet the quota.

The styrofoam box was only one-third filled. As for the tiger prawns, there were seven pieces, and Karlos decided not to sell them since doing so would barely make a difference in profit. Instead, he would take them home to cook, his twins loved prawn meat.

After that, he decided to head toward the small island to check the seven traps he had set in the shallow waters. Passing by his usual fishing spot, he reached the island after about an hour, with the morning sun already burning hotter as sweat rolled down his back.

The small island was about the size of a basketball court and had little vegetation. He noticed some birds resting in the few trees, but they didn't catch his attention, his focus was entirely on the water.

Instead, he searched for the floating styrofoam marked with red paint. Finding one, he pulled it out of the water and laughed in shock when he discovered four lobsters, each averaging 12 inches long and heavy enough to strain his muscles.

The lobsters he caught didn't have pincers. They were spiny lobsters, a species without claws, which meant Karlos could hold them without worrying about crushed fingers. This lobster was delicious, and its tail, packed with juicy meat, was the most prized part, considered a delicacy not just locally but also in hotels and restaurants across other regions.

The lobsters slapped their tails as Karlos placed them in a different container. This one was actually meant for the fish he planned to catch later, but he decided to use it for the lobsters instead, realizing the value of his unexpected windfall and wanting to keep them safe.

Excited by the discovery, Karlos eagerly searched for the next trap, his heart pounding.

The nearest trap contained three more lobsters and a small crab. He threw the crab back into the sea since it wasn't worth selling and keeping it would only waste space.

Karlos continued checking the traps until he reached the seventh one. By then, he had caught 22 adult spiny lobsters, and the sight of the container brimming with them almost made him dizzy with excitement. All of the lobsters were large, as smaller ones could escape through the gaps designed to prevent bycatch.

By now, the sun was glowing brightly, fighting against the cold morning breeze. Karlos decided to move on to his fishing spot since he still had enough time to fish today.

'I guess I should be thankful for the thief because he forced me to change my location. But what if I can't find lobsters tomorrow? What if I've already caught most of the lobsters around this island?'

There was no use worrying. If that happened, he could always focus more on fishing.

Once he reached his usual spot, he noticed a boat passing by. Recognizing it, he waved his hand. The boat belonged to fishermen from a neighboring town farther south of the mangroves.

Karlos' town had the largest fish port, so most fishing vessels sold their catch there because of the better facilities: storage, ice houses, and reliable buyers who offered fairer prices. That was why even boats from neighboring towns came to sell there.

The men on the other boat waved back. Though they didn't know each other's names, they had met several times at the port. They weren't strangers, sharing the unspoken camaraderie of fishermen who faced the same sea.

The boat passed, and Karlos returned to fishing, hoping to catch salmon just as he had the day before.

'Once the salmon season starts, the factory in town will reopen to process them.'

The factory cut and processed salmon into boneless, skinless portions for restaurants and export. They would flash-freeze the fish first, then cut it into portions for sashimi or other dishes, ensuring freshness for long-distance transport.

Overall, salmon was seasonal in their region, making it expensive. Catching one was always a blessing.

To target King Salmon, also called Chinook Salmon, Karlos had brought half a kilo of herring packed in crushed ice, which he had bought at the wet market. At only six pesos, it was a small investment compared to the fortune a single large salmon could bring. Salmon loved herring, shrimp, and squid, making the bait ideal.

He carefully hooked the bait and cast the line.

It didn't even take a minute before he felt a tug. He reeled it in until a massive salmon appeared, its shiny scales glinting. The fish was thicker than his leg. Swiftly, Karlos bled it to ensure better quality, knowing buyers always checked the clarity of the flesh. Smiling, he hooked another herring.

This time, it took a few minutes before another salmon bit. It thrashed wildly but eventually surrendered.

Two hours later, 17 adult king salmon, each as thick as his leg, lay on his boat, their silver bodies gleaming in the sun. Some still flopped weakly as they bled out.

Karlos decided it was time to head back, so he steered toward the fish port, exhausted but satisfied with the bounty.

When he arrived, he saw fishermen smiling from ear to ear. He immediately understood why, the salmon season had officially begun. The entire port buzzed with energy as word spread.

He saw baskets of salmon being pushed by porters, though the overall quantity was still small. Only a few lucky fishermen like himself had caught any, making him one of the earliest winners of the season.

During this season, some boat owners could earn millions.

"You caught lobsters? And how many?" Joseph was shocked when he saw the container filled with lobsters. He rubbed his eyes as if he couldn't believe it.

"You'll need to find another buyer. My clients are more interested in salmon and crabs, so I can't help you with these right now."

"Alright," Karlos replied. He knew someone would buy the lobsters, it was just a matter of price. Hotels and restaurants would be eager to take them.

"The price of salmon went up to 572 pesos. You're lucky to have caught so many."

Such fluctuations were normal. Once the peak season arrived, the price could even drop to 400 pesos, making every early haul far more valuable.

---

[This novel has 37 chapters in Patreon.]

 

[The_Lurker_Dont_Mind_Me]

Thanks for the chapter! Can't wait to see him snag a giant clam with fist size pearl.

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 56

But even though the price would go down, the fishermen were still happy because they earned a great profit around this time, and everyone in the port seemed to be chatting excitedly about how much they could make.

"That's great, I'll sell them for 572 pesos then."

Joseph shrugged as his helper weighed the salmon. It came to 251 kilograms, and Joseph was a bit surprised when he calculated the price: 143,572 pesos. Fortunately, Joseph had many clients who wanted to buy salmon. Some were even restaurant owners, and he could sell the salmon for a higher price depending on the size and freshness of the fish.

After adding the price of the crabs, Karlos comfortably earned 145,269 pesos, which made him grin for obvious reasons. He didn't sell the prawns since he wanted to cook them for the twins.

He then looked for buyers for the lobsters and found one, a local eatery owner famous for serving fresh seafood dishes. After a swift negotiation, they agreed on a price of 610 pesos per kilogram, which was higher than Karlos expected, making him even happier.

The 22 lobsters weighed 34 kilograms, and Karlos earned around 20,600 pesos, putting him in an even better position for the day and giving him a deep sense of satisfaction.

With that, his total earnings for the day reached around 165,000 pesos, an amount that could cover all household expenses and still leave a huge buffer for savings.

As much as he wanted to stay and join the fishermen in their enthusiasm over the start of salmon season, he didn't want to walk around with money in his hand, exposing himself to potential thieves or envious eyes.

So, he left the fish port. No one asked him about the lobsters since most fishermen were focused on the salmon and the profits they could earn.

When he returned home, Maya was stunned by the money Karlos brought back. Her eyes widened and her hands trembled slightly as she tried to comprehend the total. Karlos explained that he had caught lobsters and salmon that day, which earned him the most, and she nodded, impressed as always by his hard work and luck combined.

Maya knew that once the salmon season started, fishermen could earn at least triple their usual profit and maybe even quadruple on the best days if they were lucky enough.

That day, Maya cooked prawn stew with tamarind. The soup had a refreshing, sweet sour taste, and when paired with steamed rice, it made a meal that delighted the twins, who squealed happily as they devoured every bite. They also ate a lot of prawn meat, though the couple still had to feed them because they didn't know how to use a spoon. Every attempt ended with more food on the floor than in their mouths. At one point, Maya gave Arabella a spoon, but she only made a mess, dropping it so many times that Maya chuckled at her clumsy enthusiasm.

The twins were being treated like royalty, eating delicacies almost daily now.

.........
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...

The next day, Karlos decided to take three more traps to the small island, anticipating that the lobsters there would continue to multiply or at least remain abundant.

When he reached the mangroves, he confirmed that the seven traps were untouched and breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that the thief hadn't struck again. Still, his catch was not satisfying, so he decided to bring three traps to the island and leave the remaining four to maintain his territory, just in case he caught all the lobsters around the island.

Even though catching crabs was less profitable compared to expensive fish, it remained a steady source of income, a dependable safety net. Karlos didn't want to stop trapping. He knew the limits of his boat and that trapping crabs was the safest way to earn money, even if it meant early mornings. Venturing farther out to sea was dangerous for his small boat, with stronger waves and unpredictable currents.

Unless he upgraded and bought a bigger boat with a better engine, Karlos would probably continue trapping crabs.

Anyway, the crabs and prawns he caught were almost the same as yesterday's, so he focused more on lobsters and salmon, which brought him higher profits. Karlos knew he had to rely on them to make real money.

He reached the island again and this time caught 17 lobsters, their antennae twitching as if protesting their capture. He also found a spot to set the three new traps, carefully securing them so they wouldn't drift away with the tide. Tomorrow, he would check them in the hopes of catching something worthwhile and large enough to sell at a good price.

After that, he went to his usual fishing spot. His job as a fisherman was monotonous, but Karlos never found it boring because each day brought its own surprises, challenges, and small victories. As someone who loved fishing, this was his dream job. It amazed him that he could earn money by doing what he loved while also providing for his family.

This time, he caught more King Salmon than yesterday, each one glinting silver under the sunlight as it thrashed in his boat. He went to the fish port and sold his catch for 173,000 pesos. The other fishermen were also having a great time catching salmon, and discussions filled the port about the best fishing spots and techniques. Many boat owners even hired more helpers to maximize efficiency during the season, preparing for peak days of abundance.

They knew that once more salmon traveled through their region, they would need extra manpower to handle the workload, from hauling nets to bleeding and weighing the fish for clients.

As for Karlos, he was already earning a good amount and didn't want to be greedy. He understood that nature had its limits, and pushing too far could be risky.

'Is it possible to earn 1 million pesos within the remaining two months of the year?' he thought, imagining the possibilities as his mind raced with plans for savings and home improvements.

Probably yes. If he could fish every day, Karlos might earn 1 million pesos, no, he could probably earn 2 million pesos during salmon season.

Karlos happily returned home, imagining that scenario: earning 2 million pesos and finally building a better life for his family.

That day, the family ate tiger prawns again, this time sautéed with soy sauce and other spices. The aroma filled the kubo, making even the twins delighted. They loved it so much they practically fought for the first pieces despite their small hands, until Maya intervened to divide the portions fairly.

After dinner, Karlos told Maya his plan if they earned 2 million pesos within two months. She listened with a smile, imagining the life they could have. He said he wanted to build a proper house for her and the twins, one with solid walls, a real kitchen, and proper bathrooms that wouldn't leak. Maya chuckled, but she also dreamed about how wonderful it would be to finally have a real home.

They wouldn't have to get wet while cooking in the rain or worry about leaks during storms. They wouldn't need to feel exposed while bathing, but instead enjoy true privacy. With a house of concrete walls, they could have the kitchen and bathroom inside, finally gaining the security and comfort they longed for.

Later, Maya turned on the television to watch the telenovela she followed religiously, though her thoughts wandered. The channel was still airing the news, and the weather reporter said a typhoon was coming from the Pacifico Ocean. It looked like a serious storm.

"It's on the opposite side of the country. We're going to be fine," Karlos said, trying to reassure her and himself, though he still felt a little uneasy.

The typhoon was expected to make landfall on the eastern part of the South Major Island, which meant they were safe, after all, they lived on the western side. For reference, the South Major Island was a huge landmass, around 120,000 square kilometers.

Three days later, Karlos stood on the shore, watching as massive waves crashed violently and the wind howled. The gusts were strong, and the sky was filled with rolling dark clouds, warning of the storm's power.

"The typhoon landed on the east and traveled to the Timog-Kanluran province..." Karlos muttered, his heart sinking as he realized the challenge ahead.

He knew he couldn't fish today, not with waves that could easily capsize his small boat. He also feared that the traps he set on the island might be blown away by the waves or swept out to sea.

"... Fuck," he cursed quietly, knowing he would have to wait out the storm and hope for the best, silently praying that his traps survived.

 

[GymratJomar]

Pre! Dagdagan mo ng konting conflict yung story. Medyo ang cute kasi I parang province life sa lugar natin yung setting. Nakaka relate ako especially tuwing may bakasyon.

I hope this is isn't against the rules.

 

[CastorPavel]

Please don't ever stop writing this story because it's very dear to me,read all of that in one sitting tbh worth every pennies

 

[8ightbit]

when is a new chapter going to release??

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 57


The wind was blowing so strongly that even the trees on the shore swayed violently back and forth. Naturally, the waves were also stronger than usual, rising higher and crashing harder against the shoreline with relentless force.

In a day or two, the typhoon would make landfall in their region, so the fishermen had to prepare meticulously, securing their boats, nets, and equipment.

The big fishing vessels had already gone to the bay harbor in the northern part of town. The bay was wide, about one kilometer across, and partially enclosed by land, protecting the water from the strongest waves and creating a safe haven for the larger boats.

As for smaller boats such as bangkas, fishermen had to work together to carry them far from the beach so they wouldn't be destroyed by the violent surf.

"This is sad. I was expecting that we would fish for salmon this week. I even hired two more people to help with the catch and increase efficiency, but now everything seems pointless," Antonio said grimly as he looked at the raging waves and dark clouds.

Karlos nodded in agreement. He too had expected to earn money since the salmon season had begun. Unfortunately, they couldn't control the weather. After all, they were just humans, powerless against nature's wrath.

It was disappointing and heartbreaking for so many who relied on the sea for their livelihood, watching their hopes and potential earnings swept away by forces beyond their control. Many fishermen were surely cursing the storm in silence as they moved their boats to safety.

"We already carried my boat to a safer place. How about you, Karlos? Do you need help?" Antonio asked, squinting through the wind, his voice nearly drowned out by the gusts.

"Yeah, I can't carry my boat alone. I want to take it to my house since it's small and could be stolen if left unattended in this chaotic weather."

Karlos thought about braving the sea to salvage his traps, but he decided against it. A wrong move could mean disaster, it would be dangerous to sail against the storm.

"Alright."

Antonio tapped his shoulder, encouraging him not to lose hope. Antonio was in his 50s and a veteran of the industry, with decades of experience surviving storms like this.

"Don't think too much about it. Life always has ups and downs. It's not the end of the world, even if it feels like it at moments like this. Remember, storms pass, and the sea eventually calms."

Karlos and Antonio's group carried his boat back to the kubo. Along the way, Andres saw them struggling and joined in, grunting under the heavy load.

When Maya saw the boat, she immediately opened the gate. At 4.5 meters long and 3 meters wide, it just barely fit through.

Once the boat was set down, Karlos thanked them while Maya offered biscuits as a token of gratitude. The fishermen accepted, though their expressions made it clear they were tired of eating biscuits.

For most fishermen, biscuits were the go-to snack while out at sea. There was even a type called sea biscuits, though those were much worse, hard as concrete, dry, and crumbly. Still, they were essential for long trips. After finishing, Andres and the others left.

The plot of land Maya had inherited was wide enough that a small boat could fit inside without a problem.

"The boat will stay here while the typhoon lasts."

"Hm."

Maya noticed Karlos's frustration and hugged him tightly, offering comfort and reassurance.

"You don't have to be sad. There are times when things don't go according to plan."

"I know... I just feel like it's a waste that I can't fish for days while the salmon season is happening. Every lost day means lost income for the family. It frustrates me. We'll lose a lot of money."

"We didn't lose any money. Besides, you've already earned around 500,000 pesos since the salmon season started. I think it's time to lie low, rest, and preserve your energy for when the sea calms down again."

"... Alright."

Karlos sighed and hugged his wife back, making her giggle softly. They returned to the kubo and waited for the rain. They had already filled the thermos with hot water, knowing they couldn't use the kitchen once the storm grew stronger.

They also detached the tarpaulin, which could have been torn away by the wind and caused injuries if it got loose.

By afternoon, thick dark clouds covered the sky, the sun completely hidden, as if a gray blanket smothered the entire town.

Suddenly, lightning struck the ground with a blinding flash, followed by deafening thunder. The electricity vanished with a loud pop, plunging the neighborhood into darkness.

Arabella and Iñigo cried loudly, terrified by the strike. They huddled next to their mother, trembling in fear. Maya hugged them close, whispering soothing words, though she could feel their small bodies shaking.

'Even though this typhoon has already weakened after days on land, it can still generate this kind of power...' Karlos thought as he closed the window. Their last bit of natural light was gone, leaving the house in near total darkness.

Typhoons weakened once they hit land, but they were still destructive, capable of causing floods, felling trees, and tearing apart roofs.

Karlos lit a candle they had prepared. Its weak flame illuminated the house just enough, giving them a small but comforting source of light. The candle would last four hours before burning out completely.

Lightning flashed again, followed by another boom of thunder, and the twins cried out once more, flinching in terror.

The typhoon had fully arrived, rain pouring down in thick sheets as the wind howled around them. The nipa hut shielded them as best as it could, though the whistle of the wind and the pounding rain were constant reminders of the storm's power.

The rain continued into the night, lightning striking every so often. Though the twins were still afraid, Maya's embrace calmed them enough that they only jolted when the thunder roared.

Instead of weakening, the typhoon seemed to grow stronger. If Karlos was right, it was probably regaining power now that it was close to the sea, bringing stronger gusts.

The family ate dinner quietly, their nerves on edge, listening to the storm rage outside. The twins eventually drifted off to sleep as Maya patted them gently. Exhausted from comforting them all afternoon, she soon fell asleep too.

Karlos, however, stayed alert, checking the ceiling every so often for leaks. The rain beat against the roof relentlessly, and sure enough, he found water dripping near the door. He sighed and placed a bucket beneath it to catch the steady stream before it could soak the floor.

He peeked through the cracks in the window but saw nothing. It was midnight, the world outside pitch-black, illuminated only by the occasional flash of lightning.

After that, Karlos returned to bed. He covered Maya and the children with a blanket and closed his eyes, hoping the worst of the storm would pass without causing serious damage.

 

[UNSC-Cosmos;Æther]

NOOOOOOOOOO OUR SALMON!!!

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 58


The next day, the family woke up to find two more leaks in the ceiling, one in the middle of the house and the other close to the window, where the wind had battered the nipa roof mercilessly.

Maya also checked the smaller room to see if there was a leak. Some of their important belongings were in this room, including the cabinet with a secret compartment filled with money.

She sighed in relief when she saw that there was no leak and the place remained dry. Almost everything important had been covered with plastic, including the brand-new television. She carefully checked each appliance, running her hands along the covers to make sure no moisture had seeped through, and was satisfied that everything was safe.

Unfortunately, the rain showed no sign of stopping. The wind grew stronger, and the whole hut creaked under its force.

Since they couldn't cook outside, the family of four settled for bread, hot coffee, and milk. Only few hot water remained in the thermos. Fortunately, Karlos had prepared two gallons of drinking water in advance, enough to last two days if rationed carefully.

After eating bread, they had nothing else to do, so Maya entertained the twins with fairy tales, trying to distract them from the storm. Arabella and Iñigo sat close beside her, clinging to her arms like ducklings as they listened, unable to hear clearly if they sat too far away.

Meanwhile, Karlos worried that the wind might grow even stronger. The thought of a sudden gust tearing open their nipa hut made his stomach tighten.

As Maya told stories, a loud clanking sound echoed from outside, thin sheets of metal slapping against the road. Karlos opened the door slightly to look. A roof was tumbling and scraping along the street.

"Someone's house lost a roof," he said to Maya.

She peeked out, brows furrowed, while the twins also stared at the roof screeching as the wind pushed it along the road. Thankfully, it hadn't landed on their kubo. If it had, it could have crushed their small hut.

When they got hungry again, they could only eat more bread and drink water. Cooking was impossible in the rain, and starting a fire was out of the question.

Later, when they set up the bedding, they discovered another leak above their sleeping area. They had to move to a different spot for the night. Karlos felt heartbroken. He didn't want his family to go through this again. A heavy sense of guilt weighed on him, he had failed to provide a safe shelter. More than ever, he longed for a proper home that could protect them from storms.

By the third day, the rain had weakened and the wind was no longer threatening. Karlos sighed in relief… but then discovered a leak in the smaller room. They quickly moved their things out, worried the water might ruin their valuables.

"Let's build a concrete house. I don't want the kids to go through this again," Karlos told Maya.

She agreed immediately, her expression firm.

"We've saved enough money already. Let's not make it harder for ourselves. Building a proper house should be our priority."

They decided that Karlos would look for a place to rent while the house was under construction. Living in the kubo during the build would be too uncomfortable for the twins, and besides, the kubo had to be demolished anyway.

That day, no new leaks appeared, and the weather didn't feel threatening anymore. Even the lightning had stopped. The twins returned to being playful, crawling and laughing, though they occasionally looked nervously at the roof whenever the wind howled.

By the fourth day, Saturday, the rain finally stopped, and the typhoon left their region. It moved westward, farther from Timog-Kanluran province.

The sun returned, and neighbors poured out of their homes, checking roofs, sweeping away debris, and sharing stories of what they had endured.

Karlos first checked the open kitchen. The pans and pots were safe under the sink, though wet and muddy from the dripping rain. Some of the firewood under the kubo had also gotten soaked, which was expected.

Next, he checked the chicken coop. He had locked the chickens inside for three days, covering the coop with tarpaulin and nailing it down. He was relieved to find three hens alive and well, though restless, their feathers ruffled. The feed and water he had stored for them were almost gone.

As soon as he opened the coop, the chickens excitedly ran out, scratching at the wet ground and pecking at insects that had surfaced after the storm.

The garden, however, was in bad shape. Many plants had broken branches or lay flat on the ground, looking nearly dead. The sight made Karlos sigh, realizing weeks of growth might have been wasted.

Still, things weren't too bad overall. Even the boat was fine, though it was filled with water to the brim, like a giant tub. He decided he would deal with it later.

First… he badly needed to relieve himself. He had been holding it in for three days, not wanting to leave the kubo during the storm. Thankfully, the tap water was working.

"Babe, tell me once you're done. I need to use the bathroom too," Maya called, knocking on the door.

"Okay," Karlos replied.

When he came out, Maya let the bathroom air out for a few minutes. She fanned the doorway with a piece of cardboard and jokingly scolded him.

Karlos then searched for dry firewood and managed to start a fire to cook breakfast. He was sick of bread and water and craved the warmth of real food. Today, he wanted rice. Since they had no meat, he fried eggs with vegetables, adding salt and garlic for flavor.

Once finished, the family ate together. Arabella and Iñigo weren't picky and happily devoured the fried eggs and vegetables with rice, their little faces smeared with food.

"I'll go to the shore and check the waves. I'll be back quickly," Karlos said.

"Alright, don't go into the sea… and bring a bucket. If you find oysters or clams, bring them home," Maya reminded him, making Karlos chuckle.

"Alright."

As he walked down the road, he noticed Jonas' house was missing its roof, leaving the inside exposed to the sun.

"Poor Jonas. Almost all of their belongings got soaked when the roof blew away," Andres said, approaching with a weary look and a bucket in hand. Dark circles under his eyes showed his exhaustion from several sleepless nights.

"Where are Jonas and his family?" Karlos asked.

"They went to the evacuation center. His wife cried the whole way. Our roof isn't in good shape either, so I'll need to fix it later. How about you? Are the kids alright?"

"We had some leaks, but they were manageable," Karlos replied.

"You heading out for clams and oysters?"

"You too?"

"Yeah. There's no work at the fish port right now. Might as well try my luck with shellfish."

The two laughed and headed to the shore together, their footsteps squishing against the muddy and sandy ground as the sun slowly dried the soaked earth.

---

[You can read more on my Patreon.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 59

When they reached the beach, they saw that people were already scooping shellfish, particularly oysters and clams, their buckets clinking as they dug through the wet sand.

It was not recommended to eat filter feeders immediately after rain or a storm because the water's toxicity increased during this time. Many locals knew that even a small mistake could lead to serious illness, so everyone was cautious. Only three days after the rain could oysters and clams be safely eaten, and this waiting period was widely respected.

Almost everyone on the beach had the same goal, they hoped to get lucky and find pearls, dreaming of the rare fortune that could change their lives with a single find.

While some dug in the sand, Karlos and Andres noticed people kneeling and crying at the top of their lungs, their wails carried by the wind, adding to the chaotic post-storm atmosphere.

"Our boat—!"

"Dear Goddess, why are you doing this to us?"

"Waahh—!"

A family of three watched pieces of their destroyed boat being washed by the waves, the broken planks drifting aimlessly. The father stared at the white-painted debris, a harsh reminder of the storm's fury. His main source of income was gone, and the worry etched across his face revealed how much he depended on the boat to feed his family.

"Davis lost their boat?" Karlos asked Andres, scanning the shoreline.

"If I remember correctly, they carried it farther away, but the waves still caught it. The current was merciless, dragging it back into the sea," Andres explained.

Seeing Davis and his family's situation made Karlos feel grateful that he had moved his boat near his house, safe from the ocean's wrath. At least he didn't have to worry about it being swept away.

"Brandon works for Davis. I wonder what he'll do now."

"If he can't find a job, he can work as a porter. Haha, I've been looking for someone to help me push carts lately. This might actually be a good opportunity," Andres replied.

The two went their separate ways to collect shellfish. The waves were still tall and strong, so Karlos avoided that area, choosing a quieter spot where the sand was less disturbed. He wasn't sure if this area had already been picked over.

Using tongs to dig through the sand, Karlos found an oyster, its shell slightly open to reveal the soft flesh inside. Satisfied, he decided to stay in the area for a while. He found clams, oysters, and even conches, the shellfish scattered across the wet sand like tiny treasures. Conches, or sea snails, could also produce pearls, though far more rarely than oysters or clams.

Because of that, conch pearls were valuable. Even a lower-quality conch pearl could sell for 100,000 pesos or more if the color and shape were unique. Conch pearls could be orange, pink, or white, with subtle hues reflecting the sunlight.

Karlos put the sea snails in his bucket, a quiet excitement building inside him. Even though finding pearls was rare, he was willing to try his luck.

Two hours later, he realized his bucket was full, the shells pressing heavily against his arms. He called out to Andres to say he would return first, and Andres waved back before kneeling down to continue searching, determined to maximize his chances.

Old people nearby reminded Karlos that eating shellfish after rain was dangerous, their raspy voices filled with concern. He nodded politely and reassured them that he wouldn't eat any. After the rain, these elders loved reminding people of the danger, and Karlos respected their advice.

When Karlos returned home, Maya had prepared two flat screwdrivers, placing them neatly on the table. Having found a pearl last time, Maya was excited, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Last time, she had found a white pearl the size of a pinky finger. The memory of holding it, feeling its smoothness, still made her heart race. They estimated it could sell for 50,000 pesos, a small fortune that made a noticeable difference in their savings.

Karlos chuckled as he sat down at the recently dried table, his back aching slightly from carrying the bucket but his spirits high.

"I already fed the kids; they won't disturb us for a while," Maya said, gesturing to the twins in their baby walkers, wobbling and giggling as they practiced walking.

"Alright."

The couple began shucking shellfish, their movements careful but rhythmic.

"I'll take care of the snails; they're troublesome to shuck."

Karlos had only picked conches that could possibly contain pearls, such as Queen Conch, Pink Conch, and True Conch, minimizing wasted effort.

"How about boiling them first so they won't move? The stove still has embers," Maya suggested, her voice filled with practical wisdom.

"That could work."

Karlos placed all the moving conches into a huge pot of water on the stove. He added firewood, and the flames crackled.

"…Will the pearls get damaged if we boil them?" Karlos asked, brow furrowed.

Maya paused. She recalled a story of a townsperson who had lost the luster of a pearl while cooking clams, shivering at the thought. The pearl bad cracked because of being boiled.

"You know what, never mind. Just wear gloves when you shuck them. None of these are venomous anyway," she said firmly but encouragingly.

"Alright."

Karlos began the tedious work of carefully prying open each conch. Most were still alive, their sharp shells lightly cutting against his gloves.

When he shucked the third snail, Maya found a pearl in a clam. Her eyes lit up as she held it gingerly, marveling at its smooth, glimmering surface.

"I found one."

She smiled, inspecting it under the light for imperfections. The white pearl was larger than her last find but slightly irregular, with a small bump. Its value would be lower than a perfect pearl, perhaps 1,000 to 2,000 pesos, but it was still a good start to the day. Even a small win was still a win.

By the time Karlos had finished shucking two-thirds of the conches, Maya opened her last shellfish, an oyster. She didn't expect much, having already found a pearl earlier.

But then she gasped. Inside was a 2-centimeter pearl, silver-white in color, perfectly round, reflecting the sunlight like a tiny, flawless jewel. Karlos froze mid-motion as he stared at it.

Maya held the pearl in her palm, mesmerized by its weight, smoothness, and magical glow. It was perfect. The silver undertone gave it a rare and enchanting quality. A 2-centimeter pearl was large enough to catch the attention of serious collectors, making it worth a fortune.

"Babe, I… I think I struck gold," Maya said to Karlos, her voice trembling with disbelief, joy, and excitement.

---

[Author's Note: We received a disconnection notice on our electricity today, so I decided to promote a 50% discount to get money. I apologize, life is tough for us lately. The first 10 subscribers will get 50% off for the first month or first year.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 60

Maya was so happy that she inspected the pearl a second time, turning it over in her palm. She was still mesmerized by it.

"Let me see."

Maya passed the pearl to Karlos. Its size alone was quite impressive, comparable to a small coin. The silver-white pearl was different from the average pearls they had seen. A faint shimmer on its smooth surface reflected the light, making it glow faintly like moonlight. It shone with a soft silver radiance.

Karlos was equally amazed by its beauty.

"Isn't it amazing? Babe, how much do you think we could sell this pearl for?"

"You want to sell it?" Karlos asked. He had expected Maya would want to keep it.

"I want to ensure we have enough funds to build a house. If we are going to spend money, then I want it to be done perfectly," Maya replied. Though hesitant about selling the pearl, her maternal instincts pushed her to think of their children first.

"We can sell this for at least 100,000 pesos. This pearl has no blemishes and is perfectly round," Karlos said, returning the pearl to Maya.

"Hm, this pearl is too beautiful," she said, grinning.

"No matter how beautiful this pearl is, you will always be more beautiful," Karlos replied calmly, his eyes steady and serious, not playful as he returned to shucking the conch.

Maya looked at him, realizing he wasn't joking.

'What? You're just going to say that and return to shucking the conch? Shouldn't you at least give me a kiss or something?' Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly glanced away. Her heart pounded faster, leaving her restless. She had been expecting a romantic gesture. Her husband knew exactly how to make her heart skip a beat.

When Karlos was almost done, with only four conches left, he shucked one and found a pink oval pill. He washed it in water until the salt and slime were gone, revealing its natural luster.

"Babe… is this a pearl?"

Having been a fisherman for about three years, Karlos's knowledge of pearls was limited.

Maya approached him curiously and saw the pink oval pearl. Her eyes widened as she confirmed it.

"K-Karlos, that's a pearl!"

"Really!? I'm not sure because it's pink."

"Pearls from conch are rare, and they can be different colors, like orange, pink, and white!" Maya held the pink pearl as if it were a fragile treasure.

"Does that mean I also struck gold?"

"You struck gold! Karlos!"

Karlos was thrilled. He hugged Maya's waist and lifted her off the ground, making her yelp and giggle in surprise.

When he put her down, Maya gasped for air, flustered by his sudden gesture. She quickly returned her attention to the pink pearl.

"It has no blemishes, but it's oval, a perfect oval. I'm not sure if we can sell it for a high price," Maya muttered. The pearl was only a centimeter long.

"Let's have them appraised later."

"Hm, let's do that. If our budget isn't enough for the house, we can appraise and sell our pearls," Maya agreed.

Karlos shucked the remaining conches but found nothing else. Still, earning three pearls that day was a pleasant surprise, and for the first time in days of storms, the couple felt fortune smiling upon them.

After pearl hunting, the couple cleaned the house, sweeping away damp dust, straightening the furniture, and airing out rooms that still smelled faintly of water. Electricity returned that night, and the family watched the news to check if the weather would remain calm the next day.

The next day, Karlos didn't sail because the waves were still erratic and strong. Despite the clear blue sky, he knew better than to underestimate the ocean.

Instead, he went to the construction company to meet contractor Patrick or Engineer Montoya. As last time, Patrick was busy, while Engineer Montoya was available.

"You want to build a house?" Montoya asked.

"We're not looking for anything expensive, like a two-story house. We just want something simple but sturdy. Our kubo has leaks, and I think it's time to build a proper house," Karlos explained.

"That's great!" Engineer Montoya was naturally happy, already picturing the project and his potential commission.

"I made a rough estimate last time, right?"

"Yes, you said 1.4 million pesos for a 150-square-meter house," Karlos answered.

"Then let's go to your place. I'll call a surveyor to come with us. His name's Franco."

A few minutes later, they reached Karlos's place.

"This is your house?" Franco curiously asked.

"That's right," Karlos confirmed.

"So I assume this sports car is yours too?" Montoya muttered.

"Huh?"

Karlos had no idea what he was talking about. But when he stepped out of Montoya's car, he saw a bright red Ferrari parked in front of his gate. Its sleek design, polished metal, and glossy finish looked completely out of place on the rural road. Its presence drew the attention of everyone nearby.

Some neighbors gathered outside, gossiping about the car. Whispers spread quickly, speculating a celebrity had arrived or perhaps the child of a politician. A few kids tried to touch it but were pulled back by their parents. A Ferrari was a rare sight in their town; they had only seen it on television.

Karlos frowned, confused.

"Let's go inside," he said, opening the wooden gate.

Montoya and the surveyor Franco followed, equally awed and confused. Karlos didn't appear wealthy enough to own a sports car. Did he buy it before building a house? It seemed hard to believe and impractical.

Inside, two men in sunglasses were talking to Maya, who wore a worried expression.

"Babe, what's going on?" Karlos asked.

"Karlos," Maya said, relieved to see him, though she still didn't know what was happening. "These men are looking for you."

"Indeed, looks like you're the Karlos we're looking for."

Roman was the first to greet Karlos, removing his sunglasses.

"You're Roman, right? Why are you here? If it's about a refund for the Bluefin Tuna you bought, you won't get any money," Karlos recalled. He thought this rich man wanted his money back.

"Why would you think I want a refund?"

"I don't know. Why are you even here?"

 

[Goodman65]

Tftc.

 

[Phantom0408]

Tftc. Can't wait for what comes next!