Today’s Duofu is far from what it was three years ago when the two left the island.
Thanks to support from national policies and the efforts of the island’s villagers, Duofu has become a well-known domestic island tourist destination.
The crystal-clear, unpolluted blue seawater; the simple and hospitable villagers; the neatly arranged bamboo stilt houses with panel-style structures; the mysterious and ancient local customs; and the abundance of exquisite handicrafts… all leave tourists from around the world in awe.
Last year, Duofu was voted online as “the tourist destination people most want to visit.”
According to the latest survey data released by the tourism bureau this year, last year the tertiary industry centered on tourism accounted for 80% of the island’s total income!
The remaining 20% came from the increasingly rising shipping industry, real estate, and online new media revenue.
Riding this wave, villagers started small businesses, some opened specialty product shops, some sold local island snacks, some worked as tour guides, and some transported goods by boat.
In short, every household found a way to earn money that suited them, and life improved day by day.
As the villagers’ average income increased, the three major clan families, who once held themselves in high regard, gradually put aside their airs.
As a result, the imprint of hierarchy, high and low status, caste distinctions, gradually faded from the people’s beliefs, truly completing a transformation and liberation of thought.
Aside from the rapid development of tourism, improvements in education and healthcare on the island were also evident.
Three years ago, Duofu’s first primary school was completed, named “Moon No. 1 Primary School.”
Over the past two years, “Moon No. 2 Primary School,” “Moon No. 3 Primary School,” “Moon No. 1 Middle School,” and “Moon No. 2 Middle School” were successively established.
Children on Duofu can now enjoy compulsory education.
Fan Ye also successfully obtained her graduation certificate and degree from Capital University over the past two years. Three months ago, she gave up her guaranteed postgraduate recommendation at the same university and resolutely returned to Duofu. She is now a formally appointed teacher at Moon No. 1 Middle School!
Due to the lack of teaching staff, she has to teach mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology for the entire grade.
Medical conditions on the island have also continuously improved. So far, two large comprehensive hospitals have been built, along with several community health stations.
Many tourists can’t help but ask: “Why are there moon-shaped sculptures in the hospitals and schools?”
Whenever this happens, the villagers always devoutly close their eyes and make a prayer gesture: “Because it was Goddess Yue Agata who bestowed all of this.”
Xie Dingyuan and Jiang Fuyue stayed on the island with their two children for half a month.
The slow-paced life allowed the couple to break free from the exhaustion of work, while Niannian and Suisui climbed trees for eggs, went into the sea to catch fish, and ran wildly on the beach, having endless fun.
“I feel like I’ve been here before.” Niannian said seriously with a solemn little face.
Xie Dingyuan and Jiang Fuyue were both stunned.
Because this was the little guy’s first time speaking!
Xie Dingyuan took a deep breath and steadied himself: “You have an impression of this place?”
Niannian nodded.
“Can you describe it more specifically?”
Niannian walked to a certain spot on the beach, then stood still looking toward the horizon. It didn’t seem right, so he crouched down to look again, still not right.
Finally, he stretched out his arms toward Xie Dingyuan. Although his expression remained serious, his voice was still soft and childlike: “Dad, can you hold me for a moment?”
“Of course.” Xie Dingyuan reached out and picked him up.
When Niannian looked again, his eyes lit up: “This is it!” He pointed toward the horizon.
Xie Dingyuan suddenly recalled that when the two little ones were only a few months old, he had held them just like this to look at the sea!
“You still remember?” Shock flashed in the man’s eyes.
“Mm!” Niannian nodded firmly.
Xie Dingyuan and Jiang Fuyue exchanged a glance.
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