Chapter 15: Urgent Memorial
Hearing what Duan Yixin said, Chi Xinru squatted next to her. When she saw Duan Yixin taking out a large black object from the river in the shape of an oval plate, she asked, "What is this? Is this the pearl you are talking about?"
Duan Yixin shook her head and explained, "This is called a freshwater pearl mussel, which produces pearls. I will show you how to get their pearls without killing the mussels."
After saying that, Duan Yixin began to carefully collect the pearls inside the mussel. Chi Xinru got tired of squatting, so she looked around. When she saw a boulder, she went to sit on it and watched Duan Yixin collect the pearls.
When Duan Yixin took out the oval-shaped pearl, she showed it to Chi Xinru and said, "This is a pearl. Natural pearls come in many shapes, but round pearls can be used as jewelry. As for other shapes, they can be ground into powder and used as materials for cosmetics or medicines."
Looking at the bright white pearl, Chi Xinru couldn't help but reach out and take it from Duan Yixin's palm. She raised it against the morning sunlight and saw the pearl's surface sparkling.
After Chi Xinru was stunned for a moment, she looked at Duan Yixin and said excitedly, "Xin Xin, this pearl is so beautiful! How did you know that there are such beautiful pearls in these ugly black things?"
"I discovered it by accident yesterday." Duan Yixin lied without blushing.
Seeing how carefully she collected the pearls, Chi Xinru sighed and said, "Xin Xin, you are so awesome. If it were me, I wouldn't have the patience to get the pearls one by one."
"This black thing is called freshwater pearl mussel. They keep the river free from pollution and any harmful substances. It is indeed difficult and time-consuming to collect pearls without harming them, but they are important for nature." Duan Yixin said with a slight smile on her lips.