Back to the Small Fishing Village in 1982

• Author: Mi of Rice
• Genres: Trọng Sinh, Đời Thường, Điền Văn
• Status: Completed
• Chapters: 2037
• Rating: ★ 4.5 / 5
• Published: 2026-10-01

The Call of the Sea in 1982

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the concrete jungle, this novel is your golden ticket straight to the Chinese coast in the 1980s. The story drops you into a rustic, untouched fishing village, where hardworking fisherman battle the waves daily just to make ends meet. Author Mễ Phạn Đích Mễ absolutely nails the salty, breezy vibe of the ocean and the slow-paced life of that era.

The journey kicks off when Ye Yaodong, a 50-year-old man who wasted his entire life, accidentally falls into the sea and gets a rebirth back to his 20-year-old self. But don't expect any crazy cheat codes or a magical system—all he has are patchy memories of the future and some seriously weird luck. This is actually a massive plus, keeping the story grounded and realistic unlike so many other over-the-top novels in the genre.

The daily grind of a fisherman is painted in vivid detail, from picking the right nets and reading the tides to keeping the catch incredibly fresh. You'll feel the thrill of setting sail alongside him, braving the elements for that ultimate, boat-overflowing catch. The world-building isn't just limited to the docks either; it breathes through cozy kitchens and bustling countryside markets.

A Deadbeat's Road to Redemption

In his past life, Ye Yaodong was a selfish, lazy slacker who brought nothing but regrets to his family. Waking up in his twenties again, he finally realizes the value of family and vows to make things right with his devoted wife, Lin Xiuqing. Watching this former black sheep transform and rebuild his life is incredibly heartwarming and genuinely touching.

He doesn't cheat his way to quick riches through shady schemes. Instead, he grinds it out with his own two hands and pure guts while fishing. Thanks to his street smarts and solid social skills, Ye Yaodong slowly earns the villagers' respect and scales up his business. He's not just in it for himself either—he generously shares the wealth, helping out his buddies by lending his diving suit or pointing them toward prime fishing spots.

His dynamic with his dad is another highlight—his old man eventually becomes his right-hand first mate, backing him up on every voyage. Old family drama gets resolved through genuine empathy and our MC's sincere efforts to change. You'll witness a mature, responsible soul inside a youthful body, always putting his wife, kids, and parents first.

The Thrill of Realistic Ocean Voyages

There are no world-shattering battles here, but the real tension comes from battling mother nature in the coastal area. Every single time Ye Yaodong heads out to sea, it feels like an exciting treasure hunt. Plus, the author seamlessly weaves fascinating details about different seafood species and their market values right into the story.

The grind to build capital—starting from a tiny wooden boat and upgrading to massive vessels—follows a very logical progression. The detailed descriptions of modernizing fishing techniques give you a cool history lesson on how the industry evolved during China's reform era. There are no ridiculous leaps in progress; every bit of Ye Yaodong's success is earned through hard work and sharp instincts.

His insane luck while fishing is handled with a light touch, keeping things super entertaining without breaking immersion. The hype chapters where he hauls in rare seafood or hits the jackpot with a massive school of fish keep the pacing lively. This is exactly how the novel manages to keep you hooked for over 2,000 chapters without feeling stale.

Community Vibes and the Spirit of the Era

The biggest strength of the farming life genre is the slice-of-life interactions with the side characters in the fishing village. You get the whole spectrum: nice neighbors, petty gossips, and troublemakers, but they all band together when disaster strikes. The author paints a vibrant miniature society where community spirit shines bright despite the daily struggle to survive.

The historical backdrop and economic shifts of China in 1982 are subtly woven in, laying a solid foundation for the characters' growth. The way Ye Yaodong uses his future knowledge to dodge pitfalls and seize golden opportunities is handled beautifully. You'll get a front-row seat to a rapidly evolving society where the bold and daring reap the rewards.

The novel also spends a lot of cozy downtime on parenting and maintaining a happy marriage amidst the daily grind. In particular, Ye Yaodong's fierce determination to protect the daughter he lost in his past life is bound to pull at your heartstrings. His love for Lin Xiuqing shines through small, everyday acts of care, giving you all the warm fuzzies.

Why You'll Love It

• A unique ocean setting that feels incredibly fresh compared to standard land-based farming life novels.
• Fascinating, deeply-researched knowledge about marine life and fishing techniques.
• Excellent character development as the MC grows from a lazy slacker into a reliable family patriarch.
• No game-breaking system—the protagonist relies strictly on his experience and hard work.
• The warm, realistic portrayal of family bonds adds a deep, touching emotional layer to the story.

A Few Caveats

• At 2,037 chapters, the length might be a bit daunting if you're looking for a quick read.
• Some repetitive fishing and hitting-the-jackpot tropes in the middle of the story can feel a bit monotonous.
• The MC's luck occasionally feels a bit too convenient, lowering the stakes slightly.
• The pacing can drag a bit in some of the more filler-heavy slice-of-life chapters.

What the Community Says

• WTR-LAB: 4.3/5 (35 ratings, as of Oct 1, 2026), with most readers praising the rich, detailed portrayal of a fisherman's life.
• Qidian: 35,000 average active subscribers (as of Oct 1, 2026), proving its massive and steady popularity on its home turf.

If you're craving some retro nostalgia and love the beauty of the ocean, this is an absolute must-read. Despite the massive chapter count, the sheer realism and warmth of this story make it worth every second. It's not just a story about making money—it's a journey of self-discovery and finding what truly matters in life.

The Bottom Line: A top-tier oceanic farming life novel that perfectly balances practical knowledge with touching family values. It's an inspiring redemption story for anyone who believes in second chances.

Tags: slice of life, ocean, family