Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
As the sky gradually darkened, the three of them quietly took their remaining belongings and headed up the mountain next to Baiyue Village. They wrapped themselves tightly to avoid being noticed. Lao Liu intentionally walked a short distance ahead, ensuring that others did not realize they were together. The three followed Lao Liu, gradually making their way into the forested mountains.
As they progressed, the surrounding scenery became increasingly desolate. The sky continued to darken, and the wind howled through the mountains, creating a cold and lonely atmosphere. Xiao Yun couldn't help but start to worry, her mind filled with doubts. She looked at Lao Liu, who was not far ahead, and couldn't help but ask herself: Was Lao Liu really helping them? Could this be another cruel betrayal?
Xiao Yun's heart raced as memories of past betrayals and conspiracies flooded her mind. She recalled Wong Ji's betrayal, someone she had once trusted, who ultimately became the mastermind behind her persecution. She couldn't shake off the fear that Lao Liu might have similar intentions.
She glanced anxiously at Zhang Dashan and Li Chunhua, both of whom were silently moving forward, their faces showing a hint of fatigue and determination. Zhang Dashan turned back to look at Xiao Yun, offering a reassuring smile that signaled her not to worry.
Xiao Yun bit her lip, trying to calm herself down. She knew that right now she could only trust Lao Liu; there was no other choice. Taking a deep breath, she made an effort to steady her pace and keep up with her parents ahead.
Lao Liu walked in front, occasionally glancing back to ensure that Zhang Dashan's family was not falling behind. His expression was serious, and he felt some concern. He knew that helping Zhang Dashan's family carried great risks, but he could not stand by and watch them suffer. The plight of his friends made it impossible for him to remain indifferent.
Gradually, they ventured deeper into the forest, where the surroundings became even more desolate and silent. Lao Liu stopped and turned back to Zhang Dashan, speaking softly: "We're almost there; just ahead is the farmland and Small Farmhouse."
Zhang Dashan nodded and signaled for Li Chunhua and Xiao Yun to quicken their pace. They followed Lao Liu onward, filled with anticipation yet tinged with unease.
Finally, in a secluded valley, they spotted the Small Farmhouse. Although simple, it appeared sturdy enough. Lao Liu led them inside the farmhouse, pushing open the door to reveal a clean and tidy interior with some basic living supplies.
"This is it; you can stay here temporarily to avoid drawing attention," Lao Liu said, a comforting smile on his face.
Zhang Dashan excitedly grasped Lao Liu's hand and said gratefully, "Lao Liu, thank you so much; I really don't know how to express my gratitude."
Lao Liu patted his shoulder and smiled back: "Don't mention it; we're friends after all. Make yourselves comfortable here; let me know if you need anything."
Xiao Yun looked around the Small Farmhouse, feeling her unease ease slightly. She knew that although the future remained uncertain, at least for now they had a temporary refuge where they could catch their breath and think about their next steps.
Zhang Dashan lit a fire in the stove; the warm glow dispelled some of the chill in the air. The flickering light illuminated every corner of the Small Farmhouse, making the humble little house feel particularly cozy. He began tidying up with the firelight, dusting off surfaces and arranging simple living items in an effort to make this place feel more like home.
Lao Liu stood outside the farmhouse, gazing at the moon in the sky. The moonlight was cold, illuminating the valley and making the surrounding scenery appear quiet and mysterious. Lao Liu lit his pipe, slowly inhaling the smoke; the deep breaths brought him a sense of relaxation. His heart was filled with contradictions and worries, but he knew he had done all he could.
Li Chunhua picked up Zhang Dashan's tobacco and gently walked over to Xiao Yun, whispering, "One must not forget their roots. Take this to Lao Liu. He has helped us so much, and we should express our gratitude."
Zhang Dashan nodded while organizing things on the wall, signaling Xiao Yun to give the tobacco to Lao Liu.
Xiao Yun nodded, picked up the bag of tobacco, and walked toward the door. She approached Lao Liu and saw him smoking in the moonlight, his face appearing so tranquil and profound.
"Uncle Lao Liu," Xiao Yun called softly, handing him the bag of tobacco, "this is my father's tobacco. Please take it and smoke it."
Lao Liu turned his head, surprised to see the bag of tobacco being offered by Xiao Yun. He furrowed his brow and gently declined, saying, "Child, there's no need. I have enough here; you should keep it for yourselves."
Xiao Yun persistently pushed the bag forward a bit more, her eyes filled with pleading: "Uncle Lao Liu, please accept it. This is our small token of appreciation for your help."
Lao Liu fell silent for a moment before finally accepting the bag of tobacco, but he did not open it immediately. He sighed softly and said quietly, "You are too kind; we are friends and do not need to be so formal."
Xiao Yun nodded with a faint smile: "Uncle, we are truly grateful to you. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't know what to do."
Lao Liu looked at Xiao Yun with a serious expression and sighed deeply: "I don't know what has happened to you all, but I've known Old Zhang for most of my life. Given your situation, there's really not much I can do..."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yun immediately bowed deeply and trembled as she spoke: "Uncle Liu, you have already helped us so much. All of this is because of me; I... I truly am..." As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, making it impossible for her to continue. Her shoulders trembled slightly as tears finally slipped down her cheeks.
Lao Liu looked at Xiao Yun with a complex mix of emotions. He reached out and gently patted her shoulder, his tone warm yet firm: "Child, don't say that. Everyone has their own difficulties; this is what friends are for. As long as you are safe, that is what matters most."
Xiao Yun lifted her head, her eyes filled with gratitude as tears streamed down her face. She struggled to control her emotions and nodded: "Thank you, Uncle Liu; thank you so much."
Lao Liu sighed, his gaze filled with helplessness and concern: "I just hope you can safely get through this ordeal. It's getting late now; you should rest well. There will be many things to do tomorrow."
Xiao Yun nodded, a glimmer of determination flashing in her eyes. She knew that no matter what, she could not allow her family to suffer any more harm. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself.
"Xiao Yun, go inside first. Mom has prepared a bed for you," Li Chunhua gently called to her daughter from inside the house.
Xiao Yun came back to her senses, deeply bowing to Lao Liu and thanking him again. "Uncle Liu, thank you. We will always remember your kindness."
Lao Liu nodded slightly, a comforting smile appearing on his face. "Good girl, go in and rest."
Xiao Yun turned and walked into the farmhouse, seeing that Zhang Dashan and Li Chunhua had already tidied up the place. The glow from the fire in the stove reflected on the walls, making the humble little house feel especially warm.
"Uncle Liu told us to rest well," Xiao Yun said to her parents, her voice carrying a hint of reassurance.
Zhang Dashan nodded and softly said, "You’re tired too; lie down and rest."
Li Chunhua gently pulled Xiao Yun down to sit and patted her hand. "Good girl, sleep for a while. We will think of a way tomorrow."
Leaning against her mother, Xiao Yun felt the long-lost warmth and sense of security. She closed her eyes, immersing herself in this moment of tranquility, her heart filled with hope for the future and love for her family.
Lao Liu stood outside the door, watching this family and silently praying that they could weather this disaster and find their peace and happiness. The moonlight remained cold, but a flicker of hope ignited in Lao Liu's heart. He knew this was the best he could do for his friends.
As night deepened, Zhang Dashan's family found temporary shelter in Lao Liu's farmhouse. They huddled together, feeling each other's warmth and support as their hearts gradually calmed. Although the future remained full of challenges, they believed that as long as they persevered, they would surely find a way out.
Comment 0 Comment Count