Xiao Zhuzi and the Wise Snail Village Chief traveled safely through the night, and as dawn began to break, they found themselves in the Grass Leaf Forest. The cool morning air was filled with a hint of sweetness. The Snail Village Chief discovered a hidden tree hollow of a suitable size and gestured for Xiao Zhuzi to come down and rest. He laid down some grass leaves inside the hollow, and they both sat down to eat some food prepared by Aunt Snail and drink some dew. As fatigue gradually overtook them, they nestled against each other and fell asleep.
In the Grass Leaf Forest, wildflowers filled the air with fragrance, and a gentle breeze occasionally rustled the grass leaves, creating a soft whispering sound. Xiao Zhuzi slept soundly until she suddenly heard what seemed like cries for help coming from nearby. At first, she thought she was dreaming, but after a moment, she heard a faint groan that seemed to come from behind the tree hollow.
Xiao Zhuzi immediately jumped up and hurriedly woke the still-sleeping Snail Village Chief. They cautiously exited the tree hollow and turned to look behind the tree. To Xiao Zhuzi's surprise, she saw something shimmering in a beam of sunlight filtering through the dense grass leaves. She ran a few steps toward it before stopping abruptly with a gasp.
There lay an injured Ladybug, her wings drooping helplessly beside her, clearly broken. The Ladybug trembled slightly, letting out pained groans. With pleading eyes, she looked at Xiao Zhuzi and the Snail Village Chief, weakly saying, "Please... help me... I was attacked by a Giant Moth..."
The Snail Village Chief leaned closer, took one look, and said, "Xiao Zhuzi, quickly, take her into the tree hollow!" Understanding the urgency of the situation, Xiao Zhuzi immediately crouched down, gently picked up the Ladybug, and carefully carried her back to their hiding place.
Once inside the tree hollow, the Snail Village Chief examined the Ladybug's injuries closely. He frowned with concern and said, "This injury is serious. If not treated promptly, she may never fly again. What's worse is that if her wound continues to worsen, it could be life-threatening." After speaking, he stepped out of the tree hollow; he needed to find a way to save this Ladybug.
After walking a few steps away, the Snail Village Chief turned back to remind Xiao Zhuzi: "Xiao Zhuzi, stay here and take good care of the Ladybug. Remember to keep hidden; I will look around for some herbs that can help."
Xiao Zhuzi nodded gently. Faced with this sudden situation, she had become much calmer. She first found two large leaves to cover the entrance of the tree hollow and then used fruit peels to collect some dew to feed the Ladybug. Afterward, she carefully wiped away the sweat on the Ladybug's forehead and softly comforted her: "Ladybug, how are you feeling? My name is Xiao Zhuzi; don't be afraid. The Snail Village Chief and I will do our best to help you." After speaking, Xiao Zhuzi took out some melon from her bag, breaking it into small pieces to feed the Ladybug while sharing her recent experiences.
After drinking water and eating food, the Ladybug's condition visibly improved. She turned to look at this little girl before her; sunlight streaming through the gaps cast a soft glow on her delicate face. Her big eyes sparkled with kindness and trustworthiness. Seeing those eyes made the Ladybug smile as well; she began to share her story with Xiao Zhuzi:
The Ladybug introduced herself as Hua Hua. She had lost her parents at a young age and lived alone in this Grass Leaf Forest. Fortunately, with help from many residents of Chong Chong, she not only survived but also worked hard to become a messenger in Grass Leaf Forest.
Yesterday she had taken on an important task from Mr. Hummingbird to deliver a message to Dragonfly Elder in Xian Cao Garden. After receiving her assignment, she set off immediately. However, not long after starting her journey, she encountered a terrifying Giant Moth.
These Giant Moths were among the most dangerous creatures in Grass Leaf Forest! They possessed enormous reddish-brown wings adorned with patterns resembling two menacing "snake heads," sending chills down one’s spine. Moreover, these moths were highly aggressive; once they spotted prey, they would attack without hesitation. Hua Hua had been attacked by one of these Giant Moths; she had used all her strength to escape but ultimately pretended to be dead just to trick it. Unfortunately, she had sustained severe injuries and collapsed nearby, nearly losing her life.
"If it weren't for you and the Snail Village Chief finding me, I might have..." Hua Hua's voice trembled slightly with fear as she recalled her close call. Xiao Zhuzi quickly patted Hua Hua's uninjured wing gently and reassured her softly: "It's okay now; you're safe."
Just then, there was a sudden rustling sound from outside—a faint movement among the leaves that made both Xiao Zhuzi and Hua Hua tense up immediately.
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