In the late night, after Zhang Yi and Grandma had fallen asleep, Dashan gently shook Xiao Yun and Chunhua awake. As they opened their sleepy eyes and saw Dashan's serious expression, a sense of tension gripped their hearts. Dashan made a shushing gesture, signaling them to follow him outside to talk.
The three of them tiptoed out of the house, standing under the moonlight, each feeling a bit nervous. The moonlight cast long shadows on them, and the night breeze brought a hint of coolness. The surroundings were quiet, with only the soft sounds of insects echoing in their ears.
Dashan spoke in a low voice, "We... have to find another place... We need to leave here..." His voice carried weight and determination, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yun and Chunhua, filled with helplessness and worry.
Xiao Yun flashed a hint of reluctance in her eyes and quietly retorted, "Why? Have our whereabouts been exposed? We're safe here!" Her tone was filled with confusion and dissatisfaction; she couldn't understand why Dashan suddenly wanted them to leave this peaceful refuge.
Chunhua also looked at Dashan with concern, her eyes full of doubt and worry. She gently held Dashan's hand and asked softly, "Dashan, what happened? Why do we have to leave here?"
Dashan took a deep breath and slowly said, "Our whereabouts haven't been exposed yet, but ultimately we are a hidden danger here. Our presence could attract pursuit at any moment. The villagers here are very kind; we can't involve them in our dangers." He paused for a moment, his gaze becoming more resolute. "Moreover, our safety is still not completely assured. Shisan is currently missing; we can't delay here for too long."
Listening to Dashan's words, Xiao Yun felt reluctant but also knew he was right. She lowered her head and softly asked, "Then where are we going next?"
Dashan remained silent for a moment before saying, "We will look for a more concealed place to temporarily evade the pursuers' attention. Perhaps we can seek help from the rebels to find their hiding spots. In any case, we can't let the people here take risks anymore."
Xiao Yun felt somewhat frustrated; she was tired of always running away. After finally finding a safe place to live, she really didn't want to leave. The tranquility and warmth of this small village had given her a moment of comfort and hope, and she was unwilling to embark on that dangerous and uncertain path of escape again. However, what Dashan said was also true; their presence could bring unpredictable disasters to the villagers, filling her heart with conflict and helplessness.
Xiao Yun remained silent, not speaking. Her eyes were filled with struggle and unwillingness as she lowered her head and gently kicked at the small stones beneath her feet. She knew that Dashan's decision was meant to protect them, but the reluctance and pain in her heart made it hard for her to express herself.
Dashan also knew that Xiao Yun must be unwilling to leave, but this matter couldn't be left to the whims of children. Seeing Xiao Yun's silent demeanor caused him some pain as well, but he understood that this was the reality they had to face. He stepped closer to Xiao Yun, gently patting her shoulder, speaking in a gentle yet firm tone: "We will leave the day after tomorrow... I will gather more information about routes and news from the villagers... You two should also prepare to say goodbye to them."
Chunhua watched Xiao Yun's reaction with feelings of reluctance and worry in her heart as well, but she understood that Dashan's decision was correct. She gently held Xiao Yun's hand and whispered, "Xiao Yun, we will find a safer place. Dad is right; we can't involve the good people here in our dangers."
Xiao Yun heard her mother's words, and a glimmer of tears flashed in her eyes, but she still held back the tears. She knew she had to be strong and understand her parents' decision. She gently nodded and replied softly, "I understand, Mother. I will say goodbye to them."
Dashan saw Xiao Yun's reaction and felt a sense of comfort in his heart. He knew this was a difficult decision for Xiao Yun, but her understanding and cooperation strengthened his resolve. They had to leave this place and find a safer hiding spot to truly protect each other.
The three of them stood under the moonlight, each feeling a weight of heaviness and unease in their hearts. Dashan looked at the moon in the night sky and silently prayed that this departure would go smoothly and lead them to a true refuge. He took a deep breath, turned, and walked toward the house to prepare for the actions and arrangements for the next day.
Xiao Yun and Chunhua followed him into the house, their hearts filled with complex emotions. This small village had given them a brief moment of peace and safety, but they knew that this tranquility was fragile and could not last long. They had to face reality bravely and embark on a new journey for the sake of that glimmer of light, to protect those they loved.
The next morning, Xiao Yun went about her usual tasks, helping to fetch water, chop wood, and tidy up the house; however, her face lacked the natural smile it usually bore. Her movements became heavy, and her mood appeared unusually low. The villagers sensed her strangeness but did not ask too many questions; they simply cared for her quietly.
Grandma immediately saw through Xiao Yun's inner turmoil and realized they were about to leave. She called Xiao Yun over, gently patted the chair beside her, indicating for her to sit down. Xiao Yun quietly squatted next to Grandma's chair, gently holding Grandma's knees with both hands, her eyes filled with reluctance and sorrow.
The sunset illuminated Grandma's face like gold, warm and sacred. Grandma smiled, her eyes full of love and wisdom as she gently stroked Xiao Yun's hair and said softly, "Life is a constant struggle against fate, against the present, against everything. Xiao Yun, Grandma will not forget you all. Do not be sad or distressed; the dust has not yet settled. You must be brave and strong, understand? Good child."
Listening to Grandma's words warmed Xiao Yun's heart and filled her with strength. Tears welled up in her eyes and fell uncontrollably as she nodded repeatedly. She knew Grandma was right; she could not let sadness and weakness occupy her heart; she had to face reality and walk forward bravely.
Seeing Xiao Yun's tears made Grandma feel a twinge of pain in her heart, but she understood this was part of Xiao Yun's growth—a trial she had to endure. She gently wiped away Xiao Yun's tears and said tenderly, "Child, do not be afraid. You will surely find your path and your own happiness."
Xiao Yun tightly embraced Grandma, feeling her endless love and support. Her heart was filled with determination and courage; no matter how many difficulties or challenges lay ahead, she would face them bravely because she knew that with Grandma's blessings and support, she could overcome anything.
The afterglow of the sunset bathed them in a layer of sacred light. Xiao Yun felt gratitude and reluctance in her heart, but she knew she had to leave; she had to bravely embark on a new journey. Taking a deep breath, feeling Grandma's warmth and strength, she silently vowed to find her own light and happiness.
With tears welling in her eyes again, Xiao Yun nodded uncontrollably. Her gaze became resolute as her heart filled with immense determination and courage. No matter how many hardships lay ahead, she would walk forward bravely for that glimmer of light and to protect those she loved. Although this farewell was filled with reluctance and pain, she believed that on the road ahead, she would surely find her own happiness and hope.
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