Lin Yu walked up to the Small Farmhouse and found it eerily quiet. This kind of silence was unnatural, a deliberate stillness that only served to highlight the presence of someone within. His gaze swept around, and his ears caught every subtle sound, yet all he could hear was the echo of his own heartbeat in his chest, as if everything around him was shrouded by a heavy, invisible curtain.
Lin Yu's heartbeat quickened; he knew this was not an ordinary farmhouse. Every inch of land here seemed to conceal danger, and this intentional silence was more unsettling than any noise. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He was acutely aware that every move he made might be under scrutiny from those inside, and a single misstep could lead to unpredictable consequences.
He adjusted his clothing slightly to ensure he appeared non-threatening. The sunlight cast a natural shadow beneath his Conical Hat, obscuring his line of sight, but he could still sense the alertness and peril hidden in the shadows. His hands trembled slightly, but he quickly steadied himself, determination and resolve shining in his eyes.
Lin Yu slowly approached the door, moving lightly and steadily, trying not to make a sound. He understood that this moment of tranquility was fleeting and could be shattered by an unexpected turn of events at any moment. He raised his hand, hesitated for a moment, then gently knocked on the door. The sound echoed sharply in the still air, like a muffled thunderclap ringing in his ears.
There was no immediate response from behind the door, which heightened Lin Yu's vigilance. He felt that those inside were carefully observing his every move, assessing his intentions. His heartbeat raced faster, but he maintained his composure, waiting for any sign from within. He knew that this moment of waiting was crucial; he had to convey his intentions in the friendliest manner possible to avoid any unnecessary conflict.
Zhang Dashan had long been prepared behind the door, feeling extremely tense. He peered through a small hole in the earthen wall, closely watching every movement outside. A man dressed in ordinary clothing and wearing a Conical Hat stood there. Sunlight filtered through the edges of the hat onto the ground, creating mottled shadows that obscured the man's face, making it hard to identify him.
Zhang Dashan's heartbeat quickened as he gripped the iron hammer tighter; his palms were already slick with sweat. He struggled to control his breathing, trying not to make any noise for fear of being heard by the man outside. Xiao Yun and Chunhua hid by the back door, anxiously watching Zhang Dashan's actions, ready to flee at any moment. They knew that every second counted now.
Zhang Dashan observed the man outside through the hole. The man stood at the boundary between light and shadow, upright and composed. Although his features were indistinct, Zhang Dashan sensed an unusual familiarity from his demeanor that sent a jolt through him.
At that moment, the man outside suddenly spoke in a calm and steady tone: "I am not your enemy."
The voice seemed to resonate in Zhang Dashan's memory as if he had heard it somewhere before. His mind raced through fragments of memories as he tried to recall who this voice belonged to. His breathing became rapid, but he remained silent, continuing to observe the movements outside while feeling an inkling that perhaps this time it was not an enemy approaching.
He looked at the man again, trying to find more clues from his posture and tone. The man outside seemed to sense Zhang Dashan's doubt and continued speaking in that calm voice: "I am here to help you; please trust me."
Zhang Dashan still hesitated to believe easily; he knew that any trust at this moment could come at the cost of their lives. Yet something sincere and familiar in that voice began to shake his resolve. He decided to observe for a little longer to confirm this man's true intentions.
The silence of this moment stretched unusually long, and Zhang Dashan's thoughts became increasingly chaotic.
Xiao Yun and Chunhua, although hiding at the back door, could clearly hear the man's voice. As soon as Xiao Yun heard the man's voice, memories flooded her mind— that night when it poured rain, the man killed her grandfather but chose to save her in the end. Xiao Yun murmured in disbelief, "It's... Shisan."
Her heart raced, emotions intertwining between fear and excitement. Xiao Yun suddenly stood up and ran toward the front door, eager to find out more. Chunhua was surprised and reached out to grab her, but Xiao Yun moved too quickly, leaving Chunhua watching helplessly as she ran toward the front door.
Zhang Dashan heard Xiao Yun's footsteps and felt a jolt in his heart. He turned around to see Xiao Yun rushing toward the front door. For a moment, he was shaken; his vigilance and doubts erupted in that instant. Countless images flashed through his mind—those peaceful times spent with Xiao Yun and Chunhua, along with the sense of crisis that had shadowed them over the years.
Xiao Yun reached the front door, her eyes shimmering with complex emotions. She trembled as she reached out to open the door, and there stood the man who had once saved her—Shisan. Her breathing quickened, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
"You... it really is you..." Xiao Yun's voice trembled with uncontrollable excitement and anxiety.
Lin Yu looked at the girl before him, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes. He nodded slightly and said softly, "It's me, Xiao Yun. I'm here to take you away; it's no longer safe here."
Seeing Lin Yu's appearance, Zhang Dashan's inner defenses finally began to crumble. He slowly lowered the iron hammer in his hand, the tension and vigilance on his face gradually dissipating, replaced by deep gratitude and relief. He knew that this man had once saved their daughter and was now here to protect them again; perhaps their family's fate could once again be entrusted to him.
At that moment, Chunhua also arrived at the front door. Seeing Lin Yu's figure, her surprise and confusion gradually transformed into trust. She gently took hold of Xiao Yun's hand and silently stood by, waiting for Zhang Dashan's decision.
Zhang Dashan took a deep breath and finally nodded, saying to Lin Yu, "Come in; we need your help."
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