Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The grandmother instructed Zhang Yi, "Quickly go prepare the meal!" Zhang Yi scratched his head and pouted, but he didn't say much and quickly walked over to the stove to get busy. He skillfully started a fire, took out rice and water, and began cooking porridge. The firelight reflected on his face, making him appear somewhat rugged, but his movements were very nimble.
Seeing this, Chunhua immediately stood up and said, "Grandma, this won't do! How can we let you do all the work? I'll help too." She walked over to the stove, wanting to add firewood.
Xiao Yun also stood up, her eyes determined as she said, "Grandma, I’ll help too." She looked at Zhang Yi's busy back and felt a bit guilty, thinking she shouldn't just sit there waiting for food.
The grandmother smiled gently, raised her hand to stop them, and kindly said, "You are guests; how can I let guests do the work? Sit down and rest for a while." Her voice was soft yet firm, carrying an undeniable warmth.
Chunhua and Xiao Yun exchanged glances, understanding the grandmother's good intentions. Although they still felt a bit guilty, they sat back down. Chunhua gratefully said, "Thank you so much, Grandma. We haven't had a hot meal in a long time during our escape."
The grandmother nodded slightly, a hint of compassion flashing in her eyes. "Don't mention it. We all have tough lives; if I can help a little, I will. You all rest for now; once the porridge is ready, we can chat slowly."
Zhang Yi quietly busied himself nearby but perked up his ears to listen to their conversation. Although he didn't speak up, he understood the grandmother's intentions. The flames danced in the stove as the aroma of porridge gradually filled the air, warming the atmosphere in the room.
Zhang Dashan's family sat there, feeling this long-lost warmth as their tension and anxiety were gradually replaced by this moment of tranquility. They knew that this small village might truly become their safe haven and that this kind grandmother and her grandson would be their new friends and support.
Before long, Zhang Yi came over with a pot of steaming porridge and placed it on the table, speaking somewhat disgruntledly, "Alright! Here it is!" He then picked up bowls and handed them to Zhang Dashan's family and the grandmother.
He first filled a bowl for his grandmother and respectfully handed it to her. The grandmother accepted the bowl with satisfaction but then lightly tapped Zhang Yi's hand and scolded him, "How many times have I told you to be polite to guests!"
Zhang Yi scratched his head and glanced at his grandmother helplessly before turning around obediently to serve porridge to Zhang Dashan's family as well. His movements remained quick but now carried a hint of reluctance and a touch of apology.
"Here, have some hot porridge," he said as he handed out bowls of porridge to Zhang Dashan, Chunhua, and Xiao Yun. Although his tone carried some unwillingness, his gaze had softened compared to earlier.
Zhang Dashan took the porridge and said gratefully, "Thank you, I really appreciate it."
Chunhua and Xiao Yun also nodded in thanks, gaining a new understanding of Zhang Yi's attitude. Although he appeared cold on the outside, he was not a bad person at heart; he had simply been hardened by the difficulties of life and the harshness of reality.
The old lady watched this scene with a kind smile on her face. "Alright, everyone eat up. You've all been tired from your journey, so have something warm to eat and warm yourselves up."
Zhang Dashan's family nodded appreciatively and began to drink the hot porridge. The aroma of the porridge wafted through the air, and a warm sensation spread from their throats throughout their bodies. In that moment, their fatigue and unease were comforted, and they felt the warmth of home that they had long missed. Zhang Yi sat quietly to the side; although he did not say much, he felt a sense of relief in his heart. He knew that these fleeing strangers had now become part of their village, and he would protect this hard-won peace in his own way.
The old lady looked kindly at Zhang Dashan's family, her gaze warm and caring. However, there seemed to be an unspoken emotion hidden in her deep eyes. Xiao Yun sensed this invisible pressure and couldn't help but feel uneasy. Just then, the old lady suddenly spoke.
"Please forgive me..." Her voice was gentle and calm. "There is nothing here except wood, a few stubborn people like us, and wandering souls like you. There is nothing else left."
The old lady's words carried deeper meaning; she had clearly guessed that Zhang Dashan's family had come here to escape danger. Her tone conveyed a subtle understanding and sympathy that inspired respect. Zhang Dashan caught her implication, feeling a slight tightening in his chest along with a sense of shame and gratitude.
Chunhua lowered her head and silently held Xiao Yun's hand, sensing her daughter's inner tension. Xiao Yun looked up at the old lady, her eyes flashing with gratitude and helplessness. She knew that in this unfamiliar little village, they had finally found a moment of peace and refuge.
Zhang Dashan softly said, "Old lady, we truly appreciate your hospitality. We just want to find a place to settle down and won't cause you or the village any trouble."
The old lady nodded slightly, her eyes filled with love. "No need to say more; I understand. We are all seeking peace in these chaotic times; if I can help, I will. Just remember that this is your safe haven, but I hope you will respect the rules here so that everyone can live in harmony."
Zhang Dashan nodded gratefully. "We will, thank you."
The old lady's words warmed Zhang Dashan's family’s hearts as they felt the tolerance and understanding of this kind elder. Xiao Yun tightly held Chunhua's hand, feeling a glimmer of warmth and hope. She knew that this small village might truly become their new home—a place where they could start anew.
In this warm atmosphere, Zhang Yi silently observed everything before him, gaining a new understanding in his heart. He knew that although life was difficult, as long as there was love and tolerance, one could find their own peace and happiness even in such a small village.
At this moment, Zhang Yi took the initiative to speak: "Ha... This place was originally called Wangchun Mountain, known for its abundant timber... but too many fugitives from Baiyue Village escaped here, and over time it came to be called Prison Mountain." As he spoke, he played with the wooden spoon in his hand with a hint of dissatisfaction, his gaze drifting towards Zhang Dashan's family.
Then he shifted his tone, laced with sarcasm: "So? What crime did you commit? Did your husband owe debts? Murder? Theft? Infidelity?" His tone was filled with mockery, and a smug smile appeared on his face, as if he were curious about Zhang Dashan's family's past.
Zhang Yi's words left Zhang Dashan's family stunned, and the atmosphere suddenly became awkward and tense. Cold sweat broke out on Zhang Dashan's forehead, Chunhua's expression changed slightly, while Xiao Yun tightly grasped her mother's hand.
Seeing this, the grandmother did not hesitate to raise her hand and hit Zhang Yi on the head, her tone severe: "You child, how can you speak like that! I've told you so many times to be polite to guests!"
Zhang Yi covered his head where he had been struck and said aggrievedly: "Grandma, I just..."
The grandmother shot him a glare, not giving him a chance to explain, then turned to Zhang Dashan's family with a softer tone: "I'm sorry, Zhang Yi speaks without thinking; please don't take offense."
Zhang Dashan hurriedly replied: "It's fine, Grandma, we understand."
The grandmother nodded, her eyes filled with kindness and apology. Zhang Yi stood aside; although he no longer said anything further, there was still a hint of reluctance on his face. He understood his grandmother's intentions and realized that his earlier words were indeed a bit excessive.
In this delicate atmosphere, Zhang Dashan's family once again felt the grandmother's goodwill and tolerance. Chunhua gently patted Xiao Yun on the shoulder, signaling her not to worry. Xiao Yun looked at the grandmother, and the invisible pressure in her heart gradually dissipated, replaced by affection for this kind elderly woman.
Comment 0 Comment Count