A simple bowl of noodles, topped with slices of processed meat, a few green vegetables, and a dollop of meat sauce. It looked irresistibly mouthwatering.
Bai Dan picked it up and began to eat slowly, finding it delicious.
Ever since Xingxing had started living with him, his appetite had been spoiled.
Neither grandfather nor grandchild spoke; they finished a bowl of noodles each, but Bai Zhi was the first to yield. Okay, she’d never dream of competing with Grandpa.
"Grandpa, when are you leaving? How long will you be gone? Will there be any danger?"
Though she knew asking Grandpa might not yield a straight answer, she couldn’t help but worry.
Bai Dan reluctantly put down his bowl.
"What are you thinking about, child? What danger could there be? It’s just that your master can’t carry all the herbs himself, so I thought I’d help him out. As for danger and the like, that’s all nonsense he’s making up. Don’t believe it."
Bai Dan spoke with ease, his face revealing no concern.
It was as if he was indeed just going out to sell something.
But those herbs were so distinct—why not sell them locally instead of leaving?
Was he really treating her like a child, as the old man said—were they still too young?
"Don’t worry. Grandpa won’t do anything dangerous; Grandpa still needs to stay with Xingxing."
Bai Dan reached out and stroked Bai Zhi’s head. How could he let go at a time ?
No matter what, he had to protect Xingxing and ensure her safety.
"I’m leaving tomorrow morning; this time it will be for three or four days. Just right, your aunt said she’s coming back to take care of you."
Bai Dan’s smile grew deeper, his gaze on Bai Zhi more tender by the moment. The time wasn’t right yet.
Surprise flickered in Bai Zhi’s eyes at his words; her aunt was the person the original owner most admired and had lived the life she had always wanted to live.
Her aunt, Bai Xin, married far away but lived freely, having never had children. Yet her uncle treated her very well, the final word in the home.
It seemed there was nothing that didn’t go her way, which made the original owner quite envious. Every time Aunt Bai Xin came back, she would take her shopping and tell her not to be afraid of them.
It seemed like she was later the only one who didn’t blame her for hurting Grandpa.
At the time she was being harmed by them, she was also ready to take the original owner away, but by then, the original owner couldn’t leave anymore.
"Yes. Your aunt is coming back, and I’ve asked her to look after you for a few days. She is quite impressive—she used to beat your dad until he ran around the village. So, don’t worry."
Bai Dan wasn’t worried about anything in particular; he just feared that Bai Da, that bastard, might stir up trouble. So it was best that his daughter was coming back.
Bai Zhi really didn’t take Bai Da seriously. If it came down to it, it was just a beating, and not the kind that leaves marks.
"Alright, go out and play, have some fun, and don’t worry. Grandpa is just going to play and will bring you back something delicious."
Bai Dan smiled as he went to pack his things, and only when Bai Zhi walked out the door did she realize that her grandfather had sidetracked the conversation again. How frustrating.
Bai Zhi arrived just as the movie was ending, and everyone was munching on popcorn.
Bai Zhi walked over and sat down; the credits were rolling.
"Ah Zhi, why did you come just now? It’s already finished. It was particularly good to watch, those scenes, so impressive. The people of our country are true heroes."
Wu Wa was especially shocked after watching it. It was her first movie, an absolutely stunning experience, her heart still thumping excitedly.
"Yes, without their efforts, we would still be oppressed right now."
They were true heroes, everyone immersed in the shock of the moment.
One sound after another, followed by a foul stench...