Chapter 386 Shocking

  Welcome to Jiupin Literature, search for "Jiupin Literature" in any search engine to quickly enter this site. This site permanently provides free high-quality and txt format download services without pop-up windows! Finally, when everyone was exhausted, we reached the top of the mountain. The mountain wind blew gently, and our spirits were lifted instantly. I sat on a large stone, looking up at the sky, which was very blue. Looking down, the village below the mountain looked small. The road we took to get here was no longer visible, only seeing strips of winding ribbons entwined in the earth.

  "Xiao Yang, there are a few houses over there, is that your home?" Qiao Hui's eyes were sharp and she saw the houses on the other side of the mountain. "No, those are the houses where the forest guards live." Xiao Yang looked around before answering, "If you look further ahead, you'll see a small stream, my home is behind the stream in the mountains." As he explained, we looked over and indeed saw a small stream, but because it was blocked by trees, we couldn't tell how big it was.

  With a goal in mind, the road ahead seems to be much easier. However, people often say that what looks near is actually far away, and this saying is really true. We've been walking for half a day now, but we still haven't reached the shadow of that small stream. Luckily, Xiao Yang kept cheering us on, so we're doing okay because we usually exercise regularly, but poor Bao Er is struggling. And then there's Yu, who's also exhausted and panting heavily. The things in his hands were taken over by Xiao Yang and Lu Qi a long time ago. Even with empty hands, walking is still laborious, but fortunately, the two of them are in good spirits and keep encouraging each other, although they're moving slowly, without any complaints.

  "Wow! There's a cool breeze coming, the creek should be here." I felt a gust of cool wind blowing on our sweaty faces, it was so comfortable! "You're right, we'll be there soon," Xiao Yang said with a smile. Sure enough, after walking for a while, the creek that we had seen from afar appeared before us.

  As I gaze at this brook, my first impression is serenity. Yes, the calm and waveless water surface sparkles with glittering light under the sun, and the slowly flowing brook is silent and soundless. Upon closer inspection, how clear the water is! So pure, so crystal-clear! The blue sky is reflected in the water, and the surrounding trees are also reflected in the water, making the color of the water appear deep and shallow, rippling endlessly. As we gaze at this water, we can't help but exclaim in admiration.

  After crossing the small stream, Xiao Yang's home is not far away. The village in the mountains is not big, with only a few dozen households, scattered houses built on the mountain, but almost every family has a courtyard, large or small, all made of stone. Most of the houses are also made of stone, with firebricks used only in the upper half, and some families still use earth bricks. The roofs are all covered with black tiles. We saw many animals unique to rural areas, groups of chickens, dogs, and pigs, strolling leisurely around the village, occasionally hearing a few sentences of clucking, barking, and oinking sounds, I think they should be chatting! Bao'er was overjoyed to see these small animals. The fat fish is even more fun, and he starts imitating their calls: "Cluck cluck cluck... Woof woof woof...." Everyone bursts into laughter again.

  When we arrived at Xiao Yang's home, his mother was there. Seeing our group of people, she was surprised and immediately greeted us with a smile, telling us to rest well. She also said that this was the first time Xiao Yang had brought classmates home, and she was thrilled.

  Xiao's mother is a farmer woman in her 40s, looking quite good with clear and delicate facial features. Xiao Yang resembles her in most of his facial features, except that his skin is darker, probably due to long-term labor under the sun! His little sister, Xiao Yu, is an lively and lovely girl, only eight years old. At first, she was a bit shy, but after seeing us bring so many delicious snacks for her, she immediately became excited, calling us "brother" and "sister" nonstop.

  Look at the sky, it's already after noon, so Xiao Mama quickly cooked lunch. She boiled a big pot of sweet potatoes, oh my favorite! The fragrant and sweet taste is really mouthwatering! Then she cooked another pot of rice, stir-fried several large plates of vegetarian dishes and pickled vegetables, and braised a large plate with the meat and potatoes we brought. Xiao Mama was very generous, everything was served in big plates and bowls. We ate with relish, although it wasn't a luxurious feast, but we deeply felt the warm hospitality.

  Xiao's father returned when we were having dinner, and he was also very enthusiastic to see us. He kept saying that everyone had worked hard and welcomed our arrival. Xiao's father looked like he was in his 40s, with a sturdy build, handsome features, dark skin, and had just come back from doing something in the mountains.

  I thought it was already the twelfth lunar month, what farm work is there to do? In my impression, winter should be the most leisurely time for farmers. I couldn't help but ask: "Uncle Xiao, do you still have farm work at this time?" He looked at me with a puzzled expression and laughed heartily: "People who are used to doing things can't stop, these wheat and rape seeds have been planted, but we need to manage them, otherwise they won't grow well next year and the yield will be low." Ah, I see.

  "Yang, since your classmates rarely come to our home, take them for a good walk after dinner. Although we are poor in the mountains, the scenery is still quite beautiful. You have to accompany them well. Don't let them get bored. Our village may not be rich, but it has its own charm. Take them to the old temple, the ancient trees, and the stream. Let them experience the simple life here. Make sure they have a good time!"

  "Xiao Mama, don't say that. Xiao Yang takes care of us like a brother and we all like him." I quickly responded, "Besides, he's also related to me, right?" "Related?" Xiao Mama didn't understand. "She's from the same village as my sister, and her too," Xiao Yang chimed in, pointing at Qiao Hui. "Oh, really? Hehe, that's even better." Xiao Mama looked at me, then at Qiao Hui, beaming with joy. After dinner, we took a short rest in the courtyard, listening to Xiao Yang's plans. He said everyone was tired from going up the mountain today, so we wouldn't go far and would play in the forest behind the village instead! Just as he was saying that, I saw Xiao Baba getting ready to head out again, and I quickly asked, "Xiao Shu, are you going to work again?" He laughed loudly: "No, I'm going fishing. We'll have fish for dinner tonight."

  As soon as I mentioned catching fish, my eyes lit up, and everyone else was very interested. Fat Fish asked repeatedly, "Where are you going to catch fish? Can we go take a look too?" "Just that small stream where you came from, I'll go see if there's any fish." Xiao Dad took out a net in the courtyard, tied it to a long wooden stick, picked up a small bucket and was ready to set off. Before leaving, he turned back and said, "If you want to come take a look, just follow me!" We quickly followed him.