Chapter Twenty-Four: You didn't look for me, I looked for you

  The heavy snow fell for three days and three nights, and when I returned home that evening, I didn't hide the fact that I was injured from my parents. Instead, I told them everything that had happened, including the whole process of how it occurred and the final result. Autumn Brother and Mountain Tiger supplemented what I said from the side. My mom's first reaction was to cry, sobbing while muttering, "This child's life is so bitter! You say! The last injury just healed, and now another accident happened, what can we do?!" She immediately had me lie down on the kang (heated bed), saying, "Ah, this is a repeat of the past." My dad didn't say anything, but instead carefully unwrapped the bandage that Ling Sister had applied to my wound, cleaned it, changed the gauze, applied medicine, and re-bandaged it. I secretly hid away the strip of cloth that Ling Sister had used to bandage my wound, as it was a precious keepsake - a part of her undergarment. Of course, I wanted to preserve it well, as it held sentimental value. Ling Sister, Autumn Brother, Tiger, Autumn Spring Brother, Cloud Flying, and Cloud Peng Brothers didn't return home directly, but instead stayed at my place to keep me company. Ling Sister was busy helping my mom prepare dinner and tidy up the dishes. After we finished eating, it was already late, so everyone left.

  The house fell silent, with my mom cleaning up in the kitchen and my dad sitting on the edge of the bed, puffing away at his cigarette. After a while, he looked up and said, "Autumn, I've been thinking about what happened today, and you did the right thing. I'm not blaming you; if it were me, I would have done the same!" Ah, a weight was lifted off my shoulders! Ever since I got back, I'd been feeling uneasy, worried that my dad would scold or even yell at me. But now it seemed like nothing was wrong, and my old man was actually being really supportive - how great is that?! "Autumn, I know a thing or two about the Gu family's influence," he said. "They're not doing anything good, just causing trouble everywhere, with a bad reputation to boot. And they've got the Japanese backing them up, so this isn't something we can just let slide. We need to be careful, especially around New Year's. You and your siblings should just stay home and keep a low profile for now. I'll get your uncle to dig up some information." My dad's tone was unusually warm and gentle, with a smile on his face and a look of admiration in his eyes. When he said this, my mom spoke up, "This kid is always getting into trouble, thanks to you spoiling him! He's always been a handful, even at a young age!" "You don't understand," my dad replied, "this is a big deal! Even adults might not be able to handle it as well as he did. Our son is growing up and taking responsibility - I'm proud of him!" "Fine, just keep spoiling him then..." As they continued talking, I drifted off to sleep, exhausted, and in my dreams, I caught a whiff of Ling's alluring scent and saw her lovely figure again...

  "The young man's heart is opened by love"

  "Neighbors know each other like sisters,"

  "The vast snowflakes dance in the eastern night sky,"

  "Once again, a beauty enters my dream!"

  He's incredibly talented, even composing poetry while sleeping, an absolute genius!

  Slept for a night, woke up in the morning, feeling refreshed and energized, with a comfortable mood. The wound on my back was gone, this is absolutely spiritual therapy, related to last night's dream. I suggest that people who are injured choose an ideal woman to accompany them in their dreams every night during the recovery period, the effect is surprisingly good!

  My mom didn't let me get up, so I just lay there. After eating breakfast, the neighbors, Zhang Dage and his wife, came over - they're Ling Jie's parents. Ling Jie followed them in too. It was weird, this little girl seemed a bit shy today, like she didn't dare look at me. They brought a lot of food, saying it was to help me recover my strength. Zhang Dage even brought out a bottle of red medicine, saying it was something his relatives had given him when he was injured years ago - it's super effective and usually hidden away at home, not something they'd normally give to others. Zhang Dage sat on the kang, smiling at me with an expression that made me feel embarrassed. Normally, this old couple would often come over to chat, but today Zhang Dage seemed especially pleased when looking at me - it was like he was looking at a son-in-law or something. Thinking about Ling Jie's shy behavior earlier, I suddenly realized what was going on - she must have talked to her parents about her feelings last night! My face turned bright red as I thought about this, and I didn't know where to put my hands or feet - it was all so awkward. Zhang Dage saw me like this and started laughing even harder, patting his leg and saying to my mom, "Look at him, he's such a good kid, so responsible and capable!" He was basically praising me to the skies! Apparently, Ling Jie has four older brothers - the oldest is back home farming, the second brother isn't around much, and the third brother went out to make his fortune years ago but hasn't come back in three or five years. The family only has this one old daughter left, so who knows, maybe she'll rely on her sister-in-law's influence in the future! As he said this, he glanced over at me and Ling Jie with a sly expression - I quickly gave Ling Jie a look, and she immediately understood what I meant. "Uncle and Aunt, you guys chat for a bit, I have something to discuss with Ling Jie," I said, not waiting for them to respond before making a quick escape. Ling Jie followed close behind me as we ran out of the room, leaving behind a trail of happy laughter.

  Out of the hospital gate, the heavy snow was falling densely, and the sky and earth were white and vast. I stretched out my hand, and a soft, warm little hand fell into my palm, holding it tightly, why? Afraid that this little girl would be embarrassed to pull it back, wouldn't we be very disappointed!

  We walked hand in hand through the snow, without a word, the world was silent and still, with only the occasional snowflake falling, brushing against our cheeks, hair, and hearts. As we turned a corner on the mountain path, several tall green pines came into view, accompanied by a few slender white birches. When we reached the trees, Ling stopped and brushed the snow off my hair, "Look at you, not even wearing a hat, your hair is all wet!" She scolded me like a little wife, I don't know if it was the cold snow on my neck or her charming face that ignited the passion in my heart. I wrapped my coat around us and used both arms to hold her tightly in my embrace. The world disappeared, the vast expanse of flying snow disappeared, leaving only the space we created together. Forget everything! Greedy lips searched for her red lips, urgent gasps, the fragrance between our teeth, no force could separate our lips as we explored each other's passion and life. Two trembling bodies, two quivering hearts, those red lips, tender and delicate, this one kiss, the world lost its color, our love was sealed forever, the passion of life, an unstoppable impulse. My right hand slipped into her back, ah, smooth and soft skin unfolded under my palm like silk. Every time I touched her, her body trembled once, all her strength seemed to be drawn out, her hands tightly wrapped around my neck, her soft body entwined me like a vine. A thread of clarity in our minds, why couldn't we control our bodies? My little brother had a strong reaction, she clearly felt it, her breathing became more urgent, my hands were about to wander downwards when the sound of someone shouting at cattle and the jingling of horse bells came from afar, "Ah-ah!"

  I suddenly came to my senses, breaking free from the endless daze. At this moment, in this place, it wasn't the place where we had cherished each other for over a decade. It was broad daylight, on the street, and I was bewildered. Impulsiveness is the devil! As I looked at her in my arms, her eyes were closed, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, still intoxicated in the endless ecstasy. Obviously, she hadn't woken up from the confused state. "Hey!" I whispered softly into her ear. She opened her starry eyes, looking at me with a puzzled expression. I pointed to the front, and a horse carriage appeared vaguely in the snowy fog. Ling sister quickly left my arms, her cheeks flushed red, without any shyness in her eyes, only intense, unyielding tenderness and passion burning my heart. She adjusted her clothes, smoothed out her disheveled black hair, and smiled at me with a gentle smile. The charm of this smile was etched in my heart, impossible to erase. I stared at her foolishly, "Let's go!" "Where?" Ah, why did we come out? We exchanged a glance, understanding each other's thoughts, knowing what to do next.

  Here is the translation:

  In the following days, I gathered my companions together, opened up a large classroom in the school, lit the stove, and presided over a thorough, detailed, and in-depth summary of the gains and losses of this battle. Everyone spoke passionately, discussing their own views, and I asked about everyone's basic situation, requiring them to stay in the village recently and not go out. Those with bows and arrows at home brought them over, and we set up targets on the school playground to practice accuracy. Everyone was very enthusiastic, and some even suggested practicing with slingshots for hunting birds, which are two very useful weapons that will be put to good use in the future.

  Ling sister, as long as she was by my side, couldn't help but hold my hand, without avoiding everyone else, looking like a little bird relying on me. It's clear that this girl's dependence on me is getting deeper and deeper, especially when I'm speaking on stage, her eyes are full of happy little stars. Everyone couldn't help but make a few jokes, sometimes making me feel a bit embarrassed, but to be honest, I still really enjoy this feeling, sweet and romantic, loving and affectionate, the feeling of being in love is great!

  I told everyone that I would be going out for a few days, and they all asked me where I was going. I just said I had some business to attend to at my uncle's house, without telling them the real reason. This matter can only be handled by me alone for now. They all reminded me to come back early. I arranged for Autumn Brother to take full responsibility for everyone's training during my absence, and not to relax any standards or requirements. Everything was arranged properly. When Ling Sister and I returned home hand in hand, my mom saw us and smiled with joy. She busied herself brushing the snow off Ling Sister's body. I felt a pang of jealousy - now that she had a daughter-in-law, she had forgotten about her son! "Mom, I still have snow on me, why aren't you brushing it off for me?" "Go away, you're all grown up, can't even take care of yourself!" Ugh, I rolled my eyes in frustration. How come the treatment was so different just because Ling Sister was here? But it's clear that my mom really likes her and probably has plans to make her her daughter-in-law soon. Of course, I'm happy about this - these two get along like they're related by blood, and as a son, I shouldn't feel left out, right? Haven't you seen how sons who are married are always stuck in the middle, getting pressure from both sides? It's just miserable!

  Ling's sister came to my house for dinner and then went home. My mom told me that Zhang Dage and his wife came to our house to talk about me and Ling's sister, no surprise, the two old people agreed immediately. I grew up under their noses, they know everything about me, even how many times I wet the bed when I was a kid. Plus my family background and my dad's reputation in the village, as soon as my parents agreed, the old couple was overjoyed, afraid that this matter would fall through, they were anxious to settle it before the new year. Ling's sister is also someone my parents have been watching grow up, she's a lovely girl, pretty, clever and capable, I'm sure my mom had this in mind for a long time. The two families agreed, and it was a win-win situation, everyone was happy. My mom was delighted, like she had found a treasure, haha, that settles it, I, Tang Qiulai, have a wife now! Although I'm only 16, turning 17 after the new year, a bit young, but my mental age is older! Isn't this what they say, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do"?

  As I watched my mom cleaning up the dishes in the kitchen, I told my dad about my decision to go to Sanhe River. This was something that I hadn't even told Ling Jie, mainly because I was afraid she would worry. However, I couldn't not tell my dad, because ultimately I had to lead my comrades and team out of this land and onto the vast black earth, to fight against the Japanese invaders, to experience the trials of blood and fire on the battlefield, and to dedicate our youth to the nation, shedding our hot blood for the broken mountains and rivers! At the same time, I also knew that my dad was different from ordinary farmers - he too was a hot-blooded Northeasterner, who understood reason and justice. This conversation between two men was something I hoped would gain his support! Because this support was extremely important to me, and would even affect the path I would take in the future!

  Against my expectations, my dad strongly opposed me going to Sanhe River. I was a bit annoyed, "What's wrong, Dad? Why won't you let me go?" Has my dad become a timid and fearful person? Has the worldly dust and the trials of time made him lose his sharpness and fighting spirit? Is it that his passion has long since cooled down? If so, Dad, I'm very disappointed in you! Seeing me like this, my dad smiled and let out a long sigh. I was confused and couldn't understand what he meant. "Autumn, if it were before, I wouldn't have opposed it at all, but after you got injured, although your kung fu didn't decline, you lost all your internal energy. How could I be at ease letting you go alone?" Oh my god, my dad is still the same good old dad, not a bit changed! He wasn't opposing me going, he was fully supporting it! It's just that he was worried I had no internal energy and would get into trouble with those people. Ah, Dad, you scared me to death! I was prepared to argue with you about this. Is this the reason you're not at ease? "Dad, come try my internal energy!" I smiled. My dad walked over suspiciously, reached out to take my pulse, and a thick internal energy flowed around me. After a moment, he withdrew his hand and looked at me with eyes full of incredulity, asking in a changed tone, "Autumn, your internal energy has fully recovered! It seems even deeper and more refined than before? How did you do it? According to reason, it shouldn't be possible so quickly!" Dad, you don't know the secret here. I can only make up some reasonable explanation. During my recovery period, I didn't stop practicing, and my friends secretly brought me many kinds of medicine to recover my internal energy... Anyway, I gave him a bunch of seemingly reasonable reasons, and after speaking for a while, my mouth was dry and foamy. Luckily, it seemed to convince Dad. Oh god, talking too much is tiring! This kung fu... My dad muttered to himself, "Too strange, never heard of it before." Of course not, you just heard your son say it!

  I see my inner strength has recovered, and it's even stronger than before. Although I still can't quite believe it, Dad is extremely happy, beaming with joy, and looks like he's ten years younger, just like he's had two kilograms of fine wine. It seems that my injury was a heavy burden on his heart, but now that it's gone, he's over the moon! "Alright, alright, Autumn, you can go now. Be careful, think things through before acting, and don't be impulsive. Whether you succeed or not, come back home quickly. I'll tell your mom to let you go tomorrow to buy some things for the house and visit some old friends on my behalf. That's settled then! Good son, it looks like I've got a drinking buddy now, and my son has become a grown man! Haha!" Dad is ecstatic, not worried at all about the danger that lies ahead for me. Mom hears Dad's laughter and comes into the room to ask, "What are you two so happy about?" Dad tells her about my trip, and as expected, she doesn't object since it was his idea. She just reminds me to be careful when I go out. Seeing Mom like this, Dad and I exchange a knowing glance behind her back, feeling pleased with ourselves. Time to rest up, recharge, and start a new journey tomorrow. I should be able to have some good dreams tonight!

  The next day, the sun was shining brightly, and the snow had stopped. I carried the package my mom had prepared for me, along with some essential items, and under her reminders and my dad's encouraging gaze, I walked out of the house. Ling had been waiting for me early, and we held hands together. The bright red sunlight shone on the pristine white snow, which had fallen continuously for several days, covering the vast land of Guandong in a silver-white blanket, spotless and pure. On the snowy ground, two parallel footprints were left behind - one big and wide, the other small and delicate. It was our joint masterpiece. We walked further and further away from the village, and I said to Ling, "Ling, let's head back, don't send me off anymore! In a few days, I'll be back, it's not like we won't see each other again!" Ever since our relationship became clear, I stopped calling her "Ling Jie" and started using the affectionate nickname "Ling". Of course, this was my exclusive privilege, just like how she called me "Qiu Li". When I said that, Ling stopped in her tracks, her eyes reddening as tears welled up. "Don't say such nonsense! Don't say we won't see each other again!" Seeing her like that, I felt a surge of tenderness and hugged her tightly. The scene from that day replayed itself, but this time, I didn't burst into primal emotions. Farewells are inherently sorrowful, whether it's a long or short goodbye - they all make people feel heartbroken. Alas, life is full of goodbyes! Don't think about it too much, the more you think, the sadder you'll become. It's like the atmosphere of "Eighteen Send-Offs" and "The Long Farewell".

  I took another deep look at her dark eyes, rosy cheeks and slender figure. I turned around and resolutely walked towards the great mountains outside, walking far away. She was still standing motionless in the snowy ground, gradually getting farther away, her silhouette already blurry, but the red scarf on her chest was like a burning flame, fiercely burning in my eyes and heart! Farewell, beloved girl! The wind is howling and the east is cold, the brave warrior will definitely return!

  Walk out of the mountains, along the Songhua River edge winding road, treading on years of accumulated snow, recognizing the direction of Sanjiaozhen Town and walking, halfway, met a few sleds going to Sanjiaozhen, a few warm greetings from uncles and grandfathers, and were enthusiastically invited onto the sled, saving footwork. The simple and kind people of Guandong would never refuse those in need of help. On the sled, I asked about some situations in Sanjiaozhen and grasped some basic information. In the afternoon, the sled climbed over a mountain ridge, far away, where smoke was swirling, a large town came into view, Sanjiaozhen had arrived...

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