The next morning, a thin mist lingered over the fields, veiling the damp earth still glistening from the night's dew. The scent of wet soil mixed with the promise of a new day. After a simple breakfast—warm rice, salted eggs, and herbal tea—Jian Mo, Su Daji, Tang Wu, and Leon prepared to depart for the city of Duyin. They climbed aboard a modest wooden cart pulled by Tang Wu's old donkey, yet their excitement rivaled that of a royal procession.
Throughout the journey, Daji couldn't sit still. She leaned left and right, pointing at anything that caught her eye and firing off questions nonstop.
> "Is the festival big, Dad? Are there eating contests? Wooden puppets? Dancers too?" she asked eagerly.
Jian Mo simply nodded with a calm smile. "Be patient, Daji. Enjoy the journey. The festival isn't going anywhere."
As they arrived in Duyin, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The city's main street was lined with colorful tents and adorned with autumn flowers hanging among red lanterns that swayed in the breeze. Villagers and merchants from afar gathered, dressed in their finest traditional clothes. Children ran by holding fabric balloons, while bamboo flutes and drums played a lively rhythm in the air.
Daji jumped with glee as the smell of freshly baked corn cakes filled her nose.
> "Dad! Look at those bunny-shaped cakes! I want two!" she exclaimed, pointing excitedly.
Jian Mo chuckled and took her hand. "Let's look around first, Daji. If we buy everything now, our pockets will be empty before the festival even begins."
They strolled past booths selling hand-carved trinkets, autumn leaf paintings, and miniature pottery customizable with buyers' names. Tang Wu stopped to sip a warm spiced drink, while Leon haggled over a pair of leather sandals.
At the main square, a crowd had gathered for the corn-eating contest. Daji immediately pulled Jian Mo to the front row.
> "Look, Dad! This is how you eat fast!" she said, mimicking super-speed chewing.
Leon burst out laughing. "You should coach the eating team next year, Daji!"
After the eating contest, it was time for the tug-of-war. Without hesitation, Daji signed up. Though small compared to the other contestants, her spirit burned brightly.
> "I'm going to win this!" she declared, fists clenched.
As the match began, Daji pulled with all her might. Though she tumbled and ended up with a face full of dirt, she rose and tugged again. On the sidelines, Jian Mo cheered.
> "Come on, Daji! Keep pulling!"
Leon, laughing, added, "You look like a baby lion who wandered into a buffalo arena!"
Although Daji's team lost, her grin never faded.
> "I just need more training. Next year, I'm bringing a team from our village!" she declared with pride.
As evening approached, they gathered near the main stage. Traditional dances and folk music filled the crisp air. Lanterns were lit one by one, floating like giant fireflies in the sky.
Daji sat cross-legged, eyes fixed on the dancers' graceful movements.
> "Dad, this is the best day ever," she whispered.
> "Because you got to see the festival?" Jian Mo asked, gently patting her head.
> "No. Because I'm here... with all of you," she replied sincerely.
Tang Wu and Leon exchanged a glance, smiling without saying a word. That night ended with a burst of fireworks painting Duyin's sky in gold and red. Laughter, excitement, and cherished memories filled their hearts as they journeyed home. Though their bodies were tired, their souls felt lighter—ready to welcome a new season, together.
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