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"Over there," Lin Xin said, pointing toward a patch of green not far from where they were standing. "Go and pick some wild vegetables. "Don't run too far stay where I can see you, understood?"
Dong Hai straightened his small back, nodding with seriousness. "En!" he replied firmly, though his eyes already sparkled with excitement. Almost immediately, he broke into a quick run, the bamboo basket bouncing against his side as he darted toward the spot Lin Xin had indicated.
Lin Xin slipped off his shoes and set them neatly on the bank. Rolling his trousers to his calves, he stepped forward with caution. He was a ger a rare kind of person, neither wholly man nor woman, yet treated the same as women in nearly all things. At first glance, gers looked no different from ordinary men but they have a small cinnabar mole close to their ear, a mark by which they could always be recognized. Smaller and weaker than men, their bodies were closer to that of women, and like women, they could bear children.
Because of this, society had long since decided their place. Gers were raised as daughters, taught modesty and obedience, and prepared from childhood for marriage. Lin Xin was no exception. Even now, with no one watching but the reeds and the quiet stream, he remained careful. Wading into the water, he could not roll his trousers too high, nor take steps too boldly. His bearing had to remain proper, his modesty intact. He hardly thought of it as restraint, but simply as himself.
The stream's chill licked at his ankles, and Lin Xin drew in a soft breath. He crouched low, sleeves raised slightly as they brushed the rippling surface, letting his fingers search between stones and reeds. A carp darted past, its silver scales flashing in the sunlight before slipping into deeper waters.
Shifting aside the riverweed, Lin Xin's hand found a crab pressed flat beneath a rock. It snapped its claws furiously, but he held it steady, already scanning for the next catch.
On the grassy bank, Dong Hai crouched low, parting the weeds with careful hands. His little face was set in a frown, as though the prosperity of the household rested upon the handful of wild greens he dug from the damp soil. Every so often, he straightened his back like an old farmer, wiping the sweat from his forehead with deliberate dignity before bending down once more.
When one stubborn root finally gave way, Dong Hai lost his balance and tumbled backward, landing on his bottom with a muffled thud against the soft earth. His ears flushed crimson, but he scrambled up at once, patting the dust from his clothes as though nothing had happened. Puffing out his chest, he lifted the crooked bundle of wild greens high into the air with a look of solemn triumph before tossing it into the bamboo basket at his side.
Lin Xin glanced up from the water, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He said nothing he knew Dong Hai wished to be treated like a grown-up. Still, his eyes softened, warmed by the boy's unwavering determination.
It took the better part of the afternoon before their baskets were finally full. By the time the two squatted down to inspect their haul, the sun was already leaning westward, scattering golden light across Willow Breeze Lake in shimmering ripples. Both couldn't help but show a trace of satisfaction.
Lin Xin's basket held a modest catch from the water.
A few small river fish flopped weakly inside, their silver scales flashing in the slanting sunlight as they struck the woven bamboo. Two mud crabs nestled beside them, claws snapping in defiance, clicking as if protesting their capture.
At the bottom, a handful of tiny shrimp writhed faintly, their translucent bodies glimmering like threads of crystal.
Dong Hai's basket held its own treasure.
A small pile of fresh wild greens sat neatly inside, their tender leaves still wet with lake mist, giving off a refreshing fragrance.
Mixed among them were several crooked roots stubbornly tugged from the soil, clumps of earth still clinging to the ends. A few sprigs of wild herbs added a sharp, grassy scent that tickled the nose.
Tucked into one corner was a cluster of mushrooms he had discovered near the damp shade of the reeds.
Dong Hai puffed out his chest, clearly proud of his contribution. "Look, Big Brother Yan will definitely be surprised!" His eyes shone with excitement as he pointed at the wild vegetables, then at the fish that occasionally flopped against the basket walls.
Lin Xin nodded lightly, the corners of his lips softening. Though their haul was modest, nothing compared to what the village hunters might bring back, in his eyes, it was already more than enough.
Shouldering their baskets, the two prepared to leave. Dong Hai insisted on carrying Lin Xin's basket, his face glowing with delight as he pushed his own into Lin Xin's hands. "Brother Xin Let me take yours!" he said cheerfully.
Lin Xin thought about it carefully before handing it over. He reminded Dong Hai to be careful as the basket wobbled from the fish inside, but the boy only smiled, his little face relaxing as he nodded. The weight of their modest harvest pressed against their arms, yet their steps were light they were already filled with the thought of returning home with hands full. The sinking sun followed them, painting their shadows long upon the narrow path.
By the time they neared the village, evening was beginning to settle in. Thin strands of smoke curled lazily upward from cooking fires, carrying with them the savory scent of stewed grains and roasted vegetables. Chickens clucked as they returned to their coops, and a few dogs barked sleepily from shaded courtyards. The laughter of children echoed faintly, fading as mothers called them indoors.
Against this backdrop of ordinary life, Lin Xin and Dong Hai walked side by side, their baskets brimming with the day's effort. The sight was simple, yet warm two figures returning with food for their small household, their steps guided not just by hunger, but by the quiet joy of having something to feast on.
Dong Hai skipped ahead, his small legs moving so fast that his basket swung wildly, the sound of clacking shells echoing each time a crab inside tried to climb free. His cheeks were flushed red with excitement, unlike his usual serious face, as he chattered animatedly about what they would have that night.
Behind him, Lin Xin followed quietly, lost in thought.
His pale hands held the bamboo basket firmly, slender fingers contrasting with the coarse weave.
The sunlight slipped through the willow branches and caught on his long, curly blonde hair, making it shimmer faintly like spun gold. A light breeze teased a few strands loose, brushing them against his cheeks as he lowered his lashes.
His green eyes, clear and soft like spring water, flickered toward Dong Hai, watching the boy's bright smile.
And without realizing it his lips curved, smiling along.
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