Special Training in Childhood, Part 1

Yu listened to her words, a suspicious blush appearing on his face. He began to imitate Xiao, picking up pieces of wood. In no time, the two of them had gathered a heap!

Xiao looked up, glanced at the wood, and then at Ouyang Qianyu. Somewhat conflicted, she spoke, "Hey! I told you not to pick up so much! Otherwise, it'll be a pain to carry later!"

As she spoke, she reached out to remove some pieces. Yu, bewildered, let Xiao handle it, having absolutely no idea what to do.

Yet Xiao seemed perfectly accustomed to these tasks!

Unable to comprehend, Yu frowned deeply and asked, "You seem used to doing these things. Do you come here often?"

Busy arranging the wood, Xiao turned at his question, her face bright with a radiant smile. She glanced around mysteriously and beckoned Yu over with a wave.

Yu felt his body move towards her as if he couldn't control it.

Leaning close to his ear, Xiao whispered conspiratorially, "Let me tell you a secret! I used to sneak in here with my brother when my parents weren't looking! Hehe!"

The breeze gently brushed their cheeks, softly caressing their hair. The leaves rustled continuously.

It was midsummer, sunlight filtering through dense foliage, casting dappled light on the two children. In this secret woodland, childhood gained a touch of mystery.

Dragging the wood, Xiao walked along the rugged mountain path, confidently entering a patch of forest and searching for something. "What are you looking for?"

Yu stood behind her, curiosity piqued, watching Xiao. He set down his wood and moved closer, mimicking her as she swept through the undergrowth with a knife.

Suddenly, Xiao jumped up excitedly, shouting, "I found it! Come quick!" Following her pointing finger, Yu saw—a cave!

Taking their things, Yu followed Xiao. Together, they entered the cave. It was spacious, filled with solid rock everywhere.

But, truly, it was a perfect spot to rest! After stacking the wood, Xiao selected a few slender sticks from the pile.

With those in hand, she prepared to venture deeper into the cave. Yu hurried after her; today, he felt like Xiao's shadow, glued to her heels.

Watching Xiao's actions, Ouyang Qianyu asked curiously, "What are you going to do?" Without turning her head, Xiao replied, "We're going to catch fish! Come on!"

Yu had no idea where fish could be caught, but now he trusted Xiao completely. He picked some sticks and followed her.

After walking for about ten minutes, Yu heard the sound of running water! Soon, they arrived at a sizeable pool.

Above the pool, a small waterfall cascaded, water tumbling down with a lively roar. Azure skies, emerald woods, and crystal-clear water—

Reflected in the pool were two tiny figures. Fish swam joyfully, probably never disturbed by humans.

The fish were especially plump, bubbling in the water. Xiao sat by the edge, tying a cloth bag to a branch.

She tugged firmly, and after ensuring the bag wouldn’t fall, smiled happily. A fishing net was thus fashioned. Xiao held the net and stood barefoot in the shallow water.

The fish swam to her feet, gently nibbling at her toes. Xiao remained perfectly still, waiting for the fish to linger.

—Extra—

Across mountains and rivers, affection always remains; won’t you click “Add to bookshelf”? Forced by circumstances, even poetry bursts forth! Everyone, please add it!