Chapter 399: Seeking Help (Part 1)
Chapter 399: Seeking Help (Part 1)
Wang Dali and the others encountered a tiger on the outskirts of the forest. With the snow continuing unabated, villagers grew increasingly fearful that hungry wild animals might descend from the mountains in search of food. Despite Xiao Hua and the dogs, they couldn't reassure themselves. The patrol team began braving the severe cold to patrol every night.
It was understandable why villagers were worried. The snow now reached knee-high, making it extremely difficult for both birds and beasts in the mountains to find food. Many birds had previously landed on Mo Yan's courtyard wall, eyeing the roosters' feed in the backyard.
Mo Yan had seen this happen several times and couldn't bear to watch the shivering creatures in the snowstorm. Whenever she fed the chickens, she deliberately scattered some corn or grain along the courtyard wall.
After numerous times, those clever little birds seemed to understand Mo Yan's goodwill. Every time she entered the backyard, they would flap joyfully above her head, emitting chirps of happiness.
Before long, more birds gathered on the courtyard wall, waiting to be fed. During heavy snow, some birds would even fly under the eaves for shelter. While their chirping was delightful, Mo Yan was often troubled by their indiscriminate droppings.
After greeting Mo Yan, the three animals and the dogs gathered around the brazier to warm themselves. Seeing that the fire in the brazier wasn't strong enough, a clever dog grabbed a few pieces of charcoal from a sack and dropped them in.
As soon as the charcoal met the heat, it crackled with sparks. Two dogs couldn't dodge in time and got their fur singed. A sizzle filled the air, followed by the smell of burnt hair.
The other dogs took no notice of it and continued warming themselves. When they returned home, they often carried a chill, eagerly vying for the best spot around the brazier.
After their mountain hunt, when the food was served on the table, the three animals and the dogs continued to doze by the brazier instead of circling the dining table like before. Mo Yan noticed and only served herself a bowl of noodles.
The noodles were cooked in chicken broth that had been simmering all day, exceptionally rich and fragrant. After boiling, Mo Yan added mushrooms, greens, and shredded meat, making it appetizing.
Mo Yan dipped fried cakes in the noodle soup with one hand and used chopsticks to occasionally pick at the noodles with the other, enjoying the warmth throughout her body. The others were also engrossed in eating, except Xin'er, who frowned slightly, eating slowly and without appetite.
Seeing this, Mo Yan asked with concern, "Xin'er, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked up with concern at Xin'er.
Xin'er hesitated for a moment, then forced a smile. "Sister, I'm not feeling unwell anywhere. I just ate too much at noon and still don't feel hungry."
Mo Yan knew she wasn't telling the truth. Everyone had their own little secrets, and if Xin'er didn't want to share, she couldn't force her to tell the truth.
"It's cold now, and the nights are long. Eat a little more to keep warm, so you don't get hungry at night."
"Oh, I see," Xin'er quickly responded, picking up her bowl and taking several sips of the noodle soup.
Li Yan, who was beside her, looked at Xin'er several times, hesitated, opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing. After finishing their meal and helping Xin'er clean up the dishes, she couldn't help but lean over and ask softly, "Xin'er, are you worried about that Tang Xin?"
Xin'er was startled. Seeing no one else in the dining room, she nodded with a distressed frown. "It's almost New Year's, but her family can't come up with any silver or paper money. Her stepmother treats her badly and is determined to sell her. I heard that to make more money, Madam Yu intends to sell her to that filthy place. I... I'm very worried about her."
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