The early morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the sound of kicking and stepping on the back mountain path had already been heard. The dog baby carrying a shabby wood basket and an old wood knife in his hand went up the mountain in the dark. This is his daily compulsory course, rain or shine.
"Yesterday that matter made a lot of noise, or to avoid the limelight. "Gouwa touched her still aching stomach. The steamed bread he barely ate last night was not enough to fill his hungry stomach.
As soon as I arrived at the entrance of the town, I heard several village women chattering in the morning.
"Have you heard? Yesterday, the boy Gouwa hurt the tiger son of the Zhang family with evil methods. "
"No, I heard that Zhang Hu's hands are still numb and he can't even hold chopsticks. "
"It has long been said that this boy is evil. If it weren't for the old woman's softhearted heart to take him in, who knows what kind of trouble will be caused. "
"I heard that he was thrown into the ruined temple on a snowy day. It was probably a wild species that could not be raised. "
"Shh, lower your voice, he's coming..."
The discussion stopped abruptly. Gouwa habitually bowed their heads and walked quickly, but they still clearly heard their deliberately low curse: "Unlucky! "
He has experienced such scenes countless times over the years. When the old woman was alive, she would stand in front of him and denounce those gossipers for him. He learned to be silent. But in those eyes, there was 1 stubbornness of not admitting defeat.
Tursed the town, set foot on the familiar mountain road. In the early spring, there was still a chill in the mountains, and the vegetation was covered with dew. The dog leaps between the stone steps with skill, acting like a bobcat. This mountain forest is the place he is most familiar with and the only place that will not discriminate against him.
Finding a gentle hillside, the dog started a day's work. Old Wang Po taught him before his death to pay attention to cutting wood. The tree cannot be too tender, it will not burn for long. Nor can it be too old, or it will take too much effort. The most important thing is to identify the tree species. Some trees are easy to burst when burned and will hurt people.
"Eva, do everything with your heart. "Old Wang Po's kind voice seemed to be still in her ear," If you start lower than others, you have to work harder than others. As long as you are willing to bear hardships, there will always be a day to come. Remember, learn to be patient, but not weak, but to wait for the right time. You are stronger than anyone else because you are meant to be different..."
"eh. "Gouwa responded 1 subconsciously and then smiled wryly. 3 years later, he still can't change the habit of talking to old Wang po.
"Click! "
"Click! "
The sound of crisp felling echoed through the mountains. Gouwa's movements are very methodical, cutting twigs first, then the trunk, and finally cutting them into firewood sections of moderate size. Although he is young, he is obviously a skilled worker who has practiced thousands of times.
The sun was rising and sweat was sliding down the dog's cheeks. He found a big flat stone and sat down to rest. He took out the remaining half of the steamed bread from last night. That's his only food today.
Breaking off 1 small pieces and putting them into the mouth, the dog began to recall the days before the old Wang Po was alive. Although it was hard at that time, at least it still felt like a home. Although the old man is not good, he always changes his ways to get him food. Sometimes when you are hungry, you have to leave him the only egg.
"Eva, you are not an ordinary family's child. "Old Wang Po often said this, and every time she said this, her eyes would fall on the jade on his neck," One day, someone will come to you. "
The dog child touched the jade, and 1 inexplicable warmth welled up in his heart. This is his only thought and the only clue to his life experience. Strange to say, whenever he feels that he can't hold on, he can get a kind of inexplicable power by touching this piece of jade.
When the sun was westward, the dog had already cut two large bundles of firewood. He skillfully tied the firewood with a straw rope and prepared to go down the mountain. These two bundles of firewood, if you are lucky, can sell for 40 pen, just enough to buy four steamed buns.
"Dog! Stop! "Just to the foot of the mountain, a few teenagers blocked the way. It was Asako Wang, Zhang Hu's little sidekick, who was led by four 3 friends.
"I heard that you hurt Brother Tiger with the demon method yesterday? If you don't give an explanation today, you won't take this firewood with you! "pockmarked wang said defiantly with a 1 face, holding a wooden stick.
Gouwa silently put down the sheaf and clenched the hatchet in his hand. This firewood is his capital for eating. Whoever wants to rob it must pass him first. The stubborn eyes and firm posture, so that a few teenagers could not help but back two steps.
"You... you don't mess around! "pockmarked Wang, despite his bravado, has begun to regret provoking this" evil "guy. What happened to Zhang Hu yesterday has made them somewhat afraid of the orphan.
At this moment of tension, there was a distant cry, and several woodsmen came up laughing and talking. Pockmarked Wang and others found the steps and left bitterly.
"Gouwa, are you all right?" an elderly woodcutter came up and asked. It's Uncle Wang, a rare person who would be kind to him on weekdays.
"It's all right, Wang Bo. "The dog nodded and picked up the firewood again.
"Alas, these little rabbits are idle all day and bully honest people. "Wang Laobo sighed, pulled out a dry food from his waist and stuffed it to the dog." Take it as a thank-you gift for helping me pick up firewood in the morning. "
Gouwa paused, eyes a little red. He knew that Wang Laobo's family was not rich either. It was a rare kindness to give him such a dry food.
"Thank you, Wang Bo. "He solemnly took the dry food and carefully put it into his arms.
The sun was setting and the dog was walking alone on the way back to town. In the distance, smoke had risen from the town of Qingping, and the fragrance of rice was blowing in the wind, which aroused his hunger. But he knew that for him, the day when he could eat was still far away.
"One day, I will also open a shop in the town. "Gouwa looked at Qingping Town in the distance and secretly swore," Let everyone sit up and take notice! "
The afterglow of the setting sun drags the long shadow of the young thin figure, the stubborn back.
[To be continued]