...As the days went by, the girl's cultivation of the seed of hope became a great tale in the town. She cultivated a small garden in the backyard of the tailor shop, tending to the magical seed day and night. The townspeople often saw the girl's busy and focused figure at dawn or dusk.
"Look at her, that girl is really stubborn." Old Li, the blacksmith, would chat with other townspeople about the girl in his spare time, with a hint of approval in his eyes. "Our town hasn't been this lively in a long time, all because of her."
While packing goods for customers, the auntie at the grocery store couldn't resist a few gossip remarks: "That kid, he said he's going to grow a miracle. Ha, let's just wait and see, nothing in this world is that easy."
The girl's efforts gradually moved those around her, and even the villagers who were initially skeptical began to discuss it privately with a hint of hope: "If that thing can really grow, maybe our town will be saved."
Time, like the quiet stream flowing beside the town, slipped away unnoticed. Finally, on a bright and sunny morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the thin mist and shone on the soil carefully tended by the girl, a tender green sprout emerged, small yet full of life.
The news spread like wildfire, and soon the whole town knew about this spectacle. More and more people gathered in front of the tailor shop, discussing this incredible phenomenon.
"Look, what's that?" a child exclaimed excitedly, pulling his mother's hand and pointing at the tender buds.
"This...this can't be the legendary seed of hope sprouting, can it?" Farmer Zhang squeezed through the crowd, his eyes wide, the wrinkles on his face deepening with surprise.
The girl stood in the center of the crowd, tears welling in her eyes, a mixture of excitement and relief. She gently stroked the tiny life, as if conversing with hope: "You've finally come. Let's cheer each other on."
"This girl is truly remarkable," the old man exclaimed, drawing agreement from those around him.
In the days that followed, the Seed of Hope grew faster than anyone expected. It grew taller at a visible pace, its leaves unfurling and emitting a soft glow that illuminated the tailor shop's backyard and even brought a gentle light to the town at night. Life in the town seemed to be imbued with a different hue because of this magical plant.
"I dreamt of that big tree last night. Its branches and leaves were so lush that they covered the whole town. Everything was different." At the market in the early morning, an old man shared his dream with a friend while drinking tea, and the people around him listened intently.
The girl, besides receiving daily care, began to learn more. She sought guidance from scholars, learning about botany, and also from hunters, acquiring survival skills, seemingly preparing for some upcoming mission. Her friends watched with both admiration and heartache.
On a sunny afternoon, a girl and her friend sat under the shade of the Tree of Hope, talking about their plans for the future.
"What do you think this tree will bring us?" The girl looked up at the tree of hope that was growing stronger and stronger, her voice full of anticipation.
My friend chuckled, his eyes sparkling with trust and support: "Whatever it is, it will be a miracle for us all. As long as we believe, just like you believe this seed can grow into a towering tree."
Suddenly, a gentle breeze blew by, rustling the leaves as if the tree was responding. At that moment, an unprecedented determination surged in the girl's heart: "No matter what lies ahead, whether it's wind and rain or clear skies, I will forge ahead bravely, using my hands and this tree to protect the town and every dream."
Her friend grasped her hand and nodded emphatically: "Me too, we'll fight side by side."
As the sun set, their long shadows stretched out, bathing the tree of hope in golden light, creating a beautiful scene. The wind in the town seemed to soften and warm, carrying a breath of new life that swept through every corner, heralding the beginning of a new era…
...A few days later, the town's tranquility was shattered by a sudden storm. The sky was as black as ink, thunder roared, and torrential rain poured down, ravaging every inch of the land. People rushed home, tightly shutting their doors and windows, their hearts filled with worry for the tree of hope that had just begun to sprout.
"This rain is really strange; it's probably the last time I've seen this in decades." Old Li frowned, looking out at the rain through the window of the blacksmith's shop, his worry evident in his words.
"That tree...will it make it through?" The grocer's voice, tinged with the patter of rain, carried a hint of unease.
Amidst the raging wind and rain, the girl rushed into the backyard without hesitation, tightly embracing the tree of hope as if trying to warm it with her own body heat. The wind howled stronger, the rain poured down harder, but her resolve remained unwavering.
"Hang in there, we'll get through this!" The girl's words were swallowed by the wind and rain, but her eyes were filled with unwavering determination.
The next morning, the rain stopped, the clouds dispersed, and the sun shone brightly on the earth once more. When the townspeople nervously arrived at the tailor shop's backyard, they were astonished by what they saw—the Tree of Hope was not only unharmed, but even more lush after the storm, the dewdrops on its leaves glistening in the sunlight like tears of victory.
"My God, what happened? This tree, it's actually alright!" Farmer Zhang rubbed his eyes, unable to believe what he was seeing.
“I knew it. She and that tree were no ordinary beings.” The old man’s words carried a hint of respect, and whispers of agreement rippled around him.
After this incident, the girl and the Tree of Hope became a legend known to everyone in the town. People began to create various tales about the tree; some said that a guardian spirit lived in the tree, while others believed that the girl's perseverance and faith had moved nature.
However, as with all great stories, trials come one after another. One day, a letter from afar shattered the tranquility of the small town. The letter mentioned that a neighboring country was experiencing a rare drought; the land was cracked, people were displaced, and the letter pleaded for help in finding water and clues to hope. The young girl held the letter, a resolute glint in her eyes.
“If our Tree of Hope truly has power, then it should help those in need.” Her words caused a sensation in the town.
"You...you're going to take that tree to the neighboring country?" My friend was surprised, but even more worried.
"Yes, if its growth can bring miracles, then I hope that miracle can benefit more people." The girl's answer was firm yet gentle.
With her decision made, the girl began preparing for her journey. The villagers offered their help, some providing supplies, others sharing their travel knowledge. During this time, the bond between the girl and the Tree of Hope seemed to grow even stronger. Every night, in the stillness of the night, people could hear soft whispers—the girl's conversation with the tree, filled with hope and love.
Finally, the day of departure arrived. Watched by everyone, the girl led a special carriage, carrying the Seed of Hope that had grown into saplings, and slowly drove out of the town.
"Go for it, kid! Carry our hopes and bring light to the world!" The old man's words, accompanied by the townspeople's blessings, echoed in the morning air.
As the carriage receded into the distance, only a deep line of tracks and an unfinished story remained. The journey of the girl and the Tree of Hope had only just begun; ahead lay unknown challenges and endless possibilities. The townspeople, filled with longing and pride for the girl, continued to recount this legend, awaiting news of their triumphant return.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com