“Actually, we have enough money at home, there’s no need to work so hard and exhaust yourself.” Ma Aning’s words were full of concern.
"Okay, Mom! I'll go wash up now and then go to bed~" Shen Xiaoxiao hugged Ma Aning's arm tightly like a child and started to act coquettishly.
Seeing this, Ma Aning gently patted the small hands resting on her arm, smiled and nodded in agreement.
For the past few days, the Shen siblings have been leaving home before dawn and not returning until nightfall, dragging their tired bodies home.
Shen Zishan and Ma Aning stayed in the village and went to work in the fields early in the morning.
In fact, the villagers did have some complaints about the Shen siblings frequently taking leave at this time of year.
Since everyone had received plasters from Ma Aning in the past, and they knew that they had taken leave to go out to collect herbs and make medicines that could cure diseases and save lives, even though they were somewhat dissatisfied, they ultimately chose to understand and tolerate them and said nothing more.
Meanwhile, the Dai family, far away in the capital, was in utter chaos.
It turned out that Dai Xingyun had secretly signed up for the rural outreach program without telling his family! Upon learning this, Dai Zhan was furious and yelled at Dai Xingyun.
"Don't you know your own physical condition? How dare you sign up to go to the countryside! What if something happens to you on the way?"
Faced with his father's questioning, Dai Xingyun replied firmly, "Dad, don't worry, there's really nothing wrong with my body. The chest pain I experienced before was simply because the seal within my body was broken."
He then continued to explain, "Anyway, I would feel unbearable pain if I stayed at home, so I might as well take advantage of the time I still have to go out and see the world."
"I'll try to experience different lifestyles. Maybe when I go somewhere, I'll meet that special someone, and then this illness might just disappear on its own!"
Dai Xingyun's handsome face always radiated a sense of open-mindedness and tolerance.
It was as if all the pain and suffering he had experienced in the past had left no trace of resentment in his heart.
He never blamed the person who caused him endless suffering.
At this moment, Grandpa Dai's strong voice rang out: "Alright, stop nagging about those useless things! Hurry up and pack your things and get everything ready for the trip to the countryside."
"The name has already been submitted, and given our family's current situation, there's nothing we can do to change it."
Grandma Dai, standing to the side, had red eyes and tears welling up in them.
With trembling hands, she slowly pulled a wad of banknotes from her pocket and clutched them tightly in her hand.
She handed the thick wad of money to Dai Xingyun and said softly, "Grandson, there are 500 yuan in here. You can keep it for now."
"As the saying goes, 'A poor family should have enough money when traveling.' When you get there, if you don't have enough money, Grandma will send you money every month. If some jobs are too hard, just let it go; consider it a trip to the countryside to relax."
After listening to his grandparents' words, Dai Xingyun felt a surge of emotion.
He knew that although his family spoke lightly, they were actually full of worry and reluctance to let him go.
He nodded silently, indicating that he would take good care of himself.
Next, the family got busy making final preparations for Dai Xingyun's trip to the countryside.
A delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen, as the surrogate mother and grandmother were meticulously preparing various delicious foods, including golden and crispy fried dough twists, sweet and tasty zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and flavorful pickled vegetables.
These foods not only satisfy Daixingyun's appetite while on the road, but also contain the deep love and care of his family.
Besides food, drinks were also essential. Grandma Dai carefully prepared several jars of honey lemon water and boiled a large pot of cooling and refreshing mung bean soup, storing it in a thermos for Dai Xingyun to drink whenever he wanted.
As for daily necessities, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, soap, and other everyday items were prepared, filling a large box.
In addition, there was a box full of clothes, including clothing for spring, summer, autumn and winter, to cope with the changing climate of different seasons.
Larger items such as bedding were placed in a separate box.
Just as everything was ready, Dai Zhan rushed over.
It turned out that he had taken leave from the army specifically to come back and send his son off.
Without a word, he shouldered the heavy packages and headed straight for the post office. In no time, all the luggage was packed and sent to the village where Dai Xingyun was about to go.
Dai Zhan looked at his son, whose face was as pale as paper, with a worried expression, feeling extremely distressed.
He held his son's hand tightly and earnestly instructed him, "Son, if you encounter any difficulties, be sure to call your father immediately."
“If you really can’t hold on any longer, even if your father never wears this military uniform again for the rest of his life, he will do everything he can to bring you home.”
Dai Xingyun felt his father's deep love, and his eyes couldn't help but well up with tears.
He fought back tears and nodded vigorously, comforting her, "Thank you, Dad! You and Mom should also take good care of yourselves and not overwork yourselves. Don't worry about me."
After saying that, Dai Xingyun stepped forward and gave his father a tight hug.
Then, Dai Xingyun turned around and boarded the train. After finding his seat and sitting down, he gently pushed open the window.
Outside the window, his parents and grandparents were standing on the platform, waving goodbye to him.
Those familiar and dear faces stirred up an indescribable sense of longing in Dai Xingyun's heart.
Just then, the train slowly started moving, emitting a deep rumble.
"Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, you should go back now! I'll call you and send a telegram when we get there," Dai Xingyun quickly instructed.
As soon as he finished speaking, the train slowly started moving, faster and faster, until his loved ones were no longer in sight.
Just as Dangdai Xingyun was immersed in the sadness of parting, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him.
A somewhat carefree-looking young man walked over with a grin, calling out, "Old Dai, you didn't expect this, did you? I'm going to go to the countryside with you!"
This young man was Xiahou Jie. He swaggered up to Dai Xingyun with a nonchalant smile on his face and greeted Dai Xingyun warmly.
When Dai Xingyun saw Xiahou Jie, he didn't show much surprise. Instead, he frowned and asked with a hint of annoyance, "Why did you give up being a soldier and come to the countryside with me?"
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