PCMWF Chapter 162

The tents were set up in less than half an hour. Lunch was provided by the crew. The little ones lined up for their meals and ate together on small stools. After lunch, they gathered leaves for specimens. Except for Youyou, the other children had grown up in cities. Their kindergartens offered some hiking, but it was easy.

They didn’t have opportunities like this to be so close to nature. The fresh, earthy scent of the forest filled their senses. Everything they touched was the most precious thing nature had to offer. Even the adults, after a long time in the city, rarely found themselves in such a place.

“Youyou, come take your nap!”

Shen Yan called from a small rock. The little guy nodded and headed back, his basket full of interesting finds: unusual stones, leaves, wildflowers. Mi Le was waving a stick, pretending it was a sword. The kids showed off their finds to the cameramen.

“Youyou’s leaf is pretty. It’s triangular,” he said, proud.

Da Mo’s camera moved from his face to the leaf in his hand. It was triangular, green, and unique. No wonder the little guy liked it. After showing off his collection, he ran back to his brother. Youyou was in a great mood today, even talking more than usual. Shen Yan set up the tent, and Tang Dou came by with the backpacks. The adults would be fine, but the kids needed extra care.

While Shen Yan was setting up, Tang Dou brought the bags into the tent. The sleeping mats were fine, but the sleeping bag was too big for the little one. Tang Dou brought out the smaller one and placed it inside the larger one. He also put a ground mat and Youyou’s little pillow and blanket inside. He sprayed for bugs, both inside and out. Tang Dou also visited the other tents, giving everyone insect repellent. The camp was busy, with everyone helping. The kids were cooperative, and the staff looked the other way. After all, they wanted the kids to be comfortable.

Shen Yan picked up Youyou, touching his forehead: “You’re that happy?”

The little guy nodded: “Big Brother, Youyou’s leaves are beautiful.”

Other kids liked toys and video games, but Youyou loved leaves.

Shen Minyan had wanted to use the garden for a golf course, but it became a botanical garden instead.

Youyou loved to play there, often staying for an hour.

After a quick nap, the little ones were ready for the afternoon hike.

They gathered around a guide who explained the rules: stay on the path, hold hands, don’t untie the safety rope.

The guide was Chinese, which put the kids at ease.

The parents could only follow from behind.

Hua Zhao was worried, but the guide reassured her, saying the forest was a designated training ground and that he had led even younger children before.

The parents were impressed.

At home, parents wouldn’t allow such a hike without adult supervision.

The kids geared up, and the guide led them deeper into the forest.

For Youyou, this was new. He walked first, with the guide beside him.

Shen Yan had asked the guide to look after the little guy.

The guide agreed, saying, “Your brother’s not even three, right? He’s very well-behaved.”

Shen Yan understood: “Don’t say that to his face.”

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