PCMWF Chapter 163

When the guide learned the little guy’s actual age, he was even more fond of him.

“Then he definitely needs more exercise. He’s still young. With proper nutrition and activity, he’ll grow tall. Your family genes are good.”

Shen Yan just smiled, having heard that kids grow fast. But in the half-month he’d been away, his brother seemed the same. The guide’s knowledge was helpful. When the kids stopped to look at plants and animals, he explained like an encyclopedia.

“This is the dove tree, or ‘handkerchief tree.’ It’s a protected species in our country.”

The little guy was lifted up, reaching out to touch its leaves.

“This is a birch tree. You know it, right? There are some near your campsite.”

Youyou picked up a birch leaf, noticing its triangular shape and jagged edges.

“Uncle, in autumn it turns golden yellow,” he said.

The guide nodded. Youyou carefully put the leaf away. He knew birch trees because they lined Yunshui Street. In autumn, the wind would scatter the golden leaves like rain. He would watch, sitting on his little stool, his dog by his side. Within half an hour, they’d identified many rare plants, unique to places like Ehuli.

After crossing a stream, they rested. The parents rushed over, checking on their kids, giving water. The guide’s little one was also tired, his face flushed. The guide gave him a rock to sit on.

“Youyou, what are you doing?” the guide asked.

He liked the little one and could tell he was loved. Youyou was adorable, his hair soft, and he hadn’t complained once. Shen Yan gave him water and gently lifted him onto his lap.

“Look, Big Brother,” the little one said, showing his watch, where he’d saved photos of the walk.

Shen Yan looked and praised him: “You took such good pictures. Big Brother will print them for you.”

Youyou thanked him. After resting, they continued. The stream grew wider, and someone was fishing there. Mi Le led the others to look. The fish were swimming, silver flashes in the clear water. The fisherman was an old man who, seeing the kids, waved them over. He was used to seeing children in the forest, but these kids were clearly from another country.

“Hello, children,” he said in English.

The little guy’s English was slow, his voice babyish.

“Welcome to our country. Are you enjoying it?”

The kids mostly didn’t understand, so Pei Qiqi replied.

“Hello, sir. We’re having a great time. Your country is beautiful.”

The old man gave them two fish. After crossing the stream, the path became overgrown with thorn bushes. The guide warned them to hold hands. The kids’ enthusiasm waned, and they grew quiet. Pei Qiqi saw Youyou struggling, his face red.

“I can carry you,” Pei Qiqi offered.

Youyou insisted on walking. Pei Qiqi went ahead, clearing the way. After the thorn bushes, the path cleared. They took a break. The kids drank, ate, and sat together, looking tired. The parents took photos. Then they saw a woodpecker, pecking at a tree. Its tongue shot into a hole, catching a bug. The kids were mesmerized. Mi Le heard another woodpecker somewhere.

“He’s over there,” said Youyou, pointing.

They decided to investigate.

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