In the next few days, the woodcutter asked Fu Yunge to help him cut firewood in a distant place every day, and he always came back before noon each time.
In the first few days, Tian Yunge was often exhausted, but he gradually changed in the following days. The journey got farther and farther each time, but Fu Yunge returned earlier and earlier, and he gradually became less tired than at first.
Poinsettia has also been here several times, and after hearing about the woodcutter’s experience with Fu Yunge, he also expressed his approval.
A few days later, when Fu Yunge was finally able to meet the standards of the woodcutter and the poinsettia, the time to go down the mountain was getting closer and closer.
That day, Fu Yunge got up early as usual, came to the yard and asked the woodcutter where he wanted to cut firewood today.
However, the old woodcutter did not tell him about the location and tree species. Instead, he smiled and shook his head, saying that the materials for the passion pill were already available, and he did not need to go out to chop firewood anymore.
At this time, the poinsettia plum also happened to come back from outside. The old woodcutter stopped his farm work and looked up at Fu Yunge kindly.
Fu Yunge saw that both of them were looking at him silently, with some vague joy in their eyes, and secretly felt that today was a little strange.
He asked in confusion: "Senior, old woodcutter, you..."
The old woodcutter sneered twice. Poinsettia looked at him, then turned to Fu Yunge and said:
"Fu Yunge, your entry is enough. There is always a banquet in the world. If there is nothing else, you should set off today."
"Starting?" Fu Yunge's head buzzed.
He then considered Dongfang Shiming. Yes, he had been here for so long just to improve himself as soon as possible and then go find Dongfang Shiming and compete with Jiuche Xiaoying.
But...his eyes slowly moved to the old man on the side.
Did you just leave like that? His heart was a little tangled and complicated, and his nose was slightly sour.
Poinsettia also saw his reluctance to let go of the woodcutter. But it was hard for him to persuade him. After all, the old man saved the child's life and it was he who took Fu Yunge in for such a period of time.
The breeze from the mountains swept through the low flower beds, and the gentle fragrance of flowers spread in the small courtyard. Fu Yunge's clothes were flying leisurely, as slowly as the clouds flowing in the blue sky.
"I understand..." Fu Yunge endured the sadness of parting and kept touching the tip of his nose and cheeks with his hands, as if this could relieve the unspeakable mood.
He lowered his head and whispered to the old man: "Well, old man... I'm leaving."
"Let's go." The old woodcutter raised his head and smiled infatuatedly. His smile was kind and heart-breakingly soft. "You have to leave sooner or later, so don't be reluctant. Time flies, go find your friends quickly."
Poinsettia stood aside, with an expression on her face as if she was addicted to the old days.
If we are separated, who has not lamented meeting again? However, the world is ups and downs, and perhaps no matter whether it is good or bad, we will not regret all the past. It is just that in the wandering world, there is another autumn red plant and a handful of golden incense to indulge in. Or miss it.
The wind suddenly picked up, blowing in the forest like raindrops pouring down. The thick clouds in the sky are filled with gloomy sadness, emptying the distant mountains like ink and drifting to the horizon.
A few petals of the small flowers in the flowerbed were blown off by the wind, and the red stamens appeared even thinner. Fu Yunge's ears were blown by the wind, and the thatch on the roof rustled out wisps of whispers.
All the emotions seemed to melt under the ceiling of silence, and only the sobs of the wild wind gave him a sense of comfort.
He turned around and went into the house to change into the new clothes. The moment he turned his back to the two of them, he almost burst into tears, but he still held it back.
He will experience this kind of separation again in the future. He must learn to be strong because he also has a more important mission.
The two people who watched Fu Yunge enter the house did not speak for a long time.
After a while, Poinsettia tentatively said to the woodcutter, "Why don't you follow us? I just suggested."
The old man's eyes were still fixed on the door of the house. He shook his head slowly: "It's not necessary. I have lived in seclusion here for more than a hundred years, and I have long lost interest in the hustle and bustle of the world."
"What if... the war spreads here one day...?" Poinsettia asked again.
The old man's eyes were empty, and he said calmly: "If you can save it, keep it. If you can't... just leave."
Poinsettia thought for a while and said no more.
The petals are flying, and the morning dew stained by them is like silent tears. In the bleak cool wind, the tune is scattered and becomes a poem.
After a while, Fu Yunge tidied up the room and stepped out of the threshold. Both of them were already waiting for him, waiting for the moment he decided to leave.
Fu Yunge paused at the door, feeling uncomfortable in his heart.
"Let's go." The woodcutter and Poinsettia said to him in unison.
Fu Yunge pinched her lower lip and nodded. He followed the poinsettia to the door of the small courtyard, turned back and said goodbye to the old woodcutter.
"Old Qiao, I'm leaving then. I'll come back to visit you when I have time." Fu Yunge said, clenching his fists.
The old woodcutter looked into his eyes, with a smile on his thin cheeks. He patted Fu Yunge's arm and said softly: "No need to be sad. Remember my teachings, everything returns to nature, and don't linger any longer when you should let go."
"Yes, I will definitely keep it in mind." Fu Yunge rubbed his eyes again, took a step back, and bowed deeply to the old man:
"Fu Yunge will also remember the life-saving grace and support given by the woodcutter throughout his life. However, it is difficult to repay the kindness. Fu Yunge only hopes that the woodcutter's sun and moon will prosper, and the trees and cranes will grow forever."
"Okay, okay." The old woodcutter helped him upright, then suddenly turned sideways, took out something from his sleeve, and handed it solemnly to Fu Yunge's hand, "Finally, I'll give this to you. There’s nothing to worry about anymore.”
Fu Yunge looked at the small kit in his hand, tears welling up again. He grasped the small bag tightly, packed it carefully, bowed to the woodcutter again and again, and then turned around to go.
Poinsettia waved her hand to him at the end, and her voice was a little moist: "See you again by fate, old woodcutter in your late years."
Poinsettia and Fu Yunge walked slowly and slowly around the mountain road and left. Just as they turned the corner, the woodcutter's small hut truly disappeared from sight.
Covered by the green forest, Fu Yunge stood on tiptoe and looked back, but could no longer see the shadow of the hut. Tears of farewell finally blurred his eyes, making him unable to control himself.
Poinsettia looked back at him quietly, followed his steps, and walked slowly down the mountain.
At this moment, a low chant came from the direction of the old woodcutter's hut:
"The flying birds cover the clouds, and the green mountains are filled with sorrow. The wind in the river is hard to stop, and the waves are drifting. Treasure each farewell and the boat is leisurely. When you see it, your heart will break. If you are good to go, don't look back."
Poinsettia smiled slightly. He walked back and grabbed Fu Yunge's shirt, and said gently: "Let's go."
Fu Yunge raised his eyebrows firmly and nodded vigorously.
The sound of singing echoed in the valley, like the cries of partridges in the rain, sending out the last farewell against the hazy sky.
The two of them walked down the mountain. Fu Yunge was surprised to find that the small raft he came with was gone, replaced by two small boats prepared by Poinsettia. The bottom of the boat rested shallowly on the water's edge, and a few basils on the shore were bent.
"Senior, why are there two boats?" Fu Yunge was a little confused.
Poinsettia walked to the side of the boat and explained to him: "I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany Jiangliang City's party. Zuichen Township asked me for a letter the day before yesterday, and I have to go to Zheyun Mountain Valley. A month later, if Unless there are special circumstances, we will try to meet up."
Fu Yunge said "oh". He knew that there was currently a shortage of manpower, and it was normal for the poinsettia to be unable to accompany him. It seems that this mission of finding Dongfang Shiming can only be completed by oneself.
The two of them boarded the boat, untied the rope, and the boat sailed slowly into the river.
