Route 25 Lies Beneath My Feet

The villagers once kept a portion of their game for themselves, reluctant to consume it all; they would take the surplus to the market outside the village to sell, exchanging it for daily necessities. Now that Second Brother Xie came to the village to buy wild meat directly, things had become much more convenient for everyone. Every winter thereafter, Second Brother Xie would return to the village for several days, purchasing wild game to take back with him.

Little Yun’er ran to Second Brother Xie’s house, which, having been uninhabited for a long time, looked even more dilapidated than before. Second Brother Xie was a man in his thirties, tall and sturdy, with powerful arms that seemed made for hunting. A scar on his face, left by a tiger hunt years ago, gave him an even more imposing presence.

Upon seeing him, Little Yun’er called out, “Uncle Xie, you’re back! I missed you so much!”

Second Brother Xie scolded, “You little rascal, where have you been these days? I’ve been looking all over for you. I asked your mother, and she didn’t know either.” Even as he scolded, he lifted Little Yun’er up with his strong hands, laughing. “You rascal, you’ve grown so fast. It’s only been a year, and you’re already so much taller.”

Little Yun’er grinned and flattered him, “Of course! If you, Uncle Xie, look even more impressive and dignified than before after just a year, how could I not grow taller?” After a pause, he added, “Uncle Xie, you always say the city is fun—could you take me with you this time?”

Second Brother Xie looked at him in surprise. “Yun’er, what’s gotten into you? Why do you want to go to the city? Is there something you need to do?”

Little Yun’er replied, “I hope you’ll take me to the city and help me find a job there.”

Second Brother Xie asked, “Has your mother agreed?”

“She’s come around now,” Little Yun’er said. “She said it would be good for me to see more of the world with you, and besides, she trusts you.”

Second Brother Xie said, “But how do you know I’ll take you? And you’re still a child—small and weak. It’s hard to find work, and I doubt anyone would hire you.”

Little Yun’er continued flattering him, “Uncle Xie, you love me the most. I know you’ll help me, and with your skills, I’m sure you’ll find a way.”

Second Brother Xie, a man who valued his reputation, found it hard to refuse now that he’d been called capable. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Fine. Since you want to see the world, I’ll take you. But you have to promise me two things.”

“What are they?” Little Yun’er asked.

“First, you have to listen to me and not get into mischief. Second, as you’re still young, the work you’ll get will only cover your meals—no wages. Is that alright with you?”

For Little Yun’er, going with him was partly to avoid trouble and partly out of curiosity about the wider world—he had no other demands. Hearing Second Brother Xie agree, he replied happily, “I don’t mind not getting paid as long as I have enough to eat.” Secretly, he thought, “As long as I reach the city, I’m sure I’ll find something better to do.” Children his age always dream of a bright future.

Second Brother Xie nodded. “Normally, wealthy households wouldn’t want you, but with the New Year coming, they’ll be busier and will hire extra hands for the season. I’ll take you to try it out. If you work well, I’ll put in a good word for you with the manager. You might be able to stay on, just like me. After a few years, when you’re older, you might even earn a few strings of cash each month!”

Little Yun’er responded with a smile, “Of course! If it weren’t for your abilities, Uncle Xie, no one else could help me find such good work.”

Second Brother Xie was pleased, and Little Yun’er felt even happier inside. It was settled: after Second Brother Xie finished purchasing wild game, he would take Little Yun’er to the city with him.

Little Yun’er returned home and told his mother excitedly, “Mom, Uncle Xie agreed to take me to the city. Once I’m there, I’ll work hard to earn money and send you as much as I can.”

His mother smiled, “If you work hard and stay out of trouble, I won’t have to worry about you at home. That’s enough for me. All I want is for you to come back safely in a few years. I’ve never expected you to make a fortune.”

After a pause, she remembered something. “Yun’er, before you leave for the city, you should tell Yan-jie. She cares about you more than anyone in the village. She’s a good girl—when you weren’t around these past few days, she kept asking after you and worrying about you.”

The village where Little Yun’er lived was called Yuling Village. There were several hundred households, but Little Yun’er and his mother were outsiders, having settled there five years ago. At the time, Little Yun’er was only seven. Because they were newcomers and he had no father, the villagers often bullied their family.

(In truth, his adoptive mother only pretended to be meek to live incognito; otherwise, ordinary villagers could never have bullied her.)

The village children also bullied Little Yun’er, often making him cry and run home in distress. But there was a girl named Little Yan Xie, three years older than him, who took pity on him and would often come to his aid.

Their friendship grew closer. She was naturally strong-willed and capable—even the boys in the village were afraid of her. With her looking after him, the other children no longer dared bully Little Yun’er, and, eventually, some even became his friends. Still, no one was kinder to him than Little Yan Xie. She cared for him like an elder sister, and Little Yun’er adored her as one would a beloved sister. She was his childhood companion.

Now, at twelve, Little Yun’er was still a child, but at fifteen, Little Yan Xie was no longer a little girl—she had grown into a graceful young lady, the pride of the entire Yuling Village. She was like a wild lily: gentle yet strong, beautiful with a hint of wildness.

In Little Yun’er’s eyes, Little Yan Xie was smart, capable, and quick to learn anything she set her hands to—whether chopping wood, weaving cloth, or embroidery. She was also the daughter-in-law his mother most admired.

Little Yun’er once thought Little Yan Xie was the most beautiful girl, but after meeting Lingzhi, he found Lingzhi even more stunning, her clothing more elegant, and her presence more mature and enchanting—like a dream or a poem. Little Yun’er saw Little Yan Xie as his companion and sister, but Lingzhi was like a celestial being. Later, he met Bai Xuehua, whose beauty was clear and cold, half-ethereal, half-demonic.

In truth, for Little Yun’er, Lingzhi and Bai Xuehua, though beautiful, felt like dream figures—elusive and unreal. Only Little Yan Xie was flesh and blood, real and tangible.

Now, at his mother’s mention, he recalled all the kindness Little Yan Xie had shown him. Had it not been for her care in childhood, his life would have been much harder. With this in mind, he said to his mother, “You’re right. I’ll go see Yan-jie and let her know I’m leaving for the city.”