Crossing the famine to find the white moonlight

Under Ye Wan's careful leadership, the team gradually stabilized. Everyone supported each other on this journey of fleeing famine. Although life was difficult, people became more united. In the process, Ye Cui Niang's attitude towards Xiao Tong also began to change quietly.

Ye Cui Niang, initially cold towards Xiao Tong, gradually warms up, especially as Ye Wan's repeated dedication and guidance deepen her understanding of the preciousness of family bonds. The bond between mother and child, grandmother and grandchild, is thicker than blood, and it only deepens over the course of this long journey.

One morning, as the team set out on their journey, Xiaotong, tired from days of walking, stumbled and faltered. Ye Cui Niang looked at the thin figure, a sudden surge of pity welling up in her heart. She stepped forward, squatted down, and gently lifted Xiaotong up, saying softly, "Come, Xiaotong, hold on to grandma's hand and walk slowly."

Xiaotong looked at his "grandmother" with some surprise. In his little heart, Ye Cui Niang had always been a serious and unfamiliar figure. But today, her voice was surprisingly gentle, leaving him somewhat bewildered. Xiaotong hesitated for a moment before gently reaching out and holding Ye Cui Niang's hand, feeling her warmth and strength.

Along the way, Ye Cui Niang often bent down to help Xiao Tong tidy up his clothes and handed him her water bag so he could sip it. She also quietly shared some of her dry food and placed it in Xiao Tong's hands. Xiao Tong took the dry food, looked up at Ye Cui Niang, and a shy smile appeared on his young face. He said softly, "Thank you, grandma."

Ye Cui Niang patted his shoulder gently, with love in her eyes, "Xiao Tong, it's my duty as grandma to take care of you. You are a good child. Follow your mother and keep going."

Ye Wan watched this scene from the sidelines, a wave of warmth welling up in her heart. She had never imagined her mother would take the initiative to care for Xiaotong, much less speak to her with such tenderness. Her mother's indifference toward Xiaotong had saddened her throughout their lives, but she understood it wasn't out of heartlessness, but rather the hardships and tribulations of life that had forced her to choose self-preservation and indifference. However, her mother now seemed to have regained her tenderness and kindness, which brought Ye Wan immense joy.

The bond between mother and daughter gradually healed thanks to this warmth. Whenever they stopped to rest at night, Ye Cui Niang would take the initiative to go to Ye Wan's side and help take care of Xiao Tong, even occasionally tucking Xiao Tong in with her own blanket and humming a little tune to lull him to sleep. Xiao Tong gradually developed a sense of dependence on his grandmother, and in his young heart, he began to regard Ye Cui Niang as a real family member.

One night, after carefully covering the sleeping Xiaotong with a blanket, Ye Cui Niang sat beside Ye Wan and whispered, "Wan, I've neglected you and Xiaotong before. Now, seeing how hard you work to take care of everyone, I realize how much I owe you and the child. Xiaotong is a good child. I will treat him like my own grandson and will do my best to help you take care of him in the future."

Ye Wan listened to her mother's words, feeling deeply moved and warmed. She knew her mother's care and transformation hadn't come easily, and she was also aware of her mother's guilt and self-blame. She gently held her mother's hand and said softly, "Mom, don't blame yourself. My greatest happiness is that we can be together as a family and take care of each other."

Mother and daughter smiled at each other, their eyes filled with warmth and understanding. The distance and coldness between them seemed to be completely dissolved in that moment. The resentment and misunderstandings that had once been buried deep in their hearts gradually dissipated due to the hardships and mutual support along the way.

In the days that followed, Ye Cui Niang's care for Xiao Tong became increasingly evident. She no longer simply followed silently behind the group. Instead, she took the initiative to help Xiao Tong carry his small bag, frequently wiping the sweat from his forehead. She also taught him some simple escape techniques, such as how to find water in the wild and how to identify edible plants. Her gentle and patient tone gradually instilled in Xiao Tong a sense of his grandmother's warmth.

Xiaotong grew increasingly dependent on Ye Cuiniang, often tugging at her clothes and asking her coquettish questions. His childish smile and adoring eyes filled Ye Cuiniang with contentment. She rediscovered the gentleness and kindness of an elder, and saw hope for the future in this frail little boy.

One evening, the team stopped to rest. Ye Cui Niang distributed some dry food to Xiao Tong. Watching him eat with small bites, she patted his head gently and said, "Xiao Tong, your mother has done a lot for you. You must remember to listen to her and repay her well when you grow up."

Xiaotong nodded and looked at Ye Wan, his tender eyes filled with admiration and attachment. He gently held his mother's hand and said seriously, "Mom, Xiaotong will be obedient and will take care of everyone like you in the future."

Ye Wan listened to Xiaotong's words, her heart deeply moved. She gently embraced Xiaotong, her eyes filled with love and relief. Her mother's transformation, Xiaotong's reliance on her, and the trust within the team—all of this made her feel incredibly warm.

On this arduous journey, Ye Wan not only led the group forward but also helped her mother rediscover the long-lost family bond. Their relationship was truly restored, and the estrangement and alienation in their hearts gradually dissipated, replaced by deep understanding and support. Ye Wan felt that this family bond was her greatest strength to move forward, and the company of her mother and Xiaotong was the reason she never felt alone on this long and arduous journey.