An eight-year-old kid emptied his scumbag father's warehouse and followed his grandparents into

It was just after lunch, the sun still lazily shone on the river, and no one had time to rest. Xiao Man came running up from downstairs, breathlessly reporting, "Miss, the boat is about to stop. Uncle Qi said you shouldn't stand on the deck. It's dangerous!" Xiao Man's face flushed red from the river breeze, and she looked a little anxious.

"Hurry up and open all the windows." Jing Chunxi, who was standing in the passage, was immediately delighted when she heard this and quickly ordered. She couldn't wait to breathe the fresh air on the shore.

This joy frightened Tang Shuang and Chun Tao so much that they were in a panic. They immediately dropped their work and ran to open the window. Sunlight streamed in through the window, and the room suddenly became brighter, with a hint of winter warmth.

Looking out the window, the winter afternoon seemed exceptionally peaceful. The sun lazily shone on this ancient mountain city, and the river shimmered with golden light.

From afar, I could see quite a few small boats docked at the pier, bustling with people. This small town wasn't lonely, but rather brimming with life. Lush bamboo forests lined the banks, their emerald green leaves rustling softly in the breeze.

As the boat approached, Jing Chunxi could see several women squatting on the bluestones by the water, hammering clothes rhythmically with mallets in hand. They chatted as they washed, completely oblivious to the approaching behemoth. Their laughter blended with the clatter of their clothes, creating a striking harmony.

At the dock, only rowboats were docked, with a few boatmen busy loading and unloading cargo, and their raspy calls could be heard occasionally. On the steps on the shore, the cries and shouts of children hawking their wares echoed one after another, creating a lively atmosphere.

Such a mountain town, low-key yet full of life, made Jing Chunxi feel very comfortable. She couldn't wait to get off the boat and feel the charm of this small town.

The ship docked, and it took quite a while from dropping anchor to lowering the steps. The ship rocked slightly a few times before finally landing steadily at the dock.

Jing Chunxi stood on the deck, watching the busy people, her heart filled with anticipation. Before disembarking, she turned to Ah Qi and said, "Uncle Qi, Chuntao and Tangshuang have been cooking for several days, so you can't ask them to come ashore. You guys have to add water, vegetables, and buy meat. We can just play." Her tone was relaxed, but her attitude was firm.

The two girls' eyes lit up instantly when they heard the young lady's words of support. They had just been worried that they would be left on the boat, without even the chance to go shopping. Now, hearing the young lady's words, they felt relieved and smiled excitedly.

"Miss, there's me too. I help with washing rice and vegetables. I want to go play too." Xiao Man was worried that Miss wouldn't take him with her, so he puffed out his chest and immediately came over. Although he was young, he was very sensible and had been helping with things within his ability these days.

Chuntao immediately went over to Ah Qi and handed over the items she had written on the paper and the banknotes in her hand. Ah Qi had no choice but to accept the deal, but he didn't complain. After all, they were men.

Xiao Man was immediately teased by Tang Shuang: "Aren't you going to follow your Seventh Uncle and Third Uncle? They have been disdaining us these days and refuse to get close to us." There was a hint of joking in Tang Shuang's words, but the tone was very intimate.

Xiao Man stomped his feet in anger: "No, I wasn't afraid of disturbing those two!" After saying that, he even pouted at Cheng Rui and Cheng Zhi who had just come down the stairs.

Cheng Rui, who was walking at the back, smiled and completely ignored Xiao Man's words. He said to Jing Chunxi, "My brother and I will go up and take a walk too." His voice was low and gentle. Although his tone was calm, Jing Chunxi could hear the seriousness in his words.

Jing Chunxi nodded, though he felt a certain disapproval. For some reason, the two brothers stayed in that room almost all the time, except for eating and going to the bathroom. They rarely spoke. It felt like they were trying to distance themselves from everyone else here, but he didn't know what they meant. They hadn't been like this in Xunyang City. Jing Chunxi felt a little puzzled, but he didn't ask any further questions.

Jing Chunxi and his companions were the first to get off the boat. After they had walked up two steps, small vendors gathered around them and surrounded them.

An elderly woman, holding a bamboo stick, thrust it at Jing Chunxi's head. Xiao Man reacted quickly, dodging in front of Jing Chunxi and using his own hand to push the stick down. However, he only used a subtle force, not excessive force, and the woman could only take two steps back.

Frost also shouted sharply, "What are you doing?" There was a hint of severity in her voice, showing her vigilance.

The woman had obviously met the distinguished guest before, and perhaps felt she had been a bit impertinent. She stepped back a few steps, still holding the bamboo in her hand, and said in her local dialect, "Bamboo tube steamed rice is delicious." There was a hint of flattery in her voice, but she didn't dare to come any closer, just watching from a distance.

Another young woman, carrying a basket, lifted the cloth covering it in front of them and called out, "Sir, would you like some food? It's hot." The contents of the basket were dark, and they couldn't make out what they were. But the woman's call was so loud that everyone around looked over.

Seeing more and more people gathering around, July and September simply appeared. One of them stood on either side of Jing Chunxi and the others, keeping a vigilant eye on the crowd. Xiao Man took a few quick steps and ran ahead, blocking Jing Chunxi from behind and preventing the vendors from getting close.

They continued to climb the steep steps, taking each step with extreme caution. It felt like all the vendors were coming for them.