Step by step, a gentle breeze leads to a smooth path

“Okay, then this week, when Tingnan has a day off, I’ll come pick you all up early to visit my home, go shopping, and have a casual meal together.” Mu Xudong understood his wife’s meaning and quickly agreed.

“Okay, okay, no need to pick us up, we’ll take a car ourselves,” Song Wanli said hurriedly.

"Don't mention it, brother. From now on, we're family." Mu Xudong respected his uncle, who was lame and had little labor power in the countryside, yet had adopted Tingnan and supported her education. He was a responsible man.

Sunday arrived quickly, but the car couldn't fit everyone. Song Wanxing, Zhao Xiaojuan, and Ting Nan took Ya Li on the tractor. Zhao Xiaojuan held Ya Li, Ting Nan played with her, and Song Wanxing sat alone on the side, not saying a word, which seemed odd.

Song Wanli and his wife, along with Qian Shuzhen and several boys, got into a car. The boys were very excited and unanimously recognized Mu Zhiyuan as their older brother—he kept his word and invited them to take a ride to the county town so soon.

Gao Haoran didn't come, and neither did Liu Dayong. They didn't like to appear in public, and Mu Xudong understood.

He only invited his younger brother, as his sister-in-law was a snob and he didn't want Song Wanli's family to suffer.

He was so sensible that Jiang Qianqian gave him special praise, making him look even happier.

The Song family was overwhelmed by everything in the county town. After dinner, they decided to go shopping separately, with Jiang Qianqian and Mu Xudong each taking a turn. They bought whatever they liked, but Song Wanli quickly refused, and Qian Shuzhen urged them to go back, saying they couldn't walk anymore.

That day, Song Wanli's whole family had a great time. They returned home carrying bags and packages, and the children's bond with Mu Zhiyuan grew even stronger. When they parted, they were all reluctant to leave, their eyes filled with tears. After washing up at home, he went straight to bed and fell asleep.

Ting Nan arrived at Gao Haoran's place while it was still early, saying, "Master, I'm sorry!"

"Sorry? Who are you sorry to? You're sorry to Mu Zhiyuan, who trusted you!"

"me……!"

"Ting Nan, it's good that you're eager to save people, but your actions were indeed reckless! Why didn't you take Mu Zhiyuan with you and wait for Officer Zhang to make arrangements?"

"me……"

"Ting Nan, you're getting a bit cocky. You want to test your skills, don't you? Want to see how many you can beat at once? You're just showing off your recklessness!"

"Master, I'm worried..."

“Ting Nan, don’t make those excuses. If Officer Zhang can’t manage the manpower and can’t fight back, you can stay at the wonton shop to protect yourself and Mu Zhiyuan. You should know that with the police around, those bad guys will be hesitant to act.”

“But Master, it’s foolish to rely on others.”

"Ting Nan, you're relying on the police, aren't you stupid? Besides, do you know the importance of acting within your capabilities? What if the people chasing you are faster, or there are more people blocking your way? What will you do then? Put yourself in danger?"

"Master, I was wrong!"

"Ting Nan, you have indeed become a bit arrogant. You've only been learning for less than two years, and you've already gotten cocky. There's always someone stronger than you. You need to be humble and polite from the bottom of your heart, and be modest in moderation."

While it's true that young people can be arrogant, you need to understand that some things are beyond your control. You were lucky this time; you managed to escape unnoticed, and Officer Zhang was very helpful in eliminating the pursuers. Otherwise… you have several younger siblings.”

"Master, I was wrong!" Ting Nan was truly frightened. Human traffickers are ruthless and vindictive. She had to teach her younger siblings how to avoid being abducted when she got home.

Realizing his mistake, Ting Nan didn't need his master to say anything more and immediately started practicing more. "You have to be strong yourself to forge iron!" Gao Haoran watched Ting Nan practice hard and didn't say much. It was already quite good for a child under nine years old to have achieved this.

Ting Nan tied the sandbags back to her feet, but she still wasn't fast enough that day. She carried them with her to school and when she went to deliver goods.

Days passed by, and Ting Nan calmed down and became one of the best students, finally fulfilling her promise to Mu Zhiyuan.

She greeted Principal Dai, saying, "Teacher Dai, I'd like to be in your class next semester."