Chapter 91 Daddy at Five Years Old

Chapter 91: Dad at Five Years Old

The cart wheels rolled gently, white clouds drifted by, and time stretched on. Children quietly grew, while adults softly recalled their youth.

When Wang Wang opened his eyes, he was utterly bewildered—where was this? Who was this? What had happened? Focusing his gaze, he saw a small boy, his clothes so tattered they revealed his belly, leaning against a haystack. The boy’s head was bowed in silence, rocking back and forth against the straw behind him, as if he had done something wrong. Wang Wang stood a short distance away, scratching his head. He giggled—the little boy’s hair looked as if a dog had gnawed it. Wang Wang lifted his face and laughed.

But his laughter quickly faded. The little boy, who had been silently hanging his head, noticed an adult approaching with a basket of steamed buns. He raised his face, wiped his reddened eyes, and forced a smile that was… pitiful. Yes, Wang Wang thought, a very pitiful smile.

The adult carrying the steamed bun basket didn’t see him, nor did the one holding leftover food. The person clutching a handful of bone scraps still didn't notice him, instead tossing the bones to a large yellow dog nearby. The adults all went inside for their midday nap. The little boy glanced at the bone scraps on the ground, swallowed hard, and considered going over, but decided against it. He clutched his stomach and continued to lean against the haystack.

Wang Wang watched the big yellow dog ravenously devouring the bone scraps. He understood why the little boy didn't compete with the dog for them—the dog, too, was… skin and bones, like an old, sick dog on the verge of death.

When he turned back, the little boy was gone. Wang Wang looked up and immediately laughed—the little boy had somehow climbed onto the haystack, now chewing a piece of straw, legs crossed, humming "Catching Loaches": "Big brother, how about it? Let’s go catch loaches…" Wang Wang looked around for a while—where was Daddy? Hurry and take Dad to catch loaches—Dad was so hungry… Wang Wang cried. He had recognized his father as a child.

Hearing the soft crying, Xiao Shizai sat up in surprise. Looking down, he saw a little boy—about his own age, perhaps a bit younger, with chubby, bright cheeks, dressed nicely, crying so innocently and adorably. However, he was quite a bit taller than Xiao Shizai, who was also around five years old… Such a lucky child. Where did he come from?

Why wasn’t he going home? His parents must love him very much.

He scratched his dog-chewed hair, afraid to touch the little boy’s clothes with his dirty hands, and only looked up to say:

"You should go home. Your mom and Dad must miss you."

"You’re Dad… Waaah!"

"…?!"

Xiao Shizai was utterly bewildered, his eyes wide with surprise. He wasn’t even six yet—what did he mean by "Dad"? The little boy in front of him cried even louder. Xiao Shizai felt flustered, afraid the adults might hear. Just as he was thinking this, an auntie came out but seemed not to notice or see them at all, passing by and heading toward the back of the house. After the initial shock, Xiao Shizai felt very sad.

Could it be… this little boy had also been abandoned by his parents?

He thought for a moment, then said, "Come with me," turned, and started walking. After a few steps, he glanced back—the little boy was indeed following him, wiping his tears. Xiao Shizai gave a bitter smile. He could barely take care of himself—how could he possibly raise this little boy?

But he would find a way!

After walking for about twenty minutes, they circled around the west side of the village, past a weed-choked stream, and along the side of a small hill, until they reached a small cave. Wang Wang glanced inside—it was full of junk, like a dog’s den. No, Qiaoqiao’s doghouse was much better than this.

Noticing the little boy’s gaze, Xiao Shizai smiled sheepishly and asked him to wait here while he ducked into the woods behind, where the wild grass was taller than an adult. Since he had decided to take care of the little boy, he needed to find some food. The small cave was filled with discarded junk, just like himself, with nothing to fill the little boy’s stomach. As he searched around, Xiao Shizai thought to himself—forget whether the little boy had eaten, he himself was truly hungry. He hadn’t eaten anything since the previous evening.

At his own home, the only food he could find was always moldy steamed buns. He had eaten one once and ended up with diarrhea and vomiting, nearly losing his life. But he had survived—lucky to be alive, heh. Xiao Shizai didn’t dwell on grievances or sadness. Once he cried, it was over. Since he couldn’t change his fate, he had no choice but to live on. Fortunately, the village had plenty of junk and woods—he could always find something to eat.

However, it was early summer, a time when food was scarce. The fruits hadn’t grown yet—what could they eat?

Beside the small cave, Wang Wang sat on the ground, crying his eyes out. He had just peeked inside but was scared away by a large rat, scrambling out, terrified. Why was Dad’s childhood so miserable? What should he do? Wang Wang now understood why Dad was so much shorter than Daddy, and even shorter than Little Uncle… The scene from earlier lingered in his mind—Dad’s body devoid of flesh, the bones of his elbows protruding.

Wang Wang held back his sobs and wiped away his tears. He had made up his mind—he wouldn’t wake from this dream. He would stay here and grow up with Dad. Even if they had to endure hardship and poverty, at least Dad would have companionship. Dad was most afraid of having no one to hold him.

Just as he lowered his hands from wiping his tears, Wang Wang saw Little Dad returning. He immediately smiled again—giggle—so Dad was naturally mischievous and optimistic. His ragged tank top was tied around his waist, leaving his small torso bare. As he ran, he even did a somersault, but something he was holding fell. Little Dad hurriedly chased after it, running like a wild child. Well, wasn’t he exactly that?

From afar, Little Dad scampered back like a monkey. Before he even reached Wang Wang, he gave a big grin and held up what was in his hand—Wang Wang giggled and waved back but then froze. What Little Dad was holding was… a rabbit!

What was Little Dad doing with a rabbit? Rabbits are so cute—was Little Dad planning to… He must have traded Wang Wang for the rabbit! Waaah… Back at home, once when Daddy made Dad angry, Dad had said he would sell Daddy to buy a rabbit.

Wah, was it his turn now? Did Little Dad think he was useless and trade him for food?

Xiao Shizai had quite a haul today—he never expected to catch such a large wild rabbit. He rushed back excitedly, only to find the little boy still crying. After asking why, Xiao Shizai threw his head back and laughed heartily… What an innocent, adorable child. In just this short while, Xiao Shizai had already resolved that if no one came looking for the little boy, he would take good care of him—at least make sure he didn’t go hungry.

He had completely forgotten that he himself was just a child.

So it wasn’t about trading Wang Wang for the rabbit—it was about having Wang Wang eat the rabbit… Wang Wang took a frightened step back:

"Don’t eat the bunny! Bunnies are my friends. I used to sleep with one every night when I was little. Let’s set it free."

"...Sleep with it?"

Xiao Shizai was confused. How could you sleep with a rabbit? Suddenly, he understood—it must be a rabbit-shaped pillow. His ninth brother had an ugly duckling pillow… But understanding aside, Xiao Shizai swallowed hard. This was a rare wild rabbit.

The two of them could eat it for several days—several days without having to scavenge for garbage.

Truthfully, Xiao Shizai didn’t want to eat the rabbit either. This was the first time he had caught one, and the first time he had ever tried to catch a rabbit… He was afraid that if he couldn’t provide food, the little boy would leave him soon. That’s why he had mustered all his strength to catch one.

Sitting down with the wild rabbit in his arms, Xiao Shizai lowered his head and gently stroked its head. The rabbit was frightened, struggling restlessly. Perhaps it had parents in its burrow… Xiao Shizai picked up the rabbit and looked into its red eyes:

"Go home. Can I make a wish to you? Bless me to have a family that loves me very much in my next life."

"Gurgle, gurgle…"

"Did I hurt you when I caught you? Hehe, I was just joking earlier. You don’t have to bless me. I caught you—you didn’t come to me willingly… Rabbit, go on. I wish you happiness!"

With that, Xiao Shizai set the rabbit free. The rabbit darted forward a few steps, then surprisingly glanced back before disappearing in a flash.

Xiao Shizai rubbed the back of his head and smiled. Seeing the little boy staring at him with eyes red like a rabbit's, he asked if he was hungry. The little boy shook his head. But Xiao Shizai was hungry. Once again, he asked him to wait and hurried toward the village.

He got down on his knees and begged desperately—this was the household farthest from his own. Every time he pleaded with the auntie here, he could get some food. Xiao Shizai knelt and said every sweet word he knew, finally receiving some wilted vegetable leaves, a very hard dry bun, and two small, shriveled potatoes the size of fists.

It was enough—enough for them to eat for two or three meals. Xiao Shizai kowtowed several times before gathering the food and heading to the small cave.

One of his shelters.

The little boy was sitting on a large rock at the cave entrance. As soon as he saw Xiao Shizai return, he stood up and waved his small hand… Xiao Shizai was overjoyed, smiling from afar. This felt so good, so very good. Even if in this world, there was only this one little boy whom others couldn’t see but who could see him—the feeling of having companionship was wonderful. There had been times when Xiao Shizai wondered if he was a ghost, always passed by without a glance. Heh, no, it was just that he wasn’t likable. But now, that wasn’t the case anymore—someone could see him.

While singing to the little boy to comfort him and keep him from feeling sad or scared, Xiao Shizai busied himself cooking. He had a dented aluminum pot he had found, with two holes patched with aluminum sheets. It was barely usable—it leaked a little but could still cook food.

Life wasn’t so bad after all.

After making steamed bun and potato soup, Xiao Shizai, who was starving, devoured the food eagerly. Only after finishing a bowl did he notice the little boy holding his bowl without eating, tears pattering down. Wang Wang was heartbroken—the food was terrible, and Dad was so pitiful.

But he quickly wiped his tears and started eating earnestly. If Dad could eat it, why couldn’t he?

Seeing the little boy begin to eat, Xiao Shizai smiled in relief. There was still half a bowl of food left in the pot. After the little boy finished, Xiao Shizai served him more, but the little boy refused… After several attempts, Xiao Shizai gave up and wolfed down the rest himself.

Only after eating did he remember he still didn’t know the little boy’s name:

"What’s your name?"

"Wang Wang."

"That’s a lovely name. I don’t have a name. How old are you? Would you call me brother?"

After a pause, Wang Wang softly called out "Brother," then added:

"My name… even a little dog can be called that—Wang Wang…"

Before Wang Wang could finish, Xiao Shizai threw his head back and laughed. Why would anyone give him such a name?

But Wang Wang continued:

"It’s the ‘Wang’ that means ‘hope.’ But Daddy and Dad said every word has many meanings. As long as you’re loved, even ‘Wang Wang’ is adorable. Brother, when you grow up, you’ll have your own name, and love that no one can surpass."

Night fell, the stars in the wilderness were bright, and everything was quiet. The murmuring of the stream could be heard, along with occasional birdsong and the sound of tree branches swaying in the wind in the forest. In a way, the environment was quite similar to the farmhouse where they spent summers escaping the heat—very pleasant.

If one ignored their current circumstances, that is.

Xiao Dad was probably already accustomed to sleeping outdoors like this. Holding Wang Wang’s hand with one hand and clutching the tattered quilt over his chest with the other, he was sound asleep. Wang Wang, resting his head on his own small arm, had gone camping with his Daddy and little brother several times before, and the situation felt somewhat familiar now. Yet, he couldn’t fall asleep.

It wasn’t just because of the incredibly shabby cave, but also because of his own helplessness.

—Daddy, how can I help Papa?

After a long while, just as Wang Wang was drifting off to sleep, a low, gentle voice seemed to echo in his ears—the voice of his Daddy: "Wang Wang, you don’t need to do anything. Just be the undying spark in Papa’s heart." Wang Wang struggled, wanting his Daddy to hold him, but he couldn’t wake up. Anxiously, he asked, "What’s a spark?" and "How can it never go out?" His Daddy’s voice replied, "Keep him company and make him happy. Tell him—children always grow up, and those who love him will always come." Hearing this, Wang Wang giggled; that’s exactly what he had told Papa that afternoon.

The next morning, as soon as Wang Wang opened his eyes, he thought, Where’s Xiao Dad?!

Suddenly, he heard several consecutive "Ha!" sounds. Wang Wang crawled out of the cave and stood at the entrance, looking around—hehe, Xiao Dad was really capable and so optimistic, catching fish in the stream! Wang Wang had never caught fish before, but he had seen Papa do it back at the farmhouse. Even Daddy couldn’t catch any, but Papa would bend over and always succeed… So that’s how he learned it.

Wang Wang ran over, dancing and clapping excitedly on the bank:

"Go for it, Brother! If you catch a fish today, you’ll never run out of fish to eat when you grow up."

"...Hahaha, where did you learn to say things like that?"

Wang Wang scratched his ear, giggling—it was something his future Papa had taught him.

He peeked into the small iron bucket nearby—there were already three fish inside! Bigger than his little hands! Wang Wang ran back and forth along the bank, thrilled. If Xiao Dad could catch lots of fish, he wouldn’t have to beg others for food anymore.

Just as he was thinking this, Xiao Dad slipped and fell into the water with a splash. Though the stream wasn’t deep, for a thin, short five-year-old like Xiao Dad, it seemed both deep and fast. Xiao Dad struggled several times but couldn’t get up, and on the last attempt, he was carried two meters downstream by the current.

Wang Wang was worried sick. What should he do? Without a second thought, he decided to join Papa and prepared to jump into the stream.

"Don’t!!"

After choking on a mouthful of water, Xiao Shizai shouted loudly, struggling with all his strength—no, with every ounce of strength—grabbing onto a rock and managing to stand up. Then, climbing from one rock to another, he finally reached the bank. Without bothering that he was soaked through, he dashed madly toward Wang Wang and hugged him tightly… Xiao Shizai couldn’t hold back his tears.

Was Wang Wang real?

He must be—the little body he held was much warmer than his own.

Even if Xiao Shizai refused to admit it, he knew what thought had crossed his mind just then—for the first time ever. He had thought about letting the stream carry him away, wherever it might lead, no matter what… But when he heard Wang Wang crying and about to jump into the water, he snapped back to reality.

Whether Wang Wang was real or not, Xiao Shizai was fully awake now. He would live well and grow up properly.

Hand in hand, the two walked back to the cave. As Xiao Shizai was tidying up the six small fish he had caught, he heard Wang Wang whisper to him, "Children always grow up, and those who love you will always come." Hearing this, Xiao Shizai burst into laughter. This little brother sure knew how to talk. He nodded and said, "I know. We’re both going to become great, amazing adults."

Only then did Wang Wang feel relieved.

After preparing the fish, Xiao Shizai cooked only one. When the aroma rose from the small, beat-up aluminum pot, he turned his back, swallowing hard to make sure he wasn’t drooling, then turned around and said to Wang Wang:

"Wang Wang, you eat the fish and drink the soup. I’m going to take the remaining fish to Auntie at the village entrance."

"...Aren’t we keeping them for ourselves?"

"Nah, she gave us enough food for three meals yesterday. I have to repay the kindness, hehe."

As he spoke, Xiao Shizai ladled out the fish and soup. After a moment’s thought, he carefully removed all the fish meat from the bones… This little brother probably hadn’t eaten fish on his own at home and might choke on the bones… Once done, Xiao Shizai grabbed the small bucket and ran toward the village.

When he was starving, he had caught fish twice before, but he couldn’t eat too much—otherwise, people would get upset.

There weren’t many fish in the stream; they belonged to everyone in the village, not to him.

After delivering the fish, Xiao Shizai slowed his pace on the way back, taking his time a bit. When he reached the cave, Wang Wang had just finished the fish soup and was patting his full little belly—so adorable. Catching fish today was all for Wang Wang, just to see the little brother full and satisfied. Xiao Shizai resolved once again to work hard and grow up well.

Seeing Xiao Dad return, Wang Wang asked:

"Brother, are you going to cook yesterday’s meal?"

"...Hehe, I already ate some buns at Auntie’s house. Come on, want to come help me with some work?"

Hearing this, Wang Wang nodded repeatedly. He would help however he could.

Unexpectedly, the task was cutting grass for pigs. Wang Wang sat on a dirt mound watching—he couldn’t be of much help. Earlier, just following behind, his little arm had been scratched by the tall pig grass. Xiao Dad was terrified and wanted to get medicine for him, but Wang Wang quickly said it didn’t hurt, so Xiao Dad didn’t insist. Still, he wouldn’t let Wang Wang follow anymore, telling him to just sit and watch. Well, that was fine. Hardships would pass eventually.

From time to time, Wang Wang would lose sight of Xiao Dad—the pig grass was so tall that when Xiao Dad bent over, he disappeared completely. Then, suddenly, he’d straighten up, his back already laden with a full basket of grass. After who knows how long, the sun was high in the sky when Xiao Dad finally emerged.

Behind him was a surprisingly large bag that made Wang Wang’s jaw drop.

Xiao Dad dragged and tugged with great effort, managing to haul out the bag of pig grass, which was much larger than himself. What was the grass for? The kind Auntie had told Xiao Dad that if he filled a bag with pig grass, she’d give him two buns at noon.

Xiao Shizai didn’t often take this job to trade for buns. He was afraid of getting Auntie in trouble and knew her family had enough people to cut grass. It was purely her occasional act of kindness toward him. Ah, Xiao Shizai thought, even for the sake of such kindness, he must live on.

After eating the buns at noon, there was nothing for the evening. The village dump had nothing edible left, and Xiao Shizai was worried. If it were just him, he could go hungry for a night or even a morning. But what about this little brother?

Suddenly, he had an idea!

Xiao Shizai crouched in front of the little brother and hesitantly asked:

"Wang Wang, are you brave enough to go with me to… the cemetery?"

"I dare! Wherever Brother goes, I go. I’m Brother’s best little sidekick, la la la…"

Hearing this, Xiao Shizai laughed. What an optimistic and adorable little guy.

For the first time, he had companionship, and Xiao Shizai was happy. He hoped their luck would be better tonight, that he might find some offerings—yes, villagers occasionally came to pay respects, and they never came empty-handed. They always left food in front of the tombstones. Over time, whether the food was taken back or carried off by wild dogs, no one knew. And wild dogs? Well, hehe, that included Xiao Shizai.

They passed several graves but found nothing.

Qingming Festival had long passed, and no one in the village had died recently. Xiao Shizai didn’t know the memorial days of other families either; each trip was purely a shot in the dark. Others avoided this place, but he wasn’t afraid. Before he had the small cave, he had slept here many nights.

When they passed the grave where he had once been forced to kneel, Xiao Shizai reflexively dropped to his knees and bowed three times—though he didn’t know why he did it, if it made the family happy, he had no objection.

They finished circling the small cluster of graves near the village but found no offerings. In the middle was an open area where an old lady used to live. No one knew where she came from. She had built a small straw hut and stayed there day and night, sometimes staring into the distance, sometimes mending bowls and containers—it was under her guidance that Xiao Shizai had repaired his beat-up aluminum pot.

Xiao Shizai often imagined being like that old lady: having a straw hut to shelter from the wind and rain, endless pots and pans to repair, and making just enough to eat through repair work. That would be enough. It sounded like wishful thinking, hehe.

The night the old lady disappeared, Xiao Shizai ran over. The hut had already been emptied by others. Xiao Shizai wasn’t there to take her discarded things. He imitated the adults, bowed, and prostrated three times—during his occasional visits, the old lady had not only given him food but also taught him how to mend the pot, so he felt like a grandson seeing off his grandmother. As he was about to leave, something glinted on the ground. Puzzled, Xiao Shizai walked over and found a palm-sized pottery figurine, with a pottery little bird perched on its shoulder. Xiao Shizai smiled widely at the empty hut. He knew—this was left especially for him by the old lady.

But sadly, later, the figurine and the pottery little bird were discovered by ninth brother—forcibly snatched from his pants pocket. Xiao Shizai couldn’t fight him, let alone the other older siblings glaring fiercely at him. He had no choice but to forget about this.

Now, as he told the story to the little brother holding his hand, Xiao Shizai smiled in the darkness. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Wang Wang say:

"It’s okay. When you grow up, you’ll have an even better pottery figurine and pottery little bird."

"Hehe, definitely! That’s what I think too!"

After saying this, Xiao Shizai’s eyes lit up. At the base of a tombstone not far away, there were several pieces of jujube cake! Fragrant! Actually, he hadn’t seen clearly what it was—he just smelled it. The strong smell of dates—he’d only eaten it once before, but Xiao Shizai remembered it well.

Pulling Wang Wang along, Xiao Shizai ran over but didn’t immediately pick up the cakes. He asked Wang Wang to stand aside, put his hands together in prayer, and said many prayers asking for forgiveness and wishing the person in the grave happiness in the next life. Then, Xiao Shizai knelt and bowed three times before finally picking up the jujube cakes.

Four whole pieces! Enough for two meals!

The two of them sat leaning against the tombstone, happily eating. After finishing, Xiao Shizai turned and hugged the large tombstone for a long, long time. He wasn’t scared at all; instead, he felt grateful in his heart, believing that the jujube cakes were a gesture of kindness from the person inside the tomb, and he would remember it.

Seeing this, Wang Wang also hugged the other side of the tombstone, puckering his little lips and sending several kisses through the air:

"Whoever’s in there... hehe, I don’t know what to call you. I love you so much! I hope you have lots of love in your next life. Please bless my little brother to grow up well. Thank you..."

"I love you too! Please bless Wang Wang to grow up well!"

"Bless my brother..."

Under the brilliant starry sky, the two little ones lay side by side, laughing. The stars blinked, and they blinked back, with a shimmering warmth flowing through their hearts.

They didn’t know when they fell asleep. In a daze, Wang Wang heard his father’s voice, filled with laughter:

"Little Pup, time to wake up."

Hmph, if he wasn't calling for him, he wouldn’t get up.