The Frog Incident: A Startling Moment

Jiang Lixia, burdened with a mixture of confusion and sadness, observed her son's departure with a resigned heart. She questioned what she might have done to deserve such a rebellious child, as his fixation on Fu Bao, a mere toddler, left her pondering the capriciousness of fate. Would this infatuation endure as he matured?

For the Shen family, Huo Zirui's lingering presence acted as a constant irritant. His intense stares at Fu Bao provoked discomfort verging on hostility. Each time they caught him gazing at her, their resentment simmered beneath the surface. Thankfully, Jiang Lixia intervened before tensions could escalate, whisking her son away as night fell. The departure of Jiang Lixia and Huo Zirui brought a collective sigh of relief from the Shen household and from Fu Bao herself.

Yet, as weeks passed without Huo Zirui's return, a palpable void settled in, overshadowing the Shen family's newfound calmness. Would he ever come back, or had he vanished like a fleeting dream, leaving behind memories of his enigmatic presence?

Time seemed to hasten its pace after the full moon, carrying Fu Bao through her early years with astonishing speed. Five years slipped away like sand through an hourglass, and Fu Bao, now a lively five-year-old, remained the cherished centerpiece of the Li family. Each day brought joy and contentment to the household.

"Fubao, Fubao! Look what I found!" Li Xiaolei burst into the house, holding a mysterious object in his hand, his eyes brimming with excitement as he approached Fu Bao.

Seated on a small bench by the doorway, Fu Bao nibbled on peanuts, a special treat from the old lady Li. With her siblings away, she relished the quiet moments, saving her appetite to share snacks upon their return.

Both Li Chengyuan and Lin Yanfen had found work in the bustling county town. Chengyuan had advanced to a junior position, earning a modest raise of five cents each month, while Yanfen toiled in a textile factory, earning thirty yuan monthly. Despite their hard work, the financial strain of supporting a large family weighed heavily on them. From daily necessities to education and medical expenses for their aging father, every yuan was stretched thin. With no savings, the Li family continued to navigate the fine line between survival and stability.

However, looming on the horizon was the impending threat of trouble, drawing nearer each day and casting a shadow of uncertainty over their otherwise peaceful existence.

As the pillar of the family, any misfortune befalling Chengyuan could send the household into chaos. He keenly felt the weight of responsibility, driving him to seek solutions to their challenges.

Lost in thought, Fu Bao was startled by Li Xiaolei's exuberant voice. Trembling, she dropped a few peanuts from her hand.

Li Xiaolei rushed over, presenting something to her eagerly. "Look, Fu Bao!"

"Ahh...!"

"Granny!" Lin Xiaoyi, busy in the kitchen, hurried out at Fu Bao's cry, spatula in hand, and scooped her up, scanning her anxiously. "What's wrong, dear?"

Pointing at the frog in Li Xiaolei's hand, Fu Bao softly said, "Granny, I'm okay, just startled."

"You rascal! How dare you scare Fu Bao? If you do it again, you'll see how I handle you!" the old lady Li scolded, noticing Fu Bao's pale face. She then gave Li Xiaolei a few sharp smacks.

Li Xiaolei, looking much younger than his ten years due to malnutrition, grinned proudly, showing a row of white teeth as he presented the frog. "Granny, look what I caught in the fields! I wanted to bring it back for Fu Bao!"