From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of life

We got up at the sound and went to the dining table.

A large table was laden with home-style dishes, a tempting combination of meat and vegetables.

The steaming hot food, with its rich aroma, instantly whetted my appetite.

Aunt Tang, holding bowls and chopsticks, warmly added rice to Su Qing's and my bowls, saying with a smile:

"I don't know what you young people like to eat, so I just made a few of my signature home-style dishes. All the ingredients are fresh tonight, so please don't be shy and eat more."

Su Qing, with her sweet tongue, immediately replied with a smile, "Sister, this is so lavish! Just the aroma is making my mouth water; it looks incredibly delicious."

Mrs. Tang smiled gently, coaxed by her, and said softly, "Then eat more. You young people these days always love to diet, you're all too thin. Eating properly is the most important thing."

I quickly said, "Sis, you've worked hard all afternoon, please sit down and eat with us."

"You guys eat first, I'll tidy up the kitchen and come right away." Aunt Tang waved with a smile, showing her gentle and considerate nature.

I was increasingly moved by the couple, Tang Jianshan and his wife. One was calm, composed, insightful, and measured, while the other was gentle, kind, warm, and sincere.

They treat people and handle affairs just right, and being with them is relaxed and comfortable, without any utilitarianism or pressure. It's truly as warm as visiting relatives.

We sat around the table, eating and chatting, talking about everyday life.

Occasionally, they would talk about their thrilling experiences in the uninhabited areas and interesting stories from outdoor routes, creating a relaxed and warm atmosphere.

The house was filled with the rich, warm aroma of home-cooked dishes.

Su Qing picked up a whole piece of braised pork ribs and put it in her mouth. After chewing it a couple of times, she repeatedly praised her older sister's cooking skills as truly authentic.

Hao Hao sat right next to me, holding a small enamel rice bowl in his two little hands, burying his head in his rice.

Occasionally, she would stop eating, tilt her little face up, and look at me with bright, adoring eyes.

Listen to my stories of encountering wild rabbits in the no-man's-land and herds of wild camels traversing the Gobi Desert.

So engrossed in listening that with a mouthful of rice in his mouth, he forgot to chew, his chubby cheeks frozen in place.

Tang Jianshan picked up his wine glass, slowly took a small sip of baijiu, his gaze softening as he looked at Hao Hao, a faint smile appearing on his face, and said:

"Ever since he found out that you were the one who jumped into the river and pulled him out, this kid has been talking about Uncle Linye every day at home. He always tells us that when he grows up, he wants to be a brave person like you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Hao Hao slammed down his chopsticks, raised his little hand high above his head, and solemnly declared:

"Dad, I really mean it! I want to go on wilderness adventures with Uncle Linye in the future, and I also want to protect other people!"

Su Qing was amused by his enthusiastic and innocent appearance and laughed out loud. She reached out and gently pinched his chubby cheeks, and said softly to him:

"Then Hao Hao must eat well and grow tall and strong first."

A smile played on my lips as I picked up a piece of steamed fish, most of the fine bones removed, and placed it in Hao Hao's small bowl. I spoke to him in a gentler tone:

"If you want to go on an adventure, the first thing you need to do is study hard and build up your physical strength. If you're not capable enough, you won't even be able to protect yourself when you encounter danger, let alone protect others."

"Yes! Starting today, I'm going to really work out!"

Hao Hao nodded vigorously, lowered his head, and shoveled the fish meat from the bowl into his mouth, eating each bite with great effort.

The gossip at the dinner table continued to circulate.

The conversation gradually shifted from Hao Hao's future schooling to Tang Jianshan's past service in the military during his youth.

After going around in circles, I've finally come back to the various plans I'm currently making to establish a media company.

The atmosphere was relaxed and gentle, just like an ordinary family sitting around a table chatting casually.

This feeling of peace and relaxation is something I've rarely experienced in all my years of wandering and hardship.

After several rounds of drinks, the effects of the alcohol gradually intensified.

Tang Jianshan slowly put the glass of baijiu in his hand back on the table. He first turned his head to look at his wife sitting next to him, and then his gaze returned to me.

The casual smile on his face gradually faded, and his expression suddenly became serious, yet with a hint of gentle smile, as he slowly spoke:

"Lin Ye, after spending most of the day with you, I have an idea that has come to mind, but I'm not sure if saying it will make you feel too abrupt."

Hearing him say that, my heart skipped a beat.

She paused for a moment, then put down her chopsticks, sat up slightly, and looked at him intently:

"Brother Tang, please speak freely."

He raised his broad palm and gently rubbed the back of Hao Hao's head.

Hao Hao raised his childish face, his bright black eyes looking at his father with a blank expression, not yet understanding what was about to be said.

"You practically saved Hao Hao's life from the river. To be honest, ever since that incident, you've formed an unbreakable bond with our family. My wife and I have discussed it privately for a long time, and we're thinking of having Hao Hao recognize you as his godfather."

When I heard those words, I froze on the spot.

For a moment, my mind went blank; I hadn't expected it at all.

The idea he was talking about was actually this.

Su Qing, who was standing to the side, also showed obvious surprise. She first turned to look at me, and then turned her gaze to Tang Jianshan and his wife, waiting for my response.

The older woman sitting to the side nodded quickly, her eyes full of earnestness, and continued to add:

"Yes, my husband and I are not just being polite. We genuinely admire your character; you are courageous, resourceful, and always have a kind heart."

"It would be a blessing for Hao Hao to have you as his godfather. In the days to come, he will be greatly influenced by you and learn to grow into an upright and responsible man."

Hao Hao blinked his round eyes. He was still young and only vaguely understood many social customs and etiquette.

Upon hearing his father's words, he immediately raised his little face and shouted in a clear and loud voice:

"Godfather!"

Two simple words, crisp and innocent.

I've lived for over twenty years, and I've struggled my way out of the mud.

He dropped out of school early to work and suffered the coldness of the world.

I've never had any powerful backers or elders to support me.

Through thick and thin, I endured it all alone, gritting my teeth and bearing it all.

I never imagined that one day, we would have an extra bond of kinship in this way.

There will be people who are willing to entrust a part of their child's bond to me.

A warm, tingling sensation rose up my throat, and my throat tightened slightly involuntarily.

I remained silent for several seconds, my emotions churning, before slowly raising my eyes to look at Tang Jianshan and his wife.