Prologue, marvelous, first encounter, a dreamy summer fairy tale
Sigh... there's no other way, just follow me.
Have you been living here all along
Eternal promise of beauty
Waking up in the middle of the night, Chun Guo discovered that she was the only one left in the room. Her parents, who should have been resting on the large wooden bed beside her, were nowhere to be seen. Outside the door, she could faintly hear the conversation between her grandmother and a villager.
However, although my father and mother were killed by humans, I often think that perhaps if I became friends with humans, my friends and I would no longer encounter such things
Lin... I'm sorry, it's all my fault for being useless and making you carry me such a long way..." Chun Guo buried her head on Cang Kong Lin's back, saying with a heart full of guilt
Chun Guo seemed to have asked the most inappropriate question, for during the days spent with Cang Kong Lin, it was the first time Chun Guo saw him display an expression of loneliness akin to that of melting ice and snow
When she thought of finding her father, the expression of surprise and joy on his face filled Chun Guo's heart with immense courage born from happiness
Cang Konglin pressed her lips tightly and nodded slightly
Then sweetly and tipsily, dancing lightly and gracefully
a desperate and brutal struggle to the death
Hmm ... ? ... Why do I hear the sound of flowing water? And what is this fragrance ...? It smells so good. ... ... Chun Guo slowly opened her eyes, the intense light causing her eyes to feel a sharp pain. In her dazed state, she did not see the white ceiling of her bedroom as she had imagined, but rather a vast expanse of sky as blue as sapphire.
After a few seconds of silent eye contact, Chun Guo and Cang Kong Lin simultaneously broke into bright smiles, their joy as pure as the gardenias blooming in early summer, radiating around them.
We are getting married! We are getting married!
Cang Konglin was leaping over large boulders with Chun Guo on his back. It was noon, and beads of sweat, the size of yellow soybeans, dripped down Cang Konglin's cheeks onto the arms of Chun Guo, who had wrapped them around his neck
Gardenia jasminoides
I said like a bridge
Well... marriage means that two people will be together forever! Last time when the sister next door got married, my mother told me that no matter how far apart the married couple is, they will still be together!
"Of course it is my home! It is located at the highest point of Maoshan!" Cang Konglin said proudly, smiling as he looked at Chun Guo while holding the corners of his clothing.
The anxious Chun Guo was just about to quicken her pace when suddenly her foot was caught on something, and with a thud, she fell flat on her face.
The lost beautiful memories
Wow—so beautiful! I originally had a lot of doubts, but upon seeing these beautiful wild fruits, Chun Guo's eyes suddenly became bright and sparkling. "Lin, can we eat this?"
A knight... a knight is someone who is ridden by a princess
Cherry sister? Are you calling me? I heard from my mother that "Spring Fruit" refers to the first fruit of spring—"cherry"...! Spring Fruit sat up, took the gardenia flower from the little boy squatting beside her, whose smile was as radiant as the sun, and sniffed it under her nose, instantly feeling better. Then, she widened her eyes and looked around, realizing that she was lying on a grassy field surrounded by green trees, with an unobstructed sky stretching endlessly above her... Spring Fruit sat up, took the gardenia flower from the little boy squatting beside her, whose smile was as radiant as the sun, and sniffed it under her nose, instantly feeling better. Then, she widened her eyes and looked around, realizing that she was lying on a grassy field surrounded by green trees, with an unobstructed sky stretching endlessly above her. The brilliant sunlight cast a layer of light golden ripples over the grassy field, which was divided in two by a small stream, while the gardenia flowers blooming around the stream were displaying their charming smiles under the sunlight, exuding a refreshing fragrance.
The sorrowful tears of the fireflies
Reunion
I really want to live forever with Chun Guo in the Firefly Forest
Wow—so beautiful! Chun Guo stood in the center of the grass, her eyes wide open in disbelief as she watched the colorful butterflies fluttering over the grass, so astonished that she could hardly speak!
Silence
Sorrow and joy
You?'' gazed at the innocent smile of the little boy, and Chun Guo finally stopped crying, hesitatingly blinking her eyes, ``But can you really help me find my father?''
Destruction
Uh ... ... this ... ...
Just as Chun Guo let out a sigh of relief and was about to set her mind at ease, something suddenly reached out from behind and tapped her on the shoulder
Upon waking in the early morning, she would always receive a bouquet of gardenias from Cang Konglin. Then, Cang Konglin would take her hand and lead her through the mountains and forests in search of her father. By evening, they would return to the creek, where under the vast starry sky, they would listen to the gentle sound of the flowing water and count the fireflies dancing in the grass, gradually drifting into slumber
Hmm... well, I suppose so! In any case, you don't need to worry; I will protect you!" Cang Kong Lin smiled as he scratched Chun Guo's hair, which was as messy as a bird's nest. He unfolded the hem of his clothes in front of Chun Guo, and a large pile of bright red wild fruits rolled out from his clothing onto the grass beside Chun Guo, looking like scattered rubies!
"Oh? You can understand what I'm saying?" The little boy looked at Chun Guo with surprise, jumping a step forward like a little frog. "My name is Cang Kong Lin! You can just call me Lin! You are human, right? Why did you come to the mountain so late? It's very dangerous!"
"Did your father say that?" A drop of sweat fell from Cang Konglin's forehead, but soon, his gaze turned sorrowful again, "My father and mother passed away when I was very young. They were killed by humans in order to protect me..."
Well... then I will take you home
However, on one particular night... "Has Spring Fruit's father and Mr. Hei not returned yet?"
Friend? Spring Fruit blinked in confusion and focused her gaze deep into the forest, discovering that many small animals had arrived in the woods at an unknown time
Wow! With a sharp scream, Chun Guo's legs went weak, and she fell to the ground with a thud
civet cat
What a beautiful place ... where is this?" Chun Guo couldn't help but ask in surprise
It is my most heartfelt gaze and glance back at you
Looking at the wild strawberries, bright and glistening, and with her stomach growling thunderously, Chun Gu swallowed a mouthful of saliva, tossed a wild strawberry into her open mouth, and after gently chewing it a couple of times, a faint sweetness immediately filled her throat
"Hehe, isn't it beautiful!" Cang Konglin stood beside Chun Guo, smiling happily. "Chun Guo, caterpillars eat leaves to become butterflies, and then butterflies pollinate flowers, allowing plants to reproduce. This is how nature cycles, endlessly and perpetually. Moreover, it takes a very long time for caterpillars to transform into butterflies, yet once they become butterflies, they can only live for one season before they die..."
The truth
Hahaha! The way you burp is so unattractive!
In the morning, in the thatch bushes
Such a scene has only been seen in illustrations; I never expected that such a beautiful meadow truly exists in the world
Lin, these fireflies are so beautiful... they resemble the colorful lights on a Christmas tree. Chun Guo gazed at the fireflies beside her, lost in thought, murmuring to herself
"How could Lin possibly not have a father and mother?" Chun Guo protested with a pout, "Dad told me that all of us children are grown together by our fathers and mothers in the garden! We are the fruits of our fathers' and mothers' love!"
I don't care! Uh---
Hehe! It's alright! You don't have shoes, and your feet are all worn out, so of course I have to carry you! Besides, I promised to help you find your father; this is a man's promise!" Cang Konglin turned to wink at Chun Guo, his radiant smile resembling the gardenias blooming by the roadside
Father is missing? ... Did he encounter danger in the mountains? ... ... Remembering the scenes of her father caring for her in every possible way, Chun Guo's nose turned sour, and tears fell down in large drops! When she heard the villagers leave and her grandmother return to her room, Chun Guo suddenly jumped down from her small bed, put on her little coat and small leather shoes, and ran out of the house all by herself.
No, it clearly resembles a petal more!
Secret
"Mountain God?" The vast sky suddenly blinked its bright, black crystal-like eyes twice and burst into a clear, ringing laughter, "Haha! Cherry sister, don't be afraid! The Mountain God has never been angry with me."
Shh—speak softly, otherwise you will scare the rabbit mother!
Even if you can no longer remember me from this point on
The sound of rustling or flowing water
Hehe
Recalling the terrifying appearance of the monsters seen in cartoons, Chun Guo trembled in fear, quickly turned her head to look around, and finally ran behind a nearby large tree to hide, her eyes wide open like a frightened little rabbit, observing the potential dangers that might appear in her surroundings
Hmm! Chun Guo happily nodded vigorously, widening her eyes as she looked at Cang Kong Lin
I said it is like a petal, just like a petal
Is it ... ... a monster
Chun Guo began to sing to bolster her courage and continued her ascent up the mountain. She walked for an indeterminate amount of time and soon began to feel somewhat fatigued
Dusk, in the thicket.
Before Chun Guo could finish speaking, she picked up a few wild strawberries again and, without hesitation, threw them into her mouth, chewing happily with great gusto
astonishment
Chun Guo pondered for a moment and finally nodded his head
It is unclear when it began, but a continuous rustling sound started to emanate from the woods surrounding the spring fruit.
Anger
Chun Guo thought fearfully, but her gaze could not focus due to the terror, making it impossible to see clearly what the shadow standing behind her truly was
Indeed, they went to the mountains during the day to survey the terrain, and they have not returned yet. Chun Guo's mother, along with a few villagers, has gone to the mountains to look for them, hoping that everything is fine.
Hmm... but will you forget me
sorrow
Upon reaching this thought, Chun Guo's excited heart suddenly cooled down
Wah wah wah! Wah wah wah wah! Lin! I... I miss home! I miss Dad and Mom! Wah wah wah!!" Chun Guo rubbed her eyes and cried out loud
Child, you must not go into the dense forest at the top of Maoshan Mountain! The mountain god resides at the summit, and if someone trespasses into that forest, the mountain god will become angry
Despair
"Oh? Really? Lin, are you good friends with the mountain god?" Chun Guo looked at Cang Kong Lin in surprise, asking with a mix of belief and skepticism
I have given this forest a name, calling it 'Firefly Forest'! Isn't it wonderful?" Cang Kong Lin proudly raised his feet, one foot shaking up and down incessantly.
Summer always seems to be hot and lengthy, as if the scorching sun has melted away time
Wow—so beautiful! There are so many lovely wildflowers on the grass! Chun Guo could hardly believe it, her eyes wide open, her heart almost leaping out of her throat with joy
The mountains are high, yet we fear not! The road is long, yet we fear not! Even if a blizzard descends...
Well ... ... that's good ... ...
Is that so? Cang Konglin felt a bit dejected, gazing at Chun Guo with a somber expression, "I am sorry, I could not help you find your father"
The mountains at night are shrouded in darkness, as if the sky has closed its eyes in deep slumber, devoid of any stars
by GirlneYa
Where to? Are you looking for Dad
Decisive Battle
Wow! Cherry sister! You can't eat too much, or you'll get diarrhea! We still need to play together later!
In order to transform into a beautiful butterfly, it lives diligently. Although it is not beautiful, life is equal, and we must respect every living being in spring!
During these days, Chun Guo has been with Cang Kong Lin every day
Of course! This is wild strawberry, which I picked in the woods
Do not forget me, my dearest friend
Chun Guo is a brave good child, so he must find his father
I will still bloom by the path you must take
Even if you have already forgotten me
Ah woo ah woo ah woo
The surroundings remain shrouded in darkness, where one cannot see their hand in front of their face. Strange bird calls echo through the mountains and forests, sounding like the growls of a hungry monster's stomach
In the spring of that year, Chunguo was six years old. Because his father had promised to accompany a good friend of his, He Mingshan, a renowned urban planner from Jingming City, to conduct a survey of the terrain on Maoshan Mountain, Chunguo, who usually lived like a little canary in the high-rise buildings of Jingming City, followed his parents to his grandmother's house located in the suburbs of Jingming City, preparing to spend the entire summer there
This is a fragrance that is both present and elusive, refreshing to the heart and mind
Chun Guo filled both hands with fallen leaves picked up from the grass, imitating what he had seen on television, and continuously scattered them around as if sending out invitations for his friends in the vast sky to a "wedding invitation".
The elegance is enchanting, and the clear water is captivating
The surroundings were as dark as ink, and Chun Guo was extremely frightened, but the kindergarten teacher said that good children must be brave
Noon, by the cliffside
The Defector Sunset Angel
"Hehe! I also like Spring Fruit the most!" Upon hearing Spring Fruit's words, Cang Kong Lin smiled happily, and faintly, Spring Fruit seemed to catch a whiff of the fragrance of gardenias
In the evening, Chun Guo wore a beautiful flower crown made of wildflowers by Cang Kong Lin, holding a handful of snow-white gardenias, standing together with Cang Kong Lin under a large camphor tree by the creek.
No! I will never forget you! We are lifelong good friends!
I have no father or mother. " Cang Kong Lin gazed at the night sky, responding in a hollow voice
Looking at Cang Kong's sorrowful eyes, Chun Guo felt as if her heart was being pierced by a knife
Lin, I always feel like there is something in the forest..." Chun Guo fearfully hid behind Cang Kong Lin, turning her head to look around.
From now on, Chun Guo is Lin's eternal friend, and no matter where he goes in the future, he will never forget Lin! The camphor tree Xiao Nuo will bear witness for us!
See the warm sunlight gently sweep across your eyelids
Do not say anything more, I am feeling sad inside... I still do not know how to deceive Chun Guo tomorrow. She is very clever!
Grandma, is the mountain god a bad person
The absurd lie that has become reality
Originally, Chun Guo planned to stay on the mountain for just a short while before returning home, but in the blink of an eye, more than a week has passed
Is eating leaves considered harmful like pests? Aren't humans also eating vegetables
But it is so ugly! Moreover, it eats leaves! The teacher said that caterpillars are pests!" Chun Guo retorted angrily, his face turning red.
Oh wow wow wow ... ... Chun Guo couldn't help but cry sadly, but after just a couple of sobs, she quickly shut her mouth again
A gentle breeze arrives, scattering the light seeds from the tops of the reeds in all directions, while the small wildflowers sway gently with the movement of the reeds. Under the shimmering reflections of the flowing water, this world seems like a fairy tale
Where does it resemble a petal? The kindergarten teacher said that the rainbow looks like a bridge
The next day, Cang Konglin ran swiftly through the forest with Chun Guo on his back, shouting joyfully, as agile as a happy little deer
Looking at the listless smile on Cang Konglin's face, which resembled a flower battered by rain, Chun Guo felt a pang of sadness in her heart. Suddenly, Chun Guo seemed to remember something, and her eyes brightened!
During the days spent with Cang Kong Lin, he often ran through the mountains and forests with Chun Guo on his back. Chun Guo had long since become accustomed to this bird-like speed, and at such moments, she always felt as if she were soaring through the air like a little bird
By the way, Lin, why don't we get married!
As they passed through the overlapping woods, a patch of knee-high grassland appeared before them, dotted with small wildflowers of various colors. A winding stream flowed nearby, adorning it with a blue border, while the tall trees surrounding the area acted as a natural barrier, safeguarding this circular gem
Waaah... I miss Dad, wah wah wah! Dad!!
Chun Guo and Cang Kong Lin carefully parted a haystack, their cheeks pressed tightly together, joyfully watching as the mother rabbit lay in the haystack nursing her newborn bunnies
A fairy tale states that fireflies will bring us happiness; with their presence, happiness will descend upon us
Chun Guo looked at the shadow with trepidation. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she discovered that the figure before her was actually a little boy of similar age to herself
Unknowingly, it seems that Chun Guo has already become accustomed to using Cang Kong Lin's back as her refuge
Wow—it's sour and sweet, so delicious
However, from here, one can see quite far; perhaps one might even catch a glimpse of Cherry Blossom Sister's father
Thus, under the gentle and pure moonlight, surrounded by the dreamlike glow of fireflies, Chun Guo and Cang Kong Lin stood beneath the towering camphor tree at the mountain's peak, exchanging their vows accompanied by the cheerful melody of the babbling brook.
Huh? ... Where am I? ... ... "Cherry Sister, are you awake?" A crisp voice rang in Chun Guo's ear, and then a shadow, like a dark cloud, crept into Chun Guo's line of sight, blocking the dazzling light. Chun Guo blinked her hazy eyes twice and saw a beautiful gardenia flower still holding the morning dew.
Little rabbit, little squirrel, little hedgehog... and swarms of bees and butterflies... "Are they... are they all Rin's good friends?! How cool!" Chun Guo excitedly turned to look at Cang Kong Rin, her eyes sparkling with admiration!
The highest point of Maoshan..." Chun Guo murmured repeatedly, and her grandmother's warning suddenly emerged in her mind, causing her cheeks to turn pale. "How can you live here! My grandmother said that if you trespass into the woods at the mountain top, the mountain god will be angry!"
Cang Kong Lin quickly ran towards the grassland, holding Chun Guo's hand, while completing the three numbers.
Murder? ... What does it mean ...? ... Have Lin's father and mother already passed away?
Oh? The caterpillar is so pitiful
I... I am... Who are you?" Chun Guo leaned back, cautiously maintaining a distance from the little boy
Is this important for Chun Guo? I don't know why, but Cang Kong Lin's expression seems somewhat hurt
"Cherry sister, what is wrong with you?" Cang Kong Lin turned over in surprise to look at Chun Guo
What is a knight
Ding ding ding ding! Ding ding ding ding ... ...
Oh—" Looking at the spring fruit who was crying uncontrollably, the little boy displayed a curious expression, blinking his big eyes incessantly. Suddenly, as if he had thought of something, a broad smile spread across his face, "Don't cry, I will help you find your dad!"
Petals that are swirling and entangled, one after another
It is the green leaves, gently accentuating.
Having spoken, Cang Kong Lin took Chun Guo's hand and began to spin rapidly together on the grass
It is too late today; it would be better for us to wait until dawn to search. Let's go to my house for tonight
Oh? But...
Silence
No, you must not cry too loudly. Grandma said there are mountain spirits in the mountains, and if they hear my voice, they will definitely come out and take me away
Lin, you always say that humans... are you not human yourself
Isn't the firefly the light of happiness in the Firefly Forest
Chun Guo tightly embraced Cang Kong Lin, sitting at the top of the camphor tree, nervously glancing at the shoe at the base of the tree that appeared to be no larger than a mung bean, and then buried her face forcefully into Cang Kong Lin's back, feeling a chill run through her scalp
Chun Guo, dragging his untied leather shoes and wearing a coat with buttons fastened haphazardly, struggled to climb up a small path towards the mountain
Where am I right now ... ... I miss my dad and mom so much, I am so scared
Hahaha! Hahaha! I feel as if I am flying! Lin! This is the best ball in the world!
Is that true? Then let's get married quickly! This way we can be together forever! Upon hearing Chun Guo's words, Cang Kong Lin's eyes sparkled with joy, just like the North Star in the sky
Marriage? What is marriage?
Lin is right... I, I will strive not to dislike caterpillars!" Chun Guo clenched her fist in a vow, gazing earnestly at Cang Kong Lin.
Silently missing and quietly blessing
The unexpected mystery of one's origins
Spring Fruit got up, one of her shoes was already lost somewhere. She stood barefoot on one foot, panting and looking around, realizing that she had completely lost her way
There are even more beautiful ones! Cang Konglin turned her head and gave a mysterious smile to Chun Guo, causing Chun Guo's heart to pound violently in her chest
May the gentle breeze carry my silent greetings
"No... it's not Rin's fault! Rin helps Haruka look for her dad every day and takes me to play in the woods! I like Rin the most!" Haruka sniffled, wiped away a stream of tears with the back of her hand, and said with a choked voice, "But Rin, I want to go home, I want my dad and mom!"
Chun Guo quickly shook his head vigorously, widening his eyes to demonstrate his absolute sincerity: "To me, no matter what Lin is, he is the most important friend to Chun Guo!"
"Hehehe, the Mountain God is not a bad person." Grandmother said with a smile, affectionately stroking Chun Guo's head, her deeply lined face resembling the ripples on a lake stirred by the wind. "The Mountain God has always protected Maoshan and our village, allowing us villagers living at the foot of Maoshan to live and work in peace."
Due to her grandmother's warning, although Chun Guo was filled with curiosity about the dense forest atop Maoshan, every time she and the village children wanted to venture into the forest to play adventure games, they were always deterred by the forest's depth and the mysterious aura it exuded, ultimately only lingering briefly beside the forest before hurriedly leaving.
Is that true?" Chun Guo looked at Cang Kong Lin with joy
Chun Guo followed Cang Kong Lin in surprise, and as they crossed the meadow, several "wildflowers" unexpectedly fluttered their wings and flew into the air due to their disturbance, dancing gracefully around Chun Guo and Cang Kong Lin! It turned out that the "wildflowers" were actually butterflies!
Chun Guo seemed to understand yet not fully, nodding slightly while blinking her eyes, curiously gazing at the lush and mysterious mountains outside the red wooden window. A hint of mischievous delight flickered in her pair of eyes, as clear as black crystals.
Sigh... it seems you still don't understand..." Cang Kong Lin sighed helplessly, but her face quickly returned to a smile, "However, it's alright. Cherry is a kind child and will surely understand what I mean in the future! Now, let's dance with the butterfly sisters!"
Of course! I am very familiar with this forest! Hehe!" The little boy proudly rubbed his finger against his nose and said, "However, you must be my friend and play with me!
Do not be afraid, Uncle Tree is the kindest, he will protect us! Spring Fruit, look over there, there is a rainbow!
Chun Guo could not remember how far she had walked on the mountain path with the little boy that night, as she fell asleep from exhaustion halfway through, and by the time she woke up, it was already the next morning
Surprise
But I am afraid of heights
confusion
Rainbow? ... Chun Guo raised her head and looked in the direction pointed by the cold fingers of the sky ... "Wow! So beautiful! It looks like a colorful bridge!"
But where is Daddy Rabbit
Cang Konglin looked at Chun Guo with a sigh, then took her hand and led her to follow him
It has been several days since I have been in the mountains, and I still have not found my father... I wonder if my mother has gone back; she and my grandmother must be very anxious since they haven't seen me... Remembering the worried expressions of my father, mother, and grandmother, Chun Guo's nose began to feel sour again, and large drops of tears rolled down from her eyes
Huff huff! Huff huff!
"It is not acceptable, you cannot treat it this way; the caterpillar's life is very difficult!" Cang Konglin said, as she placed the caterpillar back onto the nearby tree trunk and turned to look at Chun Guo with a serious expression
Wow!! A caterpillar! I absolutely detest caterpillars! Lin! Hurry up and throw it away!" A small gray-brown insect had unexpectedly fallen onto Cang Kong Lin's arm, causing Chun Guo to jump aside in fright, flailing her arms and shouting.
Ah! Cherry sister! Don't cry! Wow! Mommy Rabbit is angry!
Blooming beneath your delicate eyelashes
In the early morning, atop the towering camphor tree.
Thus, amidst the naive clamor of the two, Chun Guo spent an unforgettable and joyful time that she would cherish for a lifetime
Lin! Why do I, we have to climb such a tall tree? I am so scared!
Alas, we have warned them so many times that the mountain spirit resides in that forest. Why did her father and Mr. Hei not heed the advice? Chun Guo is only six years old; what if something were to happen to her father...
Wild fruit
One ... ... Two ... ... Three ... ...
Wow... the rabbit mother is really feeding the little rabbits...
The light of happiness? Hahaha! That's wonderful! However... Lin, have you been living here all by yourself? What about your parents?
I... I came to find my father... but I got lost... Wuwuwuwu! At the mention of her sorrow, Chun Guo couldn't help but start to sob.
Lin, you seem like a knight of a princess! I feel like a princess right now!" Chun Guo said with a hint of pride as she hugged Cang Kong Lin's neck tightly, smiling sweetly.
Do not be afraid!" Cang Konglin turned her head and smiled to comfort Chun Guo, her smile as beautiful as the gardenia flower in Chun Guo's hand. "My friends have arrived! They are all here to attend our wedding!"
It is the dew of abundance, gently moistening.
The sky darkened again, and Chun Guo and Cang Kong Lin lay side by side on the grass by the creek, as fireflies danced around them like little spirits, flickering in and out of light.
"Yay! That's awesome! I've been so bored in the woods, and I've never played with a human child before!" The little boy was so happy that he seemed to completely ignore what Chun Guo had said behind him, grabbing Chun Guo's hand and standing up, "Then let's go now!"
Then I don't want to be a knight! It's so boring!
Well then... but I can't stay too long, otherwise my grandmother will scold me
Silence ... ... silence. ... ... The forest is terrifyingly quiet, and after a few minutes, the monster that Chun Guo feared does not seem to leap out from the darkness to seize her
Pure and flawless, crystal clear
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" The shadow spoke and crouched down in front of Chun Guo.