It was true—Heidan’s transformation was remarkable.
Those who saw him regularly might not notice, but for others who hadn’t seen him in a while, the difference was striking.
Since moving in with Song Wei, Heidan had been eating well, sleeping soundly, and living a disciplined life. He’d grown noticeably taller and stronger. His once gaunt face was now full and healthy. Though his skin remained a bit tanned, it radiated vitality.
His bright eyes, once filled with suspicion and a hint of gloom, now sparkled with the innocence and curiosity of a child. With features resembling Lin Zhen’s, he looked like a miniature version of him.
The villagers couldn’t help but comment.
“This child looks so energetic! He could pass as a city kid.”
Indeed, under Song Wei’s care, Heidan was always clean and tidy. Even if he got dirty playing, he’d immediately clean himself up. He never ran around with a snotty nose, unlike many other village kids.
Children always like to learn from adults, and Heidan had clearly picked up his habits from Song Wei.
Song Wei never cursed or spoke harshly, even when scolding someone. Unlike other village kids who mimicked the adults’ foul language, Heidan had no such habits.
Proudly, Heidan often proclaimed, “I’m learning from Sister Song. I wash my face, brush my teeth, dress myself, and even fold my blanket!”
He was well-behaved and responsible, qualities that left many parents envious.
“Song Zhiqing, how do you teach him? Look at my kid, always rolling in the dirt. Even in this weather, he’s soaked his clothes in the snow multiple times. No matter how much I spank him, he never listens!”
“Mine’s the same. I have to chase him around the yard every morning just to make him wash his face and brush his teeth.”
“And mine? He wipes his nose with his sleeve or, worse, his pants. His clothes are so crusted with snot, they could stand up on their own! I’ve tried teaching him, but it’s no use.”
The group collectively shuddered at the thought.
“And don’t get me started on his language! He struts around saying, ‘I’m the boss,’ and acts like a hooligan. My husband broke several sticks trying to discipline him, but the boy just threatened to run away from home!”
Once the topic of their children came up, the women couldn’t stop venting.
Song Wei, holding the two wolf pups, listened with great amusement. She concluded with a laugh, “It seems like every spanking a kid gets has its reasons.”
When the conversation shifted back to Heidan, Song Wei proudly shared, “He’s such a good boy. I only had to teach him once to wash up when he got dirty, and now he does it on his own. He even washes his clothes by himself!”
“Swearing? He’s never done that—not once.”
“He’s super helpful too. He helps me cook, fetch firewood, and sweep the yard. Don’t let his small size fool you—he’s very capable.”
“He even insisted on learning to read. Sometimes, when I’m busy, he takes a stick and practices writing characters in the yard.”
Song Wei sounded like a parent proudly boasting about her child. Her voice was filled with admiration and affection, as if Heidan were a flawless gem.
The villagers were taken aback. They were used to parents complaining about their kids’ shortcomings, only to feel secretly pleased when others praised them. But Song Wei was unabashedly complimentary—and honest.
Hearing this, Heidan, who had been eavesdropping, puffed up with pride. He flashed a wide smile, showing off his pristine white teeth, and strutted around like a victorious rooster.
His posture grew straighter with every step.
Lin Zhen cast him a sidelong glance, inwardly scoffing. What a little show-off. And for what? A few compliments?
But deep down, Lin Zhen felt a twinge of envy. When will she praise me like that?
When the group finally arrived at Lin Zhen’s house, the children shrieked with excitement upon spotting the sika deer in their pen. Their loud commotion startled the deer, which retreated nervously to a corner.
Heidan stepped forward like a little adult. “Stop right there! Line up and don’t make a fuss. You’re scaring the deer!”
He pulled out a biscuit as a bribe. “Listen to me, and I’ll share my biscuits with you later.”
That was all it took to get the children’s attention.
Heidan instructed them to queue up quietly and handed out leaves for the children to hold.
“The sika deer are shy. You have to stay quiet, or you’ll scare them. Hold these leaves by the fence, and if the deer come over to eat, you can pet them. But no hitting or yelling at them, understood? The better you behave, the more biscuits you’ll get.”
Impressed by the boy’s authority, the adults watched with smiles.
As the children approached the pen, their awe grew.
“They’re so beautiful—much prettier than cows!”
“Wow! So this is what a sika deer looks like!”
“Come here, little deer. I have grass for you!”
Despite Heidan’s instructions, the children couldn’t contain their excitement for long. But their enthusiasm was understandable—even the adults were fascinated.
The sika deer, though timid, had grown somewhat accustomed to captivity. After a moment’s hesitation, the younger deer trotted over, its slender legs moving gracefully.
The fawn’s large, shiny eyes looked crystal clear, framed by delicate eyelashes.
It approached Heidan first, recognizing him as a familiar figure.
The other children watched enviously as the fawn nibbled on the grass in Heidan’s hand.
“Come here, little deer! Eat mine next!”
Their attempts to call the deer ranged from imitating dog whistles to sheep bleats.
The fawn calmly finished Heidan’s offering, its large eyes darting toward the others as if assessing its next move.
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