Chapter 1

The mountain village in the early morning was wrapped in mist. The dew was thick, and the soft voices of children echoed through the trees.
“Shui Shui, is your little brother feeling any better?”
A young girl was crouched down, brushing aside dry leaves to pick mushrooms. She replied without looking up, “I don’t know yet. Dad hasn’t called home.”
“Will you still be going to school in town?” another girl asked.
Lin Miao shook her head, “I told my mom I’m not going anymore. Studying in town costs too much. I’d rather stay here and study with you guys. That way I won’t have to walk so far every day.”
“Yay! Then we’ll be in the same class!”
The girls chattered excitedly, voices filled with innocent joy.
By the time they finished foraging and headed back down the mountain, Lin Miao’s pant legs were soaked. A bundle of dry firewood was tied across her little basket with a green vine, and the basket was filled to the brim with mushrooms, dark ones called ‘fire-burns,’ pale ones known as ‘lime caps,’ and golden ones called ‘pine shrooms.’ They’d be perfect stir-fried with chili peppers, a dish that was absolutely delicious with rice.
Lin Miao hadn’t eaten breakfast before heading out, so her stomach growled at the memory of that spicy mushroom stir-fry, tangy heat mixed with the earthy scent of pine mushrooms and the comforting taste of warm rice…
As for the other two types of mushrooms, her family didn’t like them much. She’d boil them at home and take them to the market tomorrow. People in town never turned down wild mountain goods, they’d go for three and a half yuan per jin. Mushrooms weren’t light either; once boiled, they got heavy and sold well.
Though there hadn’t been much rain this year, the sun had been generous, and the mountains were bursting with mushrooms. Piles and piles of them hiding under the fallen leaves. Lin Miao had just gathered a full basket yesterday, and now she had another one. It felt like the forest worked overtime at night, just to grow mushrooms for her.
That thought gave her a small spark of pride and determination.
“Shui Shui!” a voice called from afar, her mother.
“Coming!” Lin Miao waved goodbye to her little friends and ran toward her mom, firewood bouncing on her back.
“Slow down!” her mother scolded gently, helping her take off the basket and setting it aside.
It was only then that Lin Miao noticed there were strangers in their courtyard.
Her mother smoothed her sweaty hair, tucking it behind her ears. “Listen, when we go in, just answer what they ask. Understand?”
The girl blinked. Her forehead was sticky with sweat, her cheeks flushed and a little silly-looking, but she didn’t care. What did she mean, answer questions? Who’s asking?
Before she could think further, her mother took her hand and led her inside.
“This is my daughter, Lin Miao,” her mother introduced, a bit nervously. “Her birthday is February 29th. She’s eight this year, healthy as can be. Never been sick. Shui Shui, say hello to the master.”
Lin Miao obediently greeted him. “Hello, Master.”
Her eyes were glued to the man in the yellow Daoist robe and matching square hat. She’d never seen anyone dressed like that before.
Then the man spoke, his voice sharp and clear, “It’s her. Get her ready. We’re leaving.”
Lin Miao didn’t quite understand what was happening. She turned to her mother, confused. “Mom, where are we going?”
Her mother crouched down, eyes brimming with tears. “Shui Shui, I’m sorry…”
Lin Miao panicked and wiped her mother’s face. “What’s wrong?”
“I found you a job,” her mom said quietly. “I didn’t know what else to do. If we don’t get your brother treated soon...we’ll lose him. That family is wealthy. You won’t go hungry there.”
Lin Miao blinked. The panic faded. “If I work, I’ll get paid, right? Then we can treat his illness. Don’t cry, Mom.”
The village chief stepped forward with a thick wad of cash and handed it to her mom. “Don’t cry. It’s not a bad thing. A lot of families in the village would jump at this chance.”
Her mother took the money, tears still streaming. She looked at the man and the chief, asking softly, “Can I have a moment alone with my daughter?”
They nodded and stepped out.
Lin Miao had always hated school. It didn’t earn money, it cost money. Other girls in the village studied for a few years, then left to work. But her mother insisted she walk the mountain roads to the town school every day. She always sat at the back of the class, surrounded by boys. At first, they’d pull her braids and block the door so she couldn’t leave. She ended up cutting her hair, but then they just mocked her for that too. She really didn’t want to study anymore.
Inside, her mother stuffed a few bills into her pocket. “Keep this safe. Don’t spend it unless you have to. I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”
Lin Miao wiped her tears again. “Don’t cry, Mom. I’ll work hard and earn money.”
Her mother cupped her face gently. “Listen to me. When you get there, don’t cause trouble. If someone tries to hit you, don’t be stubborn, just apologize, okay?”
Lin Miao didn’t fully understand, but since Mom was crying, she nodded quickly.
“Be good. When New Year comes, I’ll come get you. I promise.” Her mother knelt and hugged her tightly, sobbing.
Just then, the master knocked. “Didn’t I say? It won’t be hard. Better than living here. Time to go.”
Her mom packed her a small schoolbag, strapping it to her back. “Try to read whenever you can. Girls need to study, too, okay?”
Even though she hated studying, the atmosphere made her emotional. Lin Miao nodded anyway.
Then the man took her by the hand and led her away.
As they walked past other houses, one of her little friends peeked out, holding a bowl of rice, and stared wide-eyed at her and the stranger. “Shui Shui, where are you going?”
Lin Miao mimicked the way adults in the village acted when leaving for work. She adjusted the straps of her bag, lifted her chin, and said seriously, “You guys have to study hard. I’m going to work. I’ll be back for New Year’s, and I’ll bring you candy.”
That’s what all the grown-ups did, left for work, then came home for the New Year, bringing treats for the village kids.
New Year was everyone’s favorite time. New clothes, good food at home, and sweets from every neighbor. The girls always compared which candy tasted the best.
So Lin Miao added earnestly, “I’ll bring the best candy.”
Her little friends stared after her, eyes filled with admiration.