When Zhang Nu saw the tension rise between Zhao Yang and Liu Hai, he wasnt too worried. He knew both of them were good at heart. After spending some time together, theyd come to understand each others nature, and by then, any misunderstandings would naturally fade.

All right, all right. Both of you, calm down, Zhang Nu said. We need to leave this place as soon as possible. If we linger any longer, Im worried the villagers will notice something.

Zhao Yang nodded at his words but raised a hand to stop them. You cant take me away just yet. Theres someone I have to see first.

Only after Ive seen them can we leave.

Liu Hai groaned in frustration, Why are you dragging this out? Dont you know your villagers dont let outsiders leave? If you go visit someone now, arent you just trying to trap us here?

Zhao Yangs face darkened. He found Liu Hais accusations excessive. When had he ever acted like he didnt want to leave? If it werent for that person, he wouldnt even risk returning to see them.

I want to visit my grandmother. Shes the one who encouraged me to leave in the first place. She doesnt want me trapped in this place forever.

She told me that before I go, I must see her one last timeand bring my friends along. If I went to see her alone, others would start getting suspicious.

Zhang Nu nodded solemnly. Youre right.

But… are you sure your grandmother will still support you leaving with us? he asked. What if she tries to stop you, too? Then what?

Zhao Yang fell silent. If even his grandmother turned against him, he truly wouldnt know what to believe anymore. All his life, she had been the one person supporting him. If even she had changed… then there really would be no one left in this world he could rely on. But no matter what, he had to go. He didnt want to be a frog trapped in a well. He refused to be caged here for the rest of his life.

If even my grandmother disagrees… then well leave after seeing her. I wont wait here any longer. If you wont take me with you, Ill find my own way out someday. His eyes burned with determination, as if the outside world was calling to him with irresistible force. .

Seeing that, Zhang Nu and the others understood his resolve. Few people theyd met had such unwavering clarity about what they wanted.

Very well, Zhang Nu said. With someone as focused as you joining us, were honored.

Lets go meet your grandmother. Im curious to see what kind of remarkable woman raised someone like you.

Zhang Nu smiled as he said this, sounding genuinely impressedthough in truth, he hadnt met the old woman yet. Still, Zhao Yang grinned broadly at his words.

Youll like her, I promise, he said cheerfully. Zhang Nu and the others laughed when they heard Zhao Yangs words.

Soon, Zhao Yang brought Zhang Nu and the others to his grandmothers home.

Strangely enough, she didnt live with the rest of his family. Instead, she lived on the outskirts of the village, right at its edge. Zhang Nu and the others found this odd. It reminded them of the very first village they had passed through.

Zhao Yang, Zhang Nu asked. Why does your grandmother live all the way out here? Isnt it inconvenient for an old lady? What if something happened to her?

Zhao Yang shook his head. We tried to bring her home, but she insisted on living here. She just… prefers this spot. Maybe because my grandfather used to live here.

Zhang Nu nodded thoughtfully. I see… so its love that keeps her here.

Zhao Yang nodded back. In his eyes, his grandmother was a deeply sentimental and incredible person. Not only had she lived safely on the villages edge all these years, but she was also well-respected by everyone in the village.

Grandma, Zhao Yang called out as he entered the yard. My friends are here to meet you. Im planning to leave with them.

The old woman, upon hearing his voice, immediately burst into a hearty laugh.