Ten Thousand Soul Banner: Deceased, do you have any unfulfilled wishes?-Chapter 998 - 994: The Traveler

At this moment, Shen Siyuan wasn’t aware of any of this; he was busy preparing dinner.

He ignited the campfire next to the RV, and the orange flames danced upwards, dispelling the night’s chill and illuminating the surrounding grassland.

Xiao Yue, Dou Dou, and Duoduo, the three little ones, gathered around the campfire, laughing and playing endlessly.

Dou Dou picked up a few dry branches from somewhere, using them as a ’Jingu Bang’, chasing Duoduo around the campfire.

"Hey, monster, where are you running to? See the power of my Monkey King!"

Duoduo ran while laughing, occasionally turning back to make funny faces at Dou Dou.

Xiao Yue stood by, laughing uncontrollably till she trembled, causing the Three Pure Ones Bell at her waist to jingle.

Dou Dou was quick on her feet, but Duoduo was skillful at maneuvering, dodging left and right so that Dou Dou couldn’t catch her.

"I’m really good; you can’t catch me." Duoduo said proudly.

"Nonsense! When I catch you, I’ll turn you into a little wild boar!" Dou Dou shouted defiantly, running even harder until her face turned red and sweat beaded her forehead.

Hearing the children’s joyous laughter, Shen Siyuan’s movements became even more sprightly.

Just then, a faint silhouette moved slowly in the darkness in the distance, coming toward the campfire.

Xiao Yue noticed it first, glanced at Shen Siyuan, and then went to meet the figure.

Shen Siyuan didn’t worry too much; although she was just a little girl, she was not easily harmed by ordinary people.

Quickly, Xiao Yue returned with someone carrying a massive backpack trailing behind her.

Dou Dou and Duoduo stopped their play and stared curiously at the newcomer.

Shen Siyuan sized him up. He seemed to be in his twenties, yet his face was weathered, with tanned, rough skin, and fine wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. His messy hair held bits of grass, and his windbreaker was worn and dusty, making him appear like a man in his forties.

Clearly attracted by the light of the campfire, he stopped a little away from the RV, smiling awkwardly at Shen Siyuan, his voice hoarse like sandpaper scraping: "Hello, sorry to disturb you."

Shen Siyuan paused his work and nodded, "Hello, is there something you need?"

The temperature on the plains dropped at night; the young man rubbed his reddened hands, casting a longing glance at the campfire: "I’m trekking to Tibet, been on the road for almost a month. The plains at night are unsafe, and I see you have a campfire and an RV here; could I... could I set up a tent nearby? It’d be nice to have some company."

His tone held a hint of hesitancy, afraid of rejection.

Shen Siyuan looked at his dusty appearance, then glanced at the heavy backpack on his back and the person behind him.

Catching a flash of understanding in his eyes, he nodded with a smile: "Of course, you can set up over there, closer to the fire for warmth."

"Thank you so much!"

The young man smiled with delight, quickly thanked him, put down his backpack, and deftly started setting up his tent.

Dou Dou sidled up to Shen Siyuan, asking softly, "Potato, who is he? Why is he here alone?"

"He’s a backpacker," Shen Siyuan explained patiently.

"What’s a backpacker?" Dou Dou blinked her big eyes, full of puzzlement.

"It means traveling by walking, and it’s a really remarkable thing."

"Oh, then I’m a backpacker too, I’m quite remarkable as well." Dou Dou declared proudly.

Shen Siyuan: ...

"Is that his wife?" Dou Dou continued.

She was referring to the middle-aged woman following the young man.

"Silly, that’s definitely his mom," Duoduo retorted.

"How do you know? You didn’t ask him," Dou Dou objected.

Duoduo rolled her eyes at her, not wanting to explain.

Meanwhile, the young man had finished setting up the tent.

After dusting off his clothes, he approached the campfire, thanked Shen Siyuan again: "I’m really grateful; the plains are dark and cold at night, with wild animals about, camping alone is nerve-wracking."

"When you’re out and about, it’s right to look out for one another." Shen Siyuan grinned, pointing to the pot, where mushroom soup was simmering. "I’m preparing dinner; if you don’t mind, join us for a bite?"

The young man was taken aback, clearly unprepared for such hospitality, and quickly waved his hand, "No need, no need, don’t trouble yourself; I brought my own provisions."

"It’s cold, and a warm meal at night wouldn’t tar me hungry for one night."

With Shen Siyuan’s insistence, the young man stopped refusing. Honestly, he was keen for a proper meal.

For days, he had been living off instant noodles and bread, which had been hard to bear.

So, they all sat around the campfire’s picnic table, the fire driving away the surrounding chill, bringing warmth to all.

Shen Siyuan had mainly cooked soup; the rest was pre-prepared food. However, because it was packed in a special space, it could be consumed straight away.

"Thank you for the hospitality. I’m Lin Zifeng," the young man introduced himself.

"Shen Siyuan." Shen Siyuan gave his name, then pointed to the three little ones, "This is Dou Dou, Duoduo, and Xiao Yue."

"Hello."

Lin Feng greeted them with a smile, then stood up and went to his tent, bringing back some chocolate amidst their gazes.

"I don’t have much to offer, but you can have these."

The little ones didn’t take it immediately, instead looking towards Shen Siyuan.

"Go ahead, but remember to say thank you."

The three little ones accepted Lin Zifeng’s gift.

"Where did you start from for your trek to Tibet?" Shen Siyuan asked.

"I started from Chengdu, and it’s been almost two months."

Lin Zifeng replied to Shen Siyuan’s question while gobbling down the food.

"Have more."

Shen Siyuan pushed a portion of red wine-braised lamb towards him.

"Thank you, it’s been a long time since I had such a hearty meal," Lin Zifeng said embarrassedly.

At this moment, Dou Dou’s gaze instinctively fell on the person behind Lin Zifeng.

The middle-aged woman behind Lin Zifeng noticed Dou Dou’s gaze, appearing surprised.

Curious, she asked, "Can you see me?"

Dou Dou didn’t answer, just smiled at her.

She really wanted to ask if the woman was Uncle’s wife or his mother.

But without Shen Siyuan speaking, she didn’t dare to strike up a conversation.

"You don’t look very old?"

From his speech, it seemed that the young man’s age might be even younger than he appeared.

"Twenty-three, I just graduated last year," Lin Zifeng said.

As Shen Siyuan had guessed, he was indeed younger than he initially thought.

"What made you decide to go trekking just after graduation?" Shen Siyuan asked curiously.

Lin Zifeng didn’t speak right away, just glanced in the direction of his tent at his backpack.

"My mom is Buddhist, and her greatest wish was to visit Dazhao Temple, but she never left our small hometown in her life, so I took her along..."