"Don't try to make excuses with me!" his mother shouted, her voice rising. "You're still too young, Tian! The forest is full of dangers. It's fine for you to graze your goats in the meadow, but don't get too close to the southern forest. Especially don't go inside, and don't come home too late! You know how dangerous that place is, right? There are wild animals, natural traps, and various other things that could harm you!" His mother scolded with a tone mixed between anger and worry.
She looked at Tian for a moment, then sighed softly. "I just don't want anything bad to happen to you. You know that, right?" Her tone softened, implying a deep concern of a mother.
Tian felt guilty but still didn't want to reveal what had really happened. "Yes, Mom, I understand. I'll be more careful," he promised. He tried to reassure her, even though he knew that this morning was far from "careful."
His mother sighed deeply, exhaling while shaking her head. "Stubborn child. Now hurry up and take a bath. After that, have breakfast. Don't catch a cold and get sick! Then we'll see if you can be a little more obedient in the future."
Tian quickly nodded, feeling relieved that the conversation didn't continue with more questions. "Yes, Mom, I'll take a bath right away," he said as he hurried to the bathroom, hiding the bag of gold coins behind his shirt. He wanted to avoid his mother's suspicious gaze.
At the dining table, he saw his father already sitting and waiting.
His mother just shook her head while watching Tian leave. "That boy... always making me worry," she murmured softly, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.
After bathing, Tian entered the house and sat at the dining table. His mother had prepared some slices of bread, a bowl of warm soup, and warm goat's milk. "Finish your food quickly. You need energy after wandering around like that," his mother said while looking at Tian with eyes still filled with concern.
Tian nodded, grabbed a piece of bread, and started dipping it into the stew filled with vegetables and meat. The aroma of spices and tender vegetables tickled his stomach, making him even hungrier. "Mom really knows how to make the best dishes," Tian said, trying to lighten the mood with a smile.
His mother just snorted lightly, "Don't think your praise will make me forget that you were late again today. Eat quickly, and don't try to make me worry again, okay?"
Tian smiled slightly, looking down while continuing to eat, "Yes, Mom. I'll be more careful," he replied softly.
After dinner, Tian felt his stomach full and his body warmed. "Thank you, Mom. The dinner was very delicious," he said, then went to his room to take all the money he had earned.
He returned to the dining room. "Dad, Mom, I have something to discuss with you both," Tian said.
"Coincidentally, I have something to discuss with you too, Tian. Sit down," his father replied.
"What does Dad want to talk about?" Tian wondered curiously.
Tian placed the bag of money on the table. "Dad, Mom, here is a little money from me," he said in a soft but firm voice.
Tian's father looked at the large bag with raised eyebrows. "Money? Where did you get this money, Tian? Aren't you just grazing goats in the meadow?" he asked in surprise.
His mother, sitting next to his father, reached for the bag and opened it. Her eyes widened at the pile of gold coins inside, shocked to the point of unintentionally letting out a small scream. "Oh my God, Tian! Where did you get all this money? Did you steal it?" Her voice trembled, concern and disbelief clearly evident on her face.
Tian stammered, then shook his head vigorously. "No, Mom! I didn't steal it."
His father's face now looked more serious, staring directly at Tian. "Then how can you explain the source of this money, Tian?"
Tian swallowed hard. Hesitantly, he replied, "I-I... I got it from hunting wild boars." He said it softly as if whispering.
"Giant Boar?" His father asked in disbelief. "How could you hunt a Giant Boar? Even adults struggle to defeat them!"
His mother looked at Tian anxiously. "Tian, Giant Boars are wild and dangerous monsters. Don't take your safety lightly."
Tian took a deep breath, trying to carefully choose his words. "Actually, I managed to defeat them with wood and stones, Mom, Dad. It seems my body is stronger than most kids. You might not believe me, but I really did defeat them. If you doubt it, you can ask the merchant uncle at the edge of the market. He was the one who bought the wild boar I caught."
Tian's father looked at him calmly, his face showing an expression that wasn't too surprised. He sighed deeply. "Haaaa... alright, I believe you, son. Actually, I had already heard it from Roby. But I wanted to hear it directly from you, Tian. That's really impressive, son. Defeating a monster that even adults find hard to beat? I'm a bit worried, but I'm also proud of you."
Tian smiled slightly, feeling relieved but still awkward with his father's praise.
"But why didn't you tell us from the start?" his father asked.
"I... I was afraid you and Mom would forbid me from hunting," Tian replied.
"I see, but of course we would forbid you. As your parents, we don't want you to get hurt, Tian. But it's true, since you were born until now, you have never cried or been sick. You always seem tougher than other kids. But anyway, Tian, be careful next time. Don't rely solely on your strength. There are many dangers out there."
Suddenly, his mother hugged Tian tightly, her eyes brimming with tears. "I know you're strong, Tian. But don't be too reckless and overdo it, okay? What if you get hurt? I can't bear to see you hurt."
Tian gently returned his mother's embrace. "Yes, Mom, I'll be more careful. I promise."
Tian's father then patted Tian's shoulder. "My son has grown up big and strong. But remember, great strength also brings great responsibility. Always think about your safety and the safety of others, okay? If you can't handle it, don't force yourself. You must run away immediately!"
Tian smiled warmly. "I understand, Dad. Thank you."
Tian's father looked at his son with a serious but loving expression. "But Tian, are you sure you want to give us this much money? Didn't you hunt because there was something you wanted to buy?" His voice was gentle, but clearly filled with concern about his son's decision.
Tian smiled slightly, shifting his sitting position a bit. "It's okay, Dad. It seems the money I need is already more than enough from all this. The rest can be saved by you and Mom later."
Tian's father looked relieved to hear that answer, but curiosity still lingered. "I see... But, Tian, what do you actually want? You must have a purpose for your hunt."
Continued.....