Mom, I want this, just this!
That's not nutritious, you still need to eat.
Brother, wanna go for hot pot? Let's go!
That place has such a long line, let's find somewhere else.
On the street, as meal times approached, more and more people came and went.
The entire city became even livelier.
The aroma of hot pot, noodles, and stir-fried dishes all rushed out one after another.
Intertwining in the air, they stirred up people's appetites.
Causing stomachs to rumble.
Clang
People who finished their drinks casually tossed the bottles into the trash can.
The next moment, a pair of fire tongs reached into the trash can.
It picked out the empty bottle and placed it into the burlap sack beside it. Da Feng Novel Network
Cui He searched nearby trash cans while keeping an eye out for anyone discarding empty bottles or cardboard.
The burlap sack by his side was almost full; he could come out again later.
He stood steady, stretched his back, and rubbed his waist.
Just as he was about to continue forward, a shout suddenly came from ahead.
Robbery!
Catch the thief!
The next moment, a person darted out from around the corner, rushing forward like the wind.
People around them scattered.
Cui He looked up, with no time to react, he only felt a gust of wind approaching.
Then came a dizzying spin.
He stumbled backward, lost his balance, and his back hit a tree by the roadside.
His ankle twisted, and he fell to the ground.
The empty bottles in the burlap sack spilled out with his movement, making a clattering sound.
Lying on the ground, his mind went blank for a few seconds.
Everything around him seemed hazy, as if seen through a film, and his head buzzed.
Like an old, broken television, its screen crackling with static.
He felt a bit panicked and lost.
But not anxious.
This feeling was somewhat familiar.
It was like the moment he received the news that his son and daughter-in-law had both died in an accident.
He felt hazy, as if his body had left him and entered another world.
He didn't know how he had gotten through the next few years.
What brought him back to life?
Cui He looked at the blurry interplay of light and shadow before him, his thoughts seeming to lag, becoming very, very slow.
People bustled by on the street.
Only around the old man was there an empty space.
Hey, look, someone collapsed.
Don't look, don't look, let's go, can't help them.
A couple hurried past.
Damn! I can't even eat a meal without encountering a staged accident.
A man who came to spit out his gum frowned, his face ugly as he walked around the scene.
Almost missed it and walked past, how lucky.
I wonder if this old gentleman is alright, didn't hear anything.
Let's call 120, leave it to the professionals.
That's right, helping incorrectly might cause further injury.
More pedestrians took out their phones, making calls as they walked away quickly.
Is that old man okay? Maybe I should go take a look, can you film it for me as proof?
You're really going?
The street was lively.
Some people stopped, gathering around.
Some glanced, then looked away, lowering their heads to play with their phones as they hurried past.
Damn! Don't those robbers have eyes!
Is anyone nearby? Can you help him?
The moment the old man was knocked down, the viewers in the live stream held their breath.
Seeing the old man lying alone by the tree, unconscious.
His clothes stained with dirt from the ground, empty bottles scattered everywhere.
They felt a pang of sadness in their hearts.
Life is not easy, everyone strives.
They understood this principle.
But an inexplicable sadness welled up within them.
If it were me, I don't know if I would help.
He's really not a bad person, can someone help him?
He looks so hurt o(╥﹏╥)o.
I want to cry, my mom also fainted on the road last time.
Many viewers' noses stung.
They didn't know what it would feel like to be lying there themselves.
Panic, helplessness?
Anxiety, frustration?
Just thinking about it was unbearable for them.
Because everyone will eventually grow old.
If I get old in the future, my physical functions decline, will it be like this?
When you get old, there are indeed many helpless moments; things you could do before now require relying on others.
Actually, there were police officers following the old man not far away.
But they dared not act rashly.
The moment the robber rushed out, the attention of two police officers was immediately drawn.
One of them immediately gave chase.
When the remaining police officer looked again, he couldn't see the old man for a moment.
He looked around for a while before noticing the stopped crowd gradually gathering there.
Should I go up?
Will it affect the old man's fate?
By the time he reacted, his body had already rushed over.
At this moment, he suddenly understood.
What fate, what not fate.
Since he saw it, he couldn't ignore it.
Nor could he allow himself to stand by and do nothing!
Even if he couldn't defy death in the end, before that, he would try his best.
Instead of watching a life slip away!
Human existence itself is a variable!
Just as he was rushing over, a small figure stopped beside the old man.
Grandpa, are you okay?
A little boy in overalls with a bowl cut squatted down.
He put his finger in his mouth, thought for a moment, and then said:
Do you need help? Should I help you up?
Didn't I tell you not to wander off?!
The boy's mother found him and her face instantly changed when she saw the scene.
This is adult business, why are you, a child, getting involved?
Saying this, she tried to pull the boy up.
But Mom, you said we should help others and respect the elderly and love the young.
The bowl-cut little boy tilted his head, looking puzzled. Mom, you're an adult, can you help Grandpa?
Mom, can you call emergency services for him first?
Okay!
The bowl-cut little boy nodded obediently, then squatted down again. Grandpa, are you alright?
Cui He gradually recovered, he could see things clearly now, and the buzzing in his head had subsided.
Hearing the little boy's words, he smiled and opened his mouth.
What did Grandpa say?
The bowl-cut little boy leaned his ear closer, and only then did he hear clearly.
Grandpa is just tired, lying here for a bit, it's okay, okay~
Cui He slowly raised his hand, waved it. Listen to your mom, Grandpa will get up when he's rested enough.
The bowl-cut little boy heard this and frowned seriously. Mom and teacher said lying on the ground is very dirty.
But Mom and teacher also said not to disobey elders.
So he turned to look at his mother. Mom, Grandpa said he's just tired and lying down for a bit, can we get him some water?
Saying this, he fanned his hands in a practiced manner. It's so hot!
Okay, we'll go buy some later.
Hearing the little boy's words, the mother who had just finished her call looked at the old man beside her, and suddenly felt ashamed.
If she were alone, she might have gone up without hesitation.
She stepped forward, saying with shame, "Sir, shall I help you up?"
With so many people around, it should be fine.
Others nearby were filming as proof while also stepping forward to ask if help was needed.
Cui He smiled and said, "Little girl, you all don't need to come over."
It's cool on the ground, I'll just lie here for a bit.
He waved his hand, refusing their help.
Then he slowly gripped the nearby tree, veins bulging on his hand.
With a few attempts, he slowly leaned against the tree.
See, it's fine now?
I know my old bones best.