Chapter 2

After breakfast, Nian Nian accompanied Grandma Li back into the house, then followed the stone-paved road toward the village entrance. He was small, and his steps were short. The long stone road seemed endless. But last night he had heard Aunt Wang say there would be a performance today at the village entrance, and he wanted to see what kind of show it was. Huahua Village had many elderly people living alone. Along the way, the grandpas and grandmas who saw Nian Nian would smile and ask, “Nian Nian, have you eaten breakfast yet?” Nian Nian would politely reply, “Grandma, Grandpa, I’ve already eaten.” Passing by a small self-built pond, several fluffy yellow chicks popped out of the grass. One of them flapped its tiny wings and landed at his feet. Nian Nian’s eyes lit up. “It’s little chicks!” These were chicks raised by Grandma Huang’s family across the way. He had seen them once before when passing by. When one chick ran to him, the other five followed, imitating it, and gathered around him too. “I’m going over there.” Nian Nian pointed toward the village entrance and muttered softly, “Little chicks should follow their mama hen.” After saying this, he lowered his head, touched his curls, and whispered so quietly it was almost inaudible: “Nian Nian doesn’t have a mama.” The chicks didn’t understand. All six neatly surrounded his feet. Nian Nian tiptoed, trying to look for Grandma Huang, but he was too short. The fence easily blocked his view. “Grandma Huang, Grandma Huang…” He called for quite a while, but no one answered. It seemed the neighbors had all gone to the village entrance to watch the performance. With each step Nian Nian took forward, the chicks followed him step by step, treating him like their mama hen, even chirping as they went. “I’m not a little chick.” Nian Nian squatted down and explained to the chicks. But the result was the same. When he stood up, the chicks still followed him. Helpless, Nian Nian gave up on going to the village entrance to watch the performance, because he worried the chicks might get lost. Lost chicks would not see their mama hen again, and that was very pitiful, Nian Nian thought. Further down was a small water bridge, and beyond it lay rice fields. One chick strayed slightly from the stone-paved road and ran toward the bridge. Nian Nian followed. The chick quickly stopped, and he squatted down, gently scooping up the fluffy ball. Softly he said, “Little chick, you must be good.” The sky floated with clouds of all shapes. Not far away, on the stone road, appeared a group of people carrying equipment, dressed a little strangely. Nian Nian didn’t notice them. He squatted there, his small body looking like a little white mushroom. “You can’t go there.” After saying this, Nian Nian put the chick down, patted his knees, and stood up to walk back. Nian Nian walked in front, and the six chicks lined up neatly behind him like a long queue. When he suddenly bumped into the group of strangers, Nian Nian nervously clutched the corner of his shirt. The group’s expressions were odd, especially Director Zhang at the front. They were the variety show team that had come to Huahua Village to film Our Adorable Kids 2. All the settings and scripts had been prepared a month earlier, and according to the official livestream announcement, tomorrow they would begin recording the pilot episode for the second season. The team had arrived early at Huahua Village, their first filming location, to check and secure everything. But just two hours ago, one of the already confirmed child guests suddenly said he couldn’t participate due to illness. If it had truly been illness, the crew would have had no objection, since the children’s safety was the most important thing. Moreover, that child was abroad, and the contract process hadn’t been fully completed. But in reality, just one hour ago, their rival program Baby Travels on the Road 2 announced its final mysterious child guest. The photo clearly showed the same child. Baby Travels on the Road was very similar in theme to Our Adorable Kids. The difference was that the rival program focused more on adults taking children on trips, observing what they saw and experienced, rather than active participation. When the first season of Our Adorable Kids aired, the two shows had overlapping schedules. Although their results were decent, the rival program’s viewership was much higher. The dispute ended without resolution. Two directors, both known for their good temper in the industry, believed the other side had no sense of contract spirit and directly blacklisted them. Originally, the team had happily planned a small ceremony to mark the start of filming tomorrow’s pilot episode. But with this sudden incident, everyone’s mood soured. They walked along the stone-paved road, intending to check the cameras they had set up at the far end before returning to contact another child from the backup list. Unexpectedly, on this quiet little road, they stumbled upon a scene so adorable it made their hearts tremble. A human cub of about three years old walked ahead, morning light falling on him, brightening his delicate features. His smile hadn’t yet faded, and the dimples on his cheeks were especially sweet, making him look like a child straight out of a painting. Behind him, the chicks lined up in a long queue, adding the perfect touch. The team’s cameraman even wanted to capture this moment, to record such beauty and vitality. In front of such a cute human cub, no one could keep a stern face. Concerned for the child’s safety, Director Zhang squatted down, cleared his throat, and softened his voice. “Hello, little one. Why are you here all alone?” Nian Nian’s curls stopped trembling. He looked around cautiously, realizing no adults had returned and the road was blocked. He asked quietly, “Who are you? I haven’t seen you before.” His soft childlike voice was like a scoop of creamy ice cream, melting everyone’s hearts. “Don’t be afraid, little one.” Director Zhang quickly took out a stamped document from the township government and explained, “We’re here to film a variety show in the village. This has your township’s official seal. We just walked in from the front road, and no one stopped us. Don’t worry, we’re not bad people.” Remembering what Grandma Li had said that morning, Nian Nian glanced at the black equipment. They really were cameras. In the apocalypse laboratory, such things weren’t unfamiliar. After carefully looking at the crooked writing on the document, Nian Nian gradually relaxed. The assistant director, a woman, couldn’t help but ask, “Little one, why didn’t you go to the village entrance to watch the performance?” Nian Nian answered seriously, “I want to watch the chicks.” Hearing this, everyone thought he was the child of the family raising the chicks. “I see. Your chicks are so cute.” “No, not mine.” Nian Nian shook his head. “They belong to Grandma Huang.” The assistant director was puzzled. “Then why are you watching them? You’re so small.” “The chicks might run away.” “Where is your home then?” Nian Nian stayed silent. Though less wary now, he still held some caution. “Don’t misunderstand. We just want to help you return the chicks, so you can go home earlier.” The assistant director smiled gently. “Soon the sun will get stronger, and this place won’t provide shade.” Director Zhang added, “Yes, little one, go home early and watch cartoons. Even if the village is safe, adults will still worry if you’re outside alone.” Since they were already heading to the end of the village, helping a child along the way wouldn’t delay them. Nian Nian turned to look at the chicks. Suddenly he thought, if the mama hen couldn’t find them, she would be very anxious. Thinking this, Nian Nian nodded. “The chicks belong inside there.” His short hand pointed to the fence on the right. “I’m not tall enough. Please put them in for me. Thank you~” Explanation of Important Chinese Phrases 合約精神: “Contract spirit.” A phrase meaning respect for agreements and professional integrity. 黑名單: “Blacklist.” A figurative term meaning someone is banned or excluded from future cooperation. 青石板路: “Stone-paved road.” Traditional rural paths made of stone slabs, evoking rustic village life. 人類幼崽: “Human cub.” A tender, affectionate way to describe a very young child, emphasizing innocence and cuteness. Politeness is always a bonus in social interactions, especially when it comes from such an adorable human cub. Soon, the six chicks were each picked up by the crew and quickly placed back inside the nearby fence. Watching them safely return to their feed bowls, the adults stepped back. What was difficult for a child to do was easily solved by grown-ups. With the chicks back home, Nian Nian happily stepped on his short shadow, thinking to himself that he must grow taller quickly, earn money, and repay the neighbors who had helped him. “Little one, we’re heading to the end of the village now. See you again if fate allows.” Nian Nian looked at the gentle smile of the assistant director. “Do you know how to get there?” “Hm?” “I can take you.” He scratched his head. “You helped me, so I’ll help you too.” He is was still small, and when he spoke long sentences, his words sometimes blurred together. But to the adults listening, it only made him sound even cuter. The assistant director couldn’t resist wanting to ruffle his hair. “Where do you live? Is it on the way?” She thought that if it was nearby, they could send this little one home directly. Such a tiny child was safer staying at home. Director Zhang also nodded. The irritation he had felt earlier because of the parents was now fading, and his mood lightened. Nian Nian thought for a moment and didn’t lie. “It’s on the way.” “Alright, let’s go then.” The assistant director couldn’t help but ask gently, “Little one, do you need Auntie to hold your hand?” Nian Nian shook his head. “I can do it.” “Okay.” The group set off again, but this time with a very adorable human cub leading the way. The three-year-old walked in front. The assistant director noticed carefully that his shoes were coming apart at the seams and were a bit too big, not fitting well. Because of this, he walked a little slower. She thought for a moment, then walked up to him and asked again, “Can Auntie carry you? If you walk too much, your feet will hurt.” Perhaps because her gentle appearance and manner made him feel safe, Nian Nian hesitated for a few seconds, then stretched out his hand. “Auntie, carry me.” The assistant director immediately picked up the little dumpling. Explanation of Important Chinese Phrases 幼崽: “Cub.” Used affectionately to describe very young children, emphasizing innocence and vulnerability. 小雞崽崽: “Little chicks.” The repetition “崽崽” adds affection and cuteness, often used for children or small animals. 矮小的影子: “Short shadow.” A poetic way to show how small Nian Nian is, emphasizing his childlike size. 賺錢錢: Childlike way of saying “earn money.” The repetition adds innocence, showing his simple wish to repay kindness. 小豆丁: “Little bean sprout.” A colloquial, affectionate term for a very small child. The little dumpling looked thin, but when picked up he was even lighter, like holding a handful of snow that might melt away with the slightest carelessness. “Thank you, Auntie,” Nian Nian said. “You’re welcome, little treasure. You’re so light.” All this time, it was the first time Nian Nian had ever heard someone call him that. Little treasure. In the apocalypse, he had only heard other mothers call their children that way. Since birth, he had been an orphan, with no father, no mother, and no family at all. He lowered his head and said nothing. The people following behind were envious of the assistant director. One of the younger assistants leaned closer to look at Nian Nian. “So cute. If my younger brother were even half as well-behaved as this child, I wouldn’t be stealing his snacks.” “Hahahahaha.” “Xiao Yue, does your brother know that’s why you steal his snacks?” “Laughing makes you rich.” Everyone laughed together, and Nian Nian’s mood brightened a little too. He lifted his head, gazing at the picturesque scenery of Huahua Village, and suddenly felt a bit sleepy. After walking most of the way, the assistant director asked, “Little one, where is your home?” Nian Nian drowsily pointed toward the last stone house at the end. The group followed the direction of his short finger, and their expressions changed. The old stone house at the end of the stone-paved road looked like a relic of decades past. Every part of it silently revealed decay and age. If he hadn’t said so, they might not have believed anyone still lived inside. The atmosphere fell silent. The assistant director touched his curls gently and asked softly, “Little one, what’s your name?” “Nian Nian!” Coincidentally, in the apocalypse he had also been called Nian Nian. It was a randomly chosen name, but he liked it very much. After coming to this new world, he was still called Nian Nian, and he remembered clearly that back then, at about three years old, he had looked exactly the same as he did now. So, when he spoke this name, his pronunciation was especially clear and round. “Nian Nian, what a lovely name,” the assistant director said. The young assistant added cheerfully, “Yes, yes, just like a little rice cake!” “Thank you~” Soon, the group arrived at the old stone house. The assistant director set Nian Nian down and glanced at the wooden door that looked as if it could barely hold together. She asked, “Nian Nian, do you live here with your grandparents?” Nian Nian nodded, then shook his head, his voice small: “No… they became little stars.” The young assistant froze, and everyone looked at Nian Nian with complicated emotions in their eyes. Director Zhang, who had been silent, squatted down and asked, “So Nian Nian, do you live here alone now? Or with other relatives?” Nian Nian shook his head. “I live alone.” He walked to the door and touched the old but lived-in wood. “This is Nian Nian’s home. It’s very good.” This answer was almost unbelievable. The group, all used to living in the bustling capital, had never imagined that such a tiny child could stubbornly survive on his own. The assistant director, already a mother herself, couldn’t bear to ask but did anyway. “Nian Nian, how do you feed yourself?” Afraid he might not understand the word “feed,” she rephrased gently, “How do you usually eat your meals?” Thinking of the grandmas, grandpas, aunts, and uncles who cared for him, Nian Nian smiled. “The grandmas and aunties call me to eat.” He patted his little belly. “Everyone is very good. When I grow up and earn money, I’ll repay them.” “Nian Nian is so well-behaved, so amazing.” The assistant director’s feelings were complicated, though her smile remained gentle. Silence fell over the group. The cameraman, who had noticed Nian Nian’s frail body, suddenly walked to Director Zhang and whispered a few words. Director Zhang looked at Nian Nian, hesitation in his eyes. They stood by the grass near the locust tree. Suddenly, sharp-eyed Nian Nian noticed something wrong. “Su Su!” He ran forward quickly, tugged at their clothes, and pulled them hard. “There’s a snake.” When they looked back, Director Zhang almost cried out in shock. A green snake lay coiled in the grass, very close to them. If they had delayed even a moment, it might have reached their feet. Although it was a non-venomous species, its sudden appearance behind them was frightening. Fortunately, it was only a false alarm. Director Zhang immediately asked the team’s professional safety staff to handle it. “Thank you, Nian Nian. If not for your warning, Uncle might have been bitten.” “Yes, yes, Nian Nian must be a little lucky star. And he’s so brave, not even afraid of snakes,” the cameraman nodded. Nian Nian thought to himself that of course he wasn’t afraid. In the apocalypse, many animals had mutated. Normally gentle creatures became ferocious, while snakes and beasts were sometimes calmer. As long as humans didn’t provoke them, such animals rarely attacked. The snakes he had seen in the apocalypse were huge, black and red, but they never attacked him. “Mm!” Nian Nian said in his soft child voice. “Nian Nian isn’t afraid!” This unexpected incident made Director Zhang’s hesitant heart firm. Who could dislike such a little lucky child? His thoughts turned over and over, and finally he wanted to help this pitiful boy. “Nian Nian.” His kindly smile looked slightly out of place. “Uncle wants to discuss a cooperation with you. Would you be willing?” The assistant director, who had worked with Zhang for years, understood his thoughts instantly. She had the same idea. Negotiating with another child from the backup list would take time and effort, and they didn’t have much left. Besides, as a mother herself, she wanted to help this obedient child who made people’s hearts ache. She explained, “We’d like to ask Nian Nian to help us with something very important. If you agree, you’ll receive a lot of money afterward.” That money could improve his life, ensure his schooling, and even more. She was willing to allocate extra from the budget to give him more. At the mention of money, Nian Nian’s eyes lit up like stars. Whether in the apocalypse or in this new world, having no money was always terrible. He understood this clearly, and since he wanted to repay everyone, he asked crisply, “What is it?” “We’re here in Huahua Village to film a variety show. But just now, one guest dropped out, so we’re missing someone. We’d like to invite Nian Nian to join the recording. Would you be willing?” Director Zhang said. The assistant director added calmly, “During filming, your food and lodging will be covered. It’s like a free trip. We’ll give you half the money first, and the other half when filming ends. If you’re worried, you can ask Village Chief Mei. If you agree, we’ll take you to the township office, where your village chief will witness the contract signing. We won’t cheat you.” “Nian Nian will get a lot of money, and we’ll always be with him,” the young assistant said. In this world, with his mind gradually regressing to that of a three-year-old, Nian Nian only half understood. What he remembered most was the assistant saying there would be a lot of money. By now the sun was high, its rays filtering through the locust leaves onto the stone house. Nian Nian thought for a moment, then said softly, “Village Chief Auntie isn’t here.” Yesterday Grandma Li had told him the chief had gone to a county meeting and wouldn’t return for at least three days. Now it was only the second morning. The group understood. They realized the little cub had agreed to the invitation, and they all smiled. The cameraman tapped the camera and asked with a grin, “Nian Nian, are you afraid of the camera?” Nian Nian tilted his head at the black equipment. “Not afraid~” In the apocalypse, he had seen cameras much bigger than this. Bigger than his house, he thought. “Nian Nian, when will the village chief come back?” 　　 Nian Nian held up two short fingers. “Two days.” Hearing this, the assistant director and Director Zhang exchanged glances. Tomorrow was the live recording of the pilot episode. If they could finalize things, it would be best to sign the contract today. After one unexpected incident already, they had to be extra cautious. But in Nian Nian’s special situation, according to current domestic law, the village chief had to be present at the signing, even acting as a proxy if necessary. Just as Director Zhang was considering a backup plan, a figure appeared along the long stone-paved road. The newcomer was young, about thirty-five, with a sun-kissed face full of smiles. From afar, she spotted the little child and called out, “Nian Nian!” Hearing the familiar voice, Nian Nian looked up in delight and ran toward her with quick little steps. “Village Chief Auntie!”