Worried

As expected, the heavy rain came in torrents and lasted for a week. The heavy rain that was going on continuously for the past few days had slowly turned into a light drizzle.

Because of the weather, Xiaoguo did not pick up Zhuang Zhuang, who was supposed to return home. She would have to wait until next Sunday to pick him up.

When the weather finally cleared up. Xiaoguo immediately set up the carriage and prepared to visit Zhuang Zhuang at Mr. Kong’s house. She didn’t pick him up for the past two days, and there was no way to send a message. She wondered how Zhuang Zhuang was doing.

Xiaoguo had just led the donkey cart out when she saw Mrs. Yang in a hurry. The latter spotted Xiaoguo and quickly called out to her, “Are you going to the county?”

“That’s right.”

“Don’t go.” Mrs. Yang waved her hand and walked over. “Because of the rain, the river has risen too high, so the roads are all flooded. There’s no way to get out at all.”

Xiaoguo’s hand paused. She asked worriedly, “Is there no other way? Can we make our way through the water?”

She had not visited Zhuang Zhuang for the past few days and she didn’t send him any messages. She was really afraid that Zhuang Zhuang would get worried sick.

“There’s nothing we can do. There’s only one passable entrance in the village. The flood level is chest deep. Don’t take the risk and venture out.” After saying that, Mrs. Yang was a little worried. “Don’t go out. There’s no way out in the heavy rain. Stay at home for a few days.”

She saw Xiaoguo looking around and knew that she would try something. She added, “There are no alternative routes in our village. Don’t go out. The roads are either flooded or have given way. It’s no joke.”

Xiaoguo was quite convinced by her words. The look in her eyes changed as she asked, “Is it that bad?”

Mrs. Yang wasn’t scaring her on purpose. Seeing that she didn’t believe her, she said, “Is it that bad? Fortunately, our village is in the highlands. Otherwise, we would have been drowned like the other villages.”

Compared to the other villages in the vicinity, Peach Blossom Village was lucky that only its entrance was affected by the flood. The other villages in the vicinity were not as fortunate. Most of their land had either caved in or become flooded.

When Xiaoguo heard this, she was shocked. Then she realized that Mrs. Yang was right. The village was situated close to the river. It was definitely susceptible to floods.

“I have to go back quickly. Brother Yang is still working in the floods. I’ll make some ginger tea with brown sugar and bring it to him.”

Seeing that Xiaoguo had given up, Mrs. Yang was relieved. She suddenly remembered what she was going to do earlier on. After saying that, she quickly walked home. She had almost forgotten about it.

As soon as the village entrance was flooded, the old village chief called for a few men from a few households to repair the road. Brother Yang was one of them and he went out early in the morning. Having to work in such wet and cold conditions, Mrs. Yang’s heart ached for him. She was rushing home to get him a thick set of clothes and make hot tea when she bumped into Xiaoguo. After talking with her, she almost forgot about the poor man who was still suffering in the cold.

Xiaoguo watched Mrs. Yang leave and reluctantly brought the donkey cart back. She really didn’t expect the floods to be so serious.

Refusing to yield to the situation, Xiaoguo locked the door and walked towards the village entrance.

Before she could walk far, her feet started sinking into the mud. Muddy grounds were hard to walk on. There was so much mud and footprints on the pathway that there was no way for her to walk without dirtying her feet. Xiaoguo gave up completely and trudged on in the mud.

When she arrived at the entrance of the village, a group of men were working hard with shovels in their hands.

Unexpectedly, in addition to the flood, there was also a landslide on the mountains that sealed off the entrance to the village. As the water in the river rose, it merged with the puddles to form a larger pool of water. Fortunately, the rain had stopped. Otherwise, the entire Peach Blossom Village could end up being submerged after a few more days of rain.

Xiaoguo did not approach and looked at the village from afar. Once again, she was glad that Peach Blossom Village was located on higher grounds. Otherwise, it would have been completely flooded by now. The animals at home could have been wiped out too.

Based on their progress, it would take them at least a day or two to finish the work. Even if they were done, based on the current weather conditions, the ground would not dry so quickly. This delay meant that she would not be able to see Zhuang Zhuang for another few days.

Xiaoguo walked around worriedly and realized that there was really no way out. She gave up all thoughts of trying and started walking home. She wondered how Zhuang Zhuang was doing. She had not seen him for so many days. He must be missing her.

Fortunately, based on its geographical location, the county was not low. Even if it was flooded, they should be safe.

—-

On the other side, Zhuang Zhuang was losing sleep and skipping his meals, just as Xiaoguo had expected. He was losing his focus in class.

Mr. and Mrs. Kong’s hearts ached when they saw this. This little boy was becoming more and more depressed. They were extremely worried about him.

As soon as the rain stopped, Mr. Kong went out to inquire about the situation.

Mrs. Kong paced anxiously in the courtyard. After a while, Mr. Kong returned.

“How is it, old man?”

Mrs. Kong asked impatiently.

Mr. Kong said nothing and waved his hand.

“Is there something wrong or not?”

Mrs. Kong grabbed him anxiously. What did he mean? She was confused.

“It’s fine, it’s fine.”

Mr. Kong had wanted to go back to the house and drink some water. His mouth had become dry from asking around for information, but seeing her anxious expression, he stopped and explained to her.

“Because of the rain, the surrounding villages near the mountains and river were flooded.”

“Ah?! The villages are flooded!!”

Mrs. Kong had always been impatient since she was young. With age, she had become even more impatient. When she heard that the village was flooded, her voice was so loud that the entire county could hear her.

Mr. Kong covered his ears skillfully. When Mrs. Kong had recovered from her shock, he continued helplessly, “Calm down and let me continue…”

The two of them, who were talking seriously, did not notice the small figure flashing past behind the door.

“Oh… So that’s what happened. Peach Blossom Village is on high grounds and didn’t get flooded. You really gave me a fright.” Mrs. Kong rolled her eyes at the old man beside her in dissatisfaction. “You didn’t tell me everything. You scared me so much that I broke out in cold sweat.”

“…” Mr. Kong ignored her. He was already used to this.

“Then I’ll tell Zhuang Zhuang quickly. Look at his face these days. He has lost a lot of weight…”

Mrs. Kong felt more assured now. As she spoke happily, she walked towards Zhuang Zhuang’s room, ready to share the good news with him.

“Hmph.”

Mr. Kong waved his hand at her departing figure. He was destined to be bullied by her for the rest of his life.

On the other side, Zhuang Zhuang had overheard Teacher Kong and Madam Kong’s conversation. When they mentioned that the village was flooded, he panicked and couldn’t be bothered to listen anymore. He quickly ran back into the house and opened his sling bag. As he stuffed a change of clothes into his bag, he wiped away his tears.

After packing up, he sniffled hard and picked up his bag, ready to go out. He must go home. His mother must be suffering. He had to go back and accompany her!

“Zhuang Zhuang, good news, good news. What’s wrong?”

Mrs. Kong walked in happily from outside. As she walked, she called out to Zhuang Zhuang. When she reached the door, she bumped into Zhuang Zhuang, who was walking out with his bag on his back.

Zhuang Zhuang sniffed and pushed Mrs. Kong’s hand away. Then, he said firmly, “Madam, please don’t stop me. I’m going to look for Mother.”

“Huh?” Mrs. Kong didn’t understand. She stopped Zhuang Zhuang and said, “Your mother will be here in a few days. It’s just that the roads have been wrecked. It will take two more days.”

“Don’t hide it from me. I know it. The village is flooded!” Zhuang Zhuang pushed her hand away again and said stubbornly, “I’m going to find my mother and stay by her side.”

“Wait, wait, wait. How are you going to find your mother?” Mrs. Kong almost laughed out loud looking at his crying face. How could a child like him go by himself?