Chapter 219: A Joy and a Worry

After two days of exams, as they left the exam hall, Zhang Lan finally asked, “Mingcheng, how did it go? Everything okay?”

Seeing her cautious demeanor, Mingcheng smiled brightly, “Mom, get me a new bedding set. I’m going to high school.”

Understanding her son, who was typically reserved and not given to exaggeration, she could sense the seriousness in his words.

Filled with joy, she realized her son was making progress. “Good son, tomorrow I’ll take you out for some fun.”

As they were about to leave, the mothers of Wang Mingshan, Lin Fang, and Cao Hong approached to express their gratitude to Zhang Lan.

“Auntie, we’re heading back with the teacher today. We’ll visit your house when we have time. How did Mingcheng do in the exam? The teacher said your results are bound to be excellent,” they inquired.

Mingcheng, usually serious, now beamed with a sunny smile. “I’m not sure, we’ll know when the results are out. By the way, when you have time, come and visit my house. We need to go now,” he added.

After returning home, Zhang Lan found an even greater surprise – Wang Zhenhe had brought three children with him.

“Mom, I really missed you,” Wang Qian exaggeratedly exclaimed upon seeing Zhang Lan.

Having missed her mischievous daughter, Zhang Lan hugged her and twirled her around. “Little rascal, why did you all come? I was planning to take your brothers out for a walk. Since we’re all here, I’ll take charge and we’ll have a good time tomorrow.”

Wang Mingshan, having just finished his exams, was thrilled to hear that his aunt wanted to take them out. “Uncle, your timing is perfect. Let’s all go out together. I haven’t had a good time in so long. This time, I’ll really enjoy myself,” he expressed excitedly.

That night, Wang led her  Parents into the space to sleep. Due to the hot weather and the presence of mosquitoes, they found it uncomfortable. “Mom, I want to sell some things tomorrow. I’ve brought fish and crabs. We’ll sell them in the morning and then go out to play,” she suggested the next morning.

Zhang Lan and Wang Zhenhe inspected the seedlings in the field. Seeing the lush green crops in the space, they felt content.

After a good night’s sleep in the space, Wang Qian led her parents out the next morning.

Stretching, Wang Zhenhe remarked, “So comfortable. I slept so well last night. I’d like to come in here again.”

Smiling, Zhang Lan replied, “I’m afraid there won’t be another chance. There are too many people at home. We need to be cautious. You and our daughter can sell the goods, and I’ll cook at home. Let the kids rest a bit. Mingcheng has been exhausted these past few days.”

Wang Zhenhe and Wang Qian left first, and Wang Xuan was the first to wake up. Seeing Zhang Lan busy in the kitchen, she quickly went to help.

“Mom, when my brother goes to high school, will he stay in the dormitory or at Grandma’s house?” she inquired. She would also be taking the high school entrance exam next year, so this was a matter of concern for her.

Zhang Lan hadn’t considered this yet. “Xuan, your father and I need to think about this. I feel that staying in the school dormitory might be better. Living together with classmates can deepen your friendships, but conflicts might also arise. It’s also a way for you to develop your interpersonal skills.”

Wang Xuan nodded in agreement, finding her mother’s analysis reasonable. She was fine with wherever she would stay, as she planned to attend high school with her brother.

“Mom, sis, is the food ready? I’m getting hungry,” Mingyuan, still half-asleep, stood at the kitchen’s entrance, wearing shorts and no shirt, having rushed out barefoot.

Seeing her son’s adorable appearance, Zhang Lan couldn’t resist picking him up. Mingcheng was growing up, so she cherished these moments while she still could. “Good son, the food will be ready soon. Did you wash your face?” she asked.

Mingyuan had indulged in fruit the previous night, having found a rare treat at home. Consequently, he hadn’t eaten much dinner. Now, with the first light of day, his stomach began to rumble.

Rubbing his eyes, he shook his head. “Mom, where’s my sister? I didn’t see her or dad. Where did they go?” he inquired.

Zhang Lan affectionately kissed her son. This little guy was quite energetic. With two fewer people in the house, even he noticed the difference.

“Your dad took your sister out for a walk. They’ll be back soon. Go wake up your brother. It’s almost time to eat,” Zhang Lan informed Mingyuan.

As they were about to eat, Wang Zhenhe and Wang Qian returned, their faces beaming with smiles, likely having made a profitable deal.

“Kids, look at what Dad bought for you to eat,” Wang Zhenhe announced, lifting the items he had brought.

“Dough sticks and tofu pudding?” Mingyuan exclaimed excitedly upon seeing the items.

He had seen them last time they were in the city but hadn’t dared to ask for them. Now, his father had surprised him by bringing them home.

“Dad, that’s great. I was really craving these,” Mingyuan expressed his delight.

Seeing the snacks brought by her husband and daughter, Zhang Lan shook her head in amusement. “You both went shopping even though I’d already prepared the meal. If there’s any food left, you’re responsible for finishing it.”

Wang Zhenhe patted his daughter’s backpack with a silly grin. “No worries, dear. We can afford these things. Let the kids experience what city folks eat. If there’s leftover food, we’ll have it for lunch when we come back. It’s cost-effective.”

The family spent the whole afternoon in the city before returning with Wang Mingshan. With the senior high school entrance exam over, the Wang family now eagerly awaited Mingcheng’s acceptance letter.

The ongoing dry weather showed no signs of rain. The scorching sun baked the earth, and the water level in the reservoir continued to drop. It was said to be a once-in-a-century drought. The crops in the fields were wilting due to the lack of rain, appearing yellow and parched instead of their usual lush green.

The community members worked tirelessly in the fields to combat the drought, while the water supply from the reservoir decreased steadily, all in an effort to ensure the city’s water needs were met.

At this critical time, the self-built reservoir in the production team played a vital role. With water supply running short, everyone turned to the reservoir to water their fields. However, this was still far from sufficient. The scorching sun evaporated the freshly watered fields within the morning hours.

The daily broadcasts encouraged everyone to fight the drought and ensure a good harvest. However, as time passed, hope began to dwindle. Water had become more precious than gold or oil. Without water, it meant there would be no food for the coming year.

Wang Qian once saw Wu Ye, an elderly villager, kneeling on the ground. His weathered face was creased with wrinkles, and his trembling hands cradled the dry soil as he shouted to the sky in anguish. Everyone present watched, heavy-hearted, hoping that the heavens would hear his cry and bring rain soon.

As the crops withered, a sudden, unexpected downpour arrived just in time.

Initially, people rejoiced in the rain, celebrating its arrival. However, Wu Ye frowned, as the rain showed no sign of stopping.

Wu Ye sought out Liu Changlin, “Captain, quickly get people to dig ditches for drainage. I’m afraid of flooding due to this heavy rain.”

Having worked the land for many years, Liu Changlin shared Wu Ye’s concerns. He knew that after a great drought often comes a great disaster, but he never expected it to be a flood disaster.

“Wu Ye, don’t worry. I’ll arrange for people to start digging ditches. I share your concerns. It’s best to prepare early. If it does flood, we’ll be in trouble,” Liu Changlin assured.

Liu Changlin promptly organized people to dig ditches for drainage in the fields. They had hoped for rain when there was none, but now the excess rain posed a new challenge for the crops.

The village broadcast also sounded at this time, calling on all community members to actively engage in flood control and ensure a good harvest.

The entire village, from adults to children, worked in the fields to dig additional drainage ditches, knowing that each additional ditch meant an extra safeguard for their food supply.

The efforts on the mountainside helped save the crops temporarily, but the villagers faced a different challenge. Their old-style houses, inevitably riddled with mouse holes, allowed rainwater to seep in during the week-long downpour.

Furniture floated in the waterlogged homes, prompting the villagers to start a new round of efforts to save their homes.

Wang’s family, having newly built their house, had heeded Wang Qian’s suggestion to use a cement floor, preventing rodents from burrowing in. Thus, they managed to escape the disaster.

However, Zhao Xuan and Liu Hui’s families weren’t as fortunate. They were all scooping water out of their homes, which were inundated, making it difficult to even walk on the floor.

Zhang Lan’s family and their neighbors lent a helping hand. Several elderly men went from house to house on the street, offering assistance. Meanwhile, Hao Lianchun cooked at home, waiting for those who had gone to help to return for a hearty meal.

“Goodness, my back is killing me,” Wang Qian complained, massaging her sore back.

Wang Zhenhe jokingly lifted his daughter. “My dear, how can such a little thing like you have back pain? If anyone should have back pain, it should be Dad.”

Wang Qian hugged her father’s neck and retorted, “Dad, that’s not right. Look at others carrying kids and yelling not to strain their backs. I’m as grown up as they are, so why wouldn’t I have a back? It’s common sense. I need to study better in the future.”

Zhang Lan and Mingcheng stifled their laughter as they followed behind. Wang Zhenhe had met his match. “Is that so, my dear? Let Dad see where this little back of yours is.” Once again, father and daughter playfully bantered, and the street echoed with their laughter.