Chapter 490: Chapter 490: Helping Hand
Hua Chengtian wasn’t lenient with them, implementing thunderous methods that made certain people obedient, forcing them to retreat like cowed grandsons hiding in the corners.
Of course, most people knew gratitude, and many thanks were received, so their hearts weren’t entirely chilled.
Then it was time to go home. Despite being exhausted for over ten hours, the thought of returning home urged him forward impatiently, resting only briefly before urging everyone to hit the road.
Initially, everything went smoothly, and they had covered more than half the journey. However, when passing through the road near the village of Hua Chengtian’s wife’s family in Xiahe Village, an unexpected incident happened.
Xiahe Village was situated in a low-lying area, and the only way to enter the village involved crossing a river several meters wide. The stone bridge over the river had long collapsed, and later a wooden bridge was built by the local official and his people, which was simple but passable.
The incident occurred here; as they approached the river and were about to cross, the two dogs, Lightning and White Tail, suddenly barked crazily, and even started to bite and pull the group ahead.
This scene was too abrupt and abnormal; Hua Chengtian quickly shouted to stop and began to carefully observe. When his gaze landed on the deepening cracks on the bridge’s surface, his heart skipped a beat. He realized what was going on and hastily shouted for everyone to retreat.
As everyone frantically retreated, a cracking sound echoed, and the wooden bridge almost instantly collapsed into the riverbed. Simultaneously, the banks of the river crumbled rapidly, nearly within moments, collapsing within dozens of meters and filling quickly with water.
Hua Chengtian and his group were drenched in cold sweat with fright. Being swallowed by the collapsing soil into the water, even though they reacted quickly, they might not have managed to save their lives. The pressure of both the earth and the water made surviving through to the top extremely challenging.
What a close call, the heart was beating wildly; fortunately, they were cautious and meticulously observed, narrowly avoiding the danger.
Narrowly escaping danger, everyone continued running backward for about ten meters before daring to stop and glance at the fast-flowing river, then shifted their gaze to the two dogs.
Luckily, the dogs sensed the anomaly, especially for those pulled back by them who almost wanted to hug and kiss the dogs, although the dogs didn’t like being petted, and they didn’t dare to touch them.
"Brother Chengtian," Hua Qiang opened his mouth, the scene ahead still leaving these men filled with fear.
Luckily, Brother Chengtian reacted quickly; otherwise... Hua Qiang’s face turned whiter.
"It’s just an aftershock from the earthquake; this road is not passable. Let’s turn back," Hua Chengtian calmed his vigorously beating heart, composed himself, and after a moment, told everyone.
Thankfully no mishaps occurred, and his familiarity with his dogs saved them; otherwise, the consequences would have been unbearable. No matter who encountered trouble, Hua Chengtian wouldn’t know how to explain to their families.
Thankfully... Hua Chengtian was grateful, reflecting on the necessity of being even more cautious ahead.
"Everyone, be careful. The earthquake has significantly altered the geology, making road conditions unpredictable. We might encounter similar situations again."
"Understood," everyone responded quickly; the earlier scene was too terrifying to allow for any carelessness.
Hua Chengtian dared not relax for a single moment on the journey ahead. Because they needed to take a detour, he became even more attentive, thoroughly exploring each unfamiliar road segment, making it impossible to move quickly despite wanting to.
Thus, traveling from day into night, crossing two mountains without knowing how far they’d gone, they found a familiar road only when darkness had fully set in, utterly exhausted and famished.
Hua Chengtian was equally worn out. Eventually, he discussed with everyone and decided to temporarily rest in a wide open area without trees because they truly couldn’t walk any further, especially since night traveling after an earthquake was indeed challenging.
Over a thousand people sat directly on the ground, taking a hard-earned breather, before beginning to appease their empty stomachs.
Each person took a small clay pot, hopeful for the chance to sip something warm.
Firewood was plentifully gathered along the way, and soon, the small fire piles lit up the surroundings, dispelling the inky night.
Everyone carried dry provisions, making it easy to cook a simple porridge or gruel for a heartwarming meal.
Luo Song didn’t stay with his guards but joined Hua Chengtian’s group, proactively helping with the food preparation.
All for the opportunity to diligently woo his future father-in-law.
Hua Jin grew up pampered, with family protecting him from everything they could, which unknowingly pushed him towards becoming more versatile.
Who would have thought that someone who once couldn’t even make porridge could now be called a jack of all trades, although not quite comparable in culinary skills to Grandma Hua or Auntie, he’s undoubtedly more adept than most men. He could confidently say he could excel both in the kitchen and in social scenarios.
Now the opportunity to shine arrived, and despite being utterly exhausted, he pressed on, knowing he needed something warm himself. Busy with both porridge and boiled eggs, he was in his element.
The guards from the Luo family truly admired their master’s tireless dedication, silently cheering him on because they wanted to help, but their master wouldn’t allow them!
Seeing Luo Song working tirelessly, Hua Chengtian delighted in the sense of relaxation. It was proper for him to work when seeking his daughter’s attention, considering he willingly embraced the task.
Hua Yunxiang every now and then lent a hand, especially taking on the fire-tending duties. Although Hua family men understood some kitchen work, they weren’t interested. Having someone take over the task was welcome.
"Uncle Hua, the food is ready," Luo Song said, enviously looking at Uncle Hua who leaned aside and fell asleep, gently waking him. Even Hua Yunxiang who was tending the fire leaned aside, wishing to sleep soon if not for wanting to impress.
After all the hard work, they had to ensure the results were noticed and consumed, otherwise all the effort would have been for naught.
"Ready, huh..." Hua Chengtian forced his sleep-heavy eyes open, revealing his red eyes, and rubbed his loudly growling belly, sitting up and offering Luo Song a smile.
He casually patted his second son who had dozed off beside him several times before managing to wake him, showing the sheer exhaustion.
Each person had one egg and two mixed flour pancakes with Hua’s wife’s signature pickles, eating contentedly.
The porridge was well cooked, thick and creamy, and Hua Chengtian courteously had two bowls, surprisingly finding Luo Song somewhat appealing.
Though the young man had motives, he genuinely worked hard, at least lowering his status. Just for that, he’d make a suitable husband, with a simple family arrangement free from mother-in-law issues. A mother-in-law like his own was rare and precious, which Hua Chengtian understood clearly.
Having eaten food cooked by him, he couldn’t very well have him tidy up afterward. Hua Chengtian nudged his son, casting his gaze toward the bowls and chopsticks.
"Dad, what?" Whether genuinely not understanding his father’s intention or feigning ignorance, Hua Yunxiang displayed an oblivious look, rubbing his ankle and looking at his father with a grievance expression.