Bai Sheng said, "Your worries are not without reason, but as long as we dig deep enough, and I secretly inject a small amount of water into the well bottom daily, others won't disbelieve. Miracles always happen in this world. And—"
Bai Sheng pointed to the red fruit trees not far away and lowered her voice slightly, "See? After such a long drought, those trees can still bear fruit. I suspect there might be groundwater underground nearby, and the water level is relatively shallow."
Lu Ye looked in the direction of the red fruit trees, raised his hand to his chin, and pondered with a frown before finally nodding, "However, the area around this well must be completely sealed off, otherwise people will definitely rush to grab the water later."
"Yes, the well must be sealed off. We'll build a high courtyard wall then."
Lu Ye then asked, "Do you have a clear idea of where to dig this well and how to dig it?"
Bai Sheng smiled confidently, "Of course. For wells, we should dig them in the sandy valley near the red fruit trees. Here, just over there," Bai Sheng pointed to a spot not far away.
"Digging a well requires specific skills. We can hire a professional well-digging team. As for the cost of hiring them, we can raise funds."
"Raise funds?" Lu Ye didn't understand what that meant.
Bai Sheng's eyes flickered, and she smiled as she explained, "Raising funds means many people contribute capital to do something together, and they receive different benefits based on the amount contributed.
For example, for digging this well. Our family will bear the major expenses, and the rest can be raised through contributions.
Those who contribute two taels of silver will receive two buckets of water for free daily; those who contribute one tael of silver will receive one bucket of water for free daily; those who contribute 500 wen will receive half a bucket of water daily; those who contribute 200 wen will receive a ladleful of water daily..."
Lu Ye's eyes grew brighter, "This way, not only can we solve the problem of insufficient funds, but it also clearly tells those who haven't contributed that they have no right to use the well."
"Yes!" Bai Sheng nodded, "This is our family's private well, not a public commodity.
However, to prevent some rascals from deliberately finding fault, we should first set the rules, write a deed, and then get it notarized by the government. This way, even if someone tries to cause trouble, we will have the confidence to deal with them."
Listening to Bai Sheng's words, Lu Ye felt his body fill with strength, "Good, we'll do as you say!"
"Now, the most important thing is to earn more money. After this harvest of grain, we'll get some seeds and utilize all the land in the space. I also want to plant some vegetables and fruits, and then sell them to the rich people in the market. The price will definitely not be cheap."
"Good! Bai Sheng, don't worry, I will also find ways to earn more money!" Lu Ye said very sincerely, wishing Bai Sheng could trust him.
Director Lin of Tianxiao Martial Arts Academy had once asked him to do something, and the reward was one hundred taels of silver. He hadn't agreed yet, but perhaps it was time to consider it.
Bai Sheng suddenly noticed Lu Ye looking at her with a hint of eager anticipation. She pondered what Lu Ye had just said, combined with his expression, and instantly understood. Oh, this guy was quite naive! He was so eager for her approval!
While the atmosphere hadn't completely dissipated, Bai Sheng immediately raised one hand, clenched it into a fist, and shook it rhythmically twice, saying with determination, "Lu Ye, I believe in you! You can definitely do it!"
Lu Ye's expression became somewhat satisfied, and he instantly became much more spirited, "Also, the house must be built quickly. This way, it will be convenient to enter and exit the space."
"Right, the house too! How could I forget such an important matter?" Bai Sheng patted her forehead.
Lu Ye smiled, leaned back against a sand rock, propped his head with his forearm, and then looked at Bai Sheng with bright eyes, "Bai Sheng?"
"Hmm?" Bai Sheng turned her head, meeting his smiling eyes.
"What kind of house do you… want?"
Bai Sheng leaned back as well, her face full of longing, "Actually, I want to build the house on that sand embankment. Because the location is high enough, the view is very open, and we can enjoy the desert scenery.
Then, the ground in front and behind the house should be paved with thick stone bricks, so it won't be dusty everywhere.
The walls can be built with stone bricks, and for the roof, we'll use wood. There are many large trees in the space, we can cut them down to use. Except for the kitchen, all other rooms should have wooden floors.
We need at least ten rooms, one for each person, so there's enough sleeping space even if guests arrive.
Finally, I hope to plant tall trees on both sides and at the back of the house, and the front should be filled with all kinds of flowers..."
Lu Ye tilted his head, gazing at her intently, his lips unconsciously curling up, "Okay, we'll build it according to what you said. We'll go to the big sand pit tonight to move stones."
"Good!" Bai Sheng closed her eyes with a faint smile.
The last ray of sunset fell on their faces, casting a gentle glow. As the camera pulled further back, they became the most vivid painting in the desert.
For dinner, each person only ate one flatbread.
Bai Sheng took out four flatbreads and a water skin and walked up to Lu Ye, "Lu Ye, I want to give Du Min and Feng Pingyuan some food and water. After all, they saved us, and… and helped us guard the house."
Lu Ye smiled and said softly, "Go ahead, that's what I was thinking too."
"Alright!" Bai Sheng nodded happily, hid the flatbreads and the filled water skin in her clothes, and quickly ran towards the grass pavilion where Du Min lived.
The moon hung low and askew in the sky, and the entire desert was bathed in the color of early night.
Du Min and Feng Pingyuan lay quietly under the grass pavilion, whispering about leaving in a few days. The revenge for their son's flesh had been exacted; staying here any longer might lead to only a dead end.
But they couldn't die yet! Because the person they were looking for had not been found!
However, in this vast world, where could they find refuge?
And in this vast sea of people, where was the person they were searching for?
A small figure suddenly blocked the faint moonlight under the eaves of the grass pavilion.
"Who?!" Feng Pingyuan sat up alertly.
Bai Sheng whispered, "Brother Feng, I am Lu Ye's wife, Bai Sheng. Is Sister Du here?"
"I… I am… here!" Du Min's heart leaped with joy. Today, this little girl had seen them eating that thing. She had thought the girl would be disgusted by them, but unexpectedly, she had come to find her.
However, at this late hour, what could she possibly need?
"Please, Sister Du, could you come out for a moment?" Bai Sheng whispered.
Du Min walked out of the grass pavilion, secretly excited.
Bai Sheng glanced around, raised her hand, and made a "shushing" gesture, then silently stuffed the four flatbreads and the water skin into her hand.
"This—No, no!" Du Min was startled. How could she accept such precious things for free? Even though she felt the water in the water skin sloshing slightly and couldn't help but lick her dry lips, she was unwilling to take advantage of others for no reason, even if it meant starving to death!
Bai Sheng lowered her voice and said, "Today, Sister Du promptly sent a warning to my husband, and my three younger siblings and I survived. Moreover, Sister Du helped us guard the house. So, Sister Du, please don't refuse. There are many people watching here..."
What guarding the house? This little girl was clearly finding an excuse to help them.
Du Min felt her nose sting, wanting to cry, but all the moisture in her body had been used for survival; there was no extra moisture to spare for useless things like tears.
This was the first time she had been treated kindly in all the years their family had been fleeing.
Bai Sheng gently patted her hand and whispered, "The water skin is for you. Sister Du, please rest early. I'll be going back now."
"Little Sheng sister!"
Just as Bai Sheng took a few steps, Du Min called out to her from behind, her voice trembling.
Bai Sheng turned around, "Sister Du, is there anything else?"