Chapter 80 Spend 80

From the other end of the phone came the sound of Si Yankai taking a long breath, as if he was trying hard to calm his surging emotions.

"As long as you're safe... As long as you're safe..." He repeated, his voice still tense, but a little steadier than before.

"Are you sure you're in the room? Are the doors and windows closed? Are you away from the mountain?"

"Yes! Sure! Our B&B is in the middle of town, on higher ground. The teacher said it's safe here for the time being."

Tang Ximian nodded vigorously, as if the other person could see him, "The doors and windows are locked, and it's raining so hard outside... Kai, don't worry, we're fine here now..." He tried to make his voice sound calmer.

"Okay, okay." Si Yankai's voice lowered, with a hoarseness from strong pressure. "Listen, Mianmian, the situation outside is unclear right now, and rescue will take time. You must listen to the teacher. Never leave the B&B and don't go near dangerous areas. Do you have any water and food?"

"The B&B owner said they have some supplies, and the teacher is also coordinating, so it's enough for now."

Tang Ximian answered. After hearing Si Yankai's clear and logical questions, the panic in his heart seemed to have found a backbone and slowly calmed down.

"That's good. Use it sparingly." Si Yankai paused, his voice slower and deeper. With a power that could penetrate the wind and rain, he warned word by word, "I know you'll be scared and panic. This is normal. Don't be afraid, Mianmian. I'm here, always. Try to save your phone's battery, but I'll keep it on. If anything happens, even if you just want to talk to me, feel free to call me or send me a message. I'll reply immediately. The signal may be bad, but I'll always be there."

"Yeah!" Tang Ximian responded with all her might, her eyes a little hot, but she held back and didn't shed a single tear.

The promise of "always here" in Si Yankai's words was like an invisible barrier, temporarily isolating the raging wind and rain and the pervasive panic outside the window.

"I... I'm not afraid, with you here..." He whispered with complete trust.

"Be good." Si Yankai's voice was so gentle that water could drip out of it. "Protect yourself and wait patiently. Help will definitely come."

"Okay!" Tang Ximian answered without hesitation.

———————

Si Yankai's phone call was like a solid spiritual dam, temporarily blocking the panic surging in Tang Ximian's heart.

But the reality is not optimistic. The torrential rain shows no sign of stopping and is getting more severe.

The mudslide destroyed the only road leading to the outside world and also destroyed some of the old houses in the low-lying areas of the ancient town. Although official sources confirmed that there were no casualties (which was fortunate), communications became intermittent and water and electricity supplies began to suffer.

The reserves of the B&B are being depleted, and uneasiness and anxiety are hanging heavy in every corner like humid air.

The pressure on school teachers was unprecedented. Not only did they have to calm the students, but they also had to maintain close liaisons with local authorities and rescue agencies, all while ensuring the basic needs of dozens of people. The personal resources of the B&B owner were clearly insufficient.

Soon, under the teacher's coordination, several surviving homestays and settlements in the ancient town that were in relatively safe locations united together.

The local people, familiar with the terrain and with simple experience in dealing with disasters, have demonstrated a touching resilience and mutual support.

The teachers quickly organized relatively strong boys, including some girls who volunteered to help, and formed a temporary "mutual aid group" to assist residents in doing things within their capacity.

When the news reached the B&B where Tang Ximian and his friends were staying, he had almost no hesitation.

He put down the book in his hand that he had been flipping through for a long time but hadn't read many pages, and said to Teacher Wang who was in charge of their area.

Yu Shu next to him also raised his hand immediately: "Count me in!"

Teacher Wang looked at the two boys who had been as listless as quails just a few days ago. Now, their eyes were filled with an eagerness to do something. He nodded with satisfaction, "Okay! But you must pay attention to safety! Absolutely obey orders! Our main focus is to help residents distribute supplies, organize temporary shelters, and pass on information. Physical work should be done within your capabilities. Do you understand?"

"Understood!" they said in unison.