After a flurry of activity, this was the most relaxing moment everyone had had in a long time.

The horse meat had been completely removed during the day, along with the offal, though it couldn't be washed. People still couldn't bear to throw it away, so they hung it all up, planning to wash the dried offal later when they had water. At that time, everything was considered a good thing.

The wolf was cleaned according to this procedure, but Chenxi did not allow anyone to keep the wolf's internal organs, saying that wild animals nowadays are somewhat poisonous, with less in the meat and more in the organs, so it is best not to eat them.

Some people were very reluctant to let her go, but Chenxi was very stubborn. In the face of natural disasters, there was no guarantee that there would be no plague. Good health was the best choice. She could avoid the drought, but she might not be able to avoid the plague!

In the end, those who were reluctant to part with it gave up due to Shen Xi's stubbornness and the old village chief's accumulated authority.

Dinner consisted of wolf meat and kudzu root, along with some horse meat. It didn't matter that we didn't have water to wash it; we just roasted it over a fire. The kudzu root was thrown into the fire and could be eaten, or eaten raw. Most people ate it raw to quench their thirst!

After everyone had eaten their fill, they stopped eating. After all, it was uncertain whether they would be able to find enough food in the future, so they couldn't eat too much at this time.

At this moment, the old village chief gathered everyone together. "Everyone, we said before that whoever could find food for ten people would be elected as the village chief. Xiaoxi has now led people to find food for more than ten people, and even said that he has found enough food to last for half a month. I agree to let him be the village chief."

Some people agreed, some remained silent, and some objected.

"But she's just a little girl, how can she be our village chief?"

"This has never happened before in our village!"

These dissenting voices all stemmed from her young age and status as a woman, making it difficult for her to serve as village chief—this was the prevailing societal norm.

"Then why not let Chenxi choose a husband and let him take over as village chief? Then they'll be a family, wouldn't that be great?"

Upon hearing this voice, everyone looked at Li Si, and disdainful voices immediately arose.

"Li Si, your mouth smells like shit!"

"What do you mean by constantly targeting the old village chief and making such jokes about the girl?"

However, there were also a few other voices: "It wouldn't be bad to marry this girl. She's capable, literate, and beautiful. Whoever marries her will be very lucky."

"Do you think I could win her over? That face, that figure, wow!"

Chen Xi was completely unaffected; these voices were never lacking. She had a thick skin.

Chen Xi stepped forward and raised his voice, saying, "As long as you acknowledge me as your village chief, I will definitely lead you to find enough food and water. What do you say?"

A single, decisive blow!

Who dares to make that guarantee? She does!

In years of famine, what is most important? Food and water are the most important.

With food and water, one can survive. Everyone wants to live, and those who don't want to live wouldn't flee the famine.

Seeing that there was no way to survive, someone said that they could give them a way to live, even if it was just a slogan or a promise.

But with these words, there is light.

The reason why Shenxi wanted to become the village chief and the leader was that if he could not completely control these people and gain authority, then it was easy to imagine what might happen next. His children would certainly not be able to survive in such chaos.

The old village chief is indeed getting old. On the one hand, he is no longer as strong as he used to be. On the other hand, when Shenxi pressed his acupoints, she also noticed that the old village chief's body was already breaking down. What if he dies or gets sick and can no longer command respect? Relying solely on the old village chief is definitely not a long-term solution.

She could let someone else take the position, but no one could be as reassuring as herself. She was beautiful and gradually developing the looks of a young woman, so she couldn't allow anyone to have the opportunity to spy on or harm her.

Upon hearing this, most people were moved. Regardless of whether she was a little girl or not, if she could truly provide them with sufficient food and water, she would be their second parent!

So the majority voted in favor, and the minority disagreed, but that didn't change the outcome.

The new village chief, Shenxi, has officially joined the team!

Chenxi stood on a slightly higher rock and raised his voice, "Since you've made me the village chief, I'll say a few things. If you agree to these things, we can live well. If you don't agree, don't blame me for turning my back on you. Anyone who doesn't agree will be driven out!"

"Village chief, you said that as long as I can live a good life, I'll agree!"

"Xiaoxi, say it, I support you!"

Once the people below quieted down, Shenxi continued, "Besides the people from Shenjiazhuang, we also have people from other villages. Let's not call him village chief anymore. Since you respect me as your leader, let's call him chief!"

Village chief, village chief, she doesn't want to be the village chief, it sounds too rustic!

"Greetings, Commander!"

Some people were more pragmatic and shouted it out directly, which sounded exceptionally pleasant to Chenxi. That's what you call domineering!

She wanted to reply: Comrades, you've worked hard!

But in the end, I couldn't shout it out. Comrades, this isn't the time to shout. It's hard work? She's the one who's working hard right now!

"Alright, that's the first thing. The second thing is, no bullying men or women, no stealing food or water from your own people, no fighting or brawling, and everyone must live in harmony and obey my orders!"

Everyone agreed, but Li Si was furious. He had done all of these things before, so was it time to settle old scores?

The Wang family patriarch snorted coldly, "Little girl, you'll see how you handle things later!"

Shenxi ignored them. Besides, with so many people around, she wouldn't have noticed, and even if she had, she wouldn't have bothered!

"The third thing is that once things have settled down, everyone, regardless of age or gender, must study literature and practice martial arts without any slackening!"

In chaotic times, one must cultivate both literary and martial skills to survive and have a chance to live well.

The crowd began to whisper among themselves, and someone asked, "Who will be the teacher?"

Shenxi looked at the old village chief. This was something she had discussed with him beforehand. The old village chief stepped forward and replied, "If you want to learn to read first, there are a few people in the village who studied with Scholar Shen. You can have them teach you first. As for martial arts, you can be taught by hunters like Zhao Rong."

That's great, especially for young adults. They may not care much about studying literature, but they are very enthusiastic about learning hunting and martial arts!