Most of the survivors were grieving and weeping for their loved ones, their cries filled with despair.
Many of their relatives died because they were killed by their own family members, who wanted to monopolize the food.
As expected, human nature cannot withstand the test; if it can, it means the benefit is not great enough.
Looking around, the entrance to the grain cave was filthy and chaotic, with blood and grain mixed together, making it impossible to find a clean place to step.
Zhen Wanwan's germaphobia kicked in, but because her limbs were too weak, she couldn't even move to another spot.
She inadvertently met Qu Huaiyuan's gaze for a few seconds. His eyes were so intense that they almost burned her eyes, so she quickly looked away.
“Zhen Niangzi, these people are all tied up, so there won’t be any more trouble. Why don’t I carry you to a cleaner place?” Qu Huaiyuan sincerely suggested.
Zhen Wanwan did not agree immediately.
Although she didn't think that chastity was more important than anything else, this was ancient times, and her reputation wasn't very good. If she got too close to a scholar like Qu Huaiyuan who was still taking the imperial examinations, it might cause him trouble.
She doesn't want to cause trouble for others, and she dislikes others causing trouble for her; she simply hates troublesome people.
She's destined to raise her child alone for the rest of her life, so it's best if she doesn't get involved with other men.
Okay! Actually, Qu Huaiyuan's intense gaze just now scared her. She's narcissistic and afraid that others will take a liking to her.
"Zhen Niangzi?"
Qu Huaiyuan looked at Zhen Wanwan in confusion after waiting for a long time without receiving a response.
It wasn't that he didn't know how to avoid suspicion, but Zhen Wanwan's current appearance was too disheveled. She was lying flat on the sewage mixed with blood and food, and her clothes were stained with an unknown liquid.
It was as if he had crawled out of a latrine; he couldn't bear to abandon her and leave...
Zhen Wanwan had no idea how disgusted others were with her. She was even narcissistically afraid that she herself liked her as she was now. If she knew, she would probably want to crawl into a hole in the ground.
Just as she was about to refuse, she inadvertently glanced at the corpse next to her staring at her with wide eyes. Startled, she hurriedly stretched out her hands and cowardly agreed.
"Thank you very much, Brother Qu. I'm sorry to trouble you."
Qu Huaiyuan was taken aback by the speed of her change of expression. He helped her up without any hesitation, but Zhen Wanwan was heavily pregnant and couldn't carry him at all.
His face flushed red, and he said apologetically, "Please forgive me, I carried you away."
Zhen Wanwan felt extremely uncomfortable. The corpse seemed to be looking at her and smiling, which made her hair stand on end. She couldn't possibly have any romantic thoughts now.
Hearing Qu Huaiyuan's apology, she waved her hand dismissively and said, "It's alright, thank you for your hard work."
Qu Huaiyuan stiffly carried her in a princess carry. He held Zhen Wanwan tightly with his fists, his eyes not wandering, carefully avoiding the dirt on the ground, and slowly moved out of the cave.
Phew~ Finally, she's left that awful place. She's now certain that the feng shui of this cave is indeed bad; nothing good has happened since she moved in yesterday!
Once they were completely away from the cave, Qu Huaiyuan slowly put Zhen Wanwan down. Because it was almost night, the cave was pitch black, and only the figures of people could be vaguely seen.
Zhen Wanwan had just gone through a fierce battle and was completely exhausted. If Qu Huaiyuan hadn't carried her away, she probably would have had to stay with the corpse for a while longer. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but express her gratitude: "Thank you so much, Brother Qu."
"No need to be so polite. You saved so many people; we should be thanking you."
Qu Huaiyuan spoke these words sincerely. If it weren't for Zhen Wanwan, those crazed villagers would probably have killed all the old, weak, women and children long ago.
As the rain subsided at night, the stench of blood could still be smelled from afar. At this time, the villagers sat in a circle, trying to find warmth in each other's body.
Zhen Wanwan had recovered her senses, but she was still worried about Grandpa Zhen and the others, wondering what their situation was.
A group of people carrying torches walked towards them into the night from a distance. The villagers were so frightened that they scurried into the corners. Zhen Wanwan slowly got up and saw that it was Grandma Li and the others!
"Mother, why have you come here?"
Grandma Li's eyes were red and swollen, her hair was messy, and she looked extremely disheveled. She trembled as she stepped forward and hugged Zhen Wanwan.
"Waaaaah... My Wanwan..."
Hearing Old Lady Li's cries, the emotions that had finally subsided were reignited, and the entire cave was filled with a sorrowful atmosphere.
Zhen Wanwan couldn't help but shed tears. Who wouldn't be afraid in this situation?
To live well, she had to be strong, and thankfully, none of the people she wanted to protect were hurt.
For some reason, Zhen Wanwan felt waves of cramping pain in her stomach. She cried out in pain, startling everyone present into instantly stopping their crying.
It’s over, it’s over…
Is she about to give birth?
Thinking about this, Zhen Wanwan hesitated whether she should take the medicine. Her stomach was really hurting, just like when her period came, with sharp, throbbing pains.
Her face contorted in a grimace, and she cursed inwardly, thinking, "This place is utterly barbaric! It's not a place for childbirth!"
However, she really had to admit that she had really messed up this time, because she could clearly feel blood flowing from her lower body.
"Quick! She's about to give birth! Eldest daughter, hurry back and boil some hot water, and make sure the bed is clean." Grandma Li then turned to comfort Zhen Wanwan, saying, "Wanwan, don't be afraid, Mom's here..."
Before Old Mrs. Li could recover from her grief, she had to face the fact that her daughter had been born prematurely. She mustered her spirits and gave instructions step by step.
Wang Cuihua was told to go back and prepare for the birth, but Zhen Wanwan was in such a condition that she couldn't lift her up by herself.
Most of the people who survived were elderly women, all of whom had sustained injuries. The women who came with her were either Aunt Qu, who had poor eyesight, or Aunt Zhou, who had a leg ailment.
Grandma Li searched everywhere but couldn't find anyone who could lend a hand. The only two people who weren't injured and still had strength were Qu Huaiyuan, but...
well!
Qu Huaiyuan was unaware of Old Lady Li's dilemma. He stood helplessly to the side, wanting to help but not knowing how to start, and could only stand there anxiously.
Aunt Qu spoke first: "Sister, Wanwan's condition is very dangerous right now. Giving birth can't be delayed. Do you think I should let my Huaiyuan carry her back?"
“Yes, we’re in the middle of nowhere, it’s pitch black here. I’m afraid Wan’er will be in danger if we stay any later,” Aunt Zhou chimed in.
Grandma Li knew she had no choice, and since the girl's own mother didn't mind, she wouldn't say anything more. She could only let Qu Huaiyuan take the girl back.
Qu Huaiyuan's mind was completely clouded at the moment, and he couldn't think of anything else. Upon hearing Aunt Qu's instructions, he skillfully picked the person up.
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