Chapter 44 Chapter 44 The next day, Cheng Xin heard...
When Cheng Xin heard the news that the riverbank almost broke last night, her heart was instantly swallowed by fear.
She casually grabbed a coat and put it on, put on her shoes in a hurry, and without even having time to comb her hair, she ran towards the river bank where Geng Yunye was guarding.
The horrific scenes of the collapsed riverbank and raging floods kept replaying in her mind, and Geng Yunye's figure was standing alone in the raging waves, like a lonely boat that could be swallowed up at any time, which made her very distressed.
When Cheng Xin saw Geng Yunye working safely with the commune cadres, her tense nerves snapped. Her legs softened and she almost fell to her knees on the muddy ground.
Geng Yunye was discussing something with someone when he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure from the corner of his eye. He immediately stopped talking and strode towards her.
Cheng Xin staggered to Geng Yunye, taking one deep step at a time and one shallow step at a time, and grabbed his arms tightly with both hands, as if he would disappear without a trace if he let go.
Her eyes were eager and focused as she looked Geng Yunye up and down, from his muddy and slightly tired face to his shoes that were covered in mud and almost unrecognizable, not missing any details.
Her eyes were full of worry and concern, and her heart, which had been hanging in her throat, finally settled down after she confirmed that there was not a single scratch on his body.
Tears welled up in her eyes uncontrollably, her voice trembled so much that she almost cried out, "Thank God, you're okay. All I could think of was you in the flood. I was really scared that I would never see you again."
Cheng Xin suddenly threw herself into Geng Yunye's arms, hugged him tightly, and her body trembled slightly because of excitement and fear. "If you hadn't stood guard at the river bank for my family, I can't imagine what the consequences would be. Thank you."
She knew in her heart that if Geng Yunye had not stepped forward, it might have been her or her brother who had to go to the river bank to bear the brunt of the flood.
Geng Yunye placed his hands firmly on Cheng Xin's shoulders and stared at her straightly: "Don't cry, look, I'm standing in front of you intact, right?"
His tone was solemn and serious: "I used to wear military uniforms, and the oath I made has long been engraved in my soul. Even after retiring, I have never forgotten the responsibilities and obligations of a soldier. Standing on the river bank last night, facing the raging flood, I had only one thought in my mind - do my best to stop the flood, protect every fellow villager, and protect you."
He leaned forward slightly, his tall body full of tenderness at the moment, and gently wiped away the tears on Cheng Xin's cheeks with his fingertips, his movements were as gentle as if he was treating a rare treasure, and his words were full of unquestionable firmness: "Cheng Xin, I want you to know that for the rest of your life, no matter what kind of danger you encounter, as long as I am still here, I will definitely protect you with my life. This is not only my promise to you, but also my adherence to my identity as a soldier."
Cheng Xin raised her face and looked at Geng Yunye with tearful eyes. Her lips trembled and it took her a long time to find her voice.
"I..."
She took a deep breath and tried to calm her surging emotions. "I used to think you were warm-hearted and a good person. But when I was running in fear, every minute and every second seemed so long, and my mind was filled with your image fighting the flood, I realized that my understanding of you was still superficial."
Cheng Xin's chest was heaving violently, and she was so excited that she could hardly control herself. Geng Yunye was standing in front of her intact, and she was not only grateful for surviving the disaster. She was filled with unprecedented emotions from the bottom of her heart, and the hazy veil of her feelings was completely torn apart at this moment.
She had known for a long time that she was just a supporting character in the book, but even though she saw the destined ending, she was unwilling to miss the man who protected her with his life.
"I know I am an ordinary farm girl, and I may not have enough ability to face all the storms with you. But from last night, when I was frightened for you, I knew that you have already lived in my heart. I am afraid that I am not worthy of your courage and your responsibility, but I am more afraid of missing you."
“I want to be with you. No matter how difficult the future may be, I am willing to work hard to protect everything we cherish with you.
Cheng Xin confided to this point, revealing her deepest feelings to him without reservation. She was clearly aware of the importance of Geng Yunye in her heart.
Geng Yunye lowered his head slightly and looked into Cheng Xin's eyes, his gaze full of tenderness and determination.
He gently held Cheng Xin's hands, stroking the back of her hands with his thumbs, and said slowly: "In my eyes, you have never been an ordinary farm girl. Your kindness, courage and love for life have deeply touched me every moment we have been together. Identity and family background are not the criteria for measuring a person. What really matters is our inner perseverance and our feelings for each other."
He applied a little force and placed Cheng Xin's hand on his chest, letting her feel his strong heartbeat. His voice was steady and sincere: "Last night in the flood, what kept me going was not only the mission of a soldier, but also my concern for you. I know that I have you, my family and my home behind me. The road ahead may be bumpy, but as long as you are by my side, I will not be afraid of any difficulties or obstacles. Your company is my most powerful strength."
Before the warmth on their fingertips had dissipated, Cheng Xin and Geng Yunye were dragged back to the harsh reality.
Looking around, the whole brigade was in a state of shock. Even though the fields of every household had been harvested, they were now in a mess.
The early morning sun shines brightly, but it cannot dispel the haze in people's hearts. Helplessness and sorrow are written all over the faces of the members.
The two looked at each other, their eyes full of determination and tacit understanding. Without saying a word, they quickly adjusted their state, turned around and walked towards the crowd to meet with the commune cadres and villagers.
Geng Yunye, relying on his rich experience, stood on a slightly higher ground and gave orders loudly: "Men, concentrate on clearing the silt from the main road and clearing the road as soon as possible to allow the delivery of relief supplies, so that everyone can travel more conveniently! Others, divide into small groups, go home to check the damage to the houses, and rescue any supplies that can still be used."
His voice was firm and powerful, giving the members a backbone.
Cheng Xin walked among the crowd at the edge of the field, comforting the older aunts who looked lost. She said softly, "Let's all boil some hot water together, and gather all the dry food at home to send to the uncles and brothers who are working so hard, so that they can have the strength to rebuild our home."
Under Cheng Xin's organization, several large pots were set up on the drying yard. Wisps of smoke slowly rose, bringing a glimmer of hope to the disaster-stricken land.
The road was cleared and the commune quickly sent people to take over the follow-up matters. Everyone gathered at the edge of the field to discuss the reconstruction plan, and the atmosphere was so solemn that it was almost depressing.
Chen Ying was worried: if she stayed, she would have to help with the work, which was dirty and tiring and she couldn't stand it. There might also be infectious diseases caused by the flood.
She showed an extremely reluctant expression on her face, her eyes slightly red, and walked up to Cheng Xin and the others, choking with tears and saying, "Cousin, Brother Yunye, and everyone, I really want to rebuild our home with you. During this time of getting along with you, I have regarded my aunt's home as my own home."
She wiped her eyes and said, "But my brother is getting married in three days, and my mother urged me to go back to help in the letter. I really can't stay any longer."
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