The place we found was just a relatively flat open area, not very large, but the only advantage was that the terrain was low and there was a small puddle.
Perhaps due to the water source, wild mushrooms and various wild vegetables grow abundantly in the vicinity, enough for them to return with a bountiful harvest.
We've already wasted most of the day here because of them, and this is all we can do to help them. The rest is up to them to handle themselves.
When Wang Dali and his companions saw so many wild mushrooms and edible wild vegetables, they forgot all about resting and even forgot their fatigue and hunger, searching inch by inch with their bags.
"Everyone, rest here for a bit, but you need to get down the mountain as soon as possible. It's not peaceful on the mountain at night, so you can't linger here." Si Cheng and the others had already checked the area, and although there was no immediate danger, they still didn't recommend that they stay here any longer.
The people who had been squatting on the ground looking for things all stood up and began to say, "No, we'll finish picking up this area and then head down the mountain. We definitely won't linger here."
Seeing that they understood this as well, Si Cheng simply tossed a bag to Wang Dali and said, "You guys divide it up." Before they could react, he led the group forward.
Zhao Dongwei, however, glanced back a few times, wondering what was inside.
Si Cheng was able to leave so confidently because he saw that the people who followed him were reasonable. As long as they followed his instructions to descend the mountain soon, there wouldn't be any major problems, since this was only the outer edge of the mountain.
After they had walked away, Wang Dali opened the bag, exclaimed in surprise, and said that it was too valuable.
Everyone quickly gathered around, eager to see what Village Chief Si had left them.
"This is too precious!" Looking at the small bag of chocolates, everyone felt a little guilty. This might be a life-saving energy that Pinghe Village had brought up the mountain in case of emergency.
"These must weigh at least two pounds, right?" Wang Dali weighed them in his hands, looking in the direction where Village Chief Si and the others had left with a complicated expression. Chocolates like these were rare at this time of year, and they were probably the ones they had traded for grain from the city.
"Shall we split it?" Someone stared intently at the small cloth bag, afraid that someone might object.
“Distribute them,” Wang Dali thought, recalling the village chief’s attitude just now and knowing that the man wanted to help them. He felt that he should distribute the things, otherwise it would be too hot to handle.
Everyone received their share, and many people carefully put it into their pockets, seemingly thinking of taking it back to their families.
Seeing their actions, Liu Huatian couldn't help but remind them, "You need to make sure you have the strength to get back to the village. Otherwise, if you collapse on the way, the things might not even reach your families. Besides, this goes against the original intention of Village Chief Si in giving us these things."
Don't let yourself faint halfway there. Not only will you slow everyone down, but if something else happens, you won't be able to explain yourself when you get back.
Many people, after hearing his words, thought for a moment, then carefully took a small piece of chocolate from their pockets, tore open the wrapper, and put it in their mouths. The bittersweet taste brought tears to many eyes. Such a sweet treat completely masked the bitterness within.
“We’ve met some good people. Although Village Chief Si is usually a bit taciturn, he’s very thoughtful. He’s been taking care of us along the way, slowing down his pace, and now he’s giving us chocolate to replenish our energy. If anyone tries to make things difficult for Pinghe Village in the future, I, Old Liu, won’t let them get away with it.”
Liu Huatian ate one piece of chocolate himself, and carefully put the rest in his pocket. He had to take these back so that the children at home could be happy too.
Seeing that everyone was still reminiscing, Wang Dali had to interrupt them and said loudly, "Everyone, hurry up and find as many as you can. After all, this kind of opportunity is rare. We definitely won't dare to go into the mountains by ourselves next time."
After saying this, he didn't dare to delay any longer and quickly squatted down to continue searching. After all, if he brought the food back here, his family could survive for a few more days. Opportunities like this don't come every day.
As for following the people from Pinghe Village into the mountains again, that was something they dared not even think about. The short stretch of mountain path they had already walked had already exhausted them, and if they were to force themselves to keep up, they would be a nuisance.
Zhao Dongwei, brimming with curiosity, leaned closer to Si Cheng and asked, "Brother, what did you just throw to them?"
Si Cheng said, "It's just some chocolate."
"Chocolate?" Zhao Dongwei exclaimed in surprise, "Brother, you guys actually have chocolate?"
"Why can't we have it?" Si Cheng thought Zhao Dongwei was making a fuss over nothing. Last time they went to the city, chocolate was among the supplies they exchanged.
Zhao Dongwei knew he could exchange some, and he was thinking of exchanging some himself. But then another question popped into his head: "But aren't all the chocolates expired by now?"
Yun Jianying, standing to the side, looked at him like he was an idiot. "At a time like this, who cares if something is expired? Besides, chocolate is different from other foods. It's just to temporarily replenish their energy, not to let them eat large quantities."
Zhao Dongwei then realized he might have said something wrong, and his speech quickened, "Brother, that's not what I meant. It's not that I think you shouldn't have given them expired food, or that's what I meant. It's just that you brought so much chocolate up the mountain?"
Seeing Zhao Dongwei's somewhat incoherent speech, the people around him laughed, which made him feel embarrassed, and his face turned red.
"You really need to change your temper. Think before you speak. These are all people from our own village. Don't act like this when you're out in public." Yun Jianying thought Zhao Dongwei was alright in many ways, but he often spoke without thinking, sometimes blurting out whatever came to mind, which caused him a lot of embarrassing situations.
"I know that, but for some reason, my mouth always acts faster than my brain, and I regret it as soon as I finish speaking." Zhao Dongwei is aware of this flaw of his, and after trying for a while, he always repeats the same mistake.
Si Cheng didn't think there was anything wrong with him. "Actually, Dong Wei's personality is more reassuring. At least people don't have to struggle to guess what he's thinking, and he's easier to get along with."
Angkor, however, had a different view: "It depends on who he's with. If they're narrow-minded, they'll hold grudges. He should try to change that if possible!"
Zhao Dongwei looked at Si Cheng, then at Wu Tianxiang, and asked, "So, should I change it or not?"
Looking at his silly and adorable appearance, Si Cheng simply said, "You should change!" and then ignored him.
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