"Sister, the house in front of Tiger's house collapsed."
There are only two brick houses in the village. One is this simple one, which was used for sentry duty during the war a few years ago. In ancient times, it could be considered a lookout tower. The roof of the house is much higher than the living quarters. After the interior was renovated, the pointed roof was still left as it was.
However, during rain and snow, a pointed roof is more than ten times safer than a flat roof, as the pressure from rain or snow spread out is much less.
However, everyone knows that the small house at the entrance of the village is very small, so small that it was originally just big enough for one person to live in. The west room was later expanded by Xiao Jian, a young intellectual, with her own money.
The other brick building is the former residence of educated youth, originally a landlord's compound.
Besides these two, there's Liu Weimin's house, which is a mud-and-straw house.
Oh, and there's one more, the village office. It was reinforced when the classrooms were renovated two years ago, but it seems it can still be put to use now.
The houses that Lin Dongfang and the others built themselves later were not bad, since they were newly built and not very old, so they weren't that fragile.
However, most of the other houses in the village are quite old. At most, the leaky ones are repaired, and the ones that don't leak can be left as is. The villagers mainly worry about the summer, and probably never expected that they would collapse in the winter.
Having overheard their conversation, Jian Dan's heart sank. No matter how hard-hearted she was, she couldn't just stand by and watch, even if it had nothing to do with her. This wasn't just about one or two lives.
In truth, everyone involved in natural disasters is innocent.
Moreover, looking at the two children inside and outside the door, their little faces tense but filled with worry, Jian Dan felt a strange, indescribable feeling.
"The village is conducting a door-to-door search. So far, they've found that more than a dozen houses have collapsed. They're digging people out now, and they haven't checked anything yet, but the losses are estimated to be substantial."
"We're relieved to see you're alright. You guys go back now. We'll go check on Jianguo, Tan Yajun, and the others."
After all, we were both sent-down youth, so we should show more care than ordinary people.
Looking at the two children's expressions, he simply smiled.
"We're fine, so let's go to the village together. My place is a bit small, so it probably can't take them all in. Let's see if there's anything we can do to help."
"Why don't you come in and wait a moment while we get some things and come with you?"
The two boys exchanged a glance and rubbed their hands together.
"Alright."
Helping others is one thing, simply supporting their enthusiasm, but it's also important to explain the requirements to the child beforehand.
"Protect yourself first."
They said they were just getting some things, but what they brought out were two whole baskets, and the pockets of the two children's coats were stuffed full of candy. Lin Dongfang and his companion were a little surprised, but they didn't say anything and just picked up the baskets.
The fire that had just been lit was extinguished, and the three of them followed behind Lin Dongfang and his companion, making a difficult journey into the village.
Cheng Rui frowned slightly, as if he were trying to solve some world-class problem.
Ling Weidong turned around and met this little face, and couldn't help but ask,
"What's troubling you? Why are you frowning like that?"
Cheng Rui glanced back at his younger brother beside him, and seeing that he didn't say anything, he asked his question.
Why did my sister bring so much stuff?
It's not that he's reluctant to part with it; in fact, his father often does this too. He just doesn't understand.
“My sister isn’t a village official or a leader, so why is she giving things to the villagers? And isn’t the cornmeal enough? Why did she have to give bones and wild boar meat?”
Cheng An opened his mouth, as if to say something, but after glancing at the people around him, he ultimately didn't say anything.
Jian Dan didn't expect him to actually ask that question, and simply laughed.
"Then tell me, why do you think that is?"
Cheng Rui wasn't stupid either; he scratched his head.
"Sister, you think their situation is very difficult and deserves sympathy?"
Is there anything else?
"So many houses collapsed, and the grain must have been trapped inside. This is their most helpless time. Sister, wouldn't you say this is a timely help?"
Is there anything else?
Cheng An sighed softly.
"If they are alright, that's fine. But if something really happens to them, when they are heartbroken, not everyone can stay rational. Do you think some people will have wild thoughts and complain about everything? Why should outsiders be fine when something bad happened to people from their own village?"
Also, don't forget, I can hunt wild boars, and my uncle and older brother often bring me things. They must suspect that my family lives a good life.
It's normal to harbor resentment towards the rich.
The villagers are usually quite afraid of this, but it is precisely because of this that when people are desperate and can't go on living, do you think they might harbor ill intentions?
Two fists can't fight against many hands, so why leave hidden dangers for the future?
It's just a small thing; it's not like we can't afford it. No one remembers the small favors, but if someone spreads rumors about helping someone in need, even the villagers won't stand for it. Who wants to be called ungrateful?
The adults looked at each other, quite surprised. Could this really be something a child of just over ten years old would say?
Judging from Jian Dan's expression, it's clear that this wasn't something she taught her. Besides, given their understanding of Jian Dan, well, she probably didn't even think about it this complicatedly.
Ling Weidong said softly.
"Isn't he a born politician?"
Lin Dongfang was also somewhat stunned.
"I think I know why Brother Chao brought him along and took him to the military camp. This little village is just too comfortable; it doesn't pose any challenge for him anymore, does it?"
On the contrary, Cheng Rui remained completely calm, showing no surprise whatsoever at his younger brother's words and accepting them readily.
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