Chapter 412 An Xia's Bravery
Gong Wenliang looked at his mother in confusion. How had he gotten into trouble?
Wang Fengling hit her second son in the forehead when she saw his simple-minded appearance.
"Why did you do something so foolish? Don't you know she's a grown woman?"
"Mother, I just happened to be there. If I didn't help, she would have died."
"Couldn't you have gotten your sister-in-law to help? You, an unmarried man, holding a young lady like that would ruin her reputation."
Gong Wenliang's face turned dark. He really hadn't thought that far, and besides, he wasn't in the mood for that now.
Wang Fengling sighed a million times in her heart as she looked at the young girl on the cart. The village gossip would be too much for this girl to bear. If her son married her, she was afraid the girl wouldn't fancy her son. What could be done? It was truly a case of good intentions gone wrong.
"Let's go back to the village first. You should stay away from that girl from now on."
Gong Wenliang nodded quickly. He really had no bad intentions.
Gong Hua, who was listening from the side, heard the conversation and his old face wrinkled. He didn't want to have anything to do with Zhi Zhi.
When Gong Hua returned to the village, he saw a scene of ruins. The villagers were scattered like patches on a piece of clothing, here and there, a chaotic sight.
"The old village chief is back!"
"Fengling, how come you look fatter? And fairer too."
"......"
Gong Hua had felt guilty at first, as he had left when the village was in trouble and hadn't shared their hardships. But now, seeing that the villagers didn't seem to blame him, he felt a little better.
In fact, when the old village chief left, some people had said unpleasant things, like he ran away first when trouble struck, abandoning them to their fate.
Fortunately, Gong Aidang had stepped in and explained everything to them. After all, you couldn't expect a retired person to serve the village forever, nor could you prevent them from going to enjoy their retirement with their children.
It was true that this was the most difficult time for everyone, and there were naturally many people who felt unbalanced. But after arriving at the resettlement site, at least their lives were no longer in danger, so everyone stopped complaining.
Who could blame them for not having capable sons? Moreover, the old village chief was indeed old and had worried about the villagers for many years.
Wang Fengling was inwardly grateful that she had left with her younger son. Otherwise, she would have been exhausted and worn out by now, which would have been difficult for someone of her age.
However, Wang Fengling wouldn't show off and invite envy now. She knew in her heart what comforts she had enjoyed.
"The house we lived in our whole lives is gone just like that. My eldest and second sons had just finished building new houses."
When Fan Wenli saw her mother-in-law, she felt like the backbone of their family had returned. Before, she really didn't feel the importance of the elderly couple, but after experiencing the disaster, she truly missed them.
"Mother, we've had it so hard."
Wang Fengling patted her eldest daughter-in-law's hand. She was finally acting like a proper eldest sister-in-law.
"Wenli, I've caused you trouble at home. Have you heard from Da Mao?"
Mentioning her only son, Fan Wenli perked up.
"Da Mao has sent word. The people in his county escaped earlier, so they didn't suffer much. He's already back at the factory working."
"That's good, that's good."
As long as the whole family was safe, a home could be rebuilt. It would just cost her youngest son's money again.
Gong Aidang, Gong Shusen, and Ji Songlin felt relieved when they saw the old village chief return. Finally, there was someone to help them brainstorm.
"Uncle, how do you think we should rebuild the village? Not everyone can afford to buy bricks and tiles."
"Did the letters I gave you get delivered?"
Ji Songlin quickly replied.
"They were delivered, but we haven't received a definitive response. We don't dare to start anything for the time being and can only build temporary shelters to live in."
"Zi Yisheng said we are waiting for arrangements. Our brigade should be the first to be rebuilt."
The men were happy to hear the old village chief give them a firm answer. It was good to have the old village chief around, otherwise, their brigade would surely be at the end of the line.
"I'll have Wen Tao go and inquire later. We'll live in shelters for now."
Gong Wentao heard his father's command and resigned himself to returning to the county town. He felt like he was working for the Bai Rong Brigade, as his father was very casual about ordering him around.
Gong Wenliang and Gong Wenxing were truly busy now. They had to quickly build shelters for their parents, otherwise, they would have nowhere to sleep that night.
Due to the old village chief's return, the villagers temporarily forgot about An Xia.
An Xia was sent to where the Zhi Zhi group was without attracting much attention. Fortunately, with Gong Wenliang's help, he even found a board in the shelter for An Xia to sleep on, otherwise, no one would have helped her.
An Xia looked at the Zhi Zhi who were all minding their own business and felt a sense of sadness. She felt that these people would not be able to cultivate any friendship. However, she hadn't put much effort into it either.
Gao Jiaojiao, feeling guilty towards An Xia, even took out some food to make a hot meal for her.
The shelter only had a roof, with no walls on the sides. An Xia sat up and ate her porridge, her eyes constantly searching for Gong Wenliang. She felt he was very reliable, seeing him constantly busy.
An Xia was timid, but she was willing to fight for herself. After all, her previous attempt to block Ye Shenggge was to survive safely in the village.
Her leg was injured now, and she wouldn't be able to work for a while. Even with Gao Jiaojiao's subsidies, it wouldn't last long. Soon, someone would have an opinion, and she didn't want to live with the Zhi Zhi anymore.
An Xia's home was no longer her fallback. She had to plan for herself now. Marrying someone in the village was the best option.
An Xia wasn't looking for someone to support her. She wanted to find someone who could give her security. Someone who could protect her from being bullied, and she was willing to work. She just wanted a peaceful life.
And Gong Wenliang was that reliable person who could give her a sense of security. Although he was married and had two children, in An Xia's eyes, he was better than many people.
The more she thought about it, the redder An Xia's face became, because she didn't know if Gong Wenliang would be willing to accept her, this little burden.
"An Xia, do you have a fever? Why is your face so red?"
Gao Jiaojiao was afraid something might happen to An Xia. She really didn't have much money left to spare.
An Xia quickly touched her face. It was a little hot. She quickly lowered her head.
"No, I don't have a fever. It's probably from eating and getting hot."
"Getting hot? It's almost November now, how can it still be so hot? An Xia, if you feel unwell, you must tell me."
An Xia nodded. With a plan in mind, she started to feel restless.
An Xia saw that the Zhi Zhi were all busy and there was no one else in the shelter.
"Jiaojiao, can you call Gong Wenliang here for me? I want to thank him. After all, he saved my life."
Gao Jiaojiao looked at An Xia with some disdain.
"Do you have anything to thank him with? I knew I should have bought some pastries when we were in the county."
An Xia pulled over her bag and took out a small box from inside.
"I have a gift. Just help me call him."
"Alright, I'll go get him now."
Gao Jiaojiao's hand, which had been covering her pocket, relaxed. It was good that she didn't have to buy a gift.
Gong Wenliang had just finished building the bed frame when he heard someone calling him. When he saw the person, he thought something had happened to An Xia.
"Is it An Zhi Zhi again, feeling unwell?"
Gao Jiaojiao quickly waved her hands. She didn't want to hear any inauspicious words now.
"No, no, it's An Xia who wants to speak with you."
Gong Wenliang, who had already started to walk, suddenly stopped. He remembered his mother's words. If he went to find An Xia now, he would be gossiped about, which would not be good for An Xia.
"Hey! Why aren't you going? An Xia really wants to see you."
"I'd better not go. If there's any real problem, you should find the village chief."
Gao Jiaojiao frowned. What was wrong with this person? An Xia wanted to thank him. It's just that she didn't want to say it herself, so why couldn't she get him to go?
"If you save someone, save them completely. Please go one more time. Besides, An Xia only knows you."
Gao Jiaojiao wasn't lying about this. She had come to realize that sometimes, the villagers were much more reliable than the Zhi Zhi.
Gong Wenliang hesitated for a long time before finally agreeing to go. As Gao Jiaojiao said, since he had helped, he should help to the end.
An Xia watched Gong Wenliang approach, her hand tightly clutching the small box in her hand. She was very nervous, afraid that Gong Wenliang would refuse her.
Gong Wenliang walked into the shelter under the gaze of many curious onlookers. When he saw An Xia, whose face was flushed red, he thought she had a fever.
"An Zhi Zhi, are you sick? Do you want me to take you to the hospital again?"
An Xia lowered her head, constantly giving herself encouragement in her heart.
"Squat down, I have something to tell you that cannot be overheard."
Gong Wenliang didn't think much of it and squatted down beside An Xia.
An Xia finally mustered up enough courage, lifted her head, and looked at Gong Wenliang.
"Brother Wenliang, thank you for saving me this time. I, I want to repay your life-saving grace, I."
"No need, no need. We're all from the same brigade. It's my duty to help you."
An Xia felt a pang of sadness. Would he save everyone who got into trouble? Did she hold no special place in Gong Wenliang's heart?
An Xia didn't want to miss Gong Wenliang. Even if he didn't have feelings for her now, as long as she lived well with him, she would surely find a place in his heart.
"I want to marry you. Many people saw you carrying me down the mountain today. I won't be able to marry anyone else in the future, so I want to marry you."
Just as Gong Wenliang was about to refuse, An Xia grabbed his hand. This startled Gong Wenliang and made him fall onto the ground.
"I really want to marry you. I want to have a home, I want to find a reliable person to protect me, and I want to live a peaceful life."
After saying this, An Xia felt lighter. She stared intently at Gong Wenliang, not wanting to miss any expression on his face.
Gong Wenliang was first startled, then he looked at her carefully after hearing An Xia's words. Looking at the thin, small girl, not only was the age difference too great, but if they were to be together, he felt like a beast.
"I, I am too much older than you. I am also divorced and have two children, so I am really not worthy. Moreover, you are from the city, and you will eventually return."
An Xia's hand once again grasped Gong Wenliang's hand, her voice soft.
"My family in the city abandoned me, meaning I have no family. So if I marry you, I won't go back to the city. Also, I am attracted to you as a person. Whether you are divorced or not, I will not dislike you for having two children.
I am actually a person with a mild temper and am quite timid. Since coming to the countryside, I have been living in constant fear every day. I want a home, someone to rely on, and in my eyes, you are the most reliable person."
Gong Wenliang suddenly felt his heart filled. It was the first time someone had called him a reliable person, and it was the first time a girl had confessed to him so proactively. At least he was happy in his heart now.
Gong Wenliang looked outside and saw many people peeking into the shelter. He knew that things between him and An Xia were now complicated. He also couldn't let a girl face this alone, nor could he ruin her entire life.
"Are you serious? You won't regret it? If you marry me, you really won't be able to leave."
Gong Wenliang wasn't lying. It was easy for him to prevent someone from leaving the Bai Rong Brigade. Even if the Zhi Zhi could return to the city, he could detain them. However, he hoped to clarify these things. He didn't want to go through another divorce.
An Xia smiled and nodded vigorously, a sense of urgency in her eyes.
"I am serious, I won't regret it, and I definitely won't leave. But you have to treat me well. I won't be willful, I will work hard, and I will take good care of our home."
Gong Wenliang sighed inwardly. What a good girl, why did she fall for someone like him who had nothing?
"Alright, wait for me to come and propose."
Tears welled up in An Xia's eyes. She finally had a home.
"Yes, I'll wait for you to pick me up."
Gong Wenliang squeezed An Xia's small hand. She was too thin. He would have to take good care of her from now on.
An Xia watched Gong Wenliang's retreating footsteps quicken, a smile on her face. When she looked down and saw the small box by her leg, she slapped her forehead. She had forgotten to give him the gift.
Zhang Yuan had been keeping an eye on Gong Wenliang. She had divorced him, but in her heart, this man still belonged to her.
When Zhang Yuan saw the old man and old woman, who were not wearing a single patched-up garment, she felt a tinge of regret. These two old folks must have been well taken care of by their youngest son and must have quite a bit of money.
But when she saw that scoundrel Gong Wenliang sneaking into the Zhi Zhi's shelter again, Zhang Yuan wished she could rush in and drag him out. It was truly shameless, openly flirting in broad daylight.
Zhang Yuan's eyes towards An Xia were filled with malice. Every swing of the axe she used to chop firewood was as if she were chopping An Xia.
Gong Wenliang rushed to find his mother. He wanted to marry An Xia and needed his parents' consent. However, in his family, as long as his mother agreed, everything would be settled.
"Mother, I have something to discuss with you."
Wang Fengling was happily chatting with her old friends. Everyone was praising her for looking younger, and before her vanity could reach its peak, her second son interrupted her. She looked at her second son with some disdain.
"What is it?"
Gong Wenliang's heart was filled with uncontrollable excitement. Although he had said earlier that he didn't want to find a woman, how could he not be excited when a young and beautiful girl confessed to him?
Gong Wenliang pulled his mother to a secluded spot, looking around furtively as if he were a thief, ensuring no one could hear them.
Seeing her second son acting so mysteriously, Wang Fengling's disdain grew.
"Are you possessed?"
"Mother, I want to marry An Xia."
"What! Say that again!"
Gong Wenliang's heart faltered a little when he saw his mother's changed expression, but he had already promised An Xia and couldn't go back on his word.
"Mother, An Xia is willing to marry me and live a good life with me. I want to bring her home."