Disaster Apocalypse: Farming, Family, and My Hidden Secret Space

The old man Wang was at a loss about how to begin, but upon hearing his old friend's words, he felt his eyes heat up with emotion. That's what being good brothers is all about—he hadn't even spoken yet, and his friend was already showing concern.

Old Man Wang was here to seek help, and now that the conversation was underway, there was no reason to hold back. He poured out his troubles all at once.

"... Brother Hua, if the Northern Cang invaders really attack, how can our small place withstand it? I can't stand idly by while the thousand or so people in Wang Village, young and old, are put in danger as the village chief. My heart aches. We old folks don't really mind, we've got few years left, and dying wouldn't be a pity, but it's the children that I feel sorry for. You've always been a capable person, Brother Hua, and I've thought this over and really can't think of anyone else to turn to but you..." As he spoke, Old Man Wang's eyes reddened.

"Alright, how old are you? Stop crying, if you have something to say, speak it." Old Man Hua spoke in a dismissive tone, but his hands moved quickly to pass his handkerchief to his old friend.

"Wipe your face, don't be afraid of being laughed at."

"Afraid of what? There's no outsiders," Old Man Wang sniffed.

Besides, even if there were outsiders, he wouldn't care. As long as a way could be found for Wang Village to survive, he'd be willing to kneel.

Holding the clean handkerchief, in the end, he couldn't bear to wipe himself but didn't have the intention to return it, only using his murky eyes to look at his old friend.

Old Man Hua: "..."

He knew that this guy wouldn't visit without trouble, but since they were good brothers for many years, he could tell that Wang Dashu was indeed in a difficult situation, otherwise he wouldn't have come looking for him.

He could mostly guess what it was about; after all, the old guy's intentions were too obvious.

Old Man Hua sighed: "Speak, how do you want me to help?"

Old Man Wang straightened his posture: "Brother, what do you think of Wang Village?"

Glancing at him, Old Man Hua said thoughtfully: "To have survived safely these years evidently speaks to strong unity, and with you as the village chief it's certainly good."

"How about my old friend takes in the entire village, Brother? You mustn't turn your back on us when we're in dire need; your brother will cling to you."

Old Man Wang was shameless now; after all, can one's face fill another's belly or provide a sense of safety?

As long as they could join Hua Village, what difference does it make if he discards his dignity?

"Join us, Brother Wang, are you serious? Are your villagers willing?"

"Of course it's serious. As for the villagers, don't worry. They take my opinion as theirs, of course, they're willing." Old Man Wang looked at Hua Man with hope.

"But... you can see our Hua Village is packed, and your village is quite large too, where would there be extra houses for you?"

The truth about not having extra houses was false. His son had always been prudent and foresighted in his actions. When managing the houses back then, he constructed dozens more at the back of the village. Except for selling a few to the Luo family, the rest were still empty.

Even if there weren't any, it wouldn't matter. There's plenty of space behind the village, thanks to the Qin family for working tirelessly to expand Hua Village as much as possible during the construction of the walls. In several directions except for the fields, there is indeed a lot of space.

Altogether, not just one Wang Village, even two could fit in.

"That's not a problem. As long as we're welcomed, our villagers can endure hardship, we can live anywhere. Nothing would be as harsh as the days back on the mountain; we can also build our own houses."

"Have you really thought this through?" Old Man Hua looked earnestly at Wang Dashu.

"I've thought it through; these damn days are too hard. Following you is the only way to survive." Old Man Wang looked seriously at Hua Man, nodding heavily.

"But once you join our Hua Village, Wang Village will cease to exist; are you okay with that?"

"What's the big deal? I've been tired of being the village chief for a long time, it's a chance for freedom. Wang Village or not, as long as everyone can live well, why care about it vanishing?"

"Once you join us, you must abide by our rules in Hua Village."

"Of course, if there is anyone who does not follow the rules, Brother, you may deal with them as you see fit; I have no objection here. I understand this—rules must be followed just like in our village."

"Alright, since that's the case, let me talk about the conditions of joining Hua Village."

"Alright..." Old Man Wang quickly nodded, having made up his mind that as long as the conditions weren't extremely harsh, he would agree.

"Actually, you're not the first ones wanting to join our village..." Old Man Hua shared about Li Village, the dozen or so households, and finally emphasized the conditions of joining.

Though his relationship with Wang Village's chief was special and they were good brothers, business is business, even among brothers. Things must be clear; while they can be accepted, toxic elements will not be tolerated. If rules are not obeyed, expulsion would be a mild consequence.

Furthermore, to ensure fairness, just like Li Village folks looking to join Hua Village, there must be a certain contribution of grain or silver coins, as well as a land fee, though the price can be disregarded—it's about adhering to rules.

Old Man Hua laid out all these terms.

"If all these can be obeyed, I'll then discuss it with the village elders and others." Old Man Hua looked at Wang Dashu.

At this moment, Wang Dashu's tense expression suddenly relaxed; he had been so anxious, thinking the conditions would be much harsher. These are all basic things—just looking at the tall wall outside the village—it wouldn't matter even if each household had to contribute not ten but dozens or hundreds of pounds of grain. Besides, who builds a house without paying a land fee? Moreover, it hardly makes a difference when they practically gift it. As for rules, doesn't anybody need to follow rules anywhere?

Old Man Wang almost didn't even consider before he quickly nodded, "No objections, no objections."

Watching Wang Dashu's anxious demeanor, Old Man Hua didn't delay either and stood up.

"Chengtian, entertain your Uncle Wang while I go to the elders."

"Okay," Hua Chengtian nodded.

"Uncle Wang, have some water..."

Old Man Hua was away for nearly an hour and returned just as lunch was ready.

Hua Yunao, who had been staying at the iron shop, also returned. He was in the backyard cleaning himself, with Hua Yunxiang accompanying him to entertain the guests, leading the two uncles from Wang Village around both the village and his home, successfully witnessing their various expressions of admiration.

Old Man Hua understood Wang Dashu's anxiety, and upon his return, he informed Wang Dashu of the results of the discussion.

And then saw his old friend start spinning around in excitement, then grasp his hand, continuously expressing gratitude.

"Alright, alright, you two brothers shouldn't go on and on with the politeness, come on over and eat. Wasn't Brother Dashu looking forward to my cooking? Hurry up and taste it."

The old woman Hua interrupted them; otherwise, Old Man Wang would be excited for who knows how long.

"Oh, oh..." Hearing Sister-in-law's words, Old Man Wang was a bit embarrassed and quickly came in to sit down.