The Shi forest had a turn that allowed you bypass the official road which was the direction of the flood. Even as they entered the forest, they kept on running till they arrived at a high slope and climbed up.
Others also joined them till everyone had climbed successful. As they settled, they panted for air and some even burst out laughing for joy. Others who had lost their families cried in despair, and for a moment the whole place was noisy.
Su Xiao had parked the cart besides a tree, she jumped down to check on the kids. When she opened the curtains, the pale face of Bai Ling and the children came to sight. It was obvious they had been frightened by the scene. The children immediately jumped into her arms and burst out crying,
"Waah!"
"There, there, don't cry. You're safe now, mother is here"
Bai Ling was retching at the side while her husband patted her back gently. The brothers were checking on the horses and Mu Wei came to their side and carried Mu Wei. He hugged his father and continued sobbing making his heart ache. Just as the family was having a happy moment, a woman's scream interrupted them,
"It's your fault I lost my husband"
Su Xiao turned to look at the hysterical woman and remembered her. She was the wife of the man who refused to part with his belongings and lagging behind thereby swept away by the storm. She was looking at her with venomous and accusatory eyes while pointing at her.
"I hate it when people point at me"
Her voice was calm but oddly frightening and the woman felt a shiver run down her spine. Mu Wei wanted to intervene but she shook her head at him. He stepped back with the kids respecting her decision.
The woman seeing that she didn't take any action became emboldened thinking she was afraid. The words that came out of her mouth became more dirty and unscrupulous,
"You're nothing but a jinx and a slut. You knew that a flood was coming and yet didn't save my husband"
As she ranted, her spit flew around and Su Xiao shifted back to avoid being tainted. To deal with unreasonable people you had to be straightforward,
"I warned you all but no one listened after getting comfortable at the village. Your husband was greedy and refused to let go of the little food he had which was why he was slower and got swept away by the flood. As for you, you didn't even look back once and ran faster than a rabbit and now wanting to accuse me"
Her cold gaze locked on her and she felt ashamed but still struggled to defend herself,
"I was afraid which is why I ran away. But you're capable as well as your brothers. Surely, you wouldn't lose anything if you ask one of them to save my husband. You're heartless and evil"
She immediately rolled on the ground throwing a tantrum. Su Xiao rolled her eyes before speaking,
"Why should I save him? Is he my husband or my father or my brother? I'm not anyone's savior so why should I save him?"
Not expecting her to say that, Zhai Ning still argued,
"You're heartless. You couldn't even save your fellow human. You deserve to die"
"Hmph! I don't care what you think about me, after all it won't feed me"
Zhai Ning felt speechless before demanding,
"I don't care. You have to feed me and protect me since you allowed my husband die"
Su Xiao patience finally snapped and she squatted to her level and gripped her jaw tightly it hurt,
"Listen, this is the last time I talk calmly to you. The next time, I will make sure you're not able to speak"
Zhai Ning was so frightened that she nodded frantically. Only then did she release her and she scrambled back in fear. Su Xiao calmly dusted her hands and walked to the kids whom Mu Wei had closed their ears and eyes to avoid witnessing the scene. Mu Wei smiled at her and handed the kids to her,
"I need to discuss with the ballifs chief about what next to do so we can get out of here faster"
"Okay"
He looked in the direction the woman hid and his eyes narrowed. Any one that insulted his woman was looking for death..
Zhai Ning standing at the back felt like she was being targeted by a ravenous wolf and she nearly peed herself. It must be that damned woman again plotting behind her. Just wait, she would avenge her husband and this humiliation she suffered today.
Mu Wei made his way to the chief who was resting on the floor. The other ballifs seeing him approach, instinctively made way for him. It couldn't be helped. His aura was too strong and commanding that they subconsciously felt like bowing every time he approached them. He acknowledged their greetings with a nod and sat besides the chief.
"Gen... I mean Boss Wei, thank you for saving my life"
He had seen how merciless the flood was. If not for Mu Wei's timely reminder, he would be a dead man too. He was grateful to him for that. Not only would he have lost his job,but he also wouldn't be able to preserve his life either. Mu Wei just nodded in agreement before responding,
"It's nothing Chief. We have to move on as this place is not safe either. At night, a poisonous fog fiils the whole place and dangerous animals roam in the day so we need to find a temporary boudoir to stay before night fall"
Lu Dan jolted back to reality after he heard his explanation. Yes, this place wasn't safe either. He had heard rumors about this place and how nobody made it out alive from here. As for how Mu Wei knew here was safe and how he knew there was an exit to the the other side was none of his business. Sometimes knowing too much was dangerous for one's life.
"As for food, we will figure it out later"
"You're right, Boss Wei. I will do just as you said"
"Hm. I need to go talk with my wife"
"Alright"
Mu Wei retraced his steps back to the cart. Stopping at the brother's cart, he made sure they were okay before going to Shi Dong and then to their own cart. The children were asleep still clutching her tightly. She smiled at him when he climbed on and he felt relieved. It was only such moments with her that he felt peace despite the perilous situation. He looked tenderly at her as he said,
"You must be tired. Get some rest, we will still moving thirty minutes later"
"Hm. You also need some rest too. Once we find a comfortable spot I will prepare some food for you"
"I will eat whatever my wife cooks"
She smiled before closing her eyes to rest. Mu Wei watched them sleeping feeling content inside. His tensed nerves slowly relaxing as he allowed himself to enjoy the moment.