Chapter 1160 - 1033: Gathering in the Disaster Area

Chapter 1160: Chapter 1033: Gathering in the Disaster Area

Watching Miao Lishan hang up the phone, the two brothers slumped into their chairs, then exchanged glances with each other, and sighed simultaneously.

They had indeed been careless, failing to keep an eye on their wife for their father!

Miao Lishan thought the kids were worrying about their sister’s personal safety and quickly comforted them, "Look, your mom said she left with the Ministry of Health, so there’s certainly no problem."

May 1st glanced at her and shook his head.

He didn’t want to admit he was worried about his mother’s safety. The earthquake had happened several days ago, and supposedly, aftershocks were no longer occurring.

Moreover, although his mom looked weak, with her skills and the precautionary items she carried, it wouldn’t be a problem to deal with a few blind fools.

Besides, did they really think his mother was a little rabbit? She’s tough when it comes to dealing with people, and anyone who provokes her might not return to Beijing!

Oh, mom... you really lack a sense of brotherhood, leaving just like that, without even thinking to take the two brothers with you!

No amount of complaining would help, and the brothers were furious enough to shake their mom hard for an explanation, or to force her into an unfair agreement.

But they needed her here to do that.

Powerless, they could only wait for now, as they’re also busy.

While the twins Liu Yi and May 1st, along with their playmates, were busy helping at the donation point, Zhou Jiao had disembarked with the Ministry of Health’s small team.

On this journey, after getting off at the nearest station to Tengshan City, just as Zhou Xiaozheng had predicted, they had to start carrying their backpacks and walking.

In all directions leading to Tengshan City, voices from all over the country mingled together; these were passionate comrades rushing to the rescue scene from various places.

They were young, enthusiastic, and full of energy.

During this hot summer, even though the long trek made them unbearably thirsty, no one suggested taking a break for water or food.

Everyone walked while nibbling on dry food, not wanting to waste any time, each focused on reaching the site sooner to contribute their part.

Gradually, no one could eat another bite...

As they got closer to Tengshan City, the collapsed house corners, brownish soil, and the blood-stained sorrow-laden air were visible everywhere.

The atmosphere grew more and more heavy.

Though major newspapers tirelessly published the latest updates, presenting the truest pictures daily, on-site experiences were far more profound.

As Zhou Jiao neared Tengshan City, there was still a noticeably conspicuous team behind her.

What stood out in this team was, among the thirty young men, though exhaustion was evident, it didn’t overshadow their tall statures. Moreover, among them were five female youths, each looking more charming than the other.

If Zhou Jiao didn’t grit her teeth to keep up with the team, she would realize that Old Zhang’s "Ming" generation and the three Zhang Ziwen brothers almost all showed up.

Why did they appear here?

This had to be traced back to the early morning tremors of July 28 which also extended to the small county in the Northeast.

Of course, it was just mild shaking, but given the number of families living in adobe houses, some ancient courtyards’ walls collapsed, with chunks of soil falling off.

On the morning of the event, Zhang Dad’s three sons and two daughters, except for Zhang Guoqing outside, went frantic and rushed to the courtyard after the shaking.

Once the whole family gathered at the courtyard and saw their parents, they realized that if it weren’t for the noise outside being too loud, Zhang Dad and Mother Zhang hadn’t even noticed the tremors.

Which proved the courtyard’s quality was surprisingly good.

The family waited until dawn and, noticing no further disturbances, they dispersed with relief, heading either to work or back to bed.

They initially thought that the event had nothing to do with Old Zhang’s family.

Even when Zhang Dad heard the news on the broadcast the next day, he didn’t care that Zhang Guoqing mentioned was his own Xiao Wu.

Not only him, but many who knew Zhang Guoqing in the county didn’t even realize; everyone’s attention was fixated on the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

Even Li Qinglin’s father, the county’s top official, subconsciously overlooked this name, being fully engrossed in the donation activities.

Thus, the story flowed amusingly...

Of course, the truth eventually came out, but what surprised them was being revealed first by the old captain constantly keeping an eye on the situation!

In the second broadcast mentioning Zhang Guoqing as a key director in the command center, he suddenly remembered Xiao Wu from Old Zhang’s family was known as Zhang Guoqing.

After four days, with the old captain becoming increasingly anxious, he couldn’t hold back anymore and, worried that saying too much would draw ridicule from outsiders, he took an early lift on a bullock cart to find Zhang Dad in the county.

With Zhang Dad still bewildered from the reminder, Zhang Mingzuo and Zhang the Second, working in the committee and public security bureau respectively, rushed into the courtyard with newspapers.

"Grandpa, my uncle..."

"Dad, Xiao Wu went over there..."

There you have it! Although the newspapers didn’t have Zhang Guoqing’s photo, his work unit matched up. While there might be countless Zhang Guoqings nationwide, matching the same unit was hardly a coincidence.

Though Zhang Dad didn’t know when his old son became a director, he had no doubt that this Zhang Guoqing was his Xiao Wu.

Having just discovered the truth, while others were still in shock, Mother Zhang was already in tears, nearly crying out loud. That was a ground-dragon incident that could cost lives, her old son...

Look at the mess this caused!

Under the old captain’s righteous reasoning and Zhang Dad’s comforting words, Mother Zhang was reasonably keeping her tears inside.

But the quick-witted Zhang Mingzuo immediately responded; regardless of his standpoint, he urgently called for a family and cousin meeting.

—Theme: Head to the site, support Uncle!

With the bombardment of major newspapers, by the fourth day, heading to the disaster area had already become the aspiration of all young generations driven by ideals and aspirations.

Taking leave seemed easy to resolve, even Secretary Li and several leadership figures began organizing to send all county donations to the disaster area.

This couldn’t be mentioned without discussing the old captain, causing alarm among the old folks, who swiftly organized all of Old Zhang’s family’s young men in their twenties from the village for a meeting.

Though this journey would be strenuous, at least Old Zhang’s family’s name would be heard far and wide. Hmm, at least they’d be recognized by the top figures throughout the county.

In future recruitment or labor opportunities, when reaching rural areas, Zhang Family Village wouldn’t have to communicate upwards, naturally securing its share of slots.

Thus, this squad almost waving the Zhang surname flag carried the county’s donation goods, accompanied by medical personnel from the county health center led by Mai Sui, appearing at the perimeter of Teng Mountain.

Soon...

Ping’an arrived with a group of buddies from the Big Courtyard...

Zhou Jiao arrived with comrades from the healthcare team...

And Old Zhang’s grandchildren followed closely behind...

The rightmost side of July 1 Square, was excavated by large construction machinery, forming a deep pit.

A temporary large banner stood mounted there – Tangshan Martyrs Memorial, the eight words are deeply etched into the hearts of all who have seen it.