Chapter 145: Very, Very Hot

Chapter 145: Chapter 145: Very, Very Hot

To them, this rain wasn’t frightening or troublesome. Instead, it was the hope of life itself.

After looking at the photos for a moment, Hua Buwan grabbed a tissue and wiped the water off Ling Qianjun’s phone case. She was about to hand it back to him when she realized he was drenched from head to toe. If she gave it back now, the device would just get wet all over again.

"How about I hold on to this for now? I can charge it for you," she offered. Hua Buwan remembered that the phone she had bought for him was solar-powered. Since it was raining on his side, he wouldn’t be able to charge it anyway.

Ling Qianjun didn’t refuse. He nodded and said, "Alright. Sorry for the trouble."

"Oh, it’s no big deal." Hua Buwan waved a hand dismissively. "Since you guys just stopped to rest, are there any woods nearby? Or at least a place to take shelter? If you’re all soaked, you need to change into some dry clothes. It would be best to drink some ginger soup, too."

Hua Buwan wanted to understand his situation first to see what was feasible. She thought about how, if it was convenient over there, she could just prepare hot water here for his whole family to take a warm bath, then use a hair dryer to dry their hair and clothes. She could even wash and dry their dirty laundry in her machines. She had some simple spare clothes they could wear temporarily until theirs were ready.

After asking her questions, she stared at Ling Qianjun, waiting for his answer.

Ling Qianjun shook his head. "Although there are more plants and a small stream where we are now, the water is still very shallow. The trees are sparse, so there are no woods, but there are some large boulders we can use for shelter.

"I also came this time to borrow the binoculars from you. Later, I plan to climb the mountain and scout the distance. Judging by the terrain, we might reach a forested area by tomorrow," he said calmly, his mind already calculating their next steps.

Hua Buwan understood the situation. "Then I’ll prepare some ginger tea for you to fill your waterskins. Drinking some will make you feel better and help ward off the cold. Also, a hair dryer is too loud. Your area is probably too open and exposed, so it wouldn’t be safe to use anyway.

"I’ll get you some large towels instead. You can use them to dry off or wrap yourselves up. That way, you can dry your wet clothes by the fire. Even though those trees are sparse, you should be able to gather enough firewood."

Thinking aloud as she planned, Hua Buwan turned to the shelves to gather supplies. "Take a look and see if there’s anything else you need. I’ll grab it for you. Oh, right! I also made soup and noodles for you to take back. Just bring the containers back to me when you’re done. If you don’t have time, just throw them away."

She was worried about other refugees discovering the strange plastic containers, and also afraid that it would draw dangerous attention... well, it would simply be best if he could bring them back.

"The food I cooked doesn’t have a strong smell," she warned, "but everyone has been starving for a long time, so their noses might be sharper than usual. You should eat it as quickly as possible. The smoke from the fire might help cover the scent."

By the time she finished speaking, Hua Buwan had already gathered the items. Ling Qianjun stepped up to help her carry them.

In truth, his gaze had never left her. Hearing her express such genuine care for his family and watching her busy herself on their behalf, his face felt like it was burning, and a fiery warmth swelled in his chest.

As Ling Qianjun reached out to take the supplies, his arm brushed against hers.

Hua Buwan immediately gasped, "Ah! Why is your arm so hot? Do you have a fever?!"