Chapter 135: The Plan Proceeds

Chapter 135: Chapter 135: The Plan Proceeds

Ling Qianjun hadn’t visited the supermarket to see Hua Buwan for two days. The terrain his group had been traversing lately was incredibly barren; as far as the eye could see, there were neither trees nor large rocks to use as cover.

Hua Buwan felt a bit disappointed. She had grown accustomed to waiting for his daily appearances at the store. Even if they only chatted briefly, it was the moment she looked forward to the most every day.

That night, while Hua Buwan was busy in the supermarket as usual, she suddenly heard familiar footsteps approaching the entrance.

DING DONG. The automated chime rang out, "Welcome!"

A noise echoed from the back door immediately after. She looked up to see Ling Qianjun walking toward her with a smile.

A look of pleasant surprise lit up Hua Buwan’s face. She dropped what she was doing and jogged over to him.

"You’re finally here. I thought you were never coming back," Hua Buwan said, a hint of playful complaint in her voice.

Ling Qianjun smiled and explained, "The places we’ve walked through these past two days were far too desolate. Let alone a forest or trees, there wasn’t even a single large boulder. I couldn’t find any cover to slip away and see you. The government officers have been in a terrible mood, too. Whenever they can’t sleep, they just stare at us.

"Today, however, we found a small valley to rest in. We occupied a hollow section shielded by rock walls on both sides, which allowed me to slip away. My mother and younger siblings are covering for me right now. So, I can’t stay here for too long.

"I also took some pictures with the phone to show you. Look, this is the area we reached after walking continuously for three or four days. The ground is completely cracked." He handed the phone over, gesturing for her to look at the photos.

Hua Buwan looked at the pictures of the arid land where the exiles were traveling. The soil was fractured into dry, broken slabs, looking as though it hadn’t seen a drop of water in ages. It was easy to imagine just how grueling their journey had been over the past two days.

Looking back up at Ling Qianjun, a pang of heartache welled up inside her.

His originally fair face had been tanned dark by the harsh sun. Sunburns stood out starkly against his skin, and his lips were chapped and peeling from severe dehydration. His eyes were bloodshot, a clear sign of sleep deprivation.

Hua Buwan gently stepped forward and handed him a bottle of water. Ling Qianjun took it and immediately began to gulp it down.

"You haven’t had water in a long time, so drink it slowly in small sips," Hua Buwan hurriedly advised. "Don’t chug it all at once, or it will upset your stomach."

He looked at her gratefully. "Okay."

Ling Qianjun slowed his pace, taking small, measured sips. Even so, the bottle was soon completely empty.

Hua Buwan smiled softly. "You’ve had a rough few days."

Ling Qianjun shook his head. "Actually, my family is doing alright. Our waterskins are full, though we only dare to take a couple of small sips at night. During the day, we rely entirely on the water distributed by the government officers.

"I previously advised the government officers to fill all their barrels. The further we go, the less water they distribute. Now, they’re only giving everyone two mouthfuls a day to barely keep us alive, along with half a steamed cornbread for food. However, the cornbread has already gone sour—the weather is just too hot.

"Today, I secretly checked the barrels and saw that the water has hit the bottom. Moving forward, I’m afraid the government officers will only look out for themselves. So, we need to put the plan we discussed earlier into action."

Hua Buwan nodded. "Mhm. Don’t worry, I’ll get it ready for you right now."

"These are the four waterskins for my family. Let me fill them up first." Ling Qianjun pulled the waterskins from his sleeve. Seeing Hua Buwan nod in agreement, he grabbed some bottled water and began pouring it directly into the skins.

By the time he finished, Hua Buwan had also walked over, carrying two large plastic bags completely filled with tap water.