The mont the truck stopped, everyone on board, except Jiang Cheng, felt a jolt in their hearts.
The snow was so heavy it could definitely freeze soone to death.
Director Lu was also panicking inside, but he knew he had to start solving the problem.
"Xiao Li, let’s get out and see if we can fix it?"
"Okay!"
With two thuds, Director Lu and Master Li got off the truck and lifted the hood.
Director Lu shone a flashlight while Master Li inspected the vehicle.
A few minutes later, Master Li shook his head; it was beyond repair.
Once Director Lu understood, he pointed to the truck, signaling to get back inside to discuss.
The two closed the hood properly and quickly returned to the cabin.
Inside the truck, Director Lu leaned back and looked at the three in the back, saying, "It’s broken, we can’t go on."
Sister Lian’s first reaction was to look at Jiang Cheng, Gui Ying was anxious inside but knew it wasn’t her place to speak, so she quietly waited for others to decide.
Everyone furrowed their brows, hearts burning with anxiety.
But Jiang Cheng smiled brightly, saying casually, "What’s the big deal? We’re only an hour’s drive from the city; no need to rush."
Originally anxious, Director Lu involuntarily smiled upon seeing Jiang Cheng’s grin.
After the laugh, he looked at Jiang Cheng and said, "You’ve got the right attitude."
"Of course! Why else would I be Jiang Cheng?"
Jiang Cheng smiled confidently and held up three fingers.
"First, we can choose to walk forward. There are mainly farmlands around, so the village shouldn’t be too far. The only concern is that the heavy snow might cover the roads, and we might get lost in it."
"Second, we stay put and ensure our safety."
"Before we left, I called Shen Que to tell him our departure ti and that there might be snow. We discussed what would happen if the snow got heavy and what he’d do."
"We have firewood and a tarp on the truck, so we can temporarily build a shelter from the wind and snow and light a fire inside, providing us with heat while waiting for rescue."
"Third, in case Shen Que encounters the sa problem coming here, we should head out imdiately after replenishing our strength, walk along the main road, and leave marks. There’s bound to be a village."
"Of course, I think finding a road should be the last resort. Walking in such heavy snow is undoubtedly dangerous."
After Jiang Cheng finished, he raised an eyebrow, looking at those present, and asked, "How about it?"
Director Lu looked at Jiang Cheng with admiration and appreciation, saying, "What else? Of course, we’ll follow your lead."
Director Lu admired that Jiang Cheng didn’t place all hope on another person.
In her plan, there were both success and failure considerations, showing a thoroughness that he couldn’t match.
"Exactly, listen to the smartest one!"
Sister Lian echoed, Master Li had no objection, and Gui Ying looked at Jiang Cheng with admiration in her eyes.
She’s amazing!!
The group sprang into action.
They picked a spot sheltered from the wind, using the truck to block so of the snow. One end of the tarp was attached to the truck, and they used two large wooden sticks to secure the other end.
Sister Lian swept the snow on the ground with a broom, while Gui Ying took a few benches and mats from the truck.
Director Lu and Jiang Cheng used stones to form a circle, making it convenient for building a bonfire.
"I finally realize why you picked up those stones before we left."
Jiang Cheng just smiled silently and continued working.
Director Lu curiously asked, "How did you think of this?"
Jiang Cheng looked up and asked, puzzled, "Do I need to think about it?"
"Since this morning, everyone has been saying it’s going to snow, and heavily at that."
"Knowing that heavy snow was coming, it makes sense to think about what to do if we got trapped by snow on the road."
"So, I gathered stones, took a few small benches, and got so firewood. The stones are free, and the other items aren’t expensive. We still have space in the truck, don’t we?"
Director Lu was rendered speechless by her rhetorical question.
He wanted to say yes, but most people would think, "Let’s just get going."
But Jiang Cheng wasn’t like that; she would consider the worst-case scenario.
The fact is, it’s better to prepare a thousand tis in vain than to take any chances.
The more you rely on chance, the more likely things are to go wrong.
Within half an hour, a temporary shelter was set up.
The five each had a small bench, sitting around the fire.
There was a rack over the fire, and three enal mugs sat on it, boiling red sugar eggs with a little fernted glutinous rice.
It was absolutely the perfect thing to warm the body in the winter snow.
And that wasn’t all.
Jiang Cheng threw so sweet potatoes around the fire to roast them slowly.
If it weren’t for the fear of attracting wild animals, Jiang Cheng would have also roasted so at.
For now, she had to give up on that idea.
Jiang Cheng poked the coals with a stick and said, "Once this wood burns through, if there’s no rescue, we’ll leave."
"For now, eat more to store energy."
"Here, roast this big flatbread. It should taste good!"
A large flatbread was torn into several pieces by Jiang Cheng, given to each person, and placed on sticks over the fire to roast.
Sitting next to Jiang Cheng, by the firelight, Sister Lian said with a smile, "It feels like we’re eating too well to be trapped out here."
Master Li took a sip of the sweet red sugar water, smacking his lips, and said, "True! We’ve been stuck before, but never felt like this."
Jiang Cheng smiled as she flipped the flatbread over and said, "If you’re stuck, just take a break. It’s no big deal."
"Well said! It’s no big deal!"
Director Lu raised his tea mug and said, "Co on, here’s to our special bond, cheers!"
They raised their mugs, taking a sip of the warming sugary water.
*
At the sa ti, Shen Que’s rescue team was on their way.
He received a call from Jiang Cheng at noon today.
Shen Que knew Jiang Cheng was supposed to return today, trying to beat the heavy snow.
Otherwise, they might indeed get trapped in the village.
Whether or not they co ho urgently is secondary; what’s crucial is that Jiang Cheng needs to get to Yangcheng and there can be no delay.
They talked in detail on the phone about what to do if it snowed and which route Jiang Cheng would take.
After hanging up, Shen Que began preparations.
When it started snowing in the city, Shen Que decisively set out!
He couldn’t go himself because it would take a seat and considering he’s in a wheelchair now, he’d be a burden.
Shen Que felt bad about it, but his mind remained very clear.
He put Gao Zhonghua in charge, along with Mr. Chen from the security departnt, who he was good friends with, and two experienced drivers. They set off, equipped with so warm clothing and food.
On the rescue truck, Gao Zhonghua kept a stern face, afraid sothing might actually happen.
He knew Mr. Shen too well.
The more serious and devoid of jokes Mr. Shen’s speech beca, the more worried he was.
After all, Mr. Shen could still crack jokes even amidst gunfire and explosions.
But when it ca to Jiang Cheng, he was as serious as a mannequin.
In the truck, Gao Zhonghua stared at the thick snow obscuring his view, praying: please let nothing happen!
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