Saving System: Calm Down, My Fleeing Host!-Chapter 40: Spreading the News

Jing Yuan thought they could go up the mountain to take shelter, bringing valuables with them just in case.

Cheng Xiaoxiao’s eyes lit up, finally hitting the key point, and she responded, "Then shouldn’t we start harvesting grains early, to prevent them from being flooded and losing everything? We can cut trees on the mountain to store more dry wood, and dig ditches around the village to divert water, to avoid flooding the village. Many things at home cannot get damp or waterlogged, and also..."

As Cheng Xiaoxiao was speaking excitedly, a reminder from the system flashed in her mind, urging her to watch Jing Yuan.

Sure enough, Jing Yuan had a look of "you must have planned this in advance", and Cheng Xiaoxiao realized she had spoken too specifically. She had originally planned to voice these ideas to gain approval and then persuade the villagers to cooperate.

She almost gave herself away.

Cheng Xiaoxiao laughed, "Hehe! I’ve just been scared these past few days, feeling anxious. What if it’s true? We can’t just sit and wait, we have to do something, right?"

Everyone was silent. The little girl was right; they had to do something. They hadn’t thought as far ahead as the little girl.

Jing Yuan, having heard the little girl’s words, also dispelled his doubts.

"Well, you should go back! If you’re worried, you can make more preparations. It’s better to be safe than sorry." That was all he could say, as he was going to find his master.

He was half convinced by the little girl’s words. The signs were ominous; he needed to find his master for confirmation.

Cheng Xiaoxiao’s goal was achieved, and she didn’t linger long. The three of them quickly hurried down the mountain.

Cheng Yong and Cheng Beiniu were still a bit dazed. Weren’t they there to drive away the evil spirits for Xiaoxiao?

How had it escalated to facing a natural disaster, with a risk of the village being flooded? How was that even possible?

Mr. Cheng looked at his daughter, "Xiaoxiao! Master Jing Yuan must have been joking!"

He couldn’t bring himself to believe that the village, where he had lived all his life, might be doomed.

Cheng Beiniu, having traveled far and wide for many years and seen a lot, believed the master had real skills. Coupled with Xiaoxiao’s dream, he was mostly convinced, but it was all too sudden, and he needed time to process it.

Cheng Xiaoxiao spoke seriously: "Dad, it’s better to believe it might happen. We can’t be complacent. Even if there’s a one in ten thousand chance, it could be fatal. We can’t take that gamble, especially with over 200 lives in the village. Can you just watch them die?"

Mr. Cheng was shaken. Yes! His daughter was right; over 200 lives were at stake, and he couldn’t take that risk.

"Brother Dayong, Xiaoxiao is right. We’d better notify the villagers quickly." Cheng Beiniu was already calculating what measures to take when he got home.

"Yes, but we can’t spread the word widely. Let’s go back and inform the village chief and the clan leader. They will decide what to do from there."

Cheng Xiaoxiao, afraid they didn’t understand the seriousness, explained: "Right now, we’re only speculating. The master’s divination indicates a bad omen, but there’s no concrete evidence. If word gets out and reaches the government’s ears, they might think we’re spreading rumors, and we could end up in prison. Besides, if nothing happens, it could ruin Master Jing Yuan’s reputation. We can only share this information privately on a small scale."

Mr. Cheng and Cheng Beiniu both nodded solemnly.

They had thought too simply, only now realizing the complexity.

Quickly, they reached the village. Mr. Cheng and Cheng Beiniu went separately to inform the village chief and the clan leader, while Cheng Xiaoxiao called on Erya to gather Uncle Cheng’s family members.

At this time, Cheng Jia and Cheng Ran returned from school and, seeing Cheng Xiaoxiao at the door, ran over to greet her.

Cheng Jia asked with concern, "Sister, are you better? Is there really a master at Anping Temple?"

Cheng Ran, obediently adding, "Sister Xiao, you look much better today. Does that mean no more nightmares?"

"Yes, yes, the master at Anping Temple cured me, so I won’t have any more terrible nightmares." Cheng Xiaoxiao said with a smile.

The two little ones really cared about her!

At this moment, Aunt Liu from next door came out with her family. Hearing what Cheng Xiaoxiao said, she felt much more at ease. They had worried along with Cheng Xiaoxiao in the past few days!

They hadn’t seen Uncle Cheng and Brother Hao. Uncle Cheng was probably in the field, and Brother Hao might still be at the private school in town.

Li, with a big belly, walked over slowly, "Xiaoxiao, is something wrong?"

Cheng Xiaoxiao smiled calmly, "Nothing major, don’t worry. We’ll discuss it when Dad and Uncle come back. Everyone, let’s go inside first!" 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Saying this, she walked forward to support Li, "Sister-in-law, your belly is so big, is it possible you’re having twins?" Cheng Xiaoxiao clicked her tongue. How long had it been since she’d seen Li and her stomach had grown so big?

The system estimated it would change in about ten days. Her sister-in-law might give birth at the most difficult time—troublesome...

Li cradled her belly happily. This was the firstborn grandson of the Cheng family, "Xiaoxiao, you’re teasing. Twins aren’t that easy to have. The other day, Third Uncle’s wife said it feels like a single, but she thinks it might be a boy!"

Aunt Liu agreed, "Yes, Third Uncle’s wife has a lot of experience. Most people in the village have been checked by her, and she’s quite accurate."

Cheng Xiaoxiao didn’t comment much on this. Elderly people have their unique skills formed through experiences over the years.

"Then congratulations in advance, sister-in-law, on giving birth to a healthy big boy. Congratulations to Aunt Liu for soon having a grandson." Cheng Xiaoxiao said with a cheerful smile.

Cheng Ran was also delighted, jumping and saying, "I’m soon going to have a nephew. I won’t be the youngest anymore."

Aunt Liu laughed, "You little one!"

Everyone was happy and warm!

When both families were gathered, Cheng Xiaoxiao explained Master Jing Yuan’s prediction. Of course, it was all the master’s words; her own part in stirring things could be ignored.

When she finished speaking, the warm atmosphere disappeared, and the whole family seemed petrified.

They turned to Cheng Yong, hoping he would say Cheng Xiaoxiao was joking, but he didn’t. With a serious face, Cheng Yong nodded, "It’s all true!"

Cheng Rong didn’t believe it, or perhaps he didn’t want to believe it, "Is Master Jing Yuan really a disciple of Master Liao Ming?" He didn’t know Jing Yuan, but Master Liao Ming was well-respected with high prestige, almost universally known in town and scarcely unheard of in rural places.

Cheng Yong nodded affirmatively, "Master Jing Yuan, though young, has real skills. Xiaoxiao’s condition was treated by him. And his divination is accurate; there’s no reason not to believe his words."

Sister Liu hurriedly asked, "Is it really that serious? Should I notify my family?" She looked at Cheng Qiang for help.

Uncle Cheng was also conflicted, unsure whether to believe, as it was not a small matter.

Cheng Xiaoxiao stood up, "No need to rush into a decision. This isn’t just about our families; the entire village might need to organize. Go home and absorb it for now, and we’ll discuss it tomorrow."

She was quite tired for the day and hadn’t had a hot meal yet. There was no hurry at this moment; she still needed to think about water-proofing later.

In Qingshan Village, that night, everyone who was informed was sleepless!

Except for Cheng Xiaoxiao, who, having resolved her primary concern, slept soundly.