Disaster Apocalypse: Farming, Family, and My Hidden Secret Space

"Master Zhao, I really didn't expect to see you again, this is wonderful." Old Hua was also quite happy, smiling.

Just seeing that the Zhao family father and son were as skinny as other people who survived the disaster, he couldn't help feeling a bit wistful.

It seems that even someone as capable as Master Zhao also had a tough time during the disaster!

"Village Chief Hua, actually, I came here specifically to find you," Zhao Ji, being a man of martial arts, though somewhat tactful, still preferred to be straightforward. He smiled apologetically at Old Hua and stated his purpose.

"You came here specifically to find us, is something the matter? Do you need our help? No problem, just say it. Although you haven't taught Chen Tian and the children for long, once a teacher, always a father. We aren't outsiders, so just speak your mind."

Master Zhang is a proud man; he must have truly encountered difficulties, otherwise he wouldn't ask for help.

This person has good character and has taught the children for so long. Since he asked, as long as it doesn't violate ethics or impose on others, Old Hua still plans to help.

As Old Hua spoke, especially with that hint of concern in his tone, Zhao Ji felt a warmth in his heart for a moment, automatically ignoring the subtle reminder in Old Hua's words.

Zhao Ji was inherently a sensible person; even without Old Hua's reminder, he knew his limits.

"I indeed have a matter... I wish to ask Village Chief Hua..." As he spoke, Zhao Ji bowed slightly, not noticeably, but his tone revealed unease.

"... I wish to ask Village Chief Hua to take in my family." With that, Zhao Ji bowed even deeper.

The young man followed in his father's footsteps, understanding that when asking for help, one must show the right attitude. During these days, how could he not see his father's anxiety? Otherwise, he wouldn't accompany his father time and again.

"What is this, Master Zhao? Stand up, quickly stand up, you can't do this!" Startled for a moment, Old Hua quickly reacted and hurriedly pulled Zhao Ji up.

He was, after all, the son's teacher, and considered to be of his generation. Old Hua didn't want to see such a skilled person bow.

At the same time, he felt a bit surprised by Zhao Ji's request, yet not entirely unexpected.

Thinking about it, their family lived in the town without the protection of a village or clan, it indeed wouldn't be easy during disastrous times. Seeking shelter to protect one's family is quite a normal thought.

"Village Chief Hua, I..." Zhao Ji, following Old Hua's lead, stood up, looking hopefully at the wise village chief.

"No rush, have you and your son eaten?" Looking at the young man who could almost share a face with Master Zhao, Old Hua asked gently.

The father and son nodded simultaneously, "We have eaten."

"Come, you must be thirsty, let's have some water," Old Hua led the way to their tent.

There were too many curious eyes around, and this wasn't the place to talk.

Although the Hua Village was gone, after all, the visitors were guests and former teachers to the children, the proper etiquette should still be observed.

Hua Jin had already gone ahead before his grandfather and reached the tent first, tidied up, and handed the bowls and chopsticks to Little Si, then poured three bowls of the water boiled before the meal.

"Drink water," Old Hua pointed to the water already poured on their folding table with a smile.

"Thank you, Village Chief," Zhao Ji didn't stand on ceremony; it was hot, and he was indeed a bit thirsty by now.

"How did you know we came down the mountain?" After Master Zhao put down the bowl, Old Hua asked.

Zhao Ji smiled bitterly, "To be honest, after the flood receded, I brought my family to Hua Village, hoping to find you, but we missed you. Village Chief, you should know how chaotic the world is now. Although I have some martial skills, it's challenging to protect the entire family, so I hoped, based on our little association from before, that you could take us in. However, I didn't expect you hadn't returned to the village, leaving my family clueless on where to go.

The houses in town all collapsed, surrounded by watchful eyes, especially some people looking at the children... I'm always worried in my heart, so we set up a shelter in the woods around the village, hoping you'd come back someday..."

"So you've been here for almost a month now?"

"Yes, indeed, it's been quite a while."

Fortunately, there are plenty of mountains and forests here, with no shortage of wild herbs, plus the little remaining grain; it's enough to sustain us while managing to gather some wild herbs and mushrooms.

"So, do you know about the two types of grains?"

Seeing the father and son's bewildered expressions, Old Hua understood before they even answered.

... They clearly didn't know at all.

Indeed, next, they shook their heads.

"What grains?"

"You don't know about the grain distribution in the town's manor?"

As he spoke, he saw Zhao Ji's eyes flash suddenly and then quickly dim, shaking his head: "I don't know."

Sitting in the woods by the mountain foot every day, they hadn't come across anyone for so long and really didn't know about the grain distribution.

By now, I imagine there wouldn't be much left?

In these chaotic times, although their family with him and his two sons are quite capable, realistically only he and the eldest son could leave the home; the younger son had to ensure the safety of the other family members, especially the women.

Even if two people managed to get the grain, it would be difficult to return safely, almost certain there would be trouble on the way.

They'd seen too many instances of the strong preying on the weak in the mountains, and he didn't think it would get better just by descending.

"They're still distributing now; this is an opportunity, you should consider it carefully. Having the grain means you can plant it, grow food, and in a few months, at least you won't be so hungry."

Of course, Zhao Ji knew, but he hoped to follow Village Chief Hua. Even if he was lucky enough to obtain seeds and plant them, so many months could bring too much uncertainty. If it were just him and his two sons, there would be nothing to fear, they could risk everything.

But he also has an elderly mother, a wife, daughters, two daughters-in-law, a grandson, and a granddaughter. Honestly, he just wants his family to stay in a safe environment, even if it's a little more difficult, that's okay.

"Village Chief, we still want to go with you."

"Are you really sure? Once you go up the mountain, it's not easy to come out, don't you want to think it over more?"

Old Hua welcomed Zhao Ji at heart, after all, their combat power was evident, and the sons didn't seem bad either. Their joining would only benefit Hua Village, but it needed to be said.

"I don't need to consider; we've been waiting here just to seek refuge with you. As long as Uncle Village Chief doesn't mind us, we're okay."

"I dare not, I dare not; you're Chen Tian's teacher, we should treat each other as equals, I dare not be called uncle."

"Each according to his own ways. Although I was Chen Tian's teacher for a time, I greatly admire the Village Chief, calling you uncle isn't too much."

"Alright, since you've decided, Hua Village naturally welcomes Master Zhao, but..."

"Uncle Village Chief, just say whatever you want," Zhao Ji seized this moment, directly adding the 'uncle' title.