Chapter 257: Getting Ready
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
On the way back, Jiang Chuan planned the travel route. This journey would pass through at least seven or eight villages, and some townships. Even if he drove the whole way, it would take two days.
Not to mention the thriving towns. In order to avoid being discovered by the villagers, they would have to get off the vehicle in unpopulated areas and walk to the town.
So, it was necessary to ask in advance which townships were suitable to live in.
Upon returning home, Jiang Xia quickly organized her interspace, took inventory of what she had in that space, and reported to Jiang Chuan.
“Dad, go find some sturdy wooden sticks in the afternoon. I want to install a fence in my interspace. Right now, small animals are running around in it. Whenever I put something inside, 1 worry that the creatures will eat it.”
Jiang Chuan’s house was right next to a small forest, so finding wood wouldn’t be difficult. “Alright, when are you going to meet Zhang Ling?”
“I will go in a while. We cannot let the old Jiang family know about this. I will secretly call Zhang Ling out when fewer people are at home during the day.” When Jiang Xia arrived at the old Jiang’s house, she didn’t knock immediately. She leaned close to the door to listen for any movement inside. After confirming that she didn’t hear Old Madam Jiang’s voice, she started knocking.
Old Madam Jiang was talkative. If she stayed silent for a while, she’d become anxious. The quietness confirmed she was probably taking her afternoon nap.
The last time Zhang Ling came to Jiang Xia’s house, they had agreed on a secret signal. So, when Jiang Xia knocked, Zhang Ling knew it was her. Taking advantage of the empty yard, she sneaked out to talk with Jiang Xia in a secluded spot.
After hearing Jiang Xia’s revised travel plan, Zhang Ling thought for a moment, “Considering the distance, it will take at least five days on foot. Among the towns you’ll pass, two have good conditions, with cleaner hotels than other towns. Remember them; you can stay there overnight…”
Zhang Ling mentioned a few towns. Jiang Xia then considered the driving time and chose Locust Tree Bay as the stopover.
Locust Tree Bay was originally a village. During the war, almost all of the villagers had joined the army and made contributions in the war. Later, after the war ended, they received support from the government. More and more people came to Locust Tree Bay to settle down. When the population reached a certain number, they were upgraded from villages to towns.
Locust Tree Bay was bustling with a high volume of travelers and was well-stocked. Almost everything one might want to buy could be found there. Additionally, with three markets each month, it was more accessible than other villages.
Jiang Xia planned to stay there for a night to exchange goods, ensuring she wouldn’t arrive at the Zhang family’s house empty-handed.
Upon her return, she found the courtyard neatly stacked with wooden sticks, ready for fence construction.
Zhou Lan, with concern, said, “Xiao Xia, building the fence by yourself will be tiring. Why don’t you try to bring us into your interspace again so we can help you?”
Jiang Chuan also looked worriedly at the heavy sticks, “Yes, with our help, you can finish it faster.”
After multiple failed attempts to bring them into her interspace, Jiang Xia could only shake her head in disappointment. She suddenly noticed some ropes and asked, “Mom, what are these ropes for?”
Zhou Lan smiled, “They’re for making straw shoes. We can drive on the road, but the mountain paths aren’t developed, so cars can’t go. Walking on the mountain is tiring, so these shoes will make it more comfortable.”
As she spoke, she felt worried again.” If only I had put a few more pairs of sneakers on the SUV back then. It would definitely be more comfortable than wearing straw shoes.”
As they spoke, Xiao Gu rushed in excitedly, “Mom, Dad! 1 borrowed two pairs of straw shoes!”
In her hands were two pairs of smaller-sized straw shoes. “1 borrowed a pair for my sister from Xiao Pang’s house. His feet are too fat. They’re a bit big for me, so I only took one pair. The other pair is from Auntie Zhao next door. She asked why I needed shoes, and I just told her we were going on a long trip. She gave me a new pair that fits mom!”
The three were momentarily stunned, amazed at how thoughtful their young daughter was, even attending to such minor details..
