Chapter 1251: Gathering
Lv Beiguang brought quite a bit of wine, but everyone just had one cup each and that was it.
Everyone mainly chatted. It’s been a long time since they last gathered, so they had a lot to talk about.
She Xiaoyun fed her daughter and Tingting until they were full, then started eating herself.
Jiang Xinyu spent a long time building up her courage, finally deciding to talk to Wang Tongzhou since everyone was present today.
"Brother-in-law, do you still go down into the mines?"
"Yes, going down into the mines can earn me an extra ten or so yuan a month."
"Sis, brother-in-law, listen to me, I think my brother-in-law should stop going into the mines.
Brother-in-law, you understand that the underground is almost hollowed out. If something happens, lives will be lost.
You can earn money through other means. At worst, endure some tough days, but at least the family can be happy together."
She Xiaoyun was stunned by Jiang Xinyu’s words. "Xinyu, is it really that serious?"
"Brother-in-law, you are the one who knows best — the underground is almost hollowed out. It can’t withstand even a minor earthquake.
Brother-in-law, you should apply to work above ground, and if you can work elsewhere, even better."
Wang Tongzhou nodded, "Xinyu, you’re quite informed."
"It’s not hard to imagine. With the massive amount of coal extracted each year for so many years, how could the underground remain unaffected?"
She Xiaoyun turned to look at her husband, "Tomorrow, you should apply to work above ground. We don’t need the high wages.
Our family can manage with both of us earning, just like many families survive with one breadwinner, right?
Wang Tongzhou, did you hear that? Apply tomorrow. If necessary, take sick leave to stay home."
"Alright, I’ll apply tomorrow, rest assured. It’s been over a hundred years, and nothing has happened."
"Brother-in-law, there’s a lot you don’t know. Many incidents at small coal mines go unreported. Plus, you have my sister and two kids to think about — you can’t take that gamble."
"Okay, I will definitely apply tomorrow, don’t worry."
Hao Shichao once thought about working at the mines, but Jiang Xinyu stopped him. Listening to her today, he asked,
"Xinyu, are you serious?"
"Brother Hao, these things are unpredictable, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Everyone should be more cautious. I remember reading a report from overseas that earthquakes are more likely in the summer, so take extra care then."
"Is it really as spooky as you say?" Meng Fanxing asked.
"Being cautious can’t hurt, can it? It’s not cold in summer, so you could sleep outside."
Jiang Xinyu didn’t quite know how to convey her thoughts. She hoped nothing like this would happen here, as many historical events never occurred.
But she didn’t dare take the risk, so she reminded everyone to be prepared, just in case.
After expressing what was on her mind, Jiang Xinyu felt much lighter.
They were friends she genuinely cared about, and she hoped nothing would happen to them.
There was a lot of discussion among everyone, sharing their opinions on the matter.
Wang Tongzhou had the most authority to speak. "I think Xinyu is absolutely right. We do feel anxious every time we go down. There have been minor incidents."
She Xiaoyun was frightened, her face pale, and became more determined to stop Wang Tongzhou from working underground.
"Anyway, everyone just needs to be careful."
In Jiang Xinyu’s memory, this was not an earthquake-prone area, the worst was in the city.
Jiang Xinyu prayed in her heart for this situation not to occur.
Even with many historical discrepancies, some similarities exist. So, it was best to be prepared in advance.
The topic was heavy, so they asked Wang Tongzhou about the current conditions below.
"What you don’t know is that there have been subsidence issues in Zone G."
This left everyone feeling even more uncertain, thinking to be extra cautious and light-footed when sleeping.
Han Xiangjun looked at Jiang Xinyu meaningfully, having never quite understood this sister-in-law.
But he didn’t think she brought it up on a whim.
She must know something because her expression was a bit unnatural.
Wei Kaiyun also noticed something different about his wife, feeling that it was time to change the subject.
He decided to shift the topic. "Beiguang, has the date for Guodong’s wedding been set?"
"Not yet, I want to find someone to look into it tomorrow."
"Well, don’t push it too far back; Chaoyang doesn’t have that much time off."
Hearing his master’s words, Chaoyang thought it was hard to believe they finally remembered him.
"Right, Lv Beiguang, hurry up and set the date. Besides, when you leave, like Xinyu, you won’t be coming back often, will you?
We must gather before you leave," Hao Shichao said with a smile.
Everyone agreed. Although Lv Beiguang was a man of few words, he was reliable. If he could help, he certainly would and do a great job.
"Yes, I can’t decide now, but tomorrow I’ll find someone to pick a date and call to inform you all."
At this point, Ding Shihong brought in a basin of apples, one for each person, adults and children alike.
"Brother Ding, do you even have such good stuff?"
"Of course. I’ve set aside quite a few. For Guodong’s wedding, the chef promises to make a caramel apple dish. It’ll be delicious."
It was getting late, and everyone stood up to bid farewell to each other.
The bill had already been settled by Wei Kaiyun, without needing Lv Beiguang’s contribution — this was their couple inviting everyone for dinner.
As Jiang Xinyu was leaving, she leaned over to Ding Shihong. "Brother Ding, save me some goodies for tomorrow night. I’ll find a way to deliver the meat to you tomorrow morning, and you’ll have to handle the rest."
"No problem. Leave it to Brother."
As she left, he gave Jiang Xinyu a few apples to take home for the children.
The family walked down the road, with Tingting in Han Xiangjun’s arms. The little girl was content with anyone holding her.
Upon reaching home, there was hot water. The family washed up and went to rest.
Jiang Feifei, living by herself, lay down on her familiar heated brick bed and soon fell asleep.
Over at Wei Kaiyun’s, after much effort, Shi Xian was asleep. Holding Jiang Xinyu, he wouldn’t let go, truly feeling shaken today.
"Enough already, I have to go out early tomorrow, not sure if I can still get any meat."
"Wife, Xinyu, they all think I’m not a good match for you."
"I think you’re a good match and that’s enough. Alright, don’t be childish."
"Wife, wife, you mustn’t be mad at me."
"When have I ever been mad at you? Move over, I need to rest." Does he not feel embarrassed with Han Xiangjun living right next door?
Wei Kaiyun didn’t succeed, feeling very regretful, but he knew his wife’s thin skin and didn’t dare to push it too far.