Chapter 19

Jimo Ling's days were fulfilling and warm, but the weather was getting hotter, and it hadn't rained for a long time. The elders were starting to worry.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before bad news came from Ximu Forest—there was a drought this summer!

Upon receiving the news, the Green Tribe held an emergency meeting early in the morning. The gathering team was instructed to prioritize storing water-rich fruits, and every household started to stock up on water, hoping to get through it. The worst-case scenario would be migrating toward the main river.

After the meeting, Chen Lan took Jimo Ling and Wang Xin home for a small gathering. Li had led a hunting team, and He and Bai had gone to the Grand Elder's house to play. Unfortunately, there was no more boiled water at home, and Chen Lan wanted to handle it herself, but Jimo Ling and Wang Xin stopped her. The two took it upon themselves to boil some water, grabbed some fruit, and sat together.

The conversation naturally revolved around the drought. Jimo Ling had never experienced one. In her memory, Ximu Forest always had abundant rainfall, and in her previous world, she grew up in a city and had no experience with drought either.

Chen Lan and Wang Xin, on the other hand, had faced droughts before. They said that storing more fruits and water could help them get through twenty or thirty days, waiting for rain to come. However, this time it was more serious. To keep people calm, the worst of the news had not been publicly disclosed, and only a few core members of the tribe knew the full situation.

As the next generation of leaders, the three women were told the truth and needed to learn how to handle it. The measures for a typical drought had already been put into action. What they needed to discuss now was what to do if the drought worsened and migration became necessary.

The three of them discussed it until noon, filling several pages of notes. Since Chen Lan was pregnant, they stopped to make a proper meal. After eating, they encouraged her to take a nap while Jimo Ling and Wang Xin continued their discussion at Jimo Ling's house, planning to check in with her again in the evening.

Chen Lan couldn't win against her two friends, so she got ready to see them off.

Just then, He came back with Bai. Bai was no longer in his puppy form but had transformed into a cute, rosy little boy. When he saw Jimo Ling and Wang Xin, he sweetly called out, "Hello, Aunties," and came over asking for head pats, which made their hearts melt.

After greeting each other, Jimo Ling and Wang Xin left.

Watching them walk away, He held his wife's arm. "Lan, it's time for your nap. Let's go rest; I'll fan you!"

Chen Lan nodded, took their son's small hand, and the three of them went for a nap.

Wang Xin followed Jimo Ling back to her home. She put the notes on the table, flopped onto a bamboo chair, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and sighed, "It's cooler at your place!"

"I've got a lot of trees here, plus we're near the mountains and a small river, so it's naturally cooler." Jimo Ling poured her a glass of water and handed it over.

Wang Xin shook her head and didn't take it. "Better save some."

"We're not at the point where you need to save water! Drink up!" Jimo Ling pushed the cup into her hand and poured herself one as well.

"Hehe! True, I won't hold back then." Wang Xin was indeed thirsty. She hadn't drunk much at Chen Lan's house earlier, thinking of the clear, shimmering stream near Jimo Ling's home. The situation wasn't that bad yet, so she relaxed and gulped down the water, sighing in satisfaction.

After resting for a while, they didn't waste time and resumed their discussion. By dusk, they had come up with several plans and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Jimo Ling invited Wang Xin to stay for dinner, but Wang Xin smiled shyly and declined.

"Well, I promised my household I'd be home for dinner."

"Ah, newlyweds! I understand, that's my oversight," Jimo Ling nodded knowingly. Then, thinking of something else, she winked at Wang Xin. "You've been taking the tonic I gave you, right? Your household is full of strong, healthy people. How's your little body holding up? Hehe…"

"Pfft! Stop making that creepy face! You're ruining your image, Master Hermit!" Wang Xin blushed deeply at the unexpected teasing. Thinking of her husbands' enthusiasm, she turned redder but refused to lose face. "I'm doing just fine!"

Jimo Ling instantly switched back to a serious expression. "Good, as long as you're fine. But still, take it easy. And when you're out of tonic, don't forget to come get more."

Wang Xin was feeling frustrated, wanting to tease back but realizing that Jimo Ling only had one fiancé. Ugh, this conversation was going nowhere.

Just then, one of her husbands came to pick her up, ending the teasing and signaling the farewell.

Shortly after Wang Xin left, Rui returned home.

Jimo Ling was in the middle of cooking, but her fiancé took over. Knowing he was doing it out of love, she let him have his way and helped out on the side.

The two enjoyed a sweet and peaceful dinner, chatting while washing dishes, feeling that all the day's stress had melted away.

After a little more rest, Jimo Ling packed up the notes and went to find Chen Lan, with Rui accompanying her.

When they arrived at Chen Lan's house, the family was sitting outside cooling off.

Seeing the two arrive, they warmly invited them to join in eating some cool melon. Unable to refuse their hospitality, Jimo Ling and Rui joined the group. After a slice of melon, Wang Xin arrived with her two husbands.

Chen Lan saw that everyone was there and invited them to the small hall. Little Bai thoughtfully carried in a plate of sliced melon, placing it on the table. His aunts rewarded him with kisses and hugs before he obediently returned to his fathers.

While the wives discussed serious matters inside, the men stayed outside, socializing. Li and He, as the hosts, worked hard to keep the atmosphere lively.

As the only unmarried man, Rui was a bit uncomfortable at first, being naturally introverted. But as Jimo Ling's future husband, he knew that such interactions were inevitable.

Remembering the advice from his mentor, Kong, Rui understood that to stand by Jimo Ling's side, he not only had to become stronger but also learn to deal with many other things. He didn't need to be a social butterfly, but at the very least, he couldn't cause her trouble.

But how could he be satisfied with the bare minimum? He loved and respected her and wanted to create a better, stronger future for both of them! Given some time, he knew he would improve and grow stronger.

So, even though he wasn't great at initiating conversations, he still responded when his brothers-in-law threw topics his way, listening patiently when they spoke.

Before long, Rui wasn't just listening out of politeness; he was paying full attention, even asking questions here and there. The reason was simple: the married men had begun sharing their experiences and advice on married life. Seeing Rui's sincere and humble attitude, they suddenly felt a sense of pride as elders, and the atmosphere became lively.

When the three women came out, they found the men getting along harmoniously. As everyone said their goodbyes, they even made plans to go hunting together next time.

On the way home, Jimo Ling and Rui naturally held hands.

"Rui, you seemed to get along well with my brothers-in-law."

"Mm. We had a good talk."

"That's great. What matters most is that you're happy. You don't need to force yourself sometimes."

"I won't. As long as I'm with you, I'll always be happy."

You don't want me to push myself too hard, I understand! I just want to show you the best version of myself!

Kong said that only those with strong bodies and minds can become truly powerful! Only then will I be worthy of walking by your side for a lifetime!