Chapter 332. Overthinking
Then, the uncle and nephews exerted all their strength, carrying snow salt and stone materials, along with three huge burdens, and finally began their round trips.
After so many days, the uncles and nephews were thoroughly exhausted. Even if they found a freshwater source, every day they were worn out like dogs, leaving them with no energy to tidy themselves.
The journey back was much harder than coming, especially carrying heavy loads. Just climbing up and down the mountains, repeating the same tasks every day, took a full four days. Although very tiring, seeing that the road home was getting closer made them all happy.
Hua Jinchong, leading a group of elderly, women, and children, took more time than on the way here. Originally only two or three days to reach the valley, they managed to take six days, and it was quite lucky to meet their fathers at the valley’s entrance.
Looking at the dust-covered few, if they weren’t so familiar, Hua Jinchong and Xiaosi almost didn’t recognize them.
At first glance, you’d think they were beggars from somewhere, except for their hands and faces which were somewhat clean. Their clothes clearly had not been washed for many days, with dust practically solidified on them, especially their hair, where even flies would get stuck. Even the brother, who usually loved cleanliness, was like this.
Initially, Hua Jinchong was excitedly rushing toward the brother and fathers with his younger brother, but he suddenly stopped his feet, switching from hugging to pulling when approaching them.
Xiaosi didn’t think too much about it as someone without cleanliness issues. When he played outside, he often got dirty beyond recognition, so he didn’t care about his messy brother and fathers, giving each a big bear hug.
Then a funny scene unfolded, with his short arms and legs, he could hardly hold onto his brother carrying heavy stuff. He nearly stumbled, but Hua Yunao quickly caught him, preventing a fall that would split his buttocks in half. Even so, he grinned broadly, calling for his fathers and brother, and even knew to help them unload the burdens they carried.
Hua Jinchong wasn’t idle either, assisting his father to take down the huge rattan basket from his back. He realized his father’s hardship as soon as he got a hold of it.
Very heavy, extremely heavy, it must be at least one hundred fifty to sixty pounds, and that’s just one. Turning to look at his brother’s was the same. Truly impressive that they carried such heavy loads all the way home, and looking at the deep indentations on his father’s shoulders, Hua Jinchong felt a pang of sadness.
The grandpas and grandsons were a bit surprised as well, not expecting to encounter their fathers and grandfathers outside the valley, noticing they had traveled a long way. Though not covered in dust like them, they were still travel-worn.