The MC forgot the plot

- SIXTY-TWO -

六十二 In between heaven and hell

There were dozens, in fact, there could be thousands of refugees that are now heading to the port in hopes of leaving this hellish place. The second day started and the hundreds upon thousands of refugees were taken by the soldiers and news of their death on the front lines of the war spreads into the other refugee's ears.

It sparked a riot and made all of the refugees that were hiding in the mountains come down and headed to other provinces other than the capital.

On the other hand, Meng Jia Yi learned of the news from other newcomers and knew that their fate could be cut off if they stayed here for one more day.

So she contacted the well-known smuggler here in the South, she and XiXi worked relentlessly tracking down people that could help them leave the capital.

"The sea is beautiful, XiXi" she said out loud, a reminiscing look as she started off the port on top of the guest house.

Meng Jia Yi remembers the yearning look for adventure that XiXi shows whenever their plan of departure gets nearer. In the end, she did see the sea that they yearned for together but it was only her that could see it.

XiXi is no longer here.

"A'Yi, come and have some bite" she turn her back and saw her mother acting on thin ice every time she shows a vulnerable look.

"I'm still full mother, you finish it with Rui Rui"

"Alright then" the cautious eyes left her, Meng Jia Rui was surveying the market for goods that they would need once they depart for the sea.

Meng Jia Yi tears her vulnerability off and focused on the present, no more tears and reluctance but full of hope and resilience towards a new future.

Ban Rushi watches as her daughter comes out of her sorrow, it was still there but was pressed down to accommodate what is happening currently in their lives. Feeling sympathy for her daughter was not what the daughter wants to see from her so she did the same way and packed up their belongings.

The remaining jewelry was pawned off by Meng Jia Rui while they cooked meat and preserved other ingredients for the long journey they would encounter in the sea. Several of the medicine packets were ripped and stained their clothes, only those that are in vials could be recovered.

Soon, they decided to go to the market and gather cloth, additional medicine, and even small weapons that they could take and hide in their long sleeves.

"Stay closer with me, mother" Meng Jia Yi held her hands, Ban Rushi was almost pushed from the waves of people coming into the market.

"Let's go get some preserved food first," she said to her daughter, an influx of people in rag clothing and some in much simpler ones mixed in with them.

After the news from the capital, the South decided to sail their goods away from the civil war happening currently. There were only two more ships that has not sailed, some of those were waiting for noblemen that contacted them for leaving this place.

"Dried meat and fruits, a pack of salt and other condiments and other preserved seafood" Ban Rushi listed as she, Meng Jia Yi crossed the word meaning it was now bought by them.

"We should also store water, the water from the sea cannot be digested" seeing the curious face of her mother, she explained. "I read from a book that the water from the sea is too salty and could easily cause digestive problems"

A lot of people from the capital live on land and some in backward provinces have never seen a sea before, so it is unusual how she, as a person who stayed inside of her home for years, could know about such things.

"Then we should get some"

With that, a barrel of water was sent to their place and soon their baggage was filled with necessity hauls from the street markets. It was at this time that Meng Jia Rui also arrived, several silver banknotes were hidden deeply on his body that is now being counted by them.

"Tonight, we will set sail" Meng Jia Yi, stated, the eyes of the two beside her brightened. "Our future would be limitless, I just hope that we would stay and help together"

"Of course, we will always be together" her hand was held tightly by her mother, the palm that once was cared for with various tonics and pills had now roughened.

"I will protect Jie Jie and mother"

We all looked at the young budding man, Meng Jia Rui; although he still has that youthful look of him the innocence in his eyes has already shed off from the number of schemes and civil wars happening today.

Though it breaks their heart to see such a young, promising boy grow up so quickly to live, they were proud of him.

"Yes, Rui Rui will protect mother and me" she smiles.

The three of them packed their luggage and decided to take a small nap, one would stay awake to guard while the other two will sleep and vice versa.

...

Waves crashed, and the smell of the distinct sea fell on their noses as they feel the sand softening on the ground as they walk. Torches were nowhere to be found, those that are smart and rich enough found themselves being smuggled across the ocean; those who are poor couldn't enter this shop and some even resorted to violence but were easily subsided by the local gang.

The three Meng family was huddled in the corner, their eyes bright seeing the monstrous ship in the port.

Dozens of people followed them, their senses heightened as they cross the plank that would lead them to the storage room settled at the bottom of the ship.

"Faster! Quicken your steps!" One man ordered, and the people below shuffled in unease.

"Just hold my hand, mother" Meng Jia Yi advises, fearful that her mother would lose sight of her.

Meng Jia Rui was behind them with her leading the two; it didn't take ten so long to finally walk to the plank and stepped on it.

"Soldiers, run!"

"There are soldiers!"

"Mama! Mama!"

"Help me, ah!"

Panicked shouts resounded as the same was filled with soldiers on top of their horses holding bows with a tow burning in fire. Then they shot it at the ship that was about to sail, and various refugees caused a stampede and ran for their lives.

"Jia Yi!"

"Jie Jie!"

The two people behind her yelled, she pushed her legs to move faster and with a stroke of luck, saw the other ship that was about to close its doors.

"There!" She pointed, they ran across the battlefield with fires and clashes.

Although the dark could mask away from their vision, they could still hear and smell the blood urging their bodies to run even faster. Cries of children, unlucky people laying on the ground lifelessly and soldiers cruelly killing the people and setting fire to the ship.

"We're nearly there!" She huffs, those legs pushed even further till it reaches the influx of people running towards the same ship they were running across to.

One more step.
One more minute.
One more race.

***
Chapter 62 is up!

I was very lucky to not have to flee from my own country because of a civil war. It must have been terrifying and agonizing to be in a state of constant running; your eyes unable to sleep regularly and your feet to be readied position for fleeing.

I know that war will never end but I always hope that there would still be people fighting for peace.

Have a great day and stay safe!

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