Natural Disaster: Back to the End of the World

Part 29

Nothing makes an elderly person happier than seeing their beloved grandson come home. They had been worried recently, especially with the scorching heat outside. How could their little grandson endure it? Now seeing him full of energy and in good spirits, they can finally relax.

"A while ago, your third brother called and mentioned that there were a few people at their company... what exactly are they doing?" The elderly person struggled to explain and turned to look at the eldest grandson.

Lei Li quickly filled in, "They're salespeople, the kind who go out and do business."

"Yes, exactly, salespeople. They work under the blazing sun every day. It's so tough, and with the heat unbearable, they decided to stop. The company let your third brother fill in. That kid usually seems smart, but he got confused out there. They asked him to cover for someone, so he went. He's been so sunburned, and your third brother has a stubborn streak. He refused to stop and change jobs, insisting that enduring hardship leads to success. But no one needs him to be successful; why endure this kind of hardship?"

The elderly person felt heartbroken talking about it. He had sunburned himself and was gritting his teeth through it. Why put himself through this struggle?

Yao Ziqing turned to the eldest brother. "When will Third Brother be back?"

"He went out in the evening; the sun isn't as harsh then, and he can ride a bike. The dorms at their work unit are unbearable, stuffy with many mosquitoes, so he has to come home every day to sleep. He leaves before dawn."

Yao Ziqing frowned, thinking he would talk to Third Brother when he returned. There was no need to push so hard. "Don't worry, Grandma. I'll have a good talk with Third Brother when he gets back. He shouldn't neglect his health like this. It's simply unfilial! And making Grandma worry, it's the worst."

Grandma's face brightened at his words. Among her four grandsons, the youngest always knew how to make her happy. His fair, youthful face and warm words always made her feel cherished.

Lei Xiao followed Lei Li to the fields. Their three acres were all planted with corn. Since they were building a house this year and only Lei Li was managing everything, even Grandma wasn't allowed to help with the heavy work. They didn't mind her doing lighter tasks like making shoe soles or preparing food, but the heavy labor in the fields was not something they wanted her involved in.

They had started planting a few days later than the other villagers. Even Lei Zheng's father, Lei Chenggen, noticed how busy they were and offered to help. It was just three acres, and it would be done quickly. However, Lei Li declined Chenggen Uncle's kind offer, thinking a delay of just a couple of days wouldn't matter. But the temperature suddenly soared during those days.

Lei Li thought he'd manage the work with whatever energy he had and decided to switch to corn, which was easier to handle. Typically, crops planted in May wouldn't grow well if planted in March due to temperature and environmental factors. Their environment was better suited for rice, and some envious villagers grumbled.

"He's a college student, and here he is messing around in the fields. It's such a waste of land."

"Good grief, being lazy isn't the way to go. He used to be so diligent and hardworking. Now that the house is built and they have a car, his true nature is showing."

Rural areas are full of gossipers. Sometimes, when people see others living well, they'll talk behind their backs. Lei Li, who grew up in the village, knew this well. Let them talk; their business was none of his concern.

As the weather grew hotter, the usually rainy season turned dry with no rain at all. The water level in the pond dropped. Though it wasn't dry yet, digging a channel to let water flow naturally into the fields was clearly impossible. The sun's heat made the soil's moisture evaporate quickly, leaving only the task of watering the fields constantly.