CHAPTER 399: CHAPTER 389: HERO

Passing through the town, Han Qiwu happened to run into Niu Gang—Mayor Niu—whom he hadn’t seen in ages. Mayor Niu was dressed formally, accompanied by a few village officials. The group was carrying care packages with milk, fruits, rice, oil, and flour.

"Xiao Han? You’ve bulked up a bit recently, huh? How’s life here? Getting used to it? Facing any difficulties?" Niu Gang walked over, smiling as he greeted Han Qiwu.

Han Qiwu’s thoughts churned, and he grinned while clasping Niu Gang’s hand. "A few small difficulties. Can I get a bigger plot of land?"

"Oh, no difficulties then? That’s good, that’s good. If you ever need anything, just let me know." Niu Gang smoothly withdrew his hand without missing a beat, his smile unwavering.

Han Qiwu: ".....mmp, I knew it!"

Forget it, this kind of thing can’t be sorted out in a day.

Anyway, the land at home is enough for now. When I really need more land, I’ll just showcase some results—I won’t lack for land then.

With his mindset adjusted, Han Qiwu noticed the big bags they were carrying and asked out of curiosity, "Mayor Niu, where are you all headed?"

Seeing that Han Qiwu wasn’t dwelling on the land issue anymore, Niu Gang smiled and explained, "Today’s the Spring Equinox, so I’ve brought some friends from the village to visit old flood hero Zuo Yu in town. We’re checking to see if the old hero needs anything and delivering some supplies."

"Flood hero?" Han Qiwu asked inquisitively.

Niu Gang glanced up at the blazing sun and gestured, "Let’s talk while we walk. You should come along and see for yourself. If the old hero ever needs help, you can lend a hand too."

Han Qiwu didn’t mind. He was free and nodded, following along.

Niu Gang pointed to the Water Buffalo River beyond town and sighed, "It happened over thirty years ago. Back then, Zuo Yu was the town’s Women’s Affairs Director—tall, strong, fiery, and unbelievably efficient. Anyone who saw her would give her a thumbs up. But that year, the town suffered a rare 50-year flood. If she hadn’t promptly led the townsfolk to reinforce the dikes and redirect the river, Water Buffalo Town would’ve been swept away. The Water Buffalo River you see today was carved out at that time."

"So impressive." Han Qiwu couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration. Fighting a natural disaster head-on—that was true heroism.

A man dressed in a Zhongshan suit chimed in, "That’s right. Sister Zuo stayed in the floodwaters for two days and nights. Her knees haven’t been the same since. Plus, both her sons were lost to the disaster. When they found the bodies, Sister Zuo just stared at them, too numb even to cry... Just remember, no one should bring up anything related to children later."

The group nodded in agreement.

After walking for about ten minutes along a slate-paved road, they arrived at Zuo Yu’s home.

The large slate at the entrance was immaculately clean. A couplet hung on the door, and through it, the interior cement floor looked spotless. The small courtyard beside the house showcased rows of fresh greens, with faint floral fragrances drifting in the air. If Han Qiwu hadn’t known in advance, he never would’ve guessed this was the home of an elderly widow living alone.

"Sister Zuo is still so stubborn. These couplets weren’t put up by us last time, right?" one person quipped helplessly.

Niu Gang glanced around and whispered, "Hide the supplies behind the house first. Let’s just say a few words, put them down, and leave!"

"Leaving won’t work in time—better to run!"

After discussing their approach, Niu Gang tapped the slate at the entrance to knock off the mud on his shoe, then cheerfully stepped inside. "Aunt Zuo, what are you busy with? I came to check on you!"

"Little Niu’s here? Same old rules. You come in, but leave the stuff outside, or my old arms and legs won’t be able to chase you down!" Zuo Yu’s frail voice called out as she shakily emerged with a walking stick. Near seventy years old, her hair was white, her movements slow, but her eyes were startlingly bright. Her clothes, though patched, were meticulously clean—a clear sign of someone with a strong sense of pride despite her age.

"No need to chase us; the supplies are outside. How are your legs? Should I take you to the hospital for a checkup?" Niu Gang moved over to ask.

One of the men on the side quietly explained to Han Qiwu, "Xiao Han, Aunt Zuo’s legs have been riddled with rheumatism ever since that flood. We managed to get her treated in the city for a while, but it didn’t cure her. All that’s left is gradual therapy—rheumatism is such a cruel disease."

Han Qiwu nodded silently.

Hearing Niu Gang’s suggestion, Zuo Yu raised her walking stick as though to swat him and joked, "You little rascal, you think these old eyes of mine can’t tell what’s inside or outside the door? Take the supplies away—I’ve got everything I need in my yard. Not short on food or drink, nothing to worry about!"

As soon as she finished, Zuo Yu lost her balance, her body tilting to one side, with an expression of pain flashing across her face.

The rheumatism had flared up.

Niu Gang was still some distance away, clearly unable to catch her in time.

The group collectively thought, "Oh no!"

Niu Gang’s regret surged. He knew Aunt Zuo had rheumatism—he should’ve been quicker to support her!

At that moment, a white blur shot past, catching Zuo Yu just before she hit the ground.

"Grandma Zuo, are you alright? Did you sprain your ankle?" Han Qiwu exhaled and asked carefully, looking up.

Zuo Yu was as light as a feather, weighing no more than 60 or 70 pounds.

Using Han Qiwu’s arm for leverage, Zuo Yu stood upright again and smiled warmly. "Xiao Han, right? Little Niu mentioned you last time—you run fast, and you’re sturdy! Thank you so much."

"It’s no trouble at all." Han Qiwu answered with a gentle smile.

Seeing Han Qiwu catch Zuo Yu, Niu Gang let out a sigh of relief. His face, initially pale, flushed red—he’d almost lost breath in the panic.

"Scared me half to death! Aunt Zuo, how about I stick with what I said earlier and get you a wheelchair? What if you fall alone at home one day? It’s too dangerous!" Niu Gang caught his breath and blurted, "It’s free—the town will cover the cost."

Zuo Yu frowned instantly, waving her hand dismissively. "No, no, no! I’m not paralyzed—why would I need that thing?"

"Then how about another checkup at the hospital?"

"No need. It won’t help—I already know my own body’s situation." Zuo Yu waved her hand again and said, "Enough of this talk. Have you eaten yet? I’ll make you all some noodles."

"We’ve eaten, Grandma Zuo. You should rest now." Han Qiwu quickly replied. He glanced at the house, wanting to find something to help with, but no matter where he looked, the tidy little courtyard revealed nothing that needed doing.

Truthfully, Han Qiwu felt a deep respect for Grandma Zuo.

To live so well past seventy—that takes immense willpower.

Niu Gang, standing nearby, also waved his hand, "Aunt Zuo, we’ve all eaten. But you probably haven’t had lunch yet, right? Let me cook you some noodles instead."

"No, no, I finished eating already. You all go rest! And don’t forget to take your supplies with you!" Zuo Yu quickly grabbed her walking stick and began shooing them out, even shutting the door behind them.

Luckily, Han Qiwu noticed that a few experienced uncles had stuffed the supplies under a shelf by the doorway earlier. Once outside, everyone shared a knowing smile.

"Xiao Han, I have to head back to the town office now. Aunt Zuo’s temper is just like that—you should stop by to visit more often when you have time. I’ll leave her to you. Thanks for your effort," Niu Gang spoke earnestly to Han Qiwu. "Don’t worry—if you buy anything or fix something for her, the town will reimburse you."

"Alright." Han Qiwu nodded and watched as they drove off.

Even if Niu Gang hadn’t mentioned it, Han Qiwu already had plans in mind.

To be honest, there wasn’t much he could do for Grandma Zuo. Her food and drink needs seemed well taken care of—the only challenge was the rheumatism robbing her of energy and causing pain.

He vividly remembered that the first item available for exchange on the Sacrificial Altar was a Zao Wood Bed, with the special ability to alleviate symptoms of rheumatism and bone ailments.

The materials needed for crafting it were simple—everything was available at home.

The crafting wasn’t an issue, but the altar’s cooldown and minimum refresh time were both 24 hours. This meant if Han Qiwu chose the Zao Wood Bed, once the cooldown ended, a Comfortable Chair might drop instead.

Despite realizing this, Han Qiwu hesitated little. He decided—he’d pick the Zao Wood Bed.

Trading a slight discomfort during fishing for a flood hero’s health was more than worth it.

After making his decision, Han Qiwu faced another small dilemma.

How could he get Grandma Zuo to accept his gift?

Judging by earlier, she wouldn’t take even milk—let alone a whole new bed.

A bit tricky.

After thinking it over, Han Qiwu turned back and knocked on Grandma Zuo’s door again.

"Xiao Han, back already? Hungry?" Grandma Zuo asked warmly.

Han Qiwu shamelessly said, "Grandma Zuo, I wanted to ask for a cup of water."

"Alright, I’ll get it for you!" Zuo Yu didn’t think much of it and slowly shuffled toward the kitchen.

Seeing the moment, Han Qiwu quickly slipped into Zuo Yu’s bedroom and scanned the room.

He was at a loss for words. Zuo Yu’s old wooden bed frame had already turned black and was cracked. A light touch made it wobble precariously. The bed was narrow and small, and next to it on the wall hung a few faded photographs and framed accolades for "Outstanding Student." Upon closer inspection, they bore her sons’ names.

Han Qiwu felt a sharp pang in his chest, an indescribable feeling that made his nose sting. Before Zuo Yu noticed, he left the room.

Initially, he’d planned to "accidentally" break the bed, providing an excuse to replace it.

But seeing those mementos, he suddenly realized—for Grandma Zuo, those old items weren’t just objects; they were keys to cherished memories. Each one held moments of her past, rekindling them when seen.

"Better to just deliver it directly. If she still refuses, I’ll price it as a sale." Han Qiwu thought to himself. Earlier, he’d overheard the others mention that Zuo Yu wasn’t short on money—she had regular subsidies from the town.

"Come drink up." Zuo Yu called to Han Qiwu. "You can’t just drink water at Grandma’s house—have a big apple before you go."

"Alright."