Chapter 608: Chapter 253: Establishing Authority
Liang Yuan looked back at Tu Long, Tu Long’s face was full of helplessness and frustration.
Clearly, Old Yang was telling the truth.
Liang Yuan asked, "You guys can’t even handle an old man?"
Tu Long helplessly replied, "In our entire shelter, he is the only one who can make Blast Talisman Stones. Every time we trade with Gouwu Pavilion, we rely on the profits from his Blast Talisman Stones to exchange for Plum Blossom Pig from Meihai Garden, Red Chicken from Martial King Pavilion, eggs and such."
"Old Dog Hong said that he’s our Phoenix Temple’s cash cow. We can’t beat him or curse him, we can only coax him."
Liang Yuan couldn’t help but sigh, indeed, one’s own strength is essential.
This old man could thrive because he has the exceptional skill of making Talisman Stones.
If he were an ordinary old man, even if he had awakened a common superpower, he wouldn’t be treated so favorably.
Look at Uncle Ge beside Han Xiangman, a man in his fifties, he still has to fight on the front lines.
That’s why Uncle Ge can become a core member of Han Xiangman’s team.
Then look at Old Ma Ma Guocai on our side, who hasn’t awakened any superpower, he’s basically a marginal figure now.
Many times, it’s not that Liang Yuan doesn’t want to care for them, but their abilities are limited.
Some dangerous tasks, as ordinary people, they simply can’t handle.
Over time, they just become increasingly marginalized.
Cai Zhi is the same, their situation is honestly quite awkward.
The two are considered veterans, but because their abilities are too low, they can only become more marginalized.
But they are both smart, knowing to follow the backdoor route.
Cai Zhi’s wife Wu Qian and daughter Cai Yao have always maintained a close relationship with Yang Mei.
Old Ma’s wife Granny Li, has always been close to Song Wen.
These two now benefit from their wives, maintaining a good status in the shelter, and ordinary survivors are still polite to them when they see them.
Of course, this is also related to Liang Yuan giving them the identity of patrol team members.
Liang Yuan observed all this but did not intervene.
He is also happy to see his former companions live better lives.
Yang Mei patiently listened to Old Yang recount his sorrowful journey.
At last, Yang Mei asked, "Uncle Lin, do you know the whereabouts of my parents? How are they now?"
Old Yang shook his head upon hearing this, "When I left Meishan Village, the big flood hadn’t come yet, your parents were still in Meishan Village at that time."
"Later, after the big flood came, I didn’t go back, so I don’t know what’s happened."
Yang Mei immediately showed disappointment, barely smiling, "Oh, I see..."
Seeing Yang Mei’s desolate expression, Old Yang couldn’t help but say, "Don’t worry, Xiaoyang Mei, your parents definitely went up Meishan long ago."
"We all know to seek refuge on higher ground, surely the people of Meishan Village know too."
"They lived at the foot of the mountain, it’s definitely more convenient and quicker for them to go up the mountain."
Old Yang’s words comforted Yang Mei greatly.
Indeed, Meishan Village is right at the foot of Meishan.
Unlike Yangshan District, which was built later, Meishan Village retains its rural ecosystem, and hasn’t been excessively developed.
Almost every house is a rural villa, with fields and yards.
Meishan Village was even designated as a scenic eco-village by Linjiang City Government, and many people come to Meishan for tourism, looking for farm-stays for meals and lodging.
This is a major source of income for Meishan Village.
Additionally, Meishan produces Yang Mei berries, and every June and July during the Yang Mei harvest season, many tourists come to taste them. Many also bring their families and children to personally pick the berries, experiencing the fun of rural life.
Therefore, Meishan Village is indeed right at the mountain’s foot, just a few steps to the mountain.
Old Yang was right, if Meishan Village suffered a flood, the villagers would definitely move to Meishan first.
At this time, Liang Yuan also walked over, gently hugged Yang Mei’s waist, and said, "Sister Mei, don’t worry, Meishan Village consists of standalone villas, not high-rise buildings. If there’s a flood that submerges the houses, your parents would surely move uphill immediately."
"At that time, there were very few mutated creatures in the water, they would hardly face any danger."
Yang Mei, with red eyes, softly responded.
Seeing this scene, Old Yang’s expression became odd, he looked at Liang Yuan’s arm around Yang Mei, then at Liang Yuan.
He opened his mouth and asked, "Um... are you Li Zhiqiang? You seem to have changed a lot since I last saw you half a year ago."
Liang Yuan was stunned, and Yang Mei suddenly realized that in the eyes of those who knew them, she was still Li Zhiqiang’s wife.
She was momentarily fearful, as if an indiscreet matter had been discovered by outsiders.
Liang Yuan gently stroked Yang Mei’s back, comforting her while smiling at Old Yang, "Uncle Lin, right? I’m Liang Yuan, Sister Mei is now with me."
Old Yang was stunned, then quickly understood, awkwardly saying, "Oh, oh, you see... I’m old and confused, I’m sorry, I’m sorry."
He quickly apologized, while looking at Yang Mei with some guilt.
Yang Mei waved her hand repeatedly, "No, no, it’s fine, Uncle Lin, I... I and Li Zhiqiang..."
She instinctively wanted to explain, but Liang Yuan held her hand, smiled, and said, "Uncle Lin, it’s been a tough journey for you, I’ll have someone find you a place to rest."