What is even more distressing is that the temperature is dropping day by day. A pressing issue lies ahead—while the ship is currently fine drifting with the current, if the temperature continues to drop and the rain stops one day, their trade ship might become frozen in the water. That would make it a sitting target, leading to a predicament with no way forward or back, which is not what Luo Song desires.
As the temperature falls lower, Luo Song’s anxiety grows heavier.
The Old Master Luo noticed all of this.
"What’s the matter?" Seeing his grandson put down his chopsticks after only a few bites, the Old Master Luo couldn’t help but ask.
Luo Song pursed his lips, looking at his grandfather, and finally decided to share what he had been pondering for several days.
"Grandfather, I’m just worried. The weather is getting colder, and although our ship is sturdy, we can’t stay adrift forever. If the temperature drops too low and the rain stops, the water might quickly freeze, making it difficult to leave. Also, look around us—it’s all water, and there hasn’t been any relief from the government despite the prolonged disaster. What does that indicate..." Luo Song looked anxiously at his grandfather.
"It indicates that the government is already overwhelmed by this disaster." The Old Master Luo picked up his grandson’s words, his brow furrowed tightly, and his expression became solemn.
The old man had long anticipated this situation.
"Yes, I fear this disaster might be extensive, possibly encompassing the entire country, which is why the government has done nothing, just like you said—it’s overwhelmed with its own problems."
Luo Song tried to imagine the worst-case scenario, but his thoughts remained cautious. It was not just Gu Yan; the entire continent, except for the highlands, had turned into a sea.
The governments of various countries were indeed powerless, trapped in their own territories by the fierce floods, with communication cut off and resources insufficient. Even if they wanted to help, implementing aid was too difficult. Just securing food was a major issue, and survival was uncertain.
But at present, Luo Song was unaware of these details; he only aimed to find a proper place to settle down before the land was sealed by ice after the rain stopped. Otherwise, keeping his two ships safe would be uncertain.
"What do you think, then?" The Old Master Su asked seriously.
"I want to leave here and find a suitable place."
"Have you already got a place in mind?"
Luo Song nodded, "Grandfather, let’s return to our old home, to Qinggu Mountain. The geographic environment is better there, with few inhabitants around—just Hua Village, which should be a safe place."
"It’s Hua Village, the place that gave you sweet potatoes and potatoes; your classmate’s home."
"Yes, Grandpa Hua’s and Grandma’s family is very kind."
Luo Song was genuinely concerned for the people of Hua Village. Yet he also knew Hua Village was on high ground, and with wise figures like Grandpa Hua and Uncle Hua, logically, the village people shouldn’t be in trouble. Still, he couldn’t help but worry. Since a place to anchor was necessary, why not go to Qinggu Mountain where Hua Village was located? Perhaps he could find Grandpa Hua and the others.
"Qinggu Mountain is indeed a good place, with endless ranges of mountains. At least you don’t have to worry about running out of resources while living off the mountains. If you want to go, I support you."
Instead of drifting on the water, it’s better to return to Qinggu Mountain, as the grandson suggested. Given the massive scale of the flood, tranquility won’t be restored in the world even after the water recedes. At least for several years, peace is a far-off dream, as desperate people can do anything out of hunger.
The mountains surrounding the provincial city were inhabited by many survivors, and more people meant more chaos, especially without official regulation in times of clothing and food shortages. This was why they preferred staying on the ship instead of going ashore.
Returning home was good, where things were familiar. With the resources of two ships, plus the mountain resources, surviving for a few years was no problem. Waiting until peace returned, money and manpower in hand, would not be too late to venture out again.
"Grandfather..." Luo Song looked at the Old Master Luo, moved.
"Alright, since it’s decided, let’s have a plan. The old home is a thousand miles from the provincial city; have you thought about how to get there through the vast expanse of water?"
"Grandfather, I’ve thought about it. I’m familiar with the route from the provincial city to our old home. Even if we deviate from the course, I can find my way back. The flood cannot swallow everything—there are so many mountains; as long as we stick to the main course, I am confident to reach our old home."
"It’s good to be well-prepared," seeing his grandson’s confidence gave the Old Master Luo peace of mind, and he felt reassured.
Over the past few years, the grandson had grown rapidly and could already take responsibility. Even his irresponsible father had struggled with business setbacks these past two years, losing heavily in the provincial city.
How he hoped this flood would take that scoundrel away as well, as vengeance for his daughter.
"Don’t worry, Grandfather, I will surely bring you back home." Luo Song spoke with determination.
"If nothing goes awry with the course, we’ll arrive at the old home within ten days."
The Old Master Luo nodded upon hearing this.
He was old, aged, and it was better to heed his grandson.
"Since it’s decided, let’s prepare!"
Soon after, Luo Song summoned the captains of the two ships and set the course. Wasting no time, they set sail immediately.
He didn’t worry about the captains fleeing with the ships; the captains and sailors of the two ships were all bred within the Luo family, trained with heavy investment.
Additionally, to prevent any treacherous intentions, the families of the captains and sailors were right under his watch on one of the ships. Even if someone had ulterior motives, they wouldn’t dare do anything unless they were heartless enough to ignore their own family’s lives. Still, Luo Song trusted his judgment.
After Luo Song’s ship moved, several big ships around also inexplicably followed along.
Water routes were indeed faster than land routes. Although they deviated from the course midway, under Luo Song’s efforts in identifying the right path by recognizing landmarks or mountain ranges, they quickly returned to the correct route.
They reached the territory of New Moon City in nearly half the expected time. The once somewhat bustling county was now a water world, with only a small part of the tall city gate tower visible.
Even though he was used to seeing such sights these days, seeing a familiar place turned , Luo Song couldn’t help but feel his nose twitch with emotion.
The Old Master Su also felt emotionally heavy, patted his grandson’s shoulder, and left the deck.
Subsequently, Luo Song stayed in the cabin, directing the course. Qinggu Mountain was easy to find; just head toward the highest mountain ranges. Before long, Luo’s cargo ship arrived at Qinggu Mountain.
However, under the widespread flood, despite Luo Song’s best efforts, he couldn’t pinpoint the exact location of Hua Village, only roughly identifying the area.
Even identifying it wouldn’t allow them to pass through it, as Luo Song remembered woods behind Hua Village. The water level was deep now, but precaution was needed to prevent hitting or scraping the ship’s bottom.
Circling the suspected area of Hua Village, Luo Song remembered a river ran north of the village, where there was also a broad space. Unless accidents happened, this was where he intended to anchor.