Finding water was a rare treat, and even though the quality wasn't great, everyone was thrilled.
They were all in high spirits, chattering and laughing. Compared to others, their group was quite fortunate.
Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao, seeing everyone happy, felt a slight relief. They then surveyed the waterhole, realizing it wasn't entirely safe, and staying overnight might be risky.
"Water is scarce everywhere lately. We humans lack it, and animals probably do too. If we were to stay here overnight, we'd have to be extremely cautious," Cheng Hao remarked.
Su Miaomiao, having already spotted small animal tracks nearby, added, "A little caution is fine. There are no signs of large predators here, otherwise, I wouldn't have let everyone stop."
Cheng Hao felt reassured.
He observed that the trees and grass looked healthier due to the presence of water.
Others also began to forage in groups nearby.
But there wasn't much to find.
It was understandable.
While the population here was sparse now, many people had passed through before.
Therefore, it was normal for no supplies to be left.
The constant consumption of their stored provisions along the journey made everyone uneasy.
Only consuming and not replenishing would naturally cause anxiety.
Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao maintained a good attitude. At least for now, they could rest a little, no longer worrying about not finding water.
Seeing everyone busy, they joined in.
They discreetly changed their bedding inside the vehicle.
They put the old bedding into their spatial storage and replaced it with a new set of the same color and series, so as not to arouse suspicion.
Even though the weather was hot, bedding was still necessary for a comfortable sleep. Sleeping on hard surfaces was uncomfortable. A mat with a bamboo mat on top was perfect.
This way, sleeping while sitting would be comfortable.
Others were also busy cleaning their vehicles and attending to personal hygiene.
Although sitting in the vehicles didn't involve much physical exertion, the hot weather made everyone sweaty and odorous. They took this opportunity to filter water for cleaning themselves. The children could even take a simple shower with buckets.
The villagers of Shan'ao Village were not particular. Many small children, still naked, waited for their turn to wash.
The children only knew they could bathe today, giggling happily. They didn't overthink things. As long as they were with their families, had food and drink, and things to play with, they would naturally be joyful.
The adults, however, had many more worries.
They had to consider their remaining food supplies and where they would eventually settle.
Thus, their minds were always occupied.
They carried a slight burden compared to the children, but they didn't show it, continuing to busily attend to their tasks.
Xiao Wuzi and Xiao Liuzi were still leading people to inspect the carriage wheels. After traveling for so long, encountering water meant they had to clean them thoroughly. Otherwise, if dust caked and got stuck, it would be troublesome.
So, they took preventative measures, using their free time now to thoroughly inspect the carriages.
Without needing further instruction, the others, seeing what Xiao Wuzi and Xiao Liuzi were doing, also got busy cleaning their own carriages.
It was quite convenient.
Seeing that there were no outsiders nearby on either side, Cai Shi and Xi Shi could finally cook some delicious meals instead of miserably eating dry rations outside.
They rolled up their sleeves and got to work, preparing a large pot of stew and a large pot of rice porridge, intending to replenish everyone with fine grains.