Warmth in the Hunter Treehouse
Inside the treehouse, Lily Evans's family, along with Dr. Wu, Cynthia Wu, Mark Hunter, and a few others, sat comfortably on animal pelts. A fire burned in the center, with a pot suspended over it, cooking the wild chicken Mark had caught.
The other villagers each showed their own resourcefulness, finding dry spots to pitch their tents and settle in.
Mark's treehouse was stocked with clean water and rations. Now, he took some out to roast—the mantou buns turned golden and crispy, their aroma filling the air.
Mark handed out the freshly roasted buns to everyone. Margaret Evans looked around the treehouse and praised, "Mark, you really have skills! Did you build this treehouse yourself? It's sturdy and spacious, and not a drop of rain leaks in!"
Mark blushed slightly, sneaking a glance at Cynthia Wu and scratching his head, "Just something I threw together. Any hunter can build a treehouse—it's nothing special."
Lily Evans chimed in, "Mark, look at how you stocked up on food and water ahead of time and got everything organized. You were the one who noticed the flood early and warned everyone. We all see how capable you are, right, Cynthia?"
Cynthia Wu was busy eating her roasted bun when Lily Evans called her name. She snapped back to attention, "Yes! Mark is really talented."
"Really? You think I’m talented, Cynthia?" Mark’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest, though he tried to sound calm.
"Of course!" Cynthia replied. "Mark, you’re a skilled hunter, you can build houses, and you know what to do in a crisis. That’s real talent. Just look at the other villagers, stuck in leaky tents, while we’re here warm and dry, enjoying good food. It’s all thanks to you, Mark."
Dr. Wu quietly bit into his bun, thinking to himself, 'When will my silly daughter wise up and snag such a capable man as Mark for a son-in-law?'
Lily Evans had been watching Cynthia Wu these days. Ever since Cynthia was schemed against by Arthur Evans, May Parker, and Benjamin Zhang, her girlish crush on May Parker had completely vanished. Now that Cynthia no longer had feelings for May Parker, Lily thought maybe she could play matchmaker between Cynthia Wu and Mark Hunter.
Everyone ate steamed buns, shared the chicken, and enjoyed the rich chicken soup together. Mark Hunter also handed out a few pieces of animal hide for everyone to use as blankets.
The Evans Treehouse was, after all, pretty small, so everyone had to squeeze in to sleep. Mark Hunter bunked with Dr. Wu, Cynthia Wu squeezed in with Margaret Evans, while Lily Evans was pulled into a corner by Lucky, who hugged her tightly.
In the latter half of the night, the rain grew heavier and thunder roared overhead. Lily Evans was jolted awake by the noise, her scalp tingling with fear.
"Darling..." Lucky sleepily pulled Lily Evans into his arms and mumbled, "Don't be scared, I'm here."
A wave of warmth flooded Lily Evans's heart. She snuggled deeper into Lucky's embrace, closed her eyes, and whispered, "Mm, with you here, I'm not afraid anymore."
At Clearwater Village, the Evans Family couldn’t sleep a wink.
Outside, thunder crashed and the rain poured down in torrents—no one in the family dared close their eyes.
May Parker was so scared she burst into tears, running to Helen Parker's room and crying, "Mom, everyone in the village has gone up the mountain. We need to hurry and go too!"
Helen Parker was filled with regret—if only she hadn’t listened to the Evans Matriarch!
"Mom, our lives are at stake! If the flood comes, we’re all doomed!" May Parker thought about how young she still was, and how she hadn’t even become the Miller Estate’s young mistress yet—how could she bear to die?
Helen Parker made up her mind and said, "I’ll go talk to your grandma."
Helen Parker went to the Evans Matriarch’s room and saw that Mrs. Sun was already fully dressed and waiting.
Earlier that day, the Evans Matriarch had sworn up and down that she wouldn’t move. Now, she couldn’t bring herself to back down, no matter how much her two daughters-in-law pleaded—she just refused to budge.
“Move? Move for what? That’s just outsiders trying to trick us! How could you believe such nonsense?” The Evans Matriarch stubbornly shouted, her neck stiff with indignation.