Saving System: Calm Down, My Fleeing Host!-Chapter 199: Discussion

After dinner, they organized a group of over ten representatives and went to find Cheng Xiaoxiao again.

Mr. Cheng knew why his daughter didn’t agree to this matter.

Because his daughter was just a girl who hadn’t reached her coming-of-age ceremony, who would protect her now, and why should she bear the responsibility of protecting everyone?

Just as Mr. Cheng was about to speak, Cheng Xiaoxiao gently tugged at his arm, "Dad, let me talk to them! You’ve had a long day, let Qi Fei carry you to go rest." She gestured to Qi Fei beside her.

"Alright, do what you can, don’t worry about too much, you’re just a girl, let the adults handle their own issues." Mr. Cheng intentionally said.

"I know, don’t worry."

Hearing Cheng Yong say this, the folks felt a bit embarrassed. A bunch of people in their forties now had to rely on a little girl to safeguard them, which was indeed not quite upstanding.

But what could they do?

The world was in chaos, they were just farmers who had tilled the fields all their lives, and to survive in these disastrous years, saving face became trivial.

Moreover, was that Xiao girl an ordinary person?

She was graced by the Bodhisattva, a talented person with her mysterious prophetic dreams that saved them several times. For this alone, they had to follow her till the end.

"Please sit, grandfathers and uncles, we do need to have a good discussion."

So everyone didn’t hold back, they directly sat cross-legged on the grass, forming a circle. Then, exchanging looks, they thought about taking turns trying to reason with Xiao, and if not successful, perhaps a sob story might work.

But before anyone could speak, Cheng Xiaoxiao spoke up, "Grandfathers and uncles, why don’t you listen to what I have to say first."

Since they had to ask her for help, they couldn’t just ignore Xiao’s face, so they waited for her next words.

"I understand how everyone feels; now we’re all in the same boat. If we want to go further and live longer, we must unite and work together, right?"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"But is everyone truly united?" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Cheng Xiaoxiao had already heard their conversation from the system and knew why they were there.

However, she had her own bottom line and principles, not swayed by mere tears or pleas.

If they insisted on following her to the end, then some things needed to be clarified to prevent future resentment and regrets. She wasn’t going to indulge anyone.

Everyone was puzzled by Xiaoxiao’s words, exchanging confused looks.

Before they could figure it out, Cheng Xiaoxiao continued, "I have done so much for Qingshan Village, as everyone has seen, but I am truly disappointed. After teaching and helping so much, I turned around, and everyone sold me out."

Hearing this, everyone present fell silent.

They all thought of how someone from the village had sold Xiao’s information, leading people to search and capture her and Coach Dongfang everywhere.

Especially Cheng Jinwen’s wife, Liu Fushuang, who had betrayed them by siding with the enemy leader, selling all the village’s secrets, and that despicable Cheng Xiaocui, who spread all of Xiaoxiao’s affairs.

It also led to Cheng Yong, Cheng Qiang, and Cheng Rong suffering severe punishments.

They suddenly felt ashamed.

Cheng Xiaoxiao saw the guilt and remorse on their faces, but since the harm was done, if she easily forgave them, what of the injuries suffered by her family?

If not for the betrayal of the villagers, her dad, uncle, and brother would just be at the training camp like others, not suffering such great pain.

"Now you need me and hope I’ll ensure everyone’s safety, but even if I manage to do it, how have you all repaid me? There’s no guarantee that the same thing won’t happen again in the future, and I could be betrayed just as easily."

Everyone quickly nodded, promising it wouldn’t happen again.

But how could one be certain of people’s hearts?

It wasn’t about change; maybe the benefits weren’t enough, or it wasn’t a life-and-death situation yet.

This... who could guarantee it?

The atmosphere became so quiet, like an unexpected drop in temperature, causing people to shrink their necks, not daring to speak.

In the group, apart from the most reputable village chief, there were also the sons of Second Uncle and Third Uncle, Cheng Xingwang and Cheng Zhengfan.

"Xiao girl! Indeed, our group had some shortsighted clansmen who did wrong things, but after this incident, those with incorrect intentions, who weren’t on good terms with you, have mostly been cleared out.

Now, the group, while not guaranteed to be all good people, is more than ninety percent trustworthy."

It was Cheng Zhengfan who spoke up.

"Yes, yes!" Everyone chimed in agreement.

"Xiao girl, you can’t just deny us all for the wrongdoings of a few bad apples!"

Looking at these uncles and grandfathers, the youngest of whom was over forty, all pitifully looking at her.

Aggrieved and pitiful.

Cheng Xiaoxiao didn’t know what to say.

The village chief then intervened, "Since Xiaoxiao has concerns, perhaps you can tell us what it would take for you to accept everyone!" The village chief, wise with age, discerned her underlying message.

Everyone turned towards her, eyes full of inquiry.

"Xiao girl, tell us, we’ll agree to whatever you say," Cheng Xingwang pleaded, his old face full of wrinkles.

Looking at Second Grandpa with his salt-and-pepper hair and beard, weathered face, earnestness in his small eyes, Cheng Xiaoxiao was speechless. She hadn’t even started talking, couldn’t they decide whether to agree after hearing her out?

Seeing them all eager like children wanting candy.

Fine, feeling overwhelmed, she decided not to beat around the bush and got straight to the point, "There are too many people, hearts are not united is one reason, and the most important reason is Coach Dongfang, who initially promised a three-month journey, but left early due to family issues, and now even Leng Qi, who covered for everyone and got severely injured, had to be taken away by his companion.

Now our team’s combat strength has sharply declined. If we encounter a crisis like in Yu County again, can we really escape unscathed?"

The group fell silent, understanding Xiaoxiao’s points. Before, they had relied on the protection of those two, making the journey smooth, but without them, they couldn’t even ensure securing food, let alone their lives.

"What’s more, this is just a county town. When we reach the Prefecture or region, who knows what will happen? Without strong combat force, who can ensure anyone’s safety?"

Cheng Zhengfan contemplated and said, "Xiao, rest assured, we take responsibility for the clan’s safety. We’re just ordinary civilians; our response to events and emergency skills are lacking.

We want a leader who is quick-witted, decisive, and brave to quickly direct us in critical moments regarding what to do and not to do, that’s all we need."