Saving System: Calm Down, My Fleeing Host!-Chapter 200: Team Formation

Upon hearing Cheng Zhengfan say this, everyone shifted their thinking at once. That’s right! After saying so much, they seemed to have exaggerated the problem. Essentially, they’re trying to escape from hardship.

In times of disaster, casualties are inevitable; it’s all about personal fate. As long as everyone does their best, there will be no regrets. Why worry too much?

"Xiao! That’s exactly what we mean. We’re all grown men; there’s no need for a girl like you to protect us. There are plenty of men in the group—grab a few, and they could serve as guards or fighters. But their brains aren’t as functional as yours. Without your command, they can’t get anything done; they’re just a bunch of freeloaders."

Cheng Xingwang earnestly spouted nonsense, making Cheng Xiaoxiao glance over in surprise. Is it really okay for you to slander your sons and nephews like this?

Yet, the others agreed heartily, sparing no softness in criticizing their own children.

Just like Cheng Xingxiao, the loud one, who is Six Uncle’s son. According to him, one of his sons failed to step stably while crossing the cliff and fell off.

Fortunately, Xiao thought of using ropes to link everyone, allowing those back and front to give a pull, saving his son’s life.

Then the old men started the mode of singing praises.

Cheng Xiaoxiao silently rubbed her forehead.

"Xiao, we’re not forcing you to agree to anything; you don’t need to feel pressured. If it weren’t for you, we’d have died several times over by now. It shows you’re the path given to us by heaven. No matter if we face thorny paths ahead, we’ve decided on you."

Who would have thought the upright Third Uncle would have a clear-minded yet brazen son?

Actually, Third Grandpa spoke well; that’s precisely the point. She could lead everyone forward, but she’s not guaranteeing everyone’s safety.

She’d surely pull her weight when needed, but life is unpredictable; should anything happen, her family is her primary concern, so she clarifies this first to prevent chaos.

Though she’d prefer not to travel with such a large group—it makes them an easy target—thinking about it differently, having many people also has its perks; at the very least, common thieves won’t dare rob such a crowd.

Facing opponents with overpowering strength, numbers wouldn’t make a difference either way.

At this point, the village chief added, "Yes, yes, yes, Xiao, your Third Grandpa is correct. Everyone has their fate; as long as everyone strives to fight for it, in failing to preserve life, that’s just a destined misfortune for the individual, not to blame anyone."

Old Cheng Xingwang nodded, "We merely hope to lead the kin to a safe place to continue living, that’s...all...Xiao you..."

Honestly, she could hardly talk with this crowd anymore; she almost felt like an unfaithful person. "Since everyone insists, I can’t decline. However, I have several conditions to clarify upfront."

"Xiao, speak up, we agree to whatever you say."

Cheng Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes; can’t Second Grandpa change his script?

"First, I declare that henceforth, the group will never tolerate traitors. As everyone knows, a single chopstick is easy to break, but a bundle holds strong. Since everyone aims to be united, regardless of how things turn out, no one should complain."

Everyone nodded.

"What if someone ever sells out for wealth or power, how should they be dealt with?"

"Should anyone betray everyone, they should be expelled from the clan or banished from the village."

"Break their ribs to set an example."

Everyone shared their views.

Cheng Xiaoxiao snorted coldly; now there’s no village, the Clan Leader is dead, and there’s no binding force left, is there?

Hearing Cheng Xiaoxiao’s snort, everyone suddenly realized that they were now just a group of refugees, no longer part of Qingshan Village, with no ancestral hall. What talk of clan could there be without family rules? Yet they all shared the Cheng surname!

So, they all looked towards Cheng Zhengfan.

Third Uncle has a way with words, any advice?

The strongly hinted-at Cheng Zhengfan finally realized.

Ahem!

Pretending to cough lightly, he slowly said, "That’s too lenient. Betraying is basically handing the lives of the kin into someone else’s hands. Keeping such a person alive would only cost more lives."

The crowd widened their eyes; isn’t this punishment too harsh? That’s human life!

But they quickly responded: If confronted with the previous situation in Yu County, there’s certainly no room for mercy.

Seeing his old companions and several young ones had no objections, Cheng Zhengfan seriously spoke to Cheng Xiaoxiao, "From now on, should any kin betray, Xiao will handle it, we will have no objections."

Cheng Xiaoxiao couldn’t help being surprised; she hadn’t expected Third Grandpa to have such insight.

She thought the old men would consider the bond of blood, making her give out the punishment again!

Alright, since the elders are this supportive, she won’t hold back, "I’ll draft detailed punishment rules. Additionally, with our future team of 132, we’ll be one family, dismissing ranks and wealth, allocating work and benefits based on individual capabilities."

The old men struggled to wrap their heads around this.

"Well, for now, let’s leave it at this. We’ll continue traveling during the day tomorrow and hold a full meeting at night. I’ll draft specific guidelines by then, so everyone knows."

The group could only awkwardly disperse to rest.

As for the clansmen awaiting news, they were all anxious to know the outcome faster.

The returnees couldn’t say much, only that Xiaoxiao temporarily agreed but with conditions; the specifics will only be known the following night. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Throughout the day’s journey, the group whispered amongst themselves, pondering what Xiaoxiao would say.

Even her uncle and dad asked about it.

Thus, Cheng Xiaoxiao generously showed them her plan.

The curious eldest aunt craned her neck to catch a glimpse, but unfortunately, her literacy wasn’t great. What was learned back in the village were simple scripts. Cheng Xiaoxiao’s plan was densely packed with words, giving her a headache.

Luckily, Xiaohua explained it to her, giving her a rough idea.

Cheng Ran chuckled and said, "Mom, remember when we wanted you to learn characters, but you thought it troublesome? Now you see the benefits of literacy?"

"You little rascal, making fun of your mom!" She didn’t want to learn? She simply couldn’t wrap her head around it!

She found those characters too hard to recognize; writing them was even more challenging, almost tougher than embroidery.

Dahua and Xiaohua exchanged glances and chuckled; indeed, for their mom, learning literacy was tough, given her age and lack of previous exposure—a basic understanding was already quite commendable.

At least their mom focused on characters related to accounts, especially numbers.

Everyone knew Cheng Xiaoxiao divided things into several small teams and understood the specific responsibilities of those teams, though she hadn’t selected personnel yet.

As such, the column for person in charge remained blank.

Undeniably, Cheng Xiaoxiao’s assigning and arranging had everyone in their roles. Regardless of their duties, it greatly enhanced efficiency and allowed everyone’s strengths to be fully utilized.