When Su Mu arrived at the village chief's house, he found that everyone in the village was already there.
Not only had the villagers come, but Professor Chen and his team were also present.
"Xiao Mu, how are things on your end?" Chen Yinian asked eagerly upon seeing Su Mu.
"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Chen. Everything is fine on my end."
"That's good to hear. This heavy rain has caused significant damage to many of the village's rice paddies and vegetable crops."
"Indeed," Su Mu agreed. The disaster had affected everyone, leaving them helpless.
"Ahem, since everyone is here, let's get started," Li Siming said in a serious tone, looking around at the assembled villagers.
"This was a natural disaster. The heavy rain destroyed many of our rice seedlings and even some vegetable crops."
"There's nothing we can do about a natural disaster. The important thing is that everyone is safe!"
"Considering the extent of the damage, we'll need to assess each household's situation."
"I'll document what everyone needs and report it to the authorities to see if we can get some assistance."
"This was a natural disaster, so please don't blame anyone."
"Now that the rain has stopped, we need to focus on salvaging our remaining rice seedlings."
"If any household has lost all their seedlings, I hope others with extras can share."
Li Siming aimed to reassure the villagers, encouraging them to support each other through this difficult time.
Su Mu, seated among the villagers, spoke up after Li Siming finished, "Chief, if anyone needs more rice seedlings, I'll buy them."
"Xiao Mu, that's too generous. You're just starting your business and will need your money," Li Siming responded, appreciating Su Mu's willingness to help but not wanting to burden him.
"We'll handle the rice seedling issue," Li Siming continued. "Su Mu's already invested heavily in the village with the reservoir project, which benefits us all. We can't ask him to spend more."
Professor Chen then interjected, "We recently cultivated a batch of rice seedlings at the agricultural college. I'll call them to send some over. No need to buy any."
"Yes, that's a great solution," another villager agreed. "We don't know the quality of purchased seedlings anyway."
With the help of a few agricultural students, the extent of each household's damage was documented. Li Siming planned to report this the next day to seek any available subsidies.
"Alright, today's meeting is over. The river is still swift from the rain, so please be cautious when going out. Wait until the sun comes out tomorrow before doing any heavy work," the village chief advised repeatedly, ensuring everyone's safety.
As the villagers began to leave, Su Mu approached Li Siming. "Chief, this disaster is worse than previous ones, isn't it?"
"Yes, this was the heaviest rain we've seen in a decade, causing significant damage in just one day and night."
"Look at this," Li Siming pointed to a report. "This household lost three acres of peanuts, completely washed away."
"And this one, all their vegetables were destroyed."
Professor Chen tried to console him, "As long as everyone's safe, we can replant."
"You're right. Xiao Mu, thank you for everything. Without you, Old Li might not have made it."
"Uncle Li, it's the least I could do. The villagers treated me well when I was young. Now that I can help, I will."
"Good, good. Now, let's make sure to list any damages on your end too, Su Mu," Li Siming urged.
"I don't have much to report, Uncle Li. My place wasn't badly affected," Su Mu explained. His fruit trees were safe, and the vegetables only suffered minor damage.
"Alright then, but if you need anything, just let me know," Li Siming insisted.
As they spoke, an elderly man arrived, carrying a bag. "Xiao Mu, you're still here?"
"Uncle Li, why are you here?" Su Mu asked, surprised.
"I brought you something to thank you for saving me yesterday," the old man said, handing over the bag.
"There's no need for that, Uncle Li. I'm just glad you're safe," Su Mu replied.
"But I insist. You saved my life, and this is the least I can do," the old man insisted.