Weihao left together with the boys to explore the surrounding area.
Nanzhi and Baoyin remained behind.
At the mention of lunch, the children immediately stopped playing. One by one, they ran over and surrounded the two guards, their voices overlapping in excited chatter.
"Uncle, I'm hungry!"
"I can help wash the pots!"
"Uncle, Uncle, what are we eating today?"
"Uncle, can we eat something other than noodles?"
The same boy wearing a brown jacket and black shorts piped up again, his eyes shining. "Uncle, how about we go pick mushrooms again?"
The guards exchanged glances.
"Alright, alright," the older guard said, rubbing the boy's head. "Let's see if any new mushrooms have grown."
Taking care of so many children, they were already stretched thin in terms of food and water. Even if they rationed carefully, the remaining supplies would only last another five days at most.
That was why they were grateful when they discovered the mushrooms.
