Chapter 56 (1/2)

“You wouldn’t understand even if I told you.”

Zhou Ling patted Xiaotu on the head, as she opened the door and walked inside their house.

“Tell me, Mommy, please tell me…” Xiaotu followed behind her mother and continued to nag at her.

“Ah, okay…” Xiaotu’s mother sighed, then she stooped down and pointed to the rain falling outside the window. She asked Xiaotu, “Do you see that it’s raining outside?”

“Yes, of course I see it.” Xiaotu nodded vigorously. “It’s been raining for such a long time. Brother Orange Juice and I haven’t even been able to go out and play.”

“Well, it’s also raining right now in the military district where your father is stationed. In fact, the rain is much heavier there where he is than it is here.” Zhou Ling thought it over for a little while, and then she patiently explained to Xiaotu, “After there’s heavy rain like this, the water levels of rivers and lakes will rise. Then, often the water will overwhelm the rivers and lakes and jump their banks. The water will then submerge all the dry land that is around the rivers and lakes, and in this way a flood occurs. Do you understand?”

“Yes…so the water overflows the rivers and covers the roads.” Xiaotu blinked her eyes as she nodded to show that she understood.

“That’s basically what it means. Where Daddy is, the water level has risen very, very high, and the people who live around there are struggling just to keep their heads above water.”

“Whoa…so does that mean it’s like a swimming pool?” Xiaotu asked with a fascinated expression on her face.

“Uh…you could say that, in a sense.” Xiaotu’s mother nodded, then continued, “But sadly, not everybody can swim, so your dad has been sent to rescue those people who can’t swim. After your dad is finished rescuing all those people, he will be able to return home.”

“Oh…” Xiaotu had a vague idea of what her father was doing, and she tilted her head as she thought about it for a little while. Then, suddenly, she shouted to her mother, “So Daddy is basically like Superman, rescuing people.”

“Correct.” Xiaotu’s mother caressed her fluffy head and smiled.