Peng Arui, an equipment technician at the Fire Rescue Detachment in Fuzhou City, East China's Jiangxi Province, was supposed to spend a maternity leave with his wife in his hometown in Lianyungang City, East China's Jiangsu Province. However, Peng volunteered to join the rescue team in the fight against the floods in Poyang County in Jiangxi after receiving the emergency alarm.

When Peng decided to go to the front line, he didn't tell his parents so they wouldn't worry about him. Although his wife was about to give birth, she still supported Peng's decision to help with flood control.

Peng's work is so tough that he often goes to bed until 4 o'clock in the morning. He barely has time to contact his family, but he never stops thinking about his wife.

Peng will never forget the moment that he was told via WeChat that "both mother and son are doing well" at 7:06 a.m. on July 15, five days ahead of the expected date of birth.

At that time, Peng's parents just learned that he had been on the front line of flood control for many days.

After learning the news about his wife and son, Peng had a video call with his wife. "My dear, how are you doing now? I will come back safely! Wait for me at home!" Peng said with a sense of guilt since he could not take care of her.

After learning of Peng's family situation, rescue team leaders allowed him to go back home, but he still chose to stay with teammates until the flood control was over.

As a member of the first rescue group, Peng worked in Mahu Village, Changzhou Township, one of hardest-hit area where more than 40 villagers urgently need to be transferred. As one rescue boat can only hold 10 people, Peng had to transport the trapped villagers by going back and forth.

As of July 16, Peng has driven the rescue boat into the disaster-hit areas more than 30 times and rescued over 180 people.

Peng named his son Yanlan (meaning blue flame) , expecting the little boy to be like himself when he grows up.

Peng plans to go back and spend time with his wife and son when the anti-flood fight is over. He said, "When I am back, I will cook for my wife. She needs more nourishment."

(Source: china.cnr.cn/Translated and edited by Women of China)