Chapter 17: The Final Purchase Restriction

Chapter 17: The Final Purchase Restriction

An hour later, the building manager of Building 401 issued a notice requiring each household to send one person downstairs to help clear the snow.

Lu Ruisheng had already changed into an ultra-thick down jacket, put on snow goggles, knee-high snow boots, gloves, and a scarf—wrapped up so thoroughly that not a bit of cold could get through. Upon receiving the notice, he stepped out.

At the door, he ran into Chen Shaonan, who was similarly bundled up. Chen’s down jacket wasn’t as thick as Lu’s, but he wore multiple layers underneath, so he was well-prepared.

Gu Pan stood by the window, watching outside. There was strength in numbers. In the distance, snowplows were spreading de-icing agents along the main roads, followed by crews sweeping the snow away. Although the snowbanks on either side still towered over ten meters high, at least the main thoroughfares were passable now, allowing people to get out.

For most, this was a glimmer of hope. But Gu Pan knew the cold wave was far from over, and the hardships ahead would be endless.

It took Lu Ruisheng an hour to return. Since the supply of de-icing agent was limited, they had to ration it carefully so that buildings behind them wouldn’t run out. Naturally, this meant more manual labor.

Gu Pan brewed ginger tea for Lu Ruisheng when he came back, urging him to drink a bowl to dispel the chill.

By evening, the entrances to all the units in the community finally allowed people to go out.

During dinner, the building manager sent another message to everyone: Tomorrow, all supermarkets in the city would be selling goods in limited quantities at their entrances. Residents were advised to go early and queue at the nearest supermarket.

After reading the notice, Gu Pan turned to Lu Ruisheng and said, “Tomorrow there will be time-limited, quantity-restricted sales. Each person can only buy one random food package. It might be biscuits and instant noodles, or some rice and flour, and not everyone will get one.”

Lu Ruisheng nodded knowingly. “We’re not a major grain-producing province, nor a key transit hub. Supplies are scarce, and the freezing temperatures have ruined the vegetables and fruits. These are probably the only things left to sell. And you can bet some merchants will hoard supplies to sell later at high prices.”

Gu Pan recalled her previous life with a sigh. “You’re right. Back then, even before we died, there were still wealthy people who lived without worry. People with money and power always suffered less, no matter the time.”

“Should we invite our neighbors across the hall to line up early, so they can stock up more? It would be safer for our household, too,” Lu Ruisheng suggested.

Although they had extra storage space, they couldn’t afford to stay completely indoors. Otherwise, others might become suspicious. Under normal circumstances, they needed to go out and join the crowd in buying supplies. Showing Lu Ruisheng’s ability to fend for the family would make their abundance seem normal and help them stay hidden.

Besides, the two neighbors were physics and chemistry teachers. If something like the generator broke down later, having a physics teacher nearby would be a boon. Their relationship wasn’t just about proximity.

“All right, you call Teacher Chen. Also, contact Doctor Feng in Unit 601. He could be useful to us,” Gu Pan said.

“What time should we agree on for lining up tomorrow?”

“On the first day, not many people will be alert yet. Just get there at dawn. Starting the second day, people will begin staying overnight in line. But the sales only last three days anyway.”

Lu Ruisheng called Chen Shaonan and arranged to meet at 5:30 a.m. Then he called Doctor Feng Zhekai from Unit 601, advising him to get there early and asking if he wanted to join them.

Doctor Feng was eager to come along, glad to have company.

The next morning, Lu Ruisheng got up and dressed quietly, intending to go line up alone.

But Gu Pan, accustomed to the post-apocalyptic vigilance, woke at the slightest noise. “We agreed to go together. I haven’t been out in ten days and want some fresh air.”

“It’s so cold. If you want fresh air, just stand downstairs for a bit.”

“You went alone last time. This time I want to see for myself. After all, scenes like this won’t come often.”

Knowing she wouldn’t be deterred, Lu Ruisheng relented, “All right. Dress warmly and gear up properly before going out.”

“Don’t worry. I still have memories from my previous life. I know what to do.”

They put on their inner thermal wear, sweaters, and thermal pants, then had breakfast.

Afterward, they layered on down jackets and pants, gloves, scarves, hats, and snow goggles—essential to protect their eyes from the glare if the sun came out.

Finally, fully equipped in snow boots, they stepped outside.

Chen Shaonan was already ready. Hearing their door open, he came out with his family of three. They planned to queue separately, so they could buy more collectively.

They disliked relying on others and preferred to prepare enough on their own. Besides, their son was fifteen or sixteen; the couple wanted him to experience hardship and learn resilience in such bitter cold.

They descended to the sixth floor, while Doctor Feng went alone. Seeing them, he greeted them and joined their group.

They moved quietly downstairs, mindful that some people still lived on the first and second floors.

Cars couldn’t be used due to the freezing temperatures preventing engines from starting. Their community was only a ten-minute walk east to the supermarket.

The group barely spoke on the way—too cold. Every word breathed out frost on their scarves, hats, and down jackets.

Bright red flags and illuminated signs marked the supermarket’s location clearly. Despite towering snowbanks on either side, the tall buildings and signage prevented anyone from getting lost.

A walk that usually took ten minutes stretched to fifteen in these conditions. Upon arrival, they found two queues, each with over twenty people lined up.

They hurried to join.

Since there were two queues with different supplies on each side, Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng split up to cover both.

Chen Shaonan suggested that men and women queue separately for safety, so he and Gu Pan stood on one side.

Duan Shumei, Chen Lang, and Lu Ruisheng lined up on the other.

Doctor Feng naturally joined Gu Pan and Chen Shaonan.

More people arrived steadily. By dawn, over two hundred were in line.

Tables had been set up ahead of the queues, with signs marking the start of the line. Everyone queued orderly.

Listening to nearby conversations, they learned that most families sent just one person out. Despite the cold, people believed enduring a few days was worth it to get supplies. No one planned to hoard much, as the resumption of sales promised an end to shortages.

Those who arrived early simply wanted to avoid long waits, buy quickly, and return home sooner—unaware of how precious their decision was.

At 7:30 a.m., the supermarket doors opened to prepare for sales.

Due to the long lines, sales officially began at 8:00 a.m., with a strict limit of one package per person and no cutting in line.

Soon it was their turn. The six of them bought six packages: three containing biscuits and instant noodles, three with rice and flour. Each package also included five bottles of beverages or mineral water, randomly assorted.

All were packed in plastic bags. The biscuits were either compressed or ordinary types from different brands; each pack had five smaller biscuit bags. The instant noodles came in ten different flavors, along with five sausages and five marinated eggs.

The rice and flour package contained three jin (about 1.5 kg) of rice, two jin of flour, and a piece of meat—all frozen solid in the low temperatures, so no concern about thawing.

Both package types cost the same—one hundred yuan each. Though pricier than usual, everyone understood. Workers had prepared the packages in advance, and the supermarket suffered large losses since canned fruits and vegetables had spoiled. At this time, the price was fair and reasonable.

Of course, with uniform pricing, those who disliked cooking could trade with those who did.

(End of chapter)