Chapter 19: Growing Unease in People's Hearts
Chapter 19: Growing Unease in People's Hearts
Hearing Lu Ruisheng’s concern, Zhuang Jie felt completely at ease. He told Lu Ruisheng he would rent a place as soon as possible, then said goodbye and hung up.
Although Zhuang Jie noticed some things were different from his previous life, after all, he had been reborn, and some butterfly effects were inevitable. What mattered was that he now held the initiative—that was enough.
He wasn’t worried about the warehouse in the suburbs since the snow hadn’t been cleared and no one could get there. The supplies were extremely safe, though some might have been ruined by the cold, which was a shame.
Since he couldn’t go to Lu Ruisheng’s house, he had to make sure to rent a place before the network went down. Before the power and internet cut off, he planned to lure Lu Ruisheng and Gu Pan over, incapacitate them to seize the pendant, then kill them. Once the power and internet were out, everything would be chaotic.
In his previous life, when he obtained the pendant, the apocalypse had only just begun two months earlier, and he hadn’t dared to kill anyone, which left him constantly on edge afterward. This time, once he got the item, he intended to eliminate any future threats immediately.
After Lu Ruisheng hung up, he spoke with Gu Pan about Zhuang Jie.
They just needed to confirm the exact location of Zhuang Jie’s home to avoid losing track of him when seeking revenge. Without communication, finding someone would be extremely difficult.
At first, they had considered letting Zhuang Jie and his wife suffer through the apocalypse longer before dying, but weighing the risks, they realized the couple posed a threat. What if they leaked information about the space? So they ultimately decided it was safer to kill them first once order collapsed.
After discussing this tense matter, Gu Pan took out two cups of coffee from the space and, while sipping, shifted the conversation.
Fortunately, they had also bought milk tea and plenty of desserts along with their food. Eating some sweets helped relax both body and mind.
That night, after browsing some online information, Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng washed up and prepared for bed.
Before sleeping, the floor leader of Building 401 tagged all members: starting tomorrow, electricity would be limited from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., with no power outside those hours.
This schedule was scientific since they could use electric blankets at night.
Gu Pan sat up and asked Lu Ruisheng, “Have all the high-power portable chargers in our space been fully charged? I really don’t want to live without electricity anymore.”
Lu Ruisheng sat up too. “Don’t worry, everything’s been prepared long ago. Stop fretting and get some sleep—we have to get up early tomorrow.”
Gu Pan lay back, nestled in Lu Ruisheng’s arms. “Though we’ve faced many misfortunes, the greatest blessing is that we have each other.”
Lu Ruisheng held Gu Pan close. “I used to complain about fate, but after meeting you, I never have again.”
He kissed her softly.
With barely a moment to catch her breath, Gu Pan bit his shoulder playfully. “Who said we have to get up early tomorrow or go to bed early tonight?”
Lu Ruisheng frowned slightly at the bite. “So energetic? Then tonight I’ll make sure you get plenty of exercise.” He switched off the bedside lamp.
The room’s temperature rose gradually, and the condensation on the window revealed the passion between them.
The next morning, Lu Ruisheng and the others left at 4 a.m. but returned within half an hour because the queue to the supermarket had already extended to the midpoint of their route. There was no need to join the line again; some who hadn’t returned were taking turns to queue for the next day. If they didn’t get food today, family members would continue queuing tomorrow.
Since Lu Ruisheng’s group had already secured supplies yesterday, there was no need to push too hard.
Of course, the group chat exploded with complaints about the inability to get supplies and questions for the floor leader.
The leader of Building 401 said, “I understand everyone’s feelings, but I haven’t gotten food either. We have to find solutions ourselves. Check with relatives and friends for any reserves. Only by helping each other can we survive this disaster. Mutual aid is the key to ultimate victory.”
Hearing such grandiose words, Gu Pan shook her head and said to Lu Ruisheng, “This isn’t like a few days ago. No one will give away food easily now.”
Lu Ruisheng agreed, “Queueing overnight in minus sixty-degree cold is risking your life for food. This is beyond money.”
“Tomorrow is the last day to buy food. When people realize they won’t get any more, panic will set in. Then there will be power outages and internet cuts, and fear will deepen.”
“Even with mental preparation, it’s still nerve-wracking to talk about.”
“I’ve returned with three years of memories, facing this again—it’s hard to accept.”
As they spoke, loud quarrels erupted in the stairwell nearby—not from their floor but a few stories below. Since it wasn’t their business, they paid no mind. Clearly, the conflicts were over food. Other supplies hadn’t yet shown obvious shortages.
At that moment, Gu Pan’s phone rang. She saw it was Tian Zhenzhen calling and quickly answered, “Zhenzhen, are you home?”
Tian Zhenzhen replied, “Just got home. I wanted to check in and let you know I’m safe.”
Gu Pan asked, “Did you bring everything back?”
“Yes. My dad and brother made a sled out of our stools and hauled all my things back.”
“That’s good. I heard this cold snap will last a while. Save your supplies and don’t give any away.”
“I know. My dad and brother queued early yesterday morning and got food, plus what you gave me. We’re rationing carefully and should last for at least a month. By then, the cold snap will probably have passed.”
Gu Pan couldn’t tell Tian Zhenzhen that the cold wouldn’t end so soon, nor that the disaster wouldn’t be over even after the chill. She just said, “Anyway, we must always be prepared as much as possible.”
“Don’t just worry about me. How are you and Lu? The power’s restricted—are you staying warm?”
“We’re fine. Remember how we love barbecues? We still have charcoal and a stove.”
“Panpan, if you burn charcoal indoors, be careful about carbon monoxide. Always open a window when using the stove, okay?” Tian Zhenzhen earnestly reminded her.
Gu Pan smiled, “I know. Don’t worry—we’re taking good care of ourselves.”
“Alright, nothing more for now. We’ll talk on the phone if anything comes up.”
After saying goodbye and hanging up, someone knocked at Gu Pan’s door.
Lu Ruisheng cautiously peeked through the peephole and whispered to Gu Pan, “It’s a woman. I don’t know her.”
Gu Pan thought a moment. “I’ll open.”
Since order was still somewhat intact, it would be strange not to answer a knock. Also, since it was a woman, it was easier for her to open.
Gu Pan opened the door and asked, “Who are you looking for?”
Outside stood a girl bundled up tightly in thick clothing. Gu Pan could tell it was a girl because she wore a pale pink hat.
The girl’s voice was soft and shy as she said quietly, “Sister, I want to borrow some sanitary pads.”
(End of chapter)