"Okay, Father, we’ll try to get as many things as possible within this period. Honey, what are you going to buy today? I just transferred 100 million to your card; if it’s not enough, you can just call me, and I will transfer more." After replying to Grandpa Chu, Chu Mo turned to his wife and asked?
"Miao and I will still go to buy clothes, but not in the mall. We are going to the factories to get bedding and then visit my friend’s office to collect the materials for making constant-temperature clothes. I called her last night."
"Chu Hao, I can go to the company alone today, you go and procure the construction materials. I have to keep doctoring the company accounts so that our actions do not alert the authorities and trigger an investigation before the apocalypse. But I’ll make sure that everything regarding water is taken care of. Bunny, you can pass by the warehouse and collect what has been delivered already before going shopping with your mom."
"Okay, Daddy, but since we are buying things from different places at the same time, I think it’s better to rent other warehouses. It’s better if they are not in the same location and are not too far apart."
"This way, we would not attract unwanted attention if too many delivery men came across each other, and the location is not far apart, making it difficult to collect the supplies."
"That’s an excellent idea. Alright, I will rent two more warehouses and send the address to you."
Once the conversation came to an end, the family had finished eating breakfast and left the house almost at the same time. On their way to the gate, they met the kitchen staff returning with a truckload of ingredients.
"Good morning, sirs and madam; morning, you too, Bunny." It was the first time the head chef had seen the whole family going out so early, but she didn’t pry and just greeted everyone.
"Morning nanny Meng." They answered in unison.
"I see you went out early to buy ingredients. If you need anything else or the budget provided is not enough, then just talk to the butler, he will supplement it for you." After Mother Chu finished instructing, she got into the rented truck with Chu Miao and drove out.
They first drove to the warehouse and collected the gallons of water before heading to the clothes factories. Mother Chu had contacted the managers of the factories and made an appointment so it didn’t take long before their orders were fulfilled.
They bought 1000 pieces each of soft blankets, light silk sheets, and pillowcases for normal and hot weather. In addition, another 1000 pieces of heavy duvets filled with wool for cold weather were bought. 1000 pieces of electric blankets, fleece blankets, and sweaters, as well as socks and gloves.
After leaving the first factory, they went to the factory of Mother Chu’s friend to get the materials for making constant-temperature clothes. Since she had already called, they found her waiting with five rolls of material.
"We don’t have a lot of material since the product is still under research and only the military can use it for now. I had to use my authority to get you these rolls, but that’s all I can get. However, each roll is 100 meters long and can make at least 50 outfits, so I guess it’s enough for you."
"Thanks, Lana, I really appreciate this. I would advise you to keep one roll at home and stock up on food and water. Don’t ask me what is happening; you know our family has connections to the military, so we get some information that other people don’t. Just do as I say. If possible, move to your apartment in the city center and improve its security."
"Alright, I’ll do as you say and won’t ask any questions as I know you are probably taking a risk even by telling me this. But can I ask, how much food and water should I exactly stock up?"
"As much as possible, buy more grains, oil, salt, sugar, and foods with long shelf life. Don’t say noodles and self-heating meals are unhealthy. Buy them all in large quantities; as for vegetables, better pickle them or buy dried ones; the same goes for meat. As for water, the more the better. And do it discreetly."
"Thanks, my friend. I appreciate the heads-up. I guess I will need more clothes then."
"Hahahaa... I love talking to you because you are smart. Indeed, buy more clothes, and forget about fashion. Choose practicality and comfort, you can take an example with me." Commented Mother Chu. Today, she was wearing another sports suit.
Even though they had decided not to tell people about what was about to happen, ignoring dear friends such as Lana didn’t feel right to her. So, she chose to give her hints. She knew that Lana was smart; with the information she provided and the current situations going on reported on major websites, she knew that she would make adequate preparations.
Listening to her mother warning her friend, Chu Miao thought of her own friend and decided to send her a message. So, while her mother was finalizing everything with Lana, she took out her phone and sent a message. She just hoped that her friend and her family would be as smart as her mother’s friend.
Bunny: Hi little fairy, long time no see. I just left the hospital yesterday and found out about something, and I thought I should share it with you. Something is going on and the government will announce measures soon, but knowing a little earlier may be of help. Get your family to move to an apartment near the city that is at least fifteen floors high. Don’t move below the 10th floor no matter what.
Also, get them to stock up on food and water, especially dry foods, and ready self-heating meals. And most importantly, don’t let anyone know about what you have. It’s better to buy them when you move so that you can pack them in boxes and make others believe that they are just clothes or shoes.
Little fairy: Little angel, did the apocalypse novels you’ve been reading finally get to you? What’s with the stocking up and moving to high-rise buildings?
Bunny: If it was about a novel, I wouldn’t be out with my mom stocking up on food a day after leaving the hospital. Am telling you because you are my only close friend. Also, the government will announce such precautions soon, and once they do, the prices of goods will skyrocket.
Little fairy: Thanks for the warning; I had thought it was a joke; even after seeing the things on the internet, I was still hoping it was some alarming rumors. Now that the government is getting involved, it’s no longer a joke. I’ll go tell my parents now. We don’t have a lot of money, but we won’t try to save it. I’ll read those novels you like to understand what to prepare.
Bunny: Ok girl, see you.
Chu Miao let out a long breath and put her phone back into her bag, just to hear her mother calling for her to leave.
She stood up and followed her mother out, "Goodbye, Aunt Lana."
"Goodbye, little Bunny."