Chapter 9

After completing a month-long overseas supply-gathering trip, Shangguan Xueying finally set foot on the familiar and welcoming soil of her homeland. At that moment, her heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions—the warmth of returning home and the tension of facing the future.

The moment she landed, her phone rang with a crisp, urgent notification. Instinctively, she glanced at the screen and saw that the 5 billion from Uncle Li’s asset liquidation had successfully arrived. The sudden influx of such a vast sum stirred a deep surge of gratitude and emotion within her. She knew this wasn’t merely a string of numbers—it represented Uncle Li’s years of unwavering support and trust. The depth of his sentiment felt like a heavy responsibility resting on her shoulders.

Without hesitation, Shangguan Xueying immediately transferred 300 million to Uncle Li, hoping to express her heartfelt gratitude. As the transaction completed, she imagined Uncle Li’s satisfied smile, feeling a small measure of relief herself.

After handling this important transfer, Shangguan Xueying hurried back to the familiar villa near her school. Long hours of travel and effort had left her physically weary. After a quick wash-up, she collapsed into the soft bed, hoping to shake off the fatigue from jet lag and prepare for the upcoming supply-gathering tasks.

The next morning, while the city still dreamed under the gentle touch of morning dew, at six o’clock sharp, Shangguan Xueying was already wide awake, sitting in the driver’s seat of a large truck like a beam of dawn light. As the engine roared to life, she drove toward the wholesale market. A gentle breeze brushed her face, as if cheering her on for her courage and determination.

Inside the wholesale market, the noise of the bustling crowd and moving vehicles created a lively chaos. Shangguan Xueying’s truck, massive and imposing, stood out like a moving hill. Her first stop was the clothing wholesale area. A sprawling shop presented a kaleidoscope of garments, dazzling to the eyes.

With determined steps, Shangguan Xueying entered the store, her gaze fixed on the busy middle-aged female owner. In a crisp, clear voice, she said, “Hello, ma’am. I’m very interested in your clothing. I plan to purchase 10,000 sets of various items: women’s clothing, children’s clothing, underwear, thermal underwear, sportswear, casual wear, knitwear, cotton socks, baseball caps, bucket hats, wool hats, sweatshirts, sweaters, denim sets, pajamas, down jackets, cotton jackets, cotton fabric, linen fabric, silk fabric, wool fabric, cashmere fabric, nylon fabric, and scarves. I hope the fabrics are comfortable and the workmanship is fine. I understand the market prices—can you offer a more favorable rate? If this cooperation goes smoothly, I will continue sourcing from you long-term.”

The shop owner paused her work, studying the young yet determined woman before her. Surprise flickered across her eyes—she hadn’t expected such a seemingly delicate girl to place such a massive order—but her business acumen quickly returned. “Young lady, that’s quite a large order. The price is negotiable, but you know, the materials and workmanship in my shop are top quality, so the cost is naturally not low.”

Shangguan Xueying smiled confidently. “I understand your concerns. Business has costs, of course. But I genuinely want to work with you long-term. Give me a fair price—if this cooperation goes well, there will be many more orders.”

The woman pondered briefly, weighing the quality of her goods against Shangguan Xueying’s firm expression. Finally, she said, “Alright, seeing your sincerity, I’ll give you a discounted price. But the quality will be guaranteed.”

After agreeing on the price and making payment, the shop workers sprang into action. Like a well-trained team, they swiftly and methodically loaded the garments into the truck. One package after another, sweat on their brows, yet their pace never faltered. Within an hour, the once-empty truck was filled to capacity. Shangguan Xueying, satisfied, drove off toward a remote location.

The area was desolate, with few signs of life. She stopped the truck, scanned the surroundings, and, confirming no one was nearby, took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and focused her psychic abilities to sense the environment.

Her mental power spread like invisible tendrils, feeling every inch of land and every ripple in the air. Sweat beaded on her forehead, but she remained fully concentrated.

Once she confirmed there were no living beings or potential threats nearby, Shangguan Xueying opened the truck’s rear doors. With a gentle wave of her hands, the massive piles of supplies vanished one by one, stored safely in her hidden space.

Looking at the empty truck, she felt a surge of accomplishment and security, knowing these supplies would sustain and protect her in the apocalypse. Dusting off her hands, she climbed back into the truck and headed to the shoe wholesale area.

At a large shoe wholesale store, her gaze was sharp and focused, as if piercing through fog to see her target clearly. She said firmly to the owner, “I want 10,000 pairs of various shoes: leather shoes, sneakers, sandals, flats, canvas shoes, cotton shoes, short boots, mid-calf boots, work shoes, traditional Beijing cloth shoes, rain boots, snow boots, and slippers. Give me a fair price. Quality must be high, and if this cooperation goes well, there will be more orders.”

The owner’s face lit up with enthusiasm. “Girl, the quality here is guaranteed. As for the price, we can negotiate.”

An intense yet strategic bargaining session ensued. With her keen market insight, Shangguan Xueying negotiated skillfully, finally securing both a satisfying price and quality assurance. After payment, workers carefully loaded each pair onto the truck, handling them as if they were precious treasures. Within an hour, the truck was once again filled. Shangguan Xueying, pleased with the haul, drove to a secluded location. Confirming the area was safe, she opened the rear doors and collected all the supplies into her hidden space once more. Dusting her hands, she continued to the household goods wholesale area.

At a large household goods store, she meticulously selected every item—shampoos, body washes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, toilet paper, detergents, soaps, conditioners, cookware, chopsticks, sanitary pads, and more—inspecting each carefully. She told the owner, “I need 30,000 of each item: shampoos, detergents, laundry liquids, conditioners, body washes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, soaps, sanitary paper, sanitary pads, sleep pants, cookware, kitchen knives, storage jars, wooden chopsticks, wooden spoons, kitchen utensils, plastic bags, plastic stools, cups, bedding, locks, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, nails, bulbs, flashlights, desk lamps, pens, notebooks, glue, pet toys, children’s toys, small decorations. The price needs to be favorable; I will be a long-term customer.”

The owner’s smile broadened with enthusiasm. “Girl, the quality is guaranteed, and the price can be negotiated.”

After another round of negotiation, she secured the price and quality assurances. Workers loaded everything carefully and efficiently; within two hours, the truck was again fully packed. Shangguan Xueying, satisfied, drove to a remote location.

Concentrating, she used her psychic abilities to sense her surroundings. Opening the rear doors, she waved her hands, and the towering piles of goods disappeared into her hidden space. Dusting her hands once more, she climbed into the truck and headed to the food wholesale area.

At a large, well-stocked food wholesale store, her clear and resolute voice rang out like a battle horn: “I need 30,000 units of each: rice, brown rice, pearl rice, beans, soybean oil, olive oil, canola oil, sesame oil, aromatic oil, soy sauce, aged vinegar, white vinegar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, white sugar, flour, wheat flour, high- and low-gluten flour, rock sugar, yellow rock sugar, White Rabbit candy, fruit candy, chips, fries, spicy strips, instant noodles, dried noodles, bread, toast, milk, Nestlé coffee, Coke, 7-Up, Nongfu Spring water, instant drinks, Suntory beverages, milk powder. We will cooperate long-term; please give me a favorable price.”

The owner patted his chest, assuring her: “Girl, don’t worry. The price will be fair.”

After finalizing payment, workers efficiently loaded crate after crate onto the truck. Two hours later, the vehicle was completely packed. Shangguan Xueying, satisfied, drove to the warehouse near her old residence.

Arriving at the warehouse, she immediately focused, using her psychic abilities to inspect the surroundings. Confirming no signs of life or potential threats, she opened the truck’s rear doors and, with a wave of her hands, transferred all the supplies into her hidden space. Dusting off her hands, she switched to a van and drove toward a hotel in the city center.