Chapter 65: The Official Announcement

The following day, a video from Chief Alliance Officer Li Cheng swept across the entire Qinghua network like a tidal wave. His grave expression conveyed the solemnity of the revelations he was about to impart.

“My fellow citizens of Qinghua, I am Li Cheng, your Chief Alliance Officer. Today, I come bearing news that will undoubtedly alter the course of our lives and the future of our nation. However, I firmly believe that every person in Qinghua has the right to know the truth. Only by standing united can we overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

Our research has revealed that our planet is undergoing significant changes. On March 9, 2258, a worldwide rainfall event began, causing various disruptions. We expect this global downpour to last for about six months.

However, the rain is merely the prelude to a greater challenge. Once it ceases, we will be confronted with a severe drought lasting nearly half a year. It is imperative that we begin storing water immediately. Rest assured, the Qinghe Alliance is committed to working tirelessly alongside you to overcome this crisis.

We will soon implement a series of policies, including institutional integration and shopping quotas. The specific regulations will be published on our official website.

Starting today, Qinghe TV will broadcast a series of variety shows to teach everyone essential survival skills. Please stay tuned.

Our goal is to help us all adapt to the changing environment and help more people survive. Don’t despair. When God closes a door, He also opens a window.

The Research Institute has discovered that the rainwater from midnight to 2 a.m. every night contains a special energy that strengthens the body and is easily absorbed by humans. So please, everyone, savor this sweet nectar bestowed by the heavens to the fullest!”

Chief Alliance Officer Li Cheng smiled on the surface, but in his heart, he thought, ‘This is heaven’s final blessing. You must cherish it!’

Shen Yanming, who had slept in, missed the live broadcast. It was only after making lunch that he checked his phone and saw that the internet had blown up with reactions.

Following the official announcement on the Alliance’s website, which confirmed the legitimacy of the news and the impending difficulties, many netizens expressed their concerns and fears about the future. 

However, amidst the panic reactions, some netizens remained relatively calm. They firmly believed that by following the guidance of Chief Alliance Officer Li, they would be able to cope with the difficulties and survive.

Of course, plenty of netizens were going nuts with conspiracy theories. Qinghua was the only country to make an official announcement, while other countries kept quiet, which only fueled the wild speculation.

The funniest part was seeing novel fans promoting the idea of a revival of spiritual energy.

Shen Yanming chuckled to himself, amused by the creativity and imagination of the netizens. In the back of his mind, he couldn’t help but wonder if there might be some truth to their theories about a spiritual energy revival.

He closed Weibo and opened his email, spotting a few unread messages from Charles. The first one had the accounts Charles sent, while the others described the recent situation in the Netherlands.

Charles mentioned that his country had been experiencing riots lately, with unstable prices and occasional looting. He wanted to temporarily close the supermarket and emailed to ask for his opinion.

Shen Yanming thought about it and gave him the go-ahead, reminding him to watch out. Considering how much Charles had helped him stockpile before, he carefully crafted his response, subtly implying that he had complete authority over the supermarket’s inventory.

Bi Qiao’an got up around noon. After washing up, she cuddled up to Shen Yanming and acted coquettishly. “Dear, whatcha doing?”

“Just replied to an email from Charles. Things aren’t looking good in the Netherlands.” As he spoke, Shen Yanming pulled up the Qinghe Alliance’s official Weibo. The pinned post was Chief Alliance Officer Li Cheng’s speech that had gone viral today.

“Is this…”

“Yeah, the higher-ups released some of the information, probably to maintain stability. They changed the wording, but I think this is better. At least it won’t make people panic too much.”

After watching the video with Bi Qiao’an, Shen Yanming breathed a sigh of relief. “Looks like the energy rain is good for regular folks too. That’s awesome. It can improve more people’s physical fitness and help them better survive the harsh climate in the future.”

“Isn’t that obvious? Haven’t you noticed you’ve gotten younger?”

Shen Yanming’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really?”

“Absolutely! Just look at yourself. Your skin is flawless, smooth, and free of any blemishes or wrinkles. Before, you had this whole mature man vibe going on. But now? You’re just a young stud.”

Bi Qiao’an grinned as she cradled Shen Yanming’s face in her hands, gently caressing his skin with her thumbs.

Shen Yanming’s expression grew serious, a hint of concern in his eyes. “Darling, are you just teasing me?”

“Hahaha, what’s wrong with appreciating your youthful appearance?”

Shen Yanming felt a tinge of self-consciousness upon hearing Bi Qiao’an’s laughter. In one swift motion, he swept her into his arms and carried her towards the bedroom.

He pulled out the mirror from the wardrobe and looked closely at himself and Bi Qiao’an. “We do look way younger, almost like when we started college.”

Bi Qiao’an’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Do you not look in the mirror when you wash up?”

Shen Yanming ran his fingers through Bi Qiao’an’s long hair. “I’m focused on washing up. If you hadn’t said something, I really wouldn’t have noticed.”

He thought for a moment. “Maybe I did notice, but I didn’t pay attention to the little changes each day. Or maybe it’s because my princess is so gorgeous that the energy rain’s effects on you weren’t as obvious, so it fooled me.”

Bi Qiao’an’s lips formed an adorable pout as she playfully glared at Shen Yanming. “I think you just don’t pay attention to me!”

“How could that be? I love you more than anything. I love your milky skin, your silky hair, your soft, sweet voice…”

With each tender endearment, Shen Yanming drew closer to Bi Qiao’an, his heart swelling with love as he finally captured her tempting lips in a heartfelt kiss.

A long while later, Shen Yanming’s breath was shaky as he murmured in Bi Qiao’an’s ear, “Yep, my princess is the sweetest!”

“You smooth talker!” Bi Qiao’an playfully scolded, listening to Shen Yanming’s racing heart.

A few minutes passed before they caught their breath. Bi Qiao’an spoke again, “Let’s go get those spore bags. With this news out, that family might move back to live there.”

Shen Yanming nodded. “We’ll go after we eat.”

Lunch consisted of a mouthwatering seafood noodle dish. As Bi Qiao’an slurped up the last of the flavorful broth, she flashed Shen Yanming a thumbs up, her eyes shining with appreciation. “Dear, your cooking just keeps getting better and better!”

Shen Yanming smiled and handed Bi Qiao’an a napkin. “My skills are nothing special. The ingredients are just really fresh.”

Bi Qiao’an quickly dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin and stood up, gathering the dishes to take to the kitchen. As she walked, she called back over her shoulder, “No way. It’s all the love you put into every dish that makes them taste so amazing!”

Watching Bi Qiao’an’s back, Shen Yanming couldn’t hide the smile on his face.