Chapter 30 Song Yi Surrounded

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She could only grit her teeth and give it up.

After coming out, she didn’t return immediately either.

There were still a few stores on her list. At a milk tea shop, she took all the fruit teas, uncooked tapioca pearls, taro balls, coconut jelly, milk pudding, milk tea powder — not missing a single item.

Before leaving, she examined the machines there.

If she could take them, wouldn’t she achieve total milk tea freedom?

Jiang Yuan felt a surge of joy. She took all the machines, including milk tea cups and the egg roll dispenser.

Then she visited a snack shop. This one was known for its popular small snacks and preserved fruits — all hers now.

Too bad she didn’t have any money. Annoying.

Finally, she stopped by a clothing store. The shop sold handmade clothes, but what she really wanted wasn’t the clothes — it was the sewing machine.

She also grabbed threads in every color and several bolts of sturdy, plain fabrics.

Clothing, food, shelter, and transportation — she believed these things would be more and more valuable in the future.

By the time she finished, it was already 5:20 AM. She had to hurry back or someone might notice her.

By now, in the deeper areas, the water level was up to her chest.

She was worried about being swept away, so she tossed her backpack into the space and took out a trekking pole.

She had bought it earlier — Song Yi had inspired her. Slowly and carefully, she finally made it back home.

Past the gate of the residential compound, the water level dropped — only up to her waist.

If visibility hadn’t been so poor, she could’ve run.

She crept back quietly, trying not to wake anyone.

The water on the first floor was already 20 cm deep. If no action was taken soon, even beds wouldn’t be usable.

Climbing back to the 21st floor drained her of energy; she was completely out of breath by the time she arrived.

Luckily, those two weirdos on the 20th floor didn’t come out looking for trouble. Otherwise, as a woman alone, she might not have handled it.

Back home, her parents were still sleeping. She peeled off the note she had left, then tiptoed back to her room.

The waterproof jacket worked well, but water had still seeped in around the junction with her rain boots. The dampness sticking to her body was awful.

Even her thermal wear was soaked — she immediately took a hot shower.

Her hands and feet were a bit numb. Her physical fitness was truly lacking. This wouldn’t do long-term.

She packed up the things in the bathroom and began to feel a little better.

Changing into dry, warm coral fleece pajamas, putting on a heat pad, and curling up under a thick blanket — she finally went to sleep.

Pulling an all-nighter like this was too much for someone in their thirties.

She dozed off fitfully, unable to sleep soundly. She still had too many things to do.

Qin Yue had already figured out her daughter went out the night before — how could she not notice such unusual behavior?

But since Jiang Yuan didn’t want anyone to know, she pretended not to know either.

She didn’t call her out on it. Jiang Yuan wasn’t stupid — she had left two big bags of food at the entrance.

Around 11 AM, she was woken up by Xiao Nuan.

“Mommy, mommy…”

Her head felt heavy and groggy.

“What’s wrong, baby~”

Her voice was hoarse.

Xiao Nuan was hugging the strawberry bear she had brought back yesterday, looking serious.

“Mommy, someone’s here. Grandpa told me to wake you up~”

Jiang Yuan suddenly snapped awake. Someone’s here? Who?

Coming to visit at this time?

Her father didn’t really know anyone around here. He definitely wouldn’t let people in casually.

No time to overthink. She threw on slippers, picked up her daughter, and went out.

Her parents were at the entrance, watching the surveillance monitor. Hearing her voice, they quickly called her over.

“Sweetheart, that young man next door brought back a lot of supplies — someone saw him, and now a group of people are surrounding him.”

Oh, so that’s what happened. She had misunderstood.

Jiang Yuan didn’t dare to let her guard down. She also watched the footage — leading the group was a middle-aged man talking non-stop.

Song Yi stood calmly behind his door, looking at them coolly.

“There’s another supermarket upstairs,” he said. “You can go yourselves.”

“Come on, bro. You bought so much — there’s no way you’ll eat it all. Why not share a bit with everyone?”

“Don’t worry. We’re not asking for it for free — we’ll pay.”

Hearing “pay,” Jiang Yuan’s eyes lit up.

She had no money — but if she could sell things, she could make money!

The longer this dragged on, the less valuable money would become — eventually, people might stop using it altogether.

But if she could earn some now, maybe the space’s numeric capacity would increase too.

Even though she’d be exposing herself, the temptation of profit was too strong.

These past few days, she had realized that the space had a constant temperature — not too hot, not too cold — perfect for survival.

In critical moments, it could save her life.

With this in mind, she quickly went back to change into a sporty outfit and tied her hair into a high ponytail.

“Click.”

The door opened. Everyone turned to look.

Song Yi glanced at Jiang Yuan and said, a little embarrassed, “Sorry for disturbing you!”

“No worries~”

If it weren’t for the fact that he wasn’t the only household here, Song Yi would’ve ignored them entirely.

“You must be Jiang Yuan. Your neighbor here brought back a lot of supplies but refuses to share them. Can you help talk some sense into him?”

What? How shameless can you be, saying that with a straight face?

“Who are you?” she asked coldly.

The man was stunned — he hadn’t expected that question.

“I live on the 6th floor. My name is Sun Yian. I’m a licensed lawyer.”

Wow. Still showing off his credentials at a time like this? Speechless.

Jiang Yuan rolled her eyes — not missed by him — but he maintained a polite smile.

“A lawyer? Great. Then tell me — which law says someone is obligated to share their own property with others?”

No one expected her to say that — everyone was stunned.

“Jiang Yuan, don’t get us wrong — we’re not asking for free handouts. We’re willing to pay.”

“It’s a special time, and people should help each other out, right?”

“Oh, you know it’s a special time, huh?

Yes, people should help each other. But emotional blackmail? That’s a bit much, don’t you think?

You’re a lawyer — don’t you understand that?”

“What, you’re set on siding with this guy now?

Hmph, I bet you two have a thing going on. Don’t let her fool you, everyone!

I saw them with my own eyes yesterday — carrying a whole tub of supplies together. They’re in it together!”

The woman from the 20th floor again. Jiang Yuan was so fed up with her.

“If you don’t know how to talk properly, shut your crow’s mouth.”

“Hmph! Feeling guilty, aren’t you?”

The woman crossed her arms, smug and unbothered — clearly believing the crowd had her back.

“Well, since you’re in a crowd too, does that mean you’re sleeping with everyone here?

Impressive. Playing both sides. How’s that feel, huh? Want to share that experience with everyone?”