Chapter 94: Heading Out Alone to Find Dad

“Mom, don’t worry. It’s still early. Maybe Dad and the others didn’t want to return during the day.

There are too many people around, and they have a lot of supplies. They might be avoiding potential trouble.”

“You’re right, sweetheart. Your dad’s always been very cautious.

A lot of people went out today, but only one group has come back so far. Your dad must’ve noticed and decided to wait to avoid drawing attention.

Let’s wait a bit longer. I’ll go make dinner. You and Xiaonuan tidy up a little—it’ll be ready soon.”

As she spoke, Qin Yue even started humming.

Jiang Yuan sighed. Her mom was clearly trying to comfort herself, forcing a sense of calm.

But Jiang Yuan also felt that they should’ve been back by now. Was it really just to avoid being seen, or had something happened?

She called Xiaonuan over. The mother and daughter sat by the window, watching. If they didn’t return soon, they’d lose all visibility.

Qin Yue moved quickly. She reheated some ribs she’d cooked earlier, stir-fried a plate of garlicky romaine lettuce, and sliced a small dish of homemade pickles.

With a bowl of steaming rice, the simple meal brought a rare moment of contentment.

After eating and resting a while, it was already 8:30 p.m.

Jiang Yuan went next door and brought out some dog food for Little Dot, then poured it some warm water.

The dog was restless, circling her again and again.

“What’s wrong, Little Dot? Missing your owner?

It’s okay, stay home and be good. I’ll go take a look outside…”

She patted its head, but deep down she was worried too.

Ye Mianmian came upstairs, her face full of anxiety.

“Sister Yuan, do you think something happened? It’s been so long… I’m getting scared.”

“Mianmian, don’t worry. Song Yi is smart and quick-thinking. Maybe they ran into some issues, but we can’t panic yet.”

“Okay… I trust you, Sister Yuan.”

“Go back for now. Your grandma’s alone at home.”

After Ye Mianmian left, Jiang Yuan felt even more burdened.

No. She couldn’t just sit and wait.

She made up her mind and went to change clothes.

Qin Yue noticed and got nervous. “Sweetheart, are you going out again?”

“Yes, Mom. You stay home, look after the child, and keep yourselves safe. I’m just going downstairs with Ye Mianmian to take a look in case they need help.”

“Sweetheart, maybe don’t go. Your dad’s not back yet. I don’t want you to get into danger.”

Qin Yue didn’t want anything to happen to Jiang Yuan. Things outside were too chaotic.

Even though Jiang Yuan acted tough most of the time, Qin Yue knew that if real trouble came, her daughter might be overwhelmed.

“Mom, we’ll go together—just downstairs. It’s not like we’re going far. Don’t worry.

I’ll be right there. I’ve still got things to sort out. You and Xiaonuan should get to bed early.”

Jiang Yuan lied to keep her mom from worrying. In truth, she planned to go out alone.

On the 20th floor, she called Ye Mianmian out.

“Sister Yuan, dressed like that… are you going out?”

“Yeah. I’ll check downstairs first. If they’re still not back, I’ll go out to look for them.

It’s been too long—I’m getting anxious.”

“Wait, I’ll change and go with you.”

Jiang Yuan stopped her. Ye Mianmian didn’t understand.

“Mianmian, I’ll go alone. Our family has an elderly and a child—we need someone to stay behind.

I told my mom I was staying with you. If she asks, help me cover.”

“You definitely can’t go alone, Sister Yuan. I’m going with you.”

“Listen to me. Things out there might be worse than we think. I’ll feel better with you at home.

If they come back, you can help out too.”

Ye Mianmian couldn’t argue, even though she was clearly worried.

It felt like a dramatic goodbye.

Jiang Yuan had to go alone. With her space ability, she’d be more flexible.

If she brought Ye Mianmian, it would only slow her down.

On the 7th floor, she inflated the kayak. It had a motor, which she hadn’t revealed before.

She had planned to keep it as a backup—who knew it would be useful so soon?

The community was eerily silent, practically lifeless.

She started the motor and set off, her first time using it, but it was easier than driving.

In just a few minutes, she was controlling it smoothly.

The path was clear. After exiting the neighborhood, she stopped at a spot and turned on a large night lamp.

It was bright—too conspicuous, maybe—but it was necessary.

Going out alone was scary. She kept reminding herself:

I have my space. If it’s really dangerous, I’ll just hide inside. Don’t worry. Don’t worry…

The service area had already been cleared out. She aimed for the building materials and home goods mall next.

That’s probably where they had gone.

She sped over and passed a few people on the way, but she was too fast for anyone to catch.

Her anxiety grew—did this mean they had encountered trouble?

After about 40 minutes, she reached the building supply center.

She rushed inside but found the storage area empty. The supplies were gone too.

Did they go the wrong way?

The water level was too high now—only tall buildings were visible. Everything below was submerged.

They must’ve just missed each other.

With poor visibility, vague shadows in the distance didn’t reveal much.

She could only go back and wait.

Just then, she suddenly remembered a place.

There was a large wholesale clothing market on the west side, in the old city area, just about 2 km away.

Since she was already out, she might as well check it out. That area had several buildings.

There was also a shopping mall with a food court, movie theater, and other leisure spots.

Most importantly, it had two full floors of gold and jewelry shops—it was famous for that.

Lots of people in the old city preferred to shop there since things were cheap and plentiful.

Decision made, she quickly used her compass to navigate there.

Her space had run out of gold, and now was a good time to stock up.

No hesitation. Because the roads were unfamiliar, it took her a full 30 minutes to reach the place.

The wholesale mall towered in front of her—huge and hard to miss.

Jiang Yuan’s spirits lifted. She headed first for the mall building—it had the most goods.

The water level was high, but only up to the 13th floor. That left 19 floors for her to explore.

Thinking of all the supplies waiting for her, the dark cloud over her heart lifted instantly.

Song Yi, you must bring Dad home safely.

At this moment, all she could do was pray—and believe.