Chapter 124: Informal Meeting

“Chief Alliance Officer Li, this weather is unbearable!” A high-ranking official stretched his hands over the small, square stove to warm them, then rubbed his arms.

“The air conditioning is no good. It consumes too much power. This stove is more practical,” another official said, picking up the small kettle on the stove and pouring half a cup of water into his cup.

“Yes, the power department has already submitted a report. They’re struggling to meet demand. The entire country is using air conditioning now. If we don’t take measures soon, there will be power outages, which will significantly delay production.”

“Exactly. Letting them use air conditioning every day is such a waste of electricity.”

“Hey, what kind of talk is that, Old Li?^[1]Old Li (老李) and Li Cheng (李城) are two different characters. With the weather so cold, you’re not letting people use air conditioning and planning to freeze everyone to death?”

“Old Liu, don’t argue with me. Back in the day when heating wasn’t common, didn’t we get by just the same? Enjoying the good life for so many years has spoiled people. So what if it’s a bit cold? Wearing thicker clothes and using thicker blankets will do. Can this temperature really freeze people to death?”

“Old Li, you’re talking big without experiencing things yourself. Do you dare say you don’t use air conditioning at home?” 

“Old Liu, I’m telling you, I really don’t use it at home. Hehe, I’m like the boss—I have a small square stove. Unlike you, shivering all over despite having the air conditioning on all day.”

“Old Li, you…”

“Alright, what are you arguing about? It’s stuffy in here with a dozen people crammed together. Can’t we discuss this calmly and properly?” Li Cheng stood up, removed the lid with a hook, and used long chopsticks to check if the sweet potatoes were cooked. He then distributed one to each person.

“The boss’s place is great. These roasted sweet potatoes are a delicacy! Recently, I’ve been eating so much porridge at home that I feel like throwing up. Let me have something sweet.”

“Wash your hands first!” Li Cheng rapped the chopsticks on the hands of an official who was sneakily reaching out. 

The official took out a small plastic bottle from the corner, poured in some cold water, then added hot water from the stove. “Come on, everyone wash your hands before eating.”

A dozen people washed their hands in a basin of warm water. Only after washing did they realize the water had turned black. 

Although the officials weren’t short of water, they were typically frugal. Seeing this basin of dirty water really made them lose their appetite.

The officials fetched another basin of clean water to properly wash their hands before picking up the sweet potatoes. Peeling off the skin and tasting them, feeling their tongues tingle with the sweetness!

With delicious food, they forgot what they were arguing about. The dozen people quickly polished off the small sweet potatoes in the stove and returned to their work.

“Why don’t we promote this kind of stove nationwide? It’s more practical than air conditioning and saves power,” one official suggested.

“Tsk, this stove has been used for decades or even centuries. Everyone knows about it. Back then, they were phased out in cities due to pollution from burning coal and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning,” another countered.

“Times have changed. Do we still need to consider environmental pollution now? Even without any action from us, the environment is pretty much ruined, isn’t it? How much difference can there be between using a stove and air conditioning? 

Besides, with the drought, how many factories have halted production nationwide? Not just domestically, there are hardly any countries in the world with factories operating normally, right? So, there’s no need to agonize over what you mentioned.”

“I agree. We’ve exchanged a lot of coal from abroad. Even without using our own, it can supply Qinghua for two years.”

Li Cheng nodded. “Square stoves can be promoted within reason, but we must emphasize fire and monoxide poisoning prevention.”

“Boss, what do you mean by this? There won’t be heating this year?”

“Of course, we must maintain the heating. If we don’t, countless pipes will freeze and break. After years of promoting and developing our heating network, we cannot let a single drought undo our efforts. The losses would be immense!” Li Cheng said earnestly.

“However, our water shortage is a serious concern. Using it for heating feels wasteful.” Li Cheng sighed. “I also worry about residents stealing water from the heating pipes. The additives in that water are safe for washing, but drinking it would be dangerous and could lead to hospitalization.”

“Chief Li is right. Unfortunately, preventing this kind of theft will be difficult. I fear the heating water could be drained before circulation even starts.”

Silence fell over the group until an official spoke: “Could we add a harmless substance to the heating water? I’ve heard of a plant extract that temporarily darkens the skin on contact and takes months to fade.”

“That’s a good idea. Have the heating department test the extract for reactions with other chemicals. If safe, add it to the water, and amend our urban management regulations to include imprisonment as a direct punishment for stealing heating water.”

“Isn’t that punishment a bit severe?”

“Without strict consequences, how can we deter theft? Casualties from drinking the water would be far more disastrous,” Li Cheng replied.  

“Alright, I’ll make the arrangements.”

Li Cheng added, “Once the tests are complete, start heating from north to south as soon as possible. Also, how is the delivery of fresh water from the seawater desalination plants progressing?”

“It’s sufficient for short-term heating needs, and we’ve begun preparations for residential distribution. The Alliance Guard has stored water, so we can focus on civilian supply.”

“Excellent. Let’s shorten this year’s heating period to two months and simultaneously begin providing fresh water. Limit the supply to 500ml per person per day to ensure basic survival. 

Everyone, please understand that this year’s drought requires sacrifices.”

The group nodded as several orders were arranged.

---

In the afternoon, Shen Yanming placed a clay pot on the small stove, stewing mushrooms, potatoes, and beef. The enticing aroma wafted through the air, making Bi Qiao’an’s stomach rumble as she scrolled through Weibo.

Impatient for the meat to cook, Bi Qiao’an urged Shen Yanming to set up a lazy table. Disregarding the early hour, she eagerly awaited her bowl of meat soup.

Bi Qiao’an savored the tender beef and the flavorful potatoes and mushrooms. “So delicious!” she sighed. 

Before she knew it, she had devoured the entire pot of meat soup. Bi Qiao’an rubbed her belly and giggled.

Shen Yanming washed the clay pot and prepared a pot of angelica^[2]Angelica is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, also known as dong quai. mutton soup. “Since we have the stove going,” he explained, “we might as well make the most of it.”

Bi Qiao’an gave Shen Yanming a thumbs up. She retrieved a laptop from her space and set it on the lazy table. The two settled in to watch a movie together.

Before bed, Shen Yanming stored the stewed mutton soup in the space. He also carefully put away the stove. Though the night might be a bit colder, safety was paramount.  

He anticipated another night of sweet dreams, but unfortunately…

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