Chapter 44: Reactions from Various Sides

“But… what if there’s no apocalypse? What do we do with all this rice?” Wei Qin asked, her voice tinged with hesitation.

An Dongyang placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Isn’t that even better? We’ll go on about our lives as normal. But if the apocalypse does happen, this rice is our lifeline! Besides, it’s not like buying some rice will break the bank. We both work – think of it as buying peace of mind, okay?”

Wei Qin nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Alright, I’ll go with you!”

“Actually, hold on,” An Dongyang said, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “You just made a big purchase; going again might draw attention. Stay here, clear out under our bed. That’s the safest place to hide the rice.”

After his instructions, An Dongyang left, determination in his stride. Wei Qin followed his advice, emptying everything from under their bedroom bed and moving clothes to the closet or the guest room’s storage. She then carefully put all of today’s purchases in the newly cleared space, her mind already planning future trips to the supermarket to fill all the space left.

---

That evening, Bi Qiao’an recounted her day to Shen Yanming, her voice low and serious. “I don’t think the news about the end of the world will stay hidden for long.”

Shen Yanming looked up from his book, concern etched on his face. “What happened?” he asked.

“A colleague made a convincing argument about the unusual rainfall,” Bi Qiao’an explained, settling down beside him.

“Qiao’an, what were your thoughts in your previous life?” Shen Yanming asked, his eyes searching hers.

Bi Qiao’an sighed, her gaze distant. “Well… initially, I was afraid it was the apocalypse too. But life seemed normal— the country functioned, social order remained. Slowly, I stopped paying attention. Maybe I felt that if everyone else was carrying on, there was no need to panic. I convinced myself there was nothing to worry about.”

Shen Yanming nodded, understanding in his eyes. “It’s understandable. Most people won’t readily accept the apocalypse, especially when it’s not the obvious, zombie-filled kind. It’s easy to overlook.”

“Exactly,” Bi Qiao’an agreed. “We can only control our own actions. I wonder how many colleagues took the warning seriously and will start preparing.”

Shen Yanming chuckled, pulling her closer. “Would you have prepared in advance if you’d heard this in your previous life?”

Bi Qiao’an rested her head on his shoulder, a rueful smile on her lips. “I didn’t prepare in my last life. So, I guess I’m not particularly smart.”

Shen Yanming hugged her, his voice warm and reassuring. “It’s okay, dear. Now you have your husband with you!”

Bi Qiao’an playfully pinched Shen Yanming’s arm, her laughter filling the room. “Are you complimenting your own cleverness?” she teased.

At night, Shen Yanming once again clung to Bi Qiao’an until dawn. This shameless man seemed to follow her everywhere. Without a word, he’d simply curl up beside her, wrap his long limbs around her, and drift off.

Bi Qiao’an felt helpless against his clingy nature. What could she do but accept it? She sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips as she settled into his embrace, the warmth of his body a comforting presence in the face of the looming future.

And so, Shen Yanming and Bi Qiao’an went about their business, ignoring the routine of others. They arrived at work on time, finished their duties promptly, and occasionally handled clients. Most days, however, were spent chatting and joking with colleagues.

Yu Shui, ever the plugged-in netizen, eagerly shared the latest news during their office break. “Did you hear about Mei City in the West Province? Rumors of the apocalypse caused a panic-buying frenzy! People emptied supermarkets until the government stepped in. They limited purchases by ID, kept restocking from warehouses, and finally, things calmed down once people realized supplies weren’t going to run out.”

Li Yueya’s eyes widened, her hand patting her chest. “Oh my gosh, that’s scary! Has anyone noticed anything like that around here?”

Wei Qin shook her head, her expression thoughtful. “Not really. No panic buying that I’ve seen, though vegetable prices seem a bit higher.”

“That makes sense, bad weather makes deliveries tough!” someone chimed in, nodding in agreement.

---

In the Qinghe Alliance’s imperial capital office, Chief Alliance Officer Li Cheng leaned forward, his gaze intense. “Did you find anything?” he pressed.

His subordinate hesitated, their voice uncertain. “There’s online speculation… about the world ending. People are connecting it to the unusual rain.”

Li Cheng raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical. “The end of the world? Based on rain?”

“No other scientific basis has been discovered,” the subordinate confirmed.

“Any abnormalities uncovered during your investigation?” Li Cheng asked, his fingers drumming on the desk.

The person was silent for a moment, their voice hesitant. “We’re… uncertain if this qualifies as an abnormality.”

Li Cheng’s eyes narrowed. “Let’s hear it.”

“Last October, Feiyang International’s Hai City branch abruptly decided to open a supermarket. They’ve been quietly stocking up ever since, and their inventory… suggests they’re preparing for an apocalypse…”

Li Cheng placed his hands on the desk, fingers interlacing as he considered this information. After a long moment, he issued an order, his voice low and serious. “Investigate this thoroughly, but do so discreetly!”

“Yes, sir!”

---

On Weibo, the global rainfall sparked intense debate among netizens. One camp firmly believed the downpour signaled the apocalypse, while the other dismissed the event as an unusual natural phenomenon. As the online argument raged, a suggestion to hoard food gained traction, quickly leading to panic-buying.

Supermarkets, mirroring the situation in Mei City, faced emptied shelves. News of these shortages further fueled anxieties online, with many users sharing their own experiences and concerns.

However, within half a day, supermarkets returned to normal operation and issued announcements assuring the public of ample supplies, dispelling concerns of shortages. This swift action helped to quell the online crisis, although the true nature of the global rain remained a subject of intense speculation.

---

At Feiyang International, an announcement echoed through the halls, its words heavy with implications. “Dear colleagues, due to a month of continuous rainfall in Hai City, many of our group’s businesses are suffering losses. After careful consideration, the company has decided to implement layoffs…”

Xiao Fei felt his knees go weak, the news hitting him like a physical blow. Layoffs… who would be let go? The underperformers, the slackers, or the new hires? He feared he might be on the list, his mind racing with possibilities.

But then, a thought crossed his mind. Zhang Chenjun was the young miss of Feiyang International. Would she intervene on his behalf? With a heart full of worry, Xiao Fei knocked on Zhang Chenjun’s office door, his hand trembling slightly.

“Come in,” she called, her voice warm and inviting.

“Chenjun…” Xiao Fei began, a frown creasing his face, but Zhang Chenjun cut him off with a dazzling smile and a surprised, joyful tone.

“Brother Xiao, you’re here! Come sit. What would you like to drink?” Zhang Chenjun warmly took Xiao Fei’s hand and led him to the sofa, her touch sending a shiver down his spine.

“Chenjun, I’m not thirsty!” Xiao Fei protested, but she ignored his response, bustling to prepare the coffee.

“How about coffee? I have some beans air-shipped from Gill Country. Would you like to try?” 

As Xiao Fei watched her, he reaffirmed his idealized vision of a partner: beautiful and graceful with a touch of elegance in her every move. Soon, Zhang Chenjun sat opposite Xiao Fei, a fragrant cup of coffee placed before each of them.

Taking a small sip, she murmured, “Mmm, smooth and rich!” Her eyes met his, a playful glint in their depths.

Zhang Chenjun leaned forward, her elbow on the coffee table, chin in hand, as she gazed directly into Xiao Fei’s eyes. “Want a taste?” she asked, her cherry lips, stained with coffee, slightly parted in a silent invitation.

Xiao Fei’s gaze fixated on those red lips, a sudden urge to taste the coffee on them washing over him.

And with that thought, he leaned in, his heart pounding in his chest as he closed his eyes, ready to taste the sweetness of her lips…