Chapter 45: Information

The relentless rainfall had ravaged Qinghua for over a month, its impact felt in every aspect of life.

Firstly, the weather grounded planes, leading to widespread flight cancellations. Train service was also heavily disrupted: routes were slowed, and nearly half of the train services were reduced. Highways were placed on timed openings to manage traffic flow, the once-bustling arteries of the nation now eerily quiet.

Secondly, safety concerns led to mass relocations. Residents in areas at risk of flash flooding, landslides, and other hazards were moved, their lives uprooted in the face of nature’s fury. This included those living downstream of reservoirs, near rivers and lakes, and in low-lying areas. These evacuees were given temporary shelter in nearby cities, their futures uncertain.

Thirdly, the rain crippled businesses. Many companies faced financial losses due to disruption, their once-thriving enterprises now struggling to stay afloat. Some unsustainable enterprises began laying off staff, and several street-side shops, unable to cope with reduced foot traffic and operational costs, announced closures. The rainfall had led to a sharp increase in unemployment, the livelihoods of countless individuals hanging in the balance.

Lastly, spring plowing became nearly impossible, the once-fertile fields now waterlogged and unworkable.

One day, a group of special guests arrived at the Zhang family home.

Special envoy Qiu Manlai, upon arrival, presented his credentials and stated he sought Mr. Zhang’s counsel on a matter, his tone grave and urgent.

Mr. Zhang’s heart sank, a sense of dread washing over him. He feared his worst suspicions were about to be confirmed, the truth he had tried so hard to conceal now on the verge of being exposed.

“Mr. Zhang, I believe you know the purpose of my visit,” Qiu Manlai said, his voice firm and direct.

“I’m afraid I don’t,” Mr. Zhang replied, clinging to hope. Without admission, he couldn’t be forced to confess, could he? Besides, any accusations were still conjecture, lacking evidence.

“Mr. Zhang, may I inquire as to why Feiyang International, a company you managed well, suddenly shifted towards opening a supermarket?” Qiu Manlai pressed, his gaze unwavering.

“Business expansion is common, and crossing boundaries is normal,” Mr. Zhang replied, his voice steady despite the growing unease in his heart.

“But to my knowledge, after acquiring the store, you neither renovated nor promoted it. Instead, you focused solely on stockpiling goods without any intention to open for business. Could you explain this?” Qiu Manlai asked, his tone suggesting he already knew the answer.

“We simply aren’t ready yet. We’ll open as soon as preparations are complete!” Mr. Zhang maintained his stance.

“However, the goods you purchased differ from standard supermarket stock. They seem more like preparations for… an apocalypse.”

Qiu Manlai emphasized the words “an apocalypse” while observing Mr. Zhang’s reaction. As expected, the man’s body tensed briefly, the movement almost imperceptible. Qiu Manlai’s vigilant gaze caught the subtle change, a telling sign of the truth hidden beneath the surface.

“Is that so? Perhaps a coincidence, haha!” Mr. Zhang’s reply was strained, his forced laughter doing little to mask the growing unease in his voice.

Qiu Manlai smiled, a knowing glint in his eye. “Indeed, quite a coincidence. Even more coincidental is the discrepancy between your purchase records and current inventory.”

“You!” Mr. Zhang stood abruptly, his trembling finger pointed at Qiu Manlai, words failing him as the accusation hung heavy in the air.

“Don’t be alarmed. I intend you no harm. My visit has a purpose,” Qiu Manlai said, his voice calm and reassuring. “As you know, the global rain has persisted for over a month. Extensive investigations have yielded no cause. Desperate, we’ve turned our attention to the public.”

He paused, his gaze piercing as he continued, “There exist individuals with… unusual abilities, or access to top-secret information. Masters, as they say, are found among the common folk. I won’t ask how you know what you know. I only ask that you share it – not just for your country, for humanity, but for your own safety!”

Seeing Mr. Zhang’s continued silence, Qiu Manlai pressed on, his words a stark warning. “Consider this: if I found you today, others may do so tomorrow. Until the mystery of the global rain is solved, every nation will pursue any lead. The authorities of Qinghua are fair. Provide the information, and we guarantee your family’s protection. Refusing your country’s cooperation leaves you vulnerable. Foreign agents, even misguided scientists, may target you…”

Mr. Zhang visibly trembled, the weight of Qiu Manlai’s words settling heavily upon him. “Give me time to consider,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Hearing this, Qiu Manlai knew the matter was settled. “Very well. We’ll be at the Hai City International Hotel. You may contact me at your convenience.”

After Qiu Manlai’s departure, Father Zhang relayed the conversation to Zhang Chenjun, his voice heavy with concern.

After careful consideration, Zhang Chenjun resolved to share her knowledge with Qiu Manlai, her decision fueled by two powerful reasons.

Firstly, having been reborn with the awareness of the impending apocalypse, she couldn’t bear the thought of her countrymen struggling without preparation. Informing them was a way to earn merit for herself and help others, a chance to make a difference in the face of the coming disaster.

Secondly, she recalled Xiao Fei’s experience. Despite possessing a space in her previous life, he wasn’t detained or harmed after its discovery. Instead, he cooperated with the government, receiving protection in exchange for supplies – a win-win situation.

Zhang Chenjun believed contacting Qiu Manlai – and through him, the highest levels of power – could offer a measure of self-protection, a way to ensure her family’s safety in the uncertain times ahead.

When Qiu Manlai re-entered the Zhang family’s study, he found a beautiful woman had joined them.

“Hello, Mr. Qiu. I believe I can provide valuable information, but I’ll need your assurance of safety for myself and my family,” Zhang Chenjun said, her voice calm and confident.

Qiu Manlai was momentarily surprised, but quickly regained his composure. “Miss Zhang, please be assured. We seek only information and mean no harm to you or your loved ones. Cooperation benefits us both.”

Zhang Chenjun nodded, her decision made. “Since October of last year, I’ve had a recurring dream. The events within this dream have consistently come to pass, leaving me with no doubt of its veracity.”

Choosing a more cautious approach, Zhang Chenjun masked her rebirth as prophetic dreams, a way to protect the truth of her existence.

“I dreamt of the apocalypse; not one like those in fiction. This apocalypse was deceptively subtle, taking a year before being recognized as such.” A bitter smile touched her lips as she recounted her past life, the memories still vivid in her mind. “Much like what we’re experiencing now – the unusual global rain. It’s merely rain… until it becomes the harbinger of the apocalypse…”

“So you’re saying the apocalypse will last for at least three years?” Qiu Manlai asked, his heart filled with horror at the implications of her words.

“Yes. I’m not sure if it will end after three years – my dream ends there,” Zhang Chenjun replied, her voice heavy with the weight of her knowledge.

Qiu Manlai was utterly convinced by the information Zhang Chenjun provided, the pieces of the puzzle finally falling into place.

After arranging for the Zhang family’s protection, he drove back to the imperial capital overnight, his mind racing with the need to report this to the Chief Alliance Officer at once. This information was far too shocking, too terrifying, to be kept hidden any longer.

Life at the Zhang residence regained a semblance of calm, yet everything had changed. Two security guards now resided within the home, their presence a constant reminder of the need to protect Zhang Chenjun and the knowledge she possessed.

Though their supplies were spared, Mr. Zhang’s sense of security had been shattered by the incident, the once-unshakable foundation of his life now crumbling beneath his feet.

“Nini, any leads on Xiao Fei’s ring?” Mr. Zhang asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

“Not yet,” Zhang Chenjun replied, shaking her head. “He’s not currently wearing it, and I’ve subtly investigated his home. There are no antique rings there either.”

“Could he be lying?” Mr. Zhang pressed, his suspicion growing.

Zhang Chenjun pondered for a moment, her mind working through the possibilities. “Let’s have someone discreetly investigate his home first,” she said, her voice filled with determination.