Chapter 79: Dazzling Sunshine

In previous years, this time in Qinghua hinted at autumn’s approach. Now, it felt like summer’s relentless grip seemed just to be tightening its hold.

The sun beat down mercilessly, transforming every surface into a scorching oven. Stagnant puddles evaporated rapidly, revealing streets caked with mud and littered with refuse. A noxious cocktail of decay and neglect hung heavy in the air.

Wasting no time, the Qinghe Alliance’s first order of business for the laborers: a citywide sanitation effort.

This unexpected directive sparked muttered complaints, but the organizers remained unfazed. They offered contracts to those willing to work. The tasks were dirty, chaotic, and undeniably exhausting, but the pay and benefits provided fair compensation.

Soon, laborers in yellow work clothes teemed in every corner of the city. They toiled under the blazing sun until the streets were clear, free from the blight of dirt and debris. Some were assigned to parks to clear weeds and fallen leaves.

Those who had taken refuge with city relatives or in hotels designated by the Alliance packed their bags, eager yet apprehensive to return home.

The scorching sun had long evaporated the floodwaters in the villages, but scars from the deluge remained on the walls of houses.

Some older houses had suffered severe damage during the relentless rain. Crumbled walls, water-ruined furniture, and thick layers of mud covering the ground painted a picture of widespread, heartbreaking destruction.

The farmland lay ruined, all crops lost to rot. Once-vibrant colors had faded, replaced by the dullness of decay. Only tenacious weeds remained, their resilience a cruel contrast to the lifeless fields.

Relentless rain had transformed country roads into rivers of silt and scattered rocks. In this season meant for harvest, desolate fields and impassable roads painted a bleak picture.

The sight brought tears to many eyes, the energy rain’s fleeting benefits eclipsed by devastating loss. For some, a simple wish for an intact home overruled joy at the rain’s gifts.

But humans have little say against nature’s wrath. With no other choice, many returned to the city, belongings in tow, steps heavy and hearts burdened. There, the damage had been less severe and recovery was quicker.

Upon receiving reports, the Qinghe Alliance recruited another group of laborers willing to follow orders. The Qinghe Guard dispatched them to various villages to assist with the aftermath’s challenges.

---

Brilliant sunlight flooded the room as the alarm clock’s shrill ring woke Shen Yanming and Bi Qiao’an. 

Bi Qiao’an grumbled sleepily until Shen Yanming coaxed her gently, ever patient, and carried her to the bathroom.

After freshening up, Shen Yanming took two boxes of milk and some buns from his space. Following their simple breakfast, they changed clothes and prepared for work.

Even in September, the heat clung to the air with temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius. Shen Yanming opted for a white short-sleeved shirt and brown shorts, while Bi Qiao’an donned a white dress and heels. The two then drove to their workplace.

Entering the office, they were greeted by a stark change. The once-empty space now bustled with life. Colleagues, unseen for months, filled the room with lively chatter and laughter.

Bi Qiao’an was amazed—everyone looked drastically different.

Accountant Xu no longer had streaks of white hair, making him appear years younger. Director Hong’s skin was smooth and radiant, resembling a woman in her thirties.

Bi Qiao’an smiled as she greeted her colleagues and took her seat.

“It’s so good to see everyone! How have you all been?” Director Hong asked, a warm smile gracing her face.

“Yes, Director! Look at us—we’re practically glowing with youth!” one colleague exclaimed, wonder and pride evident in their voice.

“I know, right? I walked in and thought everyone had found a fountain of youth!” another chimed in, grinning playfully.

“I see my wife every day, so I didn’t notice. But seeing you all… guess I’ve been blind!” a third joked, booming laughter filling the space.

The room buzzed with conversation and laughter, the group clearly having missed each other’s company after months apart.

After some brief chatter, Director Hong addressed the room. “Now that the global rain has ended, today marks our official return to normal operations. I have three important announcements.”

Silence fell as everyone focused on Director Hong. “First, Qinghua is undergoing institutional restructuring, as outlined by Chief Li in the video. Our Human Resources Bureau will merge with the Management Bureau to form the new Human Resources Management Department. Detailed guidelines have been released.

Additionally, to improve efficiency, we will relocate to the Qinghai Road office building by Friday.

Secondly, starting next month, we will collaborate with the Census Department to collect population data.

Finally, two new colleagues will join our unit and report directly to the office building next week.”

The second and third announcements garnered little reaction, less directly relevant to the staff. The focus remained on the first point.

“Ah? But won’t that put me even farther from home?” one colleague complained, worry tinging their voice.

“With so many units already moved in, will there even be space for us?” another asked, skepticism evident in their tone.

“And won’t we be under constant surveillance there?” someone else questioned, eyes narrowed.

“Hey, Qiao’an,” a fourth remarked playfully, “at least you’ll be colleagues with your husband now!”

The room’s attention turned to Bi Qiao’an. She rubbed her nose, blushing. “Hehe, that does sound nice,” she admitted softly.

“Aw, Qiao’an’s all shy! We’re in for some serious PDA from now on,” someone teased, laughter rippling through the group.

Bi Qiao’an’s cheeks burned as if on fire from everyone’s teasing remarks.

Once the laughter subsided, the conversation circled back to Director Hong’s announcements. Bi Qiao’an couldn’t help but smile as she typed a rapid-fire message to Shen Yanming.

“I know! It’s good that we can be together in the office now! I’ll save you a seat, just sit by me when you arrive.”

She grinned at Shen Yanming’s reply, her heart aflutter.

“What’s got you so happy, Qiao’an?” a colleague teased, eyes glinting with curiosity.

“N-nothing!” Bi Qiao’an stammered, caught off guard.

“Must be reporting to the husband! So sweet. Anyway, let’s grab lunch together at noon!” another colleague suggested excitedly.

“Yes, yes! It’s been ages since we all went out,” a third chimed in, enthusiasm clear.

Seeing everyone’s excitement, Bi Qiao’an nodded, “Sounds good! It’s been a while since I’ve eaten out too.”

The group chose a nearby restaurant and headed out at noon, their chatter lively. Bi Qiao’an hadn’t planned on this lunch outing, and her high heels felt awkward on the uneven streets. She eyed patches of mud with a shiver of disgust—one wrong step could spell disaster.

Navigating carefully, she focused on the ground to avoid a stumble. The sunlight shimmered dazzlingly, distorting distant objects. As the harsh rays hit her skin, an uncomfortable burning sensation prickled at Bi Qiao’an.

“This weather’s worse than summer!” Yu Shui complained, wiping his sweaty brow.

“It sure is. The weather’s still abnormal,” Wei Qin agreed, her normally cheerful voice subdued by a furrowed brow. “Who knows how fast the water will evaporate with this heat.” Worry hung in the air.

“It probably won’t dry up that quickly. The rain just stopped, I want to savor these last few days of normalcy,” another colleague lamented, smile bittersweet.

“Forget evaporation with this weather! While we still have water, get those laundry loads done. Who knows when the taps will run dry,” a third colleague cautioned, voice serious, eyes filled with urgency.

---

🌎  Greetings, Esteemed Readers! 🌎 

As you journey through the pages of this apocalyptic tale, I hope it has captivated your imagination and stirred your emotions. If this story has resonated with you, I humbly request your support.

🌟 Please consider leaving a rating and a thoughtful review on novelupdates. 

🔓 For those who wish to delve deeper into the mysteries of this unfolding apocalypse, I invite you to support me on my Ko-Fi buker. There, you’ll gain access to exclusive advanced chapters.

🙏 Thank you, dear readers, for embarking on this journey with me. Your dedication means the world.

Stay curious, and may the flames of hope guide you through the darkness ahead. 🔥