Chapter 21: Government Rescue

Three days later, the authorities finally issued the first rescue notice after the heavy rain. Soldiers navigated through the city in search-and-rescue boats, broadcasting the announcement.

“Attention all residents: The government will distribute relief supplies at the community emergency rescue point at 8 AM tomorrow. Each person must bring their ID to receive their allocated supplies. Proxy collection is not allowed.”

The announcement blared through the neighborhood speakers three times, jolting everyone into alertness and filling them with hope.

With the government’s rescue efforts underway, everything suddenly seemed less terrifying.

Only those who understood the full picture remained indifferent. The flood disaster caused by the torrential rains was a nationwide crisis. With the need to secure grain depots and reserve supplies across the country, the manpower available for relief distribution was extremely limited.

Moreover, the longevity of these relief efforts was uncertain. Shu Xin recalled from the novel that government aid was only distributed three times. Whether this time would be any different remained unknown.

There was no point in dwelling on it. Shu Xin shook off her chaotic thoughts and refocused on today’s training session.

That day, after Yan Mo and the others returned from gathering information outside, they conducted a thorough analysis of the current situation. Based on their findings, they adjusted the training regimen for Shu Xin and Bu Xiangwen, increasing both the pace and intensity significantly.

During dinner, the group discussed the logistics of collecting the relief supplies the next day and decided that all four of them would go together.

The next morning, after an early breakfast, the four of them bundled up tightly before heading out.

After days of torrential rain, the July weather no longer felt like summer. The air was saturated with moisture, and the persistent dampness made everything feel unbearably uncomfortable.

Indoors, they had dehumidifiers running constantly, keeping the discomfort at bay. But the moment Shu Xin stepped outside, she felt the cold, clammy air seep into her bones. Even in long sleeves and pants, the chill was inescapable, and she couldn’t help but shiver.

Yan Mo had been keeping an eye on Shu Xin and immediately noticed her shudder. Without hesitation, he pulled her into his embrace.

“I told you to dress warmer, but you didn’t listen. Now you’re cold, aren’t you?”

Though his words carried a tone of reproach, his arms tightened protectively around her, shielding her from the worst of the wind.

Shu Xin was already used to her boyfriend’s nagging, which sometimes felt more like an overbearing father’s concern. She obediently nestled into his chest, whining playfully as she sought warmth.

Yan Mo sighed helplessly but resigned himself to holding her close. He only let go when they arrived at their destination.

The emergency rescue point was set up in a relatively elevated area within the community—one of the few places where the floodwaters had yet to reach. A large open space in front of the distribution site was already packed with people, all craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the supplies being handed out.

To prevent riots, each distribution site was guarded by a squad of armed soldiers. Anyone who attempted to cause trouble was immediately blacklisted and denied aid.

If anyone dared to loot, the military personnel standing by would not hesitate to act. They had clear orders: anyone attempting to seize supplies by force would be executed on the spot without mercy.

Shu Xin and her group quietly joined the back of the line, following the rules without drawing attention to themselves. Mu Qimai and Yan Mo took the front and rear positions, sandwiching Shu Xin and Bu Xiangwen between them. This way, if any unexpected incidents occurred, they could ensure the safety of their two companions.