Chapter 26

The view from the inside out through the privacy glass was normal. Chao Youqian stood by the window and looked at the gloomy sky in the distance.

During the third week of staying at home, the X virus mutated. The turbulent situation and hot weather combined made everyone feel insecure.

But there is good news. According to the latest weather forecast from the meteorological department, due to the influence of high-altitude fluctuations and other factors, most parts of China will have moderate rain, with some areas experiencing heavy rain or rainstorms, and the temperature will drop significantly in the next few days.

The tranquility before the rainstorm is mixed with dullness and depression. With the high temperature of around 40 degrees, the moisture content in the air increases, turning from dry heat to humid heat, which is even more uncomfortable.

The original opportunities for cool ventilation in the morning and evening are gone. The humidity and high temperature prevent the wind from flowing, and the occasional wind is hot and carries moisture.

The mutated X virus is much more powerful, not only increasing its mortality rate but also its stealthiness. When there are no symptoms or mild symptoms, it may seem fine, but once an attack occurs, the patient will die within a few hours.

Although experts have told us that the infection rate has decreased and we should take precautions by wearing masks and washing our hands frequently, and there is no need to panic, who would not be afraid?

It has been confirmed that animals can also be infected with and spread the X virus. Foreign farms have carried out large-scale culling and cleanup, and China has also issued a ban on the trade and slaughter of live poultry in urban areas with the highest population density.

The people in G Prefecture, who value fresh ingredients the most, did not say a word. It is easy to distinguish between life and a bite of food. What's more, the ban is only in the city to prevent community transmission. In the future, if you want to eat, go to the store. If you want to cook by yourself, go to the suburbs or the countryside to kill and buy it on the spot.

During the shutdown, we endured and made the frozen chicken into boiled chicken, improved the soaking method, and fried onions with scallion oil instead of shallots.

The once thriving community group-buying market was slammed shut. Some residents, fearing the virus could be carried on packages from outside logistics, persuaded others to endure the situation. For nearly two weeks, food was readily available, but items like diapers and formula were difficult to find, requiring them to rely on pre-quarantine stockpiling. Medication for chronic illnesses also required daily pick-ups.

Soon a war of words began among the owners' group. Some people accused those who were still buying things from outside of ignoring the overall situation. What if his family infected other people in the community? They said that the infection rate was reduced, but aerosol transmission was difficult to prevent.

Of course, there are also rebuttals. Spraying the outer packaging with alcohol can kill the attached viruses. It is not like buying frozen food. What is needed are necessities. We cannot only consider healthy adults. Children, the elderly and the patients have their own needs.

These chat screenshots were shared on the popular social media platforms, and as expected, the discussion was mixed. Everyone had their own concerns and perspectives, and no one felt the same. The only way to end all these problems right now was for Virus X to disappear like SARS, or for an effective treatment to be developed.

Not to mention the distant future, the only thing that can make people feel a little relieved right now is the visible dark clouds. Pray that it will rain soon, the temperature will drop, and everyone will feel better.

Dark clouds were looming over the city, and the rainstorm reported in the weather forecast was still brewing, but it seemed that more than just rainstorms were coming. Chao Youqian glanced at the time. It was only four in the afternoon, but it was as dark as eight in the evening.

Lang Xin went to check whether every openable window was closed. There was no possibility of a typhoon hitting H City, but the end of the world was coming and all possibilities had to be taken into consideration. When the glass was first renovated, it was double-layered and reinforced with a thickness of at least 15mm. The locks were all top-grade hardware with excellent airtightness. The glass as a whole had strong wind pressure resistance. It had a hidden independent direct drainage system to prevent rainwater from flowing back. The quality was so good that it was not afraid of a level 12 typhoon.

The outdoor units of the central air conditioner and wall-mounted air conditioner in the house are both in a place near the bedroom, which was originally a small balcony. They are also installed in a hidden manner with sealed windows. The heat dissipation and sound insulation are made of the latest materials, which effectively extend the life of the air conditioner. It does not need to be exposed to the sun and is not affected by heavy rain or strong winds. The operation sound cannot be heard or seen from downstairs.

Rumble...

There were flashes of lightning and thunder. A dazzling light flashed across the completely dark sky. The thunder was delayed for a few seconds and was so loud that it seemed to hit the head.

The chickens on the balcony were surprisingly brave. Of course, it might also be because the sound insulation was so good that it weakened the power of the thunder. They didn't crow, but lowered their heads to peck at the feed in the trough.

I added nutrient solution to the hydroponic device on the balcony. The water tank is still full, so I don't have to worry about it. The vegetables are growing vigorously, which is in stark contrast to the trees that were wilting under the scorching sun outside the past two days. However, with the rain falling today, the plants will also be rejuvenated.

A few thunderclaps immediately opened the curtain of the rainstorm. The strong wind and heavy rain hit the glass, and the trees downstairs were swaying left and right. The city park in the distance was closed and there were no lights, so it was difficult to see clearly and there were dark shadows.

Chao Youqian checked the windows on both sides of the balcony again. They were locked tightly. Raindrops hit the windows through the thick glass, and the environment outside was completely different from that inside.

Strong winds and heavy rain hit most parts of the country, with wind speeds reaching level 10 in some places, just two levels short of a typhoon (a Category 1 hurricane).

The wind in coastal cities is mixed with the smell of the sea. People who stay at home have closed the doors and windows and have nothing much to worry about. Their attention is focused on the current situation of the quarantine center.

Inside the quarantine center in City S.

"Hurry, there's a leak in this corner. Move the bed. The construction team will be here soon. Everyone, stay away from here."

The worst case scenario happened. The strong wind and rain caused some water leakage in the hastily built temporary hospital. Fortunately, the leakage was not serious and could be fixed with waterproof glue and cloth.

As one crisis continues, another one arises. The three closed cities are all coastal, low-lying areas prone to waterlogging during heavy rainfall. Even the strongest sewer systems have a reaction time to heavy rainfall, and puddles have already appeared on the roads.

Whether there will be more serious flooding depends on how long the rain lasts.

The bliss of staying home during a rainstorm is unparalleled. I made sure the windows on both floors were closed, and the corridor from the elevator to the door was also tightly closed. The external thermometer showed that the temperature had dropped from 40 degrees Celsius to the early 30s during the rain, but it didn't cool down completely. In the rain, it felt like a warm bath.

The air conditioner was set to 24 degrees, and Chao Youqian, who was wearing a thin long-sleeved shirt, began to feel sleepy. When it got dark outside, the curtains were drawn and it was late at night without turning on the lights.

Lang Xin turned on the light. Without even glancing at Chao Youqian, he found himself lying on the sofa with his stomach up, drowsy. He pulled him up and said, "You can't fall asleep at night now. It's almost 5 o'clock. Get up and stretch your legs and make dinner with me."

"What are we having for dinner? There are so many things at home that it's hard for me to choose." Chao Youqian said lazily.

Lang Xin pulled a bag of vacuum-packed spare ribs from the freezer, chopped the bones, and used them to make a bowl of wax gourd and pork bone soup, which cleared dampness, heat, and internal heat. The ribs, with the meatier middle section, were roasted, and a few roasted potatoes were served alongside the main course.

Chao Youqian was instructed to preheat the oven. Lang Xin marinated the potatoes, wrapped them in tin foil, and put them in the oven for 30 minutes. He peeled the potatoes, cut them into large pieces, and placed them in the empty space on the baking tray.

After it comes out of the oven, place it on a plate, sprinkle with chopped parsley and sea salt and black pepper, and serve with a bowl of classic Cantonese soup. A fusion dinner of Western and Chinese flavors is ready.