"We must act immediately and prepare for the cold snap," Xiao Yi declared. Xiao Yi's voice broke the silence in the conference room. His tone was firm and resolute, his eyes revealing unquestionable resolve. He stood up, resting his hands on the conference table, leaning forward slightly, his gaze sweeping across everyone present. "Everyone understands that time is running out. We have no room for hesitation or delay." His voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the hushed room. Xiao Yi's expression was serious and solemn, his tightly pursed lips betraying his inner tension and anxiety. "This cold snap is imminent. If we don't act quickly, the consequences will be disastrous." He took a deep breath and continued, "We must protect every person, every resource, every ray of hope in this base." At this moment, Xiao Yi was like a general preparing to lead the troops into a difficult battle. His words were like a torch, igniting everyone's fighting spirit and sense of responsibility.

With the order given, the base began stockpiling supplies. The entire base instantly sprang into life, like a precision machine. People hurriedly moved from corner to corner, the clatter of footsteps, shouts, and the sounds of moving goods blending into a scene of intense yet orderly activity. Food storage became a top priority. Trucks laden with grain, vegetables, and meat arrived one after another in front of the warehouse. Workers moved swiftly, unloading bags of food from the trucks and stacking them neatly on the warehouse shelves. Beads of sweat covered their foreheads, but their hands never stopped working. Fuel collection was also underway in full swing. Teams assigned to this task fanned out across the base, collecting any available fuel, whether coal, firewood, or fuel oil. They meticulously inspected every possible fuel storage location, ensuring nothing was left out. Warm clothing received particular attention. Women busied themselves in the sewing room, cutting and sewing the collected fabric into thick cotton-padded jackets, trousers, and hats. Their fingers danced between the needles and threads, their eyes focused and attentive, as if the clothes they held were the last line of defense to keep their families warm. As they stockpiled supplies, new problems constantly arose, yet no one flinched or complained. When there was a shortage of manpower to transport food, personnel from other positions immediately stepped forward to help; when they discovered they were running low on fuel storage, they quickly cleared more space. Everyone at the base understood that these supplies were their guarantee of survival in the impending cold snap, and they must give their all—for themselves, their companions, and the future of the base.

Meanwhile, the construction team accelerated the reinforcement and insulation of the base's facilities. The construction workers arrived at the construction site early in the morning, each with a serious and focused expression. Tools and materials piled high, and the roar of chainsaws and the pounding of hammers echoed. The reinforcement team was the first to take action. They climbed onto the roof to re-weld and secure any loose beams and supports. Sparks flew, and the workers' sweat dripped, but their work remained undeterred. On the ground, some workers surrounded the building's walls, shoring up and reinforcing them with thick steel plates and sturdy beams to ensure the structure could withstand the increased pressure. Insulation work was also underway. Workers carried specially formulated insulation materials to the building's exterior and meticulously installed them. This insulation acted like a thick, cotton-padded jacket, shielding the building from the cold. Double-glazed windows were installed, and the gaps were sealed with sealant to prevent the intrusion of cold winds. The construction team leader rushed back and forth on site, shouting instructions until his voice was hoarse. "Hurry up, pay attention to details, and don't miss a thing!" His voice was filled with anxiety and a sense of responsibility. Some workers developed blisters on their hands from the long hours of intense work, but they simply bandaged them and returned to work. Others, driven by the deadline, even forgo their lunch breaks, continuing to toil under the scorching sun. As time passed, the buildings were gradually reinforced and insulated. The construction team workers looked at the fruits of their labor, and smiles of satisfaction crossed their tired faces. But they knew the work wasn't over yet; more facilities needed to be improved to meet the upcoming cold weather challenges.

The walls of the house were thickened, the windows were double-glazed, and the vents were redesigned to reduce heat loss. The builders began by thickening the walls. They brought in heavy bricks and stones, mixed them with cement, and laid them layer by layer on the outside of the existing walls. Each brick was carefully selected to ensure its strength. With trowels in hand, the workers carefully applied the cement, striving to ensure each layer was smooth and solid. Their arms ached from the constant work, but their hands never slowed down. Near the window, another team of workers carefully removed the existing single-pane glass. They moved gently, fearing to damage the window frame. The new double-pane glass was brought in, and the workers expertly installed it, applying sealant evenly around the edges to ensure no gaps allowed for cold air to enter. After installation, they carefully wiped the glass with a clean rag, leaving it looking as bright as new. At the vent, experienced designers and craftsmen gathered, reviewing blueprints and discussing the redesign. After careful consideration, they decided to alter the shape and size of the vents and install adjustable baffles inside. Craftsmen took up their tools and began cutting, welding, and modifying the vents. Every weld was meticulously crafted to perfection, and every adjustment was precisely measured. Throughout the process, the workers collaborated with each other in unwavering coordination. Some passed materials, others worked on the construction, and still others checked for quality. Their sweat drenched their clothes, yet no one stopped to rest. They knew that every detail mattered for the warmth of the house in the cold weather, ensuring the warmth and comfort of the people living on the site.

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