Jiang Yao went back to the guesthouse and used her computer to contact a steel factory to order 500 200L iron drums. After paying the deposit, the factory would arrange for the drums to be delivered to the designated warehouse for the final payment.

We also contacted a plastics factory to order 200 200L plastic buckets. These buckets are for collecting drinking water to facilitate bathing and other domestic water use during droughts.

I booked a chartered boat with Hai Ge for fresh seafood, and I've already called him to ask him to help deliver it to warehouse number five.

When Jiang Yao has free time, she drives her truck to various warehouses to collect goods.

They dragged the iron bucket to refuel with diesel, since the generator runs on diesel.

They then went to various gas stations to refuel, and in secluded corners, used a fuel extractor to siphon gasoline from the tanks.

These are all consumables, so it's good to stock up on them in case of emergencies.

We are purchasing 500 boxes each of windproof lighters, matches, flashlights, rechargeable lamps, candles, power banks, kerosene lamps, lamp oil, alcohol lamps, and hand warmers from the wholesale and retail market. These items will be delivered to warehouse number 1 in area A.

The outdoor equipment store is selling 50 sets each of outdoor tents, sleeping bags, small stoves for heating, cold-weather clothing, thermal insulation film, backpacks, hiking boots, and air mattresses. These items will be delivered to warehouse number 2 in area A.

October 2323, Area A

Because the weather is extremely cold during the coldest period, the houses located on the mountainside of Shichang Village can be said to have a certain natural protective barrier.

Due to the special geological conditions, it is also necessary to take certain precautions against geological disasters such as rockfalls, landslides, and mudslides.

Better safe than sorry, after all, I've never lived in a house on a hillside before.

Back in Area A, I contacted a well-known architectural decoration company in Beijing called Haishen.

They specialize in creating world-class safe havens for wealthy people around the world.

It cost a fortune to hire them!

Jiang Yao arrived at Haishen Construction Decoration Company and explained her purpose to the staff.

Someone immediately invited Jiang Yao to the reception room and asked her, "Would you like coffee, tea, or plain water?"

I said softly, "Tea, thank you."

At that moment, a tall figure walked in. The man was wearing a bespoke suit, with deep-set features, a cold and noble air, and a subtle sense of oppression.

He introduced himself, saying, "Hello, my name is Xiao Mu, and I am the architectural engineer for this project."

"Hello, my name is Jiang Yao. I've come here to renovate this bungalow in Shichang Village into a safe house with a high level of insulation, cold protection, and security."

"Due to the special geological conditions, it is also necessary to take certain measures to prevent geological disasters such as rockfalls, landslides, and mudslides, and to solve the drainage problem on the mountain (to prevent flash floods from suddenly blowing away the house)."

"We hope that Neptune Construction and Decoration Company can help us renovate the house and build an underground shelter."

Xiao Mu immediately replied, "We can definitely meet your requirements. After all, with our technology, we are fully capable of doing what you requested."

"I also have another requirement: the project must be completed within one month."

"That's all fine. As for the funding, I think we need to discuss it now."

At this moment, Xiao Mu's assistant walked in and handed him a document.

Xiao Mu gracefully opened the file and pushed it in front of me. She said, "Here are the requirements you made, Miss Jiang, and the budget for each project is listed below."

"Ms. Jiang, if you have no further questions after reviewing this, we can sign the formal contract."

Xiao Mu has a handsome face with well-defined features, but the sharp glint in his eyes makes him someone not to be underestimated.

I glanced at the contract, picked up the pen, signed it, and said, "Okay, I hope we have a pleasant cooperation."

"By the way, here's the key. I probably won't be in Area A anytime soon."

"I'll send you the address via WeChat. You can contact me anytime if you need anything related to the project."

After seeing Jiang Yao off, Xiao Mu murmured with a faint smile in his eyes, "Shichang Village."

Jiang Yao then drove to various warehouses to collect supplies without stopping.

I'd stop at any restaurant I passed by and order a few stir-fried dishes to take away. I'd also stop at snack or barbecue stalls to order a few portions.

Jiang Yao did not drive to Area B, but instead drove to Area C.

Where can you find the most primitive way of making fire for warmth?

Jiang Yao arrived at Gorgon Mountain in Area C, where people relied on selling coal and timber for their livelihood.

Find the largest supplier here, discuss the quantity, and have the boss deliver the goods to warehouses 2 and 3 in area A.

On the way back, I saw a cement factory by the roadside, with a sign inside advertising the sale of cement, sand, and red bricks.

After parking the car, I went into the cement factory and saw that cement was 50 yuan a bag, so I bought 50 bags.

Sand costs 300 yuan per truckload, and can fill about 30 bags; I ordered 3 truckloads.

I bought 20,000 red bricks for 25 cents each and asked the shop owner to deliver them to warehouses 1 and 2 in Zone B.

Jiang Yao lay on the roof of the car and looked at the many bright stars in Zone C at night.

It wasn't nighttime in Zone A or Zone B; there were only a few dim stars.

Xiao Mu contacted Jiang Yao and asked, "What style of interior decoration do you want?"

I replied, "Simple, bright, comfortable, and practical, I want a heated kang bed like the ones used in Northeast China."

Looking at the list of supplies in my hand, I realized that there were still some things I hadn't prepared.

I found a pet supplies wholesale and retail store online. I contacted customer service and ordered a case of cat litter and 20 cases of cat food.

Five sets each of inflatable boat, earthquake rescue kit, binoculars, and life jackets.