After sorting through the new supplies, Su Yao didn't rest for long. She knew that the situation in the apocalypse was constantly changing, and more resources meant more chances of survival.

Su Yao communicated with the system again: "System, although we have more supplies, it feels like we still don't have enough to cope with a longer-term crisis. Are there any other places worth exploring?" The system's electronic voice came through: "There is a research institute in the southern part of the city. There may be research data and special equipment there on coping with extreme cold environments, which will be of great help to you. However, there are some intelligent defense robots around the research institute, which are security measures left over from before the war. We need to be careful."

Upon hearing this, Su Yao immediately packed her bags and set off. Arriving near the research institute, she saw several somewhat dilapidated but still operational defense robots patrolling. Using her surroundings to conceal herself, Su Yao asked the system for a solution. The system quickly scanned and analyzed the situation, then said, "These robots detect targets using thermal sensing and visual recognition. You can use your special ability to create some low-temperature illusions to interfere with thermal sensing, and then use reflective objects to disrupt their vision."

Following the system's instructions, Su Yao used her special ability to lower the temperature around her and used some metal plates to reflect light. She carefully moved towards the research institute's entrance, successfully avoiding the defensive robots. The institute's door had an electronic lock, and the system, directly connected to the door's control system, easily opened it.

Upon entering the research institute, she found it in disarray, with much of the equipment damaged by the extreme cold. However, Su Yao still discovered some valuable items, such as seed samples of cold-resistant plants. If these seeds could be successfully cultivated, they would provide a new food source for these plants. She also found some theoretical data on environmental modification, which, although not feasible at present, might be applicable in the future.

In a sealed laboratory, Su Yao found several small climate control devices. The system explained, "These devices can locally alter temperature and humidity. When used in a safe room, they can create a more suitable microclimate for living." Su Yao excitedly stored these devices into her spatial storage.

Leaving the lab, Su Yao continued her search. In the research institute's archives, she discovered a large number of electronic data storage devices. The system notification read: "These devices may contain valuable research data, crucial for understanding the apocalypse and finding solutions." Su Yao carefully stored the devices, not wanting to give up any hope, even though she didn't know their contents.

After leaving the research institute, Su Yao discovered an abandoned logistics warehouse nearby. The warehouse contained many abandoned packages with a wide variety of items, including household goods, toys, and even some musical instruments. Su Yao didn't let any of these go to waste; she collected everything that could be used. The toys could relieve her family's stress in their spare time, while the musical instruments might offer a little comfort in the long apocalypse.

When Su Yao returned to the safe house, her family had prepared hot drinks to welcome her. Looking at the supplies filling the house, Su Yao knew that every adventure had been worthwhile. In this apocalypse, they were taking one step at a time towards survival, and the system was like a guiding light, leading her to find more glimmers of hope. Su Yao's family carefully categorized and arranged the newly acquired supplies inside the safe house. The data storage equipment brought back from the research institute was carefully placed in a relatively dry and safe corner of the space house, while Su Yao gave the samples of cold-resistant plant seeds to her mother, who was skilled in gardening. Looking at the seeds, her mother's eyes ignited with new hope, as if she could see a vibrant future for the safe house.

That day, Su Yao was studying how to use some daily necessities she had brought back from the logistics warehouse when the system suddenly spoke up: "Su Yao, there is an underground transportation hub in the eastern part of the city. It used to be an important transfer point for urban supplies, and there is likely still a large amount of supplies left there. However, due to the complex terrain and the fact that some areas have been flooded, you need to be prepared."

Upon hearing this, Su Yao immediately prepared the necessary equipment and headed towards the eastern part of the city. Along the way, she saw some once bustling streets now completely covered in ice and snow, becoming relics of the past. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, but she knew there was no time for sentimentality; acquiring supplies was the top priority.

Upon reaching the entrance to the underground transportation hub, Su Yao found it blocked by several huge blocks of ice. She used her fire-based abilities to slowly melt the ice. The melted ice created a small puddle at the entrance, and Su Yao carefully descended, finding it dimly lit and filled with a damp, musty smell.

She took out a lighting device from her spatial storage and continued deeper inside. The transportation hub was filled with shops and stalls, with many goods scattered on the ground. Su Yao saw a large quantity of instant noodles, biscuits, and other ready-to-eat foods—very practical supplies—which she quickly stored in her spatial storage. In a shop's warehouse, she also found some well-sealed bottled water, which delighted her.

However, as she went deeper, the water grew increasingly deep, already above her knees. Suddenly, something swam rapidly in the water and attacked her. Su Yao instinctively retreated, only to see a huge mutated water python leap out of the water, its gaping maw snapping at her. Su Yao immediately used her powers to create a fire shield, blocking the python's attack. The python, impacted by the flames, retreated back into the water.

Su Yao didn't dare to be careless. While cautiously observing the water's surface, she continued searching for supplies. In a corner, she found some waterproof backpacks and rain gear, which would be very useful in this damp environment. She also found some tools and parts for repairing vehicles. Although they didn't have any usable vehicles right now, these parts might come in handy later.

Next, Su Yao arrived at the control center of the transportation hub. There were some electronic devices and communication equipment there. The system message read, "If these communication devices can be repaired, they might help you receive signals from the outside world and understand the situation in other places." Su Yao carefully put the devices away, planning to go back and study the repair methods with her father.

Upon leaving the underground transportation hub, Su Yao was attacked by the mutated water python again. This time, she was prepared, using her fire-based abilities to create a fiery rope, which she used to bind the python's body before throwing it away with all her might. After resolving the python's threat, Su Yao returned to the safe house with a wealth of spoils.

Back home, the family was overjoyed to see that Su Yao had brought back so many supplies. They knew that in this harsh apocalypse, every single item was a guarantee of their survival, and Su Yao, with the help of the system, had brought hope to her family time and time again.