Because of the sudden power outage in the mall, most people's first reaction was to panic and run outside. But just as they were about to reach the exit, they all stopped in their tracks—
It's 1 p.m. now, almost the hottest time of day. Just standing at the entrance of the mall, you can feel the sweltering heat emanating from the outside.
The heatwave hitting your face and body brings an indescribable stickiness and burning sensation. Coupled with the blindingly bright sun in the sky, no one would willingly go outside unless they were stupid.
Even car owners didn't make any rash moves—the black sedan parked by the mall entrance suddenly had a tire blowout due to the high ground temperature, causing the entire car to tilt to one side, and the black roof and body of the car seemed to become somewhat distorted under the sunlight.
If you go out for a walk at this time, you'll probably collapse from heatstroke after only a short distance.
In contrast, even if there's a power outage inside the mall, the reinforced concrete structure can block out the sunlight. Besides, the mall had the air conditioning on just now, so even if the temperature rises, it's still much cooler than outside.
At this moment, Gou Fugui and Xie Tianlang had already gone up from the shopping mall and supermarket below to the entrance of the first floor of the mall.
They weren't carrying large bags; Gou Fugui had secretly stuffed the bottled water, food, and daily necessities they bought into his pockets amidst the chaos. So, they looked much more comfortable than the other people in the mall, carrying nothing at all.
Gou Fugui raised his wristwatch to test the temperature in real time, and the multi-functional wristwatch's display showed a high temperature of 48 degrees Celsius.
This temperature has far exceeded the upper limit of the meteorological observatory's forecast of 38 degrees Celsius for today's highest temperature.
Don't underestimate this 10-degree temperature increase. A high temperature of 48 degrees Celsius is basically the limit that humans can withstand. It will cause people to sweat profusely and become dehydrated in a short period of time. Accelerated heat dissipation will also increase the burden on the heart to pump blood, which can easily put some elderly people with weak constitutions or heart disease in dangerous situations.
Even young people with average physical condition can easily develop problems if they don't dissipate heat properly in such high temperatures.
Gou Fugui frowned, thinking about the dangers of the high temperature, while inside the mall, some people who were already feeling tense began to breathe rapidly and felt like they couldn't catch their breath.
"Don't crowd together! Where people gather, air circulation slows down and more carbon dioxide is exhaled, which is bad for your health."
A woman with a high ponytail looked around and loudly reminded everyone: "The temperature is already at least 46 degrees Celsius! It's not suitable for going out or doing strenuous exercise. Everyone should wait in the mall until after 3 pm, when the sun starts to set."
"If there are elderly people or children around, please make sure they get enough water and a little bit of salt. If anyone is having trouble breathing, you can come directly to me; I am a doctor at the First Hospital."
Many people at the mall entrance were initially anxious about the unexpected situation, but their anxiety gradually subsided after the female doctor spoke.
Thinking about it carefully, power outages and high temperatures really aren't a big deal, and there's really no need to be overly nervous or surprised. It's not an earthquake or a volcanic eruption, and there are no zombies chasing after us. We can just wait in the mall for another two or three hours and then go home.
It might be a little tough for those two or three hours, but it's still better than being outside, isn't it?
Just then, Gou Fugui's phone suddenly beeped. He opened his phone and saw the message:
Dear residents, due to a main circuit failure caused by abnormally high temperatures, a complete power outage is expected in Jinyu Community, Central Avenue, Jinyu, Yinguang, and Huangtong Streets within the next five hours.
We sincerely apologize for any losses and inconvenience caused by the power outage.
However, there is a backup generator in the community's recreation and sports hall to provide emergency power to the community, which can meet the mobile phone charging needs of all residents for three hours.
In addition, two emergency backup air conditioners and one backup refrigerator have been turned on in the recreation and sports hall. Residents who are feeling unwell due to the heat can rest and drink water in the recreation and sports hall. We believe we will soon get through this difficult time.
Looking at the well-organized property management message, Gou Fugui couldn't help but sigh, "This is truly the kind of thoughtful property management service you'd expect from a high-end residential community."
However, he can't enjoy this thoughtfulness now, which is only because he insisted on coming out to see the world for what it's really like. And as a result, the world slapped him in the face.
Gou Fugui showed the information on his phone to Xie Tianlang, who helplessly reached out and rubbed his Fugui's round head.
"The shopping mall also has spare motors."
Just as Xie Tianlang finished speaking, some of the mall's lights, which had been completely turned off, came back on. And most importantly, the mall's ventilation system also started operating again.
Following this was a gentle announcement over the mall's loudspeaker: "Dear guests, due to an abnormally high temperature causing a main circuit malfunction, power outages have occurred on several streets in the central avenue area. The power outage will continue until after 5 PM today. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."
The shopping mall has activated its backup power supply.
However, due to limited power supply, only emergency lighting and ventilation/cooling systems can be activated first. All other power sources will not be restored.
We apologize to all our customers.
The mall has set up emergency medical points and cooling and hydration points on each floor. Customers who need them are encouraged to go there.
Due to the current high temperature and large number of people in the mall, please refrain from loud noise and excessive movement to avoid causing discomfort.
All staff at the Central Shopping Mall are dedicated to serving you. We wish you a pleasant shopping experience.
When the wealthy and beautiful woman heard the last sentence, she couldn't help but laugh. "How can you enjoy shopping in this situation? That sentence should be changed to 'enjoy rest' instead."
Xie Tianlang laughed along, and then he pulled his beloved Fugui Yuanyuan to sit down in a corner against the wall.
The area was close to the mall entrance and still quite hot, so even in a corner against the wall, no one came. It was enough for the two of them to sit down, rest, and talk.
"Now that we can basically determine the direction of this world's end, let's think about what to do next. Do you have any thoughts or guesses about the core of this world's doomsday?"
The wealthy young master glanced around to make sure no one was watching them, then secretly took out two bottles of ice water and two small handheld fans from his pocket and gave them to Xie Tianlang. Only when the cool breeze from the small fans blew onto his face and thick hair did he feel a little better, and then he quickly shook his head.
"How can we guess the core of the world in such an apocalypse? If it's high temperature, is it a water source or a river? But a single river is too large, so it's unlikely. I can't sense the mid-to-late stages, so it's impossible for us to discover the core of the world."
"So let's just try to survive in this world for now. Only by surviving can we have the chance to find the core of the world."
Just like the seeds in the first world, the golden flowers and small animals in the second world, how should I put it? First, live as best you can, then save more lives to accumulate life force to support the world.
When the core of the world manifests, perhaps all forces will converge, and the world will naturally be saved.
The long-haired boy leaned against the wall, his eyes closed as he listened to the electric fan.
"Saving the world is never something that one person or a few people can accomplish."
"All we can do is seize the opportunities and small forces that can push or change our destiny."
This was the first time Xie Tianlang had heard his long-haired beauty speak about her ideas regarding the core of the world and saving it.
He had assumed that his beloved, who had almost single-handedly completed the core of two worlds, would also be full of confidence in this third rescue. However, what he heard was an answer that was almost like "let nature take its course."
The man gazed intently at the young man, his eyes filled with affection.
But the long-haired youth suddenly opened his eyes and looked at the man, saying, "I'm not saying we should go with the flow, but we shouldn't be arrogant and think we're saviors, or that having a little power means we can trample the world under our feet."
"In the face of a great disaster, all lives are insignificant. But even so, life struggles to survive. And I just hope that on this path of survival, I can be more open and composed."
"It's probably like this: do your best and leave the rest to fate."
Xie Langren, who never liked to accept fate, raised his eyebrows: "I don't think your personality is the kind that would accept fate."
Otherwise, how could someone have spent ten years undercover and then turn the tables and wipe out their enemy in one fell swoop?
The wealthy and beautiful woman glared at him disdainfully: "Aren't you annoying? If fate is right, then listen to it. If fate wants me to die, would Dad really go and die?! Of course, I should do my best to save lives."
"As long as you work hard, you will find that destiny is actually on your side."
Xie Tianlang burst into laughter.
Then he reached out and hugged Yuanyuan, who was dancing wildly in his heart, pressing his forehead against Yuanyuan's, his deep, piercing eyes fixed on him: "You're right. Do your best and leave the rest to fate, and fate will be on our side."
[...]
【^_^】
"Tsk, it's so hot, get out of here. You farmhand, don't you know you shouldn't lay a hand on the young master! You'll be fined!"
Xie Changgong laughed again: "Then let's discuss how to survive better?"
“If it’s scorching hot, I don’t think the top floor where I live now is suitable for long-term living.”
The closer you are to the sun, the hotter it gets. Direct exposure to sunlight can also affect many electrical appliances and household items. Most importantly, if the circuits start to malfunction frequently due to the high temperature, then the elevators in high-rise buildings will feel suffocating.
Gou Fugui quickly realized this as well, and the expression on his face became somewhat ferocious because he might have to climb a twenty-one-story building when he got back. However, the young master Fugui soon remembered his proud chin and revealed the expression of a landlord.
"If living in a high-rise is inconvenient, then move! Let me tell you, I have plenty of houses!!"
As he spoke, the wealthy young master took out his phone and opened the Fangduoduo app.
"Look, four of the ten most popular properties on this app are mine. Of course, those four are already rented out, but I still have twenty-six properties under my name."
The five best units listed are not for rent or sale; they're only being shown on this app. Among them is my current top-floor duplex, and the other four are a detached villa in Jinyu Community, a riverside holiday home in the suburbs, a river-view duplex in the city center, and… well, a school district property in the best educational triangle area in the city.
The wealthy young master paused here, his expression somewhat subtle: "This is a school district house for personal use, not a large apartment or a villa."
Xie Tianlang clicked his tongue twice: "This shows how important education is."
However, I feel the world's biased consciousness once again. The difference in treatment is too great! They even prepared a school district house for his rich and beautiful daughter, while he only has an old, dilapidated house in a prime location that has not yet been demolished and will never be demolished?
"Don't look so sour." The rich young master patted Xie Changgong on the shoulder cheerfully: "Work hard for the young master, and the young master will take you to new heights."
"After removing the school district apartment and the river-view penthouse, which one should we live in: the villa in the Jinyu residential area or the riverside resort villa in the suburbs?"
Xie Langren was speechless for a moment at his young master's extravagant tone, but he quickly began to think about it seriously.
“Jinyu Community is more convenient for transportation and shopping, and it is easier to get information and help from municipal departments in the city center. Although the suburban vacation villas may be more comfortable in terms of climate, which is by the mountains and water, I prefer the city.”
"At least for now, while the temperature is still bearable, preparations are not yet sufficient, and government departments are not yet paralyzed, it is better to live in the city center."
After thinking it over, the wealthy young master finally agreed with his family servant's idea.
"Then let's stay at the central villa for a month first. If that doesn't work, we'll go to the resort villas at the foot of the mountain by the river."
Xie Tianlang nodded and said with a smile, "Young Master, you are really rich."
The wealthy young master's eyes narrowed with laughter. Ah! If it weren't for the fact that this world was about to enter its final apocalypse, he thought being a wealthy young master in this world would be quite wonderful!
It was already 2 p.m., the hottest time of the day.
The wealthy young master sat down in the opposite direction of the door, but he could still feel the scorching heat outside.
Is it fifty degrees Celsius outside right now?
Xie Tianlang nodded: "Yes."
"Then what about the car we left outside..."
Xie Changgong sighed and shook his head: "Young master, with this kind of high temperature and scorching sun, our car probably won't survive. Even if it does, it's best not to drive it, otherwise the engine might explode and catch fire on the way, and that would be a different story."
"……grass."
The rich young master cursed, that was his first luxury car, and it was ruined after only one drive.
At this moment, Xie Tianlang, who was checking his phone, suddenly stopped: "Sanchuan has news. He's currently in Heilongjiang Province in the north, which is a seven or eight-hour train ride from here."
"What's your phone number? He wants to call us."
The wealthy young master recited his original phone number from this world.
A minute later, his phone rang. When he answered, Song Sanchuan's fairly energetic voice came through.
"Boss! Brother Fugui! Can you hear me?"
“I heard you, I heard you. We’re in Zhongyuan Province now. When are you coming over by train from there?” The wealthy young master spoke first.
"Don't rush into that. I need to ask you first if you've confirmed what the end of the world will look like?" Song Sanchuan's voice was somewhat serious: "Is it high temperature?"
"The highest temperature here has reached 50 degrees Celsius. Shopping malls and residential areas have lost power, and car tires have burst from the heat. Isn't that high temperature?"
"Since it's so hot, I'll come find you again in a few days. Heilongjiang Province used to be a major heavy industrial province, with excellent steelmaking and machinery materials. The things I brought with me have been almost completely used up after passing through the border. Since I landed in a good location, I'll go find some good materials and make some tools and machinery suitable for survival in this situation."
The wealthy young master was very satisfied with Song Sanchuan's self-discipline as another future farmhand. He even glanced at Xie, the farmhand who seemed to be of no use other than moving things, and then said in a gentle tone:
"Sanchuan, you're so thoughtful! Make more heat-resistant products! For example, electric heat-resistant vehicles that can automatically move things in high temperatures, solar charging panels that won't get scorched by the sun, good automatic generators, solar-powered fans, or good sun-protective clothing, whatever you can make! Our future well-being depends entirely on you!"
Song Sanchuan, listening from the other end, couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. He was a high-tech mechanical talent who had even obtained a copy of Si Mingri's mechanical design notes, but here he was going to have to ride in something like an electric car with solar panels and a generator?
However, through this phone call, he could sense that the high temperatures in the Central Plains might be more severe than he had imagined.
Compared to this, the "high temperature" of over 20 degrees Celsius in March in Heilongjiang Province, which surprised everyone, really doesn't count as "high temperature".
"Okay, then I'll stay here for a few days. Once the machine is finished, I'll take the train to come find you."
The wealthy young master nodded remotely, but after thinking for a moment, he added, "Don't stay there for too long, at most a week. Be sure to buy your ticket in advance and prepare to come over."
After all, no one can be sure whether the high temperature will rise suddenly or increase slowly in the future.
"Also, if you want to make the machine, it'll definitely cost money, right? Just hack my account in a bit! Just transfer whatever amount you need! I'm not short of money!"
The wealthy tycoon once again uttered the words that every ordinary person wants to say, causing Song Sanchuan on the other end to raise his eyebrows.
"You cashed out the gold bars in such a short time?"
The wealthy young master chuckled: "No need, your brother Fugui is already a tycoon in this world!"
After hanging up the phone, Song Sanchuan, looking incredulous, started checking Gou Fugui's bank account. He thought to himself, "Even if he's rich, how much could he possibly have? Is he some kind of wealthy young master with a car, a house, and over 100 million in savings?"
Then he saw the three bank accounts belonging to Gou Fugui displayed on the computer.
Each account had eight-figure deposits, and one even reached nine figures starting with the number two.
Song Sanchuan, a recent graduate and overworked programmer: "...Damn it."
He really is a rich young man with over 100 million in savings!
He experienced the world's unevenness!
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