After finishing the inspection of the Sky Ship Center, it was already past 6 p.m.
They boarded a plane, intending to go to Feng Xinran's former residence, bring her personal belongings, and then return to the post-apocalyptic bunker.
However, as soon as the group landed the helicopter, they were drawn to the bustling street in front of them.
The streets were brightly lit and bustling with people, just like before the apocalypse, even more vibrant and hopeful.
A dazzling array of shops offered everything imaginable, from high-tech products to traditional handicrafts, from upscale restaurants to street food stalls. The air was filled with the aroma of food and the cheerful sounds of people chatting. The flashing neon lights added a touch of magic to the night.
"Hehe, since we're already here, let's go and experience the lively atmosphere of our Tianyu Base!" Chen Yu suggested, his tone relaxed and cheerful, clearly also infected by the bustling scene.
The group exchanged smiles and nodded in agreement.
Since the commercial streets of Tianyu Base are either underground or enclosed spaces sealed by special glass, people strolling through the streets do not feel any chill.
They strolled along the street, occasionally stopping in front of the unique shops or drawn by the food at a street stall to sample it.
Qiao Meng stopped in front of a handicraft stall called "Time Imprint".
The stalls were filled with all kinds of handicrafts, from exquisite ceramic vases to vintage leather notebooks, each exuding a unique charm.
Her gaze was drawn to a small wooden music box, which was carved with intricate and beautiful patterns. When she gently wound it up, a melodious tune flowed out, as if it could evoke the tenderest memories in her heart.
“I had a similar music box when I was a child,” Qiao Meng said softly, a hint of nostalgia flashing in her eyes.
"Then let's buy it as a souvenir," Chen Yu suggested gently.
As the head of the Tianyu Base, Qiao Meng's complicated work made it impossible for her to find time to experience the outside world.
She could only learn about these new things at the base through videos and reports.
This made Chen Yu feel somewhat guilty.
Qiao Meng smiled and nodded, accepting the carefully packaged music box from the stall owner.
"Young lady, you have excellent taste. This music box is the last one I've ever made by hand. The emotions and stories it contains are all unique." The stall owner was a kind old man, and his words carried a hint of pride and reluctance.
Upon hearing this, Qiao Meng cherished the music box even more.
She gently stroked the patterns on it, as if she could feel the ingenuity behind each stroke.
"Thank you, how much?" Qiao Meng asked with a smile, preparing to pay.
"Oh, young lady, seeing how much you like it and how destined we are, I'll give you a discount. I'll give you 10 Tianyu coins!" the old man said kindly, his eyes shining with warmth.
Qiao Meng nodded. Ten Tianyu coins were indeed not expensive, considering that the average investor's daily income was around 20 yuan. Given the complexity and exquisite craftsmanship of this music box, it definitely deserved a higher price.
But she understood that the old man was expressing his kindness and blessings to her in his own way, and this sentiment was more precious than any money.
Soon, Qiao Meng took out her phone to pay and left the stall with the music box and a heart full of gratitude.
"Young lady, you made a mistake, you overpaid by 90 yuan!" the old man shouted from behind.
“It’s alright, sir, your music box is worth the price!” Qiao Meng said, continuing to walk forward without looking back, but her voice clearly reached the old man’s ears, carrying a sense of firmness and warmth.
The old man watched Qiao Meng's receding figure, his eyes flashing with complex emotions.
He knew all too well that in this post-apocalyptic world being rebuilt, every act of kindness and trust was especially precious.
He sighed softly, feeling both touched and gratified.
"Xiao Qiao, are you stupid? Spending so much money on this piece of junk? 100 Tianyu coins would be enough to buy an assault rifle for one of my militiamen." Lin Lele complained from the side.
Qiao Meng stopped, turned around, and smiled slightly at Lin Lele. Her smile was full of warmth and composure.
“Lele, some things are more valuable than money. Besides, 100 yuan is just a little over a day’s wages for me, but it’s a considerable sum for that old man. I can’t possibly take advantage of him, can I?”
Lin Lele seemed to understand upon hearing this: "That's true."
Then, she said excitedly, "Xiao Qiao, tell me, how much money have you saved? You stay in the bunker all day and can't spend any money, you must have saved a lot, right?"
Qiao Meng simply smiled and did not answer Lin Lele.
Because this question is completely meaningless to her.
Just then, from a building flashing with colorful neon lights, a group of women dressed in flamboyant attire poked their heads out and called out to Chen Yu, who was passing by, "Grandpa, come and have some fun!"
She also gave a flirtatious wink, trying to attract Chen Yu's attention.
Chen Yu's face instantly turned awkward. He quickly scanned his surroundings, hoping it was just a misunderstanding.
But the women's eyes were fixed on him, as if they had decided that he was their target.
"Sir, this looks fun, shall we go take a look?" Lin Lele's attention was instantly drawn to it, and she said to Chen Yu with excitement.
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