"The apocalypse we experienced did not involve widespread human deaths, but that does not mean the apocalypse is friendly."
On the contrary, it is cruel.
Unbeknownst to many, species selection has taken place, leaving behind those organisms that are sufficiently vigilant and able to adapt to environmental changes in a timely manner.
"And this is especially true for humans." Shen Yanming said in his calm, almost icy voice.
Bi Qiaoan fell silent after hearing this.
She knew that her seemingly peaceful life was actually fraught with danger. This danger came not only from nature, but even more so from humanity itself. It was just that the time had not yet come for it to erupt.
The two didn't continue the conversation on the issue, but quickened their pace, walked to the parking lot, and got in the car.
With some shade, their skin felt much better. The sweltering train carriage didn't seem so unbearable anymore.
On the way, Shen Yanming deliberately took a long detour and stopped in a place in the suburbs where there was no obstruction and no cameras around.
Then, bending down and leaning out from between the front seats, he placed two boxes of watermelons and peaches in the back seat.
This was specially prepared for Zhang Heping and Ji Kangyong. Those two are usually so busy with work, they probably don't have time to bother with fruit.
Moreover, these are not something that everyone can eat.
After putting everything away, Shen Yanming thought for a moment and then put out some more ingredients, preparing to go back and give his buddy a nice extra meal.
There was no other way, so he and Qiao An went to Su City for a month first, and after returning, they stayed in the guard team.
In their daily lives, it's difficult for them to take care of their two buddies, so of course they want to do their part when they go back this time.
Moreover, barring any unforeseen circumstances, as long as the weekend morning training sessions aren't canceled, the two of them will most likely stay at the guardhouse. Since Shen Yanming still has to work, Bi Qiaoan will also be there for her postpartum confinement after giving birth.
So, if we miss this opportunity, who knows when we'll get together again?
Shen Yanming looked at the three boxes on the back seat with satisfaction, then made a phone call to his two buddies.
Upon learning that they were all home, she smiled and said, "Qiao An and I will be back in about half an hour. I'll call you then and ask you to come downstairs to pick me up; there are gifts."
Oh, and give Zhao Zhao a call too; it's been a long time since we got together.
"Okay, we'll wait for you. Drive slowly on the road, no rush."
Shen Yanming hummed in agreement and then hung up the phone.
Bi Qiaoan glanced at the extra items on the back seat and asked, "What gift did you prepare?"
Because she was notified to return to Qingyu Community at the last minute, she had no idea about her husband Lao Shen's plans from morning until now.
Shen Yanming smiled and said, "The two boxes contain watermelons and peaches, and the other one contains some vegetables and cured meat. We haven't been there for a long time, so their standard of living must have dropped significantly."
Bi Qiaoan nodded. "Yes, I can imagine. But have you thought of an excuse?"
"Just say you traded with someone in the guard team. Anyway, there are grain fields and experimental fields here, and individuals are allowed to do this. They won't come to ask us whether we actually traded or not."
Shen Yanming smiled and patted Bi Qiaoan's head, "Don't worry, neither of them are talkative people."
Bi Qiaoan knew this, of course. They had been together for several years, and the two of them would often slip some unusual food between their fingers, and none of them had ever questioned it.
When they occasionally ask a few questions, it's just a slip of the tongue; they're not actually looking for answers.
I don't know if they're pretending to be oblivious or if they genuinely don't care. But whatever the case, this way of getting along makes everyone feel comfortable.
Bi Qiaoan laughed and joked, "Oh dear, we still have about 80% of their supplies in our hands, how dare they say anything out of line?"
Shen Yanming also shook his head with a smile. To be honest, if no one had brought it up, he would have really forgotten about it.
It's because his buddies haven't mentioned the supplies again since they confirmed their safety with him.
They really are something else, aren't they afraid their stored food will expire?
However, this is actually a good thing, as it shows that everyone is hardworking and adapts well to the changes on the planet. By cultivating the land and raising livestock, they can still keep up with the pace of most people.
The two of them chatted and laughed as they returned to Qingyu Residential Area.
At the access control, Shen Yanming was stopped by Chen Shunwei once again. Perhaps it was fate; they always seemed to run into each other when Chen was on duty.
This time, the two didn't have a long chat. They exchanged a brief greeting, and after learning that everything in the neighborhood was normal, they parted ways.
Of course, before leaving, Shen Yanming took a small watermelon from the back seat and gave it to him. He was so surprised that he hid it in the closet as if he had found a treasure and quickly locked it.
Then he chuckled sheepishly, "Well, I haven't seen this thing in two years, and I got a little excited and lost my composure. Hehe, thanks a lot."
Shen Yanming smiled and shook his head, gesturing for silence, "It's a secret!"
"Yes, yes, I know!" Chen Shunwei nodded hurriedly, then waved goodbye to the couple.
Over the years, he has profited greatly from the two of them, and the concept of keeping one's mouth shut has become ingrained in his bones.
That's true. If you're obedient, people might treat you like one of their own and help you out. But if you're ungrateful and spill their secrets, then you're just a heartless ingrate.
Moreover, he could tell that the couple were capable and low-key, and as long as he didn't offend them, he could still reap a lot of benefits by following them.
Shen Yanming left the security room, got back into his car, and a few minutes later, he and Qiao An drove into the underground parking lot.
It's very different here from outside. Even without the lights on, the sunlight streaming through the skylight makes the parking lot very bright. And because most areas aren't directly exposed to sunlight, the temperature is exceptionally cool.
Logically, places with very little direct sunlight should be somewhat dark and damp, but Bi Qiaoan didn't feel any dampness at all after getting out of the car. She guessed that it was probably because this summer was too hot, and the scorching air had dried out the moisture.
Perhaps it is precisely this unique environment that has made the underground parking garage a popular spot for people to escape the summer heat. They gather in twos and threes, chatting or playing cards.
Shen Yanming didn't rush upstairs. He called Zhang Heping, but before the call was connected, he saw two people walk out of the elevator.
He waved, and the two of them walked over with smiles.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Shen Yanming opened the back door of the car and let the two men carry the boxes out.
Zhang Heping glanced at the box and saw a large cardboard box near the car door. Judging from its appearance, it didn't seem like a heavy thing, so he bent down to move it without much preparation.
But when he put his strength into it, he realized he was completely wrong. This was something a grown man like him couldn't lift at all.
"Old Shen, what's in this box?" Zhang Heping asked, puzzled, and prepared to open it.
Shen Yanming quickly stopped him, "It's nothing, just some books, and they're quite substantial."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
