Next, led by Qin Lan, Li Luoshen and the other twenty new women headed to their temporary residence: one of the few sturdy and beautiful two-story villas in the shelter.
These villas were originally the exclusive residences of veterans and meritorious officials such as Qin Lan and Li Xiangbin.
When Qin Lan pushed open the heavy wooden door of one of the villas, a warm scent mixed with the fragrance of wood and a faint smell of soap wafted out, instantly dispelling the last trace of chill they had brought from the icy plains.
"This is Villa No. 3, which I will be staying in for the time being. According to Mr. Lin's arrangement, six of you will be living with us until your new homes are completed." Qin Lan's tone was still concise and capable, but her eyes had lost some of the sharpness they had when they first met, and had become gentler.
She stepped aside, making way for him: "Come in, don't stand in the doorway."
Li Luoshen, Chen Jing, Sun Wei, and three other women who appeared rather quiet stepped across the threshold hesitantly.
The next second, they were completely stunned by what they saw.
Contrary to their expectations of a crowded, rudimentary, and filthy post-apocalyptic shelter, this place was bright and clean, with smooth stone slabs paving the floor, which was spotless.
The first floor is a spacious living room with several tables and chairs made of solid wood, and even a terracotta vase with a few unidentified red flowers on the table.
What surprised them most was that they could faintly hear the sound of rushing water coming from a corridor on the side of the living room.
"What...what was that sound?" A young girl named Zhao Min, who used to be an office clerk, couldn't help but ask in a low voice.
“It’s a washroom.” Qin Lan smiled proudly. “Mr. Lin used his abilities to design an independent washroom system with hot water supply for each villa, combining geothermal energy and mountain spring water. You can take a hot shower anytime.”
"Hot...hot shower?"
These three words, like a thunderclap, exploded in the minds of the six women.
They couldn't remember the last time they took a hot shower.
At the previous campsite, water was strictly rationed, and being able to wipe your body with cold water was already a luxury.
Endless cold and filth have become the norm in their lives.
Chen Jing's nose suddenly stung with tears. She adjusted her glasses, which were about to slip off, and her eyes behind the lenses instantly became misty.
As a doctor, she understood better than anyone how important cleanliness and hygiene were for disease prevention. And hot water, a symbol of civilization, represented a leap forward in quality of life.
“There are three bedrooms on the second floor. Besides the one I have, the other two have been prepared for you. Each room can accommodate three people.”
Qin Lan led them up the creaking wooden stairs: "The beds and bedding are all new; Pang Dahai and the others worked through the night to make them. Although they can't compare to Simmons mattresses on Blue Star, they are definitely warm and comfortable."
Pushing open the bedroom door, a scent of sunshine mixed with the smell of dried linen wafted out.
Three neat wooden plank beds were placed against the wall, covered with thick quilts filled with some kind of soft animal hide and cotton. Everything seemed so simple, yet so comforting.
Li Luoshen reached out and gently stroked the slightly rough but unusually warm quilt cover; her fingertips trembled slightly.
This is the place.
This is the first real "home" they have found after going through hellish ordeals.
“Captain Qin…” Li Luoshen turned around, bowed deeply to Qin Lan, her voice choked with emotion, “Thank you… thank you all…”
Chen Jing, Sun Wei, and others behind her also bowed, unsure of how to express their gratitude.
Qin Lan was taken aback by their sudden and generous gift. She quickly stepped forward to help Li Luoshen up, saying, "Don't be like this. You are compatriots brought back by Mr. Lin, you are our family. Mr. Lin said that we are all part of the shelter, and it is only right for us to help each other."
She paused, looking at their faces, which were both excited and exhausted, and her tone softened further: "Alright, don't think too much about it. You've traveled a long way, you must be exhausted. Go take a shower, change into clean clothes, and then get a good night's sleep. Lunch is at the central canteen at five o'clock this afternoon. Remember, in the shelter, never neglect your stomach."
In another villa, Shen Jiaqi, once known as the most beautiful school belle, was showing several new members around the area.
"Oh my, my dear sisters, you've finally arrived! Come in, come in!"
Shen Jiaqi's voice was clear and crisp as she took the hand of the thinnest-looking girl, a sweet smile on her face. "Look, this is your temporary home! What do you think, isn't it nice?"
Pointing to the furnishings in the room, she introduced them with great familiarity: "See this table and chair? They were all made of ironwood by Brother Dahai. They're so sturdy! The most amazing thing is that every room has heating!"
The news instantly ignited the enthusiasm of the new women; their eyes shone with excitement, and their initial nervousness dissipated considerably.
In the bitter cold of the wilderness, a warm room is undoubtedly the greatest luxury.
"My God! Every room has them?"
"Great! I don't have to freeze anymore!"
"Senior Chen...Senior Chen," a girl asked excitedly in a low voice, "Can we really...take a shower here?"
"Of course! Not only can you wash, you can wash every day!"
Shen Jiaqi patted her chest and assured them, "There's plenty of water! But I must remind you, although our shelter is well-stocked, we can't waste resources. Mr. Lin hates wasteful people the most. Each person's shower time should ideally not exceed fifteen minutes, understand?"
"Understood, understood!" Everyone nodded hurriedly.
"That's right!" Shen Jiaqi nodded in satisfaction, then lowered her voice and said to them with a hint of playful mystery, "I have another good news for you. This afternoon, when the cafeteria opens, Brother Dahai specially requested a batch of fresh snake meat—the meat from the giant blue python that Brother Feng brought back last time! It's incredibly nutritious! We'll benefit from your help and get a taste too. Don't miss lunchtime!"
"The meat of a giant python?" The women's faces showed a mixture of fear and curiosity.
"What's there to be afraid of!" Shen Jiaqi waved her hand, her smile bright. "Once you're here, you'll have to get used to it. Anything that flies in the sky, runs on the ground, or swims in the water—as long as it's edible, it'll become our meal! Alright, stop standing there like idiots, hurry up and get ready to wash away the bad luck and embrace your new life!"
At five o'clock in the afternoon, as the melodious bells rang out over the shelter, the central canteen was already bustling with activity.
This is a huge stone and wood structure that can accommodate hundreds of people, with rows of long dining tables and benches neatly arranged.
On one side of the canteen is an open kitchen managed by Pang Dahai and his two wives who help with cooking.
At this moment, three huge iron pots were steaming, and the rich aroma of meat and rice mingled together, creating an enticing scent that could drive any hungry person mad.
Li Luoshen and the others changed into clean gray cotton work clothes, washed away the grime, and revealed their delicate faces.
Although still thin, his mental outlook has been completely transformed.
They followed Qin Lan somewhat nervously into this place that felt incredibly new and exciting to them.
They saw that a long line had already formed in front of the food window.
Whether it was a combat team leader like Qin Lan, a technical backbone like Li Xiangbin, or an ordinary member responsible for cleaning, everyone consciously lined up without the slightest noise or queue-jumping.
"I saw it clearly."
Qin Lan pointed to a wooden sign hanging above the window and explained to Li Luoshen and the others, "These are the rules of our cafeteria."
The wooden sign had clear writing in charcoal:
Today's dishes
Main dishes: White rice and toasted rye bread (free, unlimited supply)
Dishes:
Braised Giant Python Meat Chunks (Recommended!): 2 Contribution Points/Serving
Pan-fried spare ribs: 1.5 contribution points/serving
Stir-fried Three Vegetables (cabbage, mushrooms, snow peas): 0.5 contribution points/serving
Minced meat stewed with sweet potato: 0.5 contribution points/serving
Vegetable soup: 0.2 contribution points/serving
Li Luoshen's heart suddenly jolted.
Main courses are free!
This means that even if a person is penniless, as long as they come to the canteen, they will definitely not starve to death. This is the most basic and most compassionate guarantee of survival.
The prices of the dishes were also far lower than she had imagined.
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