Chapter 25
Hearing that the medicine would soon be gone, everyone's spirits collapsed. They no longer had any desire to speak and fell silent.
Seeing them like this, Gu Kai comforted them: "Let's talk about it later and think of a solution together. There will always be a way to solve it."
Shen Jianyi also quickly encouraged him: "That's right, there are always more solutions than problems."
Shi Lei smiled bitterly, but he also accepted the Shen family's kindness.
He nodded, then looked at Shen Cong: "Okay, Doctor Shen, you guys go ahead and do your work, we'll clean up and go notify people."
After that, he looked at the tools they had and asked, "Are you going to seal the door? Do you need help?"
Shen Jianyi waved his hand quickly: "Go and do your own thing. There are so many people in my family. I'll go over later and we can discuss it together."
After Shi Lei and his group left, the Shen family continued to think about sealing the gate.
It was getting dark and it was difficult to find bricks. In addition, everyone had something on their mind and no one was in the mood, so they simply gave up the idea of sealing the door with bricks.
There was a lot of inventory in the stagnant space, so she simply took out the welding machine and moved out the outdoor mobile power supply.
Shen Jianyi and his son-in-law worked together to repair the security door, straightened it again, and then used an electric welding machine to firmly fix it to the door frame.
This anti-theft door was also thickened when I bought it, and it is very strong. It is actually more durable to fix it directly than to paste the wall with bricks.
With the tools available, the job was done quite quickly and was completed before eight o'clock.
Chen Cong and the others packed up, thought for a moment, put on an unwashed coat again, and then went out.
Gu Zhengchu was originally going to go with them, but he decided to stay at home and cook the Chinese medicine.
In his words, "Drink as much as you can tonight, otherwise who knows how many more people will fall down tomorrow."
Gu Zhengchu's brows have been furrowed since the afternoon, and he can't suppress the melancholy in his eyes.
Chen Cong was someone who had experienced a great disaster. She understood what her father-in-law was thinking at the moment. To be honest, she was also worried to death.
After a great disaster there will be a great epidemic.
What’s more, so many people died this time.
Or he died in the residential area, which is too close to where everyone lives.
If we don’t do the disinfection and sterilization work first, in such a hot day...
Just thinking about it made her want to shiver.
What can be used for disinfection?
Even if all the 84 disinfectant powder and other things prepared by his family were taken out, it would not be enough to spray the entire community for one day.
And that bottomless abyss.
Therefore, seeking external assistance is a top priority.
When Chen Cong and the others arrived at the west villa, candles were already lit inside.
There were also several more people than I had seen before.
Apparently, all the people in the community who are willing to take on the responsibility have arrived.
Because everyone was tired after a long day and it was getting late, there was no greeting between the two of them and everyone got straight to the point.
Chen Cong first talked about the medicine: "There were originally no medicines in our community. When I went there, I was only given a medicine box with some iodine, gauze, hemostatic powder and the like in it.
The medicines I used later were all brought by my father-in-law. As you may know, my father-in-law had a small clinic before, but it was temporarily closed due to relocation, so the medicines were all left over from the clinic.
After hearing what Chen Cong said, everyone present nodded, especially the two representatives sent by the property management.
They are well aware of the situation.
Chen Cong continued, "The medicines in my house are almost used up. My father-in-law just checked and found that the hemostatic drugs and bandages are gone. There are only some gauze, Yunnan Baiyao, iodine and alcohol left.
There are not many of these things in stock, and there are not enough to change the dressings for the existing wounded tomorrow. We don’t know if anyone will be injured again tomorrow.
And the seriously injured ones..."
Chen Cong didn't finish her words, but everyone present knew what she meant.
Even if no one cares, those who were rescued with great difficulty will still not escape death.
Chen Cong ignored the heaviness in these people's hearts and she talked about the importance of epidemic prevention.
As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions on people's faces changed from heavy to horrified.
"So, we can't just sit there and wait for death. We have to go out and seek help." Gu Kai summed up for his wife.
"It's not that I don't want to go out, it's that I can't go out." A man who was probably in his forties sighed.
"From this morning till now, I don't know how many people have gone out, but most of them have come back, saying that there is no road outside and they can't get to the city at all."
"That's because they don't have the guts and are hoping for the best, thinking the government will definitely leave it alone. Rather than going out and forcing their way in, it's easier to survive by staying in the community."
Chen Cong replied coldly.
The man was so stunned by what he said that he couldn't continue talking.
Gu Kai held his wife's hand and smoothed things over for her.
"While having lunch today, I went to ask people who had been out before, and from their words I could tell that they believed there were two main reasons why they couldn't go out.
One is that the terrain changes greatly. There is a large crack less than one kilometer away from the community. It is very long and you can walk a long way on both sides without seeing the end.
Moreover, to the east, near the town, a newly built building collapsed, and the fallen building blocked the straight road, making it impossible to pass.
Another reason is that the aftershocks that occurred this morning scared everyone.
They felt that rather than walking on a completely unfamiliar road and encountering aftershocks, it would be better to return to the community, where at least the environment is familiar.”
Gu Kai looked around and continued, "But like my wife said, these people came back because they had hope for our community and thought it was safer here than outside. But what if this hope is gone?"
"Yes, we don't know when the government's aid will come, we can't just sit and wait to die. I agree with Dr. Shen's idea, we really have to find a way to go out and ask for help."
Shi Lei was the first to express his approval.
There was a hint of warmth on Chen Cong's cold face.
She looked at Shi Lei and said, "We really need to take the initiative. We are definitely not the only place affected by the disaster. Just because we don't go doesn't mean others won't go either."
If there are not enough supplies, it would be a great loss if you go too late.
Even if we can just get some food or disinfectant powder from the city, it will be better than sitting here and waiting to die."
"in addition,"
She looked at everyone and continued, "We can't put all our hopes on government rescue, we have to find ways to save ourselves.
We are only an hour's drive from the city, and the government cannot be unaware of the severity of the earthquake.
We have not received any help until now, which only shows one thing: the city may have been hit harder than us, and the government can no longer take care of us. "
As soon as she said this, everyone's faces changed drastically!
"Xiao Shen, what you said is a bit scary!" The man blurted out, questioning subconsciously.
Chen Cong looked at him: "Then do you think what I said is wrong?"
The man's lips were tightly pursed.
After a long silence, he shook his head and replied bitterly: "I hope you are wrong."
Everyone's expressions became even uglier, and the faces of several younger ones had begun to turn pale.
After all, the greater the disaster, the more people can feel the weakness of their personal power, and the stronger their dependence on the country and the collective.
Chen Cong's words almost shattered everyone's hopes.
Shen Jianyi sighed in his heart.
He knew his daughter meant well.
But perhaps because of my daughter's past experiences, her heart has become much stronger than that of ordinary people.
This prevented her from feeling the fragility of people's hearts when they first experienced a disaster.
They only think about solving the problem and don't consider everyone's ability to bear it.
He said: "The country will definitely not abandon us, but it may not happen so soon. Before that, we really have to think about how to save ourselves.
In addition to medicine, food, water, clothing, and daily necessities are also important matters.
I know our community still has some stock, but it won't last for a few days.
Now that we are sitting down today, let's discuss what to do next.
Where to find, who to go, and how to distribute after finding? Let's think about it.
At least we can come up with a plan that will allow those of us who survive to hold out until the national rescue team arrives."
Everyone figured it out now.
Shen Chong's words were sharp, but they were the real truth.
She immediately pierced the false fantasy that existed in everyone's heart.
This is a good thing.
If you wake up earlier and take action earlier, maybe... you can save an extra life.
Shen Jianyi's gentle attitude helped everyone rekindle a glimmer of hope.
Yes, the country will not ignore them, they just need to hold on until the rescue team arrives!
"Uncle, tell me what we should do?" a young man sitting in the crowd asked loudly.
“I thought we could divide the people up, leaving some to continue with the disaster relief work, and then have the rest go out to seek help and find supplies.
After finding the supplies, the team will keep a portion for themselves and hand over the rest for unified management, to be distributed to the remaining personnel and the elderly, weak, sick and disabled who cannot leave the house. Do you think this is feasible?" Shen Jianyi said.
"Of course, we can, but how do we determine the distribution ratio? Also, how do we supervise it? If everyone in the team hides what they find, how will the people left behind survive?" Shi Lei asked as he pondered.
Shen Jianyi waved his hand: "I'm just making a suggestion. You guys can discuss this matter. I'm old, I can't stand this kind of fatigue, and my brain can't work anymore.
Just let me know after you have discussed it. You can let me go out, or let me stay in the community to work, it’s all fine.”
Chen Cong breathed a sigh of relief.
In today's situation, the community seems to be developing into a small base, which was something that never happened in the previous life.
In the previous life, there were many more people surviving in the community and the nearby Yingshui Village than there are today, but they were like scattered sand, each living their own life.
Eventually the government took over.
This may also be related to the fact that the disaster in the previous life was not too serious, so everyone did not have to work together to fight for their lives.
But no matter what, she didn't want her family to get too involved.
Whether it is setting up a base or taking temporary charge, it requires hard work.
Her father is old, and she doesn't want to worry about this anymore.
Another point is that only family members know it.
They are all very soft-hearted.
And each of them has a strong sense of responsibility.
It would be fine if they didn't see it, but if they had to see this person suffering and that person feeling pitiful every day, with her family's mentality, it wouldn't be long before everything in the space would flow out.
If you don’t say anything else, you can tell by looking at the frown on my father-in-law’s face that has been there since the afternoon.
If she doesn't find a way to get the disinfectants back before the epidemic breaks out in the community, the old man will be unable to hold back and will discuss with her about getting the medicine from outside.
This situation is happening now, but it has happened many times before.
She knew clearly that this was just the beginning of the disaster and there would be many more cruel things to come.
Only by preserving your strength can you leave more chances of survival for your family.
Even if it's selfish.
She and her family can all work hard for this collective, but the supplies in the space——
Can't move.
Chen Cong stood up and pulled Gu Kai up as well.
Then he said to Shi Lei: "You guys discuss it, we'll go back first. I want to go to the nursing center later, so I won't stay here any longer.
When you assign tasks tomorrow, don't assign tasks to me and Gu Kai. We need to go out and I want to see if there are any medicines around."
Her words surprised Shi Lei and the others.
“Doctor Shen, where are you going to find medicine?”
Chen Cong shook his head: "I don't know either. I was thinking there should be a pharmacy in town? What if it's not buried? We have to try it. We really don't have any medicine here."
When she said this, the men on the other side fell silent. It was obvious that they were all very moved.
The man in his forties said, "Xiao Shen, it's still dangerous outside, don't go out. Besides, the wounded here can't do without you. We'll go find the medicine, we're familiar with the town."
Most of these people had worked in the town before, so they were indeed more familiar with the place than Chen Cong.
His words reminded Chen Cong. She took out a pen and paper from her backpack and handed them to the man: "Can you help me draw a rough map? I don't need anything else, just draw out where there are pharmacies, supermarkets, and larger restaurants in the town. If we're lucky, maybe we can find something else."
The man took the paper and pen and tried to dissuade him: "Shall we go?"
Chen Cong shook his head: "I'd rather go by myself to get the medicine. You don't understand a lot of medicines, and some things can't necessarily only be found in pharmacies, such as alum and activated carbon used for water purification, which can also be found in other stores. We can go there as a couple and act accordingly.
As for the wounded, my father-in-law is at home, and my sister can help."
After hearing what she said, no one tried to persuade her anymore.
While the man was drawing for her, Chen Cong reminded her again: "You can try to buy grain from Yingshui Village. If I remember correctly, they haven't delivered the summer grain they harvested this year yet!"
This sentence immediately reminded Shen Jianyi, and he slapped his thigh and said, "Yes, yes, yes, I went back to the village to see when the grain was harvested before, and this year's harvest is very good!
Didn’t Qingzhou just happen to have an earthquake? I even talked to the village chief Xingxue and told them not to rush to sell the grain this year. They should wait a while and maybe they could get a good price.
Then an earthquake happened a few days later. They must have stored food, and it was not too little!"
"Then let's go buy it from them, or talk to them to see if they can lend us some. There's no internet right now, so we can't transfer money. Let's write them an IOU, and return the money to them when the power comes back and the internet is good."
"I think it's OK! We're not asking for it, we're buying it, so it's definitely okay."
"That's right. Didn't the people from their village come here to take shelter from the earthquake? In the face of a disaster, we should help each other!"
Shen Jianyi's words were like a shot of adrenaline, which immediately made everyone excited again, and everyone seemed to see the light.
Chen Cong was not as optimistic as they were.
Will the people in Yingshui Village borrow food?
Oh, she didn't believe it at all.
It is kind of them not to raise the price.
Thinking about the previous land purchase and the fact that they were going to break into his house by force, Chen Cong was not optimistic at all about being able to borrow food.
But she didn't say anything, just reminded everyone that it would be better to bring money if they went, after all, they had never dealt with each other before.
If they are willing to lend, that would be great. If they are not willing to lend, at least buy a little if you can.
It’s such a difficult road to walk on, and now you have to climb a mountain, so don’t make a wasted trip.
Everyone naturally agreed.
Because they didn't know the situation outside, Chen Cong and his companion didn't leave too early. They had breakfast and left home at around seven o'clock.
Before leaving, Chen Cong left enough food and water for the family to last for a week, and also left candies and snacks for the children.
In addition, he left a mace stick for each of Chen Xi and Cheng Ru, and also placed several bottles of mace spray at home.
In fact, the first time they went out, the two of them didn't plan to go too far.
According to the plan, I only wanted to go to the town once and walk back and forth in one day.
But even so, I still feel uneasy, always afraid that something unexpected might happen.
I stayed in the house for a long time and didn't dare to leave immediately, for fear that I would forget to leave something and cause inconvenience to my family.
Seeing her worry, Gu Zhengchu said, "After this busy period is over, I will find time to teach you the breathing method in the book. You can all learn it. Although I can't expect to stimulate supernatural powers like Congcong, it can at least strengthen your body. At this time, having a good body is more important than anything else."
Everyone was surprised to hear him say this.
"Dad, have you figured out the book?" Chen Cong asked first.
"I can't say I've figured it out, but I've understood a little bit. I've also tried it these days and I think this exercise is generally not harmful to the human body, so there's no harm in learning it."
"That's great. Uncle Gu, don't wait until you're done with your work. We don't know when that will be. Why don't you teach us tonight? I want to start practicing early. Also, Chongcong, please teach us the fighting skills you used that day. I want to learn that, too." Chen Xi said impatiently.
She is now increasingly aware of the importance of having the ability to protect herself.
At least, I won't be a burden to my family and won't be so worried that I dare not leave home when my sister goes out.
I am also a member of the Shen family and an elder sister.
She also has two children.
Chen Xi didn't want to be in a protected position at home all the time.
"I don't know any kung fu. I just practiced randomly. When your physical fitness improves, you will naturally learn it."
Chen Cong didn't say that everything he knew was acquired through hard practice with others in his previous life.
If you don't try your best and risk your life, you might die immediately.
What's the point of teaching the moves you've learned? You'll learn it naturally after practicing a few times.
After talking for a few more words, the couple finally left home as the sun was rising.
After exiting the community gate, I walked straight along the old road. Just as people who had been there before said, the road was easy to walk on at the beginning.
After all, the community is next to the village and is far away from the city.
After going out, there are mostly farmlands on both sides of the road.
It was just after the summer harvest, and there were not many crops in the fields, and even fewer people.
Therefore, the earthquake did not cause any serious harm to people in this area.
The road must have been twisted beyond recognition, and the fields had become bumpy, with some places collapsed and some places bulged, and it looked like it had completely changed from its original appearance.
But generally speaking, it’s not so bad that people can’t recognize the road at all.
After walking for another half an hour, they arrived at the big crack that people talked about. Even though they were mentally prepared, the couple still felt a little nervous.
This crack is too wide, more than twice as wide as the crack in front of Shen’s house.
Standing in front of it, one feels so insignificant.
The power of nature is so terrible.
The crack was not only wide, but also high on one side and low on the other.
Chen Cong and the others were on the lower side, and standing at the edge of the crack they couldn't see clearly what was happening on the other side.
This is definitely a route that cannot be crossed, but it is the only way to get to the town.
They had no choice but to walk eastward along the direction of the crack, which at least led to the town.
Even if it's a long way around, you can still get there.
The road here is more difficult to walk on than before. There are fallen trees, flying rocks, and the wreckage of collapsed buildings everywhere on both sides of the road.
Chen Cong and Gu Kai each leaned on a hiking stick and walked carefully.
After walking for more than half an hour, they arrived at the building that was said to have collapsed before it was fully completed.
After seeing this, they finally understood why the people who had left the community before went straight back.
Because this road is so blocked that it is impossible to cross.
Right in front of them, there was a high-rise building lying on the ground, as if it had been cut in half.
The quality of the building seemed to be very good. Even though it collapsed to the ground, the steel bars still kept the building intact, and it stood tall and tenaciously in the form of broken walls and ruins.
It must be at least 10 to 20 meters high, and it is impossible to climb over it without the help of tools.
There was a big crack on the north side of the building, and a big puddle on the south side, which was at least ten meters deep from the ground and half filled with rainwater.
And it was extremely wide. From where Chen Cong was standing at the moment, he couldn't even see where the edge of the pit was.
"What kind of pit is this? Why is it so wide?"
"It looks like they are digging an artificial lake. Is this an observation tower?" Gu Kai was confused.
No matter what this pit was originally intended for, there was now a crack on the left and a puddle on the right, and a tall obstacle in front of it.
Chen Cong and the other two were in a dilemma for a moment, not knowing which way to go.
"There are two ways. Either we go back the same way and go the other way, or we go south along the pit to see how big it is and try to bypass it and get to the back of the building."
Gu Kai looked around again and suggested helplessly.
Chen Cong didn't want to change the route anymore.
She didn't want to go back or take a detour.
They had left late in the first place, and it took them nearly two hours to walk all the way here.
If we go back the same way and head west again, we won't be able to go far in a day.
And will the west side definitely be accessible?
It’s hard to say.
The most important point is that they want to go to the town, and going west is the opposite direction.
A detour?
This is a construction site. What if we encounter a collapsed house halfway through the journey?
Go around again?
The more Chen Cong thought about it, the more he felt that it was not possible.
She looked at the collapsed high-rise building in front of her again, gritted her teeth and said, "How about we walk along the side of that building and try, maybe we can climb over it?"
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