Chapter 4Don't be merciful in the end.

No sooner said than done, I immediately drove to the city's largest wholesale market and went on a shopping spree.

Seeds, nuts, dried fruits, instant noodles, frozen dumplings, sesame glutinous rice balls – and of course, rice, flour, and cooking oil. Anything long-lasting, I cleared off the shelves.

As for other daily necessities, I bought whatever I saw.

And most essential of all was water. So, I bought every single bottle of mineral water, completely clearing the stock.

It was the holiday season, and the normally laid-back vendors, expecting a slow holiday, were shocked to see such a massive customer. They immediately called in their off-duty colleagues to help load the goods.

After all, who would turn down a chance to make money?

"Miss, what are you buying so much for, especially during the holidays?"

One boss, curious, couldn't help but ask.

I smiled. "I plan to donate it to disaster areas after the New Year. Didn't you hear about the earthquake a while back?"

The boss's expression was complicated. He probably thought I was some kind of saint, or maybe just incredibly naive. But since he'd stumbled upon such a big spender, he certainly wasn't going to let me go.

So, he flattered me: "Such a kind heart for a young lady!"

Funny, I just made up an excuse, and they actually bought it.

Wholesale market prices were much lower than supermarkets. Even after buying all that, it cost less than two hundred thousand dollars.

I wasn't familiar with the area. After loading up the supplies, I asked the boss if there were any generator sellers nearby.

In my last life, the blizzard caused power and water outages. To avoid fumbling in the dark later, I needed a generator.

The boss's gaze on me grew increasingly strange, but adhering to the "customer is king" principle, he honestly told me the address.

Following the directions, I bought a small generator and a complete set of cold-weather gear.

The northern weather was harsh. Though not as extreme as the deep freeze during the blizzard's peak, it was still in the single digits Fahrenheit outside, a natural giant freezer.

Considering the inability to get fresh fruits and vegetables later, I made another trip to the farmers' market.

It was the eighth day of the New Year, and most people had already returned to work.

The farmers' market was bustling with people.

Looking at the scene, I couldn't help but feel a pang of melancholy. When the apocalypse came, none of this would exist anymore.

"Miss, what can I get for you?"

"Everything but the bitter gourds, please. Pack it all up."

The stall owner thought she misheard me. She looked at me, a little disbelieving, and asked, "Miss, you want *all* of it?"

I nodded. While I could still go out, of course I needed to prepare more. Later, it would be impossible to buy.

"Spring is almost here. Won't stocking so much spoil?"

Northerners are warm and simple. The vegetable vendor lady tried to dissuade me, but I was determined, so she could only comply.

After loading all the vegetables into my car, the lady didn't forget to remind me, "You can keep these outside for a few more days, but once it gets warmer, put them in the fridge, or they'll all spoil."

My heart felt a little warm. I said goodbye to the lady and headed back.

Everything was almost ready. All I had to do now was wait.

Less than six days until the blizzard.

Since I had blocked all my family's numbers, no one bothered me anymore. The world was much quieter.

I was about to lie down for a nap when my phone suddenly rang.

It was an unknown number. I slid to answer. "Hello, who is this?"

No sound came from the other end. Thinking they hadn't heard me, I repeated, "Hello, can you hear me?"

As soon as I finished, I immediately heard my mom's shrill, piercing voice blare through the speaker.

"You black-hearted witch, how dare you block all your family's numbers? We couldn't even find you! If someone hadn't tipped me off, I wouldn't have even known!"

After more than a week, hearing my mom's voice again, I no longer felt anxious. Instead, I was somewhat curious, wanting to hear what else she could come up with.

"Why aren't you talking? Are you mute?"

"I'm just listening to you scold me. Done now? Then I'll hang up!"