Chapter 51

Before Jian Chu and Yu Zibai could delve further into whether they were a couple, a soldier walked into the tent with a notebook. The murmurs of conversation inside the tent instantly ceased, and some people even stood up impatiently, eager to ask the newly arrived soldier for information.

However, before anyone could approach, the soldier raised his hand for silence and used a small megaphone to announce, "Everyone, please be quiet. We are now doing a registration. You all should be very clear about the situation outside. Our current situation is very severe. All communications are cut off, and we do not know when we will be able to contact the outside world or when rescue will arrive. So, for now, all we can do is self-rescue. Regarding the distribution of supplies: elderly people over seventy years old and children under twelve can receive two meals a day, with each meal only meeting the basic daily needs. If you want more food, you will have to work for it. For those over seventy and under twelve, regardless of gender, starting tonight, you will not be allocated food. If you want to eat from the large pots in the temporary kitchen, you will need to join the rescue teams."

The soldier glanced at the crowd, and seeing no objections to this decision, continued, "The available supplies are limited, and the rescue teams are insufficient, so we have to implement this mandatory rescue system. We hope you understand. As for tonight's rescue direction, we will start with the nearby neighborhoods. You can participate in the rescue efforts in your own neighborhood. This is not mandatory, but each neighborhood has a responsible soldier. Remember to find the rescue leader of your neighborhood before starting your action to register. This will facilitate the distribution of meal points at the end of the day. First, we will conduct a general survey to register your neighborhood."

Some people, not caring at all about how food was distributed, were eager to start the rescue efforts. They felt that every second spent waiting here was a waste of time that could cost their family members' lives. As soon as the soldier finished speaking, they hurried to register, eager to start the rescue immediately.

Jian Chu looked at Yu Zibai and said, "Shall we go register too?" They were in good health and had the strength to help, and the more people there were, the more lives they could save. Besides, if they didn't join the rescue teams and relied on the large pots of food, they would have no way to survive.

Xu Ming said, "I won't register. Although I'm a veterinarian, I can handle basic external injuries and wound suturing. Rather than joining the rescue, it's better for me to stay here and join the medical team to help people."

Qin Huai said, "We won't register either. We'll go home tonight. We can always find the responsible soldiers for our area and register for rescue later. It's not urgent right now."

Mu Nan naturally followed Qin Huai's decision and remained quiet.

Yu Zibai said, "Then let's wait. We'll go back first and discuss the details later." He was determined to participate in the rescue operation, but he wasn't planning to have Jian Chu join immediately. Whether it was physical strength or mental endurance, he thought Jian Chu needed some time to adjust.

Jian Chu considered Yu Zibai's words and did not object. Since they decided to return home tonight, they needed to sort out many things. It was unclear how the severe shaking had affected their home, and with the prolonged power outage, even though the freezer had insulation, based on their previous experience with power outages, they had frozen many ice blocks, but they weren't sure if the food inside could be preserved. It was better to settle themselves first and then help others. However, given the temperature and the day's delay, it was uncertain how many more people they could save.

By around six o'clock, the military began distributing supplies. Since the point-based food exchange system would start tonight, and to ensure everyone had enough to eat and had the strength to dig through the rubble, soldiers began handing out bundles of steamed buns and bottles of water to the tents. Regardless of age or gender, everyone received two large buns and a bottle of water for the first meal.

For an average person, one bun would suffice, but Mu Nan ate half of his and wasn't very hungry anymore. It wasn't that he disliked the taste, but the heat made it hard to eat, and the bottled water was also warm. Qin Huai didn't press him to eat more and finished the remaining half of Mu Nan's bun himself.

On the other hand, Jian Chu couldn't eat more than half a bun; he was still recovering and had no appetite. He was eating purely out of willpower, so Yu Zibai finished the rest of Jian Chu's bun.

Mu Nan glanced at Jian Chu and then at the half-eaten bun in Yu Zibai's hand, his eyes filled with meaningful expression.

Jian Chu blushed and was about to comment that Qin Huai had also eaten his leftovers. But before he could speak, he realized that Qin Huai was his older brother, which made it normal for an older brother to eat his younger brother's leftovers. This made him wonder what his situation with Yu Zibai was. Remembering Xu Ming's earlier words, Yu Zibai hadn't denied or confirmed anything, leaving Jian Chu feeling uneasy. Despite the pressing situation, he couldn't help but be distracted by these thoughts.

Fearing that Mu Nan might say something awkward, Jian Chu turned away to avoid Mu Nan's gaze. Seeing Jian Chu's action, Mu Nan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and smile. Qin Huai pinched his face, making him turn to look at him, chiding, "Why are you staring at others?"

Not long after everyone finished their meal, someone came to notify them that those who wanted to participate in the rescue should gather outside. It was around seven-thirty, and although the sky was still bright and the sun was hot, it was not as intense as at noon. With many people needing to be organized and assigned, they prepared to head out in advance. The sooner they could endure the heat outside and reach their respective rescue sites, the more lives they could save.

The tents were almost empty in an instant, leaving only a few people sitting in their places, appearing dazed, whether from still not recovering or from waiting for someone to rescue them.

Xu Ming handed his belongings to Yu Zibai, only taking a bottle of water. "If you're going back, bring this with you. I'm going to check on the medical team's situation. I might be assigned immediately. If I'm not back before dawn, I'll head upstairs directly. But if the medical team's accommodation is okay, I'll avoid climbing stairs if possible."

The seventeenth floor was no easy climb, and he felt like he might lose half his life just getting up there.

Yu Zibai nodded, and Xu Ming left with the water. Mu Nan looked around the now empty tents. Since this was just the first day of temporary arrangements, everyone had minimal personal belongings. Aside from the buns and water just distributed, there wasn't even a piece of cloth, so leaving was straightforward as there was nothing to take.

On the other hand, they had backpacks and cloth bags with a bunch of self-heating pots inside, which felt like they had more possessions. It was likely that in a day or two, after people started digging out valuable items from the rubble, rescue efforts might no longer be the top priority.

When the daylight dimmed a bit and the direct, intense sunlight faded, the four of them left the tent with their belongings. There were many people coming and going around the tent, and because rescue operations had already begun nearby, many people were hurriedly carrying makeshift stretchers made by the soldiers during the day, transporting those just dug out from the rubble. Of course, those being transported were still alive, the deceased were taken to the makeshift morgue.

Since it was still daytime and the dust from yesterday's collapse had settled, the once towering buildings were now barely recognizable. Standing in what used to be the city center, they had never seen the surroundings look so vast, a vastness that felt overwhelmingly desolate.

The devastation of the city and the rubble everywhere created such a visual impact that just standing there made them feel a wave of dizziness.

Qin Huai held Mu Nan's hand tightly, as if giving him strength or drawing strength from him.

Mu Nan also gripped back with a bit of force. He had managed to get through similar situations alone before, and though it was tough, having Qin Huai with him made the adjustment quicker. Mentally, he was actually the most stable among the four of them, having previously saved many people and pulled out many bodies from such rubble, accumulating a lot of supplies in the process.

They followed the markers from yesterday to find their way back. Along the way, they saw many people moving stones by hand, frequently asking if anyone was underneath, but usually receiving no response. Without life detectors, which would save time and effort, the already difficult rescue work became even more challenging.

Qin Huai didn't let Mu Nan look around much and quickly led him towards the neighborhood. The neighborhood was also busy, with people rescuing and setting up lighting. As night was approaching, without power to set up lights, it would be even harder to see if there were people trapped inside the chaotic rubble. Taking advantage of others' busy work, they sneaked into the building.

Inside the building was also a mess. It seemed that during the earthquake, some people had tried to flee with their belongings, but in the chaos, their possessions had scattered all over the floor.

As Mu Nan followed Qin Huai up the stairs, he suddenly asked, "Brother, do you think some people might have stayed inside their homes and waited to die?"

Qin Huai replied, "It's possible, especially for the elderly."

After a moment, Mu Nan asked again, "Do you think the sudden rush of people coming down from above might have caused trampling deaths? Will we see bodies on the way back?"

Qin Huai answered, "It's possible, so be careful where you step, hold onto the handrail, and don't look around too much."

Jian Chu, who was following them, could no longer stand it and said, "Mu Nan!"

Mu Nan turned to look at him, "What's wrong?"

Jian Chu said, "Stop telling horror stories." He realized that while Mu Nan seemed like the type who couldn't handle such situations, he was actually the most resilient among them. His mental state was on the verge of breaking down, unlike Mu Nan, who kept asking countless questions. Qin Huai, however, handled the situation with questions and answers.

But if they all stayed silent, the tense atmosphere might not ease. Mu Nan's interruptions helped relieve the tension a bit, though discussing bodies in the stairwells was still unsettling, and even imagining it made one's heart race.

Mu Nan sighed and then stopped to catch his breath, saying, "I'm so tired."

When he stopped, Qin Huai also paused to wait for him, encouraging, "It's okay, we've made it to the seventh floor. Let's rest a bit and then tackle the next seven floors. We're almost home."

Mu Nan, who had the least stamina among them, had been consciously running at home daily since the smog began. Although Rome wasn't built in a day, and fitness couldn't be achieved quickly, he was much stronger now compared to before. At least in this heat, climbing to the seventh floor only left him breathless, without dizziness or seeing stars.

He looked at the other two who had also stopped to rest and couldn't help but ask, "How come you guys have such good stamina?" He noticed that even Jian Chu, who had vomited and had a stomach infection today, didn't seem as out of breath as he was.

Jian Chu, catching his breath, said, "I've been training part-time, and this guy has been training for marathon every year."

Mu Nan looked at Yu Zibai past Jian Chu and said, "Marathon, that's impressive." He had been running for a few months but wasn't sure if he could even finish a half-marathon.

Jian Chu added, "Your brother is in good shape too; he's the most steady in terms of breath."

Mu Nan smiled and said, "My brother has always had good stamina and athletic ability. He's also smart and has always been in the top three in exams."

Jian Chu complimented, "That's really impressive."

Qin Huai, smiling, pulled Mu Nan along and said, "Alright, enough with the praise. Rest up and we'll continue. Just a bit more, and we'll be home."

Mu Nan sighed but didn't let Qin Huai pull him along. Climbing stairs was exhausting enough without additional help, and he wasn't at the stage where he needed to be pulled.

During the climb to the seventeenth floor, they stopped to rest three times. By the time they reached their familiar floor, they were all overheated and dizzy. Along the way, they found various items, some even entire packages scattered on the ground. Not knowing exactly what they were, they decided to pick up anything that could be useful, since it was better to retrieve them than risk having them ruined on the ground.

Finally reaching the seventeenth floor, Mu Nan's legs were trembling. The situation on their floor was relatively okay. They were unsure if the Zhang family was still there. The only thing out of place was a fire extinguisher that had fallen from the fire box, but there was no other debris.

Once they got upstairs, they each went to check their own homes. Mu Nan lay down on the floor as soon as he got back. Since he had packed everything into his space before leaving, there was nothing left to fall and break as long as the house hadn't collapsed.

Thinking that Jian Chu and the others might come over later, Mu Nan struggled to get up and arrange the bed, set up the table, and take out some of the kitchen items, which included disposable chopsticks and bowls, as well as the refrigerator.

Qin Huai said, "The solar generator should be placed in the guest bedroom. The main bedroom has better lighting, so we'll set up more solar panels there. The wires can be routed through the wall. You get the stuff out, and I'll come over to set it up later."

Mu Nan followed Qin Huai's instructions, placing the items as he spoke, "We could live quietly with just the two of us, but if the balcony door opens, they could come over anytime, which would be inconvenient."

Qin Huai said, "I'm not comfortable with you being home alone at night."

Mu Nan looked back at him, but before he could speak, Qin Huai cut him off, "Listen, right now, the most important resource in our home, in the eyes of outsiders, is the solar generator. But it's not significant enough to attract ill intentions from Yu Zibai and the others. Building a secure base won't happen quickly. We'll need to live here for a while. Setting this up now is just to make our future living conditions a bit better. Even though the balcony will be open, we'll still be living separately, so it won't have a big impact. The initial interactions might be frequent, but once things settle, we'll return to our own lives."

Seeing Mu Nan frown, clearly wanting to argue, Qin Huai smiled, "I know you don't want to stay home and feel like you should face the outside world. But Mu Nan, I hope everything can come slowly. At least give yourself a couple of days at home to adjust, and let me get used to the current situation. Otherwise, I'll have to deal with the outside changes and worry about whether you can handle it. Do it for me and stay home, okay?"

With Qin Huai's words, Mu Nan could only nod. He had indeed overlooked some things, thinking he could handle it all on his own and didn't need anyone to worry about him. Even though there was some initial discomfort, he thought he would adjust quickly. His main concern was Qin Huai's ability to adapt, and he wanted to stay by Qin Huai's side to support him. He had neglected that Qin Huai also worried about him and had to divide his attention between adapting to the environment and monitoring his condition.

Given Qin Huai's reassurance, Mu Nan stopped insisting, saying, "Okay, but be careful outside. The rubble is easy to trip over. Avoid high places; it's too dangerous if you fall. I'll prepare a first aid kit for you. If you get any cuts, clean them promptly. If things get too bad, don't push yourself. We can stay inside and live our lives without adapting to the changes outside every day. Brother, please don't make me stay behind. I'll be worried and scared if you're out there alone."

Qin Huai hugged him and rubbed his dusty head, "I'll be careful, very careful. I promise."

Mu Nan gave a low, unhappy hum. Qin Huai, smiling, asked, "Are you hungry? You only had half a bun earlier."

Mu Nan shook his head. After setting up the solar generator, he took out a battery and a fan. When he retrieved the door and cement that Qin Huai had prepared earlier, Mu Nan realized, "Brother, did you plan all this ahead? How did you have everything ready beforehand?" He wondered why they needed an extra balcony door when their house didn't even have a balcony.

Qin Huai smiled, "It's just being prepared for any eventuality. It's better to have everything ready and not need it than to need it and not have it."

Mu Nan thought his brother's mind was indeed as sharp as ever, having thought of everything in advance. He realized that he might have only considered preparing more food and drink, but Qin Huai meticulously planned for every detail.

Qin Huai said, "Have some mung bean soup. It's cooling and refreshing. Let's do it before they come over."

Mu Nan, who had little appetite due to the heat, could still drink the icy cold mung bean soup. He took out two bowls of mung bean soup with ice cubes from his space. After drinking the sweet, refreshing soup, he felt his energy return a bit, saying, "I feel like I'm coming back to life."

Qin Huai smiled, "We'll set up the solar panels later, and we can use the air conditioner tomorrow. For tonight, use the fan. If the wall knocking is done quickly, we might finish in the first half of the night. We'll need to go downstairs later. Yu Zibai probably won't let Jian Chu go down today. After we go downstairs, stay at home with Jian Chu. Keep some water in the room, take a shower, and leave some snacks outside so you don't have to get food from the space if you get hungry. If you need to eat the self-heating hotpot, avoid the spicy one and stick to the tomato flavor, okay?"

Mu Nan nodded to Qin Huai's detailed instructions, "Got it. If you're so worried, you should bring me along."

Qin Huai poked his forehead, "I'd feel more at ease locking you in at home."

Since they hadn't bathed since yesterday, they were covered in dirt. They wanted to take a shower while Yu Zibai and the others were still not around. Mu Nan had made a makeshift shower setup using a plastic bucket with a hole in the bottom, hanging it on the shower head, and used a pool to collect water, which was then sucked into the bucket through a hose.

Qin Huai told Mu Nan to go ahead and bathe. Mu Nan took out a bath brush, and Qin Huai asked, "Do you want me to help you scrub your back?"

Mu Nan lifted his shirt to show Qin Huai his back, "Is it very dirty?" He had indeed sweated a lot, and though he wasn't sure how much dust from the earthquake had stuck to his back, if it was as dirty as his arms and legs, he might need Qin Huai's help.

Mu Nan was slim and fair, with no excess fat around his waist, and his back was tight like a teenager's. Just lifting his shirt revealed his white skin, and the motion emphasized the line of his back. His shoulder blades showed through his shirt, like butterflies ready to fly—sexy and delicate. Despite the heat inside, which the fan hadn't completely alleviated, he was sweating from the effort of setting up the shower. A bead of sweat rolled down his back and trickled into the small of his back.

Qin Huai's Adam's apple moved uncontrollably. He swore that when he said those words, he really didn't have any inappropriate thoughts; he simply saw Mu Nan as a child who needed help bathing. But now, as he touched Mu Nan's back, drenched in sweat under the light, Qin Huai felt that all his restraint and patience crumbled like the aftermath of the earthquake.

Not hearing Qin Huai's response, Mu Nan turned to him and asked, "What's wrong? Is it dirty?"

It wasn't dirty at all. In fact, it wasn't dirty in the least. The little bit of dust that had stuck to his back was long gone, washed away by sweat. Yet Qin Huai still heard himself speak with a slightly hoarse voice, "Dirty..."