The hours passed in a blur of laboratory work. Gu Qingran moved with practiced precision, preparing samples, adjusting chemical compositions, and analyzing data.
Despite the normalcy of her work, the knowledge of the impending apocalypse lood over her like a shadow. She listened with detached interest as her colleagues discussed new projects and research grants, but none of it truly mattered.
At exactly 12:30 PM, she took a break. The research institute's cafeteria was crowded with scientists and researchers, so chatting about their latest findings, others engrossed in their als.
Gu Qingran sat at a corner table, eating thodically. Every bite of her al was a reminder that soon, food wouldn't be so readily available.
Xia An plopped down across from her, stirring his coffee. "You've been unusually quiet today."
"I'm always quiet," she replied evenly.
"More than usual," he pointed out. "You seem... distracted."
She rely raised an eyebrow. "Workload increased. Nothing surprising."
Xia An studied her, then sighed. "I guess we're all stressed. Feels like sothing big is about to happen, you know? The higher-ups seem tense."
They should be.
She said nothing, finishing her al quickly.
By 1:00 PM, she was back in the lab, focusing on her assigned research. While she worked, she ntally went over her next steps.
She needed to secure transportation—a larger vehicle that could carry more supplies. A van, or better yet, a truck.
She also needed to start acquiring dical supplies, antibiotics, antiseptics, bandages, and other pharmaceuticals that would beco priceless in the apocalypse.
By the ti 3:00 PM rolled around, the day's work was complete. She filed her reports and packed up her things.
As she walked toward the parking lot, Xia An caught up with her.
"Want to grab dinner?" he asked. "There's a new hotpot place nearby."
She shook her head. "Not today. I have errands to run."
He sighed dramatically. "You're no fun, Qingran."
She smirked faintly. "I never claid to be."
He chuckled, giving up. "Alright, see you tomorrow."
She nodded and headed to her car.
Once inside, she checked the ti. The night was still young.
Her next stop? A vehicle dealership.
She needed to make her next move before the world figured out what was coming.
As Gu Qingran pulled into a quiet parking lot near the dealership, the system notification flashed in front of her.
[Ding! New Tasks Issued.]
1. Acquire a suitable survival vehicle. (Reward: 50 Gold Coins)
2. Stockpile additional fuel reserves. (Reward: 30 Gold Coins)
She tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. A vehicle was necessary, especially one large enough to transport supplies when she eventually had to leave the city.
[System Update: Current Bank Balance]
Starting Balance: 5,000,000 yuan.
Total Spent: 372,400 yuan.
Wholesale Food Purchases:355,000 yuan.
•Miscellaneous: 17,400 yuan.
Remaining Balance:4,627,600 yuan.
She nodded slightly. She had spent a lot yesterday, but it was worth it. Still, she needed to be mindful of her expenses.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car and walked toward the dealership.
A salesman greeted her imdiately. "Welco! Are you looking for sothing specific?"
"Yes," she said smoothly. "I need a heavy-duty SUV or a truck. Sothing durable, with good mileage and a strong engine."
The salesman brightened. "We have excellent options. Right this way."
Gu Qingran followed him, scanning the vehicles with a critical eye. She wasn't looking for luxury—she needed functionality.
As she examined a modified off-road SUV, the system pinged again.
[Suggestion: This vehicle is highly compatible with long-term survival needs. Do you wish to mark it as a potential purchase?]
Her lips curled. The system was finally being useful.
"Tell about this one," she said, gesturing to the SUV.
The salesman bead, launching into a detailed explanation.
Gu Qingran listened carefully. This vehicle might just be the first step in securing her future.
The salesman eagerly ran through the SUV's specs.
"This is a modified all-terrain SUV with reinforced plating, an extended fuel tank, and a high-performance engine. It's designed for off-road travel and extre conditions. The tires are puncture-resistant, and it has an additional storage compartnt in the back. It also cos with a built-in water filtration system and a solar-powered auxiliary battery."
Gu Qingran's eyes flickered with interest. This was exactly what she needed.
[Ding! System Evaluation: This vehicle ets 92% of survival efficiency criteria. Recomnded for purchase.]
Her lips curled slightly. It was rare for the system to approve sothing so highly.
"What's the price?" she asked.
"The base model starts at 890,000 yuan, but with all the modifications, this one is 1,250,000 yuan," the salesman said smoothly. "Of course, we can offer financing options—"
"I'll pay in full."
The salesman blinked, montarily stunned. "O-Of course! Let get the paperwork ready."
As he hurried off, Gu Qingran pulled up her system interface.
[System Update: Current Bank Balance]
Remaining Balance: 4,627,600 yuan
- Upcoming Purchase: 1,250,000 yuan
New Balance After Purchase: 3,377,600 yuan
She exhaled. It was a big expense, but completely necessary. With this vehicle, she wouldn't have to worry about sudden breakdowns or being stranded when the apocalypse hit.
A mont later, the salesman returned with the paperwork.
"Since you're paying in full, we can process everything quickly. Would you like any additional modifications?"
Gu Qingran tapped her fingers against the table. "Can you install an extra hidden compartnt?"
The salesman hesitated. "That would be an additional charge..."
"How much?"
"Around 30,000 yuan."
"I'll take it."
The man's hesitation vanished, replaced with a bright grin. "I'll have our technicians start right away! Do you want it delivered or you'll co to receive it once it's ready?"
"Have it delivered.."
The man nodded and brought her a note write her adddress.
"Thank you for your service Ma'am. Would like a mbership??"
Qingran laughed and shook her head, what was the need, if the word was ending in 28 days?
As he rushed off, the system pinged again.
[Ding! Task Completed: Acquire a Suitable Survival Vehicle.]
Reward: 50 Gold Coins.
Her private shop balance had increased.
Gu Qingran leaned back in her seat. The first major purchase was done. Now, she had to handle the next task—fuel stockpiling.
[Ding! Host is doing a good job! System is proud]
"..."
Qingran chuckled, she didn't know her system had a glib tongue too.
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