By the time we leave the mall, our car is stuffed with bags filled to the brim with clothing, supplies, and a few luxury items I couldn't resist. The twins are giggling over their matching plush toys, while Xue quietly nibbles on a sugar cookie in her stroller. Mouse trots obediently beside us, his leash gripped tightly in my hand.
As we drive to the temporary hotel suite, I reflect on the timeline. Thirteen months until the apocalypse begins. It may seem like plenty of time, but in reality, every second counts. Preparations need to start immediately. My first priority? Securing the apartments and turning them into fortified sanctuaries.
When we arrive at the hotel, I usher the children upstairs to our suite, a luxurious three-bedroom space with a panoramic view of the city. The twins are mesmerized by the large windows, pressing their little faces against the glass. Xue toddles toward the couch, climbing up with surprising determination.
"Dàgē, can we go to the pool later?" Nao asks, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Maybe tomorrow," I reply, ruffling her hair. "Right now, we have a lot to do."
I set Xue on the couch with a tablet playing her favorite show and leave the twins with coloring books and snacks. Mouse stays close, resting at Xue's feet like the protective beast he's destined to become.
With the kids occupied, I make a series of calls.
First, the realtor.
"I'll be at your office tomorrow at 11 a.m.," I say firmly. "The apartments on the 15th, 16th, and 17th floors are non-negotiable. Ensure the paperwork is ready, and have contractors on standby—I need immediate renovations."
The man on the other end stammers a quick confirmation.
Next, I contact a high-end security company. "I require reinforced doors, shatterproof windows, and a state-of-the-art surveillance system installed in three apartments. Money isn't an issue, but speed is. Can you deliver?"
"Yes, sir. We'll send a team out within 48 hours," the representative assures me.
Finally, I place an order for bulk supplies. Non-perishable food, medical kits, water filtration systems, weapons, and ammunition. While the apocalypse will change the rules of survival, there's no harm in starting with the basics.
By the time I finish my calls, it's late afternoon. The twins have fallen asleep, sprawled on the plush carpet, while Xue dozes off in Mouse's protective embrace.
I gaze out the window, watching the city hum with life. People move about their day, blissfully unaware of the storm that's coming. Soon, the chaos will strip away the world they know. Cities will crumble, society will collapse, and survival will become a daily battle.
But not for us.
I've seen the apocalypse unfold four times before. I know the dangers, the betrayals, the moments where everything can fall apart. This time, I'll be ready.
This time, we'll thrive.
The next morning is a whirlwind of activity. By 8 a.m., I'm dressed in a tailored suit, ready to meet my uncle. The kids are left in the care of two newly hired nannies, carefully vetted to ensure their competence and loyalty. Mouse stays behind as well, lounging in his oversized bed.
At the XXXX Hotel, I take the elevator to the 18th floor and knock on the door to room 1801. It opens almost immediately, revealing my uncle—a tall, imposing man with graying hair and a sharp gaze that could cut steel.
"Long time no see," he greets, his voice gravelly but warm.
"Uncle," I reply with a respectful nod.
We sit at the table, and I place a stack of documents before him. "These are the shares for my mother's, father's, and my companies. As we agreed—800 million MNB."
He scans the papers briefly before signing. "You've always been efficient. That's good. In times like these, hesitation is a death sentence."
I nod, holding back a bitter smile. If only he knew how true that was.
"I've arranged for your Range Rover," he continues. "Military-grade, as you requested. It'll be delivered to the hotel by the end of the day. As for the Jiang Mercenary Group, I've made contact. They'll meet you in person next week to discuss terms."
"Perfect," I reply. "Thank you, Uncle."
After leaving the hotel, I head straight to the realtor's office. The apartments are just as I envisioned—spacious, with open layouts and large windows. Ideal for both comfort and defense. I finalize the purchase and arrange for the contractors to begin renovations immediately. Reinforced walls, hidden storage compartments, and emergency escape routes are at the top of my list.
By the time I return to the hotel that evening, exhaustion begins to creep in. The kids greet me at the door, their smiles chasing away the weariness.
"Dàgē, look! We drew you something!" Bao holds up a crayon masterpiece, a colorful depiction of our family.
"It's beautiful," I say, kneeling to ruffle his hair.
As the day winds down, I tuck the kids into bed, one by one. Standing by the window, I stare out at the city lights. The preparations are only just beginning, but for the first time in what feels like forever, I feel... hopeful.
The apocalypse may be inevitable, but this time, I'll face it on my terms.
This time, we'll survive.