The Ice Age began its prologue.
In the southern city of Tianhai, a heavy snowfall painted the landscape in goose feathers. Discussions flooded the online realm, some complaining, others expressing gratitude. Little did they know, this snow and intense cold were not transient phenomena; they were destined to persist and escalate, heralding a catastrophe beyond anyone's endurance.
Meanwhile, reclining on the sofa within his secure abode, Zhang Yi luxuriated in the cozy ambiance, relishing the temperature hovering above 20 degrees. Sipping on an ice-cold Budweiser, he embraced a sense of serenity.
Suddenly, Zhang Yi's phone rang, a reminder of the outside world. Glancing at the screen, he noticed messages from various chat groups—former classmates, enthusiasts, and the neighborhood community.
"Goodness, why did it snow so heavily all of a sudden? The weather forecast didn't mention this!"
"Woken up in the middle of the night; I need to turn on the heater."
"Our lousy air conditioner isn't cutting it. It's getting colder by the minute."
"How long will this frigid weather last? I haven't even bought winter clothes yet!"
Amidst the myriad comments, Zhang Yi sensed that most people regarded the abrupt temperature drop as a minor surprise rather than a serious matter. Aware that this was only a temporary respite, he yawned, deciding to abstain from further discourse.
Returning to his warm bed, covered in a velvet-thin duvet, Zhang Yi closed his eyes, swiftly drifting into the realm of dreams.
...
Early the next morning, Zhang Yi was rudely awakened by his phone's ringing. Opening his eyes, he discovered that Bai Lianhua Fang Yuqing had called him.
Annoyed at being roused from his dreams, Zhang Yi answered with a hint of irritation, "Hello, why are you calling me so early?"
Hearing Zhang Yi's frosty tone, Fang Yuqing hesitated for a moment. Eventually, she asked, "Zhang Yi, it's freezing outside today! Did you know about the extreme cold when you stocked up on supplies beforehand?"
Zhang Yi, with a scornful curve on his lips, replied lazily, "I heard it mentioned casually by a friend. I didn't expect the temperature to drop so drastically."
He lifted the duvet, feeling the high temperature inside his house that made him slightly sweaty. Zhang Yi put on his slippers and walked outside. Upon reaching the floor-to-ceiling window, he was struck by a familiar scene.
The heavy snow had submerged the entire city. The streets and shrubs were invisible, and the outlines of many buildings were partially buried. The snowfall continued unabated, with no signs of letting up.
On the phone, Fang Yuqing continued, "No wonder you stocked up so much, Zhang Yi. You really should have told me in advance. Now, I can't even go outside. Can you lend me some food? I'll repay you once this snow disaster is over."
Raising an eyebrow, Zhang Yi couldn't help but sneer. The White Lotus had some brains, knowing that such heavy snowfall would make food expensive. Unwilling to brave the sub-zero temperatures, she sought Zhang Yi's help.
However, he knew this ice age calamity would endure, and he certainly couldn't afford to share his provisions with Fang Yuqing.
In response, he sent a mocking smiley face along with a message, "You should have said earlier. I've nearly finished the food I stored at home. Look, I just cooked steak this morning!"
Zhang Yi deliberately included a selfie, showcasing himself in pajamas, with a table adorned with steak and red wine in the background.