"This object is very precious, it takes up space at home, so it's better to keep it in the space."
Jhiang Yuan now dared not to enter casually, her accumulated time was too little, and she still didn't know if it could be increased.
On the third day of rain, the intensity of the rain increased, visibility lowered, and the weather became foggy, feeling several degrees darker.
Due to the excessive and rapid rainfall, there was too much water on the ground, causing the drainage system to collapse, and road surfaces in low-lying areas were submerged.
Experts called for everyone to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Of course, there were many who didn't believe in the warnings and went out anyway.
Either they were inundated by the heavy rain, making it difficult to move, or they fell into uncovered drains.
The rain was so heavy that the manhole covers were pushed open, and they bubbled up with a 'tut-tut-tut' sound.
There were also whirlpools nearby, and it was very easy for a person to be sucked in if they were close by, which was frightening to see.
For a while, everyone felt endangered.
Jhiang Yuan decided, the action would take place tonight.
Jhiang Xingzhi and Qin Yue were firmly against it, but she insisted on going out.
"Dad, Mom, listen to me, although we have a lot of supplies, we are short on medicine.
Many pharmacies were open yesterday, so I'm going to take a look..."
"If someone has to go, it should be Dad. You wait at home, daughter..."
That wouldn't do. If Jhiang Xingzhi went, how would she carry out her plan?
"Dad, just listen to me. I know which nearby pharmacy has the most comprehensive stock. You and Mom just take care of Xiao Nuan at home.
Also, I've checked the weather forecast, the rain will lessen at 10 p.m., I won't have a problem going over then.
Plus, once I cross the street, there are steps on the other side; the water hasn't reached there yet, it's still safe."
Jhiang Xingzhi still felt it was not feasible and quickly suggested, "Then I'll go with you, at least I can look after you."
"No need, Dad, just stay home.
I've planned it all out. If the rain stops in the next couple of days, we'll need to rush to buy fresh vegetables, and we'll rely on you then, Dad."
Jhiang Yuan coaxed and cajoled until she finally got permission to go out, but she had to carry her phone and maintain contact at all times.
When evening came, she geared up, including wearing a helmet and a fibrous waterproof jacket.
An infrared flashlight and items for self-defense.
In addition, she packed a backpack, so she could put any excess items in the space later on.
Qin Yue saw that the strength of the rain had not lessened and nagged for a long time; Jhiang Yuan knew her parents were worried, and it took a good amount of reassuring before she finally left.
As she reached the door, even unit 2102 had come out, dressed for going out, which somewhat surprised her.
"What are you doing?"
"Buying stuff!"
Song Yi said softly, barely three words, making Jhiang Yuan feel as if she was seen through, as if the corners of the mouth under the mask were smiling.
"Together?"
"Probably not on the same path!"
Jhiang Yuan responded and took the lead downstairs.
No joke, if she went with him, how would she "stock up"?
Now she was a person with space, anything she fancied she could take.
If there was nobody in the store, she could easily achieve "Zero-Dollar Purchase."
It was highly unethical, but in a day, if the water level rose again, everything would be waterlogged, better her than ruined.
Upon reaching the first floor, the ground was still dry; their community was on high ground.
The raging floodwaters rushed from above, flowing past, looking vast and forceful.
"Here..."
Jhiang Yuan turned around; it was Song Yi handing over a trekking pole.
It was the foldable kind that, when extended, reached about 1.3 to 1.4 meters in length.
Given the force of the water, having this would be quite helpful.
"A walking stick?"
"Yeah, take it."
"What about you?"
"I'm heavier, more stable..."
Well, quite a way to compliment oneself.
"That's embarrassingly kind of you!"
Although Jhiang Yuan said that, her actions were quite honest.
Seeing her take it, Song Yi felt amused, this woman was indeed special.
The two set out together, with Jhiang Yuan walking slowly; the rainwater had almost reached their knees. Fortunately, she was wearing long-legged waders suitable for stepping into water, so it didn't hinder her.
They descended from Building 13, passed the building in front and could go straight out.
The door there was a minor one, usually requiring facial recognition.
Ever since the power outage before, it hadn't been fixed and the access control was just for show, with no guard booth either.
So, exiting was unobstructed.
The mother and baby store was diagonally across, in a somewhat secluded location, so her passing by wouldn't cause any issues.
The owner of the store was a mother herself and didn't usually live there, so there definitely wouldn't be anyone around.
"Where are you going?"
Jhiang Yuan asked first, intending to avoid Song Yi's destination if it wasn't far from hers.
"I'm going to check the supermarket downstairs to see if anyone's around?"
Perfect, they were going in different directions and quite far apart.
"I'm heading over there, see you when we get back!"
"Yeah, take extra care..."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, they went their separate ways.
They had no choice, their purposes differed, and the rain was too heavy; their voices were even overwhelmed by it.
Jhiang Yuan headed toward the mother and baby store alone, uncertain whether the store owner might have suddenly decided to stay overnight, as she hadn't scouted in advance or checked whether the store was open.
To be safe, she still knocked on the door.
After a while, seeing no response and making sure there was no one around by looking around, she proceeded.
Only then did she retrieve her secret weapon from her space, a special steel pick.
It was exceptionally thin but very resilient.
The security measures for the storefronts here were average, with a roller shutter for the door and a lock wrapping around the door handle inside.
For someone in the building materials business, this was a breeze to handle.
She had dealt with many projects before, and the locks were usually of poor quality, so Jhiang Yuan practiced with this steel pick.
Thinking to herself, it was a skill worth having even if she might not need it in the future.
In less than five minutes, the door opened, and she saw nothing unusual after looking around.
After entering the shop, Jhiang Yuan first used a flashlight to scan around, making sure there was no one and no danger, before she let her guard down.
She closed the roller shutter and noticed there was one by the window too, which was perfect for turning on the lights without being noticed.
The mother and baby store was small, only about twenty-plus square meters.
Two of the three walls were covered with clothes, and the wall by the entrance was lined with baby formula, with cabinets underneath for storage.
In the middle, there were two rows of shelves filled with baby cereal, complementary foods, and small snacks.
The side near the window displayed hats and toys. Although the place was small, it was well-stocked.
In the spare space in the room, there were two freestanding clothes racks, each filled with summer clothes.
They were usually displayed outside the store for promotions and were taken back in at night.
Jhiang Yuan started by collecting the baby formula on the shelves and, upon touching the password, saw the items disappear as she envisioned—such a marvel.
Then, she didn't overlook any of the various complementary foods and snacks; even if Xiao Nuan didn't eat them, the adults could use them to fill their bellies.
Moreover, many of the children's complementary foods were handmade, free from additives.