The dire situation in Japan had prompted governments worldwide to expedite their apocalyptic response plans.
Previously, there had been dissent among the higher echelons of various countries. But witnessing Japan's fate silenced these voices. After all, only a madman would choose self-destruction. Rational minds focused on survival.
In the United States, the Eden and Ark Projects were underway. China had the Seed Plan, while several major European countries had long been covertly working on the Olympus Plan. Russia initiated the Hibernation Plan.
In contrast, countries with weaker economies, lower technological advancements, or less favorable natural conditions were in dire straits. It wasn't that their leaders were unaware; they simply lacked the means. They either couldn't afford it, lacked the technological prowess, or didn't have suitable locations for such plans.
Take Japan's neighbors, South Korea and North Korea, for example. These sibling-rival nations had diverged drastically over the past few decades. South Korea's economy and technology were far ahead, to the point where its citizens once scorned their northern counterparts.
But with this natural disaster, South Korea, surrounded by sea on three sides, found itself with nowhere to run!
Japan had earlier made inroads into Africa, but South Korea's leaders and conglomerates lacked such foresight and capability. Conversely, the isolated and backward North Korea was connected to the continental shelf. With a bit of goodwill from China and the protection of mountains, North Korea's chances of survival were significantly higher.
In fact, North Korea had always maintained good relations with China. Given the global catastrophe, North Korean leaders had communicated with Chinese officials a few days ago. With certain promises made, China granted permission for North Koreans to build shelters within its borders if necessary.
To avoid social unrest, governments kept their survival plans confidential, informing only key individuals and elites who were quietly directed to the nearest evacuation points.
Zhou Lin's family, Ai Bing, and others clearly weren't among those notified.
But Wu Xue received a notification last night.
The notice informed her that she was classified as third-tier elite personnel. With the QR code sent via SMS, she could seek assistance at the nearest military base. If conditions allowed, the military would escort her to a "Seed Plan" shelter.
After receiving the message, Wu Xue couldn't sleep all night.
She trusted her country.
But she didn't know if she'd ever leave the shelter once inside. If she lost contact with the outside world, she might never find her parents.
What if she didn't go to the military?
Wu Xue spent the morning cramming apocalypse novels, and by afternoon, she messaged Zhou Li.
"Huh?"
Seeing the message, Zhou Li exclaimed and ran to open the door, leaving Zhou Lin behind.
"Sister Xue!"
"Xiao Li." Wu Xue's smile was strained. She walked unsteadily, not only due to lack of rest but also emotional exhaustion.
The two women sat in the room. Wu Xue looked around and asked about Zhou Caijun and Cheng Yali. In her opinion, many decisions required the adults' input.
"No worries, I make half the decisions here." Zhou Li patted her chest.
Wu Xue was skeptical and asked about Zhou Lin.
After some thought, Zhou Li used a walkie-talkie to call Zhou Lin down from the rooftop.
Hearing about the "Seed Plan," Zhou Lin wasn't surprised. He not only knew about it but also knew the locations of many "Seed Plan" bases.
"My suggestion..." Zhou Lin glanced at Zhou Li. Both women had sharp minds, and he didn't want to slip up.
"Listen to me, Sister Xue, just stay with us! We're well-prepared!" Zhou Li said, dragging Wu Xue to the terrace.
Seeing the water tank and the freshly painted tool shed, Wu Xue was astonished.
"So you anticipated this?"
"Not we, me." Zhou Li proudly pointed to herself. "It was my unreasonable, domineering demand. My parents and brother did this to accommodate me."
"Li Li, if you don't know how to use idioms, don't." Zhou Lin couldn't help but correct her.
"I like using them this way, none of your business." Ignoring Zhou Lin, Zhou Li cheerfully showed Wu Xue the tool shed's facilities and plans, even revealing some decoy supplies.
"Xiao Li, you're a blessing!"
After the tour, back downstairs, Wu Xue couldn't help but feel inadequate compared to Zhou Li. Besides her profession, she knew nothing.
"So, Sister Xue, have you decided to join us?"
"I..." Wu Xue was tempted, but the apocalypse novels made her aware of the grim reality for women without skills. Her only valuable asset was her medical expertise.
"I always worry about my brother finding a wife."
"Why?"
Zhou Li's sudden change in topic puzzled Wu Xue.
"If he can't find a wife, my parents will shift the pressure onto me!"
Wu Xue blushed, "So..."
"Exactly!" Zhou Li stood on the sofa, waving dramatically. "From the moment I saw you, I knew you were destined to be my sister-in-law!"
"I think I'll leave for now."
Even though Zhou Lin wasn't present, Wu Xue was embarrassed. She didn't dislike or look down on him. She had just never considered romantic relationships. As an academic overachiever, all her time was devoted to her studies, leading to her current achievements and making her a candidate for the "Seed Plan."
To her, Zhou Lin was just a friend, Zhou Li's brother.
"Don't leave, Sister Xue. I advise you to decide now. You know our situation well, and I won't let it go..."
Wu Xue held her head, "Alright, alright. Stop using idioms, and we're still friends. I'll join, but being your brother's girlfriend... let's take our time, okay?" "Yay!"
Zhou Li jumped into Wu Xue's arms. "I've always wanted a smart sister, and now I have one!"
"That's sexist." Zhou Lin, descending the stairs, remarked.
"Wrong!" Zhou Li lifted her head. "Someone as ignorant and clueless as you isn't qualified to speak to me!"
Watching the siblings bicker, Wu Xue couldn't help but laugh.
She realized this family atmosphere was genuinely nice. It wasn't elegant or refined, but it was real and warm.
She felt she had made the right choice.
Just as Zhou Lin was about to lecture Zhou Li, the doorbell rang.