The next morning, Mei Ling was woken by the chirping birds. She looked around relieved yesterday was not a dream. Entering the washroom, she brushed her teeth and took a warm shower relieving the feeling of water flowing down her body.
The second wave of the disaster after the downpour was the extreme heat. She remembered how she had to go for almost half a month before she could take a bathe as water was so precious she couldn't bear to waste any. Bathing at that time was a luxury she couldn't afford. She quickly came out and dried herself, then put a pair of casual pants and a white top.
She took out a blank document and made a list according to which supplies were needed first. She took out the half braised pork and water she had put before, and to her suspicion, it was as she thought. The space had preserving effect which allows things put in it to remain the same till taken out. Mei Ling felt ecstatic. Now, she was only worried if she could get enough supplies to fill it up.
On the blank document, the first written was food. After the first wave of disaster began which was the torrential downpour. Food became scarce. Those who didn't stockpile anything starved to death. She narrowly made it through with the help of snacks she had the habit of keeping at home. Next was clothing, water, transportation, and then weapon. She could only make a list depending on the things she remembered.
Her father was a retired military officer after he married her mom. So even as young as she was, her father always set training schedule for her which he made sure she followed strictly. It was those set of martial arts she practiced even after her parents death that helped her survive during those period she was alive. Even though she wasn't a professional, she could at least hold her ground against three grown men without weapons. She resolved to continue her exercise and increase the intensity before the apocalypse descends.
Just as she put the book into her space, a knock came at door. Looking at the time, she realized it was Uncle Lu. As expected, as she opened the door, he stepped in.
"Good afternoon Miss"
"Good afternoon, uncle Lu. You're early"
"I was done with everything at the company so I came here"
"Okay. Please have a seat Uncle Lu"
As he sat down, she sat at the chair opposite him and faced him.
"Uncle Lu, how is the company doing"
He hesitated before continuing,
"Actually miss, the company looks glamorous on the surface but inside, the shareholders are almost sucking it dry"
Mei Ling nodded for him to continue. Observing her calm reaction, he couldn't help but praise her,
'As expected of a child of the Lu's'
"If this continues, the company will be nothing but an empty shell and a bottomless pit"
Mei Ling kept quiet her mind racing. This was a perfect chance to bring up the topic of selling the company. Feigning sadness, she sighed and began,
"Uncle Lu, have you ever considered selling the company?"
"Sell the company!?
His shocked tone revealed he had never considered that idea. Mei Ling felt inwardly pleased but her expression remained calm.
"Yes. As you said, more money being added is only feeding a bottomless pit, so why not sell it?
"This...
"I know you're attached to the company uncle Lu but this is just letting those old geezers benefit from our hardwork. So listen to me and contact a buyer to negotiate price"
Uncle Lu lowered his head pondering the thought. He knew she was right but he felt reluctant to do it. Mei Ling observing his expression knew he was in a dilemma but there was no time.
"Don't worry Uncle Lu, I have another job for you after the company is sold. That reminds me, Uncle Lu, how is sister in law doing?
She felt him stiffen for a bit before he replied
"She is fine"
"Hm. Uncle Lu, when you contact the buyer to come here tomorrow by 6pm, I need you to tell sister in law that I fired you"
"Miss?
He looked completely stunned. Not understanding what she meant.
"Uncle Lu, don't worry. I know what I'm doing, if she passes this test I'm giving, then I will take her with me too"
"Are you going somewhere miss?
"Hm. I plan to fly abroad next month for a vacation"
After the conversation, she had nothing to say so he took the cue to excuse himself.
"I will call you if there any plans needed to be carried out"
"Alright miss"
As he left, the apartment returned to the quietness it had before. Thinking of the upcoming doom, she stood up, picked her car key and locked her house. Time to start stockpiling.