That day, Jiang Li woke up as usual. Even with the air conditioner on, she could clearly feel that it was hotter than before. She took out her phone and checked the outdoor temperature, it had already reached 57°C.
She remembered that in her previous life, it was only in early September that temperatures exceeded fifty degrees. So why was it already this hot at the end of July? It had advanced by a full month compared to her previous timeline.
Realizing something was wrong, Jiang Li immediately increased the air conditioner’s setting, then looked down at the street. As expected, she saw someone faint from heatstroke on the road, drawing the attention of passersby. Some people even had their shoes melted and stuck to the asphalt. Seeing someone collapse, someone else quickly called 120, and soon the sound of an ambulance siren could be heard.
With this kind of weather, it was impossible to go outside during the day.
Online:
【Heatwave Warning】trending
【Heatstroke】trending
【Weather Trend: Hot】trending
【Even dogs are getting heatstroke】trending
【Experts suggest working at night】trending
【Ice cream “killer” prices】trending
…
Heat-related topics had already become trending searches. Schools had announced suspensions of classes, and some companies chose to allow employees to work from home. However, in companies where bosses refused to release staff or jobs required physical presence, people had no choice but to continue working miserably under the heat.
The government had issued an official notice regarding the high temperatures, adjusting working hours for outdoor workers, advising people to stock up on food at home reasonably, and to minimize going outside during the day.
During daytime, the streets were almost completely empty, with everyone staying at home asleep. Occasionally a few vehicles would pass by. Humans were still used to sleeping at night, while daytime was only for brief naps. Jiang Li still maintained her routine of morning exercise. By evening, when people were off work and staying at home, and schools were also on break, public squares instead became lively again. Since it was not as hot at night, people came out to stroll around.
Water and electricity had not yet been cut off, but prices had already begun to rise. Because of the extreme heat, people were unwilling to go out, so they were buying more food to store at home and reducing the number of trips outside.
Taking advantage of the evening like everyone else, Jiang Li also went out to the supermarket. Although the supplies in her space were already enough for her alone to last for decades, others did not know that. To avoid unnecessary trouble, she still had to make symbolic trips to purchase supplies. She could not just stay at home without ever going out; otherwise, over time, people would definitely become suspicious.
The supermarket was very crowded, some people were there to buy food, while others simply came to enjoy the air conditioning. Many items had already increased in price. In this situation, the government was trying to control prices, so the increases were not too drastic yet.
Most people were there to buy water, rice, and flour, basic staple foods. The grain section was packed tightly with customers, and even instant noodles were almost sold out. Jiang Li only symbolically picked up a few packs, then walked to the snack section and bought some of the snacks she liked. Since most people were stockpiling food supplies, the snack area was nearly empty, with only a few young people browsing.
A few elderly men and women saw that she only took a small amount of staples and mostly snacks, and came over to advise her:
“Little girl, snacks don’t fill you up. You should buy more rice and take it home.”
“Auntie, it’s fine. I live alone, and this is enough for me to eat for a long time.” Jiang Li politely declined and went to line up for payment with her items.
The nearby aunties, seeing that the girl wouldn’t listen, all shook their heads. Sigh, these young people nowadays really don’t listen.
The checkout counter had a long queue. By the time it was Jiang Li’s turn, half an hour had already passed. After finally finishing payment, she could finally drive home.
She parked in the underground garage, and at the elevator entrance, she ran into the same man she had previously met in the elevator. He was also carrying bags, likely just returning from shopping as well. The two nodded slightly and entered the elevator without speaking.
Once she opened the door, she finally felt the cool air inside. She had left the air conditioner running before going out. She put down her things and immediately went to take a shower.
After showering, she first stored the ice cubes made by the ice machine into her space, then took a pre-chilled watermelon from the fridge and sat on the sofa watching TV. The watermelon was cold and juicy, one bite released a burst of sweet juice, refreshing and thirst-quenching. It was extremely satisfying. Jiang Li especially loved eating watermelon in summer.