Perhaps because the typhoon was approaching, the supermarket was especially crowded today.
The four of them arrived around 9 a.m., and most of the shoppers were early-rising elderly people.
“Stock up on food. They said three days, but if the weather’s bad, we might be stuck at home longer,” Song Ya reminded them.
Lin Nan Nan thought for a moment. She and Song Ya had grown up together. They had actually experienced a typhoon as kids. The official notice said three days, but it ended up lasting over a week. Luckily, in the countryside, the elderly were used to stocking up; otherwise, they might have starved.
“Right, we should buy more. I remember when we were kids, the typhoon lasted over a week. Haowen, you go get some instant noodles, ham, and braised eggs. Song Ya and I will take care of the rest,” Lin Nan Nan said, nudging Liu Haowen aside without mercy.
After arriving at the supermarket together, Zheng Yiming went off on his own, but the four of them had already agreed to meet at the entrance at 10 a.m., communicating via WeChat if needed.
Separating, Song Ya immediately led Lin Nan Nan to the staples section, loading two bags of rice and some noodles into the cart.
Lin Nan Nan stared at her, astonished. “Song Ya, isn’t this overkill? The typhoon’s only three days. Why two bags of rice, and we don’t even cook.”
“I haven’t been working lately, so I’ll stay home and practice cooking. It’s not hot anymore, and rice keeps well,” Song Ya explained.
Buying two bags of rice wasn’t too conspicuous; most of the elderly shoppers were there to buy rice, and almost every cart had a few bags.
“Alright then, it’s on you,” Lin Nan Nan said with a laugh.
After the rice, they shopped for side dishes: pickled vegetables, fermented tofu, Laoganma chili sauce, and other small staples, taking several packs of each.
Next, they went to the fresh food section: two ducks, two chickens, ten pounds of pork.
For frozen items, they picked up dumplings, glutinous rice balls, scallion pancakes, and assorted meatballs.
Since their place had an electric cooker, they also bought a few hotpot bases and beef and lamb rolls.
For fruits and vegetables, they bought a little of everything. Just Song Ya’s cart alone was full of filling foods.
Lin Nan Nan wasn’t surprised by Song Ya’s buying spree. As kids, they had experienced a typhoon. Back then, Lin Nan Nan’s parents had rushed home after hearing the warning but didn’t stock much. They expected just three days, but it lasted seven, almost leaving the family starving until Song Ya’s mother carried a bag of rice to get them through.
Seeing Song Ya buying so much, Lin Nan Nan just assumed it was prudence—they both had typhoon experience.
After finishing staples, they went to the snacks section, picking their favorites, then the daily essentials aisle: ten packs of sanitary pads (day and night), a set of bowls and chopsticks, and various other necessities.
When done, their carts were overflowing, enough for about a month.
Liu Haowen had bought a cart full of convenience foods. Seeing the girls’ haul, he froze for a moment, then asked, “Can you even finish all this in a month? Want me to put some of mine back?”
Lin Nan Nan glared at him. “No need. These have long shelf lives. Song Ya and I have been through typhoons. Better to buy more than less.”
Seeing Lin Nan Nan’s certainty, Liu Haowen didn’t dare argue. Smiling sheepishly, he nodded. “Okay, I’ll buy extra this afternoon. We’ll stock our house fully, and you two won’t need to worry.”
Watching Liu Haowen’s foolish expression, Lin Nan Nan sighed quietly.
Because of the typhoon, the supermarket was crowded. They waited over half an hour in line. Three carts of goods totaled over 4,000 yuan. Luckily, Lin Nan Nan and Liu Haowen were fit from working out, so carrying everything was manageable.
Outside, they saw that Zheng Yiming had bought a lot as well, including two bags of rice.
Lin Nan Nan laughed and pointed at the rice. “Song Ya, look! You two really are meant to be—buying the same stuff.”
Zheng Yiming glanced at the two bags in Song Ya’s hands without much reaction and said, “Let’s go home.”
As the four were preparing to drive back, Song Ya suddenly received a phone call. After speaking briefly, she turned to Lin Nan Nan. “I have some things to take care of, so I won’t be going back with you. I’ll come back tonight.”
Lin Nan Nan nodded. “Alright, don’t wander off. Come back early. The typhoon’s almost here, and it’s already windy outside.” She didn’t ask further, signaling Liu Haowen to carry the groceries as they left.
After they left, Song Ya went to the real estate showroom.
She had been interested in a villa and had been negotiating. Today, the sales call said the contract could be signed.
The villa was in a wealthy district, a bare property without renovations, priced ridiculously high—around 200 million yuan.
“Miss Song, you’re here. Shall I show you the house again?” the salesperson asked with a respectful smile.
Song Ya shook her head and pulled out her card. “I’ve seen it before. It’s perfect. If possible, let’s sign the contract now. I’ll pay the down payment.”
Seeing her decisiveness, the salesperson didn’t object and handed over the contract.
Song Ya signed it, took the keys, and prepared to leave. Even with a loan, the price would be absurd—about 50 million yuan.
She bought this villa because it was in a high area. The typhoon would cause flooding, reaching eight or nine floors of high-rises, but the three-story villa would only be partially submerged—two floors.
Regardless of weather, villas in the wealthy district were prime robbery targets, but since Song Ya bought an unfinished property, it wouldn’t attract attention.
Most importantly, the villa had a rooftop garage, keeping cars safe from floodwaters.
Due to flooding, most cars were submerged and unusable. In the coming days of extreme cold and heat, after the water receded, looting would be rampant. Staying safe in high-rise apartments alone wouldn’t suffice.
Planning ahead was necessary.
After paying in full, Song Ya contacted the RV dealership. The salesperson was polite. “Miss Song, your custom RV has arrived, but with the typhoon coming, I thought you might wait until after it passes. It’s safe here at the dealership.”
“No need. Since it’s here, I’ll come now, pay the remaining balance, and take it,” Song Ya said.
If she waited for the typhoon, she might not have been able to pick it up.
Seeing her insistence, the salesperson said nothing further and prepared the RV for her.