Xiang Meimei popped a piece of chocolate into her mouth, and the sweet but not cloying taste made her eyes light up.
“Delicious! Shuangshuang, did you put all of this into the space? So even in the ancient era, we can pull some out when we crave it.”
“All of it, and there’s plenty more,” Shen Shuangshuang replied.
Suddenly, she remembered something. “Dad, can you contact the shipyard? I want to order a few small fishing boats and cargo ships. The space has water areas—they’ll come in handy.”
“No problem. I’ll handle it tomorrow,” Shen Yaozong agreed immediately. “Anything else you need, just tell me.”
“Let me think…” Shen Shuangshuang frowned. “We also need another batch of seeds, especially for vegetables and fruits. The space’s farm is so large, we can’t waste it. Oh, and some livestock equipment—feed grinders, milking machines—so raising animals later will be easier.”
Xiang Meimei added, “I’ll pick up some cookware, pots and pans, and ingredients like rice, flour, and oil. We have food in the space, but we still need utensils to cook.”
The three of them talked late into the night before finally going to bed.
Shen Shuangshuang returned to her room and opened the space, looking at the mountains of supplies inside, feeling especially reassured.
She walked over to the military helicopter and ran her hand over its body.
This was her trump card—she would never use it unless absolutely necessary. In the ancient era, revealing it would make her look like a monster.
She then checked the farm area, looking over the wheat and vegetables. She suddenly had an idea: she could plant fast-growing vegetables like lettuce and spinach inside the space. That way, in the ancient era, they’d always have fresh produce.
She grabbed the seeds she had just bought, rolled up her sleeves, and began sowing. Though her movements were a little clumsy, her face was full of anticipation.
By the late hours, she finally returned to bed. She touched the four-leaf clover necklace around her neck, its four leaves glowing faint red.
She knew the day of the transmigration was drawing near, but she no longer felt fear. With her parents by her side, the space as her trump card, and plenty of supplies and weapons, she was confident that even in the chaotic ancient world, they could survive—and perhaps thrive.
The next morning, Shen Shuangshuang was woken by her phone ringing. It was Zhang Wei:
“Shen Zong, everything you asked me to handle is done. All assets have been liquidated, and the money has been transferred to your account. The new owners of Shen Group said if you ever want to return, you’re always welcome.”
“Thank you, Uncle Zhang. I really appreciate it,” Shen Shuangshuang said sincerely. “If you ever need my help, just ask.”
After the call, she got up and washed.
Stepping out of the bathroom, she saw Xiang Meimei busy in the kitchen, and Shen Yaozong on the phone in the living room, seemingly coordinating with the shipyard.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, warm and peaceful.
Shen Shuangshuang smiled and hugged Xiang Meimei from behind. “Mom, what are we making today?”
“Your favorite—braised pork and sweet-and-sour ribs.”
Xiang Meimei patted her hand. “Wash up quickly and help me. Your dad said the new batch of seeds is arriving today—we’ll put them into the space after breakfast.”
“Got it!” Shen Shuangshuang replied, her heart full of energy.
At the table, Shen Yaozong set down his chopsticks. “The shipyard said small fishing boats will be ready in a week. Cargo ships will take longer, but they’ll prioritize. I also contacted a farm machinery company—they’ve shipped planting and livestock equipment, arriving tomorrow.”
“Perfect,” Shen Shuangshuang said, biting into a piece of braised pork. “Once the equipment arrives, we can plan the farm and ranch inside the space—plant vegetables, raise chickens, ducks, cows, and sheep. Even in the ancient era, we can be self-sufficient.”
Xiang Meimei smiled. “I also bought plenty of flower seeds. Once we settle down, we can plant them in the yard. Even in the ancient world, our life should feel like poetry.”
The three of them ate and chatted, laughter filling the living room.
Outside, the sunlight grew warmer, and the transmigration countdown had only fifteen days left.
The preparations never stopped; they simply shifted focus.
That day, after signing the gas station contract, Shen Shuangshuang called Shen Yaozong. “Dad, how’s the shipyard? Did they understand the plans for the antique-style ships?”
Machines roared in the background on the other end. Shen Yaozong shouted, “Don’t worry! Director Wang is personally supervising. The hulls are three times thicker, with hidden compartments for storage—stable in both rivers and seas. The schedule is tight; they’ll probably work through the night.”
“Money isn’t an issue. Pay the workers extra if needed. Make sure delivery is finished before the countdown ends,” Shen Shuangshuang instructed. “Also, besides the three large cargo ships, make extra small fishing boats. We can’t waste the space’s waters.”
After hanging up, she looked at the gas station before her and nodded in satisfaction.
To stock enough fuel for the cars and trucks, she had taken over this suburban gas station. The gasoline and diesel in the tanks, plus the reserves she ordered, would keep the vehicles running for over a decade.
Returning to her rented apartment, the aroma of food hit her immediately.
Xiang Meimei was directing workers, moving boxes of cooked food into the living room. Seeing Shen Shuangshuang, she wiped her hands and hurried over.
“You’re back! Try the braised pork knuckle I just ordered. This old-brand place is amazing.”
Shen Shuangshuang bit into a knuckle. Tender, flavorful, not greasy—she immediately gave a thumbs-up. “Mom, your taste is perfect. How much did you order?”
“Not much—just 100 braised knuckles, 200 stewed chickens, and 50 roasted ducks,” Xiang Meimei laughed. “I also ordered 10,000 buns and steamed breads, sweet and savory, plus various dumplings and wontons, all frozen and stored in the space—they’ll last a long time.”
“Not enough,” Shen Shuangshuang waved her hand. “Mom, call several restaurants from the Eight Cuisines—sweet-and-sour ribs, fish-flavored pork, braised pork with preserved vegetables—have them produce as much as possible. Also, vacuum-packed ready-to-eat foods like beef jerky, dried pork, and assorted braised meats. In the ancient era, we can’t cook every day—these will be so convenient.”
Xiang Meimei nodded. “You’re right. I’ll call now. Oh, your dad said the vehicles have arrived at the warehouse—go take a look.”
Shen Shuangshuang rushed to the suburban temporary warehouse, and the scene before her made her almost laugh out loud.