Ten SUVs, five large trucks, three pickups, and two buses were neatly lined up in the warehouse, forming a small fleet.
Shen Yaozong was circling one of the SUVs, holding a wrench and making adjustments.
“Dad, what are you doing?” Shen Shuangshuang asked as she walked over.
“I’m adding protective bars to these vehicles,” Shen Yaozong wiped the sweat off his forehead. “The roads in the ancient era will probably be rough, and there might even be wild animals. Adding bars makes them safer. Look—I also welded storage racks in the cargo beds. They can hold quite a bit.”
Shen Shuangshuang walked around the vehicles, noticing all had been modified: off-road tires replaced the originals, windows were fitted with blast-resistant film, and even roof racks had been installed.
“Dad, you’ve thought of everything,” she said sincerely.
“Of course,” Shen Yaozong said proudly. “Our family’s safety depends on these, so there’s no room for carelessness.”
He added, “I’ve also bought lots of spare parts—tires, engine oil, brake pads. Even if something breaks, we can fix it ourselves.”
Over the next few days, the family was busier than ever.
Shen Shuangshuang kept tabs on the shipyard and gas station progress while also downloading movies and cartoons onto her computer.
“There’s no TV or internet in the ancient era, so let’s download plenty of stuff to pass the time.”
She stored all the downloaded content on dozens of large-capacity hard drives.
“Plus these e-books—history, agriculture, medicine. They’ll definitely come in handy later.”
Meanwhile, Xiang Meimei was inspecting all the ready-to-eat foods and daily necessities. Seeing the huge batch of baby supplies Shen Shuangshuang had bought, she blinked in surprise.
“Shuangshuang, why are you buying diapers and formula? We’re going to the ancient era, not having a baby!”
“Mom, you have to plan ahead,” Shen Shuangshuang laughed. “We can’t stay child-free forever. One day I’ll have kids, and these supplies won’t be available in the past. Formula, diapers, baby clothes, toys, folic acid and calcium for pregnant women—we have to prepare.”
Xiang Meimei blushed. “You really tell everything, don’t you? But you’re right. These are important. I’ll get some cribs, strollers, and maternity supplies too.”
Day by day, the supplies in the space became more abundant.
The antique-style ships were delivered on schedule and stored in the mini ocean area.
The gas station’s fuel was all transferred into the space’s storage tanks.
Ready-to-eat foods, daily necessities, and baby items piled into small mountains. Even the fleet of vehicles was neatly parked in the open space of the valley.
Finally, with only three hours left on the transmigration countdown, Shen Shuangshuang called a halt to all preparations.
“Dad, Mom, stop working. Let’s go home for one last meal together.”
Their former villa had already been sold. Now they lived in a temporary two-bedroom apartment, emptied of everything except a table and a few chairs.
Xiang Meimei pulled out some hot ready-to-eat foods from the space and stir-fried a couple of vegetables, filling the table.
“Let’s toast!”
Shen Yaozong raised his glass, filled with wine made from grapes in the space.
“Here’s to our family, safe and sound in the ancient era!”
“To that!”
Shen Shuangshuang and Xiang Meimei clinked their glasses. The crisp sound echoed across the table.
The atmosphere was a little heavy.
Xiang Meimei handed a rib to Shen Shuangshuang, her eyes red. “Once we’re in the ancient era, you won’t get Mom’s home cooking. If you want it, just ask me—I’ll make it for you.”
“Mom, even in the past, I’ll help you cook.”
Shen Shuangshuang held her mother’s hand. “No matter where we are, our family stays together, and we’ll make a good life.”
Shen Yaozong sighed. “It’s true, I’m nervous. But knowing we have all these supplies and the space gives me peace of mind. Once we arrive, we’ll find a quiet place, stay low, and slowly build up.”
“Exactly what I was thinking,” Shen Shuangshuang nodded. “The flood and the family confiscation in my dream show that era isn’t peaceful. We stay low until we’re strong enough.”
They ate and reminisced about their happy past, while imagining their future in the ancient era.
Though nervous and anxious, their hearts were filled more with love for each other and anticipation for the future.
“Time’s almost up.”
Shen Yaozong glanced at the countdown floating mid-air—only ten minutes left.
He stood, holding both Shen Shuangshuang’s and Xiang Meimei’s hands. “No matter where we go, we stick together.”
“Yes, never apart,” they said in unison.
The countdown ticked down—ten minutes, five minutes, one minute.
Shen Shuangshuang held their hands tightly, feeling their palms sweaty.
“10… 9… 8…” Shen Yaozong counted softly.
“3… 2… 1…”
As the final number hit zero, the apartment was plunged into darkness.
A powerful suction pulled from all directions. Shen Shuangshuang felt her body twist and compress.
The wind howled in her ears, along with her parents’ shouting.
“Dad! Mom!”
She desperately reached for their hands but felt only empty air.
Then everything went black, and she lost consciousness completely.