[This is a government broadcast. Currently, the entire country is shrouded in fog containing certain neurotoxins. Excessive inhalation can cause hallucinations or even coma. Please stay at home, secure doors and windows, and do not go out casually.]
[This is a government broadcast. The meteor impact has brought a global catastrophe. We should unite and help each other through this difficult time. The government is still here, the law is still here, and any illegal or criminal behavior will be pursued to the end.]
[This is a government broadcast. The fog will eventually dissipate, and post-disaster reconstruction work will commence soon. Please rest assured and wait for rescue at home. Please trust the government and the party. The country has the ability and confidence to restore everyone's life to normal as soon as possible.]
....
All channels are government broadcasts, encouraging everyone to hold on and warning some against committing crimes.
The meteor impact melted the snow, and the whole world is shrouded in fog.
This fog contains toxins, and outside visibility is non-existent.
Going out is more difficult than during the snow disaster, and survivors stay holed up in their homes.
Only those driven by hunger dare to venture out fully armed to search for food.
The dark side of human nature began to surface.
Some people started forming gangs and plundering resources.
Murder, rape, and various crimes spiked dramatically.
Although officials from various countries have been soothing and deterring through broadcasts and other means.
Now no one pays any heed.
The fog will dissipate?
When?
Even if it does dissipate, the world is already ruined to this extent. Rebuilding will be far from easy.
Even taking ten thousand steps back, rebuilding might not matter; no one is enforcing laws now, and it's unlikely anyone will pursue past crimes.
Even if pursued, finding evidence would be impossible.
The only small relief is that with the fog covering everything, people dare not venture out, or chaos would reign.
"Damn it! Why was I so stupid? Why did I sell my grain? What's the use of the money now?"
A middle-aged woman rolled on the floor of her home.
Her family had plenty of surplus grain, and after the snow stopped, she foolishly sold 90% at high prices.
Now she was utterly at a loss.
The scariest part is she received payment via WeChat and Alipay, which might be worthless now.
"Haha, no more need to repay my online loans now."
In a remote mountain village, a man laughed heartily while looking at a room full of food.
The man was on the brink of madness.
He owed so much on online loans that he couldn't repay.
To escape creditors, he fled to this small mountain village and hoarded many instant foods, turning misfortune into fortune.
"Damn, now I don't need a house, car, or dowry to marry a wife; some food will do, this is awesome."
A man sat holding two women.
He was a farmer and hadn't sold his large stash of rice.
He never thought he could marry, but now life suddenly felt blissful.
This disaster completely shattered societal hierarchy.
Now the rich were nothing, and those with food were the real fortune holders.
Three days after the meteorite impact.
Blue Sky Villa District, Half-Mountain Villa.
Sun Yaoyao and Lin Yuennan sat on the sofa, listening to the broadcast with heavy expressions.
"Is this the end of the world?"
Sun Yaoyao seemed lost, still finding it hard to believe.
"Well~~ not quite."
Lin Yuennan frowned and said in a deep voice:
"As long as nothing else happens, post-disaster reconstruction can begin once the fog clears."
"But who knows how long the fog will last? I might starve by then."
Sun Yaoyao lay on the sofa looking distressed:
"The diesel in the villa is running low, right? We might even struggle to eat soon."
"Don't worry! You're not going to starve."
"In this situation, can you still call for supplies?"
Sun Yaoyao looked skeptical.
Though they occupied high positions, the fog outside was thick and pure white, one couldn't see an inch ahead.
Moreover, the meteor impact severely destroyed roads and houses.
Even if Lin Yuennan could contact people who were willing to send resources, getting them here would be impossible.
Despite using radio and satellite phones, they still couldn't reach anyone.
"Why ask for supplies? There's an option down the mountain."
Lin Yuennan's lips curled into a smile.
"Oh? You mean him?"
Sun Yaoyao was initially startled, then delighted.
That's right!
Wang Hao hoarded a vast amount of supplies and likely prepared ample backup energy.
Reaching his place would mean no more worries about hunger, and their lifestyle wouldn't degrade much.
"But how do we get there?"
After the surprise, Sun Yaoyao looked despondent again:
"Though the fog's toxicity isn't severe and we have protective gear, it's hard to find our way. Even if we locate his villa, if he refuses us entry, it becomes an even bigger problem."
Wang Hao's villa was heavily fortified.
Especially with snow turned to fog, previously buried mechanisms were now visible.
Even with Lin Yuennan's agility, getting through could be deadly.
Especially in this environment.
"A forceful approach is impossible; let's try to contact him first, see if we can negotiate."
At this point, Lin Yuennan paused, eyes flashing coldly, voice ice-cold and ruthless:
"If he doesn't cooperate, I'll storm it once the fog lessens."
"Ew...."
Sun Yaoyao looked disgusted.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. Our survival is more crucial for future rebuilding than his."
Lin Yuennan shrugged, speaking bluntly but truthfully.
Sun Yaoyao was a medical genius, skilled in both Eastern and Western medicine—valuable before the apocalypse and even more so after.
Lin Yuennan was similar.
In the apocalypse, resources, healthcare, and even combat skills were essential.
And Wang Hao?
Merely a fresh graduate.
A small employee in a company, as an orphan, marrying would have been a big challenge without this disaster.
Such a person made little social contribution before doomsday and even less after.
Couldn't lift or carry anything, not qualified for labor work.
No comparison could be made between them.
"Not necessarily, troubled times produce heroes. Wasn't Liu Bang a little punk? Zhu Yuanzhang was a monk! Don't underestimate people; he might outshine us in the future."
Sun Yaoyao half-jokingly said.
Lin Yuennan snorted disdainfully:
"Possible? If that happens, I, Lin Yuennan..."
"Will kneel naked and apologize?"
"Humph, not just kneeling, I'll streak too if it comes to that."
...