It was nighttime.
Most of the surrounding neighborhoods had already lost power. The only lights still glowing were the solar-powered streetlamps, casting pale pools of light across the empty streets.
In the nearby residential blocks, only a few scattered apartments still showed any illumination.
Aside from that, the supermarket was the only real source of light in the area.
And right now, it was packed.
Residents from nearby neighborhoods had rushed over as soon as they heard the announcement. Many had been lining up for hours.
These days, households weren't just short on water—they were running out of food as well. Even people with money had nowhere to spend it.
A single pack of instant noodles had already been driven up to twenty dollars per piece, and even then, it was almost impossible to find.
After the official notice went out, many people had hurried over early, afraid that if they arrived too late, there would be nothing left to buy.
