Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Drawn by the Scent

After a long silence, Vivian Young finally spoke, her voice hoarse. "Let’s... let’s eat something first."

She rose and walked silently to the kitchen, emerging moments later with a table full of dishes.

There were glossy, braised ribs, congee simmered until thick and creamy, crisp stir-fried greens, steamed lobster, and braised grouper. It was as if, in this calm before the storm, she wanted the family to have one last good, hot meal together.

But despite the feast laid out before them, no one had any appetite. They all sat with their eyes lowered, faces etched with an unshakeable worry, not even wanting to pick up their chopsticks.

Elliot Lawrence finally couldn’t hold it in any longer. His Adam’s apple bobbed. "Sue, this polar apocalypse... can we really survive it?"

He simply couldn’t imagine it. Born and raised in the north, the deepest snow he’d ever seen in his twenty-odd years was just thirty or forty centimeters. Now, the ninety-one centimeters of snowpack in the northeast was enough to bury a small child. As far as he was concerned, this was already the apocalypse. So what kind of hell would the *true* extreme cold be?

Sue Lawrence reached out, her hand tightly gripping little Leo’s as he sat on her lap. The boy snuggled obediently into her embrace, his small body resting against hers. She looked up at her family, her voice steady and deep. "Dad, Mom, Elliot, Jenny, don’t worry. We prepared the mine long ago, and it’s stocked to the brim with supplies. We can definitely survive this extreme cold. It all comes down to human effort. Man can triumph over nature."

Her words were a balm, easing the panic in their hearts, and the worried expressions on their faces softened slightly.

But no one knew the true worry Sue Lawrence concealed.

’The truly difficult part wouldn’t be this sub-zero cold, but the 76-degree Celsius inferno that would follow.’

"That’s right! It’s all up to us! Man can triumph over nature!" Vincent Lawrence nodded emphatically and was the first to pick up his chopsticks. "Vivian, go open a good bottle of wine. Let’s have a few drinks as a family tonight. If we don’t do it now, I’m afraid we won’t have the peace of mind for it later!"

Vivian Young quickly got up to fetch the wine. Since Jenny Norris didn’t drink alcohol, she poured herself a tall glass of freshly squeezed juice.

The family, gathered around the table, raised their glasses together. The soft clinking of glass on glass was exceptionally clear.

Sue Lawrence held up her glass, her gaze sweeping over each person beside her. Her voice was gentle yet firm. "It’s alright. As long as our family is together, we have nothing to fear."

"Right! Together forever!"

Everyone echoed in unison. Even Leo, nestled in Sue Lawrence’s arms, blinked his eyes that were like black grapes, raised his little milk cup, and chimed in with a childish lilt, "Together!"

The wine warmed their bodies as it went down, slightly easing everyone’s frayed nerves.

The television in the living room was still on, the sound of the news report still clear.

"And now for the city’s latest weather forecast..."

"A severe blizzard is expected to hit the city within the next 48 hours. Total precipitation is forecast to exceed 30 millimeters, with new snow accumulation of over 20 centimeters. As the strong cold front continues to move south, temperatures will plummet to a low of minus 12 degrees Celsius. This will be accompanied by level 4-6 northerly winds, with gusts reaching up to level 7 or 8. The wind chill will make it feel even colder. These freezing conditions are expected to persist for several days..."

The temperature dropped again. Minus 12 degrees.

At almost the exact same moment, everyone’s phone in the room vibrated one after another as a red alert message popped up on their screens:

"To all citizens, a Blizzard Red Alert and a Cold Snap Low-Temperature Warning are now in effect for the city:

In accordance with the Blizzard Red Alert precautionary guidelines, all citizens are advised to take the following measures:

1. The government and relevant departments are to immediately activate emergency response procedures for snow disasters and freezing conditions, and make full preparations for securing the energy supply, managing traffic, and conducting rescue operations;

2. With the exception of essential services such as healthcare, urban operations, and emergency response, all primary and secondary schools and kindergartens are to close. All business and production operations are to cease, and all public gatherings are to be suspended;

3. Civil aviation and railway authorities will suspend flights and train services depending on weather conditions. Expressways have already initiated temporary closures. All citizens are advised to cancel or reschedule travel plans and to refrain from going out unless absolutely necessary;

4. Urban and rural residents should take measures to protect against the cold. Users of coal-burning heaters must take precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning. Reinforce doors, windows, sheds, and other structures susceptible to collapse under snow pressure in a timely manner. Stay away from dangerous areas such as large trees, billboards, and icicles hanging from eaves;

5. The agricultural and livestock sectors should reinforce sheds and enclosures, ensure livestock are kept warm, and reserve feed. Take precautions to prevent severe frost damage to crops and greenhouse agriculture. Relevant departments must make every effort to clear snow and ice from roads and to inspect and maintain power and communication lines.

The meteorological department will continue to monitor weather changes and release the latest warnings and real-time information. We urge all citizens to pay close attention, prepare for emergencies, and recommend stocking up on food supplies such as rice, flour, and cooking oil."

This was the government’s cold weather warning, the third time they had advised everyone to stockpile supplies.

Vivian Young’s eyes were red-rimmed. "Thank goodness we already stockpiled everything in advance."

"Mhm. Oh, and it’s time to process today’s spider silk!"

Sue Lawrence was the first to start, which made everyone laugh again. Leo even sweetly held up a fine thread to Vivian Young. "Grandma, here."

Vivian Young was delighted. She collected the threads from everyone and wound them together. Although it only formed a thin layer, it was a start.

Just as she finished collecting the silk, Vivian Young’s phone rang. The name "Pamela Sutton" flashed on the screen.

Elliot Lawrence’s brow furrowed instantly. Everyone knew that this aunt, Pamela Sutton, couldn’t stand to see others do well. She was an insatiable moocher and an expert at kicking people when they were down.

Vivian Young’s knuckles turned white as she clutched the phone. She hesitated, looking at her family. Only after seeing Sue Lawrence quickly mouth the words "Answer it. Speakerphone," did she take a deep breath and press the accept button.

"Vivian, my dear! Oh my heavens!" Pamela Sutton’s voice was full of exaggerated urgency. "You need to get to the supermarket, now! It’s a total madhouse! The shelves are all empty! People have snatched up all the rice and flour, not even leaving the bags! And if you’re too slow, you’ll miss out on the cabbage and radishes. Any later and you won’t find so much as a rotten vegetable leaf!"

Vivian Young looked at her daughter. Following Sue Lawrence’s instructions, she immediately raised her voice, feigning panic. "Really? It’s that bad? Oh my god, I’ll head to the nearest supermarket right now!"

"Hey, what’s the rush?" Pamela Sutton’s tone suddenly changed, becoming probing and malicious. "Last time I was at your place, I saw with my own two eyes that mountain of cabbage and radishes piled in your living room corner. That was even before the government issued a warning! Vivian, my dear, you’re so very farsighted, secretly hoarding so much. It’s almost like you knew it was going to snow, wasn’t it?"

The words hit Vivian Young like a physical blow.

Her face turned deathly pale in an instant. Her lips trembled as her gaze darted frantically toward Sue Lawrence, her breathing growing erratic. But that momentary hesitation was all it took to arouse the suspicions of the old hag on the other end of the line.

Sue Lawrence’s brow tightened. At this point, she had no choice but to bite the bullet and intervene.

She deliberately raised her voice, her tone laced with impatience. "Mom! Hurry up! Get in the car! If we don’t go grab some more, how long are the few things we have going to last? We’ve barely got any cabbages and radishes, and already every stray cat and dog is sniffing around, trying to get their hands on it!"

"Well, well! Who was that I just heard?" Pamela Sutton’s voice instantly turned caustic. "Is that the little hussy, Sue Lawrence? Absolutely no manners! Getting pregnant before marriage and bringing a bastard home already brought enough shame on the Lawrence family. Now she dares to spew such filth? Who is she calling a stray cat and dog?"