The Beginning of Natural Disaster, I Won by Hoarding Tens of Billions of Supplies

Chapter 620: Borrow Another 10 Years from Heaven

Without the continuous supply of the special salvage team, not to mention development, it would be hard to even establish a foothold. 

Commander Xiao felt this policy was clearly aimed at him. Yet, Gu Tinglin simultaneously added six new cities, appearing to cover all the bases, leaving him with no reason to object. 

Jiang Ning expressed that she understood. 

Gu Tinglin really did kill two birds with one stone. 

For the base to develop, expanding its borders was inevitable. 

Since Commander Xiao was so ambitious, he could take his people and venture out to explore, there was no need to stay in Fengcheng, entangled in various conspiracy theories. 

If he wanted to focus on development and achieve something great, people would certainly take notice. 

But if he was set on getting involved in conspiracies, well, too bad. Fingers have different lengths, and all resource allocations from the headquarters had to pass through Gu Tinglin’s hands. 

Who gets what and how much must all be approved. 

With a single clever move, Gu Tinglin left Commander Xiao unable to counter, leaving him to wonder what he was so proud of. 

The square lights flickered, and the place was packed with people. 

It had been years since they had seen a movie, and now it was happening again. Everyone was staring up at the screen, not wanting to look away for a second. 

They were afraid that if they blinked, they’d miss it—that it might just be a dream. 

Looking at the crowd under the lights, Jiang Ning couldn’t help but think of the new city square during the summer solstice. Back then, during the Spring Festival, the place was lively, and she had taken many pictures of Doudou and Qin Mu, which were still saved on her phone. 

There were too many people, and she couldn’t find Doudou and Tingting. 

The two of them walked across the square toward the government compound. 

This was Jiang Ning’s first time there. 

It was all single-story red brick houses, each with a small yard in front and behind. 

Inside, there was faint light and the sound of conversation. 

Chief Ling was also there. 

The two of them were making do with the New Year’s celebration, having their New Year’s Eve dinner. 

He Tianming had to give a New Year’s speech, and Chief Ling needed to arrange for the police to maintain order in the square, so dinner was delayed. 

On the table, there was kerosene, fish cakes, stewed chicken, and stir-fried vegetables. 

Simple, but not so simple. 

They had expected Jiang Ning to come, but didn’t think she would come on New Year’s Eve. 

He Tianming invited them in with a smile, saying, “Have you had dinner? Want to try Chief Ling’s cooking?” 

Jiang Ning nodded. “Not everyone gets a chance to taste Chief Ling’s cooking, I definitely have to try.” 

Despite He Tianming’s high position, his house was rather empty. 

It was supposed to be a meal, but there were no extra bowls or chopsticks. 

Fortunately, Jiang Ning had come prepared. She took out four military lunchboxes from her bag. “I brought some lunchboxes from the Arctic, you can make do with this.” 

Chief Ling didn’t hold back, teasing, “Well, thanks to you, I finally have a bowl of food to eat.” 

“It’s not just food,” Jiang Ning took out a military water bottle, giving both of them a share. 

She also brought a packet of fried peanuts and a bottle of erguotou, its label worn and old. “Here, let me add another dish.” 

Liquor—nothing could resist that. 

Even He Tianming, who usually didn’t drink, couldn’t help but feel tempted. 

Jiang Ning had even prepared the glasses and poured wine for He Tianming and Chief Ling. “Come on, I’ll toast to the two public servants.” 

Some things weren’t suitable to say, but they were all in the drink. 

After two glasses, the atmosphere lightened up, and Jiang Ning kept refilling their glasses. “Try the peanuts I fried myself.” 

The government compound wasn’t powered, and the kerosene lamps cast a dim glow, but it was still possible to see that Chief Ling had gray hairs at his temples. 

Not only had He Tianming aged, but even Director Ling had reached his age. 

Natural disasters are merciless, and so is time. 

Neither of them had families, yet they still gave their all for the world. 

“Mayor He, Chief Ling, Ah Shen and I are rarely home. If there are any difficulties, you can find Rong Sanshao or Doudou.” 

He Tianming had a cheerful attitude. “There’s no real difficulty. Compared to drifting at sea or wandering the Arctic, life is much better now.” 

He looked at Jiang Ning and smiled. “I believe that in a few years, Fengcheng will be even better.” 

Chief Ling raised his glass and drank it in one go. “Let’s borrow another 10 years from the heavens, and Old He will make sure Fengcheng’s stars shine for everyone.” 

“Don’t be humble. Without your strong support, I wouldn’t have been able to handle such a huge task.” 

Chief Ling took the initiative to toast Jiang Ning and Huo Yishen. “Come on, if it weren’t for your special salvage team, even if we had more talented people, we wouldn’t have been able to get things off the ground.” 

Well, this cycle of compliments just keeps going. 

The two hadn’t eaten, just had a couple of drinks and exchanged New Year greetings in advance. 

Before leaving, Jiang Ning took out two boxes of tea, some brown sugar, canned food, and two pairs of warm cloth shoes as New Year gifts for them. 

He Tianming sent them off. 

Back in the house, the two continued their New Year’s Eve dinner. 

After a few drinks, the alcohol started to kick in. 

Chief Ling listened to the sounds of a movie coming from the square and couldn’t help but feel a little disoriented. “Old He, do you think Jiang Ning is helping us, or are we helping her?” 

He Tianming was silent for a moment. “It’s like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, building a shared homeland together.” 

Chief Ling deeply agreed. “Do you think we can last another ten years? What will things be like then?” 

He Tianming knew his body better than anyone. “No matter how long we last, as long as we live every day steadily, even if we fall one day, there will be no regrets.” 

After leaving the government compound, they ran into people leaving the movie. Many stayed behind, chatting in small groups. 

“Happy New Year, may you always have meat to eat!” 

“May you get rich, have more kids, and more wealth!” 

The relaxed and festive greetings made it feel like the natural disasters had really passed. 

Late at night, it was cold. Jiang Ning hooked her arm through Huo Yishen’s and said something shocking. “Mr. Huo, carry me back.” 

Huo Yishen immediately squatted down. 

Jiang Ning laughed. “We’re old married couple now, and you still want to carry me?” 

“As long as I can carry you, I’ll do it until the day I close my eyes.” 

Jiang Ning didn’t let him carry her for real, as it would be a bit embarrassing in front of others, “Let’s wait until we’re home.” 

In the dark, she pulled him along quickly. “Don’t let anyone see us, watch the image.” 

Huo Yishen smiled and wrapped his arm around her as they headed home. 

Once they got home, Gu Tinglin had already returned to the next door. 

Jiang Ning went into the space to rummage through, preparing a new set of clothes for everyone, especially making Huo Yishen try on his outfit on the spot. 

Huo Yishen raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?” 

Well, as expected, he was confident enough to make the seasoned Jiang Ning blush. 

She sent the clothes for Gu Tinglin and Shu Xueqing over personally. 

The two hadn’t rested yet—one was reading, the other knitting. The peaceful scene was a reminder of how good life could be. 

Jiang Ning couldn’t help but feel a little envious and took out her phone to snap a photo. She hoped that when she got older, she and Huo Yishen could be as harmonious and loving as they were. 

The yarn was from Jiang Ning. Shu Xueqing wanted to knit a vest for Gu Tinglin. 

By the time they got home, Doudou had already returned. 

Jiang Ning asked, “Did you drop Tingting off?” 

“No, she had a date.” 

Jiang Ning paused for a moment, then realized. 

“Sister-in-law, don’t worry, Uncle Rong is now the group leader at the military department’s secretariat. No one dares to have ill intentions towards Tingting.” 

Actually, there were many men interested in Doudou, and most of them were pretty outstanding, but she really wasn’t interested. It was better to sneak away earlier. 

Jiang Ning furrowed her brows for a while before saying, “Doudou, if you meet someone who’s outstanding in every way and makes you feel moved, you can consider getting to know them slowly. But don’t rush into marriage. Time will give you the truest answer.” 

Doudou responded decisively, “Sister-in-law, I haven’t thought about it that way.” 

“Good. If you’re not planning on it, stay away from those who are interested, especially the ones Tingting likes.”