Men often convey their emotions in ways distinct from women. As Nadia and Jasmine chose to remain outside, Levi ventured inside to confer with them. He did not delve into specifics, merely indicating that he had visited the opulent Fengcheng Hotel. The dire conditions at the shelter prompted Levi to propose a transition to the more refined SOHO Community. "We’re residing in a spacious three-bedroom, two-living-room apartment next door to Nadia. For the time being, why don’t you join us? We’ll sort out the details later." Nadia guided Jasmine to the window at the end of the corridor, their breath mingling in the cool air as they contemplated their next steps. "What are your intentions?" she inquired softly. Jasmine, though inclined to savor her solitude, understood that these times demanded solidarity. Without Nadia’s support, she and Levi would remain ensnared in the squalor of the shelter."Levi is quite tender-hearted. He relies on you and Caleb as his closest friends. Everyone endures trials; the floodwaters will recede in time. Let him stay with us for now," Jasmine suggested with unwavering resolve. Their home was well-stocked with provisions, sufficient to sustain them for two or three months. Should the need arise, alternative solutions could be sought. Jasmine, known for her pragmatic outlook, refused to overcomplicate matters. She remained steadfast in her belief that equilibrium would soon return to the world. While the two chatted by the window, Levi and Caleb emerged from their room. Caleb approached them with a forced smile. "Jasmine, sorry for the trouble." Jasmine gave him a playful smack on the shoulder. "We’re friends. Just treat us to a nice meal when the flood is over." They left by inflatable boat, and Nadia handed a packet of biscuits to Caleb. He thanked her and tore open the package, eating greedily, his eyes misty.Levi contributed the last of the rice balls. "Sorry for causing trouble." "There’s no need for apologies. Things were even more chaotic for me in my previous life. The apocalypse hasn’t made anything easier." Back at the SOHO Community, everyone was utterly exhausted. Nadia unloaded the two pounds of rice and other items she had bought from the supermarket. "Caleb, don’t say I’m taking advantage of the situation. When the floodwaters recede, you owe me double. And make sure you increase my commission by 1% for future orders." Her words were tinged with a familiar, joking tone, showing no hint of disdain for him. Caleb sighed in relief. "I’ll give you a 2% commission." "And what about me?" Levi protested. "You’ll have to cover our tea expenses for a year." "Consider it done." After changing into her pajamas and slipping beneath the covers, Nadia lay on her bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. Unlike Levi and Jasmine, Caleb, who managed the intricacies of business with remarkable acumen, possessed a keen perceptiveness. Nadia knew she must guard her private sanctuary with utmost discretion, ensuring no secrets escaped. For the next two days, the outside world remained a distant memory. Nadia immersed herself in reading and organizing, though her back protested the exertion. She meticulously arranged the supermarket supplies, stacking them high until they almost reached the ceiling. With a sense of completion, she locked the large room and concealed the key within her hidden space. During this period, Jasmine made a solitary visit. As they conversed, Nadia inquired about Caleb. "How is he faring now?" Jasmine’s face reflected her concern. "He scarcely speaks, spending most of his time in seclusion, lost in sleep. I worry that the hurt from that woman has deeply wounded him. Given the current hardships, do you think he might be utterly shattered?"Nadia, rummaging through a cabinet, pulled out a bottle of fine white liquor. "He always withdraws like this after a breakup," she said. "This bottle was a gift from when I engaged him for a business matter. His company sent it as a token of appreciation. I took it for him. If he drinks it, it might help him find some solace." Men often need a way to channel their emotions. Despite his orphaned past, Caleb’s tough upbringing had forged a resilience within him that few could match. Jasmine accepted the liquor, though her worry remained palpable. "The typhoon has long since passed, yet the rain shows no sign of relenting." Not only did it not stop, but the water levels continued to rise, creating a suffocating sense of dread. "Who knows?" Nadia mused. "It could end up reaching the 18th floor." Jasmine shuddered at the thought. The next morning, after a lie-in, their door was knocked on. Jasmine came to summon them. "Caleb drank an entire bottle of white liquor last night. He’s been completely wasted. This morning, he’s finally come back to life and wants to discuss something." After changing clothes and shaving, Caleb appeared much more presentable. He looked at everyone with a serious expression. "I believe the apocalypse has arrived." Nadia’s heart skipped a beat, and she turned to him. "Don’t you find it all very unusual?" Caleb began analyzing. "This unprecedented typhoon, the rain falling as if the heavens were leaking." "I heard a lot of news in the shelter. The government has been working around the clock to retrieve supplies from wholesale markets. The bread and rice balls we’ve been eating are made from those grains. Even if our country stopped farming, we have enough stored grains to last for two years. Why are they fishing out spoiled grains from the water for us to eat? And only providing us with enough for three meals a day, while the rest is being dried and stored."Levi was surprised. "With the constant heavy rain, it’s impossible to transport food." "Don’t underestimate the power of the state," Caleb said with conviction. "If it were just the southern coastal regions affected, the national aid would have arrived by now. Unless…" This was a nationwide, even global disaster. Before the internet went down, Caleb had been keeping up with news and forum posts. Many other regions were also affected. A simultaneous global catastrophe could only mean one thing: the apocalypse. Even if the floodwaters receded, normalcy wouldn’t return quickly. This was why the government was urgently retrieving and storing supplies. Jasmine and Levi were now feeling uneasy. "Many people are already out scavenging. Shouldn’t we try our luck?" Caleb turned to Nadia. "Nadia, what do you think?""The water is too deep. Even professional divers struggle. Ordinary people without equipment have no chance," Nadia firmly declined. "Even if we got lucky and found something, it might be too difficult to bring it back. We should consider other strategies." "But the malls have been cleaned out. There’s nothing left for us." Nadia suggested, "We don’t necessarily need to find food. As long as we have something that others don’t, we can trade it for food later." Levi understood the idea of beating others to the punch. But what should they look for? "Medicines," Caleb suggested. "Everyone’s searching the malls and underwater. We should try office buildings." Office buildings typically had few supplies. Levi shook his head. "Our unit alone had people sweeping office buildings yesterday. The ones in the city center are nearly emptied." "My company’s office building is quite remote. The river networks in that area are complex. Given the current water level, even with an inflatable boat, it would be impossible to reach. Some people, even with motorboats, lack fuel. So they’re stuck circling the city center." Nadia agreed. "Both Caleb and I are familiar with the area. We could try our luck. If we find medicines for his company, it will make our lives much easier." The office building wasn’t a warehouse, but it had an exhibition hall. While the amount of medicine might not be large, it would be a significant find for a small group. Moreover, there seemed to be more than one pharmaceutical company in that building. Even with their advance stockpile, it was only worth fifty thousand. Medicine was always in demand, and in critical times, even a single pill could save a life! So they needed to act fast before others caught on. After discussing, Jasmine and Levi became anxious. "Should we consult with 1801? He has a motorboat."