While Grandfather managed the auctions, Lián Xīng focused on getting things ready.

  When she was at home making calls, things were easier because she could keep a watch on them. Summer had just started, so they wouldn’t be going back to school anytime soon.

  First things first, the villa needed to be fortified. Lián Xīng could reach out to those contacts at home without having to go out.

  She contracted with a company who could get the work done within the a month deadline.

  Replacing all the windows and doors with their strongest alternatives. Heightening the walls surrounding the estate and adding a electric field on top to deter the infected and looters.

  A separate team would install a state-of-the-art solar panel system on the roofs of the villa that would support the whole estate’s electricity. Another team would install a water collection and filtration system connected to the well on the property. A surveillance system would be installed to keep an eye on every corner of the estate and outside its walls. It would be on its internal network, so when the outside Internet went down, it would still be of use.

  “What are you doing?” Huáng Mùchén showed up at Lián Xīng’s elbow, having become curious from her working in their playroom in a corner so she could keep an eye on them.

  “I am making sure our family is prepared for whatever happens. It’s better safe than sorry.”

  Huáng Mùchén looked at her with his dark eyes. “I know something else is going on. Grandpa wouldn’t be selling his treasures unless…” He pursed his lips and furrowed his brow.

  “You are right; something big is going to happen, but I’m doing all I can to make sure you, your sister, and Grandpa are safe.”

  “Ok.” Huáng Mùchén nodded, “You’ll tell us though, right?”

  Lián Xīng spoke, nodding herself, “I will, when certain events happen.” Looking over at Huáng Měi Lán, “On that note, how do you feel about selling your old house and living here permanently?”

  Huáng Měi Lán perked up and came forward, “Could we decorate our rooms here?”

  “Of course, any way you’d like. We could make a shopping trip out of it.”

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  With both of the kids on board, Lián Xīng called their solicitor and got the ball rolling for the property and stocks to be sold.

  “Mr Chen Jiehong, please make a spending account for the twins with half the proceeds.” She winked at the kiddos. “I want them to be able to spend as much as they like.”

  “Are you sure that’s wise?” His cold voice spoke from the call.

  “Yes, do not question me on this.”

  “Of course, Miss Lián Xīng. They should be able to access the currency by the end of this week.”

  “Excellent. Thank you, Mr Chen Jiehong.”

  By the time the children got their expense cards, four warehouses with refrigeration units were built on the estate lands. Two warehouses already filled with grains, non-perishables, essential supplies, and freezer items that would last the longest.

  On the weekend, Lián Xīng and Grandfather Lián Liwei took the twins shopping at a local mall that was known for some more old-fashioned wares (not as technologically advanced).

  “By whatever you want with only restriction it can’t take up too much electricity. I would suggest the old-fashioned games aisle. Pick up any books you want, and puzzles and boardgames.” Looking to her grandfather, “Could you watch them now and then we can switch? We can meet back at the food court in two hours.”

  He nodded as the kids took his hands and pulled him toward the shops that beckoned them.

  Lián Xīng decided she would go to the bookstore first. Waiting for one of the attendants to be available, which didn’t take long since they had automated kiosks as well.

  “How can I help you, Miss?”

  “I was wondering if you could ship purchases.”

  “As long as they are within the country and are over 10 books.”

  She nodded at the young man. “I will have far more than that; where can I set them?”

  “I can place them here at my kiosk until you are ready to check out.”

  “Thank you.”

  Heading to the non-fiction first, Lián Xīng got anything that even remotely sounded helpful.

  Agriculture, Foraging, Field Guides for Wilderness Survival, detailed maps of the country, books on Self Sufficiency, Off the Grid manuals, Homemakers, Irrigation, Farming, etc. She made multiple trips to the helper’s kiosk, his eyes widening at how much she was going to buy. Checking her brace, she still had an hour left, so she went to the Fiction aisles. She didn’t bother reading the backs, she picked up anything that remotely tickled her fancy.

  The young clerk who had been checking out after the first ten looked at the new mound.

  “I need to meet someone at the food court. I will be back. Will that be alright?”

  He nodded, still stunned by how much she was buying. “Will you be purchasing more, Miss?”

  “Yes.” Before she turned on her heel and went to meet the kiddos and Grandfather. After eating some corn dogs, pizza, and ice cream, they all went back to the bookstore together. The kids raced each other to the kids’ area that didn’t just have books but also puzzles and board games.

  The young clerk nearly groaned at how much he would have to scan, but at least this would be the biggest sale of his career.