RIACMET chapter 197

 

On July 18, the daytime temperature reached 60 degrees Celsius, prompting the central radio to broadcast nationwide that the extreme heat had officially arrived.

At temperatures at which proteins begin to denature, the base’s general protection measures were already in place.

Similar to the extreme cold period, the base implemented area management again. Thanks to their experience with the cold wave, it was easy to resume normal operations.

People didn’t go out during the day and only went out at night based on their situation. Those who didn’t follow orders did so at their own risk.

People with superpowers were grouped into teams responsible for distributing water and supplies daily or taking turns patrolling with security.

Even individuals with supernatural abilities that made them resistant to heat or cold could easily become dehydrated if they stayed outside in weather like this for too long.

For this reason, superpowered individuals were more active in the base’s temporary rescue efforts than during the cold wave, since they could earn supplies or points with little risk.

Even so, the ever-rising temperatures resulted in daily deaths, and hospitals were overcrowded.

Though the temperature continued to rise, after reaching 60 degrees, the rate of increase slowed slightly. Based on current data, experts predicted:

The hottest period would be from mid-August to mid-September, with temperatures fluctuating between 67 and 72 degrees. It would gradually fall beginning in October, returning to normal by the end of the month.

This matched the trend Jiang Nian remembered from his past life.

Outside, it felt like teppanyaki[mfn]Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き) is a style of Japanese cuisine that involves cooking food on a large, flat iron griddle called a “teppan” (鉄板).[/mfn]. Inside, it felt like a steamer. There was no way around it—everything felt like it was boiling.

“…”

The extreme drought and heat made spontaneous combustion more likely. Fire prevention became the top priority at the base, and security patrols increased significantly, both day and night.

Fortunately, no matter how hot it got during the day, the temperature dropped by over ten degrees at night.

For example, after experiencing temperatures above 60 degrees during the day, a temperature of 50 degrees at night felt much more comfortable.

So, even though indoor temperatures were slightly cooler, many people still chose to go out at night to get some fresh air after they got used to it—which also helped conserve electricity.

Jiang Nian believed that humans who could survive extreme cold and heat without superpowers were truly evolved beings.

Meanwhile, Cheng Jing and Yang Kai were in charge of managing and allocating the unofficial superpowered recruits, both temporary and permanent.

The two brothers divided the recruits into small groups based on the situation at hand.

Each team had 10 members and was led by someone from Team 017 or a designated leader from the group.

There were a total of 50 teams. Team members were randomly selected by drawing lots—except for Jiang Nian’s team, which included four pairs of heterosexual couples and Tang Ji, who was handpicked by Cheng Jing.

Huang Qian and the others were fed up with their eldest brother’s blatant “smuggling” behavior.

But Cheng Jing asked Jiang Nian directly in front of everyone:

“Niannian, do you not like the way I arranged it?”

Everyone: “… ” Who would dare say no when asked like that?

Jiang Nian saw through his thoughts and immediately nodded with a smile.

“Of course I like it! With Tang Ji nearby, it’s easier for me to shine.”

Even if it was a bit sneaky, Brother Jing was clearly worried that he wouldn’t be able to control the arrogant, superpowered types. With Tang Ji there, though, he didn’t have to worry.

Since the others were couples, it would help avoid a lot of awkward or unnecessary drama, especially since Jiang Nian had become even more of a handful lately.

Satisfied with the answer, Cheng Jing glanced at the others, who were “jealous.”

Everyone: “… ”

Tang Ji had officially been recruited by South City Base as an internal staff member. He worked with Chu Yi to maintain Laboratory Building No. 3 daily and occasionally assisted with blood sampling and other tasks.

The work was easy but monotonous. When Cheng Jing consulted Minister Wang and asked for his opinion, Tang Ji agreed immediately, much to Chu Yi’s envy.

The couples who were recruited together thanked Captain Cheng, knowing that their seemingly gentle and kind captain was actually the Captain’s Wife.

Superpowers were considered a bonus, and it was made clear from the beginning that they weren’t to be used under normal circumstances. That curbed most people’s curiosity.

Just from watching the two of them interact, it was clear that they were an unstoppable pair.

“…”

Once the teams were assigned, the Holy Body of the Ox and Horse got to work.

At first, Jiang Nian’s teammates thought he was easygoing, just as he appeared, and worried that unreasonable people might slow them down.

But they soon saw that he didn’t just talk; he used his hands, too.

He silenced anyone who tried to make him feel guilty, beat up anyone who tried to steal supplies from their teammates, and accused them of meddling. He left them with black eyes and swollen faces.

Then, he reported their names and details. If they acted up again, they would be sent off to haul bricks and build walls.

Those who used guilt trips shut up, the troublemakers straightened up, and everyone’s concerns vanished.

A week passed like this, and out of all 50 teams, their group operated the most smoothly.

As long as the survivors cooperated, the captain was friendly and easy to talk to. He even handed out candy. But when they didn’t cooperate? The captain didn’t hesitate to escalate the situation, from arguing to pulling out a gun.

Tang Ji noticed that, without Cheng Jing’s usual control, Jiang Nian seemed mentally…a little “unhinged.”

…

On his day off, he went to his parents’ house to eat and drink.

Jiang Nian had just received the new weekly schedule and was calling each team member to inform them. Then he edited the message and sent it to the group chat.

This week, it was their team’s turn to deliver supplies to the dorms where volunteers were building the outer wall of the base, which was now part of its outer defense zone.

They coordinated with the logistics staff to pack and deliver the items.

They only had to complete the task between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., and they could arrange breaks during that time.

After 7 p.m., they would be responsible for patrolling along a set route during the first half of the night and would get off duty around 1 a.m.

Each task had different hours and no fixed route, which was also a measure to prevent anyone from planning trouble.

Jiang Nian suddenly remembered the people he’d once caught in the church. He wondered how their “reformation” was going.

“…”

“Niannian, are you done with work? Have a bowl of jelly first. We’ll have noodles in broth for lunch. I’ve noticed lately that you haven’t been eating much.”

Madam Cheng brought out a bowl of brown sugar syrup-mixed jelly and placed it on the coffee table. Jiang Nian, who was coordinating shift schedules with his team, looked up and smiled.

“Thanks, Mom. It’s too hot around the stove. Just make something simple.”

As he spoke, he put down his phone and took a sip. It was cool and refreshing as it melted in his mouth.

Madam Cheng looked at him fondly and said,

“It’s fine. We’re doing much better than the other districts. You’re working so hard, so just tell us what you want to eat. Don’t hold back. In weather like this, your body loses energy quickly. You can’t afford to burn out.”

They had generators, batteries, and power from the base. The air conditioners and fans were running at home. As long as they stayed inside, they didn’t feel the scorching heat. They were really lucky.

Jiang Nian responded sweetly:

“All right, you and Dad can make whatever you want to eat every day.”

This was what home truly tasted like.

His parents no longer went out. They were in charge of preparing meals and drinks for the three office workers every day. They didn’t need help, but they were still worried about their kids’ poor appetite, so they got creative with the cooking.

Jiang Nian felt lucky, even in his dreams. Hoarding supplies was a joy—even casually picking up a random item could be surprising. That jelly, for example, was just something he’d grabbed without thinking.

Madam Cheng smiled with her eyes half-closed, then turned and walked into the kitchen.

Just as Jiang Nian finished his bowl of jelly, he heard the sound of a key turning in the door. A wave of hot air rushed in, and Cheng Jing stepped inside.