Chapter 100: The Hand of the Sun, Searching for Coal
Now, Bluestone Mine Paint shines like a beacon of hope. It illuminates the path forward not just for Shelter No. 6 but for restarting various suspended tasks.
Although the Bluestone Mine Paint granted the shelter the ability to resist harsher climates, it didn’t completely solve the heating issues for most of the residents. As a result, many people began journeys of exploration, trying to find flammable materials to stay warm during even colder days.
However, reality proved harsh. The shelter simply couldn’t supply enough resources to burn. Left with no choice, people turned their eyes outside, hoping to gather anything of use. Formerly mundane items like furniture and books had now become highly sought-after targets.
Su Ning had her constant-temperature flower, but she couldn’t stay inside forever. If she did, people would get suspicious. Weighing the pros and cons, she decided to go out and check the situation herself.
Just as she was packing, her neighbor Zhang Li heard the commotion.
Zhang Li recalled the steamed bun Su Ning had given her previously. Her heart filled with mixed emotions and gratitude. She quickly opened her door and said, “Su Ning, are you heading out?”
Su Ning nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
Seeing this, Zhang Li hurriedly added, “I actually have a stove. If your dorm is cold, you’re welcome to come warm up at my place!”
A stove was a rare and precious item now. Every resident in the shelter desperately wanted one. It could bring warmth and also cook food on top.
But with stoves came a greater demand for fuel. To survive the freezing temperatures, one had to find enough combustible material.
Facing Zhang Li’s kind offer, Su Ning politely declined, “Thank you, but I think it’s better if I go find some things myself. Oh, and be careful using the stove—especially in such an enclosed space. It can be dangerous.” After speaking, she turned and headed toward the shelter’s heavy main door.
Zhang Li watched Su Ning’s figure fade into the distance.
“Still relying only on herself, just like always…” Zhang Li admired her and secretly wished she could become someone like that.
As Su Ning stepped through the thick iron doors, a bone-chilling wind slammed into her, striking her cheeks like a whip.
At that moment, the temperature had dropped to a staggering -80°C. Under such extreme conditions, ordinary people wouldn’t even dare to step outside the shelter.
Looking at Su Ning’s outfit, at first glance she didn’t look much different from everyone else—bundled up like a puffy rice dumpling.
But only Su Ning knew the truth. Beneath her seemingly ordinary coat was something special: a mining suit used by interstellar miners. After being modified by No. 5, it was now better suited for Su Ning’s daily use.
Of course, not everyone feared the cold like Su Ning.
Not far away, Su Ning spotted someone dressed lightly—acting as if the minus-80-degree temperature meant nothing.
She looked at the man:
[Player: Dong Xingyu]
Talent: Hand of the Sun – His hands can generate high temperatures. He has a natural gift for baking bread. This also grants his body an extremely high resistance to the cold.
Skill: Flame Palm
Su Ning was a bit amazed upon seeing his abilities. “He actually has such a unique talent—‘Hand of the Sun,’ allowing him to withstand the cold.”
Dong Xingyu’s light clothing attracted the attention of others nearby too.
But he wasn’t the most eye-catching figure. Su Ning’s gaze quickly shifted to the man and woman standing next to him—and the cat that looked like a small bundle of fire by their side.
The cat was even more unusual. The tip of its orange tail flickered with real flame. Even just approaching the cat, Su Ning could feel the surrounding chill quickly recede.
She stared deeply at the bright-eyed orange feline, trying to decipher its mysterious nature.
[Monster: Little Fire Meow]
Talent: High-Temperature Skin – Can absorb and release intense heat.
Skills: Flame Jet, Frenzied Clawing
Owner: Jiang Nana
That’s right! The man and woman were none other than Kou Dingshan and Jiang Nana.
Su Ning’s gaze caught Jiang Nana’s attention. Spotting Su Ning nearby, her face lit up with surprise. She called out, “Su Ning! You’re heading out too?”
Kou Dingshan and Dong Xingyu also turned their eyes to Su Ning, bundled tightly.
Su Ning nodded in acknowledgment and looked curiously at the flaming little cat. “So this is the creature that hatched from the egg Kou Dingshan gave you? What a cute little kitty.”
Jiang Nana couldn’t hide her joy. She hugged Little Fire Meow tightly, lovingly stroking its soft fur.
She cheerfully showed it off to Su Ning. “Isn’t it just super adorable?”
But unexpectedly, the cat seemed unimpressed. With an air of arrogance, it leapt gracefully from Jiang Nana’s arms, landing firmly on the ground like a noble creature radiating an untouchable aura.
Its expression seemed to say, “Hmph! You mere mortals are not worthy of touching my regal self.”
Su Ning found the scene both funny and a bit absurd.
Jiang Nana sighed helplessly but soon smiled again and turned to Su Ning, “So, you’re heading out to gather supplies too?”
Su Ning nodded. “Exactly. Just look at what I’m wearing—it’s absolutely freezing out here. I need to find some fuel to stay warm and get through this brutal weather.”
“Haha, what a coincidence! Since our goals are the same, why don’t we go together?” Jiang Nana suggested warmly and introduced the gentle-looking man beside her.
“This is Dong Xingyu—Kou Dingshan’s close friend.”
Su Ning gave a polite smile and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Dong.”
Dong Xingyu shook her hand but nodded silently, his icy demeanor making him hard to approach. A gust of wind passed through, seemingly freezing the awkward atmosphere.
Kou Dingshan quickly stepped in to break the tension. “Since everyone’s familiar now, let’s head out together. It’s safer and easier to look after each other.”
Su Ning had originally planned to go alone, but Jiang Nana gave her a pleading look. “They’re all strong guys—come with us, please?”
Unable to refuse her sincere request, Su Ning reluctantly agreed.
Just before they set off, Kou Dingshan turned to Su Ning and said, “Hold on a bit. One more person hasn’t arrived yet. Once they’re here, we’ll leave.”
Before long, the final member arrived—and to Su Ning’s surprise, it was Zhongsun Junhao!
Zhongsun Junhao also looked surprised to see Su Ning.
Kou Dingshan, puzzled, asked, “Do you two know each other?”
Su Ning replied, “Not really. I’ve just bought something from his stall before.”
Zhongsun Junhao didn’t refute her words, and Kou Dingshan didn’t pry further.
Then, Kou Dingshan raised his hand. “Now that everyone’s here, let’s go.”
Su Ning was about to ask where they were going when Jiang Nana leaned over and whispered, “Kou Dingshan’s family used to own a subsidiary company that transported coal. We’re heading there to see if there’s still any left.”
The five of them journeyed on foot, as the extreme weather had rendered all vehicles unusable.
By the time they stepped out of the shelter, it was noon. The blizzard that had raged nonstop finally came to an abrupt stop.
Looking around, the entire world was blanketed in a thick layer of white—like a fairy tale frozen in time.
Everyone was in awe at the breathtaking beauty before them.
Jiang Nana sighed, “If this disaster hadn’t happened, such stunning scenery would’ve made headlines around the world.”
Su Ning took a shovel from her back, ready to clear the mountainous snowdrifts ahead. But Jiang Nana and Kou Dingshan quickly stopped her.
Su Ning, puzzled, was about to ask why when she saw Dong Xingyu place his palms gently on the snow.
In an instant, something miraculous happened—the ice-hard snow rapidly melted in his hands.
Dong Xingyu turned his head slightly and, with the same emotionless expression, said coldly, “This way is faster and more efficient.”
And with that, he fell silent again.
(End of Chapter)
