Chapter 6: The Fuck Did You Drink Fake Alcohol?

Xiao Qiang spoke again, his voice heavier this time: “When war breaks out, it’s always the ordinary people who suffer the most. There’ll be refugees everywhere—no one will care about us. I’m still over 400 kilometers from home, but I’ll get back as fast as I can. Do exactly what I told you—don’t cut corners. When you buy supplies, call your relatives or friends back home to warn them. We’ve done our part. If they don’t listen, that’s on them. I’ll call the old院长 myself in a bit. Right now, go ahead and stock up—before everything gets snapped up. If my phone goes dead, don’t panic. I’ll make it back. Just stay put at the orphanage, lock the gates tight.”

He hung up.

On the other end, the elderly couple sat frozen, mouths moving but no words coming out. The man finally lit a cigarette, took two puffs, then sighed. “Do what Qiang said. Hope he’s not being fooled.” He got up, went to the small room, pulled out the money hidden under the bed—over 40,000 yuan—and handed 10,000 to his wife. Then they both dressed and stepped outside.

Next door to Xiao Qiang’s house was the orphanage—a renovation project funded years ago by kind-hearted donors. It covered about 800 square meters: a two-story building with a basement. Inside, there were playground equipment for kids and a small vegetable patch. The head of the orphanage was Li Yun, a woman in her sixties, alone in the world with no children of her own. Over the years, she’d raised dozens of orphans. Many had grown up, found jobs, some even in their thirties now. With government aid and donations from generous souls, they barely kept the place running.

When Xiao Qiang was young, he often played here with the other kids. These children had no parents, and were constantly bullied by local kids. That meant Xiao Qiang spent a lot of time fighting—protecting them. Gradually, everyone learned to fear him. The orphanage became his territory. Whenever there was heavy work—cleaning, repairs—he’d step in without being asked. The old lady never had to worry. The younger kids adored him. Being an only child, Xiao Qiang loved hanging out with them too. His parents liked the kids as well. Over time, the family and the orphanage grew close—like one big family.

After twenty seconds of dial tone, the call connected.
“Qiang? It’s late—what’s going on?” Her voice was groggy, half-asleep.
“Li Mama,” Xiao Qiang said quickly, “there’s war breaking out in White Eagle Country. Looks serious. Might affect us. I just called my parents. You need to prepare too.”
Li Mama blinked, stunned. She stared into space, trying to process it.
“Don’t panic, Li Mama,” Xiao Qiang continued. “Maybe it won’t reach us. But better safe than sorry. Get the older kids to move their beds down to the basement. I’ve already sent my parents to stock up. They’re storing everything in the basement. Let’s wait and see how things unfold. I remember there’s some wire mesh in the storage closet. My dad’s heading over soon—can you have him hang it around the walls?”

“Wait—Qiang, are you sure this isn’t some prank?” Li Mama sounded alarmed.
“I’m not the type to be fooled,” Xiao Qiang said calmly. “If anyone’s gonna trick someone, it’s me. Whether this is real or not, we need to be ready. With so many kids, if something happens, we can’t afford chaos.”
“Well… okay. I’ll do it. Where are you? When will you be back?”
Xiao Qiang paused. “I’ve got a job out of town—farther than expected. I’ll come back as fast as I can. Stay put at the orphanage. And remember—no outsiders allowed before I return.”

Li Mama understood. A woman raising so many kids alone knew all too well the harshness of the world—the betrayal, the danger, the lies. She nodded. “I know. Be careful out there. Don’t get into trouble.”
“Got it, Mama. I’ve got more calls to make. Gotta go.”

He hung up.

Back in the Iron Group chat, Xiao Qiang immediately shared the news video—then spammed it nonstop:
**"Wake up! Stock up! War’s started. Avoid crowded places at all costs."**

Within a minute, replies flooded in:

~ Cat Lover (Male): Bro, did you drink fake liquor? You’re hallucinating.
~ Little Rascal (Female): Bro, today ain’t April Fool’s Day. Love you.
~ What Are You Staring At (Female): If it’s real, I’m joining the army. Gonna be a general.
~ Endless Longing (Male): Bro, when’d you switch majors? That video’s *too* realistic.
~ Little Wife (Male): Dude, you ruined my beauty sleep. Can’t fall asleep now. I’ll keep you company.
~ Big Toe Scratcher (Female): I could keep you company too. Mwah~.

Xiao Qiang didn’t have time to roast them. He shot back:
“Anyone not online—call your people. I’m short on time. My family’s already prepping. I’m on my way home. Guys—don’t say I didn’t warn you. Pay attention.”

He thought for a second, then dialed the number with the most call history. Ring. Ring. Then silence—cut off.
Damn it. Won’t even answer? He tried again. This time, it picked up.
“Didn’t I tell you not to call me?” came the sharp reply.
“Cut the crap,” Xiao Qiang snapped. “Five seconds. Then I’m off. White Eagle Country’s at war. Tell your family to stock up. Head to the nearest civil defense shelter. Keep your brother off the streets. Done.”
Click. He hung up without waiting for a response.

Pocketing his phone, he stepped out of the car and rushed into a 24-hour supermarket. He grabbed eight cases of bottled water, two boxes of salt, one box of sugar, assorted candies, cookies, snacks—everything he could carry. The cashier stared, dumbfounded. Was this guy fleeing a disaster? He was a law-abiding citizen—almost considered calling the cops. But then Xiao Qiang stood right in front of her.
“Card payment. Hey, sweetheart—help me load this? It’s a lot. For the kids at the orphanage.”
The cashier’s heart melted. She helped him shove everything into the trunk and backseat until it was packed to the brim.

Back in the car, it was past 4 a.m. A private gas station glowed with light. He pulled in, filled the tank, then reached into his pocket and pulled out two packs of red-and-white wedding cigarettes—gifts from friends during funerals. He motioned to the attendant.
“Hey, buddy—can you help me get some private fuel? Got any connections?”
The attendant glanced at him. “We’re a legal station. No such thing here.”
Xiao Qiang flashed a grin, shoved the cigarettes into the man’s pocket. “Come on. Help a brother out.”
The attendant raised an eyebrow. “You’re in the know.”
“Exactly,” Xiao Qiang said smoothly. “I drive rideshare. Need long-distance fuel. My group has a few guys with private supply lines—but they’re all asleep. Can you help me find a way?”