章節 162: Flowing Snow

"That's odd," Yasushi muttered as he peered out the window, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"What's odd?" Jingliu asked, her voice muffled as she adjusted her clothes and combed her hair.

"It's snowing already. We've still got a few weeks before winter's supposed to start, but look — it's snowing now. This isn't normal; it's never happened like this before," Yasushi said, his tone laced with disbelief. Jingliu's curiosity piqued, and she moved to stand next to him, her eyes widening as she took in the unexpected sight.

"Could it be related to climate change?" Jingliu suggested, her voice trailing off in contemplation.

"I'm not sure. Ginsukimura usually seems unaffected by such changes due to its unusual weather — eight months of winter and just four months of summer. Maybe the news will have some insight on this. Let's go and turn on the TV in the dining room," Yasushi responded. They hurriedly dressed and made their way out, the unusual weather still lingering in their thoughts.

+-+

As they settled at the table for breakfast, Yasushi and Jingliu turned on the wall-mounted TV, and the news flickered to life. The screen immediately displayed reports about the unexpected snow that had blanketed the city overnight.

"It's an unusual event," the news anchor announced with a touch of anxiety in her voice. "Since the city's founding many years ago, there has never been an instance of snow arriving this early. Traditionally, winter has always commenced on a specific date, but this year, things have changed. Is this a consequence of climate change, or could it be that we have somehow displeased the Goddess Hakufubuki?"

Jingliu and Yasushi exchanged glances as they chewed, the gravity of the situation settling in. Their conversation turned to theories and possibilities, each one more speculative than the last. Yasushi's expression grew more serious with each passing moment.

"This is definitely going to be the main topic of conversation at school for the next few days," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "If this winter is going to be particularly harsh, we should consider stocking up on supplies. What do you think?" He glanced around at Jingliu, Yinhaie, Layena, and Yunxue, each of them contemplating the implications of the sudden weather change.

"Well," Yasushi began, his voice steady as he looked around the table, "sitting here and pondering over something with no clear answers isn't going to change anything. We can theorize and discuss this more once we're at school, but for now, let's set it aside. I know you're eager to dive into this, so…" He paused and turned his gaze toward Yinhaie.

Yinhaie met his eyes and nodded in agreement. "I appreciate you giving us the go-ahead. We're also quite curious about this sudden change. Earlier, when I saw the news on my room's TV, I did a quick search online. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything particularly enlightening," she replied, her tone reflecting both curiosity and mild frustration.

Yasushi gave a thoughtful nod. "We'll wait and see what you uncover, but for now, let's get moving." With that, they allowed the TV to play softly in the background as they finished their breakfast. Afterward, they prepared to head out to school, the unusual weather still fresh in their minds.

+-+

"So, about this snow," Furuya said, standing beside Yasushi as Yasushi leaned back in his chair. The classroom was still relatively empty at this early hour, with only a few students trickling in. Yasushi's group of friends had gathered around his desk, sharing their thoughts on the unusual weather.

"Yeah, it's definitely the buzz of the city right now. Any theories from you guys?" Yasushi asked, glancing around at his friends. Bhaqui and Alicia had also come in early and joined the conversation.

Furuya, clearly excited, jumped in with enthusiasm. "Maybe the Goddess Hakufubuki is furious with everyone and is now trying to blanket all of Japan with her snow and ice!" His dramatic suggestion left the rest of the group looking somewhat puzzled and unsure.

"Why are you so excited about that?" Reina asked, raising an eyebrow and directing a skeptical look at Furuya's animated response.

Catherine, sitting nearby, sighed and gave Furuya a gentle pinch on the ear. "He's been absorbed in a manga about a world entirely covered in ice, filled with epic battles and all the classic shonen elements. That's why he's so pumped about this. Though, I have to admit, the coincidence is a bit uncanny," she said, her voice a blend of amusement and mild exasperation.

Xinyi nudged Furuya gently with her elbow and said, "Keep your shonen fantasies to yourself!" The light jab made Furuya wince and mutter to himself in irritation. "I'm more inclined to think it's climate change at work. Perhaps this unusual weather in Ginsukimura is finally returning to something more standard?"

Yasushi looked up from his seat, his expression curious. "Why would that be? I want to understand why it was like this in the first place and why we're seeing a change now."

Laura, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. "Who knows? Maybe once this news reaches a wider audience, more scientists will get involved. It has been quite a while since we've seen such changes." She turned her gaze to the window and continued, "Even the ice caps are melting. It wouldn't be surprising if the weather here starts to change permanently after being stable for so long."

Furuya muttered under his breath, "Those damn ice witches," only to be poked sharply by both Catherine and Xinyi. His yelp of surprise drew a few chuckles from the group.

Their group continued to explore the topic, with other students joining in and adding their own thoughts. The discussion grew lively as various theories and speculations were exchanged. This ongoing conversation carried on until the start of homeroom, when Senbarisu entered the classroom.

As the students settled into their seats, Senbarisu addressed the unusual snowfall directly. She informed the class that the phenomenon had caught everyone's attention, but she also issued a cautionary note. "We don't know what to expect in the days ahead," she said. "It's important to stay alert and be prepared for any potential changes or disruptions that might come with this unexpected weather." The room quieted as her words were absorbed, the earlier excitement shifting to a more thoughtful concern.

"Anyway, let's get the day underway," Senbarisu said, looking at the students. "You're seniors now, and there's a lot on your plate." She continued with the usual routine of roll call and shared various updates about the school.

After finishing the announcements, she added, "The city's mayor might make a statement about the snowfall during lunch, so keep an ear out for any news." The students listened closely, aware that more information about the unusual weather might come soon.

+-+

Time passed smoothly, and before long, lunchtime arrived. Students went about their usual routines, but there was an air of anticipation as everyone awaited news from the mayor. Many had their phones at the ready, and several headed to rooms equipped with televisions to catch the latest updates. The school buzzed with a subtle tension, heightened by the unexpected weather that had everyone on edge.

Yasushi's group gathered around his table, phones in hand, eagerly waiting for any news. After a brief wait of five minutes, Xinyi announced, "It's on YouTube; they're livestreaming the mayor's speech from the town hall." The group quickly accessed the app on their phones and tuned into the livestream, their attention fully focused on the unfolding event.

Natsuki Mori, the current city mayor stepped up to the podium, her figure sharply outlined by the afternoon light. She faced the camera directly, her expression serious and clear.

"Good afternoon, Ginsukimura," she began, her voice steady. "I'm here to discuss the early snowfall we're experiencing this year. It has arrived a full week before we usually expect it."

She scanned her notes briefly before continuing. "Our response has been swift. We've already deployed snowplows and salt trucks across the town to keep the roads clear. Emergency teams are ready and on standby to handle any urgent situations that may come up."

Natsuki's face was serious as she outlined the potential problems. "This early snow brings several risks. The roads are likely to become icy and hazardous. Visibility may decrease quickly, making travel dangerous. We strongly recommend limiting your trips to only essential travel. If you must drive, please ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires and that you drive carefully."

She took a moment to let her words sink in. "We are also opening additional warming centers around Ginsukimura. These centers will provide a safe place for those who are without adequate heating. If you or anyone you know is in need of assistance, please visit one of these centers or contact local authorities for help."

Her tone was firm and reassuring. "We've managed unexpected challenges before, and we will tackle this early snowfall with the same level of preparation and resilience."

Natsuki Mori took a breath, her expression steady as she continued.

"Our teams are actively inspecting and reinforcing critical infrastructure to prevent any disruptions. We are also increasing patrols to monitor the roads and assist drivers in trouble. The town's power grid is under close watch to ensure it can handle the increased demand during this early winter period."

She looked directly into the camera. "Our outreach program is reaching out to vulnerable populations to ensure they have the resources and support they need. We are coordinating with local shelters and charities to provide additional assistance and ensure no one is left without help."

Natsuki's tone was firm but encouraging. "We understand this early snowfall requires extra effort from everyone. Your cooperation and vigilance will be key in managing this situation effectively. We are all in this together, and I trust in our collective strength to overcome these challenges."

She offered a final, reassuring look. "Together, we'll navigate this early winter with the same resilience and community spirit that defines Ginsukimura. Thank you, and please stay safe."

As the livestream concluded and the mayor's speech came to an end, a silence settled over the room where Yasushi and his friends were gathered. The quiet was noticeable, with everyone absorbing the information they had just heard. The Chinese students were particularly impressed, having only recently arrived and not yet familiar with the mayor's reputation. They had known the current mayor was trustworthy, but they hadn't anticipated her to be so well-informed and prepared, which made a notable impression on them.

Furuya, sensing the growing tension, attempted to lighten the mood. "I guess we won't need to worry too much, right?" he said, trying to ease the unease.

Bhaqui responded with a more cautious tone, "Words are just words; actions will tell us more. We'll see how things unfold. As many of you have mentioned, this is an unusual situation, so it's wise to take it one day at a time to ensure nothing goes wrong. There could be a bigger snowstorm tomorrow, or the weather might return to normal; it's hard to say at this point."

Alicia nodded in agreement, adding, "Even though we're new to the city, it's better to be cautious than to rely solely on what others tell us. I'd suggest stocking up on food and other essentials just in case things take a turn for the worse."

"I was actually thinking about that," Xinyi said, her fingers flying over her phone's screen as she began texting. She glanced up at Reina, Furuya, and Laura. "Do you guys need help? I'm more than willing to help out. How does 145,000 yen in food sound?"

Furuya's eyes widened in disbelief. "T-t-that's way too much! What the hell!?" he exclaimed, clearly taken aback by her offer. He had anticipated some help, but this level of generosity was far beyond what he expected.

Xinyi frowned slightly, her expression serious. "We can't predict what will happen, so it's crucial to be prepared for anything," she said firmly.

Catherine, observing Furuya's stunned reaction, interjected with an explanation. "That amount is barely 1% of what Lady Xinyi has in her personal accounts. It doesn't even include the accounts managed by her family. This is just from her own personal funds."

Yasushi, taking in the conversation, added, "I've got money as well. If you guys need any help, I'm ready to pitch in." He looked over at Laura and Reina, offering his support.

Jingliu, standing beside Yasushi, nodded in agreement. "I'll help out too," she said, her attention drawn to the window. She noticed the snow beginning to fall more heavily. "It doesn't seem like an outlandish idea; it looks like a blizzard might be setting in." Her observation caught the attention of everyone else in the room. They turned to the window and saw that the snow had indeed intensified, swirling more furiously outside.

Yasushi, peering through the window with a concerned expression, remarked, "Let's just hope this is nothing more than a colder winter than usual." His eyes narrowed as he watched the snow accumulate, reflecting on the uncertainty of what the weather might bring.