The next day, one day before the typhoon predicted by Gu Jianing was supposed to arrive.
Zhao Hongxing had monitored that the tropical pressure was gradually intensifying, but it was still just tropical depression.
However, Zhao Hongxing noticed that the sea surface temperature was rising rapidly, now reaching a full 20 degrees Celsius.
Zhao Hongxing knew that high temperatures were one of the factors contributing to the formation of a strong typhoon.
But for a severe typhoon to form quickly, other conditions were also necessary.
At present, those remained unknown.
Meanwhile, Lin Chushi, who had learned that the latest monitoring still only showed tropical depression, was initially skeptical.
But now, he felt even more confident.
Over on Huansha Island, the islanders woke up and prepared to go out to sea as usual.
But they were stopped by the military.
They were told that a severe typhoon might arrive the next day.
The islanders were forbidden from going out to sea, and some were required to evacuate their homes and relocate to safer areas.
“What? A severe typhoon might be coming? That’s no small matter—we need to leave quickly!”
Some of the older residents still remembered the severe typhoon from decades ago.
They had told their children and grandchildren about it, so the people of Huansha Island knew just how devastating a severe typhoon could be for them.
If they were prepared in advance, the damage could be mitigated. But if not, the casualties and losses would be nearly catastrophic.
So when they heard that a typhoon might arrive—and as soon as the next day—the islanders panicked.
They hurriedly cooperated with the military’s evacuation orders.
However, as the evacuation began, whispers started spreading quietly among the islanders.
“Hey, did you know? This ‘severe typhoon’ the military is talking about wasn’t predicted by their meteorological department—it was some female doctor who said it.”
“What? A female doctor said it? What does she know?”
“That female doctor—you might know her. She’s that famous deputy director from the county hospital, Dr. Gu.”
“Apparently, the day before yesterday, when the meteorological department hadn’t detected any signs of a typhoon, she said a severe typhoon would arrive in three days.”
“Tell me, can anyone really predict a typhoon three days in advance? And so confidently call it a ‘severe’ typhoon?”
“But the military’s meteorological department only detected tropical depression yesterday, and even now, it’s still just tropical depression.”
“Maybe this so-called ‘severe typhoon’ isn’t coming at all.”
“What? No typhoon, but they’re making us evacuate? What’s going on?”
“Ah, no place is better than home. I really don’t want to leave my house-I’ve still got a few old hens there.”
“Yeah, what if some thief sneaks into my place and steals my stuff?”
“You know how terrified we islanders are of severe typhoons. Now, when there’s no sign of one—just tropical depression—they’re forcing us to evacuate for no reason. What kind of nonsense is this?”
“Since when do we have to believe everything some female doctor says?”
“Hey, I heard that this female doctor and her husband have connections with the highest-ranking officer in the military, so he favors them. Whatever they say, he believes.”
“Apparently, the Lin father and son have been trying to persuade them not to spread baseless rumors and not to panic the civilians, but it’s no use. The Lin family’s status is lower than that officer surnamed Lu, so they have to listen to him.”
“Ah, the Lin family—they’re locals from Huansha Island. Of course they care about us. How could some outsider officer care more about us than our own people?”
“No way. If it’s not a severe typhoon, just tropical depression, I’m not leaving. I’m staying home.”
“Me too.”
“That officer surnamed Lu isn’t fit to manage Huansha Island. The Lin family should be in charge.”
…
Thus, as the rumors spread, the islanders began to question the decisions made by Gu Jianing, her husband, and Commander Lu.
They became unwilling to cooperate with the evacuation.
This situation was quickly reported to Commander Lu.
At the moment, Sheng Zexi was with Commander Lu.
Hearing about this, he couldn’t help but frown.
“It seems the Lin father and son are stirring trouble again,” Commander Lu said. Without even needing to investigate, the rumors bore the same marks as those previously spread in the residential compound. Commander Lu was certain the Lin family was behind it.
Sheng Zexi’s eyes filled with guilt. “Sir, I’ve caused trouble for you.”
Commander Lu shook his head. “If anything, it’s me who’s caused trouble for you.”
“In truth, the Lin family’s real target is me.”
Commander Lu had long known that Old Lin resented him.
He had always wanted to pull him down and take control of Huansha Island himself.
This time, he was simply using the situation with Sheng Zexi and his wife as an opportunity to act.
“Zexi, what do you think we should do now?” Commander Lu asked.
Sheng Zexi fell silent.
Send people to clarify the rumors?
How?
The severe typhoon hadn’t been detected yet, nor had it arrived.
The future newspaper Ningning had shown him couldn’t be revealed.
Forcibly evacuate the unwilling residents?
Even if well-intentioned, it might only invite greater criticism and even lead to physical confrontations.
The Lin family would likely seize the chance to escalate the situation further.
After some thought, Sheng Zexi said, “Sir, how about this—those willing to evacuate can do so, and those who refuse can stay if they insist.”
Commander Lu sighed. “That might be the only way.”
Thus, the order was quickly issued.
Those willing to cooperate would be assisted by the military in relocating to safe areas.
Those unwilling would not be forced.
Once the order was given, many chose to stay.
But there were also plenty who complied, many of whom had been Gu Jianing’s patients.
“Though it’s unusual for a doctor to predict the weather, there are many talented people in this world. Dr. Gu is already outstanding and capable—it’s not so strange if she can observe meteorological patterns. I believe in her.”
“I’ve only been treated by Dr. Gu a few times and haven’t interacted much, but I can tell she’s a kind and good person. She would never spread baseless rumors. So if she says there’s a severe typhoon coming, we should evacuate. If it really hits, our family will be spared. If not, there’s no harm done. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
“Exactly, there’s no downside to being cautious.”
“Besides, I think Dr. Gu truly observed the typhoon and genuinely cares about us islanders. Otherwise, as a doctor, she could’ve ignored it—even if the typhoon came and caused casualties, it wouldn’t have been her responsibility. Yet she chose to speak up, despite facing rumors and doubts. That proves she has a good heart.”
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