The quiet night was torn apart when Gu Yanzhi suddenly heard cries of agony from outside.
"God, please spare us,"
"Please give us a way to survive,"
Desperation and helplessness filled the voices, echoing in the desolate and lonely streets.
As the person's questioning and prayers continued, more and more people gathered, and a cacophony of voices conveyed everyone's distress.
The extreme cold persevered, and although the temperature was still around minus 60 degrees Celsius, the lack of sunlight during the night made it seem even colder.
"Swoosh,"
The streetlights, which had been installed long ago, lit up uniformly. Installed sparsely, with about 500 meters between each light, they nonetheless illuminated the endless night, becoming the only solace for the people.
The lights breaking the cycle of prayers, complaints, and cries.
Seizing the opportunity, government workers walked around while striking gongs.
"Dang, dang, dang,"
