In the evening of the same day, Lin Wei arrived at the familiar gym right at eight o'clock. The gym was almost empty — the regular visitors had already left, leaving only their small group. Under the dim lights, five people were waiting for him: Zhang Hu, Li Wei, Xiao Ming, Chen Yu, and Wang Lei. They were all strong, well-built guys with whom Lin Wei had been training for several years.
When he walked in, the conversation died down immediately. Zhang Hu stepped forward and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Hey, you came. We're all here, just like you asked. So what's this important information, Wei? You've got us intrigued."
Lin Wei nodded, closed the door behind him, and gestured for everyone to sit on the benches along the wall. He remained standing, leaning against the dumbbell rack. For a few seconds he stayed silent, gathering his thoughts.
Talking about the apocalypse is out of the question. They'd just think I've lost my mind. I need to give them a reason they can actually accept. A food crisis sounds realistic. Even if nothing happens, non-perishable food won't go to waste anyway. This is the safest approach.
"Listen carefully," he began calmly and firmly. "I have information from an old friend. A very reliable guy who works in logistics and food supply chains across the region. He told me that in the next few days we're going to face a serious food crisis."
Silence fell over the gym. The guys exchanged glances.
Zhang Hu was the first to speak.
"A food crisis? You mean a shortage of food?"
"Exactly," Lin Wei nodded. "According to him, there are major problems with imports and several big failures at the warehouses. In the coming days, prices on many products will skyrocket, and a lot of long-shelf-life goods will simply disappear from the shelves. Especially rice, grains, canned food, cooking oil, sugar, and bottled water. He advised everyone he trusts to stock up on non-perishable food right away. At least two or three months' worth."
Xiao Ming scratched the back of his head and chuckled.
"Seriously? Another one of those crisis rumors? Every year someone says there's going to be a famine, and then nothing happens."
"This time it's different," Lin Wei replied calmly. "My friend didn't just warn me for no reason. He's already started buying everything in bulk himself. I spent the whole day doing the same — filled two shopping carts to the brim. That's why I missed training yesterday."
Li Wei crossed his arms over his chest and frowned.
"Even if this is true… how does your friend have such exact information? Is he some kind of government insider? Or just a panic-monger?"
"He works for a large logistics company," Lin Wei answered without blinking. "He has access to internal supplier reports. He saw that several major contracts fell through and the warehouses are already half-empty. He says that in a week or two there will be real panic buying. Better to prepare in advance than to fight over the last bag of rice later."
Chen Yu shook his head.
"Wei, you know how I feel about this kind of thing. Every year before New Year or holidays someone scares people with shortages. And then everything turns out fine. Are you sure your friend isn't exaggerating?"
"I had doubts myself at first," Lin Wei said honestly. "But when he showed me some internal documents… I decided not to take the risk. Even if the crisis doesn't happen, the food is non-perishable. It won't spoil. There's no downside. And if he's right — we'll be in a much better position than everyone else."
Wang Lei, the quietest of the group, finally spoke up.
"Let's say we believe you. What do you suggest we do?"
Lin Wei felt a small wave of relief. At least they weren't laughing in his face or calling him crazy. That was already progress.
"I suggest we all start stocking up tomorrow. Each of us takes responsibility for certain categories of products. Canned food, grains, cooking oil, sugar, salt, water. I've already bought quite a lot, but it's too much for one person. If we work together, we can build up a decent shared supply. Later we can decide where to store it — maybe rent a small warehouse or garage on the outskirts."
Zhang Hu stared at his friend for a long moment, then slowly nodded.
"Alright… it sounds reasonable. Even if nothing happens, extra food at home never hurts. But you have to understand why we're skeptical. You suddenly start buying half the supermarket, skip training, and say you have 'important information.' It looks… weird."
"I get it," Lin Wei sighed. "In your place I would be asking the same questions. But trust me, I'm not crazy and I'm not joking. One person I trust gave me a heads-up. I don't want us to regret doing nothing later."
Xiao Ming still looked skeptical.
"And what if it's just a rumor? We'll spend a lot of money and then nothing happens. Food isn't a problem, but time and nerves are."
"We'll spend the time usefully," Lin Wei replied. "Even if there's no crisis, we'll still learn how to organize supplies properly. That's a useful skill. And if I'm right… you'll thank me later."
He looked around at all five of them. A heavy, tense silence filled the gym. The guys were clearly thinking it over. Lin Wei understood that he wouldn't fully convince them on the first try. But planting the seed and making them start to think was already a big victory.
They don't completely believe me yet. That's normal. The important thing is they didn't refuse outright. Now I need to give them time to think and start acting. Little by little I'll pull them closer. When the real thing begins, they'll see for themselves.
Lin Wei took a deep breath and added quietly:
"I'm not asking you to believe me blindly right now. Just start preparing with me. We can meet tomorrow morning and divide up who buys what. If nothing happens in a couple of weeks — I'll laugh at myself along with you. But if I'm right… you'll be glad you listened."
He fell silent and looked at his friends, waiting for their final answer. The atmosphere in the gym grew even heavier and more tense. Everything now depended on how willing they were to trust him.
Zhang Hu was the first to break the silence.
"Fine, Wei. Let's give it a try. I'm in. We'll meet tomorrow morning and start."
The others slowly nodded, though doubt and questions were still clear on their faces.
Lin Wei breathed out quietly. The first step had been taken.