《The Fiercest in the Apocalypse》 Chapter 1: Everything is so beautiful Chapter 001 Everything is so beautiful The moonlight was serene, tree shadows hazy. At ten oclock at night in Qin City, only an occasional vehicle roared down the main road. In this city, where housing prices were comparable to second-tier cities, living expenses matched first-tier cities, and incomes lagged behind fourth-tier ones, nightlife wasnt particularly lively. Most shops along the street had already closed. A brightly lit storefront on the corner stood outa rare 24-hour convenience store still open. "Forty-six yuan and eighty cents, miss. You can scan the red envelope code first if you''re paying with your phone!" Zhang Su placed a box of premium condoms into a shopping bag and pushed it towards a girl who didnt dare lift her head. With a smile, he tapped the red envelope code sticker on the counter, showing no reaction to the item purchased. Maintaining professionalism was part of the job. Late September brought pleasant weather, perfect for wearing light outfits to savor the last warmth of summer. The girl wore a short JK skirt paired with white stockings, giving her a neat and innocent appearance, as if she came from a strict family. "Th-thanks... keep the change!" She tossed a crumpled fifty-yuan bill onto the counter, grabbed the shopping bag, and dashed out in tiny steps. "Yep, real cash..." Zhang Su inserted the money into the POS machine, folded his arms on the counter, and watched the scene outside with interest. The girl hurried to a Kawasaki H2 parked by the roadside and, with a mix of embarrassment and anger, threw the bag into the lap of a handsome guy lounging on the bike. The guy looked very pleased with her actions, scooped her up onto the back seat of the motorcycle, and waved to Zhang Su. Zhang Su nodded with a smile as a farewell. With the roar of the engine fading into the distance, the Kawasaki H2s taillight disappeared around the corner. "Probably lost a round of truth or dare again..." Zhang Su recognized the bikera young rich kid who roamed near college campuses every semester. The JK-skirted girl was obviously a new freshman. Sarch* The Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At twenty-eight, Zhang Su had just ended a whirlwind short-term relationship. With no new prospects, he was enjoying a laid-back single period. "Lets check my phone for a bit..." With no customers in sight, Zhang Su pulled out his phone to browse short videos. "Big star spotted at the Mad Cow Show!" "Cold wave warning issued nationwide, massive in scale!" "The shortcut guy... why do guys love black stockings? Because..." Working the night shift at a 24-hour convenience store was incredibly dull. After the condom-buying girl left, only two customers came in. Zhang Su spent his time scrolling on his phone, smoking, and doing casual exercises until it was nearly time for his shift to end. "Welcome!" The mechanical greeting came from the stores speaker. At five to midnight, a young man with dark circles entered the store. "Su-ge, stocking up again? I swear, Su-ge, youre the most diligent worker. No wonder the boss made you the manager, haha..." Without hesitation, the scrawny youth grabbed a bottle of chewing gum from beside the POS machine, popped it open, and tossed a few pieces into his mouth, chewing noisily. Zhang Sus brow twitched slightly as he watched. "Le-zi, youre stealing from the store again. The boss treats you like family, and you take advantage of him?" "Aw, come on, its just a few bucks. No way the boss cares..." Wu Lue, the scrawny youth, walked behind the counter and tossed the gum to Zhang Su with a grin. "Su-ge, whats the deal with our boss? Is it a guy or a girl? How old? Ive been here a year, and all Ive done is chat with them in the group chatnever seen them in person. So mysterious!" Zhang Su, agile from years of training, caught the gum effortlessly. "Le-zi, as your buddy, Ive got no problem treating you, but if the accounts dont balance, how am I supposed to explain it to the boss?" He scanned the gum and said, "Nine yuan ninety. Pay up!" "Alright, alright!" Wu Lue reluctantly pulled out his phone to pay, muttering, "Its just a manager job, not the owner. Why so fussy..." Manager? Zhang Su smirked at Wu Lues words. Youve never even met the bosshow do you know Im not the owner? Indeed, Zhang Su was the actual owner of this Eireiwen convenience store. He pretended to be a manager, handled hiring personally, and used a separate WeChat account to give instructions in the staff group, leaving the employees clueless about his real identity. "Its not about being the boss, Le-ziits about principles!" With that, Zhang Su grabbed the gum, popped over ten pieces into his mouth, and chewed vigorously, ignoring Wu Lues pained expression. "Listen," Zhang Su said, chewing the gum and pointing at Wu Lue. "Youre about ten years younger than me. Stop imitating that teachers lifestyleyoure looking half-dead, with panda eyes to match!" Wu Lue rubbed his eyes and laughed sheepishly, unable to refute because it was all true. "That teachers got charm; no way Im skipping class." "Classic you!" Zhang Su, exasperated, slapped a half-empty pack of Huazi cigarettes onto the counter. "Theres 300 yuan in change in the register. Come on, help me load some goods into the van." "Got it!" Wu Lue swiped the cigarettes and stuffed them into his pocket before donning his uniform vest and following Zhang Su to the storage room. "Damn it... Su-ge, youve got to be kidding me. Can I return the cigarettes?" Wu Lue stared in disbelief at the stack of goods on the trolley, at least a cubic meters worth. "Quit whining. If youre returning them, make it for this week and last week. Otherwise, get moving!" Zhang Su habitually smacked Wu Lues head. With Zhang Su towering at 185 cm and Wu Lue at 173 cm, the height difference made head pats just right. Seeing Zhang Su start pushing the trolley, Wu Lue stopped complaining, opened the door, and helped push the cart. "Su-ge, is this for that big client you mentioned the other day?" Zhang Su nodded casually, busy with his work. In about ten minutes, they stuffed the goods into a battered Wuling van. "Whew..." Wu Lue wiped sweat off his brow and glanced at the vans contents. Confused, he asked, "Su-ge, so much instant food and wateris it for some company retreat?" During the move, Wu Lue noticed the items were mostly food and drinks: various self-heating meals, bottled water, beverages, and snacks. Bang! Zhang Su slammed the van door shut, clapped his hands, and said, "A streamer. Apparently, they promised their fans a challengeone month eating, drinking, and living in a room without leaving. Thats all. Le-zi, dont nod off tonight. Stay safe. Im off!" He patted Wu Lues arm, climbed into the drivers seat, and started the car. As the van cruised down the empty streets, Zhang Su lit a cigarette and exhaled slowly, staring at the city where he had lived for ten years. He still didnt feel much attachment to it. He wasnt a native of Qin City. If not for a life-changing event ten years ago, he wouldnt be here. Ten years ago, after his college entrance exams, Zhang Su received terrible newshis parents had divorced and didnt want custody of him. Thankfully, they left him some money, which he used to start a new life in a distant place. Lost in thought, his car stopped at a red light. "Su-ge!" "Its really Su-ge!" "Good evening, Su-ge!" A group of street youths hanging out by the roadside spotted Zhang Su and waved enthusiastically. About ten guys and girls were having a lively time. Zhang Su smiled and waved back. He grabbed two packs of Liqun cigarettes from the glove box and tossed them over. As the light turned green, he drove off to a chorus of thanks. Zhang Su had a good relationship with the local street gangs, mainly due to business dealings with their boss, which led to him knowing plenty of young thugs. Occasionally, he sold unsharpened knives or lightweight hollow baseball bats to them. Sometimes, he handed out cigarettes when they met. Combined with his formidable physical strength, the youths were always respectful and often shopped at his convenience store. Chapter 2: It’s getting fierce Chapter 002 Its getting fierce Zhang Su''s home was located in Shengqin Garden, about three kilometers away from the Eireiwen Convenience Store. With twelve-story buildings and a low population density, it was considered a mid-to-high-end residential complex in Qin Citys apartment sector. Building 3, Unit 801. As Zhang Su opened the door, a pungent smell immediately greeted him. Youre back? I just finished streaming and cooked a huuuge bowl of river snail noodles. Hungry? In the living room, a girl in a loose T-shirt was sitting cross-legged on the sofa. A steaming bowl of river snail noodles sat on the coffee table, alongside a white porcelain bowl and a spoon, clearly prepared for Zhang Su. Zhang Su noticed these details and shook his head with a smile. I just ate at the store. Also, Xin Yu, next time dont turn off the range hood immediately after cooking snail noodles. Oh! Zheng Xinyu answered a bit dejectedly but quickly remembered something. Oh, right, Brother Su, what about the stuff I ordered? Didnt you say youd bring it back tonight? Zheng Xinyu was the livestreamer Zhang Su had mentioned earlierthe one challenging herself not to leave her room for a month. However, Wu Lue didnt know that this beautiful streamer was Zhang Sus roommate. Their 80-square-meter, two-bedroom apartment had clearly divided private and shared spaces, so living as roommates of opposite genders was no issue. Since she had just finished streaming, Zheng Xinyus makeup was still on, making her look vibrant and charming. At just over twenty years old, she exuded youthful energy. Her long legs stretched out from beneath the oversized T-shirt, appearing particularly fair under the light, an appealing sight. Zhang Su changed his shoes, walked over to the bay window, and lit a cigarette. He said casually, Its hundreds of kilograms of stuff. Do you expect me to carry it up for you? Im a store clerk, not a mover. Be thankful I brought it back for free! You work out every day, dont you? Ugh, so unfair Slurping her noodles, Zheng Xinyu mumbled softly, wondering why she couldnt catch Zhang Sus attention. If it were any other young man, theyd be head over heels for her by now, doing whatever she asked. But this unromantic almost-uncle was immune to her charms. When she first moved in, Zheng Xinyu even laid down some ground rules with Zhang Su, thinking he might have ulterior motives. As time passed, she realized she was overthinkingZhang Su showed zero interest in her. Sometimes she even questioned if his preferences were different. By the way Noticing Zhang Sus indifference, she tried to spark a conversation. Did the landlord tell you? The rent is going up by 10% next year! Zhang Su took a deep drag of his cigarette, stubbed it out in the ashtray, and glanced nonchalantly out the window. Yeah, I was notified. Rent going up isnt surprisingprices rise every year. I think somethings fishy! Just the other day, I mentioned how Ive gotten used to living here and wouldnt move even if rent increased, and now the landlords raising it. Do you think She paused dramatically and gave Zhang Su a mysterious look. Do I think what? Her mischievous gaze made Zhang Sus heart skip, though he maintained a calm demeanor. What are you trying to say? Do you think the landlord installed a listening device here? Her wide eyes darted around the room, her brows furrowing in mock seriousness. A friend of mine in Shanghai had this happen to her. She sued the landlord and won 800,000 yuan! Brother Su, I think we should thoroughly check the place. Maybe even use one of those spy-detecting gadgets like in the movies. Who knows? We might strike it rich! The more she talked, the more plausible it seemed to her. Listening device? If only that were the case! Why stop there? Maybe even surveillance cameras! Cutting-edge technology. Over three billion base pairs combining to create advanced surveillance Paranoid much? Haha Zhang Su chuckled, taking off his T-shirt and heading to the bathroom. You can search if you want. I dont have time for this. Im taking a shower. Clean up the living room after you eatno smells allowed! Okay, fine Watching his well-toned muscles as he walked away, Zheng Xinyu swallowed her retort. After all, their rule was whoever made the mess cleaned it. By the way! As Zhang Su was about to enter the bathroom, she blurted out, The weather alert mentioned a cold front. Wear more layers, okay? Touched by her concern, Zhang Su smiled and nodded. You stay warm too. Yeah, yeah, go shower. Ill clean up! She stretched lazily, leaving half her bowl of noodles unfinished. It took Zhang Su half an hour to leave the bathroom. The strong smell had mostly dissipated, and Zheng Xinyu had already retreated to her room. The door was tightly shut, with a half-meter-tall pink melancholy bear hanging on it. Faint clacking sounds of a mechanical keyboard came from inside, likely from her gaming. Accustomed to her nocturnal lifestyle, it was hard for her to wind down even after her livestream ended. Whoosh. A gust of wind blew through the still-open window, sending chills down Zhang Sus damp skin. Looks like the temperature really dropped. The weather alert got it right for once Muttering to himself, Zhang Su closed the window, drew the curtains, and returned to his room. He booted up his computer and immersed himself in a CSGO session, battling away until after 3 a.m., when he finally threw off his headset and collapsed into bed, falling fast asleep. He loved this routinenot the early-to-bed, early-to-rise schedule of office workers or students, but one that suited him. Sleep at two or three in the morning, wake up naturally around eleven or noon, and enjoy eight or nine hours of restful sleep. But this time, Zhang Sus peaceful routine was interrupted. Ahhh! A piercing scream jolted him awake, followed by frantic banging on his door. Brother Su! Zhang Su, wake up! Open the door! The panicked voice outside was unmistakable, filled with fear. Zhang Su glanced at his phones Big Mud King wallpaperit was 10:30 a.m. Zhang Su, hurry up! Something terrible has happened! The pounding and shouting continued. This girl is insane Zhang Su muttered, throwing off his blanket. The room was noticeably colder than yesterday. He pulled on his pants as he responded, Coming! S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Swinging the door open, Zhang Su didnt even get a chance to question her before Zheng Xinyu, panting and pale, pointed toward the window with trembling hands. Mu-murder Dismemberment Downstairs! Multiple deaths! She didnt even glance at Zhang Sus abs as she grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the living room window. Murder? Zhang Sus heart skipped a beat. In a country with excellent public safety and Shengqin Gardens robust security, how could such a thing happen? And multiple victims? He suspected she was playing a prank but followed her to the window to look. From their eighth-floor vantage point, about 25 meters above ground, Zhang Su quickly spotted the scene below in the garden. The bright daylight revealed blood staining the white pebbled path, severed limbs, and chunks of what appeared to be organs scattered around. A figure crouched over a body, seemingly administering CPR. But after a closer look, Zhang Sus thoughts turned grim. That wasnt CPR. The figure was biting into the corpse. Biting down, head bobbing, ripping off chunks of flesh. Still dreaming The horror on Zhang Sus face faded as he forced a smile and turned back to Zheng Xinyu. Must be a dreamIm going back to sleep. He walked to his room, muttering to himself that playing zombie mode in CSGO last night had been a bad idea, leaving him hallucinating such a surreal scene. Chapter 3: Not unfamiliar in theory Chapter 003 Not unfamiliar in theory "Not not a dream" Sarch* The ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zheng Xinyu clung to Zhang Su''s arm, her tear-filled eyes shaking as she shook her head and said, "Su-ge, this isnt a dream. Its realits really happening!" Zhang Su swallowed hard, feeling the icy tremor of Zheng Xinyu''s hand. He knew, without a doubt, that he was wide awake. Just as Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu were trying to calm their nerves, a sound echoed from the hallway outside. It seemed like someone had shut the emergency exit door. Before they could react, the front door was pounded on with alarming force. The heavy, chaotic banging noises drilled into their ears, making both of their scalps tingle. "Su-ge, what do we do" Zheng Xinyu, already pale, now looked like the blood had completely drained from her face. Her eyes were filled with terror as she worried it might be one of those monsters from downstairs trying to break in. "Shh!" Zhang Su steadied himself, gently patted her hand clutching his arm, and motioned for her to stay quiet. Then, he tiptoed toward the door. Obediently, Zheng Xinyu stayed silent, clenching her fists over her chest and keeping her eyes locked on Zhang Su''s back. The incessant pounding continued as Zhang Su slowly approached the door, suppressing the unease swelling in his chest. The pounding persisted. Zhang Su placed his palm lightly on the door, feeling the force of the impacts. While it wasnt enough to break through, it made the doorframe tremble faintly. Leaning forward, Zhang Su hesitated for a moment before peering through. He didnt want to look, fearing what he might see, but he had no choice. First, he was the apartment ownerthe so-called "perverted landlord" Zheng Xinyu had accused of installing surveillance equipment. Second, as a man, he couldnt possibly leave a girl to face this situation alone. "Lets see what kind of monster you are!" Gritting his teeth, Zhang Su focused his gaze through the peepholeand the sight outside instantly chilled him to the bone. A man stood there, or perhaps it was more accurate to say he had once been a man. His skin was an ashen gray, his face smeared with blood. One side of his mouth was torn open, making his grin grotesquely widelike a clown straight out of a horror movie. Except this clowns mouth wasnt empty. Bits of flesh hung between his teeth, and blood dripped freely. The beige T-shirt he wore was soaked with blood, now a deep, dark red. In his right hand, he gripped a severed arm, while his left hand moved stiffly and mechanically, pounding the door again and again with slow, heavy strikes. "Awooo, awooo" Low, guttural groans seeped through the door, carrying an eerie resonance that pierced Zhang Su''s soul. "A zombie" Piecing together what he had seen earlier in the garden, Zhang Su quickly came to a conclusion. Zombie-themed movies and games were some of Zhang Sus favorites. In theory, he was no stranger to such creaturesjust hours ago, he had killed plenty in a game. But reality was entirely different. This zombie didnt look like the exaggerated, decaying monsters from the movies. Likely due to the recent transformation, the one outside hadnt yet rotted or fallen apart. Still, facing such a monster in real life paralyzed Zhang Su, his prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus momentarily frozen, unable to process or react. Even the nauseating stench didnt faze him, as he was too stunned to notice it. Even Zhang Su, his arms rippling with muscle, found himself trembling. Just then, a gentle tap on his back brought him back to his senses. Simultaneously, the pounding on the door stopped. The world fell eerily silent. Through the peephole, Zhang Su saw the zombie looking aimlessly around. Unable to find its target, it began pacing near the doorway, dragging its bloody feet along the ground. The streaks of blood it left behind were chilling. Despite the doors decent insulation, the pungent stench of blood seeped through. Turning back to Zheng Xinyu, Zhang Su gestured for them to leave. The two quietly retreated from the door and returned to the bay window. "Urgh" Finally, Zhang Su felt the churning in his stomach. He plopped onto the ground, his cold sweat mingling with the nausea from the overwhelming stench. Despite not usually being squeamish, the odor seemed impossible to ignore. "Su-ge, what was outside?" Kneeling beside him, Zheng Xinyu asked softly. Hesitant, she brushed her hand across his forehead and through his short hair. She didnt know what Zhang Su had seen but couldnt suppress her curiosity, even though she lacked the courage to look herself. Zhang Su let out a long breath, his voice low as he replied, "Li-ge from the ninth floorthe guy from the urban planning departmenthas turned into a zombie." At the end of his sentence, he turned to Zheng Xinyu, his expression grave. "Zombie I understand." Zheng Xinyu pulled her hands back, clasping them together. She wasnt as shocked as Zhang Su had expected; the thought had already crossed her mind, though she hadnt wanted to believe something so surreal could be real. It was as if she had suddenly discovered all the cars on the street had become Transformersimpossible to accept at first glance. Thinking back to when she had frantically banged on Zhang Sus bedroom door earlier, he realized she was more resilient than she seemed. The seemingly delicate girl wasnt just good at acting cute in front of a camera. "Was it because I made too much noise earlier? Did I attract the zombie here?" Zheng Xinyu asked in a soft, guilty voice, recalling how loudly she had called for Zhang Su earlier. "Probably." Zhang Su nodded slightly but didnt blame her. Instead, he patted her shoulder lightly and said, "Now you know. Just be more careful from now on." "What what do we do now?" Though Zheng Xinyu was calmer than before, she still felt lost. The severed limbs and corpses downstairs, coupled with the zombie at their door, made it feel like the world was collapsing around them. "Lets think Based on whats happening, it looks like a zombie outbreaklets call it the zombie virus. Yeah, we need to check if theres any news about it online!" Having recovered from the initial shock, Zhang Su gradually regained his composure. The goosebumps on his arms flattened as his fear was pushed aside by rationality. "Right! Ill get my phone!" Zheng Xinyu nodded vigorously, grateful to have someone guiding her. If she had been alone, she wouldnt have known what to do. Remembering that zombies are drawn to sound, she tiptoed away as quietly as possible. While she retrieved her phone, Zhang Su leaned over to peer out the window, observing the chaos below. He noticed flames engulfing the east side of Building 8, starting around the seventh or eighth floor and curling upwards in fierce, claw-like shapes. The fires ferocity rivaled the terror of the zombies themselves. The carnage wasnt limited to the garden between Buildings 3 and 4. The road nearby was also stained with blood and littered with severed limbs. Trash bins had been overturned, their contents strewn everywhere. Shrubs were crushed, and the signs of violent struggles were evident. Counting carefully, Zhang Su spotted at least twenty zombies wandering around. The most disturbing was a zombie without legs, slowly crawling on the ground. The bloody trail it left was long and horrifying, its persistence almost admirable. The devastation hinted at a brutal massacre. If the residential area hadnt been designed to separate pedestrians from vehicles, the body count might have been several times higher. Shifting his gaze, Zhang Su noticed a section of the neighborhoods perimeter wall had been smashed. A few cars were precariously balanced on the rubble, their hoods crumpled. The streets outside were strewn with wrecked vehiclesnot enough to block traffic but eerie in their stillness. The only movement came from the wandering zombies. Chapter 4: Where is the website? Chapter 004 Where is the website? Upon waking up, the world had turned upside down... but why was it so quiet? Zhang Su furrowed his brows, scanning his surroundings. The unsettling calm was even more terrifying than chaos. Something so catastrophic had occurred, yet there were no signs of emergency vehicles? No police cars, no ambulances, no fire truckswhere had they all gone? This was far too abnormal. Crash. As Zhang Su gazed toward the distant street, a glass window on the fourth floor of Building 4 shattered. Three figures plummeted from above, their anguished screams piercing the silence. The fall happened so fast that Zhang Su could barely discern that among the three, one was a child, while the other two appeared to be an elderly couple. The trees obscured their landing, but the dull thuds of impact reached his ears, making the corners of his mouth twitch involuntarily. Help! F***, get off me! You lunatic... Before Zhang Su could recover from the shock of the fall, a distant cry for help drew his attention. He saw a group of zombies, once aimlessly wandering, now moving rapidly. Despite their stiff appearances, their speed was shockingly quick as they chased a young man running barefoot. Run! Zhang Su whispered urgently, gripping his fists in tension, silently rooting for the man. As if he could hear Zhang Sus encouragement, the young man sprinted with all his might, disappearing around a corner with the horde of zombies in pursuit, his fate uncertain. Help me! Somebody save me! Husbandno, dont! sea??h th n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhang Su pressed his face against the window, trying to catch a glimpse of the young mans outcome. Suddenly, a gut-wrenching scream erupted nearby. The voice belonged to the petite housewife from downstairs, someone he often saw in the neighborhood walking her Samoyed. She had always appeared carefree and leisurely, living without a worry in the world. Helpah, nough... Her cries turned to shrieks, then silence, replaced by the faint sound of chewing. There was no barking, likely because the dog had met its end earlier. Just as Zhang Su was about to avert his gaze, his peripheral vision caught two distorted figures crawling out from behind the tree that had hidden the fallen bodies. A closer look revealed it was the elderly couple who had just leaped to their deaths. This... this is hell! Did we wake up in hell? At some point, Zheng Xinyu had appeared beside him, tears glistening in her eyes as she stared at the horrifying scene outside. She had no idea what hell was like, but the blood-soaked events before her were the most terrifying thing she had ever witnessed. If she were to see the hospitals, boarding schools, or factories now, she would realize how shallow her current definition of hell truly was. What the hell is going on?! The overwhelming shock from everything he had witnessed since waking up left Zhang Su no time to think. Collapsing to the ground, he tugged at his hair, mumbling to himself. This is insane. Everyones gone completely insane! Of course, it wasnt him who had gone madit was the world. But if the entire world was insane except for him, then who was truly crazy? This isnt how my life was supposed to go! Zhang Su screamed internally. His life had been perfecta house, a car, and a decent income of over 10,000 yuan a month. No debts, no obligations. He changed girlfriends twice a year, indulged in good food and drink, and enjoyed an unrestrained, carefree existence. Marriage? Children? Those werent part of his plan. He had intended to begin his travel adventures by the time he turned thirty, exploring the cultural landscapes of both domestic and foreign destinations. Yet, all of that had vanished in the blink of an eye. This apocalypse wasnt written into my script! Frustration clouded Zhang Sus expression as he contemplated the grim future. Su-ge, dont do this. Please, Zheng Xinyu said softly, her heart aching at the sight of Zhang Sus vulnerability. She knelt beside him and gently held his shoulder, offering silent comfort. After a moment of gathering his thoughts, Zhang Su took a deep breath and asked, Whats the situation? Any news? No... theres no internet, Zheng Xinyu replied hesitantly, reluctant to further upset him but unable to deny the truth. No internet?! Zhang Su released his grip on his hair, his disbelief only growing. Before she could respond, he hurried back to his bedroom and grabbed his phone. What was once a full signal now flickered precariously with a single bar, as weak as a candle in the wind. He tried making a call but couldnt connect. Accessing the internet was impossible. What about the wired network? Zhang Su suddenly remembered and turned on his computer, only to see a red X in the bottom-right corner. His heart sank further. I already checked. The computer wont connect either, Zheng Xinyu whispered, standing by the doorway, her voice trembling with helplessness. For people accustomed to relying on the internet for information, losing connectivity was akin to losing their sight and hearing. The blow was devastating. Zhang Su didnt know what could cause an entire citys communication and internet systems to collapse, but he knew it spelled disasterabsolute disaster. Without exaggeration, modern cities and even nations depend on networks as their lifeline. Losing it could lead to unimaginable consequences. He couldnt fathom what event could destroy an entire citys communication network so abruptly. After fiddling impatiently with his phone, which showed no signs of improvement, Zhang Su tossed it onto the bed, grabbed a jacket, and slowed his speech. Forget about news updates. Lets start piecing things together. Xinyu, when did you wake up? I woke up just before I called you. I havent even brushed my teeth... Zheng Xinyu admitted, feeling slightly more at ease as she watched Zhang Su regain his composure. Alright. From what we know so far, Shengqin Garden is completely done for, Zhang Su said after a pause. At this hour, Haiping Street is usually bustling. I only saw one car just now. Most importantly, I didnt hear any sirens. For something this massive, theres no way we wouldnt hear sirens. Add to that the internet outage, and I think... He lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag before concluding, I think the entire Qin City is in trouble. He deliberately avoided using the word fallen, unwilling to accept such a grim reality. Dont scare me like that, Zheng Xinyu whispered, covering her mouth with trembling hands, tears streaming down her face. Even a large-scale epidemic was enough to unsettle people, let alone the horrifying reality of neighbors turning into flesh-eating monsters. Panic was inevitable. She desperately hoped that Shengqin Garden was the only area affected, that the military or special forces would soon arrive to restore order. Even the local police would suffice. But after hearing Zhang Sus analysis, her hopes crumbled completely. Chapter 5: The Horrible Truth Chapter 005 The Horrible Truth Zhang Su shook his head and said with certainty, "I''m not trying to scare you!" In a typical mid-tier city, such a horrifying event would have helicopters, the military, ambulances, and police swarming in layers. But now, it was eerily silent. If the entire city wasnt in chaos, then what else could it be? Exhaling a puff of smoke, Zhang Su steadied his nerves and said in a low voice to Zheng Xinyu, who was beside him, "Rescue efforts are external forces. We mustn''t pin our hopes of survival on the unknown!" Sar?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before his parents divorced, Zhang Su led a comfortable life. After the divorce, he drifted from place to place, enduring many hardships. One of the first lessons he learned when entering society was that relying on oneself is far better than depending on othersa lesson that came with a hefty price. Wiping away her tears, Zheng Xinyu was shaken by Zhang Su''s words, "We mustn''t pin our hopes of survival on the unknown!" She let out a slight sob, her reddened eyes lifting as she asked, "Then what should we do?" Zhang Su gave her an encouraging look and said, "I think the most important thing now is to figure out why those people turned into zombiesthat is, the source of infection and how it spreads!" Zheng Xinyu nodded repeatedly in agreement, her oversized T-shirt twisted into a small mound by her anxious fingers. Her voice trembled as she stammered, "I... I saw in a TV show that getting bitten by a zombie causes infection." Feeling like she had just stated the obvious, Zheng Xinyu hurriedly added, "I mean, I think the virus probably isnt airborne; otherwise, we wouldnt have escaped infection. With such a widespread outbreak, its very likely related to water!" It was a reasonable and obvious conclusion, but Zhang Su didnt immediately agree. Instead, he carefully asked, "If the water is contaminated, why wasnt I infected when I showered last night?" "Well... maybe it only happens if you drink the water. You wouldnt intentionally drink tap water while showering, would you?" Zheng Xinyu asked in confusion. Zhang Su nodded. "Of course not. Actually, come to think of it, we dont usually drink tap water anyway." As the owner of a convenience store, Zhang Su often relied on bottled water for himself and the store''s sales. He even managed to convince Zheng Xinyu to drink bottled water and sodas every day. "Wait!" Zhang Su suddenly turned serious. "You cooked river snail noodles last night..." "I used purified water for that, too!" Zheng Xinyu said, patting her chest in relief. "I see..." Zhang Su frowned slightly and said, "Alright, lets assume for now that water is the transmission route." It was a hard truth to accept. If water truly was the source, surviving would become significantly more challenging. "In this situation..." Beep-beep-beep-beep... Just as Zhang Su was about to speak, Zheng Xinyus tightly gripped phone suddenly chimed with a series of notifications! "Theres internet again!" Zhang Su reacted quickly, grabbing his phone from the bed. But when he turned on the screen, he found the signal was still weak and unreliable. "Haha..." Zheng Xinyu forced an awkward smile. "Su-ge, our service providers are different. Since mines back, yours should recover soon too!" Zhang Su ignored what he couldnt change and urged Zheng Xinyu, "Check for any updates quickly!" Without needing his reminder, Zheng Xinyu had already unlocked her phone. She didnt immediately check the news but opened WeChat to see if there was any word from her parents. Like Zhang Su, Zheng Xinyu wasnt a native of Qin City. She came from a small southern town. She had dropped out of a third-rate university in Qin City, though her parents didnt know this. They were also unaware that she had been supporting herself by working as a streamer. Scanning her WeChat feed, she found her parents chats pinned quietly with no new messages from the past couple of days. Uncertain whether this was good or bad, she quickly sent a "You there?" emoji and then opened her short-video app. Nowadays, people turned to short-video platforms for breaking news, as they spread information far faster than websites. It was a true testament to the power of 5G networks. But what used to load instantly now lagged terribly. Whether it was poor network quality or a server issue, the app crawled at a snails pace. After buffering for over ten seconds, the first video finally played! The screen displayed several bold words, with no sound accompanying them. The tension was palpable, like the calm before a storm. "An unknown virus outbreak has occurred in multiple regions of Tianchao. The infected lose their sanity and attack living beings indiscriminately. Citizens who see this message must immediately avoid them, avoid them, avoid them!" The repeated words "immediately avoid" were bright red, standing out prominently. The two of them glanced at the videos uploaderofficial media. They remained silent. "Multiple regions..." Zhang Su exhaled a cloud of smoke, a chill creeping into his heart. It seemed the situation was worse than he had imagined. Zheng Xinyu didnt say a word, attempting to open a comment section with 380,000 entries. But no matter what she tried, it kept loading endlessly, frustrating her to the point of moving to the next video. While the comments section was inaccessible, the second video played smoothly. It was an upload from a private user. The video, shot by a shaky hand, showed a group of zombies chasing people. Blood sprayed, limbs flew, and screams filled the aira horrifying and chaotic scene reminiscent of a high-budget movie. Just as a zombie lunged toward the camera, the video cut off. The chaotic scene left an indelible mark. Judging from the fact that the video made it to the platform, the uploader likely survivedor perhaps captured the footage at the cost of their life. "This was uploaded after 8 a.m... Check if they have more videos!" Zhang Su said urgently. Following his instruction, Zheng Xinyu clicked on the uploaders profile. After buffering for ten seconds, her heart sank. "Nothing... Theyre from Anhui Province. Wheres that?" She glanced at the users listed IP location. "A thousand miles away," Zhang Su replied coolly. Qin City was in the north of Tianchao, near the northeast. Anhui Province was in the central region. The thousand-mile distance corroborated the official medias claim of a "multi-regional" outbreak. "A thousand miles apart, yet the zombie virus broke out on the same dayeven the same time? This is insane." Zhang Su felt his mouth dry and bitter. "This..." Zheng Xinyu suddenly froze, frantically opening her contacts to call her parents. But all she got was a busy signal. A glance at her phone revealed that the signal had completely dropped again. "Oh no, I dont know whats happened to my parents!" Zheng Xinyus tears, which she had held back, finally fell, staining her oversized T-shirt. Thinking about his parents, who had abandoned him and relinquished custody, Zhang Su smirked. "Xinyu, dont dwell on it too much. Whether your parents are safe or not, you need to ensure your own safety first. Check what messages you received earlier." Zhang Sus words calmed her slightly. She wiped her tears and opened WeChat again. Her swollen eyes scanned her phone, but her blurred vision made it hard to see clearly. After wiping her face once more, she clicked on the collapsed group chats. Since she rarely checked them, many had thousands of unread messages. "Its nationwide..." One glance and Zheng Xinyu was on the verge of another breakdown. Her extensive online social circlescovering beauty, shopping, bulk orders, gaming, and morewere filled with groups discussing their local horrors. Not a single place was spared. "Wait, Su-ge, this isnt just nationalits global!" Zheng Xinyu opened a group chat, pointing at the messages. "This group has livestream hosts from different countries. Europe, America, Australia, Africatheyre all experiencing zombie outbreaks. Its chaos everywhere..." As she spoke, she tried to play a video, but the network was completely down. The frozen thumbnail showed a blonde woman with a bloodied mouth lunging at the camera in an exaggerated motion. Chapter 6: It’s not our turn Chapter 006 Its not our turn Global outbreak Zhang Sus expression froze. At first, he thought it might be some country deploying biological weapons. Now, it seemed... that possibility still couldnt be ruled out. But whoever opened Pandoras box might not escape unscathed themselves. The comfortable life they once knew was undoubtedly gone forever. There was no point in delving into the cause of the disaster. All he cared about was the situation in Qin Cityor closer to homehis own survival! Forget about overseas for now. We probably cant even leave the neighborhood. Check the homeowners group chatdid you join it? Zhang Su rubbed his temples and shook his head helplessly. Yes, I joined. Zheng Xinyu opened the Shengqin Garden homeowners group chat. There werent too many unread messages, but there were still over seventy, including a few from previous days. She scrolled to messages from today. 6:37 AM, 8-2-702: Good morning, September 27th, X023, Wednesday, the 13th day of the 8th lunar month. Morning brings new hope. Wishing everyone a day filled with sunshine in your heart and a smile on your face. May good fortune embrace you warmly. ???? The first message was around 6:30. Looks like nothing had happened at that time? Zheng Xinyu asked. Zhang Su didnt comment and gestured for her to keep reading. 6:45 AM, 11-1-201: Whose car with plate number XCXXXXX is blocking mine? Come move it immediately. I cant get out. Quickly, @everyone. 6:48 AM, Just This Style: @11-1-201, girl, youre not an admin. Tagging everyone is pointless. Try asking the group owner instead. 6:50 AM, 11-1-201: Thanks for the tip. A kind guy helped me move it. 7:03 AM, Happy and Joyful: @7-1-601, could you please keep it down in the morning? My old man just had surgery and is recuperating at home. Lets be considerate of each other. 7:06 AM, Fruit Sister Ling: Hey friends, Ive ordered Sarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. (An unfinished message.) 7:07 AM, 301: Guys, I just heard an explosion! Whose house is it? Scared the h*ll out of me! 7:10 AM, Better Tomorrow: Everyone, theres a fight downstairs! Its bloody, go take a look! 7:11 AM, Seafood Brother Wang from Building 10: People are going crazy on the streets, biting others! Cars are crashing everywhere, and Haibin Road is completely blocked. No way I can deliver seafood on time today! 7:13 AM, 3-1-402: Whos shouting in the garden this early? Seriously, next time just call the police! 10:55 AM, Winter Plum Blossom: Murder! There are monsters biting people to death! Same time, 12-3-1101: Voice message, unreadable. The following ten or so messages were all voice notes. Though they couldnt be played, the general gist was clear. Zhang Su took Zheng Xinyus phone and scrolled through the chat. It looks like the zombie virus outbreak happened around 7 AM. Within half an hour, the internet was cut off The group chat had almost no useful information. Only the timestamps provided clues about the outbreaks timing, which didnt help them much. Seven oclock Zheng Xinyu pressed her lips together. Thats rush hour, isnt it? Adults going to work, kids going to school... my god, I cant even imagine. There are about 700 apartments in this neighborhood, Zhang Su said. When I paid for the parking spot, I learned the occupancy rate is about 60%. Thats roughly 400 households. Assuming three people per household, there should be around 1,200 residents here. Who knows how many are still alive? He didnt mention infection rates because it didnt matterbeing uninfected didnt mean you wouldnt be killed by zombies. Survival was all that mattered. Thinking of the scene downstairs, Zheng Xinyu shook her head sorrowfully. Maybe half at best. Half Zhang Su thought to himself, Judging by what hed observed, he figured only 10-20% of the residents might surviveif 200 people made it, that would already be remarkable. Suddenly, he thought of his two employees. The 24-hour convenience stores shift change was at 8 AM, but the day-shift girl wasnt like the night-shift guy, Wu Lue. She usually came in early to prepare meticulously. If... Zhang Su stopped himself from thinking further. It was pointless. Better to save his energy for something useful. Xinyu, lets think carefully about our next steps. Mm, okay, Su-ge. Ill follow your lead! While the two of them strategized in the room, occasional eerie wails drifted from outside. Thankfully, the excellent soundproofing kept the noise at bay, and both tacitly ignored it. However, a sudden explosion shattered their calm. They exchanged a heavy look, their faces full of tension. An unusual sound followed, cutting into their thoughts. Whats that? A helicopter! Zhang Su reacted immediately, darting to the bedroom window and pulling back the curtains. He first noticed thick black smoke rising in the distancelikely from the earlier explosion. Ignoring that, he looked up and saw three helicopters in a triangular formation flying across the sky. Type 11 helicopters Su-ge, are they from the military? Zheng Xinyu asked, her voice filled with hope. In times of disaster, ordinary people naturally pinned their hopes on the military, government, and the nation. Zhang Su shook his head. Theyre police helicopters. Even from a distance, he could tell from the paintwork that they werent military. Police? Thats good too! At least the police force is still functioning. Theyll come to rescue us, wont they? Zheng Xinyu clasped her hands tightly, her face filled with fervent hope, like a devout believer praying for salvation. Think about how many people there are in Qin City, Zhang Su replied, looking at her with a complex expression. When do you think itll be our turn? No longer a naive student in an ivory tower, Zheng Xinyu had seen plenty of harsh realities online. Trolls and hate comments had already given her a dose of lifes cruelty. Her earlier hopeful thoughts stemmed from panic. Now, Zhang Sus words snapped her back to reality. She understood the point. Youre right, Su-ge. Even if theres rescue, we have to survive until they get here Wiping her tears and sniffing, Zheng Xinyu quickly regained her composure. D*mn it! Zhang Su suddenly cursed through gritted teeth. Zheng Xinyu looked at him, puzzled. Frustrated, Zhang Su muttered, I shouldve brought up all the stuff you bought last night! Chapter 7: Adding insult to injury Chapter 007 Adding insult to injury Zhang Su was utterly frustrated and said, "We really should''ve moved all that stuff you bought upstairs last night!" "Ah" Zheng Xinyu let out a small cry, her face filled with regret. "You''re right, Brother Su. If we had those supplies, we could''ve lasted at least a month! In a month, rescue would surely reach us!" She had accepted a fan challenge to stay in her bedroom without stepping out for an entire month, essentially not leaving the room for any reason. To prepare, she had meticulously stocked up on supplies, buying enough to last fifty days, and practically emptied her savings to ensure she succeeded in this high-stakes gamble. The challenge was set to start the next day, but an unforeseen disaster had turned all her plans into dust. Though she felt a tinge of frustration, Zheng Xinyu refrained from dwelling on negativity. She knew that in a situation like this, despair was a luxury she couldn''t afford. Zhang Su, meanwhile, was pulling at his hair in annoyance. After a while, he realized it was pointless to wallow in regret. Slapping his cheeks to focus, he said, "We''ve lost all external supplies. Let''s start by taking stock of what we have left at home!" As he spoke, his gaze instinctively turned toward the front door. He wondered if the doorman, Brother Li, was still around. "Alright!" Zheng Xinyu readily agreed. "First, let''s get some water!" Zhang Su suddenly stood up and, while walking toward the bathroom, said, "Even if it''s not drinkable, we''ll need water for other purposes. Go grab some containers!" However, when the two of them entered the bathroom carrying buckets and basins, they were dumbfounded. Turning on the faucet, they saw only a few pitiful drops trickle out before it stopped entirely. The water had been cut off. Their earlier debates about the quality of the water had been meaningless. The water supply seemed to mock them, saying, "You go ahead and keep talking. I''m out." The two stood in stunned silence, realizing just how dire their situation was. "Charge everything that can be charged!" Zhang Su commanded. With the internet and water cut off, electricity and gas would likely follow soon. "But it''s just phones and power banks. Without a signal, whats the point of charging phones?" Zheng Xinyu muttered, feeling utterly downcast. Her dependence on the internet far exceeded Zhang Su''s. She lived and breathed online, and without it, she felt like a fish out of water. "Think positively. What if the internet comes back? And even if it doesnt, phones have other uses, right?" Zhang Su reassured her while busy plugging everything into chargers: phones, power banks, razors, clocks, nightlightseven the electric toothbrush. "Ah!" Zheng Xinyu suddenly cried out. "What now?" Zhang Su asked, curious. She pointed to the bathroom with a distressed look. "No no water. How are we supposed to use the bathroom?" Zhang Su smacked his forehead. "Seriously? You''re getting worked up over something so trivial? Small business as usual, and for the big stuff, just use garbage bags. Problem solved." "Gross! Isn''t there another way?" Zheng Xinyu protested, wrinkling her nose. "If you can''t leave the apartment, there''s no other choice. Tie the bag up and toss it in the trash. It''ll be fine." Zhang Su clearly thought there were bigger problems to worry about. Zheng Xinyu scratched her head in dismay, utterly dejected by the thought of living without even basic conveniences. "Stop whining. Close the curtains and lets inventory our supplies!" Zhang Su urged. The two got to work, pulling the curtains shut. The room grew noticeably darker, so they turned on the lights and headed back to the living room. "Brother Su, why the curtains? Arent we supposed to let people know were here for rescue?" Zheng Xinyu asked, puzzled. Zhang Su shook his head. "The internet and water outages dont just affect us. Everyone''s supplies are basically fixed right now. It''s better to be cautious. Would you share your life-saving supplies with strangers?" Zheng Xinyu hesitated, stunned. While she prided herself on her kindnessregularly feeding stray cats and dogsthe idea of handing over her hard-earned rations made her shiver. She shook her head vigorously. "Good!" Zhang Su praised her. "Remember this: in a disaster, your own survival always comes first. Dont let misplaced kindness ruin you." Normally warm and generous, Zhang Su also had a ruthless side, shaped by circumstances. Whether he showed compassion or cruelty depended on the situation. "I understand, Brother Su. I wont be overly soft-hearted!" Zheng Xinyu said, her unmade-up face showing a resolute determination. However, she couldnt foresee how tough the actual choices would be when the time came. After sealing the apartment tightly, the two set about inventorying their survival supplies. Most of the items were stored in Zheng Xinyus room, so Zhang Su decided to move everything else there for convenience. "Ive never been in here before. Didnt realize your room''s worse than mine!" Zhang Su remarked with mock disdain, hands on his hips. Clothes, socks, and underwear were strewn in the corners, random items lay scattered near the trash can, and the desk was littered with snack crumbs. The bed? A mess of cheap stuffed toys from claw machines. "Hey! I didnt have time to clean, okay? Focus on what were doing!" Zheng Xinyus face flushed with embarrassment. Zhang Su just shook his head knowingly. Hed seen messier rooms before, so it didnt surprise him. The inventory revealed: 75 liters of drinkable liquids (including beverages and alcohol), 12 packs of instant noodles, 22 bags of river snail noodles, 4 self-heating hotpots, and 8 self-heating rice packs. Together, they could survive two weeks comfortablyor 20 days if they rationed carefully. The situation would change drastically if electricity and gas were cut. Fortunately, most of their food was quick and easy to prepare, saving time and hassle. Zheng Xinyu had stockpiled the majority of the supplies; Zhang Su only contributed two five-packs of instant noodles and two boxes of self-heating rice. "Um" Zheng Xinyu hesitated, staring at the water supplies. "Brother Su, I dont think the water will last two weeks. Are we not not going to wash?" Sear?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Water was indeed scarce, mostly consisting of various drinks, making it incredibly precious. Zhang Su had overlooked hygiene entirelynot because he hadnt thought of it, but because hed deemed it irrelevant. "We''ll just have to stink!" Zhang Su said bluntly, his tone dropping to a whisper as he glanced at the door. With no way to flush waste or wash up, it wouldn''t take long before the two of them turned into "stinky survivalists." Chapter 8: Caring fans Chapter 008 Caring fans "Still sulking? Fine." Zheng Xinyu pouted, feeling that asking to freshen up during a water shortage was a bit excessive. Yet she really wanted to wash up. For example, she hadn''t even brushed her teeth after waking upshed only sipped a bit of water, leaving a sticky and unpleasant feeling in her mouth. "Oh, right!" Zheng Xinyu suddenly remembered something in her struggle and hurriedly ran back to her room. She rummaged through a fan-mailed package and triumphantly held up two large bottles of mouthwash to Zhang Su. "One time during a livestream, I got ambushed in a game and ranted at the player. Turns out they were also watching the stream. They said my language was so, uh, stinky and sent me these." Recalling her embarrassing story eased some of the tension, and an awkward smile crept across her face. Zhang Su looked at her with mild amusement. "Aren''t you supposed to be the cute and innocent girl?" He took a bottle of mouthwash to examine it: peach-flavored, 1500 ml each. They were large enough to last a while. "Come on, you know that''s just an act, not the real me. Ugh, so lame." Zheng Xinyu rolled her eyes, the red veins in them still visible. "By the way, what other goodies have your fans sent you? Anything useful right now?" Zhang Su glanced at the pile of delivery boxes in the corner of her roomthere were at least a dozen of various sizes. With a strange expression, Zheng Xinyu shook her head. "Mostly bizarre stuff. If you''re curious, feel free to dig through it. But I doubt theres anything practical." She vaguely remembered things like , a book on military boxing, a spoon as long as her arm, masquerade masks, a demon-repelling cross, and other oddities. The more practical items had already been eaten or used up. Zhang Su nodded thoughtfully. In times like these, even seemingly useless items could become unexpectedly valuable. Thanks to the mouthwash, they at least resolved the bad breath issue. As for their slightly oily faces, that would have to wait. Zhang Su went back to his room, checked his phone, and found there was still no signal. Returning to the living room, he sat on the sofa and glanced at the dazed Zheng Xinyu. "Hey, what are you thinking about?" She pointed toward the window. "Someone was shouting for help again earlier. Sounded like it was from the next building, very close to us" "The louder you scream, the faster you die. It wont be long before the zombies surround them," Zhang Su scoffed, shaking his head. Zheng Xinyu pouted. "I wish none of this were real. I''d be slurping noodles right now, and youd come out of your room yelling at me to clean up. Those days were so much better." "Yeah, they were." Zhang Su looked up at the ceiling. "I still feel like Im dreaming." Pfft Zheng Xinyu let out an unprompted chuckle. Zhang Su, puzzled, asked, "Whats so funny now? What are you imagining?" "I was just thinking" She smirked mischievously. "Su-ge, if the landlord died in this mess, wouldnt the apartment be ours? No more rent hikes, ha!" She wrinkled her nose in mock defiance. "Cough!" Zhang Su almost choked, glaring at her. "Keep cursing me, and Ill spank you until you cry!" Huh? Zheng Xinyu froze, staring wide-eyed at him. It took her a few seconds to process before she stammered, "You you you dont meanare you the landlord?!" Zhang Su sighed and reached under the coffee table, pulling out a hidden drawer. From it, he retrieved two red property title deeds. "This residential area was completed eight years ago. I paid in full when it was brand-new. It was so cheap back then, only a bit over 3,000 yuan per square meter. Renovation included, it cost me just 400,000." He handed the documents to Zheng Xinyu. Her lips parted slightly in shock as she flipped through the papers. Sure enough, the name was printed on them. You mean you were the one who banned durians and pets, and charged me 1.5 yuan per kilowatt-hour for electricity? You! I could just Memories of past grievances flooded her mind. Furious, she raised her fists to pummel him. Zhang Su casually caught her hand and pulled her into his arms. Seeing her cheeks flush red with anger, he quickly gestured toward the door. "Keep it down." Her anger and indignation were stifled mid-yell, leaving her even more flustered. Feeling the strength in Zhang Sus arms, her heart raced uncontrollably. Despite herself, she stopped struggling, overwhelmed by the unexpected sense of security. But just as she relaxed, his grip loosened, and Smack! Smack! sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhang Su lightly slapped her on the backside. "You''re so heavy you almost cracked my ribs. Do you think there''s a hospital open for that right now?" I Zheng Xinyu looked down at him indignantly, then suddenly adjusted her oversized T-shirt to emphasize her figure. "165 centimeters tall, 52 kilogramsopen your eyes and take a good look!" Zhang Su, fully aware of her figure, was about to retort when he noticed the temperature drop. "Put on another layer. Its getting colder." The exaggerated tone of his word "another" made her realize what he was implying. Her angry expression froze, and she bolted toward her room, her footsteps light yet hurried. Now alone in the living room, Zhang Su could hear the faint shuffling sound of the zombie "Li-ge" outside the door. "This is a ticking time bomb," Zhang Su thought. Leaving the zombie outside wasnt ideal. If something fell and made noise, the creature would start pounding on the door. One zombie wasnt a big deal, but if more were drawn to the commotion, the fragile door wouldnt hold. "How should I handle this?" he pondered. At that moment, a row of inky text appeared in his mind: [How to deal with the zombie at the door: A. Capture it alive, B. Kill it, C. Lure it away.] Chapter 9: B+B+B=C Chapter 009 B+B+B=C How to deal with the zombie outside the door: A. Capture alive, B. Kill it, C. Lure it away Whats this? Zhang Su shook his head vigorously, but the words in his mind remained, and a new line appeared below them: Please choose before the countdown ends. A random choice will be made if time runs out. 00:01:29 Got it... Zhang Su suddenly calmed down. Since something as absurd and bizarre as a zombie outbreak had occurred, having a bit of extra help seemed reasonable. Now wasnt the time to dwell on why these words had appeared in his mindhe needed to make a decision within the next ninety seconds! Eliminate capturing alive first... Zhang Su was momentarily speechless as he looked at option A. Hed seen it in some movies where zombies were captured and kept alive for special purposes, but that was definitely not something he should be considering now. Lure it away, or kill it Zhang Su was torn. He had no doubts about how to kill a zombiebased on his experience with similar works, it was nothing more than shooting it in the head or severing the connection between its brain and body, essentially decapitating it. Luring it away seems harder. Given how little he knew about the outside world and his lack of proper equipment, it would be impossible to risk his life luring the zombie away. Whether ghosts or monsters, kill them all! Yes, killing it is the safest option! Zhang Su felt he hadnt wasted much time, yet the countdown had less than thirty seconds remaining. He quickly answered in his mind, B! I choose Bkill the zombie! He thought the choice would end there and reveal a reward for completing the task, but unexpectedly, another line of text appeared: Time limit for completing the challenge: A. One hour, B. One day, C. One week 00:01:30 Wait a second... a challenge? What happens if I cant complete it? Zhang Su anxiously asked in his mind, but after ten seconds, the words in his head remained unchanged. Lets just choose first Clenching his fists, Zhang Su decided, B, one day! One hour was too rushed, and one week was too drawn-out. Countless unforeseen changes could occur, and it was better to act sooner than later. A day seemed just right. After making his choice, he deliberately set a twenty-four-hour countdown on his Big Mud King watch. But when he started it, he realized the time wasnt moving. Time pause!? This was some advanced techsomething often seen in certain Japanese films. It was truly impressive. Zhang Su marveled for a moment but quickly refocused. Even if time was paused, it would only last a few minutes, and he still needed to make a decision. There was no way he could use this brief period for anything else. Moreover, he didnt even know how he had triggered the words in his mind in the first place. Before Zhang Su could ponder further, new words flashed in his head: Participants for the challenge: A. Alone, B. With others, C. Delegate to others 00:01:30 sea??h th novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Damn, this is pretty thorough... Zhang Su couldnt help but mutter. Since the option for participants was included, it would definitely have some impact, though what kind he couldnt say. Delegating to others is out of the question. Who could I even delegate to right now? With that thought, Zhang Su glanced at Zheng Xinyus half-open door. An idea formed in his mind, and he silently chose, B. With others! Zhang Su reasoned that if the outside world had turned into something resembling Shengqin Garden, and with no immediate hope for rescue, he would inevitably have to fight zombies in the future. Zheng Xinyu would either become an asset or... Even if he didnt have the heart to abandon her, she wouldnt be able to keep up otherwise. Challenge generated: Kill the zombie outside the door with others within one day. Difficulty: C. Countdown begins: 23:59:59. C Zhang Su muttered. When the second choice appeared, he had suspected it would be tied to difficulty. He hadnt expected three Bs would result in a C, but he wasnt overly concerned. Without other information, he could only decide based on his circumstancesrecklessness was not an option! Is it really that urgent? Looking at the unyielding countdown in his mind, Zhang Su felt helpless. No instructions, no explanation, no dialoguejust the challenge. Hey, are all survivors participating in challenges? Zhang Su asked in his mind but received no response. Is there a reward for completing the challenge? What happens if I fail? Hello? Say something! Hi, hello? After a series of futile questions, Zhang Su gave up on this foolish behavior and began focusing on the challenge instead. Setting aside his fear, Zhang Su believed he could handle the zombie outside the door, especially if he avoided getting bitten. Based on his observations, a bite would definitely cause infection. Scratches? That was still unknown. Overcome the fear That was the key. Fixing his gaze on the door, Zhang Su took a deep breath and stood up, intending to check the peephole. At that moment, Zheng Xinyu stepped out of her room, her odd gaze fixed on Zhang Su as he dazedly approached the door. What are you doing? she asked curiously. Zhang Su paused, turning to see Zheng Xinyu, now dressed in her undergarments. He cautiously asked, Nothing wrong, right? Caught off guard by the strange question, Zheng Xinyu shook her head in confusion and spread her hands. No, nothing at all. Oh, good then... Zhang Su confirmed that Zheng Xinyu didnt have the same subtitles in her mind. Otherwise, with her personality, she wouldnt be so calm. He pointed to the door. Im going to observe the zombie! With that, he leaned against the peephole. Why why are you observing the zombie? Zheng Xinyu followed him closely, speaking softly. That thing is terrifying. Shouldnt we avoid provoking it? What if we cant avoid it? Zhang Su turned to whisper in her ear. Zheng Xinyu, caught off guard, didnt have time to process the tingling sensation. Zhang Sus question left her at a loss. Cant avoid it? Is running away really not an option? Seeing that Zheng Xinyu didnt answer, Zhang Su said no more and returned to the peephole to observe the zombie that used to be Brother Li. Previously, hed been too rattled to observe closely. Now, taking a closer look, Zhang Su noticed more details. The exposed skin on the zombies arm was dry, with muscles tightly contracted as if perpetually tensed, exuding a sense of strength. Its power was evident from the force it used to pound on the door. Then there was the mouths mutation! The zombies teeth had completely transformed, becoming sharper and gaining an extra row, resembling some species of sharks. This unique structure enhanced its biting and chewing abilities. Its nose was slightly collapsed, with enlarged nostrils, making its grotesque face look oddly comical. Its blood-red eyes were devoid of distinct pupils, and even when calm, it radiated a faint aura of madness. Even though Zhang Sus mind replayed scenes hed seen before, observing up close still stirred a visceral aversion in him. Facing a creature that had mutated from his own kind, there was a primal fear deep within his soulnot just fear of the zombies attack, biting force, or tearing strength, but fear of becoming one of them! Chapter 10: Are you secretly in love with me? Chapter 010 Are you secretly in love with me? If I get infected... make sure to end it for me quickly! Zhang Su stared at the zombie, no longer human nor ghost, and silently resolved to prepare an honorable bullet for himself when the time came. If that moment arrived, at least he could leave with dignity. As he thought this through, he carefully observed the situation. After four or five minutes, Zheng Xinyus voice broke the silence. Let... let me take a look too Zhang Su glanced at Zheng Xinyu. Her expression was complicatedboth resistant and curious. Though she clearly didnt want to, she still decided to give it a try. The conflicting emotions were evident in her furrowed brow. He nodded without saying anything and slowly stepped aside. Zheng Xinyu cautiously approached the peephole, brushing aside the strands of hair blocking her view. When she finally saw the zombie clearly, it was as if she had been electrocuted. She slapped a hand over her mouth just as a scream was about to escape. Mmph... Huff, huff She let out only a muffled gasp before her breathing turned rapid. Leaning against the wall by the doorway, she clutched her chest, her face filled with uncontrollable terror. Zhang Su didnt have time to comfort her. He quickly returned to the peephole and confirmed the zombie hadnt reacted. It was still circling aimlessly, like a blindfolded donkey trudging around a mill. The sound just now was really faint, but in such a quiet environment, even I could hear it. How come it didnt? It seems zombies arent as sensitive to sound as I thought! Zhang Su focused on the zombies ears. Other than their unnatural color, their shape hadnt changed. Feeling better now? he asked, after carefully observing for a while. Zheng Xinyu had calmed down a lot, though her face still bore traces of fear. Let me look again she said, pressing a hand to her chest. Her face showed both terror and stubbornness. Before Zhang Su could agree, she leaned in again. Zhang Su was ready to cover her mouth if needed but found her reaction much better this time. Apart from her heaving chest and trembling fists, there were no extreme outbursts. Relieved, he stood silently to the side, pondering ways to deal with the zombie. The two stood there quietly, one observing, the other thinking. Time ticked by. As Zheng Xinyu tried to overcome her fear of the zombie, she remained oblivious to the fact that just across the hallway, another pair of eyes were watching through the peephole of apartment 802! Zhang Sus building had two units per floor. Apartment 802 was larger than his 801, with three bedrooms, two living areas, and a layout spanning over 120 square meters. Inside, a young woman in a silk nightgown was pressed against the door like a giant gecko, her face even paler than her exposed legs beneath the gown. Her actions were comical, but the terror in her eyes as she watched the zombie roam the hallway was nearly palpable. After ten minutes, Zheng Xinyu finally stepped away from the peephole. She rubbed her stiff shoulders and neck from maintaining the same posture for so long. Back in the living room, the two sat away from the door. Zhang Su looked at her with approval. Not scared anymore? Still a little, she admitted, nodding uncertainly. But I think I can handle it now. At least I wont freeze up in fear, right? Being able to do that in such a short time is already impressive. If youre not scared, how about we deal with that thing together? Zhang Su suggested. D-deal with it? Is that a good idea? Zheng Xinyu frowned, clearly conflicted. Whats wrong with it? You dont still think thats a person, do you? That its Brother Li? Isnt it? she blinked and countered. Of course not! Zhang Su flicked her forehead with a sharp . A red mark instantly appeared as he continued, The moment the zombie virus took over, he stopped being human! Zheng Xinyu hesitated, nodding slowly. Maybe youre right. But why bother dealing with it? Are you planning to go downstairs for something? Theres no need to risk it. We have enough supplies for two weeksdont take unnecessary risks! Zheng Xinyu felt she could maybe handle killing a fish, but a zombie was a different story entirely. Watching it through the door without fear was already an achievement. She wasnt sure she could remain calm face-to-face. Before Zhang Su could reply, the sound of helicopters filled the air again. This time, the noise was even louder. Zheng Xinyu rushed to the window, cracked it open, and peered outside. There are over a dozen helicopters! They must be the special police reinforcements, right? she said excitedly. Zhang Su didnt answer. His gaze, now calm and focused, lingered on the helicopters sweeping across the sky. Su-ge, lets just wait quietly at home. The reinforcements are here, so things should be under control soon. Rescue might come faster than we think. Theres no need to take any risks! No one had confirmed that the helicopters belonged to reinforcements, but Zheng Xinyu convinced herself they did. And she truly believed it. If you think we dont have enough to eat, I can eat less and save more for you. Just dont take any chances, please! she pleaded. Her voice tugged at Zhang Sus heart. He softened his expression, replacing his serious look with a teasing smile. Willing to eat less just for me? Youre so kind to me. Could it be you have a crush on me? Zheng Xinyu hadnt expected him to crack a joke in such a tense moment. She rolled her eyes, briefly avoiding his gaze. But after a moments thought, she seemed to make up her mind. Yeah, I do! Im in love with your muscles, so what? Deal with it, eunuch! Zhang Su had appreciated her first sentence, but the last three words threw him for a loop. Eunuch? Eunuch? I change girlfriends every three months! You cant even imagine the fun I have! he retorted indignantly. Pfft, Zheng Xinyu scoffed. The more people brag about something, the more they lack it. If you really switched girlfriends every three months, Ive dropped hintsobvious and subtleso many times. Im not unattractive, am I? Yet you act like a monk! If he truly rotated girlfriends as he claimed, Zheng Xinyu believed he wouldnt have missed a chance like her. She didnt mind a flirt, but her real fear was that he might be into men. Well Zhang Su scratched his head, silently thinking. To him, relationships often boiled down to pros and cons. If pursuing one benefit meant giving up another, hed choose the greater gain. Turning a tenant into a girlfriend might mean losing rent and incurring extra expenses. No matter how he calculated it, it seemed like a losing deal. sea??h th ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 11: The opportunity has come Chapter 011 The opportunity has come Youre a good girl, hehe Zhang Su casually handed Zheng Xinyu a metaphorical nice person card. Go to h*ll, you a**! Zheng Xinyu never expected to be on the receiving end of such a remark. She puffed her cheeks in anger, glaring at Zhang Su with fire in her eyes. Enough of this nonsense Lets figure out how to deal with the zombie outside the door. Zhang Su immediately regretted his earlier teasing. He quickly adopted a serious tone, bringing the conversation back to the pressing matter. You deal with it if you want! Im not going! Zheng Xinyu grumbled, her tone filled with frustration. She turned toward the window, as if intending to draw the curtains for fresh air, but hesitated. After a moments thought, she crouched down beneath the windowsill, burying her head deep in her arms, lost in her thoughts. Zhang Su understood that trying to comfort or force her at this moment wouldnt help. Checking his watch, he realized it was already past noon. After all their earlier commotion, he rubbed his stomach and said, Weve been up for a while nowarent you hungry? Yes Im hungry Sarch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zheng Xinyus voice was soft, almost whimpering, as if she was holding back tears. Zhang Su, seasoned in dealing with such situations, walked over to her, gently patted her head, and said, Ill make us something to eat. As Zhang Sus footsteps receded, Zheng Xinyu lifted her head slightly, her expression a mix of grievance and sadness. Cooking a proper meal wasnt within Zhang Sus skill set, but self-heating meals and instant food were foolproof. Spicy pork or mushroom beefyour pick? Ten minutes later, Zhang Su returned to the living room, holding two boxes of steaming self-heating rice and pointing them out to Zheng Xinyu, who had now returned to the sofa. Despite her lingering annoyance and indignation, those feelings couldnt fill an empty stomach. She had to eat. Ill take the spicy pork The aroma of the meals quickly filled the air. The self-heating pots only took about fifteen minutes to cook, but Zhang Su finished his portion in just five. The rest of the time, he spent trying to persuade Zheng Xinyu to help with the zombie problem. Blah blah blah Zhang Su, I didnt realize you could nag so much. Youve completely killed my appetite! With that, Zheng Xinyu pushed her bowl, still two-fifths full, toward him and said, I cant finish it. If you dont mind, dont waste it. Zhang Su was unexpectedly touched by her quick cooperation. After taking a bite himself, he pushed it back to her and said, Dont eat so little. Im seriousget ready, and lets deal with that zombie together! Brother, Brother Su, my dearest brother, could you please not pressure me? Ask me for anything elseliterally anythingand Ill do it. Just dont make me deal with zombies When she emphasized anything, her tone made it clear it wasnt just a hintit was an outright proposition. Zhang Su smirked, contemplating whether post-victory rewards could be shared. Xinyu, this situation is worse than we imagined. Just thinkQin City alone has hundreds of thousands of people, not counting the surrounding counties. Even in the harbor district, there are over 800,000 residents. How many people can a few helicopters rescue? You have to understand, this isnt just a disaster for one city, one provinceits the whole world! We cant avoid facing this. Compared to the people whove already died, were a thousand times luckier. Summon your courage and confront the challenge! A motivational speech served as dessert, meant to nourish her resolve. Zheng Xinyu closed her eyes in pain, the zombies grotesque image replaying in her mind. She opened them again, as if ready to say something, only to see Zhang Su offering her a spoonful of fragrant rice. Open wide, eat up. Chomp! She obediently finished the remainder of her food, placed the empty bowl down, hesitated, and said, Brother Su, youre right. Ive seen the harsh reality. But can you give me a few more days? Maybe the zombie outside will leave on its own? Sigh. Zhang Su sighed deeply and motioned her to the window. He opened a small gap in the curtain, allowing them both to peek outside. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, Do you see the situation out there? Count how many zombies are wandering around. From their vantage point, Zheng Xinyu roughly estimated at least twenty to thirty zombies roaming nearby. This was only one part of the neighborhood; extrapolating from this, the entire residential area could easily have over a hundred zombies. Do you see how dire it is? Waiting for rescue is one approach, but like I said, relying on others isnt as dependable as relying on ourselves! Zhang Sus years of experience navigating society, interacting with people, had honed his skills. Whether persuading or inspiring, he was a natural. Fine. But, Brother Su, youhuh? Brother Su, look! The top floor of Unit 2, Building 4! Zheng Xinyu was just about to agree when she spotted someone waving frantically in their direction. Even with such a small gap in the curtain, they noticed us? They mustve been watching us for a while! Zhang Su muttered, following her gaze. Sure enough, a young man was kneeling on a windowsill, waving both arms desperately, clearly trying to get their attention. Just ignore him. Zhang Su closed the curtain without hesitation, blocking out all light. Now wasnt the time to bother with irrelevant people. Zheng Xinyu didnt argue. With the internet down and no way out of the apartment, even though the other unit was less than 100 meters away, collaboration or meaningful communication was impossible. Brother Su, we dont even have weapons. How are we supposed to deal with zombies? She pointed toward the door, finally mustering her determination and deciding to act decisively. Rawrrr! Almost as if it heard her resolve, the zombie in the hallway let out a feral, bloodthirsty screech, shaking their nerves. Before Zhang Su could react, loud banging sounds echoed through the hallwaynot at their door, but another. Without a word, Zhang Su rushed to the peephole and saw the zombie violently pounding on the door of apartment 802 with more force than before. Ah! No! Help! Please, dont kill medont! A series of sharp, frantic screams came from behind the opposite door. Though muffled by layers of walls, it was clear the person inside was crying out for help. The content wasnt important. What mattered was that someone was alive in 802. This is our chance! Zhang Sus eyes gleamed. Whatever was happening across the hall, he knew this was a rare opportunity! Chapter 12: Why do you hide these under your bed? Chapter 012 Why do you hide these under your bed? "Brother Su, what opportunity are you talking about?" Zheng Xinyu followed Zhang Su into the bedroom, her tone laced with confusion. "The chance to take down a zombie!" Zhang Su''s voice rose slightly, his expression filled with tension, urgency, and excitement. Initially, the zombie was roaming the hallway, and the sound of a door opening would undoubtedly attract its attention, leading to an unavoidable head-on confrontationnot an easy feat. But now, someone else had drawn the zombies attention. This was the perfect opportunity to strike it from behind. Sneaking up and ambushing it was clearly much easier than fighting it head-on. Anyone with common sense would know that! It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance! As he answered Zheng Xinyu''s question, Zhang Su bent over and struggled to pull out a large box from under the bed. It was over a meter long and around thirty to forty centimeters wide and thick. Before Zheng Xinyu could voice her curiosity, Zhang Su deftly unclasped the box, lifted the lid with a swish, and let out a faint industrial oil scent. Inside lay an array of weapons: machetes, hand axes, a large iron wrench, and a baseball bat. "These... wait, Brother Su, why do you have these things hidden under your bed?" Zheng Xinyu could somewhat understand the presence of a baseball batit could be considered sports equipment. But the strange machetes and the sharp axes? What were those for? She looked at Zhang Su with a peculiar expression, as if questioning whether he might secretly be a murderer. Zhang Su ignored her skepticism. He took out a short-handled axe hammer from the box and weighed it in his hand. One side gleamed with a sharp axe blade, while the other side was a sturdy hammerits solid construction immediately imparted a sense of security. Then he pulled out the longest baseball bat and handed it to Zheng Xinyu. "Here, you use this!" "O-okay." Nervously, Zheng Xinyu accepted the baseball bat. She knew what they were about to face, and her scalp tingled as her heart raced. From apartment 802 came occasional, piercing cries for help. The zombie, like a ravenous predator, pounded on the door harder and harder, its actions revealing a maddening hunger for fresh blood. "When did a woman move in across the hall... Let''s hurry. If she keeps screaming like this, shell attract even more zombies!" Zhang Su was deeply annoyed. He couldn''t understand why women always seemed to scream when faced with problems. Happy? They screamed. Not happy? They still screamed. Was this trait ingrained in their genes? Zheng Xinyu didnt voice her thoughts. Internally, she admitted that if she didnt have Zhang Su leading, she wouldnt be any better than the woman across the hall. Her quick adaptation to the situation was, to a large extent, thanks to Zhang Su. "Get ready. In a moment, well sneak up close to the zombie and attack its head simultaneously. Youve watched zombie movies, right? Aim for the head. Got it?" Suppressing his irritation, Zhang Su pointed to his head as he explained. "Got it, I understand..." Zheng Xinyu replied, still a bit dazed. Zhang Su wasnt reassured. He stepped aside and said, "Come here, show me how you''d swing it!" "Brother Su, this baseball bat is a bit heavy. I... Im afraid Ill miss. What should I do?" Unlike the ordinary bats usually sold to wannabe street youths, this bat was custom-made by a professional craftsman at Zhang Sus request. It was constructed from special materials, reinforced, and even borrowed ergonomic design patents from top international weapon manufacturers. A typical baseball bat weighed around 900 grams, but the one in Zheng Xinyu''s hands weighed a hefty 2 kilograms. While Zhang Su could wield it with ease due to his size and strength, it was a bit much for Zheng Xinyu. "Its heavy because it needs to pack a punch. If its too light, youll just be giving the zombie a massage! Picture the zombies head as a wooden logswing the bat like youre chopping firewood. Now, come on, take a swing and show me!" Zhang Su encouraged her. "Alright. Yah!" Zheng Xinyu wasnt one to back down. She summoned her strength, raised the bat, and swung it downward. The whistle of wind followed her movementit carried considerable force. Zhang Su blinked in surprise, his brows furrowing. "Youre stronger than I thought. Where did that come from?" "I... Ive been working out a little," Zheng Xinyu mumbled, avoiding his gaze. She wouldnt admit that after watching Zhang Su work out every day, shed secretly started following along in her room. Though her training wasnt intense, it was paying off now. "Good. If youve got strength, thats half the battle. Raw power works wonders. But your form was off. Watch mewhen you swing, pay attention to how your waist and back work together. That way, youll deliver more force. After the strike, make sure to follow through and dodge, so you dont waste your momentum..." Zhang Su demonstrated the techniques, his movements refined and efficientproducts of training under an unrestricted fighting master. Biting her lip, Zheng Xinyu paid close attention. She couldnt perfect it in such a short time, but she made an effort to memorize the basic principles. "Good, just like that. Now, lets..." "What are you looking for?" Zheng Xinyu watched as Zhang Su rummaged through the wardrobe. "Something for protection! The woman across the hall has stopped screaming. Based on previous observations, the zombie will give up after four or five minutes of silence! Quick, grab those magazines over there. Well make some improvised arm guards!" Zhang Su tossed two black wrist guards at Zheng Xinyu, who looked at them in confusion. "A-arm guards?" She knew what pads were, but how was she supposed to make arm guards? She held the wrist guards, utterly clueless. sea??h th n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Ill do it for you first. Watch closely, then you can help me!" Zhang Su swiftly grabbed a promotional magazine from the computer desk, wrapped it around Zheng Xinyus forearm, and slid the wrist guard over it to secure it in place. "Move your arm. How does it feel?" Zheng Xinyu quickly swung her arm. The wrist guard held the magazine tightly in place. She exclaimed, "Its solid! It doesnt hinder my movements at all!" "Great. Now you know how to do it. Lets get the other one on." Once Zheng Xinyu''s other arm was protected, she deftly helped Zhang Su with his. She was quick and skillful after seeing it once. "If a zombie lunges at you, use your arm to block like this, then push or kick it away. Got it?" Zhang Su raised his arm to demonstrate. "Do... do we really have to do this? Its so dangerous!" Zheng Xinyu mimicked his movements, her face pale with dread. She knew she might not survive a zombies bite. "Were strong and uninjured now. If we dont practice killing zombies now, what happens when supplies run low, and were weak from hunger? How will we kill zombies thenwith our heads?" Zhang Su retorted sternly. It was a stark reality check. Zheng Xinyu could imagine the scenario vividly. Like a frog in slowly boiling water, she realized how dire things could get. Without Zhang Su, she knew shed be the type to sit and wait for death. "Alright, Ill follow your lead!" Zheng Xinyus gaze firmed, and her blocking movements started to look more polished. Chapter 13: The First Drop of Blood Chapter 013: The First Drop of Blood Opportunities are fleeting. Get ready! Zhang Su glanced out through the peephole, his hand gripping the doorknob, ready to act. Wait, wait Zheng Xinyus voice quivered as she saw Zhang Su preparing to open the door after just one instruction. Her words came out stammered, turning a simple wait into a string of hesitant repetitions. What now? Zhang Su looked at her impatiently. Zheng Xinyu clenched her fist and patted her chest to calm her racing heart. Just mentally prepare yourself! Come on, weve got this! Zhang Su encouraged her while silently steeling himself. Hed been in countless fights, even sparring in an octagon, but this was his first encounter with a zombie. Failure meant death. Though the odds of failure were slim, his fear and nervousness were palpable. His mouth was dry, and despite the cold temperature, beads of sweat formed on his back. His hand gripping the axe handle felt damp, but thankfully, the non-slip design kept it steady. Taking a deep breath, Zhang Su held up three fingers, then two, then one. As the zombies pounding echoed outside, Zhang Su silently unlocked and eased open the door. Behind him, Zheng Xinyu, holding a baseball bat, felt her heart leap into her throat. Oh my god, Im terrified of cockroaches, let alone zombies. This is insane, utterly insane! Her thoughts spiraled as the door creaked open. The sound of the zombie striking the neighboring door became louder, reverberating in her chest. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the bat tightly. A pungent, metallic scent of blood wafted in, a smell that seemed to trigger a primal discomfort. It was as if her DNA recognized this as the harbinger of injury or death. Zhang Sus face was deadly serious as he crouched low, signaling Zheng Xinyu to follow. He advanced toward the zombie. The cries from inside apartment 802 had ceased, but the relentless zombie continued pounding on the door. The felt like war drums hammering against their nerves. The distance from 801 to 802 was only five or six meters, but to Zhang Su, it felt like an eternity. When he finally got within a meter of the zombie, his heart raced at what felt like 150 beats per minute. The zombies beast-like growls accompanied its relentless pounding. Its right arm swung with exaggerated force, moving its entire body. In its left hand dangled an armits pale bone stumps glaringly visible through shredded flesh. Zhang Su didnt look back at Zheng Xinyu; his focus stayed locked on the zombie. He gestured a chopping motion with his left hand before raising his axe. The black axe blade gleamed coldly, sharp enough to slice through hair. Imagining the moment the axe cleaved into the zombies skull, Zhang Sus fear didnt stop him from pressing forward. Just as Zhang Su swung the axe, a metallic crash echoed. His axe collided with the baseball bat. The zombie halted its pounding and jerkily turned its head with surprising speed. For a moment, six eyes met. The zombie appeared momentarily confused, as if it hadnt expected two reckless humans to emerge behind it. Its mutated nostrils flared as though gathering scents. The air seemed to freeze. In the blood-red depths of the zombies eyes, there was nothing but a feral hungerno trace of reason or humanity. Kill it! Zhang Su growled, his muscles bulging as he swung the axe. The blade arced toward the zombie without hesitation or mercy. Sear?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The sickening sound of impact resonated. The sharp axe embedded itself in the zombies skull. Even the hard bone yielded under Zhang Sus powerful swing, splitting open from the center of its forehead to the left corner of its mouth. Dark blood splattered against the wooden utility room door. D*** it! Its stuck! Zhang Su cursed as the axe lodged in the zombies skull. Pulling hard only caused the creature to lurch toward him. Get off me! The zombie roared in fury, its mutated body unfeeling but reacting instinctively to the attack. Just as it raised an arm to retaliate, another blow landed. Zheng Xinyus baseball bat struck the zombies right temple with surprising force. Designed for ease of handling, the bat allowed her to deliver a solid hit even in her panic. The impact knocked the zombie backward. Nice shot! Zhang Su praised her, using the moment to yank the axe free. A slimy string of viscous fluid trailed behind it. Zhang Sus powerful kick sent the zombie sprawling against the door of 802. Its body slumped, jaws opening and closing as it howled in frustration, unable to rise. Without giving it a chance to recover, Zhang Su flipped the axe to its hammer side and brought it crashing down on the zombies head. The hammer smashed into its skull with brutal force. Take this! And this! You son of a b***h! Zhang Su gritted his teeth as his bulging arm muscles pounded relentlessly. Flesh, blood, and bone fragments sprayed across the walls, ceiling, and even the light fixture. Hah hah is it dead? After more than ten strikes, Zhang Su finally stopped, leaning against the wall as he warily observed the mangled zombie. Urgh! Zheng Xinyus stomach churned. Unable to hold back, she vomited a mix of rice, spicy pork, and peas onto the zombie. Under the onslaught, its head was reduced to a grotesque mess. The jagged remnants of flesh and bone looked like a cracked bowl with its contents spilling out. With no answer from Zheng Xinyu, Zhang Su nudged the zombies limp ankle with his foot. Seeing no response, he finally exhaled in relief. Chapter 14: Looting the Body Chapter 014: Looting the Body Ugh... I wasnt feeling too disgusted at first, but after you threw up, now I feel like gagging too! The metallic stench of blood mixed with the sour smell of vomit, combined with the gory scene in front of them, was a true assault on the senses. Suppressing the nausea welling up in his stomach, Zhang Su patted Zheng Xinyus back as she leaned against the wall, dry heaving. Lets go back inside first! When faced with gore, Zhang Su had his coping mechanisms. Thinking about how one bite from this creature could turn him into a zombie made him so angry that he wished he could hit it a few more times. That thought alone helped diminish his disgust. Zheng Xinyu turned to face Zhang Su, her chin still smeared with remnants of stomach acid and rice. She opened her mouth to speak, but another wave of nausea surged, forcing her to gag again against the wall. I feel so sick... I cant take it... Her voice came out distorted, half-gasping as she struggled with the urge to vomit while trying to talk. It was as if her stomach was ready to expel everything inside. Good grief, at this rate, youll need an endless buffet to keep up with how much youre throwing up! Zhang Su kept patting her back as he glanced toward apartment 802s door. The noise from earlier had been so loud that the occupants must have heard it. But now that the zombie was dead, they still hadnt come out? As far as he knew, 802 was unoccupied. The last time hed seen the ownera middle-aged man in his forties or fiftieswas two years ago during a chance encounter in the elevator. They hadnt even spoken. The sudden appearance of someone inside 802 puzzled him, but he wasnt curious enough to investigate further. Suddenly, the mechanical hum of the elevator interrupted his thoughts. Zhang Su took a couple of steps toward the elevator area and saw that it was movingcoming up from the third floor. The elevators moving. Lets go, back inside, now! Without waiting for a response, Zhang Su grabbed Zheng Xinyu by the waist and half-dragged her back into the apartment. He had no idea what was causing the elevator to move. Maybe someone was coming up, maybe a zombie inside the elevator had accidentally pressed a button, or maybe someone had called it. Whatever the case, staying exposed in the hallway was unsafe. After helping Zheng Xinyu back into the room, she collapsed onto the floor as soon as the door was shut. The baseball bat clattered to the ground beside her, leaving behind a bloody smear. Waaah Zheng Xinyu burst into tears, her voice filled with a mixture of grievance and fear. She looked at Zhang Su with tearful eyes, her expression so pitiful it might have made a stranger think Zhang Su had bullied her. Zhang Su, who had been peeking out at the elevator, turned back upon hearing her sobs. He nudged her lightly with his foot, signaling for her to stop crying. The elevator stopped on the sixth floor. Xinyu, do you think its a person or a zombie? Shifting her attention proved to be the best way to calm her down. sea??h th N??elFir.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sure enough, Zheng Xinyus sobs quieted, replaced by sniffles. It it has to be a person. Zombies zombies wouldnt know how to use an elevator! But what if theres a zombie trapped inside, and it accidentally pressed a button? Thats not impossible. Zhang Sus tone was serious as he analyzed the situation. After speaking, he gently pushed the door open and stepped out. Where are you going?! Zheng Xinyu seemed to spring to life, grabbing Zhang Sus arm in panic. Im going to the stairwell to listen for movement and lock the safety door while Im at it. Zhang Su patted her trembling hand reassuringly. Now that the immediate threat was dealt with, he felt a bit more secure and wanted to expand their safe area. From inside the apartment, Zheng Xinyu watched Zhang Su intently as he walked toward the safety door. Her mind conjured terrifying images of zombies bursting out of the stairwell to attack him. Realizing she was unarmed, she quickly grabbed the baseball bat, finding some solace in its weight. As Zhang Su approached the stairwell, he glanced back at the earlier battleground. The zombie still lay limply against 802s door. He briefly considered dragging the body away but then remembered the lack of help from whoever was inside 802. That irritation alone made him decide to leave it be. Reaching the stairwell, Zhang Su looked up and down, only to be greeted by eerie silence. The quiet was unsettling, amplifying the faint cries coming through a distant windowwhether they were pleas for help or death throes, he couldnt tell. Broken jars of pickled vegetables from a lower floor had spilled, mingling with the faint scent of blood in a bizarrely unpleasant combination. The silence was oppressive. The stairwell was usually deserted, only occasionally used by cleaning staff. But now, under the shadow of the zombie outbreak, the empty space felt ominous. No movement. Doesnt seem like its a person Frowning, Zhang Su tried to reason it out. If someone had called the elevator from the sixth floor, there would have been noise. The utter silence didnt sit right with him. Peering down through the central gap, he spotted two flailing arms on the lower levels. Judging by their erratic movements, it was clear they belonged to zombies. Nowhere is safe out there. Zhang Su retreated cautiously, closing the safety door behind him. To his frustration, the lock was broken. He cursed the property management under his breath and left the door ajar, planning to secure it later with something. Did you find anything? Zheng Xinyu quickly asked when he returned, locking the apartment door behind him. No sounds, no movement, Zhang Su replied grimly, shaking his head. Well, no movement is better than something Zheng Xinyu whispered, her lips pale as she swallowed nervously. Lets go inside and rest. Zhang Su carried the axe with him, instinctively keeping his voice low. As he led the way, he suddenly turned to her. Is there something on my face? Theres a bit on your chin and neck will it be a problem? she asked, her voice laced with anxiety. I dont know. Probably not. But its best to wash it off quickly Zhang Su muttered, frowning slightly at the thought of using precious water. Right! Something clicked in his mind, and he abandoned the idea of cleaning up for now, heading back to the door. Now where are you going? Zheng Xinyu asked, jogging after him with the baseball bat gripped tightly in her handsa habit she was quickly developing. Zhang Su peered out through the peephole before opening the door carefully. Loot the body! Loot? Her thoughts stalled for a moment before realization struck. She watched as Zhang Su approached the lifeless zombie and deftly retrieved a keychain from its body. Chapter 15: Insight Tags Chapter 015: Insight Tags Back home, Zhang Su closed the door tightly and waved the keys in his hand with a pleased expression. Brother Lis whole family lives together, so they probably have some supplies at home. If if theyre not there, dont let it go to waste. It wasnt that he was hoping for Brother Lis family to be wiped out, but given the current circumstances, that seemed like the most likely outcome. Zheng Xinyu looked at the keys stained with blood and felt a sense of heaviness. Suddenly, she perked up and pointed toward her bedroom. I almost forgot! I have wet wipeslots of them! Wet wipes? Zhang Su placed the keys on the shoe cabinet and looked at her. Thats great! They can completely replace water for cleaning. How did you forget about those? As he spoke, he headed toward her bedroom without hesitation. I was doing that challengetrying to stay in my room for a month without leaving or taking in supplies. For personal hygiene, I could only rely on wet wipes. I bought a ton of them, even alcohol-based disinfecting ones, but I forgot to unpack them! Zheng Xinyu followed Zhang Su with quick steps. The thought of being able to clean herself without using up water lifted her spirits immensely. People can endure hardship, but they dont need to seek it outfinding ways to alleviate suffering is the real challenge. Before long, the two opened the delivery boxes. Sure enough, just as she said, there were twenty large packs of regular wet wipes, with eighty sheets per pack, plus three hundred alcohol wipes. Hahaha Zhang Su couldnt help but laugh. He immediately tore open a pack and pulled out a wipe to clean the blood and grime from his chin and neck. Zheng Xinyu, feeling just as delighted, pulled out a wet wipe to help clean the spots Zhang Su missed. Once Zhang Su had wiped himself clean, he grabbed an alcohol wipe for good measure. Even if it didnt help, at least it was reassuring psychologically. After tidying up, they had used about ten wipes. With 1,600 sheets remaining, they could last a long time. Im going to drain some water, Zhang Su said, heading to the bathroom. He tossed his blood-stained T-shirt into the trash can. It had been soaked in zombie blood, and without water to clean it, it was useless. Fortunately, he had plenty of clothes at home. Since he couldnt take them when leaving anyway, there was no shortage for now. As he walked into the bathroom and out of Zheng Xinyus view, text appeared in his mind. [Collaborated to eliminate zombies outside the door within one day. Difficulty: C. Completed in 01:33:25.] So thats why nothing happenedit only activates when no ones watching. Zhang Su had been wondering why the challenges hadnt been acknowledged yet. With so much going on, he hadnt dwelled on it. If thats the case Curious to test his theory, he turned to leave the bathroom. However, he found himself rooted in place, trapped in a strange space. sea??h th n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Looks like I overthought it. As the text disappeared, a new line appeared in his mind. [Reward: Insight Tags 20] Insight Tags? The multiplier was easy to understandhe could presumably use this special ability twenty times. But what exactly were Insight Tags? Hey, explain this, will you? How do I use Insight Tags? Zhang Su asked mentally, like a curious student eager for answers. Unfortunately, the text vanished, replaced only by [Insight Tags 0/20], and silence reigned. Still stingy as ever. Insight Tags, hmm As Zhang Su stood in the bathroom, puzzling over this new ability, his two employees were cowering in the Eireiwen convenience store, trembling in fear. The store was pitch dark. Wu Lue and a young woman hid under the counter, barely daring to breathe. Just as Zhang Su predicted, Zhao Xue, who was supposed to replace Wu Lue for the day shift, had arrived early as usual. However, instead of greeting the day with her usual serene smile, she had limped into the store in a panic, missing a shoe and visibly terrified. The sudden commotion jolted Wu Lue awake from a nap. He had only meant to rest after exhausting himself with his studies, but when he woke, the world had turned upside down. Though physically frail, Wu Lue was quick-witted. Upon seeing zombies on the street attacking and biting people, he immediately pulled down the shutter. For the first time, this always-open convenience store was closedeven during the New Year. Xue-jie, are you okay? Zhao Xue, sitting in the corner with her injured ankle, was quietly sobbing. The past few hours had felt like an eternity, filled with the sounds of car crashes, agonized screams, and desperate cries for help. Her spirit was battered. She looked at Wu Lues silhouette in the darkness and weakly asked, Is the internet back yet? No Wu Lue replied dejectedly. Ugh I-I shouldve just run straight home. I shouldnt have come to the store. My parents Ugh At the thought of her parents, Zhao Xue broke into sobs again. Its a good thing you didnt. If you had, youd probably be dead by now Wu Lue sighed heavily. When the network briefly came back, I tried calling the police, but it wouldnt connect. Things out there must be really bad. Xiao Wu, what are those monsters eating people? Whats going on? Zhao Xue sniffled and asked in a hushed voice. What else? Zombies, like in those TV shows. Damn it, no wonder thereve been so many zombie-themed shows and movies in recent years. They were prepping us for this, so we wouldnt panic when the zombie virus finally broke out. Wu Lues wild speculations left Zhao Xue stunned. Her terrible mood was momentarily interrupted as she stared at him in disbelief. You you think this is a terrorist attack by another country? I have no idea Wu Lue licked his dry lips. Whatever the cause, we need to focus on survival. Xue-jie, hows your ankle? Can you walk? Zhao Xue rubbed her swollen ankle and replied, It hurts when I touch itits really swollen. Thick socks had protected the bottom of her foot from injury, but her twisted ankle was in bad shape. Wu Lue scratched his messy hair in frustration. If Brother Su were here, hed know what to do. Hes great with injuries like this. Last time, he even fixed my stiff neck Brother Su Zhao Xue softly murmured the name. Her mind conjured the image of Zhang Sus tall figure, always with a smile. Her eyes reddened again. Wait, I just rememberedBrother Su has some medicinal ointments stored in the back. Ill go grab them! Without waiting for a response, Wu Lue crouched low and made his way toward the storage room, clutching a frying pan for a semblance of security. Chapter 16: 【Stubborn】【Indecisive】【Good Fortune】 Chapter 016: StubbornIndecisiveGood Fortune Wow, Zhang Su, this knife looks so cool! Can I use it? In Zhang Sus bedroom, Zheng Xinyu pulled a curved knife, shaped somewhat like a boomerang, out of its sheath and admired it from different angles. The razor-sharp blade reflected sunlight streaming through the window like a mirror, while its thick spine gave it a reassuringly solid feel. Youve got an eye for quality At this moment, Zhang Sus perception of Zheng Xinyu had shifted slightly. Above her head floated three labels: StubbornIndecisiveGood Fortune After gaining the special ability to use Insight Tags, Zhang Su had immediately tried it on Zheng Xinyu. The tags revealed more about her personality. At first glance, labels like Stubborn and Indecisive seemed negative, but Zhang Su didnt see them that way. Being indecisive was better than being biasedafter all, as the saying goes, prejudice is scarier than ignorance. Indecisive people are more likely to listen to others, and from what hed observed so far, that described Zheng Xinyu perfectly. As for stubbornness, while it might not have been a good trait in the past, in a zombie-infested apocalypse, stubbornness was better than cowardice. Zhang Su would much rather team up with someone bold and headstrong who followed orders than a scheming but timid partner. A dependable lucky charm. Thats how Zhang Su summed up Zheng Xinyu. Thinking back on recent events, the tags fit her perfectly. He felt very satisfied with this special ability. Although it didnt directly enhance combat power or provide resources, in such chaotic times, understanding people was crucial. Zhang Su knew that in the future, he wouldnt be surviving the apocalypse alone. If he had to interact with others, knowing their true nature was vital. And if he ever spotted someone with a tag like Rebellious by Nature, it would be like being handed a lifesaverhed steer clear. Interestingly, after using Insight Tags on Zheng Xinyu, Zhang Su had tried looking in the mirror to use it on himself, but it didnt work. He was genuinely curious to gain insight into himself, as he felt he didnt fully understand his own nature. Come on, this has nothing to do with having an eye for quality! Its obvious that this knife is way better than a baseball bat or a giant wrench. Zheng Xinyu gave Zhang Su an odd look and pointed at the only other item in the boxa massive half-meter-long wrench. Whats wrong with the wrench? Thats a specially designed weapon too! What youre holding is a Kukri, and its the priciest item in the box. Zhang Su tapped the blade of the Kukri in her hand, eliciting a satisfying hum. The blade, made from L6 Bainite steel, was exceptional in hardness, shock resistance, and toughness. Most expensive, huh? Why does it have such an awful nameKukri? Oh well, its expensive, so thats all that matters. Im using this! Upon hearing how valuable it was, Zheng Xinyu suddenly felt the knife grow lighter in her hand. Just as she was about to stand up and test it out, Zhang Su snatched it away. This knife isnt for you! He carefully slid the blade back into its sheath and pointed at the nearby baseball bat. Stick to the bat for now. With your current skills, using the Kukri would be suicide. Honestly, blunt weapons work great against zombies. Or go for something sharp like a spear for stabbing. Recalling the harrowing moment when an axe got stuck in a zombies skull, Zhang Su had learned his lesson. The Kukri is meant for fighting people. He patted the sheath meaningfully. Oh, fine Zheng Xinyu answered blankly. She didnt fully understand, but Zhang Sus explanation seemed logical. If only we could get to the Eireiwen convenience store... Theres some great stuff there. Zhang Su muttered in frustration. Most of his weapons collection was stored at the shop. This axe isnt good enough? Zheng Xinyu pointed to a nearby axe hammer. Zhang Su picked up the black axe hammer, made from T10 tool steel. It was indeed excellent in quality, but after the intense fight earlier, it had sustained minor wear and retained faint scuff marks even after cleaninga testament to the ferocity of the battle. S~ea??h the N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its sturdy enough, but if we keep fighting like before Never mind, lets stop dwelling on it. Xinyu, you barely ate earlier. Do you want something to eat now? Zhang Su heard Zheng Xinyus stomach rumble and asked. She rubbed her stomach and shook her head. Im hungry, but I dont have an appetite. Maybe later. Alright! Zhang Su glanced at the time3 PM. Dinner wasnt far off. Normally, hed be heading to the store for his shift around this time, but now he was stuck at home. Since we have some time, lets huh? Zhang Su was about to suggest some light exercisepurely to strengthen their bodies and improve moralewhen a sudden knock on the door interrupted him. The sound was gentle, not the aggressive pounding of a zombie. Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu exchanged glances, both grabbing their weapons as they approached the door. Zhang Su peered through the peephole, and his face twitched. The door to apartment 802 was slightly ajar, with a zombie shoved to the side. Standing at the door was a masked and sunglasses-wearing woman. She glanced around nervously, trembling from head to toe. Its the woman from across the hall, Zhang Su muttered to Zheng Xinyu with a frown. Zheng Xinyu gave him an awkward look but said nothing. Uh, hello? Im your neighbor from 802. Can I can I say something? The woman outside seemed to sense someone inside and leaned closer to the door, speaking in a soft voice. Theres no water or internet in my apartment. Could I borrow a phone? Do you know whats going on with those monsters? Please, answer me. Im willing to pay for using your phone Zhang Su shook his head at Zheng Xinyu, then quietly stepped back into the bedroom. The two closed the door behind them. Why? Is there something wrong with her? Zheng Xinyu asked, puzzled. Earlier, they couldnt communicate with people from Building 4 because of the distance, but this woman was just a door away. Zhang Su shrugged indifferently, leaning against the bed. Whether theres something wrong or not, I dont think its worth opening the door. We cant really help her, and she has nothing to offer us in return. Thats true Zheng Xinyu nodded silently. It was only then that she realized Zhang Su had brought her along not because she was particularly charming or because he was especially kind-hearted. It was simply because they happened to share a roof. The thought made her ask, somewhat dramatically, Zhang Su, if and I mean I were surrounded by zombies, and saving me was really dangerous, would you do it? Zhang Su shot her a sidelong glance. Having dealt with numerous girlfriends before, he was no stranger to bizarre questions. This one wasnt even the weirdest. You women are so funny. Youve got nothing better to do than ask who wed save if someone fell in a river. Now its this nonsense. If youve got time to think about this, why not focus on why you missed your swing earlier? I What I? If I hadnt pulled the zombie closer by ten centimeters, you wouldnt have hit anything! You really think youre some kind of sharpshooter? Wake up, lady! Shaking his head, Zhang Su stood and walked toward the window. He was well aware that the reason Zheng Xinyu had landed a hit on the zombie was probably thanks to her Good Fortune tag. Chapter 17: The Woman Next Door Chapter 017: The Woman Next Door It was my first time; of course I was nervous! Missing is totally normal. Ill just practice more! Pouting, Zheng Xinyu moved to the living room and began swinging the baseball bat, following the techniques Zhang Su had taught her earlier. The light knocking on the door persisted, accompanied occasionally by the womans pleas. Unbothered, Zheng Xinyu continued practicing her swings in the living room. After about four or five minutes, the knocking finally stopped. Shes finally gone. Zheng Xinyu breathed a sigh of relief and resumed her practice. Although she wasnt the type to go out of her way to help others, hearing someone beg for help tugged at her heartstrings. However, she also understood that being soft-hearted now was pointlessshe simply didnt have the ability to help others. Even looking out for herself was a challenge. For instance, after only ten minutes of practice, her arms already felt sore. Zhang Su walked out of the bedroom and into the living room, his thoughts elsewhere. A few vehicles are heading toward the outskirts. Also, I think zombies might have some basic instincts! Huh? What do you mean? Are you saying zombies are intelligent? Zheng Xinyu was startled. Based on her limited encounters, she didnt have much of an advantage over zombies. Intelligence and critical thinking were some of the few edges she had. If zombies had those too, what was the point of even trying to survive? Why not just join them already? Zhang Su shook his head. Not intelligence. Its more like instinctive behavior. I noticed that when zombies dont have a target, their movements are very mechanicalalmost energy-efficient. In other words, they conserve energy. Im guessing that in this state, most of their energy is directed toward sensory organs, enhancing their ability to detect prey. Once they locate a target, their movement speed drastically increases. Doesnt this remind you of how many wild predators behave? Zheng Xinyu nodded vaguely, still unsure how this information was immediately helpful. Before she could figure it out, a deafening explosion shattered the stillness. The massive noise pierced even the soundproof windows. Zhang Sus head buzzed, and the apartment shook slightly. A souvenir basketball toppled from the bookshelf, rolling onto the floor. Zheng Xinyu clutched her ears and crouched on the ground, eyes wide with terror as she stared in the direction of the sound. Over there! Zhang Su pointed toward Zheng Xinyus room and quickly pulled back the curtains. The residential areas perimeter wall had been blown apart as if it were a set of dominoes. Vehicles lay overturned and burning across the street. The source of the explosion was a shop across the road, though its exact cause was unclear. Over a dozen connected storefronts were engulfed in flames, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The street was unrecognizable, littered with rubble, collapsed walls, and shattered concrete. Some debris had even flown into the residential area. The most hair-raising sight, however, was the zombies. Some were engulfed in flames as they wandered aimlessly among the cars, while others, trapped in burning vehicles, thrashed and waved their arms. The scene was like something out of hell. Oh my god Zheng Xinyu pressed her face to the window next to Zhang Su, staring at the cracked pavement and the scene of utter devastation. If the zombies had terrified her, this explosion sent a chill straight to her soul. Thank goodness were on a high floor. Lower levels probably had their windows blown out! Zhang Su glanced nervously downward, though the angle didnt allow him to see much. Brother Su I Im starting to feel like staying in the building isnt that safe either. Look, half of Building 8s unit is burning. What if theres an explosion below us? What do we do if the fire spreads upstairs? Zheng Xinyu asked worriedly. Zhang Sus heart skipped a beat. He immediately slapped her on the butt and said sternly, Stop jinxing us! Sarch* The N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Considering Zheng Xinyus Good Fortune tag, he didnt want to take any chances. If her luck influenced both good and bad outcomes, they couldnt afford reckless speculation. Hey, whats with the touching?! Perhaps because she had been through a fight with zombies, Zheng Xinyus nerves were steadier than before. Zhang Sus unexpected action quickly distracted her from the fear of the explosion. At that moment, rapid and urgent knocking sounded, much louder than before. A voice called out through the crack in the door: Im from 802! Hello? What was that explosion? Im so scared. Can I come in to talk? Please, Im begging you Due to the layout of the building, the occupant of 802 could only see a portion of the collapsed wall and couldnt directly observe the explosion site, making the situation even more unsettling. Zhang Su frowned and strode toward the door. This time, the woman didnt wear a mask or sunglasses, perhaps too frightened by the explosion to think about covering her face. Her pretty features were twisted with fear, her eyes filled with panic. Please, good person, I mean no harm. Im just a woman. Please, help me out a little. Ill pay youIll give you all the money I have. And my gold jewelry too. You can have it all. Thinking her cash wasnt enough, she quickly added her jewelry as leverage. Without hesitation, she started removing her earrings and necklace. Just as she was doing so, the door suddenly opened. She flinched, expecting to be struck, but instead, a large hand yanked her inside. Her head bumped against the doorframe. Ah mmph! Before her hoarse cry could fully escape, her mouth was covered. Curious, Zheng Xinyu followed closely behind Zhang Su and shut the door as soon as the woman was pulled inside. Why do you scream so much?! Are you a reincarnated loudspeaker? Zhang Su pinned the woman against the wall, one hand over her mouth, his eyes fierce and unrelenting. He showed no mercy just because she was a woman. The woman trembled, her tears flowing freely. She raised a hand to rub the sore spot on her head but froze under Zhang Sus intimidating glare. Uh miss, you cant just yell like that. Itll attract the zombies, Zheng Xinyu explained gently, unable to stand the sight of the woman so scared shed practically lost her soul. The woman hadnt even noticed Zheng Xinyu until she spoke. Zhengs calm and kind demeanor helped soothe her nerves, and she nodded quickly to show she understood. Are you going to scream again? Zhang Su asked harshly. The woman, who had been nodding, quickly changed to shaking her head, but her eyes darted to Zheng Xinyu instead of meeting Zhang Sus gaze. Zhang Su released her and, with a scowl, wiped his hand on her chest. Youre disgustinggot snot all over my hand! Uh The woman noticed the rough motion of his hand on her clothes but didnt dare resist. After all, her face was indeed covered in tears and mucus. Alright, enough with the groping Zheng Xinyu leaned toward Zhang Su and whispered near his ear without moving her lips, clearly teasing him. Chapter 18: Private Care Chapter 18: Private Care Moments later, Zhang Su led the woman to the living room and had her sit down. She clutched a tissue in her hand, looking pitiful like a bullied housewife, softly sobbing. She was still wearing her silk pajamas, her slightly wavy hair draped over her shoulders. Her slender figure, with its curves in all the right places, was the kind men loved and women envied. She exuded a pleasant perfume scent. Her skin was well-maintained, but from her demeanor and temperament, she appeared to be in her early thirtiesa typical young mature woman. You two are amazing! You actually killed those monsters in the hallway! Can you tell me whats going on? she asked hesitantly, her voice filled with awe and curiosity. Watching them deal with the monsters earlier had nearly scared her out of her wits. Zhang Su''s face remained cold as he snapped, Stop trying to dig for information and start explaining yourself! He had no desire to entertain this woman, but if she kept causing trouble, the noise might attract zombies from further away. Handsome guy I I The woman stammered, as if she had something she couldnt bring herself to say. Seeing her hesitation, Zhang Su grew impatient. With a disdainful smirk, he said, Frankly, Ive got nothing to say to you. Just head back and keep quiet. Those monsters locate people by sound! He waved dismissively, ready to send her away. Wait, wait, handsome guy, dont The woman, noticing his annoyance, quickly waved her hands and grabbed his arm, forcing a sweet smile onto her face. Hands off! Name, age, what do you do for a living? I distinctly remember no one living in 802. Where did you come from? Zhang Su pulled his arm back, clearly unimpressed by her tactics. I My name is Zhong Xiaoshan. Im 29. I I used to be a nurse at the Third Hospital, but now Im a private caregiver Her voice trailed off toward the end, and she looked visibly uneasy. Private caregiver? Zhang Su squinted, a sly smile forming on his lips. That sounds pretty fancy. Let me guessmore like a mistress, right? Xiaoshan, Xiaoshan, your name sure fits you! Pfft Zheng Xinyu, caught off guard by Zhang Sus sharp tongue, puffed out her cheeks to suppress a laugh. Heh heh Zhong Xiaoshan awkwardly forced a laugh. So, is 802 your apartment or the person youre ''caring for''? Zhang Su continued questioning her. Realizing there was no point in pretending, Zhong Xiaoshan answered straightforwardly, Its Director Hus apartment. This is my first time here The thought of her current predicament frustrated her to no end. On her first visit, she had the misfortune of running into a zombie outbreak. The Director Hu youre talking aboutis he around fifty, tall and thin, and wears thick glasses? Zhang Su lit a cigarette, observing her through the smoke. Director Hu doesnt wear glasses. Handsome guy, you must be mistaken, Zhong Xiaoshan replied, momentarily stunned. Zhang Su nodded internally. Hed once seen the man she mentioned. To test her, hed deliberately added the glasses detail, which she had denied. Maybe I was wrong. So wheres this Director Hu now? Yesterday afternoon, he gave me the key and told me to wait for him here. Then, he called in the evening to say he had to work overtime at the hospital. I havent been able to contact him since As the conversation unfolded, Zhong Xiaoshan visibly calmed down. She instinctively crossed one leg over the other but quickly retracted her fair, slender legs when she noticed Zhang Sus sharp gaze. So, you came here to make yourself at home, but instead of cozying up, you ended up trapped, huh? Zhang Su smirked playfully. No I was really here for caregiving, not for cozying up Zhong Xiaoshans expression twisted awkwardly, finding his choice of words bizarre. sea??h th n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Handsome guy, what exactly is going on? The internets out, the waters gone, and now there are monsters biting people left and right. Its like a zombie apocalypse movieits terrifying! she exclaimed, hugging herself tightly for comfort. Watching her overly sensual gestures, Zheng Xinyu pursed her lips in irritation. Moments ago, she had felt sympathy for the seemingly helpless woman. Now, seeing her act coquettishly, she found her insufferable. Zhang Su remained calm and said bluntly, Sis, dont bother. No ones in the mood to admire your assets right now. Unless youre saying they can block zombies? Pfft! Zheng Xinyu couldnt hold back her laughter, quickly covering her mouth but failing to suppress it entirely. Her gaze shifted to Zhong Xiaoshan, whose hands hovered awkwardly, unsure where to place them. You already said it yourselfits like a zombie movie. We think its a zombie virus outbreak. As for where it came from, why it happened, or how it spreads, we dont know. Its a chaotic mess! Zhang Su shrugged, his tone tinged with helplessness. Then do you know how widespread the outbreak is? The surrounding area seems chaotic. Could it be that the entire Gangcheng is affected? Zhong Xiaoshan asked anxiously. Zhang Su licked his lips, took a sip of water, and replied, Brace yourself. The outbreak isnt just confined to Gangcheng. What Zhong Xiaoshan gasped in disbelief. You mean the whole Qin City Zhang Su nodded, offering no further explanation. Thanks to a brief internet reconnection on Zheng Xinyus phone and posts from netizens worldwide, he had a clearer picture of the situation. But he saw no reason to share that knowledge. Now it makes sense. Ive only heard two police sirens and seen two helicopters. So, the entire Qin City is in chaos Zhong Xiaoshan muttered, clutching her silk pajamas as her face paled. Her earlier suspicions were now undeniable, leaving her slumped on the sofa in despair. Youre observant. Zhang Su silently noted how she had heard two police sirenswhen he hadnt even heard one. Fortunately, my parents live in the countryside. With a smaller population density, it should be safer, right? Zhong Xiaoshan mused, seemingly to herself. Zhang Su waved her off. Ms. Zhong, weve said what needs to be said. Whether your parents are safe or not, thats for you to figure out. But can I Zhong Xiaoshan hesitated, her gaze drifting to an empty self-heating rice box in the trash. She swallowed hard. Do you have any food? Id like to buy some. To be honest, I havent eaten in a long time To maintain her figure, Zhong Xiaoshan strictly adhered to a diet of two light, balanced meals daily. In laymans terms, she ate like a bird. Since yesterday, she hadnt eaten in 27 hours. Chapter 19: No Scrap Metal Accepted Chapter 19: No Scrap Metal Accepted Zhang Su found Zhong Xiaoshan relatively sensible, at least aware of the principle of value exchange, rather than resorting to the typical plea of, "Have mercy, please pity me." So that Director Hu had you come here for a good time, but didnt even prepare any food? What if you fainted from low blood sugar on the bed? How bold of you two! It wasnt he he didnt come back Zhong Xiaoshan replied awkwardly. I brought some water, but no food. Handsome guy, beautiful lady, its obvious youre both good people. I dont need much to eat, just a few boxes of those self-heating meals will do. Ill give you everything I have. As she spoke, Zhong Xiaoshan removed her ring, earrings, and necklace, placing them on the coffee table in one motion. To show her resolve, she even pushed them toward Zhang Su. Zhang Su glanced at the pile of gold jewelry and shook his head slightly. Sorry, Ms. Zhong, but answering my questions already used up your money and jewelry. These are mine now, so you cant use them to trade for food. Ordinarily, Zhang Su was generous, using his surplus supplies to build goodwill and strengthen relationships. However, that didnt mean he was a selfless do-gooder. On the contrary, Zhang Su was a deeply self-serving person who did everything for his own benefit. Even his efforts to maintain good relations with others were purely for his convenience. Having ventured into an unfamiliar city alone as a young adult, despite having some money, he had walked on thin ice, learning firsthand the harsh realities of human relationships. This cant be happening Zhong Xiaoshans face froze in disbelief. Did you forget what you said earlier? Zhang Su showed no intention of compromising. However, he didnt bother to collect the jewelry either. To him, these items were now worthless. I I didnt forget, but Im really hungry, Zhong Xiaoshan pleaded, her face full of desperation. sea??h th N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. People who are typically slim due to dietary restraint often appear less dependent on food. In reality, they cant handle hunger well. Long-term restrictive eating can weaken bodily functions, making it difficult to endure even a short fast. Conversely, those who eat heartilylike the stereotypical overweight individualcan endure hunger for days as long as they have water, often outperforming a camel in endurance. Ms. Zhong, do we look like the kind of people who cook? Our supplies will last two or three days at most, and we dont even know whats coming next. We simply cant spare anything for you. Zhang Su remained unmoved. Without a clear plan for the future, he had no intention of offering help. Zhong Xiaoshan, frustrated by his resistance, felt helpless. If not for Zheng Xinyu sitting nearby, she might have offered Zhang Su a full-service plea for just one meal. Turning to Zheng Xinyu, Zhong Xiaoshan switched tactics, directing her pleading gaze toward the younger woman. If the man wasnt moved, perhaps the girl, who seemed more compassionate, could be persuaded. Beautiful lady, please, Im begging you. Im so dizzy I can barely sit. If I dont eat something soon, I wont survive. Please save me! I I Zheng Xinyu hesitated. Moments ago, she had been irritated by Zhong Xiaoshans flirtatious behavior. But now, with the woman desperately begging, she couldnt harden her heart to refuse. Still, she knew better than to make promises lightly. She understood that Zhang Su was the one in charge, even if most of the supplies were technically hers. Hes right. We really dont have much. Im sorry. Despite her sharp wit during livestreams, lying in real life was much harder for Zheng Xinyu, especially in a matter of life and death. She felt guilty, but she refused to make decisions on her own. Zhang Su nodded approvingly at her response, but what Zhong Xiaoshan said next irritated him. In times of great disaster, shouldnt we survivors work together? Why? Why wont you even sell me a little food when you clearly have so much? Doesnt it bother your conscience to watch me starve to death? Zhong Xiaoshan gestured toward the open door of Zheng Xinyus room, her expression filled with despair. Zhang Su furrowed his brows and glanced at Zheng Xinyu, only to remember that, in their rush to stop Zhong Xiaoshans earlier yelling, they had forgotten to close the door. I I forgot to shut the door, Zheng Xinyu admitted sheepishly, making a playful face. Ms. Zhong! Zhang Su stood abruptly, his expression cold. Too many people have died out there. If there are vengeful spirits, the sky would already be pitch black. Dont expect others to save you with life-saving resources unless you can offer something valuable in return. Something of real valuenot this scrap metal! He gestured disdainfully at the pile of jewelry on the table. In times of peace, antiques and gold held great value. But in the chaos of a civilization on the brink of collapse, gold lost its worth, becoming as meaningless as dirt. Zhong Xiaoshan, now lightheaded from hunger, forced herself to remain calm. I do have value! I was really a nurse. I know many first-aid techniques. In times like this, when hospitals are overwhelmed, having me around can make you much safer! She tried her best to sell her skills. Zhang Su shook his head solemnly. Ms. Zhong, I admit your skills are useful, but I dont need them right now. Trading for a skill that might come in handy somedayare you suggesting we support you indefinitely? If circumstances allowed, Zhang Su wouldnt mind having a nurse around, especially one as easy on the eyes as Zhong Xiaoshan. But the situation was dire. The apparent safety was only temporary, with zombies roaming the building and danger lurking everywhere. No, handsome guy, I have more than one skill! CPR, basic breathing techniques, administering injections, stabilizing fractures, treating illnesses, understanding medicationsI know so much! Im begging you. Ill eat just a tiny bit, thats all. When the rescue comes, Ill repay you a hundredfold. I have savingsmore than three hundred thousand yuan. Ill give it all to you. Please, save me! Overcome with emotion, Zhong Xiaoshan slid off the sofa and knelt on the floor with a loud thud. Tears streamed down her pale face as she looked up at Zhang Su in despair. If beauty couldnt sway him, then tears were her last resort. Uh Ill go close the door, Zheng Xinyu muttered awkwardly. She realized how hard it was to steel her heart. This was nothing like what she had imagined. In her mind, bad guys would wield weapons and try to rob her, and she would fight them off fiercely. But facing a weak, desperate woman, she found it nearly impossible to drive her away. At this moment, she was relieved that Zhang Su was the one making the decisions. If it were up to her, shed probably agonize endlessly. Chapter 20: You Guys Really Know How to Play Chapter 20: You Guys Really Know How to Play Zhang Su watched as Zheng Xinyu scurried off, her thoughts transparent to him. She lacked decisiveness, which was fine by himit meant she wouldnt voice unnecessary opinions. Kneeling on the ground, Zhong Xiaoshan stared intently at Zhang Su. She had completely grasped the situation: the man before her was her last lifeline. Brother, handsome brother! Zhong Xiaoshan scooted closer and clung to Zhang Sus leg, looking up at him with pitiful eyes. Please, save me. As long as you give me a bite to eat, Ill do anything for you. I can even sleep with you! Zhang Su was speechless. On one hand, she seemed to have some boundaries; on the other, she was willing to abandon all pride for food. He couldnt decide if she had no principles or just practical ones. Right now, who has the time for that? Get up and take me to your place. If theres anything worth trading, I can give you some food. Zhang Su pulled her up and gestured for her to lead the way. He enjoyed women and was far from faithful, but he had experienced enough that their allure had waned, especially in an apocalyptic crisis. Sure... alright, Zhong Xiaoshan replied hesitantly. When Zhang Su mentioned going to her place, her expression grew strange, her gaze evasive, as though she wanted to refuse. Ultimately, she swallowed her words and slowly moved toward the door. Xinyu, Im going across the hall to see if theres anything useful. Open the door for me when I get back, Zhang Su called as he opened the door to Zheng Xinyus bedroom. Huh? Wait, no! Im coming with you! Zheng Xinyu, who had been unwrapping bizarre gifts sent by her fans, jumped to her feet in a panic. Being left alone in the apartment was too terrifying! Zhang Su shrugged nonchalantly. Bring a weapon. Zhong Xiaoshans face fell further when she realized Zheng Xinyu was coming along. She waved her hands frantically. Um, miss, you dont need to come. Theres really not much to see. Handsome guy can go alone. Zhang Su raised an eyebrow, suspecting Zhong Xiaoshan was trying to get Zheng Xinyu out of the picture for some ulterior motive. Was she planning to throw herself at him in her apartment? And would he accept, accept, or... accept? Zheng Xinyu seemed to have the same suspicion, sneaking a glance at Zhang Su to gauge his reaction. Seeing him appear dazed and unresponsive, her heart sank. Men really do think with their lower half, she muttered bitterly. Fine, you two go. Ill stay here. Come back. Youre coming with us, Zhang Su said firmly, grabbing her arm as she turned back toward her room. Why are you listening to her? Listen to me. Got it? People with no backbone, like Zheng Xinyu, were easily led astray. Zhang Su made a mental note to instill the habit of listening to him without question. sea??h th ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Okay, okay, got it! Zheng Xinyus mood lifted slightly. Smiling, she grabbed a baseball bat and eagerly followed him out. While they were technically discussing the same situation, their thoughts were entirely out of sync. The trio left 801. After Zhang Su confirmed he had his keys, he gently shut the door. The short walk across the hallway passed quickly, but Zheng Xinyu tightened her grip on his arm when they passed the zombie corpse, a sign she hadnt fully adjusted yet. Surprisingly, Zhong Xiaoshan, who walked ahead, showed no reaction at all. Zhong Xiaoshans door was open when they arrived, and she quietly closed it behind them once they entered. You were scared out of your wits when it was alive, but now that its dead, youre fearless? That loud voice of yours probably carried across three floors. Werent you afraid of being bashed into a bloody pulp? Zhang Su asked as they entered. I... I was a nurse before. Ive seen plenty of gruesome accident victims at the hospital, some even worse than the one at the door. Like you said, a living zombie is terrifying because its out to eat people. Once its a corpse, its no longer a threat... Zhang Su had to admit her reasoning made sense. After all, shed probably become desensitized to mangled bodies after years in the hospital. Zhong Xiaoshan pointed toward her room. Feel free to look around. Take anything you need. I... I just want something to eat. This place is really barebones, Zheng Xinyu remarked, her curiosity piqued as she took in the surroundings. Calling it a shell of a home was generous. The space for a built-in shoe cabinet was empty, save for a single pair of shoes on the floor. The circuit breaker box was exposed. In the living room, two chairs against the wall held random items, while a broom and dustpan stood in a corner. The curtains were tightly drawn, and the kitchen was even more barren. Without a functioning gas line or even cabinets, it was little more than a hollow space. Even a thief would leave five bucks out of pity... Zhang Su muttered, heading straight to the kitchen and quickly returning with a grim expression. The useful stuff is in the bedroom... Zhong Xiaoshan mumbled, pointing toward the only room with a door. You guys really are something. Even if this was just a nursing room, you couldve at least decorated it a little. What the...? Zhang Su trailed off as he pushed open the bedroom door. The bedroom was the only furnished space in the apartment, its pink dcor stimulating and provocative. A large round bed dominated the center of the room, with ornate lighting and several hooks on the ceiling. A swing and a hammock dangled from above, filled with unopened, suggestive packages. In the corner stood a vanity cluttered with handbags, water bottles, and keys. Zheng Xinyu, drawn by Zhang Sus exclamation, peeked into the room. Her face turned crimson as her gaze landed on the scattered assortment of intimate items. Wow... this is next level, she stammered, covering her mouth and stealing a glance at Zhong Xiaoshan. Director Hu had some... issues in that area. He set this up as part of his therapy, Zhong Xiaoshan explained awkwardly. But he didnt live long enough to use it... Stimulus-based physical therapy, huh? Innovative. Zhang Su wasnt entirely surprised. But if theres nothing useful here, I cant help you. He entered the room and flipped on the light. Images from Wu Lues computer flashed through his mind, heating his body momentarily before the thought of the zombie horde outside quickly extinguished his impulses. Chapter 21: Strange Knowledge Gained Chapter 21: Strange Knowledge Gained There... theres something good! Zhong Xiaoshan hurried into the bedroom, heading straight to the vanity. She pulled a gift box from her bag and said, This is a limited-edition Lanc?me set that Director Hu brought back from Europe. Its worth over ten thousand yuan... She promptly stuffed the box into Zheng Xinyus arms, smiling obsequiously. Your skin is great, but no woman ever says no to even better skin, right? Wow, thanks. Though she didnt like Zhong Xiaoshan, Zheng Xinyu couldnt resist the glittering Lanc?me box in her hands. The price tag, marked 1,999 euros, was still attached. This was something her previous income could never afford. But before she could fully savor it, the box was snatched away by Zhang Su. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Whats the point of this now? Unless were rescued and order is completely restored soon, this thing is worthless. He tossed the box onto the bed. Its not even worth as much as two bottles of water. But... I think its pretty good, Zheng Xinyu muttered under Zhang Sus scrutinizing gaze, awkwardly laughing as she retrieved the box and hugged it tightly for comfort. Zhang Su shook his head but didnt reject her choice again. After all, they lived under the same roof, and a bit of emotional consideration wasnt too much to ask. Fine. That box can count as... half a box of rice. What...? Zhong Xiaoshans initial joy at the trade evaporated. She had already imagined the fragrant rice but was now told it was only worth half a box. Even after tax refunds, its worth over 14,000 yuan. Handsome guy, half a self-heating rice box costs what, ten yuan? Is this ratio for real? Zhang Sus gaze shifted back to the vanity as he shook his head. The times have changed. You cant measure goods by their old value. According to your logic, a gift box worth over ten thousand could feed you for months. Can you eat it? No, youre right... Zhong Xiaoshan sighed helplessly. Just thinking about self-heating rice made her stomach growl. Hunger gnawed at her insides like a thousand ants, an unbearable sensation. Fine, take whatever you find useful, she said, fully conceding. She had no choicehunger was a powerful motivator. Self-reliance is the way to go, Zhang Su muttered as he opened the vanity drawer. What he saw left him stunned. Youve got to be kidding me! After rummaging through the drawer, Zhang Su stared at its contents: it was full of Bi Yun Tao. Was Director Hu completely useless or just excessively prepared? Even a breeding pig wouldnt need this much! Curious, Zheng Xinyu sneaked a glance into the drawer, her face taking on a peculiar expression as she stood off to the side, laughing quietly. Well... um... Bi Yun Tao can be quite versatile, you know, Zhong Xiaoshan mumbled hesitantly. Oh? Zhang Su smirked, waving her on. Go ahead, enlighten me. Im not making this up! Besides its usual use, Bi Yun Tao can be a lifesaver in the wild. You can use it to start a firejust fill it with water, tie it up, and it works as a magnifying glass under sunlight! Zhong Xiaoshan explained earnestly. And in situations like this, a girls long hair can get in the way. If you cant find a hair tie, this can work in a pinch. It can also store water. Bi Yun Tao is surprisingly durable and can hold two to three litersmore than a large soda bottle. Plus, you can use it as a shoe cover, a sealable bag, or even a makeshift tourniquet for first aid! Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu exchanged incredulous looks, their gazes silently asking, Seriously? Where did you even learn this stuff? Zhang Su asked. Zhong Xiaoshan rubbed her hands sheepishly. I... I picked it up from a mountaineering club. Just some basic outdoor survival tips, nothing special. As a high-end caregiver, she had cultivated refined hobbies to appeal to wealthy clients, who preferred sophistication over mediocrity. Alright, lets say all of that is true. Those uses are for survival in the wild. In our current situation, you could grab a ton of these from the adult store downstairs. Whats the point of stockpiling them here? Zhang Su dismissed the idea, though he mentally filed away the new knowledge. Well, theyre still good for some fun if youre in the mood, Zhong Xiaoshan said, throwing caution to the wind. Zheng Xinyu rolled her eyes dramatically. She had thought herself shameless, but compared to Zhong Xiaoshan, she was nothing. She couldnt even fathom Zhong Xiaoshans desperationhunger hadnt pushed her that far yet. I cant believe you said that with a straight face. Fine, Ill accept it. Thats another half-box of rice. Together, that makes a full box of self-heating rice. Zhang Su turned to Zheng Xinyu. Grab some plastic bags and pack this stuff up to take back. Zheng Xinyu gave Zhang Su a strange look, her thoughts unreadable, but her hands worked quickly. One box... Zhong Xiaoshan muttered bitterly. After all her effort, it only amounted to a single box. Her resolve hardened. She retrieved a keychain from her bag and offered it to Zhang Su. Handsome guy, I have a Highlander I bought just three months ago. Whether or not rescue comes, Ill give it to you in exchange for twenty boxes of self-heating rice and ten liters of water. Deal? A Highlander? Zhang Su rubbed his chin before shaking his head. An SUV that cant even handle cross-axle terrain? Useless. You! Zhong Xiaoshan nearly fainted from frustration. She steadied herself on the vanity, biting her lip. Fifteen boxes, eight liters! Zhang Su saw that Zheng Xinyu had finished packing. Ignoring Zhong Xiaoshans bargaining, he said, Wait here. Ill bring the rice. In desperation, Zhong Xiaoshan blocked the door. Ten boxes, five liters. Please... just consider it. The car cost over 300,000 yuan! Zhang Su looked into her pleading, hungry eyes and sighed. Fine. Ill show some kindness this once. I dont have that much rice. Ill give you three packs of instant noodles, a pack of river snail noodles, and two liters of water. Deal? I... I dont have a way to cook! Zhong Xiaoshan stammered, more concerned about preparation than quantity. Ive got gas at my place, and you can use my cookware for free. Deal! Zhong Xiaoshan exclaimed, slapping the car keys against Zhang Sus chest. Her eyes suddenly lit up with determination. Promise me, if you decide to leave this place, take me with you! Zhang Su frowned slightly, feeling the icy touch of her hand on his chest. His throat felt dry as he muttered, Well see. Zhong Xiaoshans face relaxed into a strange smile. She slid down to the floor, leaning against the doorframe, looking utterly spent, as if she had given everything she had. Chapter 22: Live like a devil Chapter 022 Live like a devil How do you feel about Zhong Xiaoshan? Back in 801, Zhang Su tossed the supplies he had retrieved into the corner and asked Zheng Xinyu. Shes shameless and loves flaunting herself. But she knows her place. If I were a man, Id probably like a woman like her. Zheng Xinyu shared her thoughts openly. Zhang Su sneered. If youre going to be a mistress, youve got to know your place. How else are you going to hang around rich men? Anyway, what flavor of rice do you like? Braised chicken, Taiwanese-style braised pork, or mushroom beef? Zheng Xinyu was caught off guard by Zhang Sus sudden topic shift. After mumbling for a while, she hesitated. Anything but mushroom beef. Got it! Then well give the mushroom beef to Zhong Xiaoshan since we dont like it. Heh Saying this, Zhang Su grabbed the mushroom beef meal and walked toward the door. The sunset dyed the sky a deep red, draping the entire city in a thin layer of crimson like blood. October days in Qin City were getting shorter. Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu sat together, gazing at the fiery red sunset through the narrow gap of the curtains. As time passed, the chill of the cold wave became apparent. Zheng Xinyu had changed into loungewear, and Zhang Su swapped his outfit for a long-sleeved T-shirt. Its been ages since I watched a sunset this closely. Its beautiful. Zheng Xinyu leaned slightly against Zhang Su, savoring the rare moment of peace. In the past, her evenings were spent in front of a computer. She never paid attention to natures beauty. This time of day used to be bustling with traffic, blaring horns, and endless gridlock. Now, not even a shadow in sight... heh. Zhang Su chuckled bitterly, his brows heavy with worry. The desolate scene outside was suffocating and required immense mental fortitude to endure. So many people hadnt turned into zombies, nor had they been bitten. Yet they couldnt survive this post-apocalyptic world. The despair crushed them from the inside out, leading to their complete collapse. Things will get better, right? Zheng Xinyu leaned fully against Zhang Su, her voice soft and tentative. Feeling her warmth, Zhang Sus tone softened as well. We need to believe things will get better, but we also have to prepare ourselves as if they never will. Understand? Zheng Xinyu was silent for a long time before letting out a faint Mm in response to Zhang Sus harsh perspective. The sun dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a faint red glow at the edge of the sky. Darkness gradually swallowed the city. The two of them stayed still, leaning against each other as if that moment could last forever. Youre heavy. Youll break my arm. Then youll have to kill zombies to protect me. Zhang Su spoke gently. Ugh, youre awful! Zheng Xinyu straightened up and playfully punched Zhang Su, annoyed that he ruined the tender atmosphere. For dinner, Zhang Su decided theyd cook a pack of river snail noodles, add two marinated eggs, and throw in a sausage. The self-heating meals were reserved for emergenciesif the gas went out, they wouldnt starve, and theyd be easy to carry if they needed to move. Despite disliking the pungent smell of river snail noodles, Zhang Su didnt care this time, greedily drinking the last sip of soup with satisfaction. He let out a loud burp, feeling full on water. Zheng Xinyu, on the other hand, only ate until she was about half full. In the end, Zhang Su opened a bag of sea-salt-flavored puff balls as dessert. Brother Su, if we keep the lights off all the time, wont the rescue teams miss us if they pass by? After dark, the room was only illuminated by a small nightlight, which made Zheng Xinyu uncomfortable. Zhong Xiaoshan went a single day without food and was already ready to strip and dance for me just for a meal. Dont you see how terrifying hunger is? Its an evil catalyst. From now on, we need to be wary of more than just zombiespeople are even scarier. Then again, people have always been scary. Zhang Su spoke seriously. In the darkness, Zheng Xinyus expression grew grave. Thoughts of past atrocities flashed through her mind, and a sense of uncertainty about the future washed over her. She walked to the window and lifted a corner of the curtain. By day, it was hard to notice. But at night, the city revealed a grim reality: many areas were ablaze with raging fires, painting the sky red in patches. It looked like the aftermath of a war had turned the city into a ruined wasteland. The streets were eerily deserted. In the absence of destroyed streetlights or hazard lights from abandoned cars, there was hardly any light. There wasnt a trace of lifejust stiff, black figures wandering aimlessly. From her vantage point, she could see the brightly lit windows of Buildings 4 and 8. But if one looked closely, there was no sign of movement inside. The lights had been left on during the early morning outbreak when people didnt have time to turn them off. In the past, the sight of lit homes meant signs of life: shadows moving behind curtains, the faint buzz of daily activities. Now, there was only deathly silence and blood splattered across shattered windows, creating grotesque patterns. Despair. The silent dead city filled ones heart with despair. Zhang Su, do you think its meaningful for us to struggle like this? Zheng Xinyus voice was low and somber. Already feeling hopeless? Zhang Su flashed his teeth in the dark, grinning. Struggling to survive is still survival. Staying alive is the meaning. Why think so much? Let me ask youback then, when you streamed and danced for your fans, what was the meaning of that? Screw you! Who said I danced? Im a game streamer, okay? You jerk! Zheng Xinyu flared up instantly, annoyed that Zhang Su had a knack for ruining any emotional, poetic, or artistic moment. A game streamer, huh? What kind of games? Those little R-rated visual novels? Zhang Su raised an eyebrow. Do you think I could stream those kinds of games? I play PUBGPlayerUnknowns Battlegrounds! Ever heard of it, old man? Zheng Xinyu rolled her eyes dramatically. PUBG? Heh, I play CSGO. Id wreck you in seconds, noob! Seeing Zheng Xinyu puff up, clearly preparing for a verbal sparring match, Zhang Su quickly interjected, No matter what kind of streamer you were, youre about to become a fitness streamer! What do you mean by that? Zheng Xinyu looked at him in confusion as he put on gloves. Zhang Su walked toward the bedroom and said, Your physical fitness might have been fine before, but now? I dont think youd make it out of this building alive. So, while we have the chance, Im going to put you through hellish training. Sar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not just herhe needed to toughen himself up too. He used to work out daily, but over the last couple of years, hed toned it down to just maintaining his physique. Now, good looks werent enough. Strength, speed, stamina, and flexibility were the keys to survival. H-Hellish How hellish are we talking? Zheng Xinyus eyelid twitched at the word hellish. Hellish training! If you want to survive against zombies, youve got to become a devil! Here, follow me. Without further explanation, Zhang Su handed her a small dumbbell and grabbed a pair of 20-kilogram ones himself to warm up. Zheng Xinyu didnt resist and quickly matched Zhang Sus pace. In a world overrun by zombies, the only way to live was to become a devilnot just in body but in mind too. Chapter 23: Heroic Sacrifice Chapter 023 Heroic Sacrifice More than half an hour later, Zhang Su asked Zheng Xinyu to stop and rest, while he kept going. It wasnt because he felt sorry for her or because he was strict with himself but lenient with others. It was simply because, in situations where unexpected danger could arise at any time, overexertion wasnt an optionyou had to save some strength for a fight. How do you feel? As their training ended, Zhang Su wiped himself clean with a wet wipe while asking Zheng Xinyu about her experience. She had already tidied up and was sitting on the side in clean pajamas, holding a bottle of energy drink. Shrugging, she said, I feel like we could push the intensity a bit more; its not that exhausting. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She wasnt exactly unexhausted but felt a strange sense of tension seeing Zhang Sus persistence. As a PUBG livestreamer who often played in four-person squads, Zheng Xinyu deeply understood the frustration of carrying teammates who couldnt pull their weight. It wasnt that she didnt want to help; sometimes, it was just impossible to save someone She didnt want to be that one crawling helplessly in the grass. Alright, well gradually increase the intensity; otherwise, its easy to get injured. As he spoke, Zhang Su walked over to the window and observed the outside world. He sighed, Its getting quieter out there. Oh, by the way, Xinyu, when I was killing zombies today, I thought of something The two of them discussed various zombie-related issues, summarized their experiences, and then returned to their respective rooms to rest. At around 10 p.m., Zhang Su lay awake in bed. Not long ago, Zheng Xinyu had woken him up from a dream, dragging him into a day of utter madness. And that madness showed no signs of stoppingit stretched endlessly into the unknown. Luezi, Xiaoxue I wonder how those two are doing. There werent many people Zhang Su cared about, but his two employees were definitely high on that list. They were among the few people in this world he was familiar with and who also knew him well. Occasionally, hed think about an ex-girlfriend or two Turning over in bed, Zhang Su suddenly felt his hair stand on end. Sitting up straight, he glared toward the door. What are you, a ghost? Walking without making a sound! In the darkness, a figure stood in the doorway, holding a quilt. It was none other than Zheng Xinyu. Zhang Su, acting on a hunch, hadnt shut the door tonight. It seemed he had already anticipated that Zheng Xinyu would end up here. I heard noises. Im scared Her voice was soft and low. Her bedroom was at the very end of the building, surrounded by open space. In the stillness of the night, she could hear everything she didnt want tothe heart-wrenching cries, hoarse pleas for help, agonized groans, and the beast-like howls of zombies. She had tried putting on headphones to drown out the world, but losing her sense of hearing in the dark only heightened her fear. Zhang Su scooted over and patted the bed. Come on, I take in lonely and helpless girls. But fair warning, I might get handsy. Without hesitation, Zheng Xinyu darted onto his bed. She immediately felt a wave of relief and even joked, As if I wouldnt get handsy first. Ha! Youve got some nerve! Zhang Su raised his hand to smack her butt, but this time, she anticipated his move and blocked him with a box. The moment Zhang Su felt the plastic wrap on the box, he knew what it was. The mood was set, the night was still, and this really was the perfect time for a cigarette. Taking the pack from her, he pulled one out, struck a match, and lit it. The tension in the air melted with each inhale and exhale, giving his frayed nerves a moment of peace. The first night of the zombie outbreak shouldve been the hardest to sleep through. But after a cigarette, the two of them drifted off into a deep sleep. When they opened their eyes again, it was still pitch black outside. The string of gunfire shattered the silence, and the earth-shaking explosion seemed to pierce the heavens. A red glow illuminated the curtains. Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu opened their eyes almost simultaneously. Whats that noise? Zheng Xinyu asked, panic in her voice. People in Tianchao werent particularly attuned to the sound of gunfire or explosions. Gunfire. And artillery? Lets check it out Zhang Su wasnt a stranger to these soundshe heard them every day in games. But Zheng Xinyu was different. She focused more on atmosphere and entertainment; game sound effects were never a priority for her. Without even bothering to get dressed, Zhang Su ran to the window. He saw explosions lighting up the streets far west of their residential area, with smoke and fire rising into the air. Amid the flames and streetlights, he could make out figures moving while firing indiscriminately. The light and shadows formed a surreal halo in the night as they fought to repel the evil that threatened to engulf them. Occasionally, explosions echoed, likely from grenades. It was like a battlefield, a truly shocking sight. Over thereits probably the military! Theres a ton of heavy weaponry clearing out the zombies. Ha, were saved! Zhang Sus excitement was palpable. He was optimistic despite the dire situation, but deep down, he longed for order to be restored as soon as possible. After all, he had enjoyed a pretty good life before all this. Really? Oh my god, is that a tank? Did I just see a tank? Zheng Xinyu clung to Zhang Sus arm, her eyes wet with excitement. Thats an armored vehicle. Looks like its not the militaryprobably the special police from the helicopter yesterday. Either way, were saved! Zhang Sus face relaxed into a rare smile. He was confident that against overwhelming firepower, the zombies didnt stand a chance. But his smile quickly froze. As the gunfire moved out of view, what replaced it was a dark, endless mass filling the entire street Thats a zombie horde! Though the distance and lighting made it hard to see clearly, Zhang Su knew exactly what he was looking ata horrifying swarm of zombies. The oppressive sight made his hair stand on end and sent shivers down his spine. Even two to three hundred meters away, the sheer scale of the horde struck terror deep into his heart. With people, you could negotiate. But with a massive, bloodthirsty swarm of zombies? These monsters were born to devour; they left no room for survival. Sh*t, thats way too many This isnt good. Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu desperately tried to see where the horde ended, but before they could, the gunfire began to wane. It was clear that the overwhelming firepower required an immense amount of ammunition to sustain. Once the ammo ran out, the guns became useless A massive explosion sent flames soaring into the sky, shaking their window slightly. After the blast, the gunfire stopped entirely. Apart from the roaring fire, it was as if nothing had ever happened. Zhang Su slumped to the ground, not caring about the cold floor. Zhang Su, those special police Zheng Xinyu asked, her voice trembling. They sacrificed themselves. His answer was heavy. Those warriors had turned their lives into a brilliant display of light, fighting valiantly to repel the darkness. Chapter 24: Day 2 Chapter 024 Day 2 "I dont understand... Why cant even such powerful weapons deal with zombies...?" Zheng Xinyu crouched on the ground, sobbing softly. She mourned the sacrifices of those heroic individuals, grieved her inability to wait for rescue, and despaired over the bleakness of their future. "I used to think the same," Zhang Su said, shaking his head. "Carbon-based life forms should be nothing in the face of heavy firepower. But now, I dont think so anymore." His earlier assumptions had been based on the military and police systems being fully operationalwhere overwhelming firepower could easily wipe out the zombies. However, if the zombie virus was indiscriminately infectious, then... Humanitys advanced weaponry was undeniably powerful, but those weapons needed to be operated by humans. Living, uninfected humans were the key. "If thats true, doesnt that mean theres no hope for rescue?" Zheng Xinyus tear-streaked face turned toward Zhang Su, her eyes filled with despair. If even advanced weaponry couldnt counter the zombies, how could ordinary civilianspeople who had never even held a gunpossibly stand a chance? "Who said theres no hope?" Zhang Su placed a firm hand on Zheng Xinyus icy back and said resolutely, "Being alive is hope. We fight with all weve got, and only when weve reached the end of the road can we even think of giving up!" That night, despite being utterly exhausted, neither could fall asleep. They tossed and turned before eventually drifting off into a hazy slumber. By the time they woke, it was already past 9 a.m. "Im going upstairs to check on Brother Li," Zhang Su said after breakfast, watching Zheng Xinyu clear the dishes. Neither of them brought up the cigarette from last night, as if it had been entirely natural and unremarkable. It wasnt about who had taken advantage of whom or who had gained the upper handit was simply two people seeking solace in each others presence, both physically and emotionally, during a moment of crisis. Zheng Xinyu wiped the dishes dry with a napkin and nodded. "Do you want me to come with you?" If it had been yesterday, she might have questioned why Zhang Su was so eager to search for supplies at someone elses home. But after what happened last night, she understoodthis was going to be a prolonged battle, and they needed to plan for the long term. Even if nothing serious happened within Shengqin Garden, their ability to search for supplies outside was extremely limited. Starting with what was nearby made perfect sense. "No need. Lock the door after me, and keep training. Dont just focus on your upper bodyyour lower body strength matters too," Zhang Su instructed. Walking to the window, he pulled the curtain back slightly and peeked outside. The sky was clear, the sun shining brightly. If it werent for the plumes of black smoke rising from different areas, it would have been a beautiful day. "Got it! Let me help you put on your arm guards," Zheng Xinyu offered. She carefully helped Zhang Su put on his protective gear, her voice filled with concern. "Be careful out there, and dont take any unnecessary risks!" "Dont worry. Ill be fine." Zhang Su gave her a reassuring smile, gently squeezed her cheek, then picked up his axe from the floor and headed for the door. "Hm?" Looking through the peephole, Zhang Su suddenly noticed something strangethe zombie corpse they had beaten down yesterday was gone. In its place was a trail of dark stains stretching from the door of Apartment 802 all the way to the emergency exit. Originally, he had planned to examine the hallway and then consider moving the body himself. But someone else had gotten there first... "The zombie corpse outside is gone!" Zhang Su announced, his scalp tingling as he turned to Zheng Xinyu. "What... Someones been here? There are other survivors in the building?" Zheng Xinyus expression was a mix of surprise and confusion. "But... even if there is someone, why would they want the zombies body?" Sarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhang Su shook his head. "No idea. Lets ask Zhong Xiaoshan." He opened the door cautiously, leaving just a narrow gap to observe the stairwell. At that moment, the sound of a door opening came from across the hall. Zhong Xiaoshan emerged, dressed differently from the previous day. Instead of her sleepwear, she now wore jeans and a fitted knit top, her face showing traces of exhaustion. "Its me, its me!" she quickly reassured them upon seeing Zhang Sus wary expression. Pointing toward the emergency exit, she said, "I dragged the corpse away. Dont worry." "You?" "You...?" Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu exclaimed simultaneously, disbelief written across their faces. They stared at the seemingly frail woman, utterly baffled. The thought that Zhong Xiaoshan could have done it had never crossed their minds. Still, her admission eased their concerns about whether someone else had been there. "The corpse was blocking the door. Not only was it in the way, but the weather isnt cold enough to keep it from rotting. It wouldve started breeding bacteria, which wouldnt be good for any of us..." Zhong Xiaoshan explained softly. Despite her weary appearance, her demeanor seemed much stronger than the day before. "Youve got some gutsand strength too..." Zhang Su opened the door wider, allowing Zhong Xiaoshan to step inside. She brushed a strand of oily hair behind her ear and gave an embarrassed smile. "Thanks for the compliment. Being a nurse at a hospital doesnt exactly leave room for slacking off. Its good training, I guess." "Not bad. So, are you here for food?" Zhang Su asked, remembering his earlier promise to make her instant noodles and river snail noodles. Zhong Xiaoshan shook her head. "No, not exactly. I came to tell you something. We might not be able to count on rescue anytime soon." "You mean the gunfire from last night, right?" Zhang Su frowned, gesturing in the direction of the street battle. "Exactly. Even with such intense firepower, they couldnt defeat the zombies. I... I dont want to sit around waiting to die. I want to join you. Can I?" Zhong Xiaoshans candid request caught them by surprise. She had spent nearly the entire night sleepless, haunted by the tragic scene of the battle. For so long, she had pinned her hopes entirely on the military. But seeing that even advanced weapons couldnt stop the zombie horde had almost crushed her spirit. While Zheng Xinyu had found strength in Zhang Sus encouragement, Zhong Xiaoshan had endured a night of torment, finally igniting a fierce will to survive. She knew that, as a lone woman, her chances of survivallet alone escapingwere slim. Joining Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu was her best option. But the decision to let her join wasnt hers to make. Zhang Su studied Zhong Xiaoshan closely, quickly realizing that her decision to drag the zombie corpse away had been a calculated display of her capabilities. "I dont need a woman who screams at the sight of zombies," Zhang Su said flatly. Embarrassed, Zhong Xiaoshans pale cheeks turned slightly pink. "I promise I wont anymore! Yesterday was just because it was my first time... But I adapt quickly!" As if to prove her point, she straightened her posture confidently. "Words wont cut it. If you want to prove yourself useful, theres a chance to do so right now," Zhang Su replied. He couldnt ignore her determination. Putting aside her questionable past, her ability to pull herself out of despair and reignite her will to survive was impressive. At a time like this, a strong desire to live was crucial. Without it, ones outlook would remain bleak, and death would follow swiftly. Chapter 25: Test Chapter 025 Test Zhang Su wanted to test Zhong Xiaoshan''s capabilities. If she met his expectations and could create enough value, it wouldn''t hurt to bring an extra person along. He definitely wouldnt make exceptions just because she was a beautiful woman. In the apocalypse, a good figure and a pretty face were only bonus points after proving one''s worth. Noticing the ambiguous smile on Zhang Sus face, Zhong Xiaoshan suddenly tensed up. She asked nervously, How do I prove it? Clink. Zhang Su pulled out a set of keys from his pocket and handed them to Zhong Xiaoshan. Yesterday, Xinyu and I killed a zombie who was the owner of unit 902. These are the keys. Go and see if theres anything useful in the apartment and bring it back. Zhong Xiaoshan stared at the stained keys in astonishment. After hesitating for a few seconds, she slowly reached out and took them from Zhang Sus hand. Uneasily, she asked, Are there other people in 902? Zhang Su was surprised. He had expected her to refuse outright but hadnt thought she would accept so quickly after only a brief hesitation. It seemed he had underestimated her survival instincts under dire circumstances. As far as I know, Brother Lis entire family of five lived together there. Buthis son is definitely gone. As for the elderly couple and his wife, I cant say. His son is gone? Zheng Xinyu, who was listening nearby, muttered softly. Suddenly, as if realizing something, she gasped and covered her mouth. That arm? Zhang Su nodded silently. He recalled that three months ago, Brother Lis son had been injured while playing in the residential area. His arm had been cut on a wrought-iron decoration, leaving a scar that looked exactly like the one on the severed arm they''d seen earlier. At the time, the incident caused a big stir, and the property management had compensated the family for medical expenses. Zhong Xiaoshan also remembered that arm vividly. After all, she had just dragged the zombies corpse into the stairwell. Now nearly thirty, and at an age where many women become mothers, she still felt a pang of discomfort upon learning the truth, even though she was unmarried. There are too many people out there being chased and devoured by zombies. You cant grieve for them all. Thats just the way things are, so dont dwell on it. Zhang Su tried to comfort the two women before turning back to Zhong Xiaoshan. Any issues with this task? Zhong Xiaoshan furrowed her brows in thought, then glanced at Zhang Sus arm. Resolutely, she said, I need the same kind of protection youre wearing. AndIll need a weapon. No problem. Zhang Su agreed to her reasonable requests without hesitation. Sending someone to scavenge without proper equipment would have been downright irresponsible. Soon, Zhong Xiaoshan was geared up, her arms wrapped in discarded magazines and plastic bags, holding a large wrench in her hands. The wrench, over a foot long, was a weapon Zhang Su had specifically commissioned. While it looked like a tool, it was useless for actual repairsno screws matched its dimensions. It had been designed purely for self-defense. Watching Zhong Xiaoshan, who now resembled a guerilla soldier nervously gripping the oversized wrench, Zhang Su found the sight both amusing and unsettling. Could someone so clearly inexperienced with combat handle zombies on her own? He wasnt sure. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But he knew this was a challenge Zhong Xiaoshan had to face. Feeling responsible, he quickly taught her how to use the wrench for effective attacks. After seeing her off through the safety door, Zhang Su gently closed it behind her. Brother Su, isnt it a bit inhumane to send her out alone? Zheng Xinyu asked hesitantly, watching Zhong Xiaoshans figure disappear through the peephole. Inhumane? Humanity and civilization are practically on the brink of collapse. Whats the point of talking about being humane now? By your logic, me going out alone to scavenge is unfair to me, and sending you out is unfair to you. So whats the solution? Zhang Su didnt stop moving as he responded. He rummaged through a wardrobe, pulling out several large backpacks and carrying them into Zheng Xinyus room. If it were just the two of us, Id go out for sure. But since there are more people involved, Id rather not go alone, Zheng Xinyu replied earnestly. Zhang Su paused briefly, a bit surprised by her response. He didnt comment further, though. Keep watch. Let me know if anything happens, he said before crouching down to pack the backpacks with supplies. After a sleepless night, Zhang Su had thought a lot. He realized that leaving supplies scattered was impractical. In case they needed to evacuate quickly, they wouldnt have time to gather everything. So he decided to pack the essentials according to their survival priorities, stuffing the backpacks to capacity. If things remained calm, accessing supplies from the bags wouldnt be too inconvenient. But if chaos erupted, they could grab the bags and leave immediately. When he finished packing about 20 minutes later, he glanced at Zheng Xinyu for an update. She shook her head. If theres trouble, come back right away. If not, grab the stuff and get out quickly. Dont dawdleits probably a matter of not knowing what to take, Zhang Su muttered. She hasnt made any noise, so it must be fine. Maybe shes just overwhelmed by how much stuff there is, Zheng Xinyu speculated, biting her lip. A fleeting thought crossed her mind: if Zhong Xiaoshan brought back a ton of supplies, would her own standing be threatened? She quickly scolded herself for such pettiness. Now wasnt the time for jealousyit was downright stupid. Ill take over the watch. You go work out, Zhang Su suggested. Ten more minutes passed in silence. Not even a fly buzzed by. Maybeshe took the supplies from Brother Lis place and ran off? Zhang Su murmured. Pfft. Zheng Xinyu, flushed from her workout, shook her head firmly. Impossible. There are too many zombies hiding in the building. Theres no way Zhong Xiaoshan would dare run off alone. Zhang Su nodded slightly. It made sense. Still, the timing felt off. Half an hour was plenty of time to loot a convenience store, let alone a single apartment. Unless she had trouble deciding what to take or suddenly decided to act like a supply hoarder Forget it. Im going up to check. Zhang Su quickly donned his arm guards, grabbed his axe hammer, and cracked open the door. While Brother Lis supplies were important, Zhong Xiaoshans safety was also a priority. But just as Zhang Su stepped out, the safety door creaked open, and Zhong Xiaoshan returned. Seeing Zhang Su fully armed and ready to head out, Zhong Xiaoshan let out a relieved sigh, her face still pale from fear. Im back! Get in here first! Zhang Sus sharp eyes scanned her for signs of a struggle. Seeing no visible injuries or damage, he opened the door fully. II only managed to bring this much back. Theres still a lot left, but I didnt have time to grab it, Zhong Xiaoshan stammered, placing the heavy bag on the floor with a loud thud. She bent over, hands on her knees, her chest heavingnot from physical exertion, but from the stress of the experience. Chapter 26: New Difficulties Chapter 026 New Difficulties "Are you hurt?" Although Zhang Su was almost certain that Zhong Xiaoshan hadnt been in a fight, he still asked with concern. "No, absolutely not, dont worry!" Zhong Xiaoshan shook her head repeatedly. She cherished her own life more than anyone else. "Thats good. Be extremely careful. If you get bitten, its game over. Even scratches arent great! Take a seat and rest for a bit. Xinyu, get her a drink," Zhang Su instructed. He then walked to his backpack, unzipped it, and asked Zhong Xiaoshan, "Whats the situation at Brother Lis place?" At the mention of this, Zhong Xiaoshans face darkened. "His place was a complete tragedy." She seemed unwilling to elaborate, summarizing it with just a few words. Zhang Su pulled items out of his backpack one by one. Hearing her response, he glanced at her, saw her somber expression, and softened his tone slightly as he asked, "It shouldnt have taken that long to grab these things. Did you run into any trouble?" "Drink slowly, dont choke." Zheng Xinyu handed Zhong Xiaoshan a disposable cup filled with more than half a cup of energy drink. Zhong Xiaoshan looked at Zheng Xinyu gratefully. After giving a small smile, she took a careful sip. It tasted like orange. "When I went in, the floor was covered in blood. I thought I thought there was no oneno, I thought there were no zombies. I found a backpack and went to the kitchen to pack supplies. Then a man whod turned into a zombie somehow appeared. He wandered into the living room and blocked my way." "I stayed in the kitchen until the man left. Only then did I quickly run downstairs!" Talking about the experience quickened Zhong Xiaoshans heartbeat. The paper cup in her hand deformed under her grip, nearly spilling the drink inside. Zhang Su had already emptied his backpack onto the coffee table. Scratching his head, he remarked, "Looks like you really only made it to the kitchen" On the coffee table were only kitchen-related items: a peeler, forks, spoons, plastic wrap, a kitchen scale, a knife, two packs of dried noodles, a clump of frozen dumplings, over three pounds of flour, and a sealed 1.8L bottle of peanut oil. There were also items like canned luncheon meat, instant noodles, ginger, green onions, and fresh eggsa very domestic assortment, completely unlike Zhang Sus kitchen. "So did I pass?" Having finished her drink, Zhong Xiaoshans lips now had a hint of color. She looked at Zhang Su expectantly. Zhang Su stroked his chin, his gaze sweeping over Zhong Xiaoshan before he suddenly said, "Alright, take off your clothes." "W-what?" Zhong Xiaoshan stared at Zhang Su in disbelief. This request was way too abrupt. Yesterday, he had ignored her advances, and now he was telling her to strip? What was going on? Zheng Xinyu was also stunned. She wasnt the jealous type, but watching this unfold right in front of her was crossing a line! "Take off your clothes, and your pants too. You dont have to listen, of course, but in that case, these supplies will be mine. Ill give you two extra packs of instant noodles. Dont mention staying with us againwell each go our separate ways." Zhang Su spread his hands. Zhong Xiaoshan noticed there wasnt a trace of lewdness in his eyes. Her mind raced, and she quickly understood his intent. She promptly took off her knit top while saying, "Youre checking if Ive hidden anything, right? I havent! I didnt hide a thing!" In a flurry of motion, Zhong Xiaoshan stripped clean, standing bare in the living room. The chilled air after the temperature drop sent shivers down her body, raising goosebumps on her arms. Zheng Xinyu stood awkwardly nearby. She understood that Zhang Sus request was necessary, but she still found it infuriating. Surely there were other ways to verify thisdid he really have to make her undress? "Alright, its cold. Put your clothes back on," Zhang Su said, nodding in satisfaction as he looked at the shivering Zhong Xiaoshan. "Lets reintroduce ourselves. Im Zhang Su, and shes myum, my girlfriend, Zheng Xinyu." Sear?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just moments ago, Zhang Su had used a skill called Insight Tags on Zhong Xiaoshan. Now, three floating tags appeared above her head: DecisiveThird WheelVengeful. The real reason Zhang Su was willing to accept Zhong Xiaoshan wasnt because of Decisive or Third Wheel. It was Vengeful. Even if its an old grudge, shell repay it; if its a favor, shell return it a hundredfold. If Insight Tags were accurate, this was someone he could rely on. "Brother Su, Sister Xinyu, thank you so much for taking care of me!" Zhong Xiaoshan spoke with excitement, dressing quickly while throwing in some flattery. Finally, she felt she had found someone to depend on. Though she was older than Zheng Xinyu, in situations like this, seniority wasnt determined by age. Zhang Su shook his head with a smile. "No ones taking care of anyone here. As long as you handle your own responsibilities, well do our best to help each other. That goes for me, Xinyu, and you." "I understand, Brother Su. Whatever rules you have, just tell me. Im great at following rules and wont step out of line." Before long, Zhong Xiaoshan was fully dressed again. Her face was faintly flushed. Even though it was for a practical reason, being seen naked by a man she barely knew still made her feel shy. "Since were teaming up, lets" Zhang Su picked up the frozen dumplings, now stuck together, and smiled. "Lets cook this bag of dumplings and have a meal together. We can celebrate Nurse Zhong joining us." "Yes, yes! Ill do it!" Zhong Xiaoshan was thrilled. All her efforts were just to get a hot meal and a safe place to stay. A bag of frozen dumplings left at room temperature for over a day would have been thrown in the trash before. Now, it was a rare and precious feast. Zhang Su handed the dumplings to Zhong Xiaoshan, watching her happily trot off to the kitchen. Then he and Zheng Xinyu began sorting the supplies, packing everything back into the backpack. Before they finished, Zhong Xiaoshan returned, looking dejected. "Were out of gas." Standing in the doorway to the kitchen, her face was filled with unease. "What?" Zhang Su was surprised. He rushed into the kitchen, striking the stoves ignition repeatedly. Nothing happened. Frustrated, he almost slammed the pot but stopped himself just in time. "With all the explosions, its not surprising the gas supply is out" Not surprising, sure. But this meant they couldnt cook the dumplings. More importantly, most of their river snail noodles were now practically useless. Instant noodles could be soaked or eaten dry, but river snail noodles had to be boiled. Without fire, 70% of their stockpile instantly became inedible! "No water, no internet, and now no gas. Could this virus also sabotage infrastructure?" Zheng Xinyu complained in frustration. Zhang Su shrugged. "I watched a science video once about what would happen if humans disappeared. They said that within five days of humanity vanishing, all these things would stop working. What were experiencing is no different from humanity disappearing." Without human maintenance, much of the infrastructure would break down! Chapter 27: Hello, everyone! Chapter 027 Hello, everyone! I bought an electric hot pot recently. It was supposed to be delivered yesterday Zheng Xinyu spoke pitifully. She had made plenty of preparations for this challenge. An electric hot pot Right! Zhong Xiaoshans eyes lit up. She pointed upstairs and said, 902 has a microwave and an induction cooker! Zhang Su made a quick decision. Ill go check it out! Water, gas, and communication were already down, leaving electricity as the only resource still clinging on. Who knew how long it would last? It was best to make the most of it while it was still available. Zheng Xinyu was about to suggest going with him but stopped herself. Things werent like before anymore. There was no way they could let the newcomer, Zhong Xiaoshan, see how many supplies they had at home. She nodded and turned to help Zhang Su gather equipment. Be careful on the way to 902. The floors a mess, and its easy to trip. And whatever you do, keep an eye out for that zombie uncle. Hes barefoot, so you cant hear him walking Zhong Xiaoshan stood nearby, reminding Zhang Su as he strapped on arm guards. Got it! With that, Zhang Su didnt linger. He checked outside for any abnormalities, opened the door, and left. Someone else had already done the hard work of clearing the path, which put him slightly at ease, though he stayed alert. Xinyu-jie, youre so lucky to be with someone as reliable as Brother Su. At the door, Zhong Xiaoshan made the comment to Zheng Xinyu, who was peering outside through the peephole. Zheng Xinyu stiffened slightly. Together? If it werent for this sudden disaster, would they have ended up together? Probably not. Theyd likely still be stuck being exploited by that unscrupulous landlord! Nurse Zhong, are you interested in Brother Su? Zheng Xinyu turned her head and asked bluntly, her gaze direct and unwavering. Her straightforward question caught Zhong Xiaoshan off guard, making her a bit flustered. She avoided eye contact and chuckled awkwardly. What are you saying, Xinyu-jie? Ive barely known Brother Su for a day. How could I have any thoughts like that? It wouldnt be surprising if you did. In times like these Zheng Xinyus face carried an unexplainable expression. We cant afford to have conflicts that upset Brother Su. As long as you can make him happy, well all benefit. After saying this, she continued watching through the peephole. Zhong Xiaoshan was momentarily stunned, unable to believe what she had just heard. But after a moment, she understood. In this precarious world, many things had changedbecoming drastically different from before. When survival is at stake, internal conflicts must be avoided, and external threats must be eliminated. At the same time, two men in Unit 502 were whispering to each other. Bro Bro Theres no way we can get out. We cant break through. There are so many zombies downstairs! The scrawny man shook his head repeatedly, his face filled with fear. His messy hair and bloodshot eyes gave him a look that, at night, might easily be mistaken for a zombie. No, we have to leave! Duan Wuhu was resolute. The water and gas are gone. Who knows how long the electricity will last? The supplies we have lefteating only two meals a daywill last us three, maybe four days at most! When we run out of food, well be even weaker. By then, we wont even have the strength to try escaping! Sar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Compared to his younger brother Duan Sihai, Duan Wuhu was broad and muscularnot just overweight, but sturdy. As he spoke, his gaze turned mournfully toward the bedroom. Bro, even if we leave, what about Mom and Sister-in-law? Duan Sihai also glanced at the master bedroom, his expression filled with despair. From the bedroom came faint teeth-grinding soundsquiet, but enough to chill anyone to the bone, as if a flesh-eating demon lurked behind the door. When his brother mentioned their mother and his wife, Duan Wuhus mind was flooded with the nightmare from the day before. Just like any other morning, the middle school gym teacher had woken up before 6 a.m. for his usual jog around the residential area. Returning home, he saw his wife preparing breakfast, while his mom watered plants by the window. His lazy brother was, as usual, still in bed. Everything had been so warm, so perfect. But disaster doesnt care about perfection. Duan Wuhu didnt remember the exact time it happened. All he remembered was coming out of the bathroom to find the pot on the gas stove overflowing. His wife stood there, jerking her neck mechanically, oblivious to the mess. Rushing over to check on her, he was horrified to see her pale gray face, blood vessels visible beneath her skin, and crimson eyes. Without a word, she lunged at him, mouth wide open. Reacting quickly, Duan Wuhu grabbed a rolling pin from the counter, blocking her attack and barely avoiding her teeth. Wrapping her up in cling film, he managed to contain her, only to turn around and find his mom stumbling toward him with the same mechanical gait. It felt like lightning had struck him. With no time to think, he restrained his mother the same way. Now, the two women who meant the most to him in the world lay bound on the floor, writhing and growling like beasts. His heart was in chaos. If what weve seen in movies is right, theres no saving them Duan Wuhu choked up, took a deep breath, and said, We have to survive! He was a sentimental man, but also a practical one. He understood that the dead were gone and that they needed to live on. But but what if what if theres hope for a cure? If we leave them behind now, its like were just abandoning them to die! We havent seen any sign of order being restored. Theres no water, no gas. We wont last a week! I want Mom and Xiaolan to be treated too, but do you think thats realistic? Duan Wuhu knew his brother too well. These werent arguments born of logic but of fearexcuses for his cowardice and reluctance to take a risk. Anyone rational could see the truth. Forget about a cure. Right now, finding a safe place to stay was already a monumental challenge. Fine, Bro. But even if youre right, where can we go? After all that gunfire last night went silent, do you think were tougher than the military? Duan Sihais voice was filled with hysteria. Because of their lower-floor apartment, the two brothers had no clear view of what was happening. They mistook the special police clearing zombies for military action. Were not trying to fight those things head-on! If we cant beat them, well avoid them. Im taking you with me to survive. Do you understand? Duan Wuhus urgency was palpable as he tried to persuade his despondent brother. Chapter 28: Corpses pour into the community Chapter 028 Corpses pour into the community Unless the authorities establish a safe shelter, I think stepping outside will just get us killed faster. But, big bro, if you insist on leaving, Ill follow you, Duan Sihai said weakly, his eyes devoid of hope. Hearing his younger brother finally agree to his suggestion, Duan Wuhu felt a bit relieved. He patted his thin shoulder and said, Sihai, the two of usbrothers unitedcan overcome anything. Well find a safe haven and survive! Well head to Qing County. The population there is small, so even if there are zombies, there wont be many. The terrain is complex. We can find an empty farmhouse, grow crops, raise livestock, and live off well water and firewood. Well make it! Perhaps inspired by the idyllic vision his brother painted, a glimmer of light returned to Duan Sihais eyes. But it quickly dimmed again. Big bro, you make it sound so easy. Let me ask you, even just the zombies in our building are enough to take us down, let alone getting out of the neighborhood Do you have a plan? How do we escape the building? Which route do we take? Without a plan, rushing out there is a death sentence, bro! Duan Wuhu nodded, feeling slightly gratified. Sihai, its good that youre thinking this way. I already have a rough plan in mind. Lets analyze it together and refine it. If theres anything off, help me improve it! Hearing his older brother had a strategy, Duan Sihai perked up. If there was even a glimmer of hope for survival, who would want to sit around and wait for death? The two brothers gathered around the dining table, laying out paper and pen. They discussed their life-and-death escape plan, their expressions solemn and focused. Upstairs, Zhang Su returned home carrying an induction cooker and a stockpot hed retrieved from unit 902. The trip had gone without a hitch, but he had no idea that, during his absence, the two women at home had a brief but meaningful conversation. Are you okay? Zheng Xinyu asked, noticing the thick liquid dripping from Zhang Sus axe. She knew he mustve dealt with a zombie and asked with concern. I ambushed it. No big deal, Zhang Su replied, handing the items to Zhong Xiaoshan, who looked slightly uneasy. Ambushing wasnt dishonorableit was just practical. As he removed his gear, Zhang Su spoke with some excitement. Brother Lis fridge still has a lot of stuff in it. When we have time, well bring it all back! But where will we put it? Zheng Xinyu quipped, giving him a sidelong glance. That stingy landlord didnt even provide a fridge. Zhang Su massaged his temples. If hed known things would come to this, he wouldve bought a large freezer long ago. But now it was too late to complain. Well leave it there for now. As for Brother Lis family Zhang Su sighed, fingering the keys in his pocket. Living doesnt necessarily mean happiness. Maybe dying was a form of release. In any case, their house is empty now. In the kitchen, Zhong Xiaoshan paused briefly at his words. Thoughts of her rural parents darkened her mood. But now, just surviving was hard enough; worrying about others was a luxury she couldnt afford. Fifteen minutes later, they were seated at the table, eating dumpling soupor rather, what used to be dumplings. Theyd clumped together so badly that they had to mash everything up, turning it into a hearty soup. In just over a day, they had gone from an internet outage to a water shortage, and now even the gas supply was gone. Things were worsening rapidly. A simple bowl of hot soup had become a rare luxury. The three had no complaints. The aroma alone made their mouths water. Lets eat, lets eat! Quit staring and dig in! Zhang Su urged, scooping himself a bowl. The lamb dumpling soup tasted fantastic. He even added a spoonful of chili sauce hed found in Brother Lis house, making it even more satisfying. Zhong Xiaoshan, being mindful, only ate a small bowl before setting her chopsticks down, making Zheng Xinyu hesitate to reach for seconds. Seeing their hesitation, Zhang Su pointed to the half-full pot. Eat up. Well start training after this. If you dont eat enough, the training wont be effective! Training? Zhong Xiaoshan asked curiously. Zheng Xinyu explained, Brother Su has a training plan. Its pretty intense. After yesterdays session, my arms and legs are still sore. Encouraged by Zhang Su, Zheng Xinyu grabbed another half bowl, enjoying the warmth spreading through her body. Brother Su, can I ask what you both did before all this? Its rare to see anyone handle a situation like this so calmly, Zhong Xiaoshan inquired while ladling more soup. Mmmph Zhang Su mumbled through a mouthful of food. Im just a landlord. Shes the real staran internet celebrity. Their ability to stay calm came from nearly a decade of life experiencesomething he saw no need to elaborate on. Internet celebrity? Hardly! I only had a few thousand followers, and some of them were bots. Celebrity is a stretch, Zheng Xinyu said, blushing slightly. Her livestreams rarely attracted more than a few hundred viewers, often just a few dozen. Youre both incredible. Honestly, when I first met you, I thought Brother Su was a retired special forces soldier, Zhong Xiaoshan said with a teasing glance, delicately sipping her soup. Youre exaggerating. I just work out occasionally. Compared to real soldiers, Im miles behind. Are you both done? If so, Ill finish the rest. Zhang Su, seeing the two women wave him off, picked up the pot and started eating directly from it. His training regimen was three times as intense as Zheng Xinyus, so he needed the extra calories. If food ever became scarce, hed reduce the intensity to conserve energy for daily survival. After lunch, it was already past 1 PM. The three took a short break. Just as Zhang Su was about to gather them for training, Zheng Xinyu, who had pulled back the curtains to peek outside, suddenly exclaimed, Oh no! Zhang Su, come quick! Theres a situation! Whats going on? Zhang Sus heart skipped a beat as he hurried to the window. Look over there! Oh my god, so many zombies! Zheng Xinyu gasped, her hands covering her mouth. Her eyes were wide with terror, and she trembled slightly. What the f*** Zhang Su muttered, his eyes widening in disbelief. On the street where the special police had engaged the zombie horde the previous night, waves of zombies were now pouring through a breached section of the perimeter wall, flooding toward Shengqin Garden. At closer inspection, it became clear what was drawing them: a drone. A strange-looking drone hovered in the air, dangling a loudspeaker from its underside. Someones luring zombies into our neighborhood! Zhang Su immediately grasped the situation. Though it was far away, he could faintly hear the loudspeaker blaring something, attracting the zombies like moths to a flame. Is that Are those the same zombies from last night? Zhong Xiaoshan asked, peering out the window. The sight of the swarm clambering over the wall sent chills down her spine. sea??h th n?vel_Fire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The oppressive force of the zombie horde was finally tangible. The previous nights darkness had concealed their true horror, but now, under the stark daylight, the scene was all too real. The zombies moved with unnerving speed, their frenzy surpassing that of wild predators. Relentlessly, they pursued the drone, heedless of obstacles or danger. If a living person crossed their path, it would surely end in a gruesome fateripped apart within seconds. Chapter 29: The Way to Survive Chapter 029 The Way to Survive "Why would the guy controlling that drone lure zombies into the neighborhood?" Zhong Xiaoshan watched as a sea of zombies poured over the collapsed perimeter wall, a chill running down her spine. Initially, there had only been a dozen or so zombies wandering within the visible range of the neighborhood. There were undoubtedly more hidden between the buildings, but they were scattered and not densely packed. Now, with hundredsif not thousandssuddenly drawn in, the density skyrocketed. If there had been a slim chance of sneaking out earlier, now the only way to escape would be to grow wings like that drone. Even if a war god arrived, theyd end up gnawed to bones. Zhang Sus face was dark as he said nothing. After a moment, he tilted his head slightly and said, "Listen, whats that loudspeaker saying?" When the drone flew closer to Building 3, the three of them finally made out the words. "Attention survivors! Attention! We are establishing a safe zone along the route to Funing County. Repeat: we are establishing a safe zone along the route to Funing County. Survivors capable of leaving Qin City, join us! Lets work together and overcome this crisis!" "Attention survivors! Attention! We are" The message blared repeatedly through the loudspeaker, echoing over the Shengqin Garden neighborhood. The drone carrying the loudspeaker buzzed around the area, drawing most of the zombies from the streets into the neighborhood. As three cars sped past on the street, the loudspeaker abruptly fell silent, and the drone flew off in the direction of the vehicles, disappearing into a blind spot. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The zombies that had been clawing at the sky suddenly lost their target. They milled around aimlessly, the dense horde gradually dispersing as they wandered off in all directions, craning their necks and sniffing the air, clearly searching for new prey. What seemed like an encouraging announcement turned into a huge headache for the survivors in Shengqin Garden. Meanwhile, the three SUVs that had sped past stopped on the roadside after passing through the zombie-infested area. The passenger door of the lead Land Cruiser opened, and a man in a leather jacket stepped out, catching the returning drone. After the man got back into the vehicle, the convoy continued forward. "Now is a drone! Worth every bit of the 200,000 it cost!" Handing the drone to someone in the backseat, the leather-clad man turned to the driver and said, "Brother Kai, why bother broadcasting to other survivors when we can just hunker down at Boss Lius countryside retreat? Even if the world ends, well be comfortable and safe." "Exactly. Those people are just a waste of food, completely useless." A scrawny man in the backseat chimed in, his sinister smile giving off a vibe that even elderly ladies would steer clear of. "Useless?" The driver chuckled hoarsely. "How do you think we made it out alive? Have you already forgotten? Without all those cannon fodder taking the hits, would we have survived? Or are you volunteering to be the next batch of cannon fodder?" In a life-or-death situation, you didnt need to outrun the zombiesjust the other survivors. The group in the car immediately grasped his point. Someone clapped their hands and said, "Right, right! Lets welcome more survivors!" Laughter erupted in the SUV, filled with malicious intent. In the apocalypse, every individual and group had their own methods of survival. Back in Shengqin Garden, every able-bodied survivor peeked cautiously from their windows. The sudden announcement filled many with hope, and rare smiles appeared on their faces. Qin City oversaw four counties, with Funing County being the closestjust 30 kilometers away, practically a quick drive. However, these survivors didnt yet realize how impossibly far 20-30 kilometers felt in the current state of the world. Considering Shengqin Gardens situation, even escaping the neighborhood alone was an immense challenge. "They said theyre building a safe zone on the way to Funing County?!" Zhong Xiaoshans expression lit up with excitement as she exclaimed, "Im from Funing County! My parents are in Xiao Puzhuang!" Though she didnt spell it out, her hopeful gaze made her thoughts obvious. Zhang Su had no qualms about throwing cold water on her enthusiasm. "They lured a massive horde of zombies into the neighborhood just to announce theyre building a safe zone. Do you think these people are acting out of kindness?" From how adeptly the drone was operated, Zhang Su suspected this wasnt the first time theyd pulled such a stunt. While it seemed like a good-faith effort to inform survivors about a safe zone, in reality, it was likely a ploy to clear the roads of zombies so the convoy could pass safely. In a fight for survival, morality didnt matteronly life and death did. Still, Zhang Su doubted that people who used such underhanded tactics could be considered "good guys." Not that he thought of himself as one, either. Zhong Xiaoshan paused at Zhang Sus words, frowning in thought. After a moment, she glanced at the increased number of zombies below and, cooling off, reluctantly admitted he was right. Zheng Xinyu sighed at the dense horde below, some zombies bumping into each other as they shuffled about. "Brother Su, if ordinary people could organize a safe zone, dont you think the government would have acted already?" "Exactly! With how quickly the authorities can respond, theyd definitely have set up a safe zone somewhereprobably in a hospital!" Zhong Xiaoshan quickly agreed. Zhang Su shook his head. "You two are optimistictoo optimistic. First, those people only said they to build a safe zone. Its just an idea, like anyone can have. Second, they said itll be to Funing County. Thats a stretch of 20-30 kilometers with no specific location. Its clear they dont have a solid plan." "At best, its a preliminary idea. At worst, theyre using this announcement as an excuse to lure zombies away and clear a path for themselves. As for official safe zones, there might be some, but theyd likely be small and selectivenot relevant to us." Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan, both no strangers to harsh truths, understood the implications. As this brief episode passed, the survivors of Shengqin Garden reacted differentlysome shared Zhang Sus skepticism, others were eager to act, and a few had already begun planning their next move. By 4 p.m., as the setting sun cast long shadows, Zhang Su and his group finished their exercise routine. They snacked to regain energy while discussing strategies and analyzing zombie behavior. Suddenly, loud music echoed outside. "Burning off my calories, bye-bye sweet donuts" A pop song blared out, piercing the silence and grabbing everyones attention. The trio hurried to the window, scanning for the source of the noise. Unable to see from their current vantage point, they rushed to Apartment 802. From a south-facing window, they finally spotted it: someone was using a drone with a loudspeaker to lure zombies, just like before. However, this drone was of much lower quality, struggling to maintain altitude and stability. It wobbled precariously, as though it might crash at any moment. Chapter 30: Don’t be deceived by the God’s perspective Chapter 030 Dont be deceived by the Gods perspective Look over there! Check out Building 7! Someones flying a drone! Whether it was luck or sharp eyesight, Zheng Xinyu quickly noticed someone crouched behind a window on the second floor of the middle unit of Building 7, operating a drone in the air. Just as Zhang Su turned to look at Building 7, he suddenly saw four figures appear at the buildings corner. The person controlling the drone leaned out of the window, spotted their companions arriving, placed the remote on the windowsill, and, without hesitation, jumped out of the window! Their fluid actions made it clear that this was a well-rehearsed plan. So far, everything seemed to be going smoothlybut the real challenge was just beginning. The second floor was just over three meters high. Without some skill, a jump from that height could easily result in severe injury or even death if something went wrong. It was clear, however, that the person who jumped wasnt reckless. Upon landing, they rolled forward to disperse the impact, sprawling awkwardly but effectively mitigating the fall. The other four rushed to the mans side. A woman helped him up, while another man handed him a backpack. Without a word, the man who had jumped joined the group as they sprinted toward the perimeter wall, strapping the backpack on as he ran. The five quickly reached the collapsed section of the wall. Just as they prepared to climb over, a small group of zombies suddenly charged out from the other side of the building! Danger struck in an instant. The group clearly hadnt anticipated that some zombies wouldnt be drawn away by the drone. In their panic, two people tripped over the rubble. Despite their seemingly stiff movements, zombies were anything but slow. When chasing prey, their speed could easily rival a brisk human walk. In no time, they were upon the two fallen individuals. It''s bad! Zhang Sus knuckles whitened as he gripped the windowsill, his mind racing as he imagined how he would handle such a situation. Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan clenched their fists tightly, holding their breath. It was as though it wasnt strangers running for their lives, but themselves. Sarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Pick up bricks! Throw them! Bags are too softtheyre useless! Zheng Xinyu shouted out advice in frustration as she watched a woman in the group ineffectively hit a zombie with a travel bag. It seemed someone in the group heard her. A man bent down, picked up a chunk of debris the size of a watermelon, and hurled it at the zombies. But then something absurd happened Perhaps due to nerves, the man forgot to release the debris on time. The massive force sent him stumbling forward and tumbling down the rubble! Falling in front of zombies was dangerous enough on flat ground, let alone from a height. Still, his fall had an unintended benefitit knocked the zombies attacking his two companions off balance, giving them a chance to scramble to safety! Ahh! Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan both gasped as they saw the man and the zombies tumble down together. Its not looking good Zhang Su muttered under his breath, a trace of sorrow in his voice. Given the situation, unless the group banded together to fight or had firearms, there was no way to save the fallen man. Firearms were unlikely, and as for working together In an organized and prepared scenario, maybe. But in a sudden crisis like this? Impossible. Just as Zhang Su predicted, the people on the rubble reacted slower than the zombies instincts. The zombies swarming at the base of the rubble, excited by the scent of blood, immediately pounced. The group above froze, unsure what to do. Facing a single zombie, an average adult might stand a chance if not caught off guard. But against three or four zombies simultaneously, especially after a disorienting fall? The result was tragically obvious. The zombies swarmed the man. His terrified screams echoed, faint but audible even across the near 100-meter distance separating Zhang Su and the others. He flailed his arms wildly, like a drowning man grasping at nonexistent lifelines. But there was no one to save him One zombie lunged for the mans exposed neck, tearing into him. Blood splattered everywhere. A womans hysterical screams rang out from outside the window. On the rubble above, a woman in a windbreaker frantically hurled rocks at the zombie biting the man, but it was uselessit didnt even slow the attack. The loud cries attracted more zombies, diverting them from chasing the drone. Soon, several broke off and began heading toward the rubble and perimeter wall. One man covered the screaming womans mouth while another dragged her toward the road. A third member of the group stayed behind briefly to hold off the advancing zombies before retreating to join the others. In moments, their figures disappeared behind nearby obstacles. The man who had thrown the stone, however, was left forever among the rubble. Their attempt to climb a single collapsed perimeter wallwith some planning and preparationhad still resulted in a death. It was a cruel and tragic failure. They just left him Zheng Xinyu stared blankly at where the group had disappeared, her disbelief evident. It was one thing for the others to leave, but even the two who had been rescued didnt try to help the fallen man. The coldness of it shook her to her core. Zhong Xiaoshan also struggled to accept what had just happened. Her voice was low as she said, There were only six zombies, and two had already been knocked down. Killing them all wouldnt have been easy, but if those four had fought back together, they couldve saved him! Youre right, Zhang Su replied, his tone heavy. But ordinary people cant always make the best decisions in moments of crisis. Fear and selfishness dominatethats human nature. Theres no point feeling guilty about it Unless youre a trained soldier, its hard to expect anyone to naturally risk their life for the group. Dont let this outsiders perspective fool you. If one day we face the same situation, we might not do any better than those who ran. Zhang Sus serious expression made Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan glance at him doubtfully. He continued, As onlookers, we can imagine countless ways things couldve gone differently and believe wed make the perfect decision. But as participants Could you really react in just one second? Before they could answer, Zhang Su swung his arm. The axe in his hand stopped just inches from the two women. Ahh! Stop! Instinctively, both women closed their eyes and raised their hands to shield themselves. See? When danger strikes, theres no time for perfect analysis. Only instinct kicks inand that instinct isnt always the best choice. Zhang Su lowered his arm slowly. If it were the three of us in that situation If I ran alone, Id probably make it. But with your current condition, theres an 80% chance youd both die. If I stayed to help you, theres still a 50% chance wed all die. Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan exchanged glances, their emotions complicated. Witnessing a survivor being devoured by zombies left them feeling powerless, as though theyd been in his place. Isnt there anything we can do? I refuse to be dead weight! Zheng Xinyu asked defiantly, a determined glint in her eyes. Train. Zhang Sus reply was brief but firm. It wasnt just about physical skillsit was about building courage, composure, and quick reactions. Chapter 31: Sweeping the Building Chapter 031 Sweeping the Building The dramatic events at dusk had left Zhang Su and the others shaken. After returning to unit 801, they threw themselves into intense training, as if physical exhaustion was the only way to quell their fear. The high-intensity workout rapidly depleted their food supplies, so much so that even Zhong Xiaoshan, who usually skipped dinner, ended up eating a bowl of River Snail Noodles. Night fell, and the sky was clear with a bright moon and sparse stars. The three of them sat around the coffee table under the dim light of a small lamp. The soft, hazy glow gave the scene a mysterious air, almost like a clandestine gathering of some secret cult. Brother Su, our food and water are running out pretty quickly, Zheng Xinyu said with a hint of worry. Zhang Su was well aware of the problem, but it was a consequence of a policy shift he had deliberately made. The increased consumption of supplies is due to the higher training intensity. This trade-off is necessary. Food and water can be replenished if we venture out, but if we dont get stronger, well just end up dead. Previously, their strategy had been to conserve supplies and stretch them as long as possible. But now, Zhang Su had shifted focus to prioritizing physical development, exchanging food for strength. Both women nodded in agreementmerely scraping by wasnt a sustainable strategy. When supplies inevitably ran out, death would come all too easily. Thats why we cant just stay holed up here. We need to start scavenging for supplies and incorporate real-world experience into our daily training, Zhang Su said firmly, raising a finger for emphasis. You mean Zheng Xinyus eyes lit up as she pointed in the direction of the underground parking lot. Zhang Su immediately knew she was referring to the van downstairs, which was loaded with supplies. He shook his head. The situation in the parking lot is unclear. We shouldnt go there unless absolutely necessary. Youre right Zheng Xinyu frowned in thought before suggesting, How about starting with the other units in this building? The entry doors are locked, so it should be relatively safe. Zhang Su nodded. Exactly. Our building has 24 units. Based on occupancy rates, maybe seven or eight are vacant. Excluding our floor and Brother Lis unit, there are probably 14 or 15 left to check. I have a way to get a rough idea of whos still living in our building! Zheng Xinyu said excitedly. Before they could respond, she dashed to her room and returned with her phone. Most people in the homeowners group chat have updated their real addresses. We can search for 03-1, 3-1, or Building 3 to figure out the occupancy. Great idea, Sister Xinyu! You read it out, and Ill jot it down, Zhong Xiaoshan said, opening the notepad app on her phone, eager to contribute. Alright, here we go. The first floor is fully occupied. The second floor Before long, they compiled a list of occupants. The first, third, and fourth floors are fully occupied. On the second, fifth, and eighth floors, Unit 2 is empty. Sixth, ninth, and eleventh floors dont have a Unit 1. As for the seventh, tenth, and twelfth floors, were not sure. Is that right? Zhang Su asked, reviewing the list. Sear?h the ovelFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Correct, but just because a unit appears empty doesnt mean it really is. Some people might not have updated their address, or they might not even be in the group chat, Zheng Xinyu clarified. True, and those who updated their address might not even live here anymore. Still, this gives us a decent starting point. Lets call it a night for now. Tomorrow, well start sweeping the building, Zhang Su concluded. As the discussion ended, Zhang Su cast a meaningful glance at Zhong Xiaoshan, who looked slightly uneasy. Um, Ill head back to my place now, Zhong Xiaoshan said awkwardly, sensing that Zhang Su didnt plan to let her stay the night. After seeing her off, Zheng Xinyu watched through the peephole as Zhong Xiaoshan closed the door to unit 802. She then hesitantly asked, Should we let her stay here overnight? Theres no need for that right now, Zhang Su replied, shaking his head. Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, But if youre so concerned about her, I wouldnt mind going over there to keep her company. Get lost! Zheng Xinyu punched him lightly in the arm. Hey, you suggested it! Im just respecting your wishes, Zhang Su teased, moving toward the door as if to leave. Zheng Xinyu quickly blocked the door, retorting, I misspoke! What I meant to say was, Go to hell! Stingy as ever Everyones exhausted, and youre the only one whose thoughts are in the gutter! Zhang Su quipped as he turned toward the bathroom. Remembering there was no running water, he sighed and changed course toward his bedroom, waving her off as he went. Dirty-minded? Youre the one who said youd go over there! Damn it, Zheng Xinyu muttered, following him and grumbling under her breath. Keeping her voice low, she stuck close, unwilling to let him have the last word. Zhang Su, ever the gentleman, didnt let her provocations get to him. That night, he truly did nothing but rest, getting a good nights sleep to recharge. The next morning, Zhang Su stretched by his open window, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air. Man, that felt great! he exclaimed. Exhausted from their new routine and deprived of entertainment, he had managed to fall asleep by 10 PMan early night compared to his pre-apocalypse lifestyle. Waking at 7 or 8 AM was now his new norm. By 9 AM, Zhong Xiaoshan arrived at 801, her body sore from yesterdays training. She had thought her previous work at the hospital was strenuous, but it paled in comparison to this. Zhang Su understood that both womens bodies were under significant strain. But survival left them no choicethere wasnt enough time to rest. I thought about it last night. Well start sweeping upward, but to ensure safety, we need to block off the seventh floors emergency stairwell, Zhang Su explained. Block our way downstairs? Why? Zombies arent great at climbing stairs, Zheng Xinyu questioned, confused. Theyre slow, but they can still climb. Blocking the stairs isnt just to stop zombies. Its also to prevent other people from sneaking in. Who knows if there are other survivors in our building? Zhang Sus expression darkened. If there are, thats a good thing. More people means more help, Zhong Xiaoshan said as she massaged her sore arms. Heh Zhang Su chuckled coldly, shaking his head. In minor disasters, I believe in peoples goodness. But in a situation like this? Trusting strangers is more dangerous than not trusting them. Well, Im just lucky to have met two kind people like Brother Su and Sister Xinyu, Zhong Xiaoshan said, throwing in a bit of flattery. Cut it out. Lets get to work, Zhang Su said, waving them along. The three began by trying to block the stairwell with a small sofa, but it wouldnt fit through the emergency door. Left with no choice, they stacked Zhong Xiaoshans vanity table on top of the sofa. This improvised barricade effectively blocked the stairs. To make it more secure, Zhang Su tied two metal spoons to the vanity table. The spoons clanged together with the slightest movement, serving as a rudimentary alarm. They were satisfied with their handiworkgetting to the eighth floor would now be a noisy, near-impossible task. As for the elevator? It had been stuck on the sixth floor since that fateful day, and no one knew whether it was broken or if something worse was at play. Chapter 32: The Life of an Old Couple Chapter 032 The Life of an Old Couple After Zhang Su and the other two prepared themselves and secured their protective gear, they each carried an empty, oversized backpack and headed up to the ninth floor. Zhang Su tapped the door of apartment 901 with his hand axe, then pressed his ear to the door. After listening for a while, he shook his head. "No sound. I havent heard any footsteps from upstairs before either. Looks like no one lives here." They continued upward. The homeowner group chat had no records of residents on the tenth floor of Unit 1 in Building 3. The condition of the floors and the two front doors also indicated no signs of occupancy. Moving further up, they opened the safety door on the eleventh floor. Zhang Su''s grip on the axe tightened slightly. Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan both gulped nervously. The door of apartment 1101 was firmly shut, but a dried and darkened pool of blood had seeped out from under the door. A doormat that read "Safe Travels" was soaked in coagulated blood, its eerie discoloration adding to the unsettling scent of blood lingering in the hallway. Zhang Su turned and gestured for silence, ignoring 1101 entirely as he pointed toward 1102. Based on the homeowner chat, 1101 should have been unoccupied, while 1102 had residents. But now, 1101 clearly had a situation. As Zhang Su cautiously turned the corner to see 1102, his heart skipped a beat. The front door of 1102 was wide open. A small electric scooter was parked in the entryway, and two pairs of shoes were neatly placed on the floor. Everything appeared normal. Yet, this "normal" filled Zhang Su with a deep unease. The sound of fingers gripping tightly echoed faintly. Behind him, Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan instinctively tightened their grips on their weapons. "The same rule as always: no matter what happens, no one makes a sound. If anyone screams, I''ll knock them out immediately!" Zhang Su, without taking his eyes off 1102, gave stern instructions to the two women. Both nodded lightly, gripping their weapons even tighter. Step by step, the three of them approached 1102. The silent hallway was unnervingly quiet, making the tension palpable. Finally, Zhang Su''s foot landed on the doormat just inside the doorway. He sniffed the air. There was an odd smell. Beyond the entryway lay the living room. Zhang Su crept forward slowly, his view inching into the room. The first thing he saw was a pair of feet clad in socks, the shoes nowhere in sight. His heart skipped a beat. He gestured to the two behind him to wait, then tapped the shoe cabinet lightly with his axe. The dull sound reverberated through the room, pressing on their eardrums. Still no response, but that was somewhat reassuring. If a zombie were hiding, it would have reacted to the sound. As they moved further in and took in the full view of the living room, the three of them froze in place. In the center of the living room lay a mutilated corpse. The upper body was unrecognizable, chewed and torn apart, with the abdominal cavity ripped open. Organs spilled out, a bloody mess of entrails. From the somewhat intact head, streaked with blood-stained silver hair, it was clear this was an elderly woman. What was most disturbing was the lack of any signs of struggle in the room. It was as though the woman had willingly allowed herself to be devoured by a zombie while still alive. Zhong Xiaoshan managed to turn her head away, visibly distressed but composed. Zheng Xinyu, however, felt the urge to vomit, though she barely managed to suppress it. "Wheres the zombie?" Zheng Xinyu whispered cautiously, swallowing nervously as her eyes darted around the rooms doors. If there were a zombie, it should have been drawn out by the noise. What if one suddenly leaped out? Zhong Xiaoshan stayed silent, clutching her large wrench so tightly it was warm in her hands, ready to strike at any moment. Zhang Su was sure the zombie wasnt in the apartment. His eyes locked on the wide-open bay window in the living room. "The zombie probably climbed out through there." "What?!" Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan were both stunned by his conclusion. "Remember the loudspeaker yesterday? It likely happened then. Zombies dont have intelligence; they only act on primal urges, chasing prey without thinking about the consequences." Zhang Su walked to the bay window, inspecting the blood smeared on the frame. Leaning out, he looked down and spotted a twisted body lying by the flower bed at the base of the building. It seemed clear the zombie had fallen from the window. "Close the front door and check the other rooms," Zhang Su ordered as he pulled his head back in. The three-bedroom, two-living-room apartment was quickly searched. Only one bedroom had its door closed. Aside from the body in the living room, they found nothing else. Zhang Su closed the curtains, then fetched a blanket from the bedroom to cover the corpse in the living room. Turning back to the others, he said, "Lets hurry and gather supplies. Xinyu, check the kitchen and the second bedroom. Xiaoshan, check the master bedroom and the smaller room. Look for food, water, or any useful toolstake whatever you can." "Got it." "Understood!" Less than ten minutes later, the three regrouped in the living room. Sar?h the novlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Brother Su, this place was probably only occupied by the elderly couple. Theres not much here," Zheng Xinyu said with a sigh, patting her nearly empty backpack. Shed assumed there would be plenty of supplies in the kitchen, but it turned out otherwise. The pristine kitchen had barely anything: a half-used bag of millet with about two pounds left, four or five pounds of flour, an unopened bag of dried noodles, a few bottles of pickles, some eggs, and cooking oil in the fridge. The most convenient item was probably a pack of black sesame paste. "The master bedroom was clearly used by the elderly couple, but the other two rooms havent been occupied in ages," Zhong Xiaoshan reported, showing her findings: a screwdriver, scissors, a few small tools, and several boxes of medication for chronic illnesses. Zhang Su had found two old flip phones in the living room, which he powered down and tucked into his bag. He also held up a bankbook, waving it at the two women. "The couples valuables are right here." Curious, the two leaned in to look. The bankbook was filled with deposit records, the most recent from the start of the month. Every month, they had deposited 5,000 yuan, and the balance now exceeded 300,000 yuan. "This was their savings for their grandsons wedding," Zhang Su said, flipping the book to reveal the back cover, which read: "They were probably planning to give this as a gift at their grandsons engagement. The love of elders really is selfless," Zhang Su sighed. Zhong Xiaoshans eyes reddened, and she couldnt help glancing at the blanket-covered corpse on the floor. "These poor old folks scrimped and saved their whole lives, only for it all to end like this. What a f***ed-up world" Zheng Xinyu pouted, then looked at Zhang Su pitifully. "Brother Su, I miss my mom and dad, my grandparents. I miss them all." "Well, at least your familys all accounted for," Zhang Su said with a shake of his head. "Lets focus on figuring out how to survive first!" Chapter 33: Survivor! Chapter 033 Survivor! Brother Su, c-can I take this passbook with me? Zhong Xiaoshan asked hesitantly. Zhang Su looked at her in confusion. Youre not seriously after the money in the passbook, are you? Golds worthless now, and you dont even know the password. No, its not that Zhong Xiaoshan shook her head, her voice trembling. Its just it reminds me of my grandparents. When I was a kid, they used to save every penny to prepare a dowry for me Alright, alright, keep it! Zhang Su waved his hand, cutting her off quickly. If she kept talking, both women would probably end up crying. Come on, lets check out the place across the hall. After peeking through the peephole to ensure the hallway was clear, Zhang Su opened the door and stepped out of apartment 1102. 1101 is locked. How are we supposed to get in? Zhong Xiaoshan followed him, her voice still thick with emotion. Lets look around outside first. Lots of people hide spare keys somewhere for emergencies, Zhang Su replied as he opened a narrow wooden utility door nearby. Locks are getting more complex these days, and breaking one can be tricky. Many people resort to brute force, but that often means spending hundreds on a replacement. To avoid the hassle, some homeowners hide a spare key outside, saving money in a pinch. Zhang Su was no stranger to this habithis spare was tucked away at the Eireiwen convenience store. Neither woman questioned his suggestion and began searching the stairwell. The seemingly neat stairwell was full of potential hiding spots. Classic locations like above the doorframe or under the doormat were obvious, but darker corners like the water meter cabinets and heating pipe spaces offered more discreet options. For those especially cautious about theft, theyd hide their keys on other floors or even in neighboring units. Found it! Zheng Xinyus excited voice broke the silence as she held up a complicated fourth-generation security lock key. Zhang Su, who had been rummaging near the heating pipes, straightened up and nodded inwardly. Good fortune wasnt just for showit really came in handy. Whered you find it? he asked, taking the key from her and inspecting it before glancing at the lock on 1101s door. Zheng Xinyu pointed towards the elevator, her tone triumphant. On top of the fire cabinet! I climbed the heating pipes to get up there. It was hidden under a stack of flyers, but I spotted it right away. Impressive, right? Pleased with herself, she stood there with her head held high, waiting for praise. Yeah, yeah, well done. Lucky find. Keep up the good work, Zhang Su said offhandedly, turning his attention to the door with a serious expression. The doormat beneath their feet was crusted with dried blood, cracking under pressure like thin ice. The mixture of strange sounds and the metallic stench of blood made it feel like they were walking through hell. Instead of unlocking the door immediately, Zhang Su pressed his ear against it, listening carefully for any sounds inside. The eerie silence on the other side didnt guarantee safety. Knock, knock, knock. Using his axe, Zhang Su tapped on the door. A guttural groan came from within, muffled but unmistakable. Zhang Sus eyebrows shot up, and he instinctively stepped back. BANG! The doorframe shuddered as something heavy slammed into it, the vibrations leaving no doubt about the force behind it. Bang, bang, bang. The familiar sound of zombies pounding on the door made Zhong Xiaoshans face twitch, but this time, she stayed silent, noticeably calmer than before. See? Making noise to test the waters works. Dont forget this step in the future! Zhang Su used the moment to teach the two women beside him. Both nodded, firmly committing the simple yet crucial method to memory. So, what now? Zheng Xinyu asked nervously. Its right behind the door. How are we supposed to get in? Theres a way, Zhang Su said, twirling the key in his hand thoughtfully. We can lure it to the stairwell and trip it up on the steps. But theres no need to take that risk. Lets head upstairs and wait for it to settle down. Amid the zombies relentless pounding, the three retreated to the stairwell and climbed to the twelfth floorthe top floor. Beyond that was a flight of stairs leading to the roof, blocked by a heavy-duty door. Zhang Su twisted the handle of the safety door and frowned. Locked. Someones definitely living here, Zheng Xinyu said, her expression conflicted. She hoped for survivors but feared they might pose a threat. Zhong Xiaoshan, on the other hand, was more optimistic, her face lighting up. Its better to have people than zombies, right, Brother Su? Zhang Su neither agreed nor disagreed. He pulled a set of keys from his bagthe ones taken from Brother Lis place. After finding one that roughly fit the lock, he jiggled it around until the lock clicked open in just over ten seconds. Damn, Brother Su! No wonder you managed to buy a house at such a young age. With skills like that, it all makes sense now! Zheng Xinyu teased, her expression a mix of admiration and suspicion. Zhong Xiaoshan said nothing but looked equally awkward, likely sharing similar thoughts. Are you two brainless? If I were some master lock-picker, why would I bother hunting for the key to 1101 earlier? These safety locks are trash, barely more than a developers scam. You could open one with a scrap of metal, Zhang Su explained quietly, cracking the door open slightly. The corridor beyond was spotless, though the doormat outside 1201 showed clear signs of frequent usesomeone was living there. Peering around the corner at 1202, he noticed its door was covered with a tattered, plastic sheet, the kind left behind during construction. It hadnt been touched in ages. Even though it seemed safe, Zhang Su carefully checked for any movement inside 1202. Only when he was sure there was no response did he relax. Xinyu, check it out, Zhang Su said, nodding towards 1201. Without hesitation, Zheng Xinyu stepped up, pressing her ear against the door like shed seen him do. After a moment of silence, she knocked on the door with her baseball bat. Knock, knock, knock. A metallic clatter came from insidenot the guttural moans of zombies. The trio exchanged glances, their eyes wide with surprise. Zhang Su gestured for Zheng Xinyu to proceed. If its complicated, use rhythmic knocks to show were not zombies. Otherwise, just talk softly through the gap. sea??h th n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Got it! Zheng Xinyu nodded and leaned close to the doorframe. Hello? Were your neighbors from downstairs. Can we talk? Theres nothing to talk about. Leave, came a gruff male voice, sounding like it belonged to someone in his forties or fifties. From the tone, the man was standing just a few meters away from the door. Then, he added, And lock the safety door on your way out. Thanks! The three of them looked at each other, stunned. Theyd found a survivor, but he wasnt interested in opening the door, let alone exchanging pleasantries. Chapter 34: I leave it to you two Chapter 034 I leave it to you two "Brother Su, hes probably afraid well steal his stuff..." Zhong Xiaoshan whispered into Zhang Sus ear. After all, thats what she would have thought in his position. Zhang Su shrugged, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Taking a step forward, he said, "Big brother, were looking for food and water. Do you have any to spare?" No one responded from inside the door, only faint rustling sounds could be heard. Moments later, with a , the door cracked open slightly, followed by a loud as it quickly shut again. The sudden noise startled the three of them. "There are a few packs of instant noodles and some canned food. Take them and leave. Dont come back!" The man inside spoke, his tone calm, revealing no emotion, whether joy or sorrow. Zhang Su cautiously pulled the door open, only to see another door behind it. A double-door setup, designed for better soundproofing and security. Some residents would choose to add this feature. The space between the two doors was no more than 30 centimeters. To one side stood a tall shoe rack, neatly arranged with about a dozen pairs of shoes. On the floor lay a large opened pack of instant noodles and a can of yellow peaches. Zhang Su picked up the instant noodles. There were four small packs inside, and the canned food was largeone of those big jars weighing about seven or eight hundred grams. "This guys pretty generous," Zheng Xinyu said as she looked at the items in Zhang Sus hands. Zhong Xiaoshan nodded in agreement. In such a desperate environment, it was rare for someone to share food and water. If it were her, she wouldnt be able to do the same. "I think he probably hasnt realized how bad things are and believes this is just a typical disaster. Hes likely waiting for official rescue..." Holding the instant noodles and canned food the man had offered, Zhang Su hesitated to put them in his bag. He had intended to test the mans response, but the man had been unexpectedly generous. This made Zhang Su feel reluctant to take the items. "Why havent you left yet? Get out, go, and dont come back!" The mans exasperated shouting suddenly came from inside, his tone agitated. The sudden change in mood left the three of them exchanging bewildered glances. "Big brother, this disaster isnt simple. Things are a mess outside, and no one is coming to help us. Ill leave these here for you. Thank you!" Zhang Su decided not to take the mans supplies. He gently set them down, closed the door, and left with the two women, heading down from the twelfth floor. Inside apartment 1201, a disheveled man stood by the door. Behind his glasses were hollow eyes, his hands trembling slightly from his emotions. Watching Zhang Su and the others leave through the peephole, he turned away with a strange smile and walked back into the room, ignoring the items on the floor. "Xiaomin, theyre gone. Its so quiet. The room is so quiet. The hallway is so quiet. The whole world is so quiet. But why are you so quiet too? Can you wake up and talk to me?" The man sat down on the floor, cradling his wife in his arms. Her skin was ashen, her head covered in blood, with a fruit knife still lodged in it. The three returned to the eleventh floor. The zombie in apartment 1101 had stopped pounding on the door. It was as if it were programmed to enter energy-saving mode when it couldnt sense prey for a certain amount of time. "Im guessing there are quite a few people like that guy on the twelfth floor, sitting at home waiting for official rescue. Were lucky to have reacted and acted quickly as survivors," Zhang Su remarked, reflecting on the brief encounter earlier. "Definitely! On the first day, you were like a madman, dragging me along to kill zombies. Looking back, it still feels unreal. What were you thinking?" Zheng Xinyu exhaled deeply, her tone carrying a hint of grievance as she looked at Zhang Su. Instead of opening the door immediately, Zhang Su lit a cigarette and said, "Isnt it better to adapt early? Everyone gets their information differently. If they knew how chaotic it was outside, theyd muster the courage to face it, no matter how scared they were." Dependency and trust are double-edged swords. They can provide hope in despair but can also make one lose the will to fight if overly reliant. "Brother Su... you said the outside world is completely messed up. Just how big is this outside?" Zhong Xiaoshan asked somberly, still unaware of the true scale of the disaster. Zhang Su exchanged a glance with Zheng Xinyu and replied gravely, "Human civilization." Hearing this, Zhong Xiaoshans face filled with disbelief. She wobbled slightly, nearly falling over. Just as she was about to ask further, Zhang Su motioned for silence and did something peculiar. Taking a deep drag of his cigarette, Zhang Su then blew smoke through the crack in the door of 1101. After a moment of no reaction, he repeated the process four or five times. "Looks like these things dont have a special reaction to smoke. Maybe it can even confuse their sense of smell. Once theyre disoriented, you two can take care of them!" Zhang Su instructed before inserting a key into the lock. "What the hell! Couldnt you have warned us earlier?" "Ugh, didnt you say wed lure it to the stairs...?" Despite their complaints, both Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan instinctively followed Zhang Sus orders. Fear aside, they gripped their weapons and prepared for battle. There was no way out of this fight. Turning the key gently, Zhang Su carefully lifted the door as he opened it, preventing the hinges from creaking under pressure. The smoke diluted the scent of blood and seemed to hinder the zombies ability to detect living beings. As the door opened wider, they saw the stiff figure of a zombie standing with its back to them. Its upper body swayed slightly, its neck turning mechanically in small motions, remaining relatively still. Judging from its build and clothing, it was a female zombie. The long hair draped over its shoulders had become brittle from mutation, resembling a botched perm from an unskilled stylist. Having been through this before, Zheng Xinyu didnt hesitate. Her shadow-like movement created a gust of wind as she swung her bat directly at the zombies head. The metal bat landed with a heavy thud, eliciting an enraged howl from the zombie as it turned around. Before it could fully face them, another blow came straight at its face. Sar?h the ovlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A heavy wrench slammed into its head at an angle, forcing the zombie to stagger. Zheng Xinyu remembered vividly how tough it had been to kill a zombie the first time, knowing it wouldnt go down with just one or two hits. She immediately prepared for another strike after her initial attack. Under the relentless pounding of the metal bat and large wrench, the female zombie couldnt fight back and was quickly knocked to the ground. "Haah!" With a sharp cry, Zhong Xiaoshan swung her wrench down hard, smashing the zombies face. Its body twitched violently as if electrocuted, before its movements finally ceased. The red glow in its remaining eye faded away, slowly returning to a normal pupil. "That was brutal, but effective..." Zhang Su, who had been gripping his axe hammer tightly, was prepared to intervene if anything went wrong. To his surprise, the two women had handled the situation better than expected, unleashing hidden potential when faced with danger. Chapter 35: A Leap of Despair Chapter 035 A Leap of Despair Hu hu ugh Sar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zheng Xinyu gasped for breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Now that the tension had passed, she noticed the ground beneath her feetlittered with bloody entrails and mangled organs. A foul, metallic stench filled her nose, making her stomach churn. Unable to hold it back, she bent over and vomited. Xinyu-jie are you okay? Zhong Xiaoshan was startled by Zheng Xinyus sudden retching. She quickly sidestepped to avoid the splatter and gently patted Zheng Xinyus back. Dont look at the ground. Try thinking about something delicious insteaditll pass soon! Something delicious Zhang Su thought to himself, He lit another cigarette, took a drag, then closed the door before holding the cigarette out to Zheng Xinyu. Take a puffitll help. Zheng Xinyu, who was already crying and sniffling, took the cigarette and inhaled deeply. The harsh smoke burned her throat, making her cough violently, but the nausea subsided almost instantly. T-Theres another one! Just then, Zhong Xiaoshan pointed toward the living room, her voice tense. A zombie, or rather, what was left of one, was crawling toward them. Most of its torso was missingeverything below the ribcage was gone. Using only its arms, it dragged itself forward with difficulty, but its mouth still clacked hungrily, its jagged teeth gnashing together, unwilling to give up on its craving for fresh flesh. Zheng Xinyu, who had just barely gotten her nausea under control, took one look at the horrific sight and immediately dry-heaved. The cigarette was useless this time. She hunched over and retched, but there was nothing left to throw uponly bitter stomach acid. Zhang Su patted her trembling shoulder. This was something shed have to overcome on her own. Then, without another word, he picked up his hand axe and walked over to finish off the zombie. After dealing with the two corpses, the three of them stepped into the living room. Unlike a typical home, the space was set up more like an officetwo rows of desks facing each other, with a total of six computers. So this was an e-commerce customer service office I didnt even know people were working upstairs, Zheng Xinyu murmured, her voice still nasal from the aftermath of vomiting. She picked up a booklet from one of the desks and flipped through it, confirming that the place belonged to an online business. Zhang Su shook his head as he walked out of the kitchen, shaking his empty hands. Nothing at all. This company probably just started, or maybe they moved in recently. The bedrooms are filled with empty shelves and packaging boxes. The only useful things are these zip ties and rolls of tape, Zhong Xiaoshan added, looking equally disappointed as she walked out of one of the rooms. She shook a small box in her hands, revealing over a dozen rolls of tape and a bunch of plastic zip ties. Lets check the desks. There might be something useful, Zhang Su suggested, already opening drawers. But just as he started searching, a sudden scream rang out from outside the window. A dark figure flashed past, followed by a desperate wail that faded rapidly as it plummeted downward. What was that!? The three of them froze in shock and rushed to the window. What they saw made their hearts sink. No it cant be Zheng Xinyus face twitched, and she pointed toward the upper floors. Zhang Su frowned as he looked at the pool of fresh blood radiating outward from the bodys impact point. With a sigh, he muttered, It must be the guy from 1201 In just a short while, he A complicated feeling settled in his chest. Just moments ago, this neighbor had generously shared his food with them. Now, he was nothing but a mangled corpse. Kindness might seem foolish in times like these, but it was still a rare and admirable quality. Zhang Su knew he would never be a kind person himself, but he still had respect for those who were. Zhong Xiaoshan covered her mouth, shaking her head. Why jump? Isnt living better? Why end it like this? No matter how difficult things got, she believed life was worth holding onto. As long as one was alive, there was always hope. She just couldnt understand those who chose to give up. Could it be because of what we said? About how the outside world is completely ruined? Maybe thats why His scream just now sounded so full of despair, Zheng Xinyu said softly, her lips tinged with sadness. In the three days since the zombie outbreak, many had chosen to end their own lives. Some did it out of hopelessness, while others had their own reasons. There are some kinds of pain youll never understand unless you experience them yourself. His choice had nothing to do with us Look at the body beside him. That mustve been a family member who was already infected, Zhang Su remarked, pulling back from the window. He had no intention of watching this tragedy any longer. But just as he retracted his gaze, something flickered in the corner of his visiona shadow moving unnaturally! In a residential complex filled with zombies, the sight of a living person was an anomaly. Even if it was just a fleeting glimpse, Zhang Su was certainhe had seen someone alive! Hm? A frown crept onto his face as he scanned the area again. Soon, his eyes locked onto a targetsomeone was lurking near the eastern side of Building 4! Because of the way the buildings were constructed, likely to prevent moisture damage, the ground-floor balconies werent directly connected to the ground. Instead, there was a 40-centimeter gap beneath themoften a hiding spot for stray cats, or a perfect place for kids playing hide-and-seek. And now, Zhang Su saw someone hiding underneath one of these balconies! Su-ge, what are you looking at? Zheng Xinyu noticed the sharp focus in his eyesit was different from when he had looked at the dead body. Theres someone over there! Zhang Su pointed toward the east side. Look at the lowest partsomeones hiding under the balcony! Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan followed his gaze, but after a moment, they both turned to him with skeptical expressions. Hes gone, Zhang Su insisted, pointing downstairs. I swear, I saw someone poking their head out! A hundred percent! The two girls exchanged glances, seeming to reach a silent agreement. Uh-huh sure, there was someone, Zheng Xinyu responded, humoring him. Yeah, yeah definitely, Zhong Xiaoshan nodded along. Zhang Su, sharp as ever, immediately saw through their act. He frowned. I see someone! Why dont you believe me? Whatever. Even if there is someone, it doesnt matter. With a shrug, he turned back to the desks, dropping the subject. Whether there was someone or not wasnt the real issuewhat annoyed him was that they didnt believe him. Soon, the three of them finished searching the office. The haul was surprisingly goodway better than what they got from the old couples place. They found a whole box of Snickers barsenough to last them several meals. It was perfect since it didnt need cooking, and the high sugar and fat content would keep them energized. Alongside that, they also collected a stash of office snackspotato chips, dried mango, nuts But the biggest jackpot wasnt the snacksit was water. Four full cases of bottled water. Nearly 100 bottlesabout 60 liters in total. That meant 20 liters per personenough to last them ten days if they rationed carefully. We hit the jackpot! Zhang Su grinned, grabbing a bottle and dramatically kissing it before twisting it open and chugging a mouthful. Then, without hesitation, he stuffed as many bottles into his bag as he could. They had plenty of drinks in their supplies, but pure water was rare. Most of what they had was soda and beer. This water was an invaluable find. Chapter 36: There is no right or wrong for survival Chapter 036 There is no right or wrong for survival "Listen whats that sound?" The three of them were happily packing their bags when Zhang Su suddenly raised a hand, signaling the two women to stop. He tilted his head slightly, listening in the direction of the front door. "Su-ge, I think I think its the elevator?" Zhong Xiaoshans expression tightened as she glanced toward the door. Zhang Sus face darkened. Grabbing a pack of bottled water that hadnt been stuffed into the backpack yet, he rushed across the bloodstained entryway. After peeking through the peephole to confirm there was nothing unusual in the hallway, he yanked open the door. In the silence of the residential unit, the sound of the elevator moving was eerily distinct. The red digital display blinked: 7, 8, 9 "Someone below is using the elevator!" Based on the timing, Zhang Su was certain that the elevator wasnt coming up from the sixth floorotherwise, it wouldnt have taken this long to move just one level! "? Forgive my life of reckless freedom, never fearing Ah-woo! Ah-ahh!" As the elevator ascended, muffled music drifted from the shaft, quickly followed by the unmistakable growls and thuds of zombies. "Is that?" Zhang Sus brain felt like it exploded. His face twisted as he urgently turned back toward 1101, waving his arm. "Move! Zombies are coming up the elevatorrun!" Sarch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "On it! Coming!" Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan hurriedly slung their backpacks over their shoulders and bolted after Zhang Su, dashing through the emergency exit. "Go, Su-ge! What are you doing?!" Seeing Zhang Su lingering near the emergency door, craning his neck to watch the elevator display, Zheng Xinyu anxiously tugged at his arm. "Its passing elevenits not stopping. Good, good. Lets go!" Zhang Su finally darted out the door, but instead of rushing downstairs, he paused to listen. "Awooo! Ahhh!" The elevator stopped at the twelfth floor. As the doors slid open, a chorus of guttural roars erupted, and the music abruptly cut offlikely because the zombies had destroyed the speaker. Zhang Su signaled to the two women and without another word, the three of them quietly retreated back to the eighth floor. Back inside 801, Zhang Su exhaled, finally letting some tension slip away. Even though he hadnt engaged in any fighting this time, the constant vigilance had still drained him. "Someone downstairs lured the zombies up to the twelfth floor!" "Probably trying to escape the neighborhood," Zheng Xinyu speculated as she began unpacking supplies onto the coffee table. Zhang Su nodded. "Thats likely it. Otherwise, no one would be messing around with zombies for fun. The question is, what floor are those survivors on? My guess is they herded the zombies into the elevator from within the unit" "But how did they get the zombies to press the floor button?" Zheng Xinyu asked, puzzled. Zhang Su thought for a moment. "They probably pre-selected the floor before making noise to attract the zombies inside. Once inside, the zombies would naturally be drawn to the sound, preventing them from blocking the doors. As soon as the doors shut, it was set." Simple in theorybut Zhang Su knew that executing this maneuver must have been incredibly difficult. Zhong Xiaoshan grumbled as she rubbed her sore arms. "We worked so hard to clear out the upper floors, and now theres a whole new horde up there. Seriously?!" Today had been her first time facing zombies head-on. With the help of her teammates, she had managed to kill a few, which gave her some confidence. Combined with the supplies they had scavenged, she had been feeling pretty gooduntil now. All their hard work securing an escape route was wasted. "Yeah! Damn those selfish bastards!" Zheng Xinyu, recalling the risks and exhaustion from fighting the zombies, was just as furious. Meanwhile, Zhang Su seemed completely unfazed. He calmly counted their supplies, as if none of this bothered him at all. "Su-ge, youre way too chill. This isnt like you!" Zheng Xinyu pouted. Zhang Su smirked. "Not like me? And what kind of person am I, huh? Since when did a little brat like you start analyzing my personality?" "With your black-hearted, petty, vengeful, scheming natureyou went through all that trouble to clear the floors, and now theyre swarming with zombies again. Youre really not mad?" Zheng Xinyu crossed her arms, tilting her head as she watched Zhang Su munch on a Snickers bar with a smug expression. "Wow, such high praise. Im flattered," Zhang Su replied sarcastically before continuing, "First of all, whoever used the elevator to transport the zombies didnt actually do anything wrongits their right to try to survive. And besides, they might not even know there were people upstairs." "If you look at it from a third-party perspective, sacrificing some people to protect a larger group is a morally complex issue. But if its about sacrificing irrelevant strangers just to ensure your own survival? From any angle, thats completely justifiableeven if we were the ones being sacrificed." His voice turned serious. "Likewise, if a time comes when you have to sacrifice others to protect yourselves, you can feel guilty, you can feel conflictedbut do not hesitate." Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan fell silent. His words clashed with everything they had grown up believing, but looking at this world now The values of the old world were built on stability and order. But that world was gone. Trying to uphold those values now? It wouldnt work. "This world has turned so cruel" Zheng Xinyu murmured. "And this is only the beginning," Zhang Su replied, his eyes narrowing. He had spent ten years navigating the apocalypse. He had seen deception, betrayal, and people turning on each other. He knew how dark the human heart could be. "If order is restored soon, great. But if this lawless chaos drags on, you need to throw away all your old beliefs. Nothing should surprise you anymore." "Understood, Su-ge," Zhong Xiaoshan nodded seriously. Zheng Xinyu didnt speak, but she pressed her lips together and nodded firmly. Zhang Su suddenly grinned. "Actually, I was just worrying about how to train you both, and now, someones gone and delivered a batch of zombies right to us! How considerate!" "Wait, what?!" Zheng Xinyus face twitched. "Youre not seriously thinking about taking down that entire horde, are you?!" Zhang Su lazily ripped open another Snickers, biting off a chunk. Propping his feet up on the edge of the coffee table, he said casually, "Judging by the situation, this disaster isnt going to be controlled anytime soon. This place is just a temporary shelter. Eventually, we have to leavenot just this unit, not just Shengqin Garden, but even the city itself." Of the three, the one who least wanted to leave was Zhang Subecause this was his home. "This apartment is like a newbie village. But we cant stay in the newbie village forever. Remember those five people who left yesterday? The moment they stepped out, one of them died immediately. What about us? When will we face our first casualty? Who here wants to be the first to die?" His voice was calm, but the weight of his words pressed down like a suffocating force. The growls of the undead, the looming presence of deathit was overwhelming. "No one!" Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan shook their heads furiously. The memory of that man being devoured was still fresh in their minds. "Then we train. Hard. From today on, food and water wont be restricted, but training intensity will double!" Zhang Su had already checked several apartments. As long as they had the strength to venture out, with the population drastically reduced, there would be no shortage of supplies. Chapter 37: Spiritual encouragement is also helpful Chapter 037 Spiritual encouragement is also helpful No limits on food and drinks, but double the training intensity! At Zhang Sus command, the two women exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of shock and dismay. Suge, I still dream of being a soft and sweet girl, but youre pushing me straight onto the path of a muscle-bound Barbie Zheng Xinyu forced an awkward smile, expressing her discontent in a gentle and indirect manner. Soft and sweet girl? Zhang Su shook his head and chuckled. If we ever make it out of this neighborhood, I want you two to dress as shabby as possible and get as filthy as you can. You think being cute and delicate is an option? Keep dreaming. Why?! What for?! A livestream host who banked on her looks and a mistress who climbed the social ladder with her body and faceboth immediately voiced their strong objections upon hearing Zhang Sus words. Zhang Su pulled out a cigarette, tapped it against the coffee table, lit it, and took a deep drag. Blowing out a stream of smoke, he said, I dont have time to explain right now. Just eat up and get to training. Youll understand soon enough. Ignoring their confused stares, he walked over to the window, pulled back the curtain slightly, and quietly exhaled a puff of smoke. A scene straight out of hell unfolded before his eyes. His gaze once again locked onto the spot where he had suspected someone was hiding. With the difference in heightthree floors lower than himhis perspective shifted, and this time, he saw it clearly. A leg! How the hell did he end up hiding there? Hes gonna get himself trapped to death. Hows he supposed to get out of this? As Zhang Su was contemplating, a line of text suddenly appeared in his mind. How will you handle the hiding man? A. Rescue him B. Provide assistance C. Watch him die 00:01:29 Zhang Su turned his head and, sure enough, neither Zheng Xinyu nor Zhong Xiaoshan were in sight. They had likely gone to the bedroom to change. So, I only trigger challenges when no one is watching? But Ive been alone plenty of times there must be more conditions. Interesting Pushing those thoughts aside, he focused back on the choices. Time was ticking. Saving him is definitely impossible Zhang Su quickly ruled out option A. Looking at the swarm of at least a hundred or so zombies below, he grimaced. The difficulty of rescuing the guy was sky-highinsanely high. But if the system is giving me this challenge, that guy must have some kind of value. Even if I cant save him, I should at least help him. With that decision made, Zhang Su decisively chose B. Select a time limit for completing the challenge: A. Three hours B. Twelve hours C. Forty-eight hours He glanced at his wristwatch. It was nearing noon. If he was going to help, daylight would be the best time to act. Sar?h the Novl?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Theres not much difference between A and B Screw it, lets go with A and take the risk! How will you assist him? A. Lure away the zombies B. Drop food, water, and weapons within three meters of the target C. Offer words of encouragement The f*? Offer words of encouragement?** Zhang Sus lips twitched violently. He had no idea why such a ridiculous option was even on the list, but somehow it was kind of tempting. Still, he wasnt about to just yell You can do it! and call it a day. Dropping supplies within three meters He estimated the distance. It wasnt too far, but accuracy would be an issue. Just as he was squinting to aim, an idea flashed in his mind. A! I choose A! Challenge activated: Within three hours, lure the zombies away from the hiding man. Difficulty: A. Countdown begins: 02:59:59 The countdown started, and at the same time, Zhang Su heard Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan whispering complaints. The mysterious floating text had vanished. Haha, didnt expect the difficulty to jump straight from C to A. Now, this is getting interesting. A faint excitement bubbled within him. He had already figured out how to attract zombies. What seemed like the hardest option was actually the easiest one for him! Hey, you psycho! You push us into insane training, then sit there looking all broody and poetic? Zheng Xinyu emerged from the bedroom dressed in a fitted athletic outfit, clearly annoyed at seeing Zhang Su staring blankly out the bay window. Zhang Su gently lowered the curtain and said seriously, Ive noticed the temperature is dropping fast. Even with sunlight, its not warm. It feels like winter is coming early. Normally, late September in Qin City was still warm enough for short sleeves, and even in early October, it wouldnt be that cold. But this year was different. It wasnt even October yet, and the chill in the air felt like early November. There was no weather forecast, but judging by the way it felt, it couldnt be more than ten degrees Celsius. Using a serious topic to divert attention was a highly effective tactic. Zheng Xinyu immediately got sidetracked. Yeah, Ive had to bundle up under a thick blanket at night. Its colder than winter with the heating on. And thats with all the windows shutif they were open, itd be even worse. Uh speaking of that, Zhong Xiaoshan hesitated. Can I sleep over? I dont have a thick blanket, and its really cold. Zhang Su shook his head. This little bit of cold isnt a big deal. I can give you a thick blanket, but youre still sleeping in your own place. At his words, Zhong Xiaoshans expression visibly dimmed. She had thought she had gained some trust, but clearly, she wasnt there yet With the couch moved away, the living room had more space, making it easy for the three of them to train together. But after huffing and puffing through the workout for a while, Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan realized somethingZhang Su hadnt moved from his spot by the window at all. Suge, what the hell are you doing? Flushed from exertion, Zheng Xinyu plopped onto the floor, tilting her head in curiosity. Zhang Su turned and beckoned them over. So mysterious The two got up and walked to the window. Look over there. He pointed toward the hiding mans location. Huh? Wait theres actually someone there! Youre right! How did he even end up hiding down there? Earlier, they had assumed Zhang Su was hallucinating from stress and just played along. But now, seeing it with their own eyes, there was no doubtsomeone was down there! We dont know how long hes been stuck there, but the temperature is dropping fast. Even with food and water, he wont last much longer. Zhang Sus voice was heavy. Zheng Xinyus expression turned somber. Yeah at night, itll get even colder. Probably single digits. We cant even save him If he were right below us, we could at least throw some supplies down, but at this distance theres nothing we can do. Zhong Xiaoshan frowned and shook her head. Really? No way to help him at all? Zhang Su muttered, as if talking to himselfor maybe he was testing them. The two women bit their lips and shook their heads, looking utterly helpless. Neither of you can think of anything? If I were the one trapped there, would you just stand there and watch me die? Zhang Su shot them a sidelong glance. These two still needed some serious training. Chapter 38: I will teach you Chapter 038 I will teach you "Y-You dont have to be so harsh. If it were you trapped down there, of course wed think of a way to save you but its not you," Zheng Xinyu mumbled weakly. After being reprimanded, she didnt dare meet Zhang Sus gaze. Zhong Xiaoshan scratched her head without saying a word, clearly feeling just as awkward. "You need to use your brains at all times. If you dont, how will you come up with a plan when it really matters?" Zhang Su lectured them seriously before continuing, "Originally, I wasnt planning to help that guy. But for the sake of teaching you two, Ill make an exception. Watch and learn!" He needed to justify his decision to step in, as it went against the survival principles he had been drilling into them. "Oh, oh! Well pay close attention!" The two girls chimed in unison, not seeing anything odd about his reasoning at all. "Since we already know that zombies are highly sensitive to sound, we can take full advantage of that to lure them away. Those people who tried to escape the city, the group of five who fled the neighborhood, and even the downstairs neighbors who used the elevator to move zombiesall of them relied on this principle, didnt they?" As he spoke, Zhang Su walked into Zheng Xinyus room. "But we dont have drones or loudspeakers. Even if we play audio on a phone, are we supposed to just dangle it outside the window? Setting aside whether the volume is loud enough, wouldnt that just draw all the zombies right to our building?" Zheng Xinyu asked, frowning as she watched Zhang Su rummage through a pile of delivery boxes on the floor. Without stopping, Zhang Su gathered some packing foam together, then pulled an old phone from his pocket. "A regular smartphone has limited volume, but an old-school feature phone? Thats a different story." As he powered up the phone, a deafening ringtone suddenly blasted through the room, making all three of them jump. Even Zhang Su, who had been expecting it, twitched at the sheer volume. "Hear that? Even if we toss it out into the open garden, itll still be loud as hell. This thing will attract every zombie within at least a hundred meters!" Zhang Su did feel a little reluctanthe only had two of these old phones, and they were incredibly useful. But the thought of the A-rank challenge reward quickly made him let go of his hesitation. "Suge, are you planning to wrap the phone in foam, throw it down, and use it to distract the zombies? That way, the guy down there will have a chance to escape, right?" Zhong Xiaoshan had already pieced together the general plan. Instead of answering, Zhang Su turned to Zheng Xinyu with a smile. "What do you think of Xiaoshans idea?" Sarch* The N??eFire.et website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zheng Xinyu thought for a moment before replying, "It sounds reasonable, but this foam isnt very sturdy. If zombies start tearing at it, will it hold up?" Zhang Su nodded in satisfaction. "Put your two concerns together, and weve got a complete plan!" With that, he got to work. He left the speaker portion of the phone exposed while wrapping the rest in thick packing foam. Then, he tightly wound layers of heavy-duty tape around the foamthis was the key to making it zombie-resistant. The packing tape he had taken from 1101 was incredibly strong and sticky. Even with a zombies brute strength, breaking through it quickly would be difficult. Holding up the yellow foam-wrapped ball, Zhang Su was quite pleased. He pushed the phone deeper inside, ensuring that only a small part of it was exposed within the foam for protection. Most importantly, the speaker remained unobstructed. Turning the phones ringtone back onbut at a much lower volumehe climbed onto the bed and lightly tossed the ball onto the floor. The foams elasticity sent it bouncing around the room, the ringtone playing without interruption. Even when he threw it down hard, the phone continued to belt out its tune without a hitch. "Perfect. Alright, lets go see if our tougher than a brick feature phone can withstand the real test!" Zhang Su tossed the foam ball in his palm, feeling satisfied. He had initially considered adding a plastic bag as a makeshift parachute, but scrapped the idea since it would add too much air resistance. As he headed toward the front door, Zhong Xiaoshan pointed at the bay window in confusion. "Suge, why not just throw it from here?" The trapped man was on the far east side of Building 4, while Zhang Sus apartment was on the far west side of Building 3. If they tossed it from here, it would pull the zombies toward the west, opening up space on the east for the guy to escape. "Remember, even when helping others, never compromise your own safety!" Zhang Su glanced outside as a habit, then patted his pocket to check for his keys before cracking the door open. Lowering his voice, he continued, "Since were luring zombies away anyway, why not direct them toward a different building?" The two girls suddenly understood and hurried after him. They climbed the emergency stairs, their footsteps light. As they neared the twelfth floor, Zhang Su gestured for them to slow down. Pressing himself against the security door, he listened closely. The sickly, guttural groans of zombies filtered through the gap, sounding like someone struggling with a throat full of phlegmabsolutely disgusting. Zhang Su pointed upward, signaling for them to head for the rooftop. He didnt linger, but mentally noted that hed have to clear out these zombies at some point. "Suge, its locked!" Zheng Xinyu pointed at the heavy-duty padlock securing the rooftop door, looking frustrated. This wasnt some flimsy lock like the ones on security doorsit was solid and clearly built to last. Forcing it open wasnt an option, not with the weapons they had. The noise would only provoke a full-blown zombie rampage. "Leave this kind of problem to me." Zhang Su handed the foam-wrapped phone to Zhong Xiaoshan, then carefully retrieved a key from his pocket. Selecting one from the set, he inserted it into the lock and gave it a gentle twist. Both girls stared, wide-eyed. "W-Wait how do you have a key for this?!"** Zheng Xinyu blurted out in shock. Zhang Su shrugged. "Whats so surprising? Im on good terms with the security guard. Told him I like watching the stars and drinking beer on the rooftop, so he gave me a spare. Not a big deal." He removed the lock and casually stuffed it into his pocket. Zhang Su had always been generousnot just with his employees and business partners, but with the people he interacted with regularly. The neighborhoods security guards, cleaning staff, even the garbage collectorshe always greeted them and handed out cigarettes. That small generosity had earned him quite a few unexpected conveniences. "Tch, so youre generous with everyone me? My landlord extorts me for rent money, and youre out here making donations to the whole neighborhood. Hmph!" Thinking about it made Zheng Xinyu feel aggrieved. It seemed like everyone got some kind of benefit from Zhang Suexcept her. Zhang Su flicked her forehead. "This is a lesson, not social hour. Focus." With that, he carefully pulled open the heavy rooftop door. A blinding shaft of sunlight flooded in, making them squint. A gust of cold wind rushed past them, causing Zhang Su to shiver as he peeked outside. "Looks clear." He motioned for the girls to follow him onto the rooftop. The layout was simple: a meter-and-a-half-high concrete perimeter wall enclosed the area, with a few ventilation shafts scattered around. Rows of solar water heaters lined one side, and a dustpan and broom sat abandoned in a corner. A thick layer of dust coated the groundno one had cleaned up here in ages. Chapter 39: Mysterious Operation Chapter 039 Mysterious Operation "Oh, so this is what the rooftop looks like. This is actually my first time up here." Zheng Xinyu curiously looked around. The warm sun hung high in the sky, the wind was cool, the clouds were sparse, and the distant mountains were visible. Everything seemed so peaceful. If it werent for the thick plumes of smoke rising in the distance, she might have thought the disaster had never happened. "Su-ge, there''s someone over there!" Zhong Xiaoshan tugged nervously at Zhang Sus arm and pointed toward Building 4. Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu looked over and, sure enough, a man and a woman were watching them. The woman was wearing a short wool coat, while the man had on a sports pullover. They both looked young, no older than twenty-five. Judging from their outfits, it was clear they hadnt been on the rooftop since the outbreak startedat least, the woman hadnt. Back then, it hadnt been cold enough to need a wool coat. As if to show friendliness, the man in the sports pullover vigorously waved at them, his whole body swaying with the motion. Zhang Su waved back. Unfortunately, with over thirty meters between the two buildings and the wind blowing, the only way to communicate was by shouting. But both sides knew that making noise would attract zombies, so they didnt dare speak. "They must have been hiding up there for days." Zheng Xinyu noticed the dirt-streaked coats and unkempt hair on the two people and made an observation. "They dont look too good They need to find a way down soon. If they stay up there much longer, the cold will start affecting their bodies, making it even more dangerous!" Zhong Xiaoshan sighed with concern. Zhang Su glanced at the two women in surprise. That was exactly what he had been about to say, but they beat him to it. It seemed like they were finally starting to catch on to the situation. "Let''s focus on our own tasks and not waste time. Zhong Xiaoshan, stay here and keep watch. If you hear anything below, let us know! Xinyu, come with me." As he gave his instructions, Zhang Su waved at the people on the other rooftop, bringing their brief encounter to an end. "What do you think theyre doing up there?" On the rooftop of Building 4, the man lowered his arm, a contemplative expression appearing on his dust-covered face. At just over twenty years old, he should have been full of youthful energy. But right now, his eyes were filled with confusion and helplessness. "Tian Fan, they they dont look panicked at all. They must be able to move freely in and out of their building. That means the danger in Building 3, Unit 1, has been dealt with! We can ask them for help!" The woman on Building 4s rooftop tugged excitedly at Tian Fans sleeve. Her face was smudged with dirt and appeared quite ordinary. But upon closer inspection, her skin was well-maintainedclearly someone who had taken good care of herself before the disaster. The thick wool coat she wore concealed her figure, making it impossible to tell her build, but she didnt seem overweight. She was six or seven years older than Tian Fan. Before all of this, they hadnt even known each other. The apocalypse had brought them together on this rooftop. Tian Fan turned his head and gave a bitter smile. "Yu-jie, even if we manage to get a message to them, how are they supposed to save us? There are a ton of zombies inside our building!" Yu Nuo''s expression darkened at his words. She thought back to two days ago, when they had barely escaped to the rooftop. The horrifying memories were still vividthose reeking mouths, those blood-red eyes, those jagged teeth still clinging to torn flesh. Every time she recalled it, she broke out in a cold sweat. She still had nightmares about it. "But we cant just stay up here forever. Were running out of food and water. And the nights are freezing, Tian Fan. We cant stay herewe have to find a way out." Her voice was filled with a desperate will to survive. Then, as if suddenly realizing something, her eyes reddened. Just as she was about to crouch down to conserve her strength, she abruptly turned toward the other rooftop and muttered, "They look like theyre up to something!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tian Fan followed her gaze, and what he saw stunned him. The man on the other rooftop picked up a palm-sized chunk of concrete and hurled it into the distance. "...Are they throwing rocks at zombies?" Tian Fans face darkened instantly. At first, he had thought the three of them looked quite strong, especially with the weapons they carried. But now, watching them chucking stones, he couldnt help but find it ridiculous. There had to be at least a hundred zombies down there. Even if they tore the whole building apart and threw every single brick at them, it wouldnt be enough to kill them all. But just as he was about to dismiss their efforts, something strange happened. The man on the other rooftop pulled out a peculiar yellow ball. And then A loud, rustic tune suddenly blasted from the rooftop speakers: Before Tian Fan could even process what was happening, he saw the man hurl the yellow ball high into the air, sending it flying toward the space between Buildings 7 and 8. "Sh*t Theyre luring the zombies away from between Buildings 3 and 4!" Tian Fans eyes widened in shock. He rushed to the edge of the rooftop, watching the yellow ball arc beautifully through the air. That guy had some serious arm strength! "Old Liu looks like I wont be able to keep my promise to you after all" At the base of Building 4, a man lay hidden in a narrow space, licking his dry, cracked lips. His body was pressed uncomfortably against the ground. Beside him rested a standard-issue assault rifle, with a handgun tucked at his waist. Even so, he had no intention of rushing out. It wasnt a matter of courage. He was carrying out his old friends dying wishhe couldnt afford to throw his life away. The image of Captain Lius final moments replayed over and over in his mind. If it werent for that promise, he would have died that night. He tried to shift his position, but the space was too cramped. The most he could do was tilt slightly to the sidelying on his back was impossible. Reaching for his canteen, he tilted it back, trying to squeeze out a few precious drops. The discomfort of his position, the gnawing hunger, the parched throat, and the ever-present danger were eroding his will to survive. Every minute felt like a year. To pass the time, he counted the zombies'' feet. But the shrubs blocked some of his view, so he could only make out parts of them. By estimating from different shoe types, he counted at least fifty zombies. There were definitely more he couldnt see. Just this number alone was already a nightmare. "Tonight No matter what, I have to make a move tonight. Even if I die, I" A sudden sound interrupted his thoughtssomething landing on the grass in the distance. He painstakingly turned his body to look, but his limited field of vision showed nothing. "Who the f*** is messing with the zombies? Do they really think they can kill them one by one with bricks?" And then A loud, blaring song pierced the eerie silence. In this dead, quiet world, where zombie footsteps and distant wails were the only background noise, the sudden burst of music hit him like a bolt of lightning. Moments later, he watched in disbelief as every zombie in his line of sight turned and sprinted toward the sound. Chapter 40: Challenge Completed Chapter 040 Challenge Completed A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity Watching the zombies rush past him, the man felt a surge of warmth flood his entire body. It was a physiological reaction driven by sheer excitement and adrenaline, unleashing an unprecedented burst of strength! "Wait... wait... not yet!" Suppressing his wildly pounding heart, he patiently waited for the slower, less agile zombies to shuffle past him. "Come on, hurry up, move it!" As soon as most of the zombies between Building 3 and Building 4 had been lured away, the man sprang into action like a rabbit, scrambling out of the narrow gap with both hands and feet. The moment sunlight hit his body again, he was overwhelmed with the joy of surviving a close call. There was no time to waste. Slinging his gun over his back, he took off in a mad sprint. During his time trapped, he had already mapped out his escape route. As he ran toward his target location, he instinctively glanced up, curious to see who had made the noise to lure the zombies away. Before long, two dark silhouettes appeared on the rooftop. "Was it them?" With no time to stop, he could only give a brief nod of acknowledgment toward the two figures on the roof. Zhang Su squinted slightly and waved at the running man. "He''s a SWAT officer!?" Zheng Xinyu asked in surprise. Despite being covered in dirt and dust, with his clothes showing signs of wear and tear, the large characters on his back were still recognizable, confirming his identity. "He must be one of the survivors from that night. And damn, that thing on his shoulder is a real beauty!" Zhang Su stared enviously at the assault rifle slung across the man''s back. However, after a moment of thought, he sighed. Even if he had a gun, it wouldn''t be much use. Forget about his own marksmanship skillsjust the noise alone would attract zombies more effectively than a loudspeaker. As they spoke, they watched the man nimbly scale the security bars of Building 4s Unit 1 ground floor. Moving with incredible agility, he climbed up to the second floor in just a few swift moveshis physical abilities far exceeded those of an average person! Unfortunately, the second-floor windows were also secured with bars, so he had to keep climbing. He finally found an open window on the fourth floor and slipped inside. Inside the room, Qin Ya exhaled deeply. Only now did he have a moment to seriously look back toward the rooftop of Building 3. To his surprise, the two figures were still standing there, their gazes fixed on him. "Could they have done all that just to help me escape?" The thought struck him, and he straightened up, giving a serious salute toward the rooftop of Building 3. Almost immediately, he received a response. One of the figures casually saluted back, tilting his hand at his head with a cocky attitudejust like how crime bosses in Hong Kong movies greeted each other. "Interesting!" Qin Ya was now almost certainthe people on the rooftop had lured the zombies away specifically to help him. As for why, he had no idea. At the same time, he noticed someone else on Building 3 waving frantically at him, their face full of joy, as if they''d just seen their savior. With a sigh, he could only shake his head apologetically. He knew that no matter how much they pleaded, he was powerless to help. Just then "Roar!" A zombie''s guttural snarl sounded behind him. Without hesitation, Qin Ya spun around and smashed the zombie in the face with the butt of his gun, knocking it to the ground. Then, in one smooth motion, he drew his knife and stabbed it cleanly through the skull. Zhang Su retracted his gaze, not at all worried about the SWAT officer. A man who could survive a battlefield of corpses wouldn''t be taken down by just one or two zombies. Instead, he turned his attention to the zombies that had been drawn in by the old phone. They were piling up frantically, stepping over one another, forming a writhing mass of undead. The sturdy tape held strong for over a minute before finally snapping. As the yellow tape and white foam scattered through the air, the song playing on the phone abruptly stoppedthe old device had been trampled beyond repair. "Did you see that?" Zhang Su turned back to his companions. "If I ever get trapped, you can use this same method to help me. And if its you whos trapped, Ill do the same to save you." Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan nodded seriously. It seemed simple when Zhang Su did it, but they knew that if it had been them, they might not have been able to execute it so smoothly. Some things could only be learned through experience. "Alright, let''s head back." Just as Zhang Su called for them to return, a voice called out from across the rooftop. "Big bro!" Turning his head, Zhang Su saw a man in a tracksuit standing on the opposite rooftop. He put a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, then waved dismissively "Wait, no, dont go!" The man, Tian Fan, clung to the railing desperately, shouting, "Big bro, can you help us? The zombies downstairs are gone! Please, help us lure away the ones at Unit 1 too!" From his angle, he had no idea that Zhang Su had cleared the zombies specifically to help a SWAT officer. "I have supplies! Ill give you half! Just help mewait! F***! Dont leave!" But he could only watch as the three figures disappeared into the stairwell, closing the door behind them without a second thought. "They just left us?" Yu Nuo stared blankly at the closed door, as if hope itself had been extinguished. She sank weakly to the ground, her eyes welling up with tears. Tian Fan punched the railing in frustration, squatting down as despair crept into his expression. Sarch* The N?velFire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Back in their apartment, Zhang Su and the others didnt mention the people calling for help. It was clear they had developed an unspoken understandingknowing exactly what could and couldn''t be done. "Suge, did you already know there was a SWAT officer trapped there?" Zheng Xinyu scratched her itchy head and asked curiously. "Huh? No, just luck on his part." Zhang Su was already preoccupied with something elsehis reward. Clearly distracted, he pointed toward the bathroom. "I gotta take a leak." As soon as he entered the restroom, a notification appeared in his mind: [Mission: Lure the zombies away from the hidden survivor within three hours. Difficulty: A. Completed in 01:05:22.] [Reward: Enhanced Hearing] At first, Zhang Su didnt feel any immediate changes. But then, he suddenly heard whispering voices: "If it werent for Suge, I wouldve been dead already" "Yeah, he saved my life too. Even if I cant help him much now, I refuse to drag him down." "Right, time to start training!" The brief conversation ended. Zhang Su smiled, feeling satisfied. "At least these two know whats up!" Chapter 41: Uninvited Guests Chapter 041 Uninvited Guests As he pondered, he unzipped and started relieving himself. Looking up at the bathrooms all-in-one fixture, he suddenly jolted as if struck by electricity, his whole body shudderingcausing the stream to veer off outside the toilet. The indicator light, which was always on as long as there was power, had gone out? ** powers out? You guys didnt notice?"* He barely had time to shake off the excess before hastily pulling up his pants and rushing out of the bathroom, addressing the two women doing push-ups. Zheng Xinyu exhaled sharply, unable to hold it in. The news was so shocking that she lost her balance and face-planted onto the floor with a . Zhong Xiaoshan, on the other hand, shot up and ran to the light switch, flicking it on and off frantically. Nothing. She sighed in frustration. Zhang Su slumped onto the floor, exhaling deeply. Forget about computers and phoneswithout the internet, those were already half-uselessbut now, even their food supply was a problem. Most of their stored food needed hot water to cook. If the gas was out, they could still use the electric stove, but now that electricity was gone too a deep sense of unease crept in, as if a layer of security had been stripped away. The excitement of unlocking a new ability had barely set in before it was completely overshadowed by the blackout. Zheng Xinyu frowned, looking toward her room, feeling a pang of regret. Zhong Xiaoshan quietly returned to the couch and muttered, Both Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu turned to her simultaneously. Under their sudden scrutiny, Zhong Xiaoshan hesitated, feeling slightly embarrassed. But being taken seriously for once, she quickly explained, Zhang Sus eyes lit up. Sar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhong Xiaoshan raised a hand. Zhang Su got up and thought for a moment. When it came to combat, Zhang Su had the upper hand, but survival skills werent exactly his forte. Zhong Xiaoshan considered it and nodded. Zhang Su checked the time and rubbed his stomach. They had plenty of snacks, but food that didnt require cooking was limitedthey had to ration carefully. No time to waste. The three of them sprang into action. To gather wood, Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu raided Li-ges place in 902, breaking down a TV cabinet and stripping off the painted exterior. The particleboard inside would burn just fine. Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoshan repurposed Zhang Sus kitchenware to build a makeshift cooking rack. It looked rough and makeshift, but it held a pot securely. Zhang Su, being a smoker, always had lighters on hand. He even had two bottles of lighter fluid. Getting a fire going was the easiest part. After about an hour of work, a steaming pot of river snail noodles was finally served. Zhong Xiaoshan beamed. This was the first time she had made a meaningful contribution to the grouppreparing a meal for everyone. Zhang Su looked at her soot-covered face and chuckled bitterly. Zheng Xinyus expression turned serious. Zhang Su nodded, motioning for them to eat. Zhong Xiaoshan nodded in agreement. Zheng Xinyu asked the most pressing question. Zhang Su mulled over the situation as he spoke. Zheng Xinyu glanced toward the street, her face filled with concern. Mid-sentence, Zhang Su suddenly froze. His ears picked up faint rustling noises. **ing rank dont tell me this zombie is rotting already."* A rough male voice grumbled. Another voice, with a cocky tone, chimed in. **, they actually barricaded the hallway? Thats some bullsh**."* The rough-voiced man, Xiang-ge, didnt dwell on the smell. Instead, he turned serious. The cocky man, Chongzi, quickly reassured him, Xiang-ge snapped, clearly not risking his life just for a girl. Chongzi licked his lips greedily. Xiang-ge sneered. Chongzi let out a lewd laugh. * out. Listen upif theres food, you get first dibs. If not, you can go entertain yourself with your damn hand."* Xiang-ge growled, barely restraining his irritation. Just as he was about to move the barricade, Xiang-ge noticed somethingseveral metal spoons tied to the legs of a vanity table. Chapter 42: Fans send warmth Chapter 042 Fans send warmth "Other survivors?" Chongzi looked at Xiang-ge in confusion. "You really think a little girl could come up with an alarm system like this?" Xiang-ge carefully gripped the metal spoon and then used a pair of scissors to cut the wires. Chongzi chuckled. "Xiang-ge, youd be surprised! That girls a shooting game streamer. Shes picked up all kinds of sneaky tricks from chatting with us. This is nothing for her!" "That so? Whatever. Doesn''t matter if there are otherslets just rob them all! Come on, get moving." Xiang-ge shrugged indifferently and started moving supplies. "Su-ge?" Zheng Xinyu saw Zhang Su spacing out, his mouth still holding onto a strand of noodles. She waved a hand in front of his face. Zhong Xiaoshan, worried about his odd behavior, whispered, "Su-ge, are you too stressed? Eat first, then get some sleep." Though both of them had gained some combat ability, their biggest reliance was still Zhang Su. The thought of him breaking down terrified them. Zhang Su, his eyes empty just moments ago, suddenly snapped back to focus. With a slurp, he sucked up the noodles and mumbled, "No time to sleep. Weve got visitors." "Visitors?" The strange remark left both women completely baffled. "You didnt hear the alarm go off?" Zhang Su asked, feigning curiosity. Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan exchanged confused glances and shook their heads. "Nope." "See? Your awareness is way too low!" Right as Zhang Su finished speaking, a heavy thud sounded from outside. "Was that" Zheng Xinyu turned to the front door, her expression growing serious. "Did someone knock over the vanity blocking the stairwell?" "Has to be!" Zhong Xiaoshan immediately tensed, setting down her chopsticks and grabbing the large wrench from the floor, bracing herself for action. Zheng Xinyu wasnt slow either. She snatched up the baseball bat leaning against the wall and shot a questioning look at Zhang Suher meaning was clear: Zhang Su raised a hand, signaling them to wait. Then he lowered his voice. "Not zombiespeople. Lets see how this plays out." He didnt tell them what he already knew. He wanted to see how they would react on their own. Zheng Xinyu was curious as to how Zhang Su could tell, but she figured he must have deduced it from the noise. Instead of dwelling on it, she quietly followed him to the door. "F***, Chongzi, something doesnt feel right." Xiang-ge glanced back at the heavy sofa and vanity they had just pushed over. "Even if you say that girl knows a bunch of weird tricks, could she really move all this stuff on her own?" Chongzi scratched his head. For themstarving after two daysjust shifting the furniture had been a struggle. There was no way a lone girl could have done it, even on a full stomach. "Maybe Oh! Xiang-ge, look! There are signs of a fire up there, and some leftover wooden planks. There survivors above us! Yeah, that explains itthese barricades mustve been set up by people upstairs." Chongzi felt quite pleased with his own "reasonable" explanation. Xiang-ge walked up to the gap between the eighth and ninth floors, picked up a wooden board, and smirked. "Doesnt matter. Lets just get to the girls place first." With that, the two of them made their way to the eighth floor. The moment they pushed open the emergency door, they saw the entrance to Apartment 801. Xiang-ge tightened his grip on his fire axe and signaled Chongzi with his eyestelling him to knock. Chongzi didnt dare disobey. Holding a crowbar, he cautiously stepped into the hallway, scanning his surroundings. Seeing nothing unusual, he tiptoed up to 801s door. Three heavy knocks echoed through the apartment. Behind the peephole, Zhang Sus lips curled into a smirk. Seeing Chongzi trying to put on a friendly face just made him want to laugh. Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan remained silent, their eyes locked on Zhang Su, waiting for his signal. "Meow-meow, you home? Im your fanI came to rescue you!" When no one answered, Chongzi relaxed a little. At least that meant there werent any zombies inside. He decided to probe further. Zhang Su nearly burst out laughing. He turned to Zheng Xinyu with an amused look That was way too childish. Zheng Xinyu exactly what Zhang Su was laughing about. In such a tense situation, she still managed to get so embarrassed that her whole face turned red. But more than that, she was deeply confused Even Zhong Xiaoshan struggled to suppress a laugh, her lips twitching slightly. "Whats so funny? Hmph, look at how loyal my fans are! Even during a zombie outbreak, they still came to save me!" Zheng Xinyu shot Zhang Su a glare, whispering her protest in an ultra-low voice. But outside, Chongzi had his ear pressed against the door. He hear something. His face lit up. "Meow-meow, is that you? Thank god youre safe! Its meYi Fei Chong Tian! I sent you gifts just a few days ago. I came to check on youhow are you holding up?" His tone was warm and sincereif Zhang Su hadnt already known these two had bad intentions, even might have believed them. Originally, Zhang Su had planned to take these guys out immediately. But then, an idea struck him. He gestured for Zheng Xinyu to take a look outside. "Meow-meow, do you still have food and water? I brought a bunch of supplies for you! Are you there? Say something!" Chongzi spoke in the gentlest, most reassuring voice he could muster. After Zheng Xinyu peeked out at them, Zhang Su led the group away from the door and spoke in a hushed tone. "That guys all sugar-coated wordsbut I dont buy it." Zheng Xinyu hesitated. "But he doesnt seem like hes lying. And he a fan from our neighborhood. I remember telling my viewers I lived in Building 10. Even my delivery address was listed as Building 10. How did he find me here?" She wasnt careless about her privacy. Even with how easy it was to track people online nowadays, she had always kept her real name and address hidden. "Then do you think you should open the door?" Zhang Su wasnt concerned about the pastwhat mattered was that these people had found them. He didnt push an opinion, only guiding the discussion. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zheng Xinyu hesitated even more, glancing at Zhang Su and Zhong Xiaoshan. Uncertain, she mumbled, "Maybe we should open it and at least meet him? He have a big bag of supplies" "And youre not worried he might just barge in the moment you open up?" Zhang Su challenged. "But here, so Im not scared Alright, alright! I wont open it." Clearly, Zheng Xinyus indecisiveness was acting up again. "But hes standing . Are you opening it or not? If not, are we just going to pretend no ones home?" Zhang Su kept pressing her to make a choice. Now she had optionsopen the door, talk through the door, or pretend no one was inside. The added complexity only made her more anxious. "Then lets wait and see what he does next?" Zhong Xiaoshan fanned the flames, offering yet another option. Zheng Xinyu immediately nodded. "Yes! Lets watch him first. That way, we dont wrongly turn away a good person, but we also dont fall into a trap!" Zhang Su grinned, saying nothing more. He could tell that Zheng Xinyu still clung to the old, peaceful-world way of thinking. This was the perfect chance to give her a lesson. Chapter 43: Always have something to prove Chapter 043 Always have something to prove The group turned back to the front door, still hearing the person outside rambling on. "Meow-Meow, you probably think I''m a bad guy, right? Dont be scared, I came here just to bring you something. I live in Unit 2 of this building But its good to stay cautious. Ill leave the bag at your door and go. Just remember to pick it up later." Outside the door, Chongzi spoke with deep sincerity. After finishing, he actually took off his backpack and placed it at the entrance. Then, he smiled and waved at the peephole, saying, "If you''re scared, you can come to Unit 2, 602, to find me. Im leaving now, stay safe." With that, Chongzi left through the emergency exit. ?? Zheng Xinyu turned back to Zhang Su with a puzzled expression. After spending the past few days together, she had developed an inexplicable trust in Zhang Su, yet she didn''t expect his judgment to be wrong this time. Zhang Su, while keeping an ear on any movements behind the emergency exit, spread his hands and said, "I still stand by my opinionhe''s definitely up to no good. If you dont believe me, go ahead and check." "But he left the bag right at the door. What harm could it do?" Seeing that Zheng Xinyu wasnt seriously considering the situation, Zhang Su lifted his chin slightly. "Then why dont you go grab it and see?" "Hah it''s not like he could''ve stuffed a bomb inside, right?" Zheng Xinyu felt that Zhang Su was being overly cautious and had wrongly suspected a well-meaning person. "Some people dont learn unless they suffer. I''m telling you, the moment you open that door to grab the bag, something bad will happen. Believe it or not." As he spoke to Zheng Xinyu, Zhang Su had already caught wind of Chongzi and Xiang-ges entire plan. "But we have to go out eventually, dont we? And leaving the bag there is just in the way," Zheng Xinyu still couldnt understand why a simple bag was worth so much concern. "You really think hes just standing behind the emergency door, waiting for you to open up so he can rush in and kill you?" Zhang Su lowered his voice and put on a fierce expression. Zheng Xinyu was startled by his gaze, but her stubbornness flared up, and she lifted her chin, retorting, "If its really like you say, then if he dares to charge in, Ill bash his head in with a bat!" "Oh wow, I really underestimated our Meow-Meow here. But thats a living person, not a zombie. You really think you can do it?" Zhang Su goaded her with a smirk. "Why wouldnt I? Anyone who tries to harm me will be treated like a zombieI''ll take them out all the same!" Zheng Xinyu felt her temper rising. She was frustrated that Zhang Su kept looking down on her. "Then go ahead and take it." Zhang Sus teasing expression suddenly vanished as he gestured for her to open the door. "Fine, I will!" Zheng Xinyu felt like this was something she had to doeither to prove that her fan was truly sincere or to prove her own courage. Either way, she needed to prove something. The lock turned. Zhang Su adjusted his grip on the axe hammer, rolling his wrist slightly. At the same time, he shot a glance at Zhong Xiaoshan, signaling her to step back Zheng Xinyu wasnt aware of any of this. She gently pushed open the door, accidentally knocking over the bag. When she reached for it, she realized she couldn''t quite grab it, so she pouted and pushed the door open further. But just as she squatted down to reach out, the emergency door suddenly open. A burly figure burst toward the entrance with alarming speed, thrusting a fire axe like a spear toward the gap of Apartment 801''s door. If the axe got lodged in the doorframe, it would be impossible to shut it in timethe intruder would force his way in! However, something flashed coldly in the airfaster than the burly mans strike. Zhang Su had already anticipated Xiang-ges plan and was fully prepared. Before the emergency door even fully opened, he had already taken aim. The moment Xiang-ge dashed into the eighth-floor hallway, Zhang Su''s axe hammer shot out like a bolt of lightning through the narrow door gap! Zheng Xinyu, still crouching down, had no idea that a deadly axe had just flown over her head! "Sh*t!" Xiang-ge, with his sharp instincts, felt a sudden pang of danger. But in that split-second moment, he had no time to reactno chance to block, no time to dodge. It was as if the axe had predicted his movement, lying in wait, perfectly aimed. His brain screamed for him to evade, but his body simply couldnt keep up! Zhang Sus merciless throw carried immense force. Whether the axe blade struck Xiang-ges face or the hammer side crushed his skull, there was no doubtit was a fatal blow. Xiang-ge was sent flying backward, his head slamming into the tiled wall. Blood splattered across the bricks. The fire axe in his hands clattered onto the floor with a sharp . sea??h th N?vel(F)ire.nt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "AHHHH!" Two terrified screams rang outone from the utterly clueless Zheng Xinyu, the other from Chongzi, who had just stepped through the emergency door. Both of them stared at Xiang-ges convulsing body. A sharp axe was embedded diagonally into his cheekbone, piercing deep into the skull. His trembling body made the embedded axe shudder, and blood gushed freely, dripping onto the floor tiles. He wasnt going to make it. Zhong Xiaoshan immediately rushed to Zheng Xinyus side, covering her mouth and shaking her head franticallysignaling that she must not scream. Rule number one: No shouting, no matter what you see! "K-K-Killing Someones been k-killed He k-killed someone" "Shut up!" Chongzis panicked scream was abruptly cut short when a tall, imposing figure stepped out from the doorway. He trembled uncontrollably, his terror almost tangible. "We''ll talk about your screaming later. First, why dont you take a good look at your ''good fan'' here? Your ''dear supporter'' who came to see youwith a brute and a fire axe in hand!" Zhang Sus face was expressionless as he spoke to Zheng Xinyu. Only now did Zheng Xinyu realizethinking about swinging a bat at someone and actually doing it were two completely different things. When real danger struck, her body simply refused to act. She was completely frozen. She swallowed hard and stole another glance at the now-motionless Xiang-ge. Her emotions were all over the place. "S-Su-ge I-I''m sorry Its my fault I got you involved in k-killing him" Zheng Xinyu spoke softly, pointing weakly at Xiang-ges corpse. She finally realized her mistake and, at the same time, felt an even deeper admiration for Zhang Su. Zhang Sus chest still surged with adrenaline. He had hurt people before, but this was the first time he had taken a life. Well, if one counted Zombie Li-ge as a humanoid creature, then this would be the second. But considering their plan and the current situation, he quickly let it go. There was no need to show mercy to those who intended harm. "Thats the second thing you owe me. And as for this scrawny rat over here I dont need to tell you what to do, do I?" Chongzi, seeing the tall man gesture toward him, nearly lost control of his bladder. He immediately dropped to his knees with a loud . "B-B-Big bro! I swear, I was forced into this! Xiang-ge made me do it! Im innocent! Please dont kill me! Please!" Chongzi wailed and repeatedly banged his head against the floor. He had come here thinking he was dealing with an easy targetonly to realize he had stepped on a landmine. He regretted it to his very core! Chapter 44: Torture Chapter 044 Torture "Don''t beg me. Your business is her problemyour dear ''Meow-Meow.'' Heh." Zhang Su smirked and pointed at Zheng Xinyu, whose face had darkened considerably, before letting out a cold chuckle. When Chongzi looked at her, Zheng Xinyu felt a surge of frustration and anger. She had finally chosen to trust someone, and this was the outcome. "What are you staring at? I swear Ill slap you to death!" "Jie, jie, I''ll do it myself! Beautiful jie, I was wrong! I shouldnt have led the bad guys here! Im rotten to the core! Im worse than a pig or a dog" Chongzi knelt on the ground, muttering nonstop while slapping himself repeatedly, the crisp sound of each slap echoing in the room. Zhang Su glanced at the conflicted Zheng Xinyu, patted her on the shoulder, and silently gestured, Stepping forward, he yanked the axe out of Xiang-ges lifeless head, causing a few blood droplets to splatter. Without hesitation, he turned and walked toward the house. After witnessing too much life and death in just a few daysand even personally killing zombiesit no longer felt like a burden to take down someone who intended to harm him. "Uh, Xinyu-jie, be careful. He might still be up to something." Seeing Zhang Su leave, Zhong Xiaoshan whispered a little tip to Zheng Xinyu before slowly retreating into the room. "Im not human! Im a f***ing idiot! Im an orphan, I" "Shut the hell up! Youre gonna attract all the zombies with your wailing! Get inside! I have questions for you!" Still fuming, she swung the baseball batand sent Chongzi sprawling onto the ground. "Don''t hit me! Ill go! Ill go!" Chongzi scrambled into 801, too terrified to even think about resisting. Once inside, Chongzi knelt in the middle of the room, his face swollen and red like he had smeared blush all over, a large bump already forming on his head. Meanwhile, Zhang Su lounged on the couch, leisurely unwrapping a pack of wafers, legs crossed as he snacked away. The murderous aura from earlier had completely vanished, and now he looked like an old man from the village enjoying the neighborhood gossip. Zhong Xiaoshan sat stiffly at the dining table, staring hesitantly at her unfinished bowl of river snail noodles. Zheng Xinyu, still fuming, paced back and forth with the baseball bat in hand. She was furiousfurious that Chongzi had deceived her, furious that she had been so gullible, and furious that Zhang Su was watching everything like it was some kind of comedy show "Talk. How did you guys find this place?" In the end, she decided to vent all her frustration on Chongzi, shoving the bat right up to his face. "Ill tell! Ill tell everything!" Chongzi trembled as he scooted back, but when he saw the rage on Zheng Xinyus face, he quickly sat up straight again, looking like a condemned prisoner. "I I led the way. Actually, Ive known where you lived for a while now." Zheng Xinyus eyes widened. "How? Speak! How did you know?" "I, uh I was staking out the delivery point. Actually Meow-Meow, Ive liked you for a long time. I had just ordered the latest fruit phone online, and if the zombie outbreak hadnt happened, I was planning to give you a surprise soon!" Sarch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chongzis voice rose and fell dramatically, like he was pouring his heart out. Zheng Xinyus face turned red, then green. If this had been beforeif none of the previous events had happenedshe might have even been moved for a second. But now "Surprise your f***ing uncle!" She swung the bat againfurious beyond words. She was already feeling awful from Zhang Sus lecture, and now this scumbag, who had just tried to get her killed, was spewing nonsense? Unbelievable! "Ahh! Dont hit me! Please!" A gust of wind followed the bats arc as it smashed into Chongzis arm. If he hadnt instinctively rolled to the side to absorb the impact, his skinny arm mightve been completely busted. "Still feel like running your mouth?" Zheng Xinyu was truly enraged now, her voice low and menacing, her eyes blazing like an oversized, pissed-off orange tabby with all its fur standing on end. She might be indecisive, but that didnt mean she had no temper. In fact, she was pretty hot-temperedhence why her fans had once sent her mouthwash after she got too mouthy during a stream. "I wont! I wont! Jie, I was wrong! I wont dare ever again!" Chongzi never expected the delicate-looking streamer to be this terrifying. Wasnt she supposed to be a gentle, sweet girl? She swung a metal baseball bat without hesitationwhere was the grace? But thinking about it, it made sense. After all, she was hanging out with a guy who could casually eat snacks after killing someone. No wonder "So you wont do it again, huh? Good. Now tell mewhat were you guys planning to do here?" Zheng Xinyu pushed her messy hair back and glared at him. "I uh" Chongzi started to lie, but the sharp pain in his arm made him reconsider. "I I knew you were trying that one-month survival challenge, so I figured youd have a lot of supplies. We came to, um, take them. No, waitwe came to you." "Hmph." Zheng Xinyu let out a cold grunt. She hadnt expected him to actually admit it, which only made her angrier. "Arent you going to ask him what they planned to do after taking the supplies?" Zhang Su finally spoke up, and the moment he did, Chongzi visibly flinched. "Right! Speak! What were you guys planning to do after taking my stuff?" Zheng Xinyu, catching on quickly, pressed further. Chongzi felt like crying. He looked at Zhang Su with teary eyes "II swear, jie, I only led the way! Everything else was Xiang-ges plan! He never told me what was next! I really dont know!" Chongzi knew that if he spilled the real plan, Zheng Xinyu would bash his skull in. "Enough." Zhang Su wiped his hands on his pants and got up from the couch. "Now that Xiang-ge is dead, hes the perfect scapegoat, huh? You keep pushing everything onto him like he was some criminal mastermind. How about you tell us something useful?" "Like how you got up here. Even if you came from the next unit, it wouldnt have been an easy trip. How many zombies did you encounter from the first floor to the eighth?" Taking over the interrogation, Zhang Sus presence suddenly felt oddly reassuring to Chongzi. With a sniffle, he forced a pitiful smile. "Ge, its not as bad as you think." "SomeoneI dont know whoplayed music and lured most of the zombies away from our building entrance. So Xiang-ge and I took the chance" Chongzi noticed Zheng Xinyus anger momentarily waver as she struggled to hold back a laugh. Wait, had he said something wrong? Then he saw Zhang Sus face darken, and his heart skipped a beat. "No, no! I meansome kind used music to lure the zombies away! Thats why Xiang-ge and I, two dumbasses, had the chance to sneak over from Unit 2" Seeing Zhang Sus expression soften slightly, Chongzi breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Unit 1 isnt too bad. There were only two zombies on the first flooruh, you call them zombies? Right. We only ran into two when we first entered, and after that, we made it to the eighth floor without seeing any more." Chapter 45: Good Brothers, Let’s Go Together Chapter 045 Good Brothers, Lets Go Together Just two zombies Zhang Su rubbed his chin. That answer was a bit unexpected, but thinking back to the day when someone used the elevator to transport zombies downstairs, it made sense. After all, there were only so many people in the building. If you counted those who had left through the underground parking lot, the numbers roughly matched up. I see your weapons are spotless. You didnt kill the zombies? Zhang Su pointed at the fire axe and crowbar tossed to the side. Oh my god, big bro, you guys dont know, do you? Those zombies are seriously dangerous! One bite, and youre infectedturn into one of those freaks! I saw it happen with my own eyes! No way Id risk touching them! Chongzi reacted like he had just heard something unbelievable, shaking his head frantically in fear. Zhang Su remained silent. This guy was the textbook definition of bullying the weak while fearing the strong. He had no problem going after other people but didnt dare face zombies. Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan exchanged glances before turning to Zhang Su with a strange look in their eyes. It was as if they were silently saying, Ahem! Zhang Su snapped out of his silence, then suddenly felt his anger rise. He pointed at the fire axe and crowbar on the ground. You cowardly bastards! You shrink away from zombies but have no problem throwing punches at women? What the hell are you even carrying those weapons forshoveling s*? You guys are f*ing pathetic! Chongzi chuckled awkwardly. We didnt dare kill the zombies, but these weapons can still help us defend ourselves Defend yourselves, my ass! Then tell me, how did you deal with the zombies on the first floor? Zhang Su snapped, his patience wearing thin. If he werent too lazy to move, he wouldve already slapped Chongzi across the face. Well me and Xiang-ge figured out that zombies are super sensitive to sound. There was an apartment on the first floor without security bars, so I climbed in and knocked on the door to make some noise. The zombies were dumb enough to just keep pounding on the door while Xiang-ge and I snuck upstairs through the stairwell. Chongzi seemed quite proud of himself, acting as if he had pulled off some brilliant strategy. But to Zhang Su and the others, this was just another name for courting death. He had only thought about escaping that moments danger without considering what would happen if there were more zombies wandering upstairs. That kind of shortsightedness could get him surrounded with no way out. Leave your stuff and get lost. Zhang Su suddenly lost all interest. At first, he thought Chongzi seemed sharp-tongued and quick-wittedmaybe he could dig up some useful intel. But after this exchange, he realized the guy was nothing more than a slick talker with a few cheap tricks. When faced with real danger, he was completely useless. ??? Zheng Xinyu, Zhong Xiaoshan, and Chongziwho was still kneeling on the floorwere all stunned. The two women had expected Zhang Su to deal with this guy harshly. With his personality, there was no way hed let him off easy and yet, he was just letting Chongzi go, just like that? Chongzi, on the other hand, felt like he had just won the lottery. Compared to Xiang-ge, who was lying outside, he had practically walked away with his life. Thank you! Thank you, big bro! May you live a long and prosperous life! In a flash, Chongzi sprang up and hurried toward the door as if he had just been granted amnesty. Along the way, he couldnt help but glance longingly at the crowbar and backpack on the groundhis and Xiang-ges entire stash. But right now, he didnt even dare try taking them. No way. Zheng Xinyus voice suddenly rang out. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zhang Sus lips curled slightlyan almost imperceptible smirk. He said nothing and simply leaned back, watching the scene unfold. Uh beautiful sister, uh big bro already said I could leave. Do you have any other instructions? Chongzi put on a flattering smile. Zheng Xinyus face darkened. You came after me. You tried to rob me. He mightve let you go, but did I? Uh Chongzi turned to Zhang Su, only to see the man shrug at him. His face immediately fell. Sis, I made a mistake, okay? Please, have mercy! If you let me go, I swear, Ill repay you in my next lifeIll be your loyal servant, even a beast of burden! Chongzi begged pitifully. Before the apocalypse, a plea like that might have softened Zheng Xinyus heart. But now A gust of wind cut through the air as Zheng Xinyu swung a baseball bat down hard on Chongzis left arm. Ahhhy-you f*my arm! Aghh! Hiss its broken! Its broken!!** Chongzis face turned pale as he trembled in pain, sweat beading on his forehead. He swallowed back the curses stuck in his throat, forcibly restraining himself. But in his heart, a vicious thirst for revenge was already brewing. Its not broken, just a fracture, Zhong Xiaoshan explained patiently. If you rest properly, youll recover in about a month. But since theres no medicine probably two or three months. In reality, her estimate was optimistic. In a world with severe food and water shortages, even with a stable environment for recovery, healing a bone fracture could take half a yearat best. Now you can go. Zheng Xinyus chest rose and fell heavily as she pointed at the door. Her emotions were complicatedanger, yes, but also a trace of guilt for having injured someone. Chongzi gritted his teeth, his left arm completely useless. He suppressed the cold fury in his eyes and forced himself to look pitiful as he nodded silently and continued toward the door. Take one more thing with you. Just as Chongzi placed his hand on the doorknob, Zhang Sus voice rang out behind him. Chongzi froze for a moment before slowly turning around. His lips trembled. Big bro w-what do you mean? Xiang-ge is your buddy, right? Take him with you. Good brothers should stick together, dont you think? Zhang Su gestured toward the door. He had already checkedXiang-ge had nothing valuable on him. Most of their supplies were in the backpack. Behind the door, Zheng Xinyu watched through the peephole as Chongzi struggled to drag Xiang-ges corpse out of the safety door, leaving behind a long, chilling trail of blood. Her emotions churned inside her. Zhang Su werent we a little too cruel? Zhang Su leaned against the wall, speaking slowly. You gave him a lesson. If this were before, thatd be enough. You couldve ruled half a block of street punks as their big sister. But now youre still too soft. Zheng Xinyus face paled. Are you saying I shouldve killed him? Hearing that, Zhong Xiaoshans heart skipped a beat. She hadnt expected things to reach the point where people were seriously considering killing each other. Zhang Su glanced at her. The fact that youre even asking means you already know the answer. Then, he turned to Zhong Xiaoshan. Xiaoshan, what would you have done? Zhong Xiaoshan hesitated, then said, I I think Id do the same as Xinyu-jiejust rough him up and let him go. Zhang Su shook his head. You might think thats enoughenough of a warning. But have you ever heard the saying a half-dead snake will bite you back? Ill show you something interesting later.