The two of them finished their conversation. Helen closed the messaging window and instinctively tried to run her fingers through the long, flowing hair she had cut on her first day in this apocalyptic world, but she found nothing.
She gathered the ends of her hair that reached her earlobes and smiled with joy on her face.
Russ approached with a displeased expression and asked, "So, is 10086 really Waldo?"
Helen restrained her smile, nodded, and handed him a piece of bread. "Indeed, it is Waldo. I exchanged some essential supplies with him, enough to sustain us for a while."
Russ took the bread from Helen's hand and hungrily devoured it. They hadn't eaten for a day, and if it weren't for encountering Waldo, they might have starved.
After swallowing the bread, Russ spoke, "Are you saying that Waldo wants us to exchange goods with him? Haha, a poor trash born in poverty will always be greedy for petty gains. He's a stingy person, taking advantage of others for a small profit. If he asks me for supplies, not only would I give them to him for free, but I'd also refuse to take any money from him!"
Helen couldn't bear to listen to Russ's mockery. After all, Russ was currently eating Waldo's food. She had no interest in continuing to listen to his incessant rambling and stood up, saying, "You eat first. I'll go around and see if there are any stray zombies nearby."
With that, Helen left the stronghold.
Russ watched Helen's graceful figure and couldn't help licking his lips. But when he thought about the genuine joy Helen displayed after her conversation with Waldo, he became angry.
Someday, Helen, just you wait. I will conquer you and make you taste the essence of being a woman!
Russ took a big bite of the bread in his hand, firm in his resolve. However, he didn't dare to take action at the moment because Helen had acquired a military dagger earlier.
He didn't dare to use force. If the situation went awry, the cost would outweigh the benefits.
Little did Russ know that Waldo had secretly given Helen a crossbow and a few Molotov cocktails. Helen, on the other hand, concealed them well. Waldo, of course, had no idea that his trade with Helen would trigger such a strong reaction from Russ.
Meanwhile, Waldo continued browsing through the chat channels, hoping to gather some useful information. His efforts paid off. He came across someone who posted a message offering information on a gold-level supply crate but required a trade for goods.
ID 353345: I have information on a gold-level supply crate. Any big shots interested? Private message me with your offers. Highest bidder takes it. Honest and trustworthy.
Number 343454: Who knows if it's true? Even if you claim it's true, you need evidence to prove it. Anyone can make empty promises, cheat people, and then block them. It's an old scam tactic from over a decade ago!
Number 563434: Exactly! At least provide a picture or take someone to see it. Otherwise, who would dare to buy your information?
The crowd began discussing among themselves. Although this message sparked a heated debate, only a few were willing to believe it. It seemed that the survivor behind ID 353345 realized they couldn't convince everyone, so they quickly posted a picture.
The photo showed a large warehouse with a golden glow emanating from supply crates in the middle, visible through the glass windows. However, there were layers upon layers of zombies outside.
Number 353345: So, do you believe it now? I'm just exchanging coordinates for supplies. (Attached picture)
Number 32532: It really is a gold-level supply crate. I wonder what kind of good items can be obtained from a gold-level crate?
Number 787754: It won't be too shabby. Just think about the auctioned fortification walls from before. Gold-level supplies at this stage are like divine artifacts!
Number 75234: So what? Do you have supplies to buy the information?
Number 74567: It's another competition among the big shots. As for me, I'm just a spectator, struggling to eat one meal at a time.
Waldo was naturally interested in such supplies. Moreover, he was one of the few survivors who could offer a high price. Only at times like this did he feel the same grandeur as Wang Wanda, once the richest man in China. One billion was his modest goal.
Waldo directly private messaged Number 353345: Brother, is the information still available? Supplies are not a problem.
Number 353345: Uh, I require a lot of supplies.
Waldo raised an eyebrow. "Are you doubting my capabilities?"
Waldo continued with another message: "I told you, supplies are not a problem."
Number 353345: Then I want a hundred portions of daily necessities—water, rice, flour, biscuits, anything will do.
The price for this information was indeed high. It was just a piece of information after all. Knowing the location of a gold-level supply crate didn't guarantee it would be theirs.
In previous auctions, the highest bidder won, and it was not impossible to end up empty-handed after buying information!
However, Waldo didn't hesitate for too long.
Alright. A hundred portions of daily necessities. Send me the coordinates, and I will verify them tomorrow. If they're accurate, I'll send you the supplies. Here's ten portions as a deposit.
Number 353345 mechanically opened their backpack and looked at the ten portions of daily necessities that Waldo sent, lost in thought.
Perhaps the price was set too low. Maybe this display of generosity had an effect. Waldo didn't encounter much resistance when obtaining the coordinates for the gold-level supply crate.
Number 353345 soon sent the coordinates for the gold-level supply crate.
Waldo briefly checked the location. It wasn't very close to his villa, but it wasn't too far either.
Waldo: Understood. After I verify the coordinates tomorrow and confirm the accuracy of the information, I will immediately send you the rest of the payment.
Number 353345: Pleasure doing business with you.
Waldo needed to rest and face the unknown dangers in the best mental state. Moreover, there would be a new infinite supply item tomorrow, and he was looking forward to what he might obtain. Perhaps it would provide assistance.
Waldo called Alanna over and
discussed the matter with her.
After listening, Alanna pondered for a moment.
"Waldo, I think there's a high possibility that this is a trap. It's not worth risking yourself by blindly going to the given coordinates if the person's picture was fake or taken from a different location. You're very likely to get into trouble."
Waldo nodded in agreement. In fact, he had already considered this possibility.
In this dangerous world, one shouldn't assume the best in people.
But he still said, "Alanna, you and I are thinking alike. Regardless of the truth of these coordinates, it's almost certain that someone will be watching me. However, the temptation of a gold-level supply crate is too great. You know the strategic significance of these supplies. It's worth the risk."