Gao Qiang tightened his grip on An Xin's hand as he met An Ning's vigilant gaze.
"I said, follow me. She'll be safer," Gao Qiang insisted.
An Ning hesitated, her words blocked by uncertainty, but she ultimately chose to follow Gao Qiang.
When he came to the door of the hotel, Gao Qiang found that many people had gathered here. They are people who want to leave and don't know where to go. The three of Gao Qiang appeared, and many people looked over. Especially the backpack in Gao Qiang's hand has attracted the attention of many people. An Ning stepped forward and stood next to An Xin, looking around vigilantly. She also now realizes that in the current world, human nature is being tested. Gao Qiang is also guarding against the people around him.
An Ning stepped forward, positioning herself next to An Xin, scanning the area with vigilance. She now comprehended that in this new world, human nature was being put to the test. Gao Qiang, too, remained cautious of those around him.
Over the past decade, Gao Qiang had witnessed the depths of human ugliness far too often. Even if snow beasts surrounded them, he wouldn't be as vigilant. Observing the three of them about to leave, some people couldn't contain themselves.
"Wait!" shouted a middle-aged man in a down jacket and suit pants, his voice echoing to Gao Qiang. Gao Qiang turned his head, his eyes cold, sending a shiver down the man's spine.
What kind of person could evoke such fear with a single glance? It must be due to the biting cold, the middle-aged man reassured himself.
"I'm the hotel manager. I suspect your backpack contains items from our hotel, and I'm going to check," the middle-aged man claimed. Gao Qiang sneered.
The excuse was too feeble—an attempt to see if there was any food in the backpack. Gao Qiang had encountered such situations countless times. He glanced at An Xin beside him and said calmly, "Take a look. This will be your first lesson."
With that, Gao Qiang advanced toward the middle-aged man. "So, you want to check my backpack?" he asked. The middle-aged man, taken aback by Gao Qiang's intensity, grew fearful. "No... no... take a look!" he stammered.
Ignoring the response, Gao Qiang swiftly drew his knife and delivered a horizontal slash. The middle-aged man's head rolled to the ground, his eyes wide open and unable to close.
The scorching blood rapidly cooled, turning dark brown. Gao Qiang stood before the severed head, leisurely opening his backpack. He smiled and said, "Come, see for yourself."
The onlookers watched the shocking scene, astonished that Gao Qiang would dare to kill. They were hungry and cold, simply seeking something to eat—murder was far from their thoughts.
Gao Qiang put away his backpack, ignoring the gazes fixated on him. He walked slowly toward An Xin and An Ning. Glancing at the two sisters, who seemed stunned, he said, "Remember, in the last days, if someone dares to rob us, kill them until they no longer dare. It's the most effective and only way."
An Xin, still young, didn't fully grasp the meaning behind Gao Qiang's words. She remained calm, her face displaying a thoughtful expression. Gao Qiang continued holding An Xin's hand and led them outside. This time, nobody dared to impede his progress. Even if they spotted food in Gao Qiang's backpack, they didn't dare approach.
Suddenly, a middle-aged man with an assertive air called out, "Handsome guy, I'll buy your things."
"I noticed you have instant noodles in your bag, 111 packs. I'll buy them!" he exclaimed.
Gao Qiang couldn't help but regard the middle-aged man as foolish. 111 packs? He grossly underestimated the value of supplies in the apocalypse. Moreover, money had lost its worth at this point.
Gao Qiang glanced at the middle-aged man and asked aloud, "Is the girl next to you your daughter?"
Standing beside the middle-aged man was a girl who appeared to be seventeen or eighteen, her face reddened by the biting cold, yet showing a hint of determination. The middle-aged man nodded in confirmation.
"One pack of instant noodles in exchange for your daughter!" Gao Qiang proposed.
The middle-aged man couldn't believe his ears. His daughter, who did not marry her 500,000 bride price, was worth only a pack of instant noodles? It was preposterous. Ignoring Gao Qiang, he clung tightly to his daughter.
Observing this, Gao Qiang understood the middle-aged man's decision and turned away. With his back to An Ning and An Xin, Gao Qiang spoke lightly, "This is the second lesson."
Gao Qiang refrained from saying more, and An Ning cast a lingering gaze at the girl nestled in her father's arms. She recalled Gao Qiang's words—her worth was akin to a piece of bread due to her virginity, earning her an extra half piece. Now, she partially grasped Gao Qiang's meaning: when the apocalypse arrives, the weak fall prey to the strong, and humanity becomes cheaper than grass.
An Ning glanced at An Xin, feeling hesitant about entrusting her sister to Gao Qiang. At present, the blizzard outside was too fierce for humans to remain outdoors for long. Fortunately, the supermarket Gao Qiang had selected wasn't far away, although heavy snow obstructed its entrance. Yet, that wouldn't deter them.
Drawing his black-gold ancient knife, Gao Qiang effortlessly cleaved the roller shutter door in two. The supermarket still held a considerable amount of supplies. Satisfied, Gao Qiang entered, intending to use it as a temporary resting place. However, as he stepped inside, he encountered a security guard poking his head out.
"Who are you? The supermarket is temporarily closed. You all need to wait for the snow to stop," the guard informed them. Gao Qiang smiled defiantly. Wait for the snow to stop? He couldn't afford to wait!