Chen Zhenghao and his compatriots encircled Zhang Yi's residence, relentlessly battering the walls throughout the entire morning. However, upon uncovering the layers of wall, floor, and ceiling, they were confronted by a thick barrier of steel. A steel panel, 20 centimeters in thickness, proved an insurmountable nightmare for them. The prospect of breaking through seemed utterly hopeless with sheer human effort. Operating in sub-zero temperatures without adequate replenishment of energy to combat physical exhaustion only hastened their demise. Many succumbed to fatigue, collapsing on the ground.
The sound of "gulu gulu" reverberated, hands pressed against their emaciated stomachs, as hunger threatened to conquer them. The meager remnants of available food intensified their predicament. Some, catching a glimpse of their neighbors through the gaps in their clothing, noticed the snowy white flesh beneath. A horrifying thought suddenly emerged in their minds – could this be flesh?
As terror gripped their souls, they desperately attempted to banish such notions from their minds. Yet, once conceived, this thought silently presented them with an option in the midst of desperation. Deep down, they were aware that in the face of true calamity, cannibalism would inevitably rear its ugly head.
"Is there truly no other way?" Sun Zhichao, his face etched with pain, felt the beginnings of inflammation and decay in his own arm. Devoid of antibiotics or even basic anti-inflammatory medication, he couldn't effectively clean the wound. Rust still clung to the injury, making death seemingly inevitable.
"Cursed Zhang Yi, why are you so ruthless?" Sun Zhichao screamed, his despair contorting his spirit. At that moment, Zhang Yi's neighbor emerged.
"Perhaps, you can try the balcony," he suggested. "During their renovations, his balcony was transformed into a floor-to-ceiling window, quite expansive. There might be a chance to break in!"
While other residents couldn't see the back of Zhang Yi's house, his neighbor could. Building 25 on some floors had balconies, and Zhang Yi's 24th floor happened to have a small platform. Typically used for planting flowers and airing quilts, according to Zhang Yi's neighbor.
Upon hearing this, a group of almost hopeless individuals raised their heads. "Windows? Haha, yes! Since his house has windows, there must be an exit! It can't be completely sealed!"
As if possessed, they barged into the adjacent house from Zhang Yi's, disregarding the 15-centimeter gap between the balconies, separated by a fence. The balcony, unlike the hallways, was exposed to the elements – the biting northern wind and swirling snow could freeze a person in a matter of hours.
Unperturbed by these conditions, Chen Zhenghao and the others, focused solely on entering Zhang Yi's home, rushed onto his balcony, screaming like madmen. Zhang Yi noticed this scene and, with a nonchalant demeanor, brought his white lounge chair to the window, leisurely reclining. He casually poured himself a steaming cup of coffee.
The small balcony quickly filled with over a dozen people, their pallid faces resembling zombies, coupled with twisted expressions, devoid of any sign of humanity. Zhang Yi mused that if there were actual zombies, this might be their appearance.
A resounding "bang! bang! bang! ding!" echoed as these crazed individuals, amidst snow and wind, fervently struck the glass. Even if they accidentally hit their own hands, devoid of sensation, they allowed the blood to flow and congeal without flinching.
While breaking down walls earlier, their eager anticipation was not as apparent. Yet, now, separated only by a layer of glass, they could fully appreciate the luxury of Zhang Yi's life. The fireplace burned brightly, Zhang Yi lounging in a single layer of clothing, resembling a country squire. Next to him, a cup of coffee emitted steam, indicating a likely cappuccino. The table was strewn with weapons, but the focus lay beneath – a pile of partially consumed snacks: chips, burgers, cola, pizza, roasted chicken, Peking duck, and even spicy oil-splashed noodles.
These items drove the neighbors on the balcony to madness, as if they had found a long-lost treasure after just half a month without them. "Roar!" "Ahhhh!" They were so excited that they forgot to articulate words, resorting to desperate screams to express their exhilaration. Then, with even more determination, they used every ounce of strength to break the window!
Applauding their efforts, Zhang Yi felt a twinge of hunger. From his spatial storage, he retrieved some food – braised pork elbow, caramelized bananas, and a few more snacks. He even indulged in a piece of pure cocoa butter chocolate.