The proactive approach of Zhou Ke'er brought a sense of happiness and warmth to Zhang Yi's heart. Although he was not easily swayed by women, he too yearned for tenderness and affection. Zhou Ke'er was undoubtedly a beauty, and it was reasonable for her to have a captivating effect on him. He thoroughly enjoyed the process of her taking the initiative to get closer.
A mischievous taste arose within Zhang Yi. What if Fang Yuqing saw them in such an intimate manner? Would she go insane? With this thought, Zhang Yi immediately picked up his phone and took a selfie with Zhou Ke'er snuggled close, tightly embracing his arm. He then sent the photo to Fang Yuqing.
"Yuqing, you're a good person. Unfortunately, you came too late. I've found someone better now. Will you bless us, right?"
The notification sound echoed, attracting the attention of the three. Each message from Zhang Yi was a glimmer of hope for them. However, upon seeing the affectionate appearance of Zhou Ke'er and Zhang Yi, it was evident they had become a couple.
Zhou Ke'er, in terms of education, talent, and beauty, made them feel inferior. Fang Yuqing, with a low education level, working as a warehouse clerk, was completely overshadowed by the high-quality, wealthy, and beautiful Zhou Ke'er. A strong sense of jealousy burned within them.
"Zhang Yi, no! You can't treat me like this. Yuqing loves you, she loves you the most. She must be deceiving you; she doesn't genuinely like you! Give me a chance, I'll prove I'm the one who truly loves you!"
Zhang Yi smirked, saying, "No need. Ke'er and I are truly in love. She surpasses you in many ways. How could I give her up for you? Do you think you're qualified?"
"So, let's not contact each other anymore. I fear she might misunderstand."
Zhang Yi knew his words would drive Fang Yuqing to madness. He understood that he was Fang Yuqing's last hope in this post-apocalyptic world. To extinguish someone's hope entirely was a delightful experience, especially in this manner.
Fang Yuqing's suffering brought him joy. Today, she lost the man (at least in her imagination) to another woman, and that woman happened to be more excellent and beautiful. The pain and despair she felt were doubled.
She regretted not ending her own life, questioning why she hadn't married a good man like Zhang Yi in the first place. As expected, Fang Yuqing was on the verge of madness, letting out hysterical screams.
"I don't believe it! I don't believe it!"
"Zhang Yi, you were my lapdog! You licked me for two years. Why, now that I've become more proactive, won't you lick me?"
"That bitch, why did she steal my things? She deserves to die!"
"Yes, Zhou Ke'er, it's all that bitch's fault!"
Lin Caining and Wang Min, upon seeing Zhang Yi's messages, burst into laughter, mocking Fang Yuqing for her delusions. Lin Caining, once her best friend, now expressed disdain.
Fang Yuqing, red-eyed, attempted to send a message to Zhang Yi but discovered she had been blocked. It meant that Zhang Yi no longer wanted anything to do with her.
Shortly after, she would meet her end in this apocalyptic world, and Zhang Yi took satisfaction in tormenting and humiliating her.
Putting down his phone, Zhang Yi wore a contented smile. The more miserable that wretched woman felt, the happier he became. Zhou Ke'er leaned against him, looking up at him curiously.
Zhang Yi turned his head, and their eyes met. Suddenly, he furrowed his brows, tightly gripping her tender arm.
"Do you think I'm cruel?"
Zhou Ke'er's breath became rapid, her face flushed with nervous excitement.
"You... you must have your reasons for doing so."
Zhang Yi's gaze deepened. He recalled his previous life and how Fang Yuqing had treated him. He had given everything for her, only to be betrayed, leading to a gruesome end where neighbors devoured him. The pain was unimaginable, witnessing them use dull knives to sever his limbs.
"As long as you understand."
Zhang Yi didn't want to explain further. Those events had nothing to do with Zhou Ke'er.
...
After eliminating Chen Zhenghao, Zhang Yi's surroundings became much quieter. At least now, there wouldn't be incessant knocks and surveillance from next door. Chen Zhenghao was oblivious to the fact that Zhang Yi killed him mainly because he was too annoying.
The atmosphere in Room 25 eased a bit, no longer as oppressive as before. Zhang Yi understood that it was just a facade, as humanity became more twisted as the apocalypse progressed. Even without Chen Zhenghao, those who had tasted the flesh might still resort to murder.
But what did it matter to him?
One morning, Zhang Yi, after waking up, went to Zhou Ke'er's door and opened it for her. With a blush on her face, she went to the bathroom and then came to prepare breakfast for Zhang Yi. Her cooking skills were average, but still better than his. Occasionally, Zhang Yi wanted freshly cooked food, so he had her make some. Of course, before eating, Zhang Yi had Zhou Ke'er taste it first.
During meals, Zhang Yi checked WeChat and some still-operating news sources. Nowadays, only a few surviving software applications were maintained by the authorities. Under the extremely cold conditions, most people couldn't survive.
Suddenly, he saw a familiar face in the WeChat group – Lin Dama, who had been causing trouble before.
Lin Dama: "The snow disaster is about to pass! My brother is a key figure in Jiangnan Province, and he called to inform me."
"You all must listen to me now, or I'll have all of you lined up for execution!"
"Do you hear me? Bring food to me now!"
However, no one in the group paid any attention to her.
"She's gone mad. But it's a miracle she survived until now! I remember Chen Zhenghao first robbed her."
Zhang Yi casually remarked.
Zhou Ke'er, sitting across from him, showed a subtle expression of sadness upon hearing his words.
"When I went to see Lin Xiaohu for a medical check-up back then, I pitied them, so I gave them some supplies."