The neighbors reacted as if they had encountered a savior. Even those who had resigned themselves to death, wrapped in blankets at home, now had a glimmer of hope in their eyes.
"Zhang Yi, can you truly go out and retrieve supplies? If so, we might survive!"
"Although a snowstorm has locked down the city, the abundance of resources produced in our society over the past few decades is sufficient for our survival!"
"Zhang Yi, I am truly... deeply moved!"
"We treated you so poorly at first, and now you..."
Some people choked up. Originally, almost everyone in their homes had someone killed by Zhang Yi. However, their hatred towards him seemed to vanish, replaced only by gratitude.
Zhang Yi solemnly declared, "Since I have assumed the role of the building leader, I am responsible for each and every one of you. Moreover, the supplies in my home will soon be depleted, and going out to find resources is our only path to survival."
With these words, Zhang Yi reassured everyone. In the post-apocalyptic era, claims of altruism and good deeds often seemed hypocritical to others. However, when personal interests were involved, it became acceptable. After all, nearly a month had passed since the apocalypse, and many families in the neighborhood had suffered losses.
The neighbors believed that even if Zhang Yi hoarded a significant amount of supplies at home, there would come a day when they would run out. Moreover, with only two people in his household now, the consumption rate would be even higher. The neighbors were genuinely grateful to Zhang Yi, praising him as if he were a deity.
Even Zhou Ker, with a smile, remarked, "If you were to establish a sect at this moment, you could easily become its founder!"
In times of disaster, religions often experienced rapid development, as people sought spiritual solace. Zhang Yi, with a faint smile, replied, "No need to complicate things with a bunch of cannon fodder. A moldy piece of bread is enough to make them feel closer to me than their own fathers."
Curious, Zhou Ker asked, "But are you really going out?"
Her eyes revealed a trace of concern and guilt. Zhang Yi understood; she genuinely believed that the supplies in his possession were limited and felt she was burdening him.
Zhang Yi pinched her soft cheek, squinting his eyes as he smiled, "Don't worry, the supplies at home are more than enough to sustain you. I'm just finding a suitable opportunity to go out and assess the situation."
If it were an ordinary time, Zhang Yi wouldn't dare to go out, fearing attacks from deranged neighbors. However, now he had become the hope for everyone's survival, and naturally, no one would attack him.
Zhou Ker nodded, "Then, I'll go with you!"
She knew that Zhang Yi didn't fully trust her, so she proactively suggested accompanying him. Zhang Yi, with a profound gaze, slowly but firmly shook his head.
"We have this relationship now. Do you think I would still doubt you?"
"Women should stay at home, waiting for their men to return."
Zhang Yi stood up slowly. Zhou Ker's eyes reflected a touch of moved expression. However, this sentiment didn't last long because Zhang Yi quickly stored the remaining food and coal in the space.
"I have 100% trust in you!"
Zhang Yi said with a smirking smile. Zhou Ker responded with a speechless expression. She had been touched by Zhang Yi just a moment ago, only to see him revert to his usual self.
Ignoring Zhou Ker's mournful expression, Zhang Yi returned to the room to change his clothes. For the first time after the apocalypse, he chose to leave the building.
With heavy snow sealing the city, no living beings were visible outside, and the danger level was relatively low. Still, out of caution, Zhang Yi put on a jacket made of soft cowhide.
This item could withstand a knife stab, requiring considerable force to penetrate. After careful consideration, Zhang Yi found two frying pans in the space and placed one in front and one behind his body.
This way, even if he encountered an opponent with a gun, an ordinary handgun wouldn't be able to hit a vital spot. Finally, he put on a cold-resistant suit. At this point, his figure seemed bulky, but the sense of security was overwhelming.
Zhang Yi took out a lever about a meter long from the space, testing it in his hands. In a real fight, this kind of heavy lever was more effective than a machete. The wound caused by a knife wouldn't immediately incapacitate a person, but a hit from this lever would bring them down instantly.
Holding the lever, Zhang Yi loaded the pistol magazine and put it in his pocket. Fully armed, he left the house.
The outside temperature was very cold. Even though he wore a professional-grade mountaineering suit, the chill could still be felt. However, this cold wouldn't affect Zhang Yi; after some outdoor activity, his body would warm up.
With both hands gripping the lever, Zhang Yi descended the stairs calmly, neither fast nor slow. Before leaving, he always observed the surroundings.
No problems, all clear.
Without any incidents along the way, the number of people overestimating their abilities was quite low. Zhang Yi reached the fourth floor.
Due to the actions of the Tianhe Gang and others, most residents
in this area had moved to higher floors. Floors below the tenth were mostly empty.
Pushing the door open, Zhang Yi entered a chaotic scene. The windows had long been smashed, even the not-so-sturdy security windows had been torn open with a large hole. The wind whistled through the big hole, creating a howling sound.
Carefully, Zhang Yi climbed out through the hole. His feet landed on the ground; the snow and ice only reached his knees due to the accumulating snow, which had compacted somewhat, preventing him from sinking entirely. However, walking on this type of snow was still challenging.
Zhang Yi looked around, and the vast Yue Lu residential area was silent. Except for the sound of the wind, there was nothing else in the air. He didn't notice anyone's prying eyes.
From the space, Zhang Yi took out the snowmobile, which had already been filled with gas before he left. Driving this vehicle wasn't complicated. After a brief contemplation and a glance at the instructions, Zhang Yi knew how to operate it.
Mounting the snowmobile, he turned the key, and soon the roar of the engine echoed. Zhang Yi rode the snowmobile towards the outskirts of the residential area.
As he left the community, Zhang Yi seemed to sense some people watching him through the windows. This wasn't surprising, considering there were hardly any human traces outside now, and the noise from the snowmobile was quite loud.
"It seems that some will harbor greed for this snowmobile in the future!"
Zhang Yi sneered. He wasn't afraid of revealing the existence of the snowmobile. Too many people harbored ill intentions. Moreover, in the current situation, killing for a piece of biscuit was not unexpected.
In Zhang Yi's own words, it was better to clear one's debts early.
Many small houses were buried under the deep snow, and the streets were completely invisible. However, having lived here for more than twenty years, Zhang Yi could roughly determine the direction through the landmark buildings of the high-rise.
For him, getting lost was not an issue.