Zhang Yi arrived at the Wanda Plaza in the Economic Development Zone. Upon arrival, only the rooftop was visible, mirroring his previous approach. Adhering to his established method, he shattered the glass ceiling and, using a climbing rope, gracefully descended into the mall. Once inside, vestiges of its former prosperity lingered amidst the circular shopping center, where each store showcased exquisite goods—luxurious clothing, footwear, and various lifestyle items, all now seemingly worthless and free for the taking. Zhang Yi selected useful items from the stores, stuffing everything into his spatial pocket.
The supermarket was located on the basement level. After haphazardly gathering supplies, he descended to the lower floor. As expected, being far from human activity, the shelves were still abundantly stocked. However, the quality left much to be desired. Part of the mall had collapsed under the weight of the blizzard, allowing cold air to seep in, coating everything with frost. The frozen atmosphere had rendered the food inedible. Some snacks and biscuits were even encased in ice layers. Though the vegetable section didn't exhibit signs of rot, severe dehydration had likely rendered them tasteless. The meat section fared relatively better, frozen into lumps resembling authentic zombie meat. The fish tanks had burst due to ice expansion, eliminating any hopes of consuming fish.
In essence, the food here would have been considered refuse in normal times—destined for disposal or processing into pre-packaged meals at a food factory. Zhang Yi shrugged, indifferent to these items. He didn't bother storing them in his spatial pocket. With ample resources at his disposal, he saw no need for such inferior goods.
Nevertheless, such considerations were inconsequential. Even if the quality of the food was subpar, for neighbors who hadn't tasted anything remotely normal in a long time, these provisions represented the epitome of culinary delight. Zhang Yi retrieved two large luggage bags from his spatial pocket and nonchalantly filled them with wilted vegetables and zombie meat. He added some damp, expanded bread and biscuits. In no time, the bags were brimming.
Other items were left behind, as Zhang Yi had no intention of taking them. Perhaps they could be of use to others in the future, and he had plenty of opportunities for further exploration. Zhang Yi left the supermarket with his gathered supplies, riding the snowmobile back.
By the time he returned to the Yue Lu residential area, the sky had darkened. The engine's roar echoed conspicuously in the otherwise silent neighborhood. Upon his return, faces appeared in the windows of various buildings, observing him intently. In Room 26, on the fifteenth floor, Huang Tianfang, the leader of the Tianhe Gang, squinted his eyes, scarred by a burn, making him appear even more sinister. On that fateful night, though they managed to return alive, his half-face had been licked by flames, resulting in his current menacing visage.
"To think there's such a vehicle capable of traversing snowy terrain. If we could lay our hands on such a treasure, we'd have the means to venture out for food in the future. Who needs to consume that sour meat?" remarked a stout man beside Huang Tianfang, glancing at the snowmobile. "Uncle Two, I know about this. In our area, this thing is called a snowplow! It's an electric snowplow."
Huang Tianfang's eyes remained fixed on Zhang Yi's snowmobile, stating with a deep voice, "Whatever it is, we need to figure out a way to acquire it!"
Such sentiments were not unique to Huang Tianfang; everyone fixated on Zhang Yi harbored similar thoughts. After over half a month of isolation, many had descended into madness, and for those remaining, insanity or death was merely a matter of time. They needed to leave, find sustenance, and secure a space for survival. The widespread snowfall had obstructed their plans, but Zhang Yi's snowmobile rekindled hope.
Zhang Yi could sense the greed and naked hostility concealed within these numerous gazes. Yet, caressing the pistol at his waist and considering the abundant weapons and equipment acquired that day, he felt remarkably at ease.
After dismounting the snowmobile, Zhang Yi lifted his head, noticing the excited gaze of the neighbors in Apartment 25. Their attention fixed on the two large luggage bags he brought back. With a smirk, he ostentatiously drove the snowmobile to the rear underground garage, concealing it from view. Out of sight of everyone, he stashed the snowmobile into his spatial pocket. Then, carrying the two bags, he casually walked back.
The substantial load left deep footprints, stirring great excitement among the neighbors in Apartment 25. Some even clamored against the windows. The neighboring Huang Tianfang and his cohorts, witnessing the spectacle, were equally captivated.
"Uncle Two, could that be food?" the stout man asked eagerly, pointing at Zhang Yi.
Huang Tianfang scolded, "N
onsense! Now is not the time to go out for food. Do you plan on finding women?"
Hearing this, the surrounding workers of the Tianhe Gang gathered, licking their lips with anticipation.
"Is there food?"
"He found food from outside? Fantastic, we're saved!"
"Why waste time talking? Let's get him! Snatch everything, including his vehicle!"
A chorus of voices erupted, filled with greed and blatant murderous intent. Huang Tianfang contemplated for a moment before coldly stating, "Hold on. This kid is likely the one who killed Chen Zhenghao."
"He's quite ruthless. Last time, he caused the death of so many of our brothers. We must be cautious. Besides, there are rumors he's armed. If we decide to act, it must be discreet."
Huang Tianfang exercised caution. Despite the proximity of the two buildings, there was still a considerable distance between them. Running across the thick layer of ice and snow would essentially turn them into live targets.
While they coveted Zhang Yi's supplies, they hesitated to take immediate action. However, where there's calmness, there's also impetuosity. A few workers dissatisfied with Huang Tianfang's decision stealthily descended with knives and wrenches.
Entering the corridor with his loot, Zhang Yi took out his phone to inform Uncle You of his return, prompting him to come and assist. In reality, verbal communication wasn't necessary; the sound of the snowmobile had already alerted Uncle You to his presence. Uncle You hurriedly arrived to greet Zhang Yi.
"Zhang Yi, you... you actually found so much!" Looking at the two large bags in Zhang Yi's hands, Uncle You's eyes brimmed with astonishment and admiration. In the vast snow outside, finding one's way could be a daunting task for anyone else.
Specialized tasks required specialists indeed!