Upon concluding his discourse, Zhang Yi's neighbors pondered the pros and cons, each with bowed heads. Someone inquired, "Zhang Yi, it's understandable that you and Zhou Ke'er don't have to take shifts. However, why does Uncle You not have to take shifts? Clearly, he's the most skilled in combat!"
Zhang Yi fixed his gaze on the questioner and uttered with measured precision, "Precisely because Uncle You is a vital force in our combat prowess, he must conserve his strength, awaiting crucial battles to unleash it. Do you comprehend?"
This rationale might be somewhat strained, yet none dared to counter Zhang Yi's words. In reality, Zhang Yi's true purpose was to ensure Uncle You's safety. The others were stationed on the front lines, defending against assaults from other buildings. They were essentially cannon fodder, a more euphemistic term being expendables. With Uncle You's exceptional skills, good-natured character, and straightforwardness, he was Zhang Yi's ideal subordinate. Naturally, he had to keep him alive for future service.
After the arrangements were made, Zhang Yi instructed the neighbors to return to their respective homes, leaving only those on duty near the fourth floor. To assail their unit, one had to pass through the fourth floor, whether by tunneling from below or climbing in through the windows. Thus, defending this location would enable the timely detection of any incoming enemies. Once everyone had gone upstairs, Zhang Yi led Zhou Ke'er back. He wouldn't expose his back to those he didn't trust. At this moment, there were no others around.
Seeing Zhang Yi delaying the discussion about the food he promised to their family, Xie Limei couldn't resist asking, "Zhang Yi, did you forget about our share of the food?"
Zhang Yi glanced at Xie Limei, a hint of cold amusement in his eyes. Uncle You promptly pulled her arm, saying, "What are you saying?" Xie Limei persisted, "Clearly, Uncle You contributed the most, yet he's getting nothing. Isn't that too..."
Zhang Yi interjected, "The supplies I brought back aren't limited to this. What I'm giving to others is inferior; the good stuff is being saved!"
"Uncle You, come to my place later."
Upon hearing this, Xie Limei immediately put on a flattering smile. "I knew you wouldn't let him work in vain!"
Uncle You gave her a disdainful look. "I've told you earlier, Brother Zhang Yi is a trustworthy person!"
Zhang Yi smiled without uttering a word. Upon returning home, Zhang Yi retrieved a box of instant noodles from the alternate space, placed it at the door, and informed Uncle You to come and get it in ten minutes. In the room, Zhang Yi quickly removed his winter jacket, and with a clang, the frying pan inside it fell to the ground. Zhou Ke'er chuckled as she picked up the frying pan, "There's probably not even a ghost outside, you're being overly cautious!"
Zhang Yi smiled faintly, "I won't need this thing in the future." He had found something better—police-grade body armor, snug and secure. Back in his warm home, Zhang Yi felt a profound sense of happiness. Going out in temperatures below minus seventy degrees, even with winter gear, one would still feel the chill, especially when riding a motorcycle, making the cold more palpable. Zhang Yi retrieved some food from the alternate space and placed it on the table. Zhou Ke'er, hungry after a day without eating, and Zhang Yi, who had also missed meals, sat at the dining table and enjoyed a hearty meal. Curious, Zhou Ke'er asked, "How is it outside now?"
Zhang Yi responded, "What else can it be? The heavy snow has sealed the city; the lower-level buildings are completely covered." "At this rate, even if the heavy snow stops and temperatures return to normal, it will take almost half a month for the snow to melt." Zhou Ke'er nodded, "And with winter approaching, the temperature will only get lower."
"That's not a problem for us," Zhang Yi remarked. "What we need to deal with now is people."
"People in the apocalypse are more terrifying than demons."
After finishing their meal, Zhou Ke'er leaned against Zhang Yi, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Zhang Yi glanced at her, "What's this?" Zhou Ke'er's face blushed slightly, "For warmth!" Saying that, she pressed her body, rich in fatty layers, against Zhang Yi. Ever since Zhang Yi opened up her enlightenment, she seemed to have awakened, clinging to Zhang Yi every day. Fortunately, Zhang Yi was young and vigorous, and his energy was robust. Otherwise, an ordinary person might not be able to withstand it. Zhang Yi laughed and patted her plump buttocks, "I don't have time for you now. Go take a shower and get ready for bed!" Zhou Ke'er cast a flirtatious glance at Zhang Yi, then obediently went to bathe. What made Zhang Yi relinquish even the allure of beauty? It was, of course, a shared interest among men: guns! From the alternate space, Zhang Yi took out all the firearms he had collected today. While Zhang Yi had some knowledge of firearms, having previously joined the shooting association in Tianhai City and frequently visited the shooting range, police-grade firearms were naturally superior to those he had obtained through the black market. Thus, Zhang Yi retired his previous weapons, replacing them with two police-grade handguns, fully loaded with ammunition. Holsters and utility belts were readily available, ready to be worn around the waist. Zhang Yi then proceeded to study the rifles and the sniper rifle he had acquired. The shooting range in Tianhai City had specialized rifles for target practice but lacked sniper rifles. However, the modern network was well-developed, and comprehensive information on various firearms was available online. Zhang Yi took out his phone, quickly accessing the internet, and found detailed information about them. "I didn't expect these network servers to still be operational. Indeed, large companies have their methods!" Zhang Yi marveled. Although many internet companies had collapsed in the apocalypse, and numerous software ceased operation, a few large enterprise servers continued to function. This was, of course, in coordination with the authorities. At least until now, humanity hadn't abandoned the reconstruction efforts post-apocalypse, preserving a spark of civilization. Ignoring the sentimental musings, Zhang Yi delved into learning the usage instructions for these firearms online. Due to his pre-existing firearms experience, he quickly grasped the knowledge. Whether he could shoot accurately was another matter, but at least he knew how to fire and reload. "Even the worst can be used to intimidate people; that's enough." The mere presence of firearms exuded a significant deterrent force. After some contemplation, Zhang Yi loaded these firearms with magazines, activated the safety, and stored them in the alternate space. In case of emergencies, he could retrieve them for combat at any time. However, Zhang Yi couldn't bear to part with the sniper rifle. Guns are a man's romance, and a man's love for guns can be considered innate. Zhang Yi raised the rifle, using the scope to peer at the opposite building about fifty meters away. The windows of the unit on the opposite side were clearly visible, and even the locks on the windows could be discerned. "I'll
find a chance to test this rifle; it's truly an assassin's artifact!" Zhang Yi's lips curved into a faint smile. Direct confrontation was not his preference. Lurking in the shadows, unseen by others, then shooting them—now that was satisfying!