The operation of the excavator is relatively straightforward, primarily controlled by two levers for propulsion and a control lever for the bucket. Zhang Yi located the fuel tank and retrieved a canister of diesel from an alternate space, pouring it in. Then, he entered the control room and turned the key.
"A resounding roar!"
Fortunately, the low temperature had minimal impact on the new machinery, and the excavator continued to function normally. Zhang Yi manipulated the machine, casting the snow aside as he progressed. Initially slow, his speed gradually increased.
After half an hour, he had dug a sizable pit, three meters deep, and even the tracks could move slowly. Fortunately, beneath the excavator were tracks, and Zhang Yi even thought that, under special circumstances, this contraption could be used as a transport vehicle.
Although the speed was somewhat slow, the excavator's tracks navigated the snowy terrain effortlessly. This thing could conquer muddy marshlands, truly impressive!
Relying on his somewhat unskilled technique, Zhang Yi toiled for nearly two hours, finally reaching the solid structure. Joyful, he flung the snow to the side along the building's contours. Only then did he gradually see the vast roof platform of the gas station.
With the gas station's structure found, the next step was to clear the snow along this structure. Due to his unfamiliarity with the equipment, Zhang Yi worked diligently for about four to five hours before reaching the convenience store window of the gas station. Luckily, it was the excavator doing the digging; otherwise, he would have been utterly exhausted.
Zhang Yi descended from the excavator, storing it back into the alternate space. Then, he broke the glass on the window and jumped inside. Upon inspecting the convenience store, he was taken aback. The accumulated snow had breached the door, filling almost half of the space. Fortunately, the rear door was still visible.
Walking on the snow, Zhang Yi needed to find the storage for oil. Gas station oil storage is usually underground, avoiding the risk of being buried by snow. In no time, Zhang Yi found the entrance to the oil storage room. Despite the station's front appearing spacious, the rear space was actually quite small, and finding an entrance wasn't too challenging.
Using a crowbar, Zhang Yi pried open the iron door, illuminating the space with a miner's lamp. The scene before him made him inhale sharply—four massive oil tanks, totaling around 200 cubic meters of oil. At first glance, it was truly spectacular.
After pondering for a moment, Zhang Yi silently stepped outside the door, first discharging static electricity from his body. Only then did he dare to enter. With the gas station no longer operational, the inside was pitch black. Zhang Yi, with a miner's lamp, sealed off the oil transfer pipes on top. The pipe openings were wrapped in multiple layers of plastic sheets and cling film to prevent leakage. Finally, he stored these four enormous tanks into his alternate space.
Typically, with these three gasoline tanks and one diesel tank, he would no longer need to worry about refueling in the future.
"Hmm? Wait a moment!"
A flash of insight hit Zhang Yi, suddenly realizing something crucial.
"If I can use the excavator to dig through the snow, does that not mean I can unearth other places buried by snow?"
"In that case, the entire world could become a colossal treasure trove!"
"Even a treasure trove exclusively for me!"
With his mind now wide open to this realization, Zhang Yi felt ecstatic. Under the thick snow, many hidden treasures awaited.
"All good things, nothing but good things!"
Now having a plan, Zhang Yi climbed onto the snow-covered path created by the excavator's tracks, then mounted his snowmobile. Time was running short, and today's search ended here.
He revisited the Wanda Plaza supermarket, bringing back two bags of junk food. As the motorcycle appeared outside the community, many people peered through their windows to watch. Zhang Yi drove the motorcycle behind the apartment building, pretending to put it in the garage, then carried two bags of food back to Unit 25.
Without needing instructions, neighbors had already gathered. However, this time, Fang Yuqing did not come; it seemed she had realized that Zhang Yi wouldn't provide her with any more food.
Lin Caining, however, persisted and planned to give it another try. Ignoring her, Zhang Yi didn't spare her a glance.
"Everyone worked hard dealing with those invaders yesterday! Today's food is a reward for all of you, following the rules we agreed upon before for food distribution."
He distributed the food based on contributions. Since there was only a limited amount of food, those who did less work would naturally receive less. In short, those who worked less would have to go without.
Due to the sniper rifle incident, there was a bit more fear and awe towards Zhang Yi among the people, and they dared not say much. Moreover, they knew that Zhang Yi had killed the most enemies.
Li Chengbin and Jiang Lei did not have night shifts last night, so they only received one portion of food each. Zhang Yi's "one person's portion" meant it wouldn't be enough to satisfy their hunger.
Disappointed expressions appeared on the faces of the two.
Zhang Yi said to Li Chengbin, "We'll wait for them to come over. I don't know when that will be. You've killed over ten people; they probably won't dare to come. If we continue like this, what will we rely on for rewards?"
The young man was anxious. "You've killed more than a dozen of them. I'm afraid they won't dare to come over. At this rate, how will we get rewards?"
Zhang Yi touched his nose, smiling faintly. "Opportunities are for those who are prepared. I've only mentioned that killing an enemy rewards five portions of food, but I didn't say you can only wait for them to attack."
The proposal from Li Chengbin and Jiang Lei excited Zhang Yi. These people were originally brought in by him as cannon fodder. If they wanted to go to their deaths, then let them.
After all, these junk food items weren't worth much to Zhang Yi. A smile of approval appeared on his face, and he nodded. "Of course! Now, everyone outside is an enemy. Take them down, and you can ensure the safety of our collective!"
"Now, regardless of which building, except for ours, everyone can be killed, and then bring them to exchange for rewards!"
While this was said, considering the low temperature and heavy snow outside, they could only target nearby buildings.
The first and foremost target was the neighboring 26th building of the Tianhe Gang.
Li Chengbin and Jiang Lei cheered excitedly.
Other people's expressions varied, pondering who knew what. However, it was clear that some were moved.
After all, who wouldn't want to get more food for themselves?