After going through the introduction to safe houses, Zhang Yi immediately selected his service package.
The first step was a complete reinforcement of the house, replacing materials throughout.
Walls, ceilings, and floors were to all be replaced with 100mm thick steel plates.
The windows would be fitted with bulletproof acrylic glass.
Next was the ventilation system, which would be equipped with an air filtration system to prevent any harmful gases from penetrating.
Finally, he chose a comprehensive surveillance system that could monitor every corner inside and outside the house without any blind spots.
The house doors were to be replaced with heavy metal doors of the same material used in bank vaults, almost impossible to blow open even with explosives.
In short, Zhang Yi had one demand—to turn his house into an ironclad fortress impervious to intrusion.
After making his selections, Zhang Yi handed the tablet back to Wu Huai'en.
Wu Huai'en's eyes widened as he reviewed the order.
To turn a mere 120-square-meter house into something as unyielding as an iron barrel—
"With the addition of weapons, it's practically a major fortress," Wu Huai'en muttered to himself.
At these words, a glint appeared in Zhang Yi's eyes.
"Oh, you're familiar with fortresses?"
Wu Huai'en chuckled, "I was a mercenary abroad. I'm quite knowledgeable about military and weapons."
A spark of inspiration flashed through Zhang Yi's mind, and he lowered his voice, asking Wu Huai'en, "Do you have a way to get guns?"
The question immediately made Wu Huai'en serious.
In Huaguo, it was illegal for civilians to own firearms.
"Mr. Zhang, you should understand that, in principle, such items are not allowed for private possession," Wu Huai'en responded in a hushed tone.
"Are you facing some serious enemies that have left you so fearful?"
Zhang Yi seized the opportunity.
"That's right, I've made enemies with some people in the underworld. They're extremely ruthless, and they're armed."
"I was just thinking, why not get some guns for protection? Otherwise, I can only take a beating while hidden inside, which is no solution at all!"
Wu Huai'en gave a small laugh, "Mr. Zhang, I'm afraid I can't help you with that. We're a legitimate company."
However, from Wu Huai'en's gaze, Zhang Yi could tell that the man was capable of getting guns. He just wasn't willing to get involved in murky water.
Zhang Yi took a deep breath.
"Here's the thing—I'll be investing over 8 million into this safe house project. If I were to run into trouble down the line, it wouldn't reflect well on your company."
He looked Wu Huai'en in the eye, emphasizing every word, "All I want is a means to defend myself. If you can do me this favor, you won't find me ungrateful."
Wu Huai'en didn't say anything. His frown indicated that he was weighing the matter.
He had the connections, of course.
But without knowing Zhang Yi's background, he dared not refer anyone.
"Go on home for now. I can't sort this out myself, but I can inquire around. If there's any news, I'll be in touch."
Wu Huai'en was clearly undecided.
Zhang Yi didn't press the issue—after all, acquiring firearms certainly required caution.
He replied with a smile, "Alright, I'll wait for your news, then."
"And please, I need this safe house as soon as possible."
Wu Huai'en assured him, "We can have it built for you in no more than half a month."
After finalizing their discussion, Zhang Yi signed the contract on the spot and paid a 1-million-yuan deposit.
As for the remaining balance, well, he never intended to pay it in his lifetime.
Leaving Zhanlong Security Company, his living arrangements were largely sorted.
Next, Zhang Yi returned to his car and called a contact named Liu Yang.
Liu Yang ran a hunting ground in Tianhai City, leasing several hundred acres in the western hills stocked with various harmless animals for people to hunt for sport.
He legally possessed crossbows, compound bows, and air rifles.
Zhang Yi had previously visited a few times, so he had Liu Yang's contact information.
He called Liu Yang to ask for help buying a batch of equipment, proposing to pay a premium over the price.
Liu Yang, a businessman who also sought favors from Zhang Yi in the past, readily agreed to the deal.
"Brother Zhang, what do you need all this gear for? These are only for hunting or personal use. You can't use them to harm people, you know?"
Liu Yang's cautious laughter revealed his concern.
After all, the items were being sold by him.
If Zhang Yi were to use the weapons to harm someone, Liu Yang could find himself in trouble.
Of course, anyone capable of running a hunting ground in Tianhai City had their own connections, but there was no need to take on unnecessary risks for the sake of an ordinary friend like Zhang Yi.
Zhang Yi laughed heartily, "You're overthinking it! I've planned a hunting trip with some friends to an African safari soon. Just stocking up on some gear!"
Liu Yang clucked his tongue appreciatively, "Wow, Brother Zhang knows how to live! But be careful in Africa; there's no shortage of lions and hyenas."
"Mhm. So, when can you have the equipment ready for me?"
"Hey, I've got some in stock. Come by whenever you're free to pick it up."
Not one to dawdle, Zhang Yi drove straight to the western hills hunting ground and bought the equipment.
Time was precious to him, and he couldn't afford to waste a moment.
He purchased five stainless steel crossbows, three high-end compound bows, and three hundred arrows for both, as well as two quality hunting knives.
These were made of Damascus steel, incredibly tough and sharp, and would not easily be damaged unless used to hack at hard materials continuously.
The equipment filled the trunk of his car to the brim.
Seeing the trunk full of gear gave Zhang Yi a profound sense of security.
He drove the whole load of equipment home.
Since it was all bought through regular channels, and he had obtained a hunting certificate for his own use previously, he wasn't concerned about being stopped by the police.
By the time he got home, it was already dusk.
Zhang Yi then went out alone and enjoyed a hearty hot pot meal at Haidilao.
Thinking that in the future he would have to make his own hot pot, he immediately paid to order 10,000 servings of Haidilao's hot pot base.
The staff at Haidilao were astonished, fearing that Zhang Yi was from a rival business attempting to cause trouble.
But fortunately, thanks to Haidilao's exemplary service, the situation didn't escalate to conflict.
Eventually, the manager came over, and after inquiring about Zhang Yi's order, accepted it.
The condition was a cash payment to prevent potential sabotage by rival businesses.
Zhang Yi readily paid over a million yuan on the spot.
With such a generous gesture, the manager was overjoyed, even throwing in an extra 500 servings for free.