No matter how meticulously Stel planned, he still managed to leave his bag at the small supermarket. He had no choice but to return and retrieve his military backpack. On the way, Stel noticed something strange. Zombies were gradually reappearing on the streets, and their numbers seemed to be increasing. It was as if they were being drawn by something. Stel didn't dwell on it—no matter how many zombies there were, they couldn't harm him. Better to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Back at the apartment entrance, Stel knocked on the door. Inside, Elsie, who had just finished cleaning up, heard the knock.
"Thud!"
At the first knock, Elsie's hand, holding the showerhead, trembled slightly. Could it be zombies? She had been hearing strange footsteps outside the door, sometimes sounding like a single person, other times like multiple people.
"Thud!"
The knocking sounded again. Elsie turned off the shower and listened closely. Was it zombies banging their heads against the door?
"Thud, thud, thud!"
The knocking became more urgent. Elsie remembered Stel's knock pattern, and her tense expression relaxed. It was Stel! The rapid, short-interval knocks were Stel's signal. She clearly remembered Stel's instructions before he left. She quickly set down the showerhead, wrapped herself in a towel, and, without drying her hair, hurried barefoot to the door. She peered through the peephole and confirmed it was Stel. Relieved, she unlocked the door without hesitation.
However, as the door opened, Elsie was stunned by what she saw.
Stel stood at the doorway. Behind him was a mountain of supplies—instant noodles, canned goods, drinks, and even the sanitary pads she needed! Elsie couldn't believe her eyes. How had Stel managed to bring so many supplies back? The lower floors were teeming with zombies, and he had carried all this through them. It seemed impossible.
"Master, am I dreaming?" Elsie pinched her cheek lightly. It hurt—she wasn't dreaming!
"Master! Did you bring all these?" Elsie's expression lit up with joy, her eyes narrowing into crescent shapes and her mouth spreading into a wide grin.
"Of course I did. Who else would it be, you?" Stel gave her a sidelong glance.
"Master, I didn't mean it like that..." Elsie hurried to explain, still smiling. Stel rolled his eyes at her, walked past her into the apartment, and tossed his backpack into the living room.
"The third floor is clear of zombies. Move all the supplies inside. I'm going to take a shower," he commanded.
While gathering supplies, Stel had killed many zombies, inevitably getting their blood on him. Even though it didn't affect him much, he didn't want to smell the stench of rot any longer. Without waiting, he headed straight for the bathroom.
Hearing Stel's order to move all the supplies by herself, Elsie felt disheartened. But the sound of the bathroom door closing was an unmistakable command. She sighed. There was no choice—Stel had given the order, so she had to obey.
Elsie peeked her head out cautiously, scanning left and right. "Just as Stel said, the third floor is clear of zombies..." she muttered to herself.
However, the corridor was littered with the bodies of zombies. Not only did they look extremely creepy, but their smell was also unbearable. Helpless, Elsie had to endure the nausea and start moving the supplies inside bit by bit.
Given that Elsie was currently on her period, she wasn't supposed to do heavy lifting. But Stel had no sense of chivalry. He had gone through great effort to bring all these supplies back, and there was no way he would let Elsie just sit around and enjoy the fruits of his labor.
"Here we go!" After over ten minutes, Elsie finally moved the last batch of supplies into the apartment. Making sure nothing was left outside, she closed the door. Just then, Stel finished his shower, wearing only a small towel around his waist. His upper body was bare, showing off well-defined muscles from his training and zombie fighting, giving him the look of a professional bodybuilder.
"Master, all the supplies are inside now," Elsie reported, running up to him with her hands behind her back. Though she was exhausted and sweaty, she put on a pleased smile, like a child seeking praise for a good deed.
"All moved in?" Stel asked.
"Yes, I double-checked, and there's nothing left outside."
"Then why haven't you organized them yet? Do I need to teach you even such a simple task?"
Elsie's smile vanished instantly. Not only did she not receive any praise, but she also earned more of Stel's displeasure. However, she didn't dare refuse his orders and got to work, organizing the supplies.
"By the way, don't put that steak in the fridge yet," Stel added. "We'll have a feast tonight."
"A feast?" Elsie's eyes lit up at the words. The last time they had a feast was when Stel got tired of eating compressed biscuits for a whole week.
When they planned to improve their diet using the soon-to-expire ingredients from the kitchen, it resulted in a grand meal. But today, among the supplies Stel brought back, there was a steak. It was evident that tonight's feast would involve that steak!
"Don't worry, Master, I'll have everything ready before dinner." The thought of a feast tonight significantly reduced Elsie's anger. However, even if she did have some lingering resentment, she wouldn't dare express it to Stel.
By evening, Elsie had painstakingly organized all the supplies Stel had brought back. Most of the non-perishable items were stored in her room, like sanitary pads and canned goods. Instant noodles and some vegetables were placed in the pantry for easy access.
"Whoosh!" Stel, donning an apron, entered the kitchen before dinner time. He cut a small portion of the steak, washed it clean, and prepared to cook a meal for two. Stel knew that even with an ample supply of provisions, wasting any of it was not an option. The steak was precisely portioned for two people. He and Elsie ate just enough to maintain their health. If they indulged in gluttony, no amount of supplies would be sufficient.