Yes, indeed.
With the end of the world and the arrival of the frozen era, all laws and rules would be rewritten. In this new era, where the strong prevail, possessing resources was the ultimate power. As long as he remained loyal to Miles, there was no luxury he couldn't enjoy, no woman he couldn't win over.
Reflecting on his forty years of solitude, Ryan felt he had been wasting his life until now—this was his true rebirth.
Miles was being so blunt on purpose, driving home a simple message to Ryan: Stick with him, and there'd be food, drink, and women in abundance.
Earning loyalty required more than just empty promises; one needed to make reality crystal clear. Everything Ryan had now was because of Miles. If Miles were to cut him off, Ryan wouldn't last a week.
And then there was the fortress-like house, impenetrable even to artillery. Even if Ryan harbored any ill intent, he lacked the means. Moreover, Miles kept all his resources stashed in a space known only to him—killing Miles wouldn't yield a single grain.
They were both reasonable men. Who would throw away a good life for a senseless gamble?
...
While Miles mused over how to keep Ryan in line, Ryan was already itching with anticipation. He crept to the door, made sure no one was watching, and quickly carried Zeki into the storeroom.
Warmed by the sudden change in temperature, Zeki slowly regained consciousness. She opened her eyes, expecting to see Miles's familiar face, but instead found herself staring at a wrinkled older man gazing at her with unrestrained fascination.
"Ah!" She gasped instinctively.
"Stay… stay back!" Her voice trembled, a primal response to fear.
Ryan didn't say much; he simply poured a cup of warm water and placed it by her bed. Seeing the steam rising from it, Zeki crawled over, downing it in a few eager gulps.
Gradually, as her senses returned, she looked up at Ryan with large, pleading eyes. "Big brother, may I have some more?"
Ah, the skill of a truly high-level woman.
Even on the brink of freezing to death, she didn't forget to use her charm. That delicate, sorrowful face, coupled with her pale, yet exquisitely beautiful features—it was the perfect picture of vulnerability.
Who could possibly resist that?
Ryan was instantly captivated. Feeling slightly self-conscious, he refilled her cup and handed it to her, but this time she didn't take it. Instead, she lay back weakly, her gaze soft and imploring. "I… I don't have the strength."
If he didn't get the hint now, he'd deserve a lifetime of solitude. Gently, he lifted her, feeding her sips of water before setting her down to rest. Then, with a tenderness unusual for him, he prepared a bowl of hot rice porridge.
"Take it slowly. You need to eat something light after so long," he murmured, holding her close as she drank.
Half an hour later, Zeki's color returned, her skin flushed. She lay still for a moment, savoring the warmth, and glanced at the main house through the window, fully aware of her surroundings. But wisely, she said nothing, simply resting in Ryan's arms.
The room was steeped in a rare warmth. Upstairs, however, Miles was getting restless.
Peering through his military-grade binoculars, he chuckled darkly. "What's taking so long? This Ryan's hopeless."
"Now he's feeding her? Are they acting out a romance?"
As he grew impatient, Zeki, looking radiant, whispered softly, "I feel so warm…"
Those words—coming from a woman like her—had the same effect as a provocative invitation.
Unable to resist any longer, Ryan shed his heavy coat. Then, layer by layer, he peeled off her winter clothes until she lay in nothing but the black lace slip she had worn in their earlier video call.
Miles felt a pang of regret. In normal times, he might not have let someone like her slip away so easily. Thinking of Ella's charms, he could only chuckle at how much Zeki outclassed her.
At last, as the moment neared its climax, Ryan gathered Zeki into his arms, oblivious to the items that spilled onto the floor—items that left both men utterly stunned.
The moment, however, was fleeting, at least for Ryan. Soon, Zeki lay in deep slumber, while Ryan rose and dialed Miles.
"Enjoyed yourself?" Miles asked, amusement in his voice.
Ryan, still breathless with exhilaration, laughed, "I've never had a woman of this caliber. She's leagues above anything I could have imagined!"
Pretending to sleep, Zeki twitched, a trace of disdain flitting across her face. She thought she had it all under control, unaware that every detail had unfolded under Miles's watchful eye.
Holding his binoculars, Miles chuckled, "Let's talk business. Andrew called again, complaining that Tyler and his men took the last batch of supplies. He wants me to give him more."
Ryan shrugged. "It's your stuff. You do what you think is best."
"Alright then…"
Miles's voice carried clearly through the still night.
"Tomorrow, I'll leave a batch by the utility box next door. They can pick it up there."
Sighing, Miles added, "Though, if anyone catches on, Andrew will still come back, demanding more."
As the night deepened, Ryan fell into a deep sleep. Lying beside him, Zeki opened her eyes, casting a look of disdain at the man next to her. She slipped under the covers, pulling out her phone to find Tyler's contact in her messages.