Zhou Peng was fawning over Fang Yuqing.
However, it was clear that Fang Yuqing had no interest in men like Zhou Peng.
Economically, Zhou Peng was far worse off than Zhang Yi. He didn't even own a home—he rented.
Nevertheless, Fang Yuqing smiled and said, "Thank you, Zhou Peng. But I already have plans with a friend that night. Such a pity!"
Disappointment flashed across Zhou Peng's face.
He had spent an entire month's salary on those concert tickets!
He had hoped to use the concert as an opportunity to confess his feelings to Fang Yuqing.
But it was all for nothing.
Zhang Yi observed this scene with a mocking smile.
He knew Zhou Peng, the sycophant, wouldn't get anywhere with Fang Yuqing.
Seeing Zhang Yi's grin, Zhou Peng felt a surge of anger.
Trying to deflect his embarrassment, he walked over to Zhang Yi and said, "Zhang Yi, you really are something else!"
"A grown man making a woman carry things for you. Aren't you ashamed?"
"Fang Yuqing came to work today complaining of back pain. Next time, don't bother her!"
Zhang Yi glanced at Fang Yuqing.
So she had spread the word.
Feigning innocence, Fang Yuqing said, "It's nothing, really. I'm fine."
"But I'm not used to heavy lifting, so I might have strained my back."
She massaged her waist, wincing dramatically.
To appear gallant, Zhou Peng pointed at Zhang Yi, "Give Fang Yuqing 500 yuan for medical expenses."
Zhang Yi's gaze turned cold as he stared at Zhou Peng and snapped, "She offered to help. I didn't ask for it."
"And who do you think you are to lecture me?"
"Do you really think you matter?"
Zhang Yi's sharp retort left Zhou Peng and Fang Yuqing stunned.
Zhou Peng was just a regular clerk, with no power or influence.
He only dared to reprimand Zhang Yi because Zhang Yi was usually easygoing and avoided conflicts.
But seeing Zhang Yi genuinely angry, Zhou Peng backed down.
"Why are you yelling?"
"I was just making a suggestion."
Zhang Yi sneered and walked away.
He had no time to argue with Zhou Peng.
To Zhang Yi, everyone around him seemed like dead men walking.
In a month, 99% of these people would likely die in the apocalyptic cold storm.
Why waste words on them?
After Zhang Yi left, Zhou Peng whispered to Fang Yuqing, "See, I told you Zhang Yi was no good. Stay away from him."
Fang Yuqing frowned, puzzled.
Lately, Zhang Yi seemed completely different.
He no longer greeted her or chatted with her at night.
"Something's definitely up!"
Fang Yuqing thought to herself.
...
After work, Zhang Yi drove to a five-star hotel in Tianhai City.
It was the same hotel where he had placed his catering order: Hongfu Tianxia.
The manager, hearing of Zhang Yi's arrival, warmly arranged a room for him.
A night in a five-star hotel cost over a thousand yuan, but Zhang Yi didn't mind.
He still had several million left, and not spending it felt wasteful.
That evening, Fang Yuqing unexpectedly messaged Zhang Yi.
Fang Yuqing: "Zhang Yi, I passed by your house today and saw some renovations happening!"
Zhang Yi smirked, "Yes, that's right."
Fang Yuqing: "You've been acting so strange lately, stocking up on things and renovating your house. Is something going on?"
Zhang Yi raised an eyebrow.
Despite being manipulative, Fang Yuqing wasn't stupid.
She had noticed his recent unusual behavior.
But Zhang Yi didn't care. Others' opinions meant nothing to him now.
"Nothing."
He replied coldly and tossed his phone aside.
Fang Yuqing, seeing his indifferent response, felt uneasy.
For the past two years, Zhang Yi had always been kind to her, constantly checking in and chatting with her every night.
Lately, his attitude had changed drastically. He was cold and no longer initiated conversations.
This made Fang Yuqing very uncomfortable.
She might not be interested in Zhang Yi, but she couldn't stand him losing interest in her.
To Fang Yuqing, it was like losing a fish from her pond.
Though Zhang Yi wasn't a rich heir, he was still a decent middle-class option.
If she couldn't marry a wealthy man, Zhang Yi could be a backup plan.
Fang Yuqing sent another message.
"Feels like we've been out of touch lately. It's making me a bit lonely."
But after waiting, there was no reply.
Fang Yuqing bit her lip, growing frustrated.
"What's wrong with Zhang Yi lately? I'm reaching out to him, and he dares to ignore me!"
Her roommate, Li Caining, hearing her frustration, laughed.
"Zhang Yi's been acting weird. Who knows why he's buying so much food and drink, and ordering so many banquets?"
"It's like he's preparing for a shortage."
Fang Yuqing frowned.
"Ningning, do you think something's going to happen? Did Zhang Yi get a tip-off, and that's why he's stocking up?"
Li Caining paused, then burst out laughing.
"Yuqing, are you serious? If something big were happening, the government would notify us."
"We just need to stay calm. Stocking up would make us look foolish."
Fang Yuqing laughed at herself.
"You're right."
...
Zhang Yi stayed in the five-star hotel suite for several days.
He didn't go anywhere, spending his time ordering banquets from major hotels and practicing with his compound bow and crossbow.
Luckily, he had a hunting background.
Within a fifteen-meter range, his accuracy was impressive.
With a professional-grade compound bow, even an ordinary person could shoot like a legendary archer.
It wasn't just for self-defense against humans; it could also deal with wild boars, wolves, and large dogs.