As the clock struck midnight, the world plunged into chaos. Water and electricity vanished, and the temperature plummeted by a staggering 100 degrees. While neighbors huddled outside, shivering and lamenting their fate, I sat by my fireplace, gaming away. The irony? I had hoarded an entire Walmart's worth of supplies, while they hadn't even thought to stock up on instant noodles. Starvation and frostbite loomed over them, but I was prepared. Then, she appeared—the girl I'd secretly admired for 18 years—boldly asking for food.
With a smirk, I sent her a picture of a luxurious steak paired with a $100,000 bottle of wine. She recognized it instantly as top-grade Wagyu and demanded a share. I laughed. If she wanted food, she could brave the supermarket herself. Little did I know, a supernova explosion had triggered this global Ice Age. As the warehouse manager of a supermarket, I had secured enough supplies to last two years. But my crush, cunning as ever, rallied the neighbors to break into my house. They stole everything—and worse, decided to ration me as their next meal. She even confessed, with a twisted glee, that she'd tricked me into opening the door.
Despair consumed me as they eyed my thigh for their next feast. But when I opened my eyes again, I was reborn—three months before the freeze. This time, I vowed to rewrite my fate. No more bootlicking. No more betrayal. My first priority? Stockpiling supplies and building an impenetrable fortress.
As I strategized, a blinding light transported me to a surreal space. An idea struck—if I could move an entire Walmart here, I'd never worry about food again. My stomach growled, reminding me of the apocalypse's grim reality. I treated myself to a lavish meal at the city's finest restaurant, costing a cool 50,000. In the apocalypse, even instant noodles would cost a life. Coincidentally, my crush, Fang Yuching, spotted me. Her friend exclaimed, "Fang, you're so lucky! The bootlicker chasing you is secretly rich!" Fang seized the moment, approaching me with feigned innocence.
I played along, inviting them to the supermarket. They eagerly agreed, unaware they'd become my free labor. I loaded two carts to the brim and handed them over. Fang's friend sneered, "Aren't you going to help?" Fang chuckled nervously, "You owe us a big meal for this." I laughed inwardly. When the freeze comes, none of you will escape my reckoning.
Back home, Auntie Lin from the neighborhood committee approached, her grandson in tow. She demanded I share my supplies. Her grandson even tried snatching from my cart, calling me a villain. I coldly retorted, "Say that again, and I'll slap you to death." The child wailed, but I stood firm. Auntie Lin fumed, but I displayed my payment QR code. "Pay now or shop yourself," I said. Furious, she stormed off.
With my supplies secured in an alternate dimension, I began constructing my fortress. Heating devices, medical supplies, and even firearms were on my list. I mortgaged my property and car, raising funds to build a safe house reinforced with aviation materials, bulletproof glass, and a 360-degree surveillance system. I even contacted a hunting club for crossbows. Meanwhile, I hosted a three-day banquet, ordering 500 tables of gourmet food. Neighbors gawked as trucks delivered the feast, but I stored it all in my alternate space.
As construction began, neighbors mocked me, calling me delusional. I ignored them. When the apocalypse arrives, they'll see who's truly prepared. Manager Joe from the security company helped me acquire warehouse supplies at double the market price. My relentless hoarding didn't go unnoticed, but I was ready for anything.
One day, while organizing my supplies, Fang Yuching approached me again, her tone laced with mock concern. "Is something happening lately? I've been thinking about you a lot," she said, with a fake sweetness that I found utterly insincere. I didn't even bother responding, which enraged her. "This bootlicker dares to ignore me?" she fumed to her friend, but her curiosity over my sudden hoarding was undeniable. Her friend laughed it off, "If something serious was about to happen, the government would notify us. Just focus on keeping Shangyi wrapped around your finger."
Half a month later, my safe house was finally complete. The surveillance systems installed on every floor gave me peace of mind; it was as secure as I had envisioned. Trucks of drinking water soon arrived, sparking curiosity from Uncle Yu, one of the few kind-hearted people from my previous life. "Little Shangyi, what's with all this water?" he asked.
Thinking of his past goodwill, I leaned in and whispered, "This year's weather is going to be abnormal. It's best to stock up before it's too late." Though skeptical, Uncle Yu took my advice to heart. Over the next few days, I converted every bit of my money into supplies.
Three days before the freeze, I invited my warehouse colleagues for milk tea—laced with sleeping pills, of course. Once they were out cold, I swiftly deactivated the surveillance system and transported the entire warehouse's inventory into my alternate dimension. Rows upon rows of goods disappeared into the ether. In the corner, a box of cutting-edge cold-resistant gear caught my eye. With these supplies, I was finally ready for the ice age.
To avoid suspicion, I downed a dose of my own "sleeping tea" and feigned unconsciousness beside my colleagues. Hours later, I woke to my coworker's frantic screams. "Boss! The warehouse is empty!" Pretending to be shocked, I jumped up and exclaimed, "What happened? How could this be?"
Soon, the manager called, accusing me of being a mole. "Manager, what do you take me for? I'm not capable of this! We need to report this to higher authorities immediately," I replied, feigning outrage. After consoling my colleagues, we were all taken to the police station for questioning. They found nothing, but we were instructed not to leave the city while the investigation continued. The news of the vanishing supplies spread like wildfire. "Hundreds of square meters of goods gone in three hours!" the headlines screamed.
The snow began falling heavily—a prelude to the freeze. I hurried home, knowing this was only the beginning. For many, it was their first time seeing snow in the south; for others, it would be their last. In my past life, the snow had lasted three months, growing colder and deadlier. By the second day, it had piled up half a person's height. People cranked their heaters to no avail. Meanwhile, I enjoyed the warmth of my safe house.
Then my phone rang. It was Fang Yuching. "Shangyi! Did you know the temperature would drop? You should've warned me! I'm freezing!" she whined. I scoffed and hung up, much to her fury. Undeterred, she texted me, demanding food. I laughed and sent her a picture of steak and wine—top-grade Wagyu and a $100,000 bottle of vintage wine. Her reply was instant: she wanted the same. My response? "If you want it, get it yourself at the supermarket." Furious yet determined, she resolved to keep me on her hook.
Just then, my surveillance tablet pinged. Auntie Lin was on screen, addressing the neighborhood. "Don't panic! This weather will pass in a few days. Hoarding supplies is unnecessary and will only drive up prices. If anyone hoards, I'll report them!" she warned.
But a voice challenged her. "Auntie Lin, can you guarantee this snow won't last? What happens if people run out of food?" The crowd murmured in agreement. Flustered, she declared the neighborhood committee would take responsibility. Then, pointing at me, she barked, "Shangyi, stop causing trouble! This is illegal!" Ignoring her, I returned to my fortress.
A week passed, and the snow showed no signs of stopping. Auntie Lin, frustrated, called me out in the group chat, demanding I shovel snow. I refused. Her authority wavered as others in the group voiced their frustrations. Seizing the opportunity, I retorted, "Why not ask the rich kids like Sua and Chen Jianhua to help? They have resources and manpower."
The group erupted in agreement, forcing Auntie Lin to address Sua and Chen directly. Her authority, once unshakable, crumbled in the face of collective dissent. Meanwhile, I watched the chaos unfold, a satisfied grin on my face. The days of being a pushover were long gone.
The neighborhood was in chaos. Sua lashed out, "You're nothing but an idiot pretending to be in charge! Taking our money and barking orders like you own the place? Pathetic." Auntie Lin, still seething, shifted her fury toward me. "Shangyi, this is all your fault! Do you want nobody to shovel snow? Will that make you happy?"
Scoffing, I picked up my phone, activating the voice message feature. "Did you come here to feel important after getting humiliated by others? Keep spouting nonsense, and you'll regret it." My icy tone made Auntie Lin back off, her resolve faltering. But just as she retreated, a loud bang shook my front door.
It was Chen Jianhua, shouting, "Shangyi! You think you're tough in the group chat? I'll kill you!" Calmly, I grabbed my crossbow, opened the door, and sneered, "We'll see who kills whom." I loosed an arrow, striking him clean through the shin. He collapsed, screaming in agony. To someone like him, I must have seemed like a docile man—an easy target. Little did he know, this was only the start of my reckoning.
As temperatures plunged to minus 100 degrees, his untreated wound turned into a death sentence. Unable to summon help due to the frozen city, Chen staggered home, the pain nearly numbing him to unconsciousness. Despite his suffering, he hissed his defiance in the group chat, "Shangyi, I swear I'll kill you." Unfazed, I typed back, "Keep talking, and I'll cripple the other two legs."
The audacity stunned the onlookers. Chen Jianhua, once the local bully, had never been confronted this way. Humiliated, he called in reinforcements—hundreds of his men, armed and vowing vengeance. They approached my fortress with their ringleader, a bald brute, bellowing, "Today is your death anniversary, Shangyi!" He swung a machete at my steel-reinforced door, only to watch it ricochet off, completely ineffective.
"Is this what passes for intimidation?" I chuckled from my surveillance room, watching them flail. Then a wicked idea crossed my mind. Grabbing a hose, I hooked it up to my kitchen faucet and blasted freezing water at the gang. The already frigid air turned the water into a deathly weapon, freezing several of them solid. Only three escaped, shivering and retreating to their leader. "What happened?" Chen barked.
"Shangyi is a monster," one stammered. "His house is a fortress! And that water—I've never been so cold in my life." Chen's expression darkened. "I don't care how fortified he is. Keep watch day and night. Eventually, he'll have to come out."
Little did they know, I had enough supplies to outlast ten lifetimes. Meanwhile, Uncle Yu and a few others were shoveling snow to reach the supermarket, but their efforts were futile. The snow was relentless, piling faster than they could clear it. Exhausted, they gave up and returned home, defeated.
As I watched from my camera feeds, I thought grimly, Human effort is no match for nature's wrath. The news offered little solace. "The government is mounting a final offensive against the snow disaster," reports claimed. But I knew the truth—90% of life on Earth was doomed.
Among the messages flooding my phone was one from Fang Yuching. "Shangyi, are you okay?" she asked. Her concern made me laugh. If not for her betrayals in my past life, I might've still seen her as pure and sincere. My reply was cold and curt: "I'm fine."
Undeterred, she shamelessly requested food, promising favors in return. Feigning generosity, I sent her a photo of a lobster feast, mocking, "I'm already full." Her anger was palpable, and she resolved to drop me as her "bootlicker."
Her best friend chimed in, "Fang's really upset, you know. Why are you being so difficult?" I ignored her theatrics. She pushed further, "The snow won't last forever. Play along, starve a bit, and win her over later." My response was a single, dismissive "Oh." Enraged, she fumed, "Since when did this bootlicker grow a backbone?"
Fang wasn't giving up, though. "If we lose Shangyi, so what? We've got plenty of others," she told her friend. True to her word, she summoned another admirer, Xu Peng, who arrived laden with supplies. Fang feigned gratitude, awarding him a "good person" card. Before Xu could bask in the glow of her approval, she slammed the door in his face.
As I enjoyed a chicken leg in my warm fortress, darkness enveloped the neighborhood. The power had finally failed. Panicked neighbors ventured out, asking each other if anyone still had electricity. With no water, no power, and no heating, the cold became lethal.
I calmly turned on the generator I'd prepared, reflecting on my past life. If I hadn't died early back then, I'd be just as miserable as the rest of them now. Meanwhile, Auntie Lin, clutching her grandson, shivered uncontrollably. She hadn't anticipated the snow lasting this long. A message popped into the group chat, warning of a once-in-100,000-years global blizzard. "We might be on the brink of extinction," it read. Auntie Lin, shocked by the gravity of the situation, quickly devised a plan. Determined to deceive the residents into handing over their food, she posted reassuringly, "Everyone, don't panic. This disaster is temporary. Repairs are underway!"
As the blizzard raged on, the neighborhood descended further into chaos. Auntie Lin, in a desperate bid to consolidate power, announced in the group chat, "Due to extraordinary circumstances, officials have granted the neighborhood committee authority over all homeowners. Anyone who disobeys will be arrested and interrogated by the police!" Chin Jianhua, no stranger to conflict, cursed openly in the chat, but even he dared not directly challenge the police.
Undeterred, Auntie Lin continued, "To help us survive, the committee will collect supplies from all residents and distribute them equally." I couldn't help but chuckle—this was the same trick she had pulled in my previous life. Moments later, she sent me a private message: "Little Shangyi, you must have hoarded plenty of food working at the warehouse. Besides, you brought in three truckloads of supplies last time. It's your turn to help. After the crisis, you'll be handsomely rewarded."
Her sanctimonious tone made me laugh. This old fox had been complicit in my death before—she'll get no sympathy from me now. I replied sarcastically via voice message, "What a coincidence! I just ran out of food at home, Auntie. When you're gathering supplies, remember to save some for me."
Her calm façade cracked. She had seen my hoarding firsthand; how could I possibly be out of food? Suppressing her anger, she responded sweetly, "Little Shangyi, this is an order from the organization. You must comply. I'll ensure your good deeds are reported."
Feigning innocence, I replied, "Oh, Auntie, I'm not lying. I really don't have anything to eat. Why don't you send me a few packets of instant noodles first?" That was the last straw. Furious, she retorted, "Refusing to cooperate is opposing the organization! I'll report you for disciplinary action!"
I couldn't help but mock her. "You represent the organization? You're not even a civil servant. Maybe next you'll claim to be a saint! Stop pretending to be so important." Her fury was palpable; she smashed her antiquated phone in frustration, muttering, "That insolent brat! After all, I'm a community leader!"
Having failed to extort supplies from me, Auntie Lin turned her sights on others. Over the next two days, she sweet-talked and pressured homeowners into handing over their food. Watching her antics, I sneered. Fools—trusting a false Samaritan in a world gone mad.
It didn't take long for the cracks to show. Homeowners began tagging her in the group chat: "You promised an even distribution. We're out of food—start sharing!" But Auntie Lin dismissed their complaints. "Idiots," she muttered. "I worked hard to gather these supplies. Why should I give them away?"
Then her phone rang. Seeing Chin Jianhua's name, her face turned pale. "What could he want now?" she muttered nervously. On the other end, Chin's voice was icy. "Auntie Lin, you've got guts, hoarding everyone's supplies. Over ten of us are waiting for distribution. Better open your doors."
Feigning innocence, Auntie Lin stammered, "It's the committee's decision, not mine. We're still sorting the supplies." But Chin was having none of it. Within minutes, he and his thugs stormed her home. Panic-stricken, Auntie Lin cried, "You're breaking the law! How dare you!" Chin smirked, slapping her across the face. "Law? You think swindling your neighbors was legal? Today, I'm the law."
Watching the spectacle unfold on my surveillance feed, I couldn't resist sharing. Posting the live footage in the group chat, I captioned it, Community justice at its finest! The reactions were predictably entertaining—mockery, shock, and grim satisfaction flooded the chat.
Meanwhile, Chin and his men ransacked Auntie Lin's house, leaving nothing untouched. Desperate, she clung to his leg, pleading, "Some of these supplies are mine! What will my grandson and I eat?" Chin kicked her aside. "That's not my problem."
Her grandson, unable to bear the sight, grabbed a small knife and stabbed one of Chin's men in the butt. The thug yelped in pain, kicking the boy away. His companions burst out laughing, teasing him about his newfound "combat skills." Auntie Lin cradled her injured grandson, sobbing, while Chin sneered, "This is what you get for cheating us. Justice is served."
Homeowners watching the drama unfolded celebrated. "Serves her right!" they jeered. But I wasn't fooled. Today it's Auntie Lin; tomorrow, it could be anyone else. My two-meter-thick steel door ensures it'll never be me.
Auntie Lin, battered and humiliated, turned to the group chat for help. "Does anyone have hematics, anti-shock meds, or antibiotics? My grandson needs surgery!" Her pleas were met with scorn. "Why should we help after you stole our food? Go find your justice elsewhere."
The snowstorm continued unabated, burying the world in a white tomb. Even if her grandson was saved, survival seemed unlikely. The first floors of buildings were submerged in snow, and temperatures in the north dropped to a lethal -100°C. Evacuees froze mid-journey, their bodies lining the roads southward.
Auntie Lin's desperation only grew. "My grandson hasn't eaten in two days. He's just a child!" she begged.
But in this frozen wasteland, morality had become a luxury no one could afford.
As the snowstorm's grip tightened, desperation clouded judgment. Auntie Lin's pleas for help grew frantic. "Are you all really going to stand by and watch my grandson die? I'm willing to pay a high price for supplies!" In response, opportunistic homeowners inflated prices, selling the last pack of instant noodles for an outrageous $2,000.
Watching this unfold, I couldn't help but chuckle. These people still think paper money has value? Soon, they'll find it too rough to even use as toilet paper.
Meanwhile, Sua, ever the shrewd second-generation rich kid, began stockpiling supplies. With business acumen to match his privilege, he understood that money in this apocalyptic world was rapidly becoming useless. Trading away his wealth, he amassed a cache of essentials.
At the same time, a single mother's plea caught the group's attention. "My daughter and I are starving. Please, help us," she wrote. I laughed bitterly. In my past life, this woman, Selene Mei, had outlasted many. Her current appearance of vulnerability? A calculated act.
Ten days passed uneventfully for me, comfortably secluded in my fortress. Then, my phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, I let out a cold laugh. So, they couldn't hold out any longer. I answered the video call, my tone dripping with mockery. "You all look thinner. Fasting suits you."
Behind me, the sight of abundant food left my callers drooling. "How do you still have so much food, Shangyi? Did you hoard it? And how are you sweating in this weather?"
I smirked. "Oh, the fireplace I installed keeps my house nice and toasty. Honestly, I feel like going for a run outside."
Fang Yuching immediately shifted her tone, flattering me. "Brother Shangyi, you're incredible! So prepared. Can you let me in to take a shower?"
I scoffed at her audacity. Without hesitation, I rejected her, adding with a smirk, "It's minus 100°C out there. Make sure to keep warm." My dismissive tone infuriated her.
"Don't go too far, Shangyi! We're starving and freezing! If you won't help, at least don't taunt us!" she snapped.
I laughed. "Still think I'm an easy target? Find your rich kid to save you. We're not even related—why should I care?" With that, I ended the call stylishly.
On the other end, Fang Yuching fumed. "He dares to treat me this way?" Her best friend, ever the voice of reason, commented, "Shangyi's actually quite capable. If you hadn't messed up, we could be enjoying his food right now."
Infuriated, Fang retorted, "You dare side with him? I'll kill you!" Their squabble devolved into a wrestling match.
Meanwhile, the government's long-delayed announcement finally aired. "To meet electricity demands, power will be available for one hour daily. Use sparingly—major plants are shutting down." The news confirmed online rumors, sparking panic in group chats.
Amidst the chaos, someone attempted to sell instant noodles for $5,000 a pack. I shook my head in disbelief. Still clinging to worthless paper money in a world where survival trumps all else? Fools.
Fang, unwilling to admit defeat, adopted a more aggressive approach. She called her number-one bootlicker, Xia Peng, weaving a wild tale. "Shangyi tried to tarnish my purity! He's using his food to take advantage of me!" Xia Peng was enraged. "That scumbag! I'll take him down!"
With her hooks firmly in him, Fang whispered sweetly, "Let's take his house together, okay?" Xia Peng agreed instantly, eager to prove his loyalty. They armed themselves with kitchen knives and marched to my door.
Feigning innocence, Xia Peng knocked. "Brother Shangyi, it's Old Xia. Can I trade you some fever medicine for food?" Unbeknownst to them, my surveillance cameras captured everything, their weapons included.
Anger bubbled within me. Do they think I'm weak? If the tiger doesn't roar, they mistake it for a sick cat. I connected a hose to my tap, ready to deliver a chilling surprise. Then, an idea struck me. Spotting a pile of waste, I grinned wickedly.
As they waited eagerly outside, I shouted, "Don't worry! Everyone will get enough to eat!" Hearing this, they readied their weapons, expecting the door to open. Instead, I sprayed them with a foul stream through a window.
Realizing what it was, Fang doubled over, vomiting. Xia Peng, furious, yelled, "Shangyi, come out! I'll kill you!"
I laughed, taunting, "If you're so tough, come in!" Enraged, Xia swung his knife at my door, only to injure his hand on its steel surface. Watching through my cameras, I chuckled. My two-meter-thick door isn't something you can break with brute force.
Content, I returned to bed, only to be jolted awake by a gunshot. Though I had prepared for humanity's descent into savagery, the sudden violence was unsettling. Quickly, I checked my surveillance feeds.
It was Chen Jianhua, now armed and robbing residents as they ventured out to collect snow for water. His gang operated with brutal efficiency, leaving victims helpless. After looting supplies, Chen declared in the group chat, "From now on, I'm in charge. Anyone who defies me will face this!"
He attached photos of his victims, bloody and broken. His ruthless display sparked outrage in the chat. Some called for unity to resist him, but their courage faltered when action was required.
Finally, Uncle Yu, a retired veteran, spoke up. "We can't let Chen continue. If you're afraid, I'll lead the charge. Let's rise together!" His words rallied tentative support.
As Uncle Yu rallied homeowners with calls for weapons and tactics, the tension grew. "Chin Jianhua has only five or six men with him. I can't take them down alone. We need at least a dozen young people willing to fight," he urged. Enthusiasm began building in the chat, but just as volunteers were stepping forward, a divisive voice broke through.
"Auntie Lin tricked us out of our supplies. What if Uncle Yu does the same? What about us—old, weak, women, and children? I absolutely disagree with this plan!" Hearing this, I had to suppress my frustration. This same woman had stirred gender conflicts in my previous life, sowing discord when unity was most needed. In a post-apocalyptic world, if you couldn't trust a retired veteran like Uncle Yu, who could you trust?
Inevitably, the homeowners split into two factions. The radicals were ready to confront Chin Jianhua, while the conservatives questioned Uncle Yu's motives. Watching the bickering drag on for two hours, I sighed. The scene mirrored my past life, where indecision and infighting had led to Chin Jianhua's brutal slaughter of most homeowners. But what did their squabbles have to do with me? I focused on enjoying my curry rice with corn, green peppers, tomatoes, and chicken.
Meanwhile, Chin Jianhua was busy expanding his reign of terror. Armed with a gun, he looted homes indiscriminately, even targeting his own followers. Resistance was met with a single, fatal shot. From my surveillance cameras, I noticed his men collecting the bodies. The realization hit me—he was stockpiling them as backup food. It's time to confront this monster.
The next morning, chaos erupted in the chat. Lianen, a leader of the conservative faction, sent a desperate cry for help. "Someone save me! Isn't Uncle Yu a veteran? Surely you can fight them off!" As the pounding on her door intensified, her panic grew. "If they get to me, none of you will be safe!" But before anyone could act, her door was smashed open, and she was dragged out like a ragdoll. Her pleas didn't evoke sympathy; instead, the radicals mocked her. "That's what you get for being a coward. Retribution has come."
Across the neighborhood, Fang Yuching and her friends were growing anxious. They knew they'd be next if they didn't act fast. Then Fang had an idea. She spread rumors in a mutual aid group chat, claiming I had hoarded a vast amount of supplies. "It's dangerous to live separately now," she wrote, tagging me. "Your house is solid and secure. Let's unite—we'll stand a better chance together."
I couldn't help but laugh at her audacity. The same stunt as last time? I replied nonchalantly, "I'm fine alone in my little 155-square-meter house with heating and electricity." Predictably, the chat exploded with outrage. "Don't be shortsighted, Shangyi! We need to unite!" Fang chimed in with a sanctimonious tone, "Saving lives is better than building a seven-story pagoda. You could save seven people—think of it as a 48-story pagoda!"
My response? Leaving the group chat. Their stunned silence was priceless. "When did this bootlicker turn into such a cool guy?" Fang muttered.
Their next move was to plan an attack on my fortress. Glasses Man suggested forcing the door, while Brown Hair bragged about his skills as a former lock company employee. Armed with umbrellas to counter my water defense, they began their assault. Watching from my surveillance feed, I smirked. A five-layer reinforced security door, comparable to a bank vault, and you think you can pry it open?
As Brown Hair struggled fruitlessly, I activated the high-voltage defense system. A jolt of electricity sent him sprawling, his body emanating black smoke. The sight stunned Fang and her allies. Glasses Man screamed, "Shangyi, you beast! We came to talk, and now Lao is dead because of you!"
I laughed. "You were here to pry my door open. Your intentions were clear." Then, I loaded my crossbow and fired an arrow through the door's small window, striking Glasses Man's arm. As they scrambled to retreat, two more arrows hit Xia Peng and another neighbor. Fang and her remaining allies fled in terror, fearing they'd be next.
Back at their lodgings, the injured lay moaning in pain. The frigid temperatures turned untreated wounds into necrotic death sentences. Glasses Man groaned, "Why did I go along with this?" Meanwhile, Xia Peng's cousin, Wang Men, marched up to Fang and slapped her. "This is your fault! Didn't you say Shangyi's door was just strong? Why didn't you warn us about the crossbows?"
Fang protested, "I didn't know! He didn't use them before!" Xia Peng defended her, declaring, "It's not her fault. I'll vouch for her." Wang Men, disillusioned, muttered, "You've gone from bootlicker to bootlicker king."
Desperate, they called Dr. Zhou, the neighborhood's only medic, to tend to the wounded. Examining the arrow wounds, Dr. Zhou remarked grimly, "This is just like the injury I treated for Chin Jianhua—a rusty arrow wound. Without proper equipment, the success rate of surgery is less than 20%. Without antibiotics, they'll likely succumb."
Fang, ever scheming, stepped forward. "I remember Shangyi receiving a shipment of medical supplies a month ago. He must have antibiotics. Why not ask him?"
Glasses Man's eyes lit up. "Really? Then go to Shangyi! He caused this—he has to take responsibility!"
But Wang Men, skeptical, interjected, "We barely escaped with our lives. Why would he help us now?"
Fang hesitated. How do I convince Shangyi to save them when I was the one who led this failed attack?
The chaos among the homeowners reached a fever pitch. Glasses Man, seething with rage, declared, "We're the righteous ones here! We didn't harm Shangyi; we just wanted his house. He's the one who attacked us!" Dr. Zhou, exasperated, retorted, "You deserve to get shot for your actions."
Wang Men, ever the instigator, pointed at Fang Yuching. "Then you'll be the one to get the medicine. Shangyi once pursued you—you're the most suitable person for the job." Bootlicker King Xia Peng chimed in, "Fang, we'll have to trouble you this time. I can only protect you once my arrow wound is healed."
Reluctantly, Fang agreed, though she had little confidence in her ability to sway me. Her only option was to make a phone call. Dialing my number, she pleaded, "Lao and Xia Peng are dying. Can you help them?"
I laughed coldly. "So what if they die? Everyone has to die eventually. Do you really think you can survive this snow disaster? The city is buried in snow, and this building is an isolated island. Once your supplies run out, you'll either starve or be killed by Chin Jianhua."
Fang's voice trembled as she sobbed, "Shangyi, I know I was wrong. I let you down, but I've come to my senses. Please forgive me. Xia Peng and the others were shot by you. Without medicine, they'll die from infection."
Before I could respond, Wang Men snatched the phone. "Shangyi, don't be so heartless. Keep some goodwill—you never know when you might need us."
I chuckled darkly. "Guess why I used rusty arrows? I never intended to meet you again. And how do I know you won't turn against me?"
Wang Men protested, "We're good citizens! We'd never betray you."
I cut her off. "Good citizens don't try to take over someone else's house. But helping you isn't impossible. Given that I've been pining after Fang Yuching for 18 years, I might consider letting her come over—alone."
Fang eagerly grabbed the phone. "Shangyi, I'm willing! From now on, I'm yours. Do whatever you want with me."
Her best friend, Lin Kaning, chimed in, "Take me too! Take me too!" But Fang slapped her hand away. "Shangyi only wants me. Stay here and behave yourself."
Wang Men, furious, slapped Fang across the face. "You shameless woman! You've caused so much trouble, and now you want to run off?"
Even Xia Peng looked betrayed. "Fang, how could you do this to me? Didn't you say you hated Shangyi and wanted to be my woman?"
Fang retorted, "Is it wrong to pursue a better life? If I stay with you, we'll all just die when the supplies run out. Shangyi has a whole Walmart in his house. What do you have? A few bags of supplies?"
Xia Peng collapsed in defeat, his love for Fang shattered. Without a second glance, she turned and left. Lin Kaning tackled her to the ground. "Why should you get all the benefits?" Wang Men joined in, scolding, "You only think about yourself. If we're suffering, you should too."
Dr. Zhou, watching their infighting, sighed. "The wounds have only been temporarily treated. Without medicine, you all need to prepare for the worst."
Glasses Man suddenly had an idea. "We can't deal with Shangyi, but the rest of the building can. Let's tell everyone about his stockpile. Someone else will take him down, and we can share the benefits."
Fang panicked. "Don't be so shameless! How can I live a sweet life with Shangyi if you do this?"
Wang Men raised her hand to slap Fang again, but Xia Peng intervened. "Stop! My love for Fang is genuine. I'll win her over with time. She'll fall for me eventually."
Wang Men, exasperated, turned her attention to the plan. She posted photos of my sumptuous meals in the homeowners' group chat. "Everyone's eating tree bark, but Shangyi is feasting every day. Is that fair?"
The group erupted. Chin Jianhua, drooling at the sight, declared, "This kid has so much good stuff. Perfect—I can settle old scores with him."
The chat exploded with demands. Some tried to guilt me into sharing my supplies. Others offered absurd trades, like billions in assets or even asking me to father their children. I laughed at their desperation. Why should I share with people who once broke into my house?
Seeing my cold response, Xia Peng and his allies were dumbfounded. "Is Shangyi not afraid we'll unite against him?" they wondered.
As the group descended into chaos, I turned my attention to the falling snow outside. "Staying home every day is boring. Maybe it's time to explore the outside world," I mused. With snowmobiles hidden in my pocket dimension, I was ready for anything.
Just then, a notification popped up on my phone. It was a plea from Dr. Zhou. "Mr. Shangyi, our medicine and supplies are completely exhausted."
Her message brought back memories of my past life. Dr. Zhou had died after giving her last food to Selene and her daughter. Though I respected her, I wasn't about to risk my life for anyone. "I can provide supplies," I replied, "but you'll need to exchange something for them."
Dr. Zhou immediately offered to become my private medical assistant. When I didn't agree, she added, "I'll sacrifice whatever it takes."
I countered, "I'll give you medicine and food, but you must do me a favor. The neighbors are on the verge of collapse and will act soon. I need you to spy on them and report their plans. The choice is yours—side with me or stay a bystander."
Dr. Zhou hesitated. Choosing me meant facing the wrath of the entire building. What she didn't know was that my fortress was impenetrable, even against tanks. This was merely a test of her loyalty.
Meanwhile, Glasses Man sent me a final ultimatum. "Shangyi, will you hand over your supplies or not?"
A cold smile crossed my face. "Even if I fed my food to pigs, I wouldn't share a crumb with you."
Enraged, Glasses Man growled, "Very well. You brought this upon yourself. Don't say we didn't warn you." A new chat group was formed to denounce me, with Chin Jianhua solemnly declaring, "Let's end this."
As the clock approached 2:30 a.m., the air outside my fortress buzzed with determination. Chin Jianhua and his gang gathered at my doorstep, armed and ready. Their cries echoed in the hallway, "Shangyi, come out if you don't want to die! This is your last chance!"
From my surveillance feed, I watched the scene unfold, amused. With a flick of a switch, I activated the high-voltage defense system. A few overeager residents surged forward, attempting to batter down my door, only to be electrocuted on contact. Their bodies convulsed, releasing puffs of black smoke before collapsing like charred statues.
The sight threw the rest into a panic. They turned to flee, only to find their retreat blocked by Chin Jianhua and his men. Chin, ever the opportunist, pressed his gun to someone's head. "If you dare back down, be prepared to die. Keep smashing the door! His electricity won't last forever!"
Glasses Man, the self-proclaimed strategist, stepped forward to rally the group. "Don't let fear stop you! Our fallen comrades demand vengeance. Beyond this door lies warmth and endless food. We just need to break it down together!"
His words ignited a flicker of hope among the crowd. Driven by hunger and desperation, they picked up makeshift weapons—wooden stakes, metal rods—and resumed their assault on my door with renewed vigor. The rhythmic thudding reverberated through the hallway like an ominous drumbeat.
Amused by their determination, I retrieved a large speaker from my alternate dimension. "Since you're all working so hard," I announced over the intercom, "let me play you a little tune for motivation."
A battle anthem blared from the speakers, energizing the mob even further. The blows against my door intensified, each strike more forceful than the last. Yet, after half an hour of relentless effort, fatigue began to take its toll. Some collapsed to the floor, panting and defeated.
"What kind of door is this?" someone gasped. "We've been hitting it for so long, and there's barely a scratch. It'll take years to break through."
Glasses Man, ever the expert, examined the door more closely. "This… this is a bank vault-grade door! Even a tank couldn't breach it, let alone wood and metal rods." His revelation left the group in stunned silence.
"Then what do we do now?" someone whispered, hope slipping away.
Glasses Man sighed. "Unless we find the world's top locksmith, we don't stand a chance without the key."
While he delivered his analysis, I quietly positioned myself behind the door. "So professional," I murmured, raising my crossbow. With precision, I loosed an arrow, hitting Glasses Man square in the shoulder.
The crowd erupted into chaos. "He has weapons!" someone screamed. Panic rippled through the hallway as my arrows flew with unerring accuracy. Those too slow to flee fell one by one, writhing on the floor.
I felt no guilt as I watched them crumble. They came for my life—it's only fair I defend it.
Glasses Man, clutching his wound, called out, "Don't panic! I have a plan! His steel door may be impenetrable, but the walls are just cement bricks. We can break those down instead!"
His words gave the group a renewed sense of purpose. Desperation turned into determination. But little did they know, I was always one step ahead.
The neighbors, desperate and driven by hunger, rallied around Glasses Man's latest idea. "We have so many people! We can break through his wall in no time!" Encouraged, they began hammering away with renewed vigor. Cracks started to form, and their spirits soared. But their triumph was short-lived. A loud metallic clang echoed as a burly man struck the wall with all his might, only to recoil in pain.
Glasses Man rushed forward, inspecting the damage—or lack thereof. "Damn it! The walls are reinforced with steel plates too!"
The group stared in disbelief. "Who uses steel plates for walls?" someone muttered. But their desperation outweighed their logic. They scattered, hammering at different sections of the wall, hoping to find a weak spot.
Watching from my surveillance feed, I couldn't help but laugh. "Sorry to disappoint, but my walls are half a meter thick, high-quality steel. Even a cannonball wouldn't make a dent."
Realization dawned on the group. "He must have known about the apocalypse in advance," someone whispered. "That's why he built this fortress."
Glasses Man's frustration boiled over. "He knew all along! That selfish, narrow-minded coward only cared about himself!" Some neighbors, overwhelmed by despair, began to cry.
Chin Jianhua, ever the opportunist, stepped forward. "Stop crying! His walls may be steel, but what about the ceiling and floor? Spread out and start hammering! I refuse to believe he's built a tortoise shell."
Reinvigorated, the group split up, attacking every surface of my house. I chuckled at their futile efforts. "Chin Jianhua has some brains, but not enough," I mused.
After hours of relentless hammering, their despair deepened. My house was, indeed, a reinforced tortoise shell. Without power tools, they'd need years of non-stop effort to make any progress. Hunger gnawed at their resolve. One neighbor, his stomach growling after two days without food, glanced at the person beside him. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, they both drooled at the thought of meat. Embarrassed, they quickly looked away.
Glasses Man, however, refused to give up. "Are we really going to wait for death? That damn Shangyi is so cruel. Why can't he sacrifice himself for the greater good?"
Then, a spark of hope. "I remember Shangyi has floor-to-ceiling windows on his balcony. Maybe we can break in from there!"
The group's spirits reignited. They grabbed planks and made their way to my balcony, yelling threats. "Shangyi, open the door! If we break in, you'll regret it!"
I sipped my coffee, unimpressed. "You think you're clever, don't you? Who says glass has to be weaker than metal?"
As expected, their efforts were futile. The windows, reinforced with bulletproof glass, showed no signs of damage. Frustrated, they vented their anger outside.
But I wasn't about to let them off so easily. Leisurely, I walked to the kitchen and prepared a homemade Molotov cocktail. "Since it's so cold, let me warm you up a bit," I muttered, tossing the cocktail through a small window.
The explosion was immediate. Flames engulfed one of the neighbors, his screams piercing the night. Unable to bear the pain, he leapt off the balcony. The others, finally realizing the gravity of their actions, pressed against the glass, begging for mercy.
"You turned me into nothing but feces in my past life," I said coldly. "Did you ever show remorse?"
With no other options, they tried retreating, only to be stopped by Glasses Man and his group. "Don't bring the fire to us!" they shouted, striking the first person with a wooden hammer. The man cried out and fell from the building. Those trapped by the flames were reduced to ash, while Glasses Man and his allies warmed themselves by the fire, showing no remorse.
The remaining neighbors, now starving and humbled, returned to my windows. "Shangyi, we were wrong. We just want a bite to eat. Please save us. We'll do whatever you want."
I sighed theatrically. "Don't be like this. It makes me feel bad. I have a strange quirk—when I'm upset, I want to eat." I slurped my noodles dramatically, the aroma wafting through the air. The sight made them drool uncontrollably.
"Of course, I'm not heartless," I said, feigning compassion. "I'll give you a chance. Bring me Chin Jianhua's head, and I'll feed you these noodles for a week—three meals a day."
Their eyes lit up, turning to Chin Jianhua in the next building. In their minds, he was no longer a leader but a roast chicken, ripe for the taking.
Chin Jianhua, sensing their intent, felt a chill run down his spine. Before he could react, they charged at him. But under the threat of his gun, they hesitated.
I added fuel to the fire, posting a bounty in the homeowner group chat. "Whoever kills Chin Jianhua will receive a week's worth of food."
Realizing the danger, Chin Jianhua fled, finally understanding the hostile stares directed his way.
The next morning, several neighbors set up ambushes for him. Though he had a pistol, his bullets were limited. My impenetrable fortress had already cost them 40 to 50 lives. Rather than starve, they decided to take their chances with Chin Jianhua.
As he berated his subordinates to fetch snow for water, two neighbors launched a surprise attack with kitchen knives. His subordinates shouted, "Watch out!" but it was too late. Chin Jianhua managed to shoot them down, but not before one left a deep gash on his back.
Panting heavily, he ordered his men to drag the bodies back. "At least we have something to eat now," he muttered grimly.
But his wound was severe. Calling for Dr. Zhou, he hoped she could save him. Little did he know, his reign of terror was nearing its end.
Standing on the balcony as I recorded, Dr. Zhou spun around, her eyes inquiring. "You are recording?" she asked, clutching the baseball bat firmly.
I grinned, angling the camera slightly to get the icy hulk of Chin Jianhua's gang. "Yes, I am," I said icily. "I want to show everyone just what happens when you cross me," I added. "A demonstration for those scheming behind closed doors."
Dr. Zhou hesitated, her hold on the bat relaxing. "Isn't this. too much? They're already gone," she whispered, her voice shaking ever so slightly.
I put down the camera and stared at her, my voice cold. "In this world, hesitation kills. Do you want to live, or do you want to join them?" My words hung heavy in the cold air.
She drew a breath, steadying herself, and swung the bat again, crushing the frozen corpse before her into sharp pieces of ice and meat. With every blow, it seemed she chipped away at whatever humanity remained, but in such a world, there was no room for sentiment.
I leaned on the railing, observing her. "Good," I said at last, with a nod of approval. "You're learning. But don't forget—this isn't for survival only. It's about making a point. Weakness isn't welcome here."
As she shattered the final of the frozen dead, Dr. Zhou returned to my side, her fingers shaking in spite of the thermal coat. "Do you always live this way?" she whispered.
I chuckled quietly, shoving the camera into my pocket. "In the apocalypse, you don't 'live.' You survive. There's a difference."
A Chilling Return
Stepping back into the comfort of my fortress, Dr. Zhou sank onto the couch, her fatigue evident. I handed her a bottle of water, observing as she gulped it down. "Rest up," I instructed, sitting opposite her. "The hardest part is over—for now."
She stared at me, her eyes brimming with unasked questions. "How. how did you manage to survive prior to all of this?" she asked at last.
I sat back, folding my arms. "It wasn't survival mode," I started. "It was preparation. While everyone else was basking in their cozy existence, I noticed the warning signs. The warnings regarding gamma rays from a supernova weren't conspiracy theories. I knew what would happen."
I waved my hand around the room. "So I constructed this fortress, stored up supplies, and waited. People ridiculed me then. But look at who's laughing now."
Dr. Zhou nodded slowly. "You're right. Nobody thought this would occur. And now. this is all that remains."
Reinforcement of Loyalty
There was a silence for a moment, then I got up and approached her. "Dr. Zhou," I said firmly. "You've demonstrated yourself today. But let me make one thing absolutely clear—trust is not given, it's earned. If you're going to remain here, you're going to have to continue pulling your own weight. No slackers. Not now, not ever."
She nodded eagerly. "I get it. I'll do whatever I need to."
I smiled weakly, presenting her with a list. "Good. So here's your first assignment. Take stock of all the medical supplies you've brought and create a report. I want to know precisely what we have and what we're going to need in the future."
She took the list and scanned it before looking at me again. "And then what?" she inquired warily.
I raised an eyebrow. "One step at a time, Dr. Zhou. Earn your worth, and we'll see."
The survival game was only just starting, and while I valued the skills of Dr. Zhou, the snowstorm was in no way finished yet. The real challenges ahead had yet to come, and only the strongest—or the cleverest—would survive.
Having asserted dominance among the homeowners through the group chat, Shangyi had laid the ground to rule with both fear and admiration over the entire building. His video smashing Chin Jianhua's gang like icicles flew by quickly with no space to ignore. Comments full of congratulations and declarations of fidelity poured through the group chat, with their neighborhood pledging to obey the commands of the self-proclaimed emperor.
Amidst this tumult, Fang Yuching did not waste time. She made her approach, replete with pitiful cries and saccharine entreaties. "Brother Shangyi, Chin Jianhua is deceased. May I visit your residence for sustenance and shelter? I will never let you have that woman, Dr. Zhou—you are solely mine."
Shangyi laughed darkly, his smirk palpable even over the phone. "So you're not dead after all," he growled.
Fang picked up the cue and doubled back, her voice transitioning to pretended comprehension. "I get it now, Brother Shangyi. You assumed I was dead and so you took in that woman, Dr. Zhou. But I'm here now. I'm coming to live the good life with you."
Her best friend and Wang Men, overhearing the call, erupted in fury. Their current misery was entirely Fang Yuching's doing, and they couldn't tolerate the idea of her enjoying the comforts of Shangyi's fortress. The sound of their heated argument reached Shangyi's ears, as the women began bickering and physically fighting on the other end of the line.
Watching Dr. Zhou hurry over, a flash of urgency in her eyes, Shangyi's wicked grin deepened. He saw an opportunity—an elegant yet sinister twist to make Fang Yuching experience the despair she had once inflicted upon him.
A Dance of Manipulation
Shangyi did not hesitate to take advantage of the situation. In the group chat, he declared a special "invitation" to his fortress—a sanctuary for the deserving only. His conditions? Loyalty, utility, and absolute compliance with his regulations. Fang Yuching's desperate bid to secure a place set off a vicious commotion in the chat, as neighbors begged Shangyi for his favor.
Dr. Zhou, observing from the sidelines, became more anxious. She had won over Shangyi, but she was now afraid to lose her place to Fang Yuching's persistent charm campaign. Witnessing the turmoil, she clenched her determination—she needed to demonstrate her worth, not only to survive, but to remain indispensable.
While Shangyi indulged in the subsequent drama. He wasn't looking to let someone in without paying a price, and he well knew how to spin the tale to suit his needs. Fang Yuching's cries became more theatrics, her voice trembling as she begged for another chance.
"Brother Shangyi, I promise to commit myself to you. I'll forget about my past—just open the door for me!" she exclaimed.
But Shangyi wasn't about to make it that simple for her. He maneuvered his cards cunningly, setting up a situation in which Fang would have to confront the very individuals she had used in desperation.
The Test of Despair
"Fang Yuching," he replied, his tone collected, his tone dripping with spite, "You wish to come here? You may. Earn your place. Prove yourself. Bring me Wang Men's trust—you will have to persuade her to lay down her arms for good. Otherwise, you remain outside."
The group chat exploded. Wang Men, infuriated, vowed not to let Fang manipulate her anymore. Fang's best friend chimed in, calling her out for the misery she had caused. Dr. Zhou, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward with quiet determination. She wasn't willing to let Fang Yuching step foot in Shangyi's fortress—not when it was her last lifeline.
The tension escalated as Shangyi masterminded the showdown, observing the social structure within the building change and collapse under his deliberate manipulation. Fang, who was previously the puppeteer, now found herself ensnared in a complexity of manipulation far out of her hands.