Zhang Yi ignored Li Jian's plea and turned to leave.
Li Jian was the textbook definition of an idealist—but ideals required power. Empty slogans meant nothing.
On his way back to Building 25, he passed Wang Qiang and Huang Tianfang, both sucking on cigarette butts as if they were priceless treasures. The moment they saw Zhang Yi, they hurried over with ingratiating smiles.
"Brother Zhang, heading out again today? Or did you already clear out all the food yesterday?" Wang Qiang asked with exaggerated warmth, acting so familiar he almost looked like Zhang Yi's cousin.
"I'll be leaving soon," Zhang Yi replied with a smile.
Huang Tianfang immediately chimed in, "Zhang Yi is the biggest asset this complex has! Unlike these useless losers." He pointed at the residents still shoveling snow. "They can't even work properly. All they do is beg for food all day."
Zhang Yi smiled lightly. "If they don't know how to work, then teach them."
Wang Qiang glanced at the obedient residents Zhang Yi had already broken in. "Exactly. They've got arms and legs, don't they? A few good beatings and they'll straighten right out." He turned back to Zhang Yi with a grin. "Brother Zhang, this Jinwan is a little harsh. Next time you go out, can you get me some Yuxi?"
"Yuxi?" Huang Tianfang scoffed. "Why not ask for Zhonghua while you're at it? Be grateful you're getting anything at all. Don't trouble Brother Zhang."
Zhang Yi waved it off. "It's nothing. I'll look for more next time I'm out. Cigarettes are valuable in the apocalypse, but the brand doesn't matter that much. If you want Yuxi or Zhonghua, I'll find them. If you want Dujiang or Hongsanhuan, those are harder to get."
The three of them laughed, the atmosphere warm and friendly.
"Oh, and I'll keep an eye out for good wine too," Zhang Yi added. "I'll bring you a couple of bottles. In this weather, a drink can warm you right up."
Wang Qiang and Huang Tianfang were overjoyed. Both of them loved drinking, and in this freezing apocalypse, liquor was no longer a luxury — it was a necessity.
"Brother Zhang, you're too generous! I misjudged you before. Whatever you need from me, just say the word!" Wang Qiang gave him a thumbs-up, genuinely moved.
Huang Tianfang followed suit. "Zhang Yi, you're our savior! From now on, I'll pledge my life to you!"
Zhang Yi patted both of them on the shoulder with a warm smile. "Exactly. We're partners now. In the apocalypse, everyone's just trying to survive. Cooperation is the only way to win. If you need anything, just ask — I'll help if I can."
Then he turned to leave.
"I'm off now."
"Take your time!" Wang Qiang and Huang Tianfang called after him.
Zhang Yi nodded, got into his vehicle, and left Yuelu Estate.
The two men watched his departing back, their expressions complicated. After exchanging a glance, they parted ways.
On the way back, Wang Qiang frowned in thought.
Why is Zhang Yi being so nice all of a sudden? Cigarettes, wine… Did I really misunderstand him?
He thought back carefully. Before the apocalypse, they had never interacted and had no grudges. It was only after the snow disaster that he had coveted Zhang Yi's snowmobile, sent men to steal it, and then ambushed him in the snow. Only then had Zhang Yi retaliated against the Mad Wolf Gang.
Wang Qiang slapped his forehead.
Right. I was the one who started it.
Zhang Yi's a good guy. I can trust him!
A cruel smile spread across his face.
I love dealing with honest people.
Meanwhile, Huang Tianfang was having similar thoughts.
Why is he suddenly being so nice to me? With his strength, he shouldn't be afraid of me. He must be tired of fighting and wants peace.
He smirked to himself.
He's alone, and even his own men aren't truly loyal. If we keep fighting, he could die too. So he's scared.
That conclusion satisfied him completely.
This is great news.
Zhang Yi, meanwhile, returned to the library. He finished Norwegian Wood, closed the book gently, and placed it back on the shelf.
He wasn't being sentimental. He simply didn't feel like reading that much anymore, and there was no point hoarding books only to let them gather dust in his space. He was the type who would buy every book in a store, then lose interest the moment he got home.
He checked his Rolex.
4:00 PM.
Time to collect food for the complex.
"I wonder when those idiots will take the bait," he murmured. "I need to keep lowering their guard, then strike at the right moment."
He left the library, gathered supplies from the supermarket, and rode his snowmobile back to the estate.
By then, several more building leaders had arrived to collect rations — including Wang Qiang and Huang Tianfang, who stared eagerly at the duffel bags beside Zhang Yi's feet, waiting for the cigarettes and wine he had promised.
They had come in person so they could pocket the luxury goods for themselves, knowing full well that handing them out would only cause conflict with their subordinates.
Seeing them arrive, Zhang Yi's lips curved into the slightest smile.
"Alright, line up and collect your rations one by one!"
As the leader of Building 1 approached, he lowered his voice and whispered, "Zhang Yi, you gave cigarettes to Wang Qiang and Huang Tianfang. Can you get some for us too?"