Gu Cheng pretended to be filling the water tank, but in reality she was storing water inside her Storage Space. In just these two days, she had already filled up 100 water tanks.
The water was very clear, and after filtering it could be used for bathing and washing clothes.
Drinking water and cooking, however, still relied on purchased bottled mineral water.
But water resources were limited, and as the weather continued to rise in temperature, the water level dropped sharply and became increasingly turbid. Gu Cheng and the others no longer went to collect water. Even after filtering, it had turned slightly yellow. It was better to leave it for those who truly lacked water.
Communication signals had also been completely cut off. All contact with the outside world was gone.
The satellite phone Elder Fu had given rang. Fu Zhe quickly answered, and Elder Fu’s serious voice came through.
“Did you tell anyone about the prophecy?”
Fu Zhe was confused.
“We didn’t tell anyone. The six people who know are all living together now.”
There was a pause on the other end, as if the elder was thinking.
“The leadership in Hai City received a letter. It was likely delivered to the office the day before the extreme heat began, but it was only discovered a few days later among the documents.
The letter described in detail the extreme heat, acid rain, zombies, and extreme cold. It also said the sender was a student who had foreseen the extreme weather. The Hai City leadership reported it upward, and after a meeting, they decided to send an elite team to protect and escort these people back to our base.”
Fu Zhe frowned.
“So it’s not us. Do they know who these people are?”
“They are in your residential area, which is why I originally thought it was you.”
“I know who they are. I’ve seen two men and two women. I need to investigate further.”
“Ensure their safety as much as possible. When our people arrive, you should all return together.”
Fu Zhe did not dare agree immediately.
“We don’t care about their safety—we have a grudge. As for whether we return, I need to discuss it with my companions. I’ll contact you later.”
“A grudge? What grudge? Don’t go causing trouble out there when I can’t see you. If you don’t come back, where else do you think you can go? You’ve been troublesome since you were young.”
Fu Zhe quickly interrupted.
“We’re having dinner. I’ll hang up now.”
The elder stared at the ended call, speechless with anger.
It was 10 a.m.—what dinner?
That brat.
After hanging up, Fu Zhe immediately told everyone about the situation.
“So it seems these people are ambitious but not very smart. They’re taking a risky path and trying to seek protection from higher authorities.”
Wei Jiawen puffed up like a fighting rooster.
“They only know this little information and still dare to write a letter? We know way more than them. Doesn’t that mean we can just walk sideways now?”
Shi Qiao immediately covered his mouth.
“Careful what you say. You might get our boss to sew your mouth shut—you won’t be able to eat his cooking anymore.”
Wang Che glanced at Wei Jiawen coldly as a warning.
“They treat foresight like a key to the door, trying to gain privileges. But it depends on whether they have the ability to survive what comes after.”
Gu Cheng leaned in and whispered softly into his ear.
“They do have ability. After all, they lived longer than you in the story.”
For the first time, Wang Che felt his words stuck in his throat.
“A soldier may be killed, but not insulted. I’ll go kill them right now. Let’s see who dies first.”
Gu Cheng’s eyes lit up instantly. She pulled out a gun and shoved it into his hand.
“Older Brother is right! As expected of a genius male god. Just shoot them, settle it once and for all. Why didn’t I think of that earlier? Let’s go!”
The others quickly rushed to stop them.
“Impulse is the devil! The elder told us to wait until the official team arrives and escort them back to Capital City Base. Don’t shoot them yet!”
Wei Jiawen also hugged Wang Che’s waist awkwardly.
“Boss, I know you want to save time and dignity, but please don’t act on it yet.”
Wang Xin also pulled Gu Cheng.
“Let’s keep them alive first. I haven’t finished watching them suffer yet. Killing them is too easy—they should suffer more than death.”
As soon as she finished speaking, everyone looked at her.
Wang Xin felt her scalp tingle.
“W-what? Was that too cruel?”
Fu Zhe shook his head and patted her fluffy hair with satisfaction.
“Xinxin has grown up. She’s mature now. She knows how to plan revenge properly. Even more stable than your older brother.”
Wang Xin looked pleased.
“My brother will catch up eventually. We’re from the same parents—he won’t be too bad.”
Everyone: “……”
Wang Che pulled Wei Jiawen’s arm off his waist.
“Stay away from me.”
He sat back on the sofa.
“Do you want to go to Capital City Base? I think it’s doable.”
Everyone had no objections and agreed.
It was finally decided—they would follow the official rescue team back to Capital City Base.
Two days later, the property management staff delivered a printed notice to every household.
Dear valued residents:
The city has now completely lost electricity, water, gas, and internet. Supplies are becoming increasingly scarce.
The surrounding rivers have also dried up. The property management can no longer assist. Residents must now rely on themselves to find resources.
Starting today, all property management operations will cease until normal conditions are restored.
The wealthy residents could not bear the blow, but they could not leave their homes—no matter how much they cursed, nothing changed.
One night, screams and cries for help echoed from one of the villas. After only three cries, everything went silent.
The group did not interfere. They guessed it was internal conflict. In the apocalypse, humanity had already regressed—outside the villa district, robbery and murder had long begun. Civilization had fallen, and only strength mattered.
At breakfast, Shi Qiao shared new intelligence.
“Last night, gangsters from outside broke in. They seemingly targeted a random house, but in reality, they collaborated with the servants inside to kill the male head of the household. The body was thrown outside. The woman was left alive.
That household used to abuse and starve their servants. During one forced trip out to fetch water, the servants met an outside gang. They joined forces. Since there was still electricity and food here, twelve men moved in directly.”
Gu Cheng sincerely admired Shi Qiao. He was basically an intelligence bureau—there was nothing he could not find out.
Wei Jiawen sighed.
“Looks like things won’t be peaceful from now on. We need to stay alert and not sleep too deeply at night. Even though our defenses are good, people will still have their eyes on us.”
Wang Xin looked worried.
“The women left behind… they’re probably in hell.”
Fu Zhe looked seriously at Wang Xin.
“It’s fine. Your older brother and I will protect you.”
Gu Cheng kept her head down, thinking about something. Wang Che thought she was worried about safety and was about to comfort her when she suddenly looked up at him.
Their eyes met.
“Older Brother,” she said weakly.
Wang Che raised a brow.
“Mm?”
“In the future, as food becomes scarcer, we’ll eventually run out. We won’t be able to cook every day. Can you cook more these days and store it in my Storage Space? Otherwise, the smell will attract attention.”
Wang Che: “……”
He had thought she was worrying about survival.
Turns out she was still thinking about food.
Her brain was only two things—sleep and eating.
Wei Jiawen slammed the table.
“Chengmei is right! Boss, stop sitting there. Go cook!”
“Do you need help?”
Wang Che reluctantly stood up, accepting his fate as the household cook. After all, only he could make edible food.
The others’ cooking was basically inedible.
Gu Cheng smiled sweetly.
“Older Brother, thank you for your hard work.”
Wang Che didn’t even look at her.
“Not hard work. Just a hard life. Bring out the ingredients.”