Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: The Safehouse is Complete

Three days later, with Wu Huairen's connections, Zhang Yi successfully acquired two guns and 100 rounds of ammunition. The price was high, but Zhang Yi didn't mind at all. With these heavy items in hand, he felt even more confident about his safety in the apocalypse. In addition, he completed a transaction with Zhou Hairun, securing two boxes of high-end imported medicines needed for the end times. Another week passed. Wu Huairen called Zhang Yi to inform him that the safehouse had been built according to his specifications, inviting him to return for inspection. Zhang Yi finally left the hotel where he had been staying for a while and drove back to the Yuelu Community. Wu Huairen personally accompanied Zhang Yi for the inspection. When he returned home, Zhang Yi couldn't help but be impressed by what he saw. Zhanlong Security Company truly lived up to its reputation as a top-tier security company in China. The speed and quality with which they built the safehouse were impeccable. The entire house had been reinforced with 100mm thick steel plates, all without any noticeable changes from the outside. Wu Huairen patiently explained each feature to Zhang Yi. "The ventilation system is military-grade, capable of filtering out harmful gases and preventing any external gas attacks." "In addition, the entire insulation system has been redone using professional-grade materials from the Arctic Research Institute." "We've also installed a fireplace as per your request, and the system can prevent 99.5% of heat loss." At this point, Wu Huairen gave Zhang Yi a knowing smile. "And to ensure your safety, we've installed a surveillance system throughout the entire building—300 cameras in total—so you can monitor every floor." Zhang Yi was stunned by all this and didn't know what to say. He could only marvel at the fact that with enough money, you could buy services unimaginable to the average person. He walked to the balcony and noticed that it had been turned into a large floor-to-ceiling window. Wu Huairen explained, "The windows are made of bulletproof and explosion-proof materials, even sturdier than the 100mm steel plates." "They also allow natural light to enter and provide convenient observation of the outside." Zhang Yi was very satisfied with the safehouse. Unless an army with heavy weapons showed up, it was unlikely anyone could force their way into his home. Even if the entire building collapsed, his room would probably remain intact. "I'm very pleased with the safehouse you've built," Zhang Yi said with a smile. Wu Huairen beamed with pride, handing over some documents for Zhang Yi to sign. "If everything's in order, please settle the remaining payment within three months." Zhang Yi chuckled, nodding. "Of course, of course!" But in his mind, he knew he wasn't going to pay the balance. The thought of having paid only a one-million-yuan deposit for a safehouse worth nearly ten million made Zhang Yi feel elated. It was like getting an incredible deal for free! Zhang Yi lay back on the sofa, admiring his nearly perfect safehouse. However, after some thought, he realized he had overlooked something very important. The source of life: **water**! Zhang Yi slapped his forehead. "How could I forget something as crucial as water?" Once the Ice Age apocalypse arrived, though it would be possible to gather water by breaking ice, the outside temperatures would drop to minus sixty or seventy degrees. Leaving the house would be dangerous. Zhang Yi couldn't allow such a major vulnerability in his safehouse! After thinking it over, he immediately placed an order on a delivery platform for 100 large water storage barrels. This would allow him to store up to 500 cubic meters of water—enough to last him several years. On top of that, he could always get bottled water from his warehouse later, so the water supply issue was perfectly resolved. The delivery service was fast. A few hours later, Zhang Yi's order arrived. Zhang Yi went to the community gate and asked Uncle You, the security guard, to let the deliveryman in. Seeing Zhang Yi buying so many strange items again, the neighbors couldn't help but gossip. "Is there something wrong with Zhang Yi?" "Yeah, he's been buying all these odd things lately." "A few days ago, I saw people carrying at least ten-centimeter-thick steel plates into his house." "Hehe, maybe he's gone crazy and is trying to copy those 'safehouses' from the movies!" "I've seen some rich folks on foreign videos build those things out of boredom. Isn't it just paranoid overthinking?" "Now he's bought all these water barrels. Does he think Tianhai City will run out of water? Haha!" Faced with his neighbors' mocking laughter, Zhang Yi couldn't be bothered to argue. He merely sneered inwardly. When the Ice Age apocalypse arrived, they would realize how foolish they were. Zhang Yi had no interest in explaining. These people would only think he was crazy and wouldn't listen to his well-meaning warnings. Worse, they might even accuse him of spreading rumors and causing public unrest, potentially leading to his arrest. Security guard Uncle You was chatting with another neighbor, Uncle Tang. Seeing Zhang Yi, Uncle You enthusiastically came over and asked, "Xiao Zhang, what are you doing with all these water barrels? If you need help, just let me know—I'll lend you a hand." Zhang Yi looked at the kind-hearted Uncle You and couldn't help but feel a bit emotional. Uncle You was a retired soldier with no children, who had worked as a security guard in the community for over a decade. He was always responsible and diligent. In his previous life, he had sacrificed his last bit of food to save a starving mother and daughter, eventually dying of hunger himself. He was one of the few people Zhang Yi had seen who showed the best of humanity during the apocalypse. So Zhang Yi said to Uncle You, "Uncle You, this year's weather is quite unusual. I've got some inside information that this winter will be especially tough." "To be safe, I suggest you stock up on some food and water, just in case prices rise later." Uncle You and Zhang Yi had a good relationship. Knowing Zhang Yi was a kind and honest young man, and being older and more cautious by nature, Uncle You immediately furrowed his brows upon hearing this. "Xiao Zhang, are you serious? Is this reliable information?" Zhang Yi nodded. "Look, I've prepared all these things myself. You could stock up on instant noodles and bottled water—those things last and don't spoil." Uncle You nodded thoughtfully. Living alone, he already liked to stock up on instant noodles and sausages for convenience. Now, with Zhang Yi's warning, he planned to buy even more—just to be safe. After all, such items could be stored for a long time. However, Uncle Tang, who was standing nearby, overheard their conversation and stepped forward to advise Zhang Yi. "Xiao Zhang, you'd better not go around saying things like that. Our society is stable and prosperous—there's no way we'll run out of supplies. If you spread such talk, someone might report you for spreading rumors. You could end up in trouble!" Zhang Yi rolled his eyes but didn't argue further. He had given them a fair warning; whether they believed it or not was their own business.