Inside the space, Red had already been waiting for a while.
But this time, he didn't look clean and sharp like before. He looked completely worn out.
His newly changed cotton coat was covered in dark brown stains. Some of them had dried and turned black, sticking tightly to the fabric.
There was also fresh, sticky dark red blood that gave off a strong, sharp smell like rusted iron.
Sweat and blood were mixed together, showing that he had just been through a brutal fight. He looked both tired and dangerous.
"Red?" Celine's voice had a bit of surprise and worry in it, even though she didn't realize it herself.
When he heard her voice, Red quickly looked up.
As soon as he saw Celine walk in, the tense look in his eyes relaxed. But then, because of how messy he looked, there was a flash of awkwardness on his face.
"It's nothing serious. I just cleared out some zombies."
Red lifted his hand, wanting to wipe the sweat off his face. But when he saw that his hand was full of blood, he paused and awkwardly lowered it again.
"I planned to clean up first before coming in, but when I heard you call me, I didn't want to waste time."
Red had rushed over quickly and hadn't even noticed the note Celine had left for him.
But Celine was focused on something else.
"You could hear me calling you?"
Red nodded. "I was busy at the time and couldn't come right away. So I came in as soon as I was done."
This surprised Celine for a moment, but she didn't stay shocked for long.
She turned and pointed to a corner of the courtyard where supplies were piled like a small mountain.
It looked like almost half a warehouse's worth of stuff: compressed biscuits, canned food, ready-to-eat rice, instant noodles, bottled water…
"These are for you and your team."
"Most of it is quick and easy food to get by for now. If you need anything fresh, just tell me what and how much. Once I go back out, I'll try to get it for you."
Red looked at the food. His tired eyes lit up with excitement. His breathing became quicker.
This was way too much.
It could feed his entire team. Even if they added in all the survivors they had rescued, it would still last three or four months with no problem.
After the surprise passed, he clearly heard what Celine said at the end. He couldn't help but swallow hard.
Fresh food…
Those words felt like they had magic. They instantly touched the deepest cravings in his and his teammates' hearts.
Since the world fell apart, rules no longer mattered, and the snow had cut off everything.
They had been stuck in a frozen wasteland for too long, eating only dry food and canned goods. Their sense of taste had gone numb.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, even a single piece of meat that hadn't been dried or salted had become an unreachable dream.
Red took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. He looked at Celine with complete honesty in his eyes.
"To tell you the truth, Miss Celine, we really do need fresh food."
He quickly added, "This snowstorm might last a long time. We can't move for now. We have to stay here and wait until it stops."
A lot of my teammates have been lacking vitamins and good nutrition for a long time. If possible, I want to use this chance to trade for more fresh vegetables, meat, eggs, and dairy to help the brothers recover well.
Red is a good leader. Even in a desperate situation, he first thinks about the health of his team.
People like him are the ones lucky enough to unlock this space.
I understand, Celine nodded firmly. List the types and rough amounts. Don't worry, I will prepare everything as soon as I can.
After hearing this, Red finally relaxed a bit, showing a true grateful smile.
Thank you so much, Miss Celine!
Celine waved her hand and changed the topic.
About the car, you have to wait a bit longer.
Right now there is a batch of retired military vehicles that work well, but the paperwork is complicated and will take some time.
She looked at Red and paused before adding,
If you really need one quickly, I can get you a brand new high-powered civilian off-road vehicle or pickup truck. It is less protected but faster and ready immediately.
Red shook his head.
Military vehicles are better! We have an expert in our team who used to modify vehicles in the army.
Though the modifications on retired military vehicles are usually removed, he can restore them and maybe even make them better.
But now heavy snow blocks the roads, so no vehicles can go through.
He sighed, his face showing worry. And we also lack gasoline.
He hesitated a moment but then said,
Miss Celine, I wonder if...
Gasoline? Celine understood his meaning and frowned slightly.
This is a difficult problem because gasoline is controlled.
I will try, she said. She did not promise but gave Red hope.
A flicker of happiness appeared in Red's eyes. He took out a small cloth pouch from his pocket and carefully handed it over.
Miss Celine, please take these crystal cores first.
In the pouch were dozens of shining crystal cores, glowing softly like little stars.
Celine accepted without refusal. Red, if you need anything else, just ask. As long as I can help, I will do my best.
Hearing this, Red felt a heavy burden lift.
He paused a moment then dared to say,
Besides food, we also need things to keep warm and lighting equipment. We are very short on those.
The cold winter seemed to freeze his bones, making him shiver.
Generators and coal, I will arrange them quickly, Celine said without hesitation.
With everything decided, Red felt relieved and smiled with gratitude.
He thanked Celine sincerely and left with the supplies, walking more lightly.
Celine watched him go, then turned and entered the space.
She still had many things to do.