Electricity, gas, and water wouldn't last much longer. Chu Yian knew she had to eat all the frozen, non-sealed foods before spoilage. But anything cooked—even mildly—would release aromas. To prevent the smell from spreading, she'd stopped making hotpot and didn't even dare open windows or turn on the range hood.
Unfortunately, her new neighbor next door had a very sensitive nose.
Day 8 of the Game
Youche twitched his nose, guessing: stir-fry today. The scent of dried spices and pan-seared chicken hit him like a punch.
Day 9 of the Game
Was that soup again?
Youche pressed his ear against the wall, hearing the sizzle of hot oil poured over meat—his mouth instantly flooded with saliva.
This was torture.
He had broken into the apartment for safety, never expecting to face such culinary cruelty. After surviving on compressed biscuits for four or five days, the smell pushed him to the brink.
He couldn't resist anymore—he had to try and reach the source.
He found the narrow connection passage between units, but the one-meter drop in between was terrifying for someone like Youche, who had a fear of heights. Standing there made his legs wobble.
It was impossible. He gave up.
Later that noon, Chu Yian received the first message from her new neighbor.
A long clothes-drying pole tapped her window, and a small paper note dangled from the end.
Cautiously armed and wrapped up like a mummy, she opened the window and retrieved it.
"Hi neighbor, your cooking smells so good! Could I get a piece of meat?"
Chu Yian stared blankly.
Was the guy an idiot? Who gives away food in this world?
Then another paper came:
"Don't misunderstand, I mean no harm—I'm just really hungry. I can trade compressed biscuits for meat! One pack for half a serving, or… I can give you important info instead!"
Now that piqued her interest.
She scribbled a reply:
"What important info?"
After a long pause, Youche finally got her response. Elated, he swallowed his drool and started writing again:
"It's something everyone would want—something to pull you out of hopeless survival mode!
What's the one thing we all need most now?
Hope.
Trust me, it's worth it!"
Chu Yian smirked. He clearly really wanted that meat.
But...
"You're not talking about the fact that nations secretly built survival zones, are you? Do you actually know where one is?"
Youche didn't know exact locations, but he was sure survival zones were 80% likely filled with players.
"Neighbor… are you a Player? You're a Player, right?"
The thought thrilled him.
"I'm from X Country too! What are the odds of meeting a fellow Player like this?
I'm Youche, a second-year university student.
Let's add each other—wechat 153xxxxxxx."
The guy was very excited and overly friendly.
Chu Yian stayed cautious, but also saw value in possibly teaming up. After some hesitation, she added him on WeChat.
WeChat Chat Begins:
[Neighbor Youche]: Aaaah, fellow countryman! Hello hello!
[Chu the Elder]: Hello. So, about that clue—do you actually know where the survival zone is?
[Neighbor Youche]: Uhhh… not really.
Honestly, I thought you were an NPC and wanted to bluff a free meal with a "Player-known secret."
Chu Yian figured as much. If he really knew, he wouldn't be holed up in an apartment building.
Still, at least he was honest.
She almost asked how many people were in his unit, but deleted the message before sending.
[Chu the Elder]: Don't mention it. I messed up my supplies too. Didn't buy much food—just two frozen rabbits and a chicken.
Now that utilities are on the verge of shutting down, I've got no choice but to cook it all up.
Since you're a Player too, I'll share some with you.**
Youche was deeply moved.
Human kindness still existed!
[Neighbor Youche]: Thank you, Elder Chu! You're my savior! That smell was driving me insane!
[Chu the Elder]: When you moved in, did you bring dishes and utensils? Should I prep something for you?
[Neighbor Youche]: It's just me. If I could borrow a bowl and a pot, that's plenty!
The mention of being alone immediately lowered Chu Yian's alert level.
One person is manageable.
Even if he was a healthy adult male, she could subdue him with her magic loot box if needed.
[Neighbor Youche]: There's a terrace outside with only a small gap in the middle. Elder Chu, should we meet in person?
[Chu the Elder]:
Let's stick with the bamboo pole.
Face-to-face was still too risky. She needed a few more days to observe.
That afternoon, Youche finally got a bowl of real meat. He devoured the soup, gnawed the bones, and nearly cried with joy.
He looked toward the wall, thinking fondly of the "Elder" next door.
That bowl of chicken soup… was the beginning of their alliance.
From then on, Youche addressed her warmly as "Elder Chu" and became a total chatterbox:
[Neighbor Youche]: Elder Chu, did you survive the last two rounds of the game?
I failed both. If I lose this one too, I might really starve to death.
Chu Yian noticed his strong urge to vent, so she replied while continuing her diagram analysis.
[Chu the Elder]: How did you lose the last rounds?
[Neighbor Youche]: Just bad luck.
First round was a zombie outbreak—I got bitten right away.
Second round was worse. I had this skill—Vehicle Manufacturer—and made a taxi out of nowhere.
Didn't even wear a proper mask. Got infected and died.
[Neighbor Youche]:
Turning into a zombie was fine—quick and painless.
But dying slowly from disease? That was hell.
Elder Chu, did you pass the first two games?
He had just casually exposed his ability—Vehicle Manufacturer.
Chu Yian's eyes lit up. His value… just skyrocketed.
[Chu the Elder]: Barely passed both rounds.
Now tell me more about this Vehicle Manufacturer.
What's it really capable of?