Three days later, thanks to Wu Huairen pulling some strings, Leo Zane secured two firearms and 100 rounds of ammunition.
The price was steep, sure—but Leo didn't care.
In the apocalypse, nothing gives peace of mind quite like cold, hard firepower.
He'd also finalized the deal with Zhou Hairun, obtaining two crates of high-grade imported medication—exactly what he needed for the tough days ahead.
Another week passed.
Then came the call.
Wu Huairen phoned Leo to report that the safehouse had been completed according to all specifications, and invited him back for inspection.
Leo finally left the five-star hotel where he had been staying for the past few days and drove back to Yuelu Residential Complex.
Wu personally greeted him and walked him through the inspection.
As soon as Leo stepped inside, his eyes lit up.
War Dragon Security truly lived up to its reputation as one of the top firms in the country.
Both the speed and quality of the safehouse construction were flawless.
The entire house had been reinforced with 100mm thick steel plates, just like he asked.
From the outside, however, it looked completely unchanged.
Wu gave a thorough walkthrough.
"The ventilation system is military-grade. It filters out all harmful gases and prevents external poison attacks."
"The insulation has been fully redone using materials from the Polar Scientific Institute. In addition to the fireplace you requested, the room now prevents 99.5% of heat loss."
Then he gave Leo a knowing smile.
"Oh—and for extra security, we installed a building-wide surveillance system: 300 cameras in total. You'll be able to monitor every single floor."
Leo was stunned.
This was the kind of fortress you only ever saw in spy thrillers.
All he could think was: Money really can buy what most people can't even imagine.
He walked out to the balcony and noticed it had been replaced with a massive floor-to-ceiling window.
Wu explained:
"The windows are not just bulletproof—they're explosion-proof. Stronger than 100mm steel plates, in fact."
"It also gives you sunlight and visibility when you need it."
Leo nodded, impressed.
Unless someone showed up with military-grade heavy weapons, this place wasn't getting breached.
Hell, even if the entire apartment building collapsed, this room would probably stay intact.
"I'm very satisfied with the result," Leo said with a genuine smile.
Wu beamed, handing over a folder for Leo to sign.
"If everything looks good, please settle the remaining balance within three months."
Leo smiled even wider.
"Absolutely!"
Of course, he had no intention of paying the rest.
He had just secured a million-dollar bunker for a mere $140,000 down payment.
What a steal!
Leo sprawled comfortably on the couch, taking in the perfection of his newly completed stronghold.
But then a thought struck him.
He had missed something important.
Water.
Leo slapped his forehead.
"Damn! How could I forget something as basic as water?"
Sure, after the Ice Age began, he could technically break ice outside to get water…
But temperatures would drop to minus 60–70°C, and just stepping outside could be life-threatening.
There was no way Leo would allow such a gaping flaw in his survival plan.
Without wasting a second, he pulled up his phone and ordered 100 industrial-grade water tanks through an app.
Each tank could store 5 cubic meters—
Total: 500 cubic meters of fresh water, enough to last him several years.
On top of that, he'd soon loot cases of bottled water from the warehouse, so the water issue was officially solved.
As always, the delivery guy was fast.
A few hours later, everything arrived.
Leo went to the complex's entrance to let the courier through. The security guard, Uncle You, helped guide the delivery.
Of course, neighbors were now full of opinions again.
"What's up with Leo? Is he nuts?"
"Seriously, every day it's something weird."
"I saw thick steel panels getting hauled into his place the other day—like, at least 10 centimeters thick."
"Pfft! Maybe he's watched too many survival movies."
"Yeah, I've seen rich folks online building bunkers for fun. But this is just ridiculous."
"Now he's hoarding water tanks? Don't tell me he thinks Tianhai is gonna run out of water! Hahaha!"
Leo didn't respond. He wasn't going to explain anything to them.
Let them laugh.
When the ice apocalypse hit, they'd realize just how dumb they really were.
And even then, it would be too late.
Leo knew better than to warn these people. They'd either ignore him or, worse, accuse him of "spreading panic" or "disrupting public order."
He might even get arrested.
At the gate, Uncle You was chatting with an old neighbor, Grandpa Tang.
Seeing Leo, Uncle You walked over enthusiastically.
"Leo! What are you doing with all these water tanks? Need a hand moving them? Just say the word."
Leo felt a pang of emotion.
Uncle You was a retired soldier with no family. He had worked security here for over a decade and was always responsible and kind.
In his past life, Leo remembered that Uncle You had given away his last bit of food to save a starving mother and her child—and starved to death himself.
He was one of the few rays of humanity Leo ever saw in the end times.
Leo looked him in the eye and said,
"Uncle You, this year's weather is going to be extreme. I got an insider tip—it's going to be a brutal winter."
"You should stock up on food and water. Once things go south, prices are going to skyrocket."
Uncle You trusted Leo. They got along well, and Leo had always seemed like a good, level-headed guy.
Plus, older folks always had a bit more foresight and intuition.
He frowned slightly.
"Are you serious, Leo? You think this is for real?"
Leo nodded.
"Look at all the stuff I've prepped. Even if nothing happens, you won't lose money stocking up on ramen and bottled water."
Uncle You nodded in agreement.
He already liked keeping a stash of instant noodles and sausages—easier for a single guy like him.
Now, he'd just get a little extra.
Peace of mind was worth the investment.
But Grandpa Tang, standing nearby, wasn't having it.
"Leo, you really shouldn't go around saying things like that."
"Society's stable. There's no such thing as a supply shortage. You say stuff like that, someone's gonna report you for spreading rumors. You'll be 'invited for tea,' if you know what I mean."
Leo rolled his eyes.
He didn't bother responding.
He'd done his part. He warned them.
Whether they believed him or not—it was on them now.