A human can survive seven days without food, but only three without water.The dependency of mankind on water is nothing short of absolute.
On this desolate island, freshwater is scarce beyond imagination.Even Meng Hao found the sources of potable water to be woefully limited.Other than the single bottle of mineral water he acquired upon landing on the first island, he had found virtually nothing.
It wasn't until he reached the second island that he came into possession of a seawater purifier.Chances are, few players have made it to this second island so far.
And even if they have, escaping the freshwater crisis is far from guaranteed.The primitive model of the freshwater converter produces merely 100ml per hour—hardly enough to satisfy a single person's needs.It also requires constant burning of wood for heat, making sustained use impractical.
Thus, a freshwater crisis was inevitable.
Fortunately, Meng Hao's seawater purifier could yield 2000ml of water per hour—he was effectively a water tycoon.Moreover, of the 100 bottles of mineral water he initially received, he had only gifted a portion to his family; 69 remained in reserve.
Meng Hao began to realize that water, this most basic necessity, could be bartered for other players' treasure chests.And once the system granted him the hundredfold reward, he would reap unimaginable resources.
But there was no need to rush—only half a day had passed. Hunger and thirst had yet to reach desperation. Few would be willing to trade their precious chests for mere water.After all, everyone still clung to hope, believing luck was on their side, that their chests held wonders.
Patience. When desperation gnaws at them and they face ruin, that is when the opportunity will ripen.
Back in the family group chat, Meng Hao noticed his sister giving their mother a tutorial on how to shoot zombies with a handgun.She spoke with impressive authority—like a seasoned gunslinger.
Suddenly, a thought struck him.Meng Hao: "Sis, how many bullets do you have left for your Super Red Hawk revolver?"Meng Ke (his sister): "155 rounds."Meng Hao: "???"Meng Ke: "What's wrong?"Meng Hao: "You used 45 bullets on five zombies?"Meng Ke: "Nope! My aim is great—I only needed one bullet per zombie. Five bullets, five kills."Meng Hao: "Then where did the other 40 go?"Meng Ke: "Practice, of course!"
Meng Hao: "…"Fine. You're beautiful, you're adorable. Whatever you say is always right.
Luckily, he had just acquired a supply of 500 bullets—nothing to worry about.
Moments later, all three family members completed a trade.
Well, of course.The saying goes: like father, like son—and apparently, like daughter too.All three had chosen to trade the exact same item: wooden sticks.Each priced at 200 crystal coins.
Meng Hao had slain nine zombies so far, earning 900 crystal coins. After upgrades and unlocking various functions, he had 732 left.Now, after gifting each of his family members 200 coins, he had only 132 remaining.
He spent 600 coins to purchase three wooden sticks—yet he felt more motivated than ever.The road ahead was clear: time to hunt more zombies!
Exiting the chat channel, Meng Hao gripped a spear in one hand, a Kar98k in the other, and once more set foot on the opposite island.There were still hidden zombies he hadn't yet found—this time, he would flush them out no matter what.Otherwise, it would hinder his level progression.
Yet just as he reentered the island, the trading channel exploded in commotion.
"Unbelievable! Someone just spent 600 coins on three wooden sticks!""Wait—of course, it's Meng Hao again!""Look at this man's trading history: instant noodles (30), mineral water (30), matches (30), Power Gloves, Swift Boots, a Super Red Hawk revolver, two spears—all gifted for free!""And now, 600 coins for three sticks? What sort of divine playstyle is this?!""Isn't killing zombies the only way to earn coins? Did he seriously kill 600 already?""Why does he have so many resources?""He must have paid to win!""Curse those filthy whales!""Daddy Meng, I have sticks too! Buy mine—I'll give you a good deal!""Take mine—just one coin apiece!"
The trading records were public to all players.So when Meng Hao's transaction history came into view, chaos erupted.
Envy. Jealousy. Resentment.Messages flooded in—dozens of private texts begging to befriend him.
Some sent him provocative selfies—clothing optional—offering their charms in exchange for resources.Others went even further. One girl boldly declared in the public chat:"Meng Hao, I want to bear your children!"
His name flooded the chat. He became a sensation.He trended worldwide.
Meng Hao – The True Man of the Island
Meng Hao – The Dream of a Billion Girls
Meng Hao – The Zombie Slayer
Meng Hao – The Nation's Husband
Daddy Meng
Lord Meng
Nearly every conversation revolved around him.The entire world now knew: a legend named Meng Hao had emerged on the island.
Even Meng Hao himself hadn't anticipated becoming the most talked-about figure in this survival game.
With spear in one hand and Kar98k in the other, he returned once more to that fateful island.After searching thoroughly, he finally discovered an entrance to the sewer system near a derelict convenience store.
The manhole cover was gone—what remained was a gaping, pitch-black abyss.If not for his boldness and keen observation, he never would have found it.
Standing at the edge, Meng Hao peered cautiously into the void.Relax. Just a peek—I won't go in, I promise.It was far too dangerous inside: narrow, dark, suffocating.If zombies lurked there, there'd be no room to escape.
The wiser move was to lure them out.
After surveying the terrain, Meng Hao sheathed his Kar98k.If a zombie emerged from the sewer, a swift jab of his spear would finish it off—Like whack-a-mole. So satisfying.
Clang, clang, clang!
Meng Hao stood at the sewer's mouth, slamming a broken signboard against the ground.Zombies are hypersensitive to sound. This should surely draw one out.
Rustle… rustle…
Sure enough—something stirred within.A dry, gritty shuffling echoed upward.The creature hiding below was responding.
"Well now, this one's got brains—not rushing up screaming like the rest."
Meng Hao smirked inwardly.From experience, he'd learned that zombies had a penchant for screaming.In crowds, the noise summoned more.But in a hidden place, it only made them easier targets.
The sewer-dweller was smarter—it hadn't made a sound.
Meng Hao adjusted his stance, both hands gripping his spear tightly.He pondered: Should I strike the head first? Or the body?
Then suddenly—every hair on his body stood on end.A chill clawed through his spine.
In the depths of the sewer, a pair of glowing green eyes stared back at him.
Cold. Bloodthirsty. Savage. Inhuman.
A wave of bone-chilling terror surged forth.
Meng Hao's face turned pale."What... is that?!"