Every night, Russ lies in bed, filled with bitter thoughts, unable to sleep. Especially when it comes to Waldo. He had never paid any attention to this pathetic loser before.
Because they had never belonged to the same social class. Living in the same dormitory was the only connection they had in their entire lives.
But now, this Waldo, after entering the post-apocalyptic world, can actually afford to buy expensive fortified walls!
He can live so luxuriously, with electricity, mansions, and never worrying about food and drink.
On the other hand, Russ finds himself relying on Helen and Waldo's exchange of supplies to get by.
What does that make him? A beggar?
Russ cannot accept this reality.
"One day, I will turn you, Helen, into my plaything. And as for you, Waldo, I will turn you into dried meat and feed you to the zombies!" This is the deep desire in Russ's heart.
However, there is no opportunity to make it happen. Until one day, he sees a survivor boasting on the chat channel, and the boasting sounds so familiar, as if he had done the same things before.
So, he privately messages that survivor. Only then does he realize that it's his former lackey, Ged.
Ged is excitedly sending messages: "Boss, I can't believe you're also in this post-apocalyptic world! I never expected it! Boss, where are you? I'll come find you right away!"
Russ is also somewhat surprised. In the post-apocalyptic world, Ged is still loyal to him. This satisfies his vanity greatly.
"Ged, I have food and drinks here. Come over quickly, and I'll bring you into my team. We'll share our resources. When the team grows and prospers, you'll definitely benefit as an elder."
Ged quickly accepts Russ's invitation to join the team.
Looking at the distance between them, it's not too far but still takes some time to reach each other.
Ged sends a message saying, "It's a bit far, but don't worry, boss. I'll come right away. Please wait for me for two days. I'm leaving now!!"
Russ closes the chat window. Images of a bright future have already appeared in his mind. Once Ged arrives, he will recruit and expand his forces, becoming a prominent figure on par with the sheriff.
At that time, not only the sheriff but even Waldo won't matter to him anymore!
And at that time, won't Helen be his possession? Russ gazes at Helen resting not far away, feeling a surge of heat in his heart.
Quietly approaching, he admires Helen's enchanting beauty as she peacefully sleeps. Even in special forces combat gear, her attractive figure is undeniable.
Without thinking, he reaches out his hand, wanting to caress Helen's cheek. But at that moment, Helen suddenly awakens from her slumber.
She opens her eyes and immediately grabs Russ's hand. Russ is taken aback.
Smiling what he believed to be a friendly and sunny smile, Russ said, "Helen, are you awake? Why don't you sleep a little longer?"
Helen sat up, smiling slightly, but discreetly moved Russ's hand away. "I can't sleep. I'm always worried about danger."
Without thinking deeply, Russ continued, "Helen, don't worry. If there's any danger, I'll stand in front of you to protect you."
Helen looked meaningfully at Russ, then smiled and said, "Thank you, Russ."
Upon hearing these words, Russ felt very happy. In his mind, he thought, "Finally, this bitch realizes that I'm the most reliable!"
Helen continued, "We don't have many supplies left. I need to get some food and water from Waldo."
Russ lowered his head and fell silent. He felt out of breath and slightly dizzy. Finally, he couldn't hold back any longer.
He shouted, "Waldo, Waldo again! You keep mentioning Waldo. What is he? Just a pathetic loser! Poorer than poor! What were those gifts he gave you on your birthday before? Handmade crafts and trinkets he bought on the roadside. Can they be compared to what I gave you? Now, he's just temporarily living it up in this post-apocalyptic world. Wait until I form a team, expand its scale, and make him kneel and grovel before me!"
Helen was startled by Russ's sudden outburst and silently took a few steps back, keeping a safe distance. "Russ, you're becoming paranoid. Waldo is our university classmate and your former roommate. Now that Waldo can help us, we should be grateful, not resentful."
Russ laughed arrogantly, his face full of disdain.
"Roommate? I never considered Waldo as a roommate. I felt dirty living with him for those two years! Just a lowly bug. Would I treat him as my friend? Fortunately, he moved out of the dormitory in his sophomore year, or I would have reported him to the counselor sooner or later and kicked him out."
Helen's expression froze. It was the first time she learned about the deep resentment between Russ and Waldo. No wonder Waldo had warned her to be cautious around Russ before. She had only thought it was Russ's usual arrogance that made Waldo uncomfortable.
She never expected that Russ viewed Waldo this way in private. Presumably, Waldo was always isolated in the dormitory.
Helen inexplicably felt angry and said, "Waldo is my good friend. I won't allow you to speak of him like that!" Russ, seeing Helen defend Waldo, became even more furious, his eyes turning red.
He grabbed Helen's shoulder forcefully and said menacingly, "Good friend? I bet you like him, don't you? You haven't been with anyone for four years in college because of that guy, right? Ah?! Why is it that every time there's a gathering with Waldo present, you always attend, and I can never get your attention otherwise, even though you're like a heavenly beauty?"
Russ became more and more agitated as he spoke, veins bulging on his forehead. "You just wait! I will kill Waldo one day! I, Russ, always keep my word. I will kill him!!!"
Helen felt pain in her pinched shoulder and took out a military dagger from her backpack, holding it in front of her. "Russ, don't force me."
Stimulated by the chilling gleam of the dagger, Russ trembled and calmed down.
He let go of Helen's shoulder, explaining sheepishly, "Helen, I didn't mean it that way. I was just a bit excited. Please forgive me, okay?"
Helen, however, had a cold expression as she said, "I'll pretend I didn't hear what you said earlier. I hope you can control your emotions better in the future. Now, I'm going out to gather supplies."
Russ quickly said, "Helen, I'll go with you. It's not safe for you to go alone."
But Helen didn't even look back. "No need. Rest well. I'm just collecting supplies nearby. There won't be any danger."
Then, she walked straight out of the dilapidated house they lived in.