Chapter 11: Completion of the Fortification

Three days later, under the auspices of Wu Huairen, Zhang Yi successfully acquired two firearms and a hundred rounds of ammunition. Although the cost was somewhat extravagant, Zhang Yi harbored no reservations. With these substantial tools in hand, amidst the post-apocalyptic world, he found a heightened sense of confidence in his own safety. As for the pharmaceuticals required in the post-apocalyptic era, he had also concluded a transaction with Zhou Hairun, securing five crates of high-grade imported medications.

Another week elapsed. Wu Huairen called Zhang Yi to convey that the safe house had been meticulously constructed according to his specifications. He cordially invited Zhang Yi for the final inspection. Leaving the hotel where he had been staying for quite some time, Zhang Yi drove back to Yue Lu Community.

Wu Huairen personally accompanied Zhang Yi to inspect the house. Upon entering, Zhang Yi couldn't help but marvel at the sight before him. Dragon Warfare Company truly lived up to its reputation as a top-notch security firm. The speed and quality with which they constructed the safe house left no room for critique. The entire residence had been fortified with 200mm thick alloy plates, yet from the outside, it displayed no discernible difference from its previous appearance.

With patience, Wu Huairen explained each feature to Zhang Yi. "The ventilation system employs military-grade technology, capable of filtering any harmful gases, guarding against potential gas attacks from external forces. Furthermore, the entire heating system has been revamped, utilizing materials of professional caliber from the Arctic Scientific Research Institute. In addition to the fireplace built to your specifications, it can also isolate 99.5% of temperature loss."

At this point, Wu Huairen gave Zhang Yi a mysterious smile. "Moreover, to ensure your safety, we've installed a surveillance system throughout the entire building. A total of 300 cameras allow you to monitor every floor."

Upon hearing these details, Zhang Yi was astonished. He could only marvel at how wealth could afford services beyond the imagination of ordinary individuals. Stepping onto the balcony, he found it transformed into a massive floor-to-ceiling window.

Wu Huairen explained, "The window's materials are not only bulletproof and explosion-resistant but even sturdier than the 200mm alloy plates. It also facilitates your lighting needs and essential external observations."

Zhang Yi was highly satisfied with this safe house. It seemed nearly impregnable, barring perhaps a military force wielding heavy weaponry. Even if the entire building collapsed, his room would likely remain unscathed.

"I am very content with the safe house you've constructed," Zhang Yi smiled as he expressed his satisfaction to Wu Huairen.

Wu Huairen reciprocated with a beaming smile. He presented documents for Zhang Yi to sign and mentioned, "If everything is in order, please settle our final payment within three months."

Zhang Yi nodded with a satisfied smile, although he had no intention of making that final payment. Reflecting on having paid only a 1 million deposit and essentially obtaining a nearly 10 million value safe house for free, he couldn't help but revel in the joy of such a windfall.

As Zhang Yi lounged on the sofa, contemplating his seemingly perfect safe house, he realized he had overlooked a crucial element—the source of life! Slapping his forehead, he exclaimed, "Oh no, how could I forget something as vital as water?"

In the advent of the icy apocalypse, while it would be possible to obtain water by chipping away at ice, venturing outside in temperatures plummeting to sixty or seventy degrees below freezing would undoubtedly pose risks. Zhang Yi could not tolerate such a significant vulnerability in his safe house.

After some consideration, he promptly placed an order for a hundred large water storage barrels via a delivery platform. These barrels were capable of storing 500 cubic meters of water, sufficient for several years of usage. Coupled with the option of obtaining mineral water from the warehouse, the water resource issue was effectively resolved.

The delivery personnel proved to be exceptionally swift, delivering the barrels to Zhang Yi's door within a few hours. Arriving at the community gate, he arranged for the security guard, Uncle You, to facilitate the entry of the delivery personnel.

Observing Zhang Yi once again acquiring a substantial quantity of peculiar items, the neighbors engaged in lively discussions. "Is there something wrong with Zhang Yi?" "Exactly, buying strange things every day." "A few days ago, during their home renovation, I saw people carrying steel plates that were at least ten centimeters thick." "Heh, perhaps his mind is broken, mimicking those movies with safe houses!" "I've seen some wealthy people abroad getting bored and indulging in such things. Isn't this just groundless anxiety?" "Now he's bought so many water barrels; does he think Tianhai City will face a water shortage in the future? Hahaha!" "Uh? Tianhai City is by the sea!"

Faced with the neighbors' mocking spectacle, Zhang Yi couldn't be bothered to explain. He coldly chuckled, confident that when the icy doomsday arrived, they would comprehend their current folly.

Uninterested in providing explanations to these individuals, Zhang Yi continued with his actions. The security guard, Uncle You, who was engaged in a conversation with neighbor Uncle Tang, noticed and walked over. He warmly inquired, "Little Zhang, what are you buying so many water barrels for? If you need help, just let me know; I'll lend a hand."

Looking at the enthusiastic Uncle You, Zhang Yi couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion. Uncle You, a retired soldier with no children, had served as a security guard in the community for over a decade, always diligent in his duties. In his previous life, he had selflessly donated his last bit of food to help a mother and daughter on the brink of starvation, ultimately succumbing to hunger himself. He represented a rare beacon of humanity in the post-apocalyptic world.

Thus, Zhang Yi advised Uncle You, "Uncle You, the temperature this year is a bit unusual. I have insider information that this winter will be challenging. To be on the safe side, you better stock up on some food and drinks to prevent price hikes later."

Uncle You, having a good relationship with Zhang Yi, and being an elderly person prone to harboring concerns, furrowed his brows upon hearing this. "Little Zhang, is this information reliable or just a rumor?"

Zhang Yi nodded affirmatively, "Look at all the preparations I've made. You can stock up on instant noodles and mineral water. These items are worth buying in abundance."

Uncle You nodded in agreement. Living alone, he already liked to stock up on instant noodles and sausages for the convenience of cooking. Since Zhang Yi had reminded him, he decided to take some time to buy more. Consider it as buying peace of mind; after all, these items could be stored, and there was no harm in buying more.

However, Uncle Tang, who was standing nearby, approached Zhang Yi and said, "Little Zhang, don't go spreading this kind of talk everywhere. Our society is currently stable and peaceful—how could there be a shortage of supplies? If you say such things, be careful about being reported for spreading rumors. You might end up being invited for tea!"

Zhang Yi rolled his eyes and paid no further attention. What he had reminded them of was enough, and whether they believed it or not was