Chapter 1: Hoard

Early morning at the farm, the air was cool and crisp. The courtyard was bustling with activity as a group of slaughterhouse workers moved about, hauling pieces of raw meat. Oddly enough, along with the meat, they carried jars filled with bright red blood, glistening under the morning sun like fine grape wine.

"Brother Leo, what's going on with Lin? The farm was thriving. Why did he decide to slaughter all those livestock?" one worker asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"Yeah, and what's with all this plasma?" chimed in another.

Leo, the foreman, appeared just as puzzled but maintained his composure. "Don't concern yourselves with matters above our paygrade. Let's just focus on our work."

The workers, clad in masks and white gloves, their hair neatly tucked away, resumed their tasks. Despite Leo's words, whispers circulated among them.

"I heard Lin's got some odd habits."

"Like what?"

"They say he's obsessed with cleanliness, can't stand dirt or mess."

"Hence the meticulous work conditions here..."

Their conversation was cut short as a figure approached. It was Lin, the farm owner, young and strikingly handsome, his appearance almost sculptural. Despite the warm morning light, his narrow eyes held a cool, detached look.

Leo hurried over. "Lin, we've processed all the livestock as requested."

Lin surveyed the scene, his gaze lingering on the plastic-wrapped meat and the jars of plasma. "Good. Ensure the workers are paid."

Leo was pleased but his attempt to shake hands was met with a still, unresponsive Lin. Remembering Lin's aversion to physical contact, Leo awkwardly withdrew his hand.

As the workers departed, Lin made a subtle gesture. The raw meat and blood jars vanished, stored in his unique spatial dimension where time stood still. Unknown to all, Lin was a reborn individual, having returned to a time just before the apocalypse. This storage space and its contents were crucial for his survival.

In the coming apocalypse, zombies and mutant creatures would overrun the world. Lin, reborn with knowledge of the future, understood the value of resources. But his needs were different. He required raw meat and blood - because Lin was, in fact, a zombie.

For a zombie, flesh and blood were more than sustenance. They were the key to evolution, the source of power to transform into a zombie king. Lin's future strength hinged on the amount of flesh and blood he could consume.

Interrupting his thoughts, a call from Susan, a supermarket employee, came through. "Lin, your order of steaks and chicken has arrived."

"Continue to order more," Lin instructed, despite being informed of financial constraints. He was undeterred. His plan to stockpile was unwavering, even in the face of impending financial challenges.

Lin's wealth was substantial but not liquid. He had inherited properties from his parents but grew up in an orphanage, only claiming his inheritance as an adult. The farm, the supermarket, and real estate were his, but his most valuable assets were stored in his otherworldly space.

As he pondered his next steps, a luxury car and a van pulled up. The former was driven by Peter, a wealthy developer interested in Lin's land. The latter carried a group of tough-looking men, a clear intimidation tactic.

Peter, oozing confidence, was followed by his entourage, their presence meant to pressure Lin into selling his land. But Lin, unfazed, surprisingly agreed to sell, catching Peter off-guard. The deal was struck quickly, and Lin signed off his farm for a hefty sum.

"Why the sudden change of heart?" Peter asked, sensing an opportunity.

"I need the money," Lin replied simply.

Peter's eyes rolled around, thinking that this reason was reasonable, in addition to his real estate development business, he also had a side business, which was loan sharking.

After all, these hitmen under his command were not raised for nothing.

So with a flash of light in his head, he thought of another money-making business opportunity.

"Lin, are you still short of money now? Perhaps... I can help you?"

"Oh?"

Lin's signing stroke lurched as he slowly raised his head and looked at Peter's face. Suddenly, he felt that his face full of flesh was all extraordinarily handsome and cute.

Because the end was coming soon, he not only acquired the farm, but also lent money to himself.

Simply an angel on earth.

Tears...