Chapter 9: I’m Not Just Stockpiling! Money Is No Object!

Hearing this, everyone turned their heads in surprise, especially when they saw Benjamin. Although the value of antique paintings can be incredibly high—the older and rarer, the more exorbitant the price—$50 million is still a staggering amount, even in the world of antiques. Especially since many rare and valuable pieces are already in the hands of collectors, rarely circulating in the market. A $50 million painting is a true rarity. Who would have thought they'd witness such a treasure here? And even more astonishing was that this $50 million masterpiece came from Benjamin, a young man in his early twenties. He actually owned such a priceless piece!

Benjamin smiled and said, "The price seems a bit low. Maybe I'll shop around elsewhere?" Although the hidden hint had mentioned the painting was worth $50 million, and the shopkeeper's offer matched that, Benjamin still felt the need to haggle a bit.

"Wait, young man, I'm genuinely interested in this painting. Honestly, my offer is fair. If you think it's too low, how about I add another $3 million?" The shopkeeper carefully held the painting, afraid Benjamin might take it back.

Benjamin frowned, pretending to be unsatisfied. Seeing this, the shopkeeper grew nervous. Just as he was hesitating whether to raise the price further, a loud voice suddenly rang out from the crowd.

"$70 million!"

Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice. Benjamin instinctively glanced at the hidden hint and was instantly stunned by what he saw.

[This is Robert Smith, the son of financial tycoon James Smith. He is upright and honest, with a passion for collecting. In two months, he will become a lightning-based superhuman.]

A superhuman!

Benjamin's pupils dilated. This was the first time he had seen such information in the hidden hints. In his previous life, though he died early, he had experienced the horrors of the apocalypse and witnessed the power of superhumans. However, superhumans were exceedingly rare—one in a thousand, if not more. Especially those with natural abilities like controlling wind, rain, thunder, or lightning; they were almost impossible to find. Who would have thought he'd encounter one just a day after being reborn?

A thought suddenly sprouted in Benjamin's mind. Since he could identify future superhumans through the hidden hints, why not gather them in advance and make them his own? Stockpiling supplies was one thing, but he wanted to assemble a terrifying team of superhumans!

(Forming a team has its pros and cons. The main downside is the risk of betrayal due to human nature. However, the protagonist is prepared for this and can use the hidden hints to predict such threats. He knows when someone intends to harm him, so he won't be caught off guard.

The benefits are also significant. Humans are social creatures; it's hard to live in isolation forever. After the apocalypse, facilities like hospitals will struggle to function. What if someone gets sick? A shelter is great, but you can't stay cooped up inside forever. Remember those three years? Staying home for just a month was unbearable; imagine doing it for a lifetime. Even if it were possible, what kind of life would that be? Venturing outside means danger. Others, knowing he has a shelter and endless supplies, would surely want to kill him. The outside world is fraught with too many risks. Could he defend himself alone?

This is why I chose not to go the lone wolf route and instead opted to form a team.)

Robert Smith quickly walked over. Benjamin suppressed his excitement, cleared his throat, and said, "Bro, are you sure you want this painting?"

"Yes."

Without even looking at the painting, Robert Smith wrote a $70 million check and slapped it on the counter. Seeing the long string of numbers, Benjamin smiled with satisfaction. No one could offer a higher price.

The shopkeeper sighed deeply, reluctantly handing the painting to Benjamin. His actions made his feelings clear. "Young man, so the painting goes to Mr. Smith?"

Benjamin nodded. "Yes, it seems the painting has no fate with you, shopkeeper."

"Alright, congratulations to both of you." The shopkeeper forced a smile. He didn't dare compete with Mr. Smith.

From the way the shopkeeper addressed Robert, Benjamin could tell they were familiar. That must be why Robert bought the painting without even looking at it. Benjamin wondered if he'd cross paths with Robert in the future. A lightning-based superhuman… That was an incredibly powerful existence. And Robert's background—even though money would become worthless after the apocalypse, the wealthy would still live more comfortably than the poor. Especially someone with such vast resources and connections.

The shopkeeper nodded. Benjamin handed the painting to Robert and pocketed the $70 million check. As Robert was about to leave with the painting, Benjamin quickly called out, "Bro, wait a second."

Robert looked at him suspiciously. "What is it?"

"Add me on Facebook. I might have other antiques to sell. If you're interested, we can deal directly." Benjamin said with a smile.

Since Robert loved collecting, Benjamin decided to use antiques as an excuse to stay in touch. Even if Robert couldn't help him after the apocalypse, before it arrived, Benjamin could use the hidden hints to find valuable antiques and sell them to this rich heir. With money, he could arm himself to the teeth and even use Robert's connections to meet other influential people. Connections were invaluable.

"Sure, let me know as soon as you have something good. If it's something I'm interested in, I'll pay top dollar!" Robert said eagerly.

Exactly as Benjamin expected! Robert was thrilled at the mention of antiques and immediately added Benjamin as a friend. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Benjamin quickly left. The money was in hand. Now it was time to pay the remaining deposit and start "stockpiling" superhumans!

…

With the $40 million deposit secured, Noah couldn't hide his delight. "Mr. Benjamin, you're a man of your word, and we won't let you down. I've contacted headquarters, and tomorrow we'll send another construction team to speed up the process. We'll ensure your shelter is completed on time and to the highest standards."

Benjamin nodded and pulled out another bank card.

Noah looked puzzled. "Mr. Benjamin, what's this for?"

"I remember you mentioned that some people add anti-nuclear radiation coatings to building materials and install anti-radiation purification systems. If it doesn't compromise other features, please include that for me. And…" Benjamin explained his requirements in detail.

Noah was stunned. If built according to Benjamin's specifications, this would be a true super shelter! Even if someone stayed inside for generations, enduring countless magnitude-9 earthquakes and other disasters, they'd be safe. But the cost would be astronomical—at least $10 billion!

However…

Noah smiled bitterly and apologized, "Mr. Benjamin, your vision is impressive, but our construction company—or rather, any construction company in the world—currently lacks the capability to achieve this. And even if we could, it wouldn't be possible in 20 days, let alone 200."

Hearing this, Benjamin was deeply disappointed. His vision was indeed too idealistic. Still, he was willing to spend more to upgrade the shelter as much as possible. The apocalypse would last for decades, and his shelter had to be as perfect as possible. Only then could he survive the apocalypse and… return to a normal life!

Benjamin took a deep breath and said seriously, "Then do the best you can within 20 days. Don't worry—money is no object!"