Chapter 15: Convincing Li Chang’an!  

Dinner time arrived. Huang Ming and Liu Shuang'er enjoyed a candlelit dinner while keeping an eye on the group chat. 

"Brothers, are we going back tomorrow? Let's be honest, people from other buildings will definitely show up. I'm not just worried about conflicts with them—I'm afraid we might attract a horde of zombies!" 

Wang Lei broke the brief silence, voicing his concerns. Wang Gang was the first to respond. 

"We're going! We have to go! We'll head out at dawn. Everyone who's in, meet in the lobby at 6 a.m. We'll move as soon as it's light. We'll take as much as we can. If others show up, we can let them have some. I doubt they'll come that early!" 

Seeing Wang Gang speak up, Ma Tao chimed in: 

"I think it's a good plan. Let's all rest early tonight and give it one last push tomorrow morning." 

With Wang Gang and Ma Tao leading the charge, the 46 men in the group chat unanimously agreed to gather in the lobby at 6 a.m. 

Meanwhile, 

In Room 902, a woman who looked like she'd seen better days clutched her phone. She had just sent a message to a guy in Building 7. 

"Brother Qiang, they're meeting in the lobby at 6 a.m. tomorrow. They'll start moving supplies as soon as it's light. You'd better hurry, or they'll clean the place out!" 

The woman, Tan Yanmei, was messaging Wang Qiang, a suitor of hers. 

Wang Qiang lived in Building 7 and had some influence there. Building 7 was conveniently located in front of Building 10, close to the cafeteria. 

"Yanmei! Thanks for the heads-up. I'll make sure to thank you properly later!" 

After receiving the message, Wang Qiang immediately reorganized their plans for the next day. Originally, they were going to start moving supplies at 8 a.m., but now they had to adjust. 

Gradually, the group chat quieted down. It seemed everyone was preparing to rest and recharge for the big day. 

Huang Ming also needed to prepare for tonight's mission. 

He set down his fork, still chewing a medium-rare steak, and pulled out his phone. He clicked on Li Chang'an's profile and sent a friend request. 

Li Chang'an accepted almost instantly—clearly, he was on his phone. 

Time was tight, and the mission was critical. Huang Ming got straight to the point. 

"Li Chang'an, want to consider following me? I'll guarantee you food and shelter." 

"You're that coward from 1501, Huang Ming?" Li Chang'an's reply was dripping with sarcasm. 

Liu Shuang'er, sitting nearby, glanced at the screen and burst into laughter. 

"Answer me. What's your choice?" 

"Damn, you're really something. You just straight-up want to recruit me? Think this is some kind of apocalypse movie?" 

"You've got a point. What do I need to do to make you believe me?" 

Li Chang'an thought for a moment before replying: 

"You said you'd guarantee me food and shelter, right? Then bring me some food now, and I'll consider believing you." 

"What do you want to eat?" 

"Lobster. You got any?" 

This fat guy was clearly a foodie. For now, Huang Ming would gain his trust. Later, he could just feed him instant noodles. 

"Got it. Come to 1501. You can take it directly." 

Less than two minutes later, Huang Ming saw a chubby guy, over 160 pounds, walk up to his door and take a plate of buttered lobster. 

Li Chang'an kept looking back as he left, scratching his head in confusion. He was clearly questioning his life choices. 

After returning home, Li Chang'an happily devoured the lobster and sent Huang Ming a message: 

"Ming哥, you're my bro now. I'll follow you from now on!" 

This fat guy knew how to play the game. That plate of lobster had done its job. It was a worthwhile investment. 

"First, you must obey my orders unconditionally. Second, you must never reveal our plans to anyone. Third, we have a mission tonight, and I need your help. Now, tell me your decision." 

"Ming, as long as you keep me fed, I'll follow your orders. Just don't send me to my death, alright?" 

Li Chang'an wasn't stupid. In times like these, being direct only highlighted Huang Ming's extraordinary nature. If Huang Ming had tried to explain things slowly, it would've backfired. 

"Don't worry, fatso. I won't let you down. We have a mission at midnight. I'll come to your place at 11 p.m. to explain the details. What floor are you on?" 

"Got it! I'll be waiting. I'm in 1707." 

"Alright, keep your mouth shut. Don't go blabbing in the group chat." 

"Don't worry, Ming!" 

After ending the conversation with Li Chang'an, Huang Ming let out a long sigh of relief. With his help, tonight's mission would be much smoother. 

He pulled a radio earpiece from his spatial dimension and handed it to Liu Shuang'er, along with the drone. 

"Shuang'er, you'll operate the drone tonight to scout the path. It has thermal imaging. We'll stay in touch via radio." 

"Got it!" 

Shuang'er chewed her steak, her eyes burning with confidence as she looked at Huang Ming. 

Huang Ming smiled but didn't say anything. Having Shuang'er operate the drone was just an extra layer of security. 

"Shuang'er, after dinner, tell Gu Anqing to pack her most valuable belongings, wear workout clothes, and wait for me in the lobby of Building 5 at midnight. Make sure she stays low-key and doesn't get noticed." 

"Understood!" 

At 11 p.m., 

Huang Ming checked the time and slowly got up from Shuang'er's lap. 

He was dressed in black nightwear with a tight-fitting outfit underneath, a night vision goggles on his head, a pistol at his waist, and a one-meter-long katana in his hand. 

"Be careful! Stay safe! If things go south, run!" 

Shuang'er gripped his hand, her concern evident. 

Huang Ming gently patted her soft cheek without saying a word and stepped out of the room. 

Huang Ming moved through the dark, silent hallway. The pitch-black corridor was occasionally swept by a faint breeze. 

If it weren't for his night vision goggles, he'd be worried about a zombie suddenly lunging at him. 

Five minutes later, 

Huang Ming arrived at Room 1707. He sent Li Chang'an a text, and the door opened. 

Huang Ming stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Before he could speak, 

Li Chang'an excitedly looked him up and down, like a kid seeing a superhero. 

"Damn, Ming, your gear is on point! What's the special mission tonight?" 

"Fatso, put this on. See if it fits." 

Huang Ming ignored his excitement and pulled out a set of gear identical to his own, albeit several sizes larger. 

"Holy crap, Ming哥, what is this? Superpowers?" 

Li Chang'an was stunned by the display of Huang Ming's spatial ability, his jaw dropping and his eyes nearly popping out of his head.