Chapter 56: The Renovation Project  

After exchanging polite greetings, Gu Anqing immediately took charge of operations. 

She first instructed Huang Ming to retrieve all necessary materials and equipment from his spatial storage, arranging them neatly in the hallway. Then, with precise blueprints in mind, she directed Li Chang'an and Wu Dashan to handle the heavy labor while Huang Ming assisted with material supply and miscellaneous tasks. 

Thanks to Huang Ming's spatial storage containing top-tier engineering equipment and Wu Dashan's enhanced strength as an Awakened, the work progressed far faster than anticipated. 

Within approximately one hour, 

the eastern security gate was completed. Gu Anqing had constructed it from a special alloy—not only could it withstand assaults from both survivors and zombies, 

but it was also bulletproof against standard ammunition. Only armor-piercing rounds or explosives stood a chance of breaching it. 

Most impressively, she had incorporated three concealed firing ports for defensive measures, along with two hidden surveillance cameras and an alarm system—all seamlessly integrated into the metal framework for both security and optimal visibility. 

What truly stunned Huang Ming was Gu Anqing's offhand remark: 

"With more space and a skilled programmer, I could've installed automated turrets here for intelligent counterattacks against intruders." 

Huang Ming nearly choked hearing this. *This woman's a mad genius—actual automated defense systems?* The thought alone sent chills down his spine. 

Another hour passed, 

and the western gate was identically completed. Now, the entire 15th floor was under Huang Ming's secure control—no unauthorized entry possible. 

Exhausted, Li Chang'an collapsed onto the floor, gasping for air. 

Unlike the Awakened Wu Dashan, the two hours of manual labor had drained every ounce of his stamina. 

Seeing the job finished and Gu Anqing visibly fatigued, Huang Ming impulsively pinched her soft cheek. 

"Senior Anqing, rest now. I'll handle the remaining tasks." 

"Ow—be gentle! That hurts!" 

Huang Ming internally groaned. 

*Why does she sound exactly like Liu Shuang'er? Must everything they say carry... implications?* 

Blushing, Gu Anqing bit her lip and shot him a glare before retreating. 

Huang Ming then nudged the sprawled-out Li Chang'an with his foot. 

"Fatso, you're moving into 1507. Pack your things." 

"No way! Ming-ge, you're a lifesaver! This place is a fortress—I'll finally sleep soundly!" 

"Quit whining. Go pack." 

"Ming-ge, mind helping? Just store everything in your spatial storage and redeploy it upstairs?" 

Huang Ming agreed, first sending Wu Dashan back to rest. 

Upon entering Li Chang'an's unit, they found Zhou Ting lounging on the sofa scrolling through her phone. 

*Damn, her figure's lethal,* Huang Ming noted. *If not for the three senior girls keeping me in check...* 

Zhou Ting, startled by Li Chang'an's frantic packing, immediately perked up when she spotted Huang Ming. 

She rushed over—a tactical error given how certain assets bounced with each step, making it impossible for Huang Ming to maintain eye contact. 

"Ming-ge, what's happening? Why's Li Chang'an packing?" 

Huang Ming rubbed his nose awkwardly. 

"Zhou Ting, you're relocating too. 1507." 

"1507?" 

"Just go pack." 

Without further questions, Zhou Ting dashed to her room to gather belongings. 

Fifteen minutes later, 

with all their possessions—including food stores—loaded into Huang Ming's spatial storage, the group relocated to 1507 for redeployment. 

Zhou Ting's eyes widened at the fortified western gate. *So the 15th floor's now a stronghold.* Her anxiety about nighttime intruders instantly evaporated. 

Huang Ming stocked their kitchen with fresh produce and meat like he had for Wu Dashan. 

"Fatso, replace the lock core yourself." 

Checking the time—4 PM—he turned to Zhou Ting: 

"Contact Wang Xue, Xu Shanshan, and Cai Lili. They'll occupy 1504. Unless..." He raised an eyebrow. "You'd prefer rooming with them instead of Li Chang'an?" 

Zhou Ting paled. Cohabitating with those three would mean social annihilation—at minimum, a drastic quality-of-life drop. 

"Ming-ge, please!" Her voice trembled. "I'll prove my worth. Just... don't make me live with them!" 

Huang Ming sighed. His concern had been propriety, not punishment. *She really jumps to conclusions.* 

"Fine. If you're comfortable with Li Chang'an, suit yourself." 

"Thank you! He's harmless anyway. I'll summon them now." 

"Have them bring everything in one trip—no back-and-forth later." 

Leaving Zhou Ting to organize the transfers, Huang Ming fetched Wu Dashan for lock replacements in the first four units, providing four electronic keypad locks from his storage. 

Finally, at 1503, 

Huang Ming emptied the entire unit into his spatial storage, creating a blank canvas. 

Summoning the three senior girls, he grinned: 

"My beloved goddesses, list your equipment needs. Consider it done." 

Three synchronized eye-rolls answered him. 

Within ten minutes, 

Gu Anqing's mechanical workshop dominated the living room, Lu Yusi's biological lab occupied the master bedroom, and Liu Shuang'er's medical research station claimed the secondary bedroom. 

Except for a few ultra-specialized items, Huang Ming fulfilled every request. 

For added security, 

he and Gu Anqing reinforced all windows and doors with the same alloy used in the gates, eliminating any vulnerability to break-ins. 

Thus, in under thirty minutes, 

1503 transformed into the trio's high-tech research hub—another strategic upgrade for their apocalyptic stronghold.