Celia Chen from Building 9

Crazy old bitch."

Ethan Cross stripped off his insulated gear and collapsed onto the couch with a grunt.

Dr. Chloe entered the bathroom and returned a minute later with a basin of hot water.

She knelt beside him with a smile, gently pulling off his socks and washing his feet.

"Did she scare you?" she asked softly.

Ethan leaned back, relaxed.

"Not really. After the apocalypse, nothing surprises me anymore."

"In chaotic times, insane behavior is normal."

He was wearing a police-grade bulletproof vest. Unless the woman had ninja reflexes and landed a clean hit to the neck, she wasn't touching him.

And Ethan wasn't exactly a statue either. He dodged instinctively.

"Anything happen while I was out?"

"Especially from other buildings?"

Chloe paused. Then nodded.

"Actually… I was just about to tell you."

Ethan sat up slightly, interest flickering in his eyes.

"Go on."

She continued massaging his feet.

"Building 9. Their current leader is someone I used to treat. Her name's Celia Chen."

"She sent me a message today. Wants me to connect you two."

"She says she'd like to discuss… cooperation."

Ethan's brow twitched.

"Celia Chen. Building 9?"

He didn't recognize the name.

Even though they lived in the same complex, Crestview Heights was huge—over half a kilometer from end to end.

Building 9 and 25? Practically strangers.

"What's she want to talk about?"

Chloe shook her head.

"Didn't say. Just that she wanted to speak with 'the floor leader of Building 25.'"

Ethan snorted.

"Cooperation? Give me a break."

"They're starving to death while I have everything I need. What the hell do they have to offer me?"

Chloe tilted her head with a wry smile.

"So… should I tell her you're not interested?"

Ethan waved it off.

"No need to be hasty."

"Tell me about her. What do you know?"

Chloe recited what intel she had.

Celia Chen—38 years old. Former owner of a multi-million-dollar beauty and skincare company.

Technically, it was an MLM operation.

Attractive. Assertive. Ruthless.

They had met at a hospital when Celia came in for treatment. Casual acquaintances at best.

She now ruled Building 9 with a tight grip.

Surprisingly, they had only ten casualties so far—pretty impressive compared to other buildings.

Ethan cracked his knuckles.

"A woman running an entire building in the apocalypse? I have to admit—that's impressive."

Chloe nodded with a sigh.

"Well, she ran an MLM business. Brainwashing people is her superpower."

Ethan chuckled.

"That's the kind of woman you never trust."

"The moment things get tough, she'll sell out her own mother for a profit."

"A true shark."

Chloe agreed.

"I don't have a good impression of her either. We hadn't spoken in forever. Then suddenly today she messages me."

Ethan grinned.

"No surprise. Word's out—I've got a snowmobile. I'm mobile. I can bring back supplies."

"Everyone wants a piece of me now."

Chloe looked concerned.

"So… do you want to talk to her or not?"

Ethan rubbed his jaw for a moment.

"Let's hear her out."

"I want to know what the other buildings are planning."

"Besides… if I piss off all 29 buildings at once, that'd be annoying."

Ethan understood the world beyond was now a treasure trove.

He needed freedom of movement.

Which meant—for now—he couldn't afford to declare war on everyone.

While Chloe massaged his feet, Ethan opened his comms app.

99+ friend requests.

All begging for food.

He usually ignored them.

But today, one name stood out:

Celia Chen – CEO of Fleuron Group

Her profile photo?

White blouse. Business blazer. Arms crossed. Big smile.

Typical MLM-style headshot.

Just as he was about to accept, his eyes caught another familiar face below.

Jason Lee – CFO, Walmart South Division

Ethan remembered him from a company banquet once. Lived in the same complex.

They'd never spoken directly, but he'd seen him on stage.

The request timestamp?

10:30 a.m.—right after Ethan had left the complex.

"They both want the same thing," he muttered.

He accepted both requests.

Seconds later, two messages popped up:

Celia Chen (Bldg 9):"Hello, Mr. Cross! I'm the current coordinator for Building 9. I'd love to discuss a potential partnership."

Jason Lee (Bldg 18):"Hello, Ethan. Thank you for accepting. I'm reaching out on behalf of Building 18. Hoping we can explore some cooperative options."

Ethan opened Celia's chat first.

"What do you want to talk about?"

She responded immediately.

"Hard to discuss through text. Can we talk via voice?"

"No."

"Text only."

Ethan replied bluntly.

He knew her type.

Give them one sentence and they'd steamroll you with 10,000 words.

"Say what you need to say. Quick. I don't like small talk."