Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Chapter 105: Using Fire

After distributing the food for the day, Zhang Yi noticed the stockpile had significantly increased due to the deaths of over ten people in the past few days. Many familiar faces had vanished, including Fang Yuqing and Lin Cainin, who had likely starved or frozen to death.

Returning home, he was greeted by Zhou Ke'er, who emerged from the kitchen wearing an apron. Her gentle smile lightened his mood slightly. Over time, Zhou Ke'er had become accustomed to her role as Zhang Yi's servant. She was a smart woman, understanding that in the apocalypse, clinging to a strong protector was the safest path. Thus, she always aimed to fulfill Zhang Yi's every need, even anticipating tasks he hadn’t asked for.

"What are you cooking?" Zhang Yi asked as he removed his cold-weather gear.

Zhou Ke'er knelt down, handed him slippers, and placed his snow boots on the shoe rack. "I’m making beef stew with potatoes. I know you like it, so I’m trying my best. Not sure if it’s any good."

Craving something warm to soothe his stomach, Zhang Yi sat on the sofa. Zhou Ke'er brought him a basin of warm water to soak his feet. The comfort and relaxation from the hot water made his tense body unwind. Despite having various cold-weather gear, running around in the snow all day still left him feeling chilly. At times like this, he deeply appreciated having a warm home.

Overall, he was in a good mood today. Having pinpointed the military camp's location, he could go alone next time to excavate the armory. The camp's weaponry and ammunition would far surpass the police station’s supply. They might even have powerful military weapons like grenades and RPGs, though tanks and armored vehicles were unlikely due to their weight sinking into the snow.

"But there should be plenty of weapons and ammo!" he thought. "With these, no one here will be able to threaten me."

Amid his joy, unwelcome thoughts crept in, like the recent ambush by the Wolf Gang. Fortunately, his body was well-protected, and he had a gun with ample bullets. In a close-quarters fight in the snow, he would never have managed against ten attackers.

"I must eliminate the Wolf Gang. They’re hiding after realizing my firepower. I can’t storm in recklessly. How should I deal with them?"

Zhang Yi fell into deep thought.

"Attacking a high-rise directly is foolish. They have plenty of retreat space, while the attackers struggle in the snow without cover. Narrow hallways make it hard to fight from below. And if they use Molotov cocktails like I did, we’ll either burn or suffocate from the smoke."

An idea suddenly struck him. "Fire attack? Yes, I can use a fire attack!"

Recalling news reports about residential fires trapping and suffocating upper-floor residents, Zhang Yi saw potential. "People can't enter, but smoke can! And smoke rises. Even if they flee to higher floors, it won’t help."

"The low-temperature outside means they keep windows and doors sealed, so they’ll suffocate faster. If they try to escape through windows, I can shoot them one by one."

Zhang Yi clapped his hands in delight at the brilliant strategy for dealing with hidden enemies.

"But for this to work, it must be a big fire. Most buildings have dismantled flammable materials except for the doors."

He quickly devised a plan. "There are plenty of trees outside. I’ll chop down more in the coming days. Fresh wood is damp, producing thicker smoke when burned. Just need to douse it with gasoline. Perfect!"

Satisfied with his plan, Zhang Yi relaxed. Zhou Ke'er brought dinner, and he praised her cooking. "Your skills are improving!"

"Really? If you like it, I can cook for you every day!" Zhou Ke'er beamed with happiness.

Zhang Yi nodded, smiling. While they ate, Zhou Ke'er sat across from him. His mind wandered to resolving the neighborhood's troublesome neighbors. He planned to avoid large-scale conflicts until he had gathered enough wood and excavated the military camp's weapons. Only then could he confidently eliminate those plotting against him.

As they ate, Zhou Ke'er suddenly remarked, "Many people have died in our unit recently."

Her comment broke Zhang Yi’s train of thought. He looked at her, his tone neutral. "Oh, really? And?"

Zhou Ke'er continued, "I think they might resent you. Be careful."

Her eyes showed concern for Zhang Yi. Women are perceptive, and she had sensed the neighbors’ changes.

Zhang Yi smiled warmly, rubbing her soft cheek. "Don’t worry. If I needed your reminders for such things, I’d have died countless times already!"

Zhou Ke'er seriously added, "The death rate is too high. Some might betray you, collaborating with others to harm you."

Zhang Yi nodded but remained nonchalant. "It doesn’t matter if they betray me. I’ve never trusted any of them."

"In fact, I plan to kill them all eventually."

His neighbors’ betrayal was no surprise to Zhang Yi.

Shocked, Zhou Ke'er covered her mouth. Then she sighed. "I’ve been worrying for nothing. You’re far more ruthless than them!"

Her words conveyed disappointment, but she felt reassured. Having such a reliable man by her side made her feel secure.

A thought suddenly struck her. Zhang Yi said he trusted no one. What about her?

Living together for some time, Zhou Ke'er had given him her most precious self and grown deeply dependent on him. Women are emotional, and even the smartest can't help but get attached. She hoped she was different.

"Zhang Yi, do you trust me?" Zhou Ke'er asked, her eyes filled with anticipation and even a hint of pleading. In such a cold, untrustworthy world, she longed for a bit of warmth.

Zhang Yi looked at her and replied without hesitation, "Ke'er, you’re the only person I trust in this world!"

Stars seemed to twinkle in Zhou Ke'er’s eyes, her face blushing. "You... you're just lying to make me happy, aren’t you?"

Zhang Yi shook his head. "Of course not. You’re unique. No one else matters but you!"

His gaze was firm, as if his words were genuine.

Tears welled up in Zhou Ke'er’s eyes, and she felt deeply moved, almost believing his words.

Zhang Yi gently smiled and offered her a piece of beef. "Here, have some food."

Seeing her happiness, Zhang Yi sighed inwardly. Women are easy to manipulate if you lie without hesitation.

He did like Zhou Ke'er, but his only true love was himself. However, he needed her to believe he loved her to ensure her loyalty and stability. Like a company calling employees "family" only to discard them when convenient, Zhang Yi used emotions to secure her devotion.

After dinner, Zhang Yi decided to take a bath. Zhou Ke'er blushed and asked, "Do you need help washing your back?"

Seeing her affectionate gaze, Zhang Yi nodded. "Sure, it’s hard to reach on my own."

...

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