Chapter 146: Hope
Li Jian turned back and called out loudly into the building, “Liu Mei, Liu Mei! Come down quickly!”
Soon, a long-haired woman ran over. Li Jian solemnly handed the baby to her and said, “From now on, this child is in your care. Treat her as if she were your own daughter who passed away. She mustn't suffer any harm. She is our lifeline, understand?”
The woman named Liu Mei, who had recently lost her daughter, looked at the baby girl with intense emotions. She hugged the baby tightly, unwilling to let go.
Zhang Yi smiled casually, “Looks like I can be at ease, right?”
Li Jian nodded repeatedly. “Yes, you can be completely assured!”
Zhang Yi said nothing further. He felt he had done his part for the baby; her fate was no longer his concern.
He glanced at the emaciated Li Jian and then looked up at Building 18. Suddenly, he asked, “How many people are still alive in this building?”
Li Jian cautiously replied, “There are 66 people left.”
“66?” Zhang Yi laughed happily. That number is quite lucky. It looks like I’ll have good luck soon!”Li Jian forced a smile in response.
Zhang Yi continued, “What’s your plan for survival? I won’t be providing you with any food, you know!”
Li Jian hesitated for a moment before saying, “We’ll find a way! We’ve survived this long, facing many hardships.”
“As long as we’re alive, there’s hope. Heaven never seals off all exits, I firmly believe that!”
Zhang Yi smirked and leaned in closer to Li Jian, speaking temptingly, “Solving the food problem is simple. See those buildings I burned down? There’s enough food in there to last you a while!”
Li Jian’s face turned ashen. He shook his head firmly, “No, we won’t stoop to that level. Once you start down the wrong path, destruction is inevitable.”
“I’d rather die with dignity than live dishonorably. At least our conscience will be clear.”
Zhang Yi was genuinely surprised. He hadn’t expected to find someone with such unyielding principles in these desperate times.
“It’s rare to see someone maintaining their integrity in these conditions,” he thought, genuinely impressed.
He smiled slightly at Li Jian, “Honestly, I admire you.”
Li Jian struggled to smile, “Thank you, but I admire you more. You have the ability to survive and thrive, even in the apocalypse. That’s something I can’t do.”
Gathering his courage, Li Jian tried one last time, “Zhang Yi, I have a request...”
“Stop!” Zhang Yi raised his hand to cut him off. “I know what you’re going to say, but there’s no need. I won’t help you. I don’t have the time.”
Li Jian, puzzled, asked, “Why not? You provided 300 portions of food before. Now the whole community’s population is about that number. With your ability, managing the community and leading everyone to survive is possible!”
Zhang Yi chuckled. “All beings suffer. I’m not a Buddha who can save everyone.”
“Even if I did save them, they might not be grateful. I understand the principle of ‘a bushel of rice gives thanks, but a peck of rice breeds resentment.’”
“In these chaotic times, taking care of oneself is already a great feat. I don’t have the ambition or the capacity to care for everyone. I just want to live well.”
Li Jian’s last hope crumbled, his face showing his despair. Despite his optimistic words about finding hope, he knew their chances of survival were slim.
Zhang Yi looked at him and suddenly said, “In life, you have to rely on yourself. You’ve somewhat touched me, proving that humanity still has some light even in the apocalypse.”
“So, I’ll give you a chance.”
Zhang Yi theatrically reached into his pocket and pulled out a bag of corn seeds. He threw it on the ground and continued rummaging, soon pulling out seeds for wheat, rice, soybeans, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
“These are your chances. You can try to grow your food. Of course, you can also eat them if you want. It’s up to you. This is all I can do for you.”
Zhang Yi didn’t know much about farming, so he provided various seeds and tubers. It was like tossing fish into a pond, hoping for a miracle. If Li Jian and his people survived, it would show that heaven favored those who maintained their integrity. If not, they would perish.
Having done his part, Zhang Yi turned and left Building 18 without hesitation.
Li Jian stood there, stunned, looking at the seeds and tubers on the ground, feeling overwhelmed. “Can these things grow in temperatures of minus 60 to 70 degrees?”
Suddenly, a white-haired old man hurried out of the hallway. Ignoring the cold, he picked up the seeds and tubers, stuffing them into his clothes to keep them warm.
“Quick, gather these seeds. If we can grow them, we won’t have to worry about food!” the old man urged.
Li Jian’s eyes lit up. This was a retired professor who had specialized in crop studies at an agricultural university. Due to his advanced age, he had survived in Building 18.
“Professor Ge, can you grow these crops? Even in this cold weather?” Li Jian asked excitedly.
Professor Ge, trembling from the cold, replied, “There’s a chance. We must try! Even if hope is slim, if we succeed, we can survive!”
Li Jian realized the opportunity and quickly helped gather the precious seeds and tubers, stuffing them into their clothes for warmth.
...
After completing his task, Zhang Yi returned home, feeling immensely relieved. The grudges and conflicts within the community were finally over. Now, he just needed to complete one more task before he could enjoy a peaceful life with Zhou Ke'er, perhaps having ten children together.
As Zhang Yi lay lazily on the sofa, Zhou Ke'er emerged from the room after changing Uncle You’s bandages.
Seeing Zhang Yi, she asked, “Are you done with everything?”
Zhang Yi nodded, “Yes, I’m hungry. Go make us some food.”
“Alright, what do you want for lunch?” Zhou Ke'er asked, heading to the kitchen and putting on an apron.
Zhang Yi walked into the kitchen, hugging her from behind, and whispered, “I want you!”
She blushed, “What are you doing? Uncle You is still next door!”
“Don’t worry, the soundproofing is good. He can’t hear us.”
“I need to cook. Can’t you wait a bit?”
“You cook, I’ll handle my own business. No conflicts.”
...
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