23 Bartering Goods

Russ, seeing that Waldo refused to give in, pulled out his phone and threatened him.

"Waldo, I'll give you one more chance. Otherwise, I'll call my dad. You have no idea about the power he holds in our city. He can have you thrown in jail for years. Do you believe me?"

Waldo, filled with anger, smirked in response.

"Let me say it again, I didn't steal your watch. I won't allow you to search through my personal belongings. If you're so capable, let the police come and search me!"

"Fine, Waldo. I'll call my dad," Russ coldly sneered, dialing the number.

"Hello, Dad. Someone stole my watch, but he won't let me search him. Talk to the chief of police and send some people over, will you?"

Since it was on speakerphone, many people overheard what Russ's father said next.

"That watch? I was just about to tell you. Our housekeeper found your watch on the living room couch. You forgot to wear it when you came back yesterday! Always losing things!"

Russ's expression froze for a moment, then he calmly said, "Oh, I see. I'll come and get it tomorrow."

He hung up the phone.

Smiling at the other classmates outside the dorm room, Russ said, "It was just a misunderstanding. Everyone can go back now and get some sleep!"

At that moment, Waldo spoke up.

"Russ, now that the misunderstanding is cleared, shouldn't you say something to me?"

Russ's smile froze on his face. After a brief silence, he walked up to Waldo, patted his arm with his right hand, and smiled, saying, "Sorry for the misunderstanding, Waldo."

Throughout the entire incident, he never uttered the words "I'm sorry," but instead maintained a superior attitude towards Waldo.

On the following day after this incident, Waldo completed the paperwork for off-campus housing and moved out.

That was the culmination of their conflict.

Even though it had been almost two years since their graduation, Waldo still felt furious whenever he recalled this unpleasant memory.

He had no positive feelings towards Russ whatsoever.

Unexpectedly, Russ had also entered this post-apocalyptic world and had teamed up with Helen.

Considering the circumstances, Waldo asked, "So, you and Russ, I mean, are you together now?"

Helen quickly replied, "No, not at all. I don't like him. But in this kind of environment, I need to find someone to partner with. Russ was my classmate for four years, so relatively speaking, he can be trusted to some extent."

Waldo felt relieved as he read Helen's message.

Helen had never had a boyfriend during their four years of university.

Now Russ couldn't take advantage of her, which was good news.

By the way, why did you suddenly come to see me? It's not just for a family reunion, is it? We've been classmates for a long time, so don't be formal.

Helen sent another message, "You're right, I can't hide anything from you. I do have a little self-interest. I want to buy some supplies from you, and the prices are negotiable. I'll send you my list of items, and you can see what supplies you want in exchange."

Waldo had already guessed that Helen most likely came for supplies.

After all, almost everyone knew that he never lacked food and water.

It was as if someone was providing him with an unlimited supply.

If Helen didn't know how to be grateful and simply demanded supplies, Waldo would have blocked her without a second thought. But since it was an exchange, he had

no reason to refuse.

No problem at all. I can't miss out on business that comes to my door! Send me the list of items you want, and I'll consider what supplies I want in exchange.

Although they were classmates, Waldo didn't have the intention of being taken advantage of. He wouldn't give away things for free.

Helen immediately responded, "Really? Thank you, Waldo! Actually, I don't want anything else. Just water, food, and a blanket to keep warm in case it rains again."

Waldo agreed directly.

Those were not a problem at all. You can exchange those items for some building materials like wood, steel, and cement.

Collecting building materials wasn't as difficult as gathering essential supplies in the post-apocalyptic city.

Wood and stone were everywhere in the ruins.

Moreover, lower-level supply boxes often contained these types of materials.

As long as someone was willing to gather them, they could usually obtain them.

Now, there were also many people on trading platforms collecting these materials to exchange for essential supplies.

Helen seemed somewhat surprised, and her message was filled with confusion: "Waldo, exchanging these building materials for your essential supplies, wouldn't that be too unfair to you?"

Waldo replied, "I happen to have some building blueprints. It's not about fairness or unfairness. Let's just each take what we need."

Helen responded, "Thank you, Waldo."

Waldo didn't say much and directly opened the trade window, completing the transaction with the other party.

After it was done, Helen sent a message, "Received. Pleasant cooperation."

Waldo asked, "Can you conveniently share your current coordinates with me? I want to see if it's far or not."

Waldo had a deep-rooted hatred for that scoundrel Russ.

He never had a chance before, but now it was a perfect opportunity to teach him a lesson.

Helen didn't think much and shared her current location coordinates.

It was about a hundred kilometers away.

That was a bit frustrating.

Waldo sighed helplessly.

"Helen, there are some things that I feel may not be appropriate for me to say, but I still want to advise you to be careful and watch out for Russ. He's not a good person."

At this stage, it seemed unrealistic to break through the numerous obstacles of a hundred kilometers of zombies.

He could only let Russ have a few more days of survival.

However, what surprised Waldo was Helen's response: "I actually know that. But compared to the people around me, Russ is relatively honest. If the day comes when Russ can't be trusted, I'll figure something out."

That was an unexpected delight.

After thinking for a moment, Waldo mailed her a crossbow and a few Molotov cocktails.

"I'm giving you these weapons. If Russ isn't trustworthy, just take him out without hesitation!"

Helen was speechless for a moment.However, she didn't refuse either.

If Russ ever lost control and became a threat, even if she died, she couldn't let him benefit.

"Well, thank you for that."

"Let's talk more later. Russ is urging me."