Chapter 24: Mrs. Lin's Ultimatum

　　Engrossed in his game, Zhang Yi savored imported snacks, leading a life of indulgence. Across the entire city of Tianhai, or more broadly, over 99% of the world, a state of water and power outage had taken root. The issue of water cessation, to some extent, was more manageable. Those who couldn't endure could venture outside to dig snow for water. However, the power outage was the most unbearable aspect. Modern individuals possessed delicate constitutions, rendering them incapable of enduring life in temperatures plummeting below freezing. Blame, however, could not be placed entirely on the authorities; it was primarily the incapacity of workers to commute to their jobs that led to the shutdown of most power plants. Zhang Yi recalled that, each day, there would still be a period of electricity supply. The authorities hoped to prevent the complete demise of the populace. However, relying on nuclear power plants and new energy stations of 21st-century industrialization, the electricity provided was quite limited. At most, it could charge mobile phones or boil some water. High-power appliances like air conditioning and heaters were out of the question. In the neighborhood owners' group, wails of despair echoed as fear prompted them to seek warmth collectively, hoping someone could bring a glimmer of hope. Chen Zhenghao, who had his leg broken by Zhang Yi earlier, now dragged his crippled leg and faced the imminent threat of freezing to death at home. With pre-existing injuries, enduring life under extreme low temperatures exacerbated his suffering. His unfortunate little Kalamis suffered even more. Although Zhang Yi had only soaked them in water pipes at the time, there were no means of heating in this temperature. Indoor temperatures gradually approached the exterior, reaching minus fifty to sixty degrees. Several individuals began running high fevers, with the lowest temperature hitting 39°C, and quite a few exceeding 40°C. Lacking awareness and medication, and with the impossibility of going out to purchase drugs in this weather, they could only endure. This was why Zhang Yi did not shoot them immediately. Allowing them to freeze to death in days of despair was much more satisfying than killing them outright. Sitting on the carpet, Zhang Yi focused on his game. Outside, the bitter cold and howling north wind carried dense snowflakes. Yet, within his room, it was a comfortable 27°C, brightly lit, with no worries about food, drink, or entertainment. If one had to point out a flaw, it would be the absence of a woman to accompany Zhang Yi. However, Zhang Yi was not a fool driven by lust. Having learned his lesson with women in his previous life, he prioritized his safety and quality of life. Unless in absolute safety, he would not allow anyone into his safe haven. In the apocalypse, human hearts were immeasurable. He had witnessed a woman, for a pack of instant noodles, bludgeon her husband to death. At this moment, Zhang Yi's phone lit up again. Curiously picking it up, he found a message from Mrs. Lin in the neighborhood owners' group, mentioning everyone. "Due to the ongoing snowstorm, there has been a significant impact on everyone's lives." "According to official notices, this snow will persist for a relatively short period." "To help everyone overcome this difficulty with dignity during these extraordinary times, each person can live with dignity when conditions are difficult." "Therefore, starting now, the neighborhood committee will collect the supplies held by each household and distribute them uniformly." "This is an official directive; every household must cooperate! Otherwise, if any household acts selfishly and does not comply with the organizational arrangement, they will be held accountable!" "Do not think you are powerful enough to oppose our organization. Remember, each of your households has its vulnerabilities!" Zhang Yi sneered. It was the same old routine as in the previous life. Mrs. Lin, as a member of the neighborhood committee, had some more information channels than ordinary people, despite having limited authority. She must have known about the impending apocalypse and the government's standstill in Tianhai City. Thus, she attempted to deceive and intimidate people into surrendering their supplies using these means. However, Mrs. Lin's methods were not sophisticated enough. After all, she was just an old woman with a high school education. Clever individuals could see through the issues she raised. Even if there were unified controls, such orders would not have been issued. Nonetheless, in their building of over fifty households, some would inevitably be timid and yield to Mrs. Lin's intimidation due to fear. Zhang Yi had no intention of getting involved; he simply wanted to watch the show. Soon, his desire to spectate was shattered. Although he remained silent, Mrs. Lin took the initiative to send him a private message. "Little Zhang, you work at the warehouse; your home must have quite a bit of food and drink, right?" "I remember you bought three large carts of supplies last time!" "Now that everyone is facing trouble, it's time for you to contribute." "Rest assured, after the snow disaster passes, we will definitely return everything to you. Everyone will remember your kindness." Mrs. Lin first built momentum in the WeChat group, causing panic among some timid individuals. Then she began breaking through one by one. If she could deceive one family, she could obtain some supplies, ensuring her grandson and she could survive a few more days! Zhang Yi, the warehouse supervisor at Walmart, had also caught Mrs. Lin's attention.