Chen Du didn't realize the unintended double meaning in his words and continued, "I won't hide anything from you. This time, I'm planning to head out to the suburbs."
"Compared to the city center, the population density in the suburbs is much lower! I know there's a villa district there—an affluent neighborhood with very few residents. Fewer people means fewer zombies too!"
"So, finding a villa there as a long-term safe haven will significantly improve our living conditions. At least it'll be far better than staying holed up in some dingy convenience store."
Xie Li pouted and muttered under her breath, "Our current living standards aren't exactly luxurious either, you know."
Chen Du couldn't help but chuckle at her comment.
"Well, we're working toward a better life, aren't we? Stop complaining. We'll set off after breakfast."
They proceeded cautiously once again, navigating through the desolate streets until they found a safe place to rest for the night.
The next morning, as usual, Chen Du checked his emails.
In the next moment, his expression darkened.
"Damn it, System, are you messing with me?"
Chen Du stared at the newly appeared infinite supply of cotton in his backpack, frustration etched across his face.
"What am I supposed to do with this? It's useless—can't eat it, can't drink it. Are you expecting me to wrap my corpse in it when I die?" Chen Du thought bitterly.
"What's wrong?"
Xie Li had just woken up and noticed the shift in Chen Du's expression. She frowned slightly, curiosity getting the better of her.
Chen Du shook his head.
The system had given him cotton—an infinite supply—but honestly, it was even more useless than worthless junk.
He couldn't shake the feeling that this was the system's idea of a cruel joke, something specifically designed to torment him.
It was infuriating, especially since it was placed right at the top of his inventory, staring him in the face every time he opened his bag.
But Chen Du decided not to dwell on it for now.
"It's nothing..."
He shook his head, trying to push aside his disappointment.
Still, he couldn't help but feel let down.
He'd hoped for something practical, like medical supplies—especially since they had a doctor with them. If only they'd gotten something like medical alcohol or antiseptics, those would have been invaluable for survival in this apocalyptic world.
---
The sky above was heavy with dark clouds, rumbling ominously with distant thunder. Occasional gusts of wind hinted at an impending storm.
The oppressive weight of the overcast sky made Chen Du more vigilant than ever.
After all, he and Xie Li were heading toward the villa district, and there was no telling how many zombies—or worse, hostile survivors—they might encounter along the way.
Xie Li followed closely behind Chen Du, gazing at the ominous clouds overhead. Her voice carried a note of concern as she spoke. "Chen Du, it looks like it's going to rain soon. Do we have an umbrella? In this environment, catching a cold could be deadly."
Chen Du, gripping his pistol tightly as he scouted ahead, paused and turned back to her. "No umbrella, but if you're worried about catching a cold, don't worry—I've got plenty of cold medicine. Enough to last us both."
Xie Li gave a small "Oh," then added with mock indignation, "Hmph, I'm perfectly healthy and not afraid of catching a cold! I'm just worried that if you, the team's main fighter, get sick, I'll be left alone as the healer, watching helplessly while we get overrun by zombies."
Chen Du felt a flicker of warmth at her concern, though her attempt to mask it with bravado amused him.
Teasingly, he replied, "Don't worry, Dr. Xie. You're the healer, after all. Just give me a little boost, and I'll be good as new."
With that, Chen Du resumed walking forward.
Xie Li blushed furiously at his teasing remark, her cheeks turning bright red.
Seeing him walk away, she hesitated for only a moment before stomping her foot in frustration and hurrying after him.
"Hey, Chen Du, wait for me!"
Finally, as they approached the villa district, Chen Du and Xie Li took cover in a nearby watchtower. Chen Du scanned the area through his binoculars, carefully observing the situation within the villa district.
After a long while, he slowly lowered the binoculars, his expression grim.
Xie Li, noticing the tension etched on Chen Du's face, hesitated to interrupt. But after a few moments of silence, she finally spoke up. "Chen Du, is the situation inside the villa district really that bad?"
Chen Du snapped out of his thoughts, realizing Xie Li was sitting beside him, her eyes filled with worry.
He reached over and gently patted her hand, offering reassurance. "It's fine. It's just… things aren't quite what we expected. There are more zombies than anticipated, but it's still manageable. I'm just thinking through how to handle it."
Xie Li spoke earnestly, "Chen Du, if the villa district is too dangerous, we don't have to go in right now. We can find another safe haven and come back when we're better equipped."
Chen Du smiled faintly. "When have you ever seen me charge recklessly into danger? I promised to take you to live in a villa, and I intend to keep that promise."
"But you…" He paused, his tone softening. "You need to focus on adapting to survival in this world. Even if one day I'm no longer around, I want you to be able to take care of yourself."
Xie Li quickly interjected, "Don't say such unlucky things!"
But then she mumbled quietly, almost to herself, "I know I've been holding you back… but whenever I see those zombies, I just freeze up with fear…"
Chen Du's heart softened at her self-reproach.
"I understand," he said gently. "Any girl would panic at the sight of zombies. But Xie Li, this isn't a game. If you die here, that's it—it's over. As your teammate, I want you to survive. I want you to become someone I can rely on. This is the last time I'll say this. From now on, it's up to you."
Chen Du reached out and ruffled her hair affectionately, saying nothing more.
Xie Li usually hated having her head touched, but something about Chen Du's words stirred her deeply. She allowed his hand to linger, feeling strangely comforted, like a docile kitten.
Chen Du had his sights set on the most luxurious villa in the district.
Not for any other reason than its ideal north-facing, south-oriented position.
And it was situated by the lake—a breathtaking view.
Even in a world of apocalyptic survival, if given the choice, no one wanted to live in squalor.
On the trading platform, Chen Du exchanged resources for several Molotov cocktails and two grenades, preparing to deal with the zombies.
Additionally, he purchased a crossbow for Xie Li's self-defense.
"Dr. Xie, we're about to enter the villa district. Stay close to me and follow my instructions. This crossbow is for your protection, but don't go shooting randomly and drawing attention. For now, take it and practice."
Xie Li accepted the crossbow, her gaze resolute. "Chen Du, don't worry. I won't hold you back!"
"Good," he said with a nod. "I believe in you. Let me show you how to use it."
Chen Du patiently taught Xie Li how to handle the crossbow, ensuring she had the basic skills needed to defend herself.
Only after confirming that she could hold her own did he finally feel at ease.