Zhang Hao, seeing that Chen Du refused to yield, pulled out his phone and threatened him.
"Chen Du, I'll give you one last chance. Otherwise, I'm calling my dad. You have no idea how much pull he has in this city. Do you really think I'm bluffing when I say he could lock you up for ten days or even two weeks?"
Chen Du, furious but laughing bitterly, responded, "Let me make this clear again—I didn't steal your watch. As for searching my personal belongings? Sorry, I don't consent. If you're so confident, go ahead and call the security officers to search me yourself!"
"Fine, very well, Chen Du. I'm calling my dad right now," Zhang Hao sneered as he dialed the number.
"Hey, Dad, someone stole my Royal Oak, but they won't let me search them. Can you tell Uncle Wang at the public security bureau to send some people over?"
Since the call was on speakerphone, everyone around could hear what Zhang Hao's father said next.
"That Royal Oak? I was just about to mention it. The housekeeper found it on the living room sofa today. Looks like you forgot to put it back on yesterday! Always misplacing things!"
Zhang Hao paused briefly before responding nonchalantly, "Oh, okay. I'll grab it tomorrow when I get home."
He hung up and turned to the other students gathered outside the dorm, forcing a smile. "It was all a misunderstanding. Everyone, head back to bed!"
At that moment, Chen Du spoke up. "Zhang Hao, since the misunderstanding is cleared up, shouldn't you say something to me?"
The smile froze on Zhang Hao's face. After a brief silence, he walked over to Chen Du, reached out his right hand, and gave Chen Du's arm a light tap, saying with a faint grin, "My bad, Chen Du."
Not once did he utter the words "I'm sorry," maintaining an air of superiority, as though addressing a subordinate.
The very next day, Chen Du applied for off-campus housing and moved out. That marked the end of their conflict—at least temporarily.
Even years after graduation, recalling this unpleasant memory still filled Chen Du with anger. He harbored absolutely no goodwill toward Zhang Hao.
Never in a million years would he have expected Zhang Hao to also end up in this apocalyptic world—and not only that, but he'd teamed up with Tian Xiaoyu.
After a moment's thought, Chen Du asked, "So… you and Zhang Hao—are you two together now?"
Tian Xiaoyu quickly replied, "No, I don't like him. But in a situation like this, I need someone to rely on. Zhang Hao was a classmate for four years, so relatively speaking, he's more trustworthy than others."
As Chen Du read her message, he felt an inexplicable wave of relief wash over him. Throughout their four years in college, Tian Xiaoyu had never dated anyone. Now, knowing she hadn't fallen for Zhang Hao came as good news.
"By the way," Chen Du added, "you didn't come looking for me just to catch up, did you? We're old classmates—no need to stand on ceremony."
Tian Xiaoyu sent another message: "You really can't hide anything from you… Alright, I admit it—I do have a selfish motive. I want to trade for some supplies. The price is negotiable. Here's my list; take a look and see what you'd accept in exchange."
Chen Du had already guessed that Tian Xiaoyu was likely here for supplies. After all, nearly everyone knew he never lacked food or water—it was almost as if someone were supplying him endlessly.
If Tian Xiaoyu had been ungrateful enough to demand supplies outright, Chen Du would have blocked her without hesitation. But since it was a fair trade, he saw no reason to refuse.
"No problem! Why turn down a good deal? Send me your list, and we'll work out the details."
Despite being classmates, Chen Du wasn't about to let himself be taken advantage of. He intended to ensure the exchange was mutually beneficial.
Tian Xiaoyu quickly responded, "Really? Thank you, Chen Du! Honestly, I don't need much—just water, food, and maybe a blanket so I don't freeze during the next rainstorm…"
Without hesitation, Chen Du agreed. "That's easy. Just bring me some building materials—wood, steel, cement, that sort of thing."
Compared to essential survival items, gathering construction materials wasn't particularly difficult. In the ruins of the city, wood and stone were everywhere. Even low-tier loot crates often contained such materials. Anyone willing to scavenge could usually find what they needed.
Lately, many survivors on the trading platforms had been collecting these materials to trade for necessities.
Tian Xiaoyu seemed surprised by his terms. Her reply carried a note of concern: "Chen Du, isn't trading these basic materials for your supplies putting you at a disadvantage…?"
Chen Du reassured her: "Not really. I happen to have plans for those materials anyway. We're both getting what we need—that's all that matters."
Tian Xiaoyu: "Thank you, Chen Du."
Chen Du didn't waste any more time. He opened the trading interface and completed the transaction. Once done, Tian Xiaoyu sent a message: "Got it. Thanks for doing business with me."
Chen Du then asked, "Mind sharing your current coordinates? I want to see how far apart we are."
That despicable Zhang Hao—Chen Du loathed him with every fiber of his being. In the past, there had been no opportunity to settle the score, but now fate had handed him the perfect chance. Sooner or later, he'd teach Zhang Hao a lesson.
Tian Xiaoyu didn't hesitate and shared her location. It turned out to be roughly a hundred miles away.
This posed a problem. Breaking through a hundred miles of zombie-infested territory at this stage was simply unrealistic.
For now, Zhang Hao would live to see another day. But Chen Du hadn't anticipated Tian Xiaoyu's response: "To be honest, I already know he's not trustworthy. Compared to the others around me, though, Zhang Hao seems relatively dependable… If he ever becomes unreliable, I'll figure something out then."
This unexpected answer brought a small sense of satisfaction. After a moment's thought, Chen Du decided to send her a crossbow and a few Molotov cocktails.
"These weapons are for you. If Zhang Hao steps out of line, don't hesitate—take care of him immediately!"
"..."
Tian Xiaoyu was momentarily speechless. But she didn't refuse. If Zhang Hao ever lost control, she wouldn't hesitate to protect herself—even if it meant dying in the process.
"Thank you," she replied.
"We'll talk later. Zhang Hao's calling me."