Tian Xiaoyu let out a faint smile that barely concealed the bitterness behind her eyes.
She shook her head as if to dispel the lingering thoughts clouding her mind, then sent another message: "Never mind. For now, I still depend on your support, Chen Du, for basic necessities. If I have any grievances, I'll keep them to myself—I can't afford to complain (crying emoji). But honestly, my supplies are running dangerously low. I was hoping we could arrange another trade…"
Chen Du replied, "No problem at all. Thanks to the firewood you provided earlier, I managed to take care of quite a few zombies."
Tian Xiaoyu paused for a moment before responding.
"Chen Du, would you consider selling me some weapons…? I really need them."
Chen Du furrowed his brow upon reading this.
This was unusual. In the past, Tian Xiaoyu had only asked for essential supplies—rice, flour, water, bread—nothing beyond that. Aside from the crossbow bolts and Molotov cocktails he had offered voluntarily, she had never mentioned anything about weapons.
Now, however, she was actively requesting weapons. Something must have changed.
This made Chen Du uneasy.
He listed several items in their trading window—crossbow bolts, gasoline, Molotov cocktails, and a few grenades. As he typed, he asked, "What's going on? Are you facing any threats? Zombies or other survivors? Do you need me to come over and help? I have a vehicle now; I can reach you within half a day."
Tian Xiaoyu accepted the supplies Chen Du sent. Seeing his concerned words, a faint curve appeared on her lips.
She replied, "There aren't many zombies around me. My area is relatively safe."
Chen Du was puzzled.
"Then what's troubling you?"
Tian Xiaoyu sent another message: "It's Zhang Hao. He's been acting strange lately, and I don't feel safe anymore…"
She then recounted Zhang Hao's recent violent outburst and everything he had said.
"Zhang Hao has become increasingly aggressive. Today, when he found out I planned to continue trading with you, he threatened to cut off all contact between us. He even vowed to kill you! Earlier today, he showed signs of hostility toward me, so I've had no choice but to stay alert."
"So arrogant—and he thinks he can kill me?"
Chen Du couldn't help but smirk, his expression laced with disdain.
To be honest, defeating Zhang Hao wouldn't require much effort. Standing still, he could probably handle him with one hand tied behind his back.
"It seems Zhang Hao has developed some malicious intentions," Chen Du mused.
"Be careful. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask. And if Zhang Hao steps out of line, don't hold back."
Tian Xiaoyu appreciated Chen Du's concern.
Even though she knew he was merely acting as a good friend, his words warmed her heart.
"I understand, I understand. I won't show mercy if it comes to that. I should go now—it's getting late, and I need to return to the shelter."
Chen Du and Tian Xiaoyu exchanged farewells and ended their conversation.
Neither of them realized that another familiar classmate was already en route to Zhang Hao's location.
Under the bright moonlight, which illuminated the forest with an ethereal glow, a tall, gaunt man dressed in black sat atop the roof of a crumbling house.
He was hiding from the nocturnal zombies, using this secluded spot as a safe haven to rest and regain his strength.
The man glanced at the system panel, where the shared location marker drew closer. Taking another bite of his bread, he muttered under his breath, "Boss, just hang on a little longer. I'm nearly there…"
…
At that very moment, Chen Du received a new message.
"1945, I have a blueprint for a arming sword. If you're interested, I'll sell it to you."
Chen Du raised an eyebrow.
A arming sword wasn't exactly a rare item—it was mid-tier equipment at best. He had acquired one before. While sharp, it hadn't impressed him much.
When he saw who the sender was—Bai Xi, the same person who had nearly scammed him with intel on a gold-grade supply crate last time—he grew suspicious.
Without hesitation, he replied, "Not interested."
Bai Xi felt a wave of panic wash over her upon reading the response.
She had tried pitching this blueprint to other potential buyers, but once they heard the trading conditions, they all backed away, deeming them too steep.
But Chen Du was different.
She had dealt with him before and knew he was wealthy enough to afford such luxuries.
If even Chen Du refused the blueprint, it would undoubtedly gather dust in her inventory.
Her team desperately needed resources. They were running dangerously low on supplies and urgently required funds to exchange for daily necessities.
"This isn't just any ordinary arming sword blueprint! Did you know it allows you to craft the weapon twenty times? It's reusable! Plus, this particular sword has a passive ability—a critical hit chance that deals an additional 30% damage to zombies."
"This is a valuable item! 1945, I'm offering it to you because of our past dealings."
Our past dealings?
You're lucky I let you live last time.
Still, Chen Du reconsidered the blueprint's value.
If Bai Xi's claims were true—if the sword truly possessed a critical hit effect against zombies and could be crafted multiple times—it might be worth keeping a few for himself and selling the rest for profit. After all, scarcity drove up value.
Chen Du asked, "If this arming sword is so powerful, why don't you keep it and craft it yourself to sell?"
Bai Xi sighed, "The materials required to forge the arming sword are too costly. My team simply can't afford it."
Chen Du's interest was piqued.
"Send me the details of the blueprint. Let's talk terms. You've caught my attention."