Chapter 34: Fortifying Multiple Layers of Protection

Chapter 34: Reinforced Protective Measures

Back at home, Gu Pan retrieved a copper hot pot, charcoal, soup base, dipping sauces, meat, meatballs, and vegetables from her space. She also prepared disposable bowls and chopsticks—everything necessary for a proper meal. She and Lu Ruisheng then headed downstairs to Cheng Yang’s new apartment.

Chen Lang happened to be in the corridor and quickly stepped over to help them carry the items inside. Cheng Yang had already lit a fire basin, making the room quite warm. The apartment was well-appointed; the original owner had been a person of means, and the large dining table could easily seat eight people—the exact number of them present.

With the hot pot set up, the frozen meat and meatballs were soon sizzling, and the vegetables, which Gu Pan had washed earlier, were ready to be cooked. While they lacked alcohol, Cheng Yang had managed to find a stash of beverages. Once thawed, each person enjoyed a bottle, and the atmosphere was more festive than any New Year’s celebration. Chen Shaonan and his group brought a large bag of instant noodles, fearing they might run out of meat and vegetables, while Feng Zhekai and his wife contributed a stick of salted ham. These were items they usually wouldn't dare consume so freely, but today, they allowed themselves a rare moment of indulgence.

As they ate, the conversation drifted toward memories of the past. Cheng Yang looked up, holding back tears. "I used to think my parents were too controlling, always trying to micromanage me. Now, I’m not even sure if I’ll ever see them again."

Chen Shaonan sighed as well. "My parents are in their seventies. It’s been so many days since we lost contact; I can’t even bear to think about it anymore."

Feng Zhekai added, "This is truly the end of the world. We can only pray that heaven watches over us and lets good people survive this disaster." He and his wife knew their parents had other siblings around them, which eased their minds slightly, but they still hoped for divine mercy to ensure the elderly were faring reasonably well. Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng, however, felt a strange sense of detachment; having no immediate family left, they were burdened by fewer such worries.

Gu Pan comforted the group. "Believe that those who love you want you to live well. Living a good life here is the best way to honor your parents and elders."

Cheng Yang wiped away her tears. "Sister, you’re right. I need to be strong. When this disaster passes, I want to make my parents proud of me."

Chen Shaonan nodded. "Exactly. My parents always said that as long as I was doing well, they would be at peace. We must survive; that’s the only way they can truly rest easy."

Lu Ruisheng raised his drink. "To the health and safety of those who love us." Everyone clinked their glasses and wiped away their tears before turning the conversation to the future.

Gu Pan warned them that the disaster would not end quickly—after all, the military had retreated for a reason. She urged them to think long-term: when hoarding supplies, don't just focus on food. Daily necessities were just as vital. Things that seemed useless now might become precious later, as non-renewable resources were becoming scarce. The others listened, realizing the wisdom in her words. They had already seen the chaos in the supermarkets, where people were killing each other over scraps of food. Even if they had been holding onto a shred of wishful thinking, they knew they had to wake up and plan for the long haul.

Lu Ruisheng briefed them on the upcoming self-defense training. Regardless of gender, everyone needed to learn how to save their own lives. Training would begin at dawn every day for at least two hours, with no absences allowed. He also reviewed escape protocols. Since the sixth floor now had iron gates, they needed to know how to safely escape through the windows in the event of a fire. Gu Pan brought out a safety rope, and Lu Ruisheng demonstrated its use. Although it was meant to be a meal, it felt more like a strategy meeting.

Chen Shaonan had also set up the walkie-talkies. They tested them and confirmed they worked perfectly. With one for each household, they could communicate instantly without having to constantly walk up and down the stairs or knock on doors. Gu Pan also reminded them that as social order crumbled, violence and theft were becoming commonplace. In this climate, even a minor injury could be difficult to treat. Although they had a doctor among them, the risks were high, and she urged everyone to prioritize their safety above all else.

By the time the meal ended, it was dark. They cleaned up together and headed to their respective homes, walkie-talkies in hand. They went to sleep early, exhausted from the day’s activities.

In the middle of the night, Lu Ruisheng suddenly sat up, straining to listen to the sounds outside. Gu Pan woke up shortly after. "Is someone trying to pry open the iron gate?"

Lu Ruisheng nodded. "I'll go check." He quickly pulled on his clothes and went to the door, peering through the peephole. With the bedroom door open, the sounds from the corridor became louder. It didn't sound like someone trying to pick a lock; it sounded like someone hacking at the chains. There was no attempt at stealth—the intruders were brazen.

The walkie-talkie buzzed. It was Feng Zhekai downstairs, his voice urgent: "Xiao Lu, Xiao Gu, is there trouble on your floor? I’m putting on my clothes and coming up."

Gu Pan grabbed the walkie-talkie. "Dr. Feng, stay on the sixth floor. Don't come up. We have weapons and can handle this. Just protect yourselves; that will give us peace of mind to deal with the enemy."

She quickly dressed and took out body armor and helmets from her space. Stepping out of the bedroom, she said to Ruisheng, "Put these on, and let’s go out together."

As he geared up, Lu Ruisheng noted, "There are about six or seven of them. They have knives, but it doesn't look like they have firearms."

Gu Pan nodded. "Then they’re easy to handle." Fully armed, they stepped out carrying machetes and sleeve darts.

Their neighbors had emerged as well. Chen Shaonan and Chen Lang were each holding a kitchen knife, ready to join the fray. Gu Pan didn't send them back; she knew that facing such scenes was the best lesson for their growth, making them realize the necessity of becoming stronger. In any case, she wouldn't let the intruders breach the iron gate.

The main stairwell door had been forced open, but the reinforced iron gate that Gu Pan and the others had welded in place was sturdy. It had several heavy locks, and the intruders hadn't managed to break through yet.

Seeing them emerge, the leader waved for his men to stop and sneered at Gu Pan and the others. "You see? Your door won't stop us. We heard you’re good at gathering supplies. Good things should be shared, don't you think?"

Gu Pan laughed. "You clearly have the knack for looting. Why don't you bring your own supplies and share them with us first?"

The leader raised his machete, laughing. "A feisty little lady. I like that. How about this? You come with us and keep me happy, and I’ll make sure you’re living the high life, better than you are now."

Hearing the man’s crude remarks, Lu Ruisheng raised his sleeve dart and fired, hitting the leader's hat. "One more word, and the next one goes through your mouth."

The force of the dart was immense, sending the leader’s hat flying off his head.