Chapter 138: Fishing or Surrender?
Xu Hao's words immediately triggered Zhang Yi's memories from over a decade ago.
In the 2030s, sci-fi movies suddenly gained worldwide popularity, with apocalyptic films being the hottest genre. This trend supposedly started with the Chinese film series "The Wandering Earth."
Those years saw a surge in apocalyptic films dominating box office charts annually. The influence of these movies led some people, including the world's top billionaires, to start building shelters.
At the time, most people saw this as a joke. Few genuinely believed the apocalypse would come.
Zhang Yi remembered a particular event that stayed on the trending topics list for months and became a popular meme.
The story involved Wang Siming, the son of the richest man in Jiangnan, who spent $1 billion to build a shelter claimed to be indestructible. Incidentally, this shelter was built by the War Dragon Security Company, which Zhang Yi later sought out for related reasons.
However, there was no follow-up on that shelter afterwards. Gossip was rampant, but people generally dismissed it as a rich kid's whimsy.
Zhang Yi quickly recollected these past events and looked seriously at Xu Hao.
If such a $1 billion super shelter existed, it would undoubtedly be one of the safest places in the world. Its safety, interior space, and facilities would be far superior to the shelter Zhang Yi built for 8 million yuan. It was a true apocalypse fortress, even capable of withstanding H-bombs, which piqued Zhang Yi's curiosity.
Xu Hao looked around cautiously and said, "There are too many eyes here. Let's talk back at your place."
Zhang Yi nodded and had Xu Hao lead the way. Xu Hao complied, demonstrating his sincerity by walking ahead obediently.
They returned to Building 25 and went to Zhang Yi's room on the eighth floor. Zhang Yi closed the door behind them, leaned against the wall, and crossed his arms.
"Now there’s no one here. Tell me everything," Zhang Yi commanded.
Xu Hao didn't hesitate. He knew Zhang Yi's personality and dared not waste time.
"That shelter is actually Yunque Manor 101!" Xu Hao revealed.
"Yunque Manor 101?" Zhang Yi repeated the name, recognizing it immediately.
Yunque Manor was one of the most expensive villa districts in Tianhai City. The land was so valuable that even calling it "worth its weight in gold" was an understatement. The cheapest villa there cost over 100 million yuan. The residents were all extraordinarily wealthy.
Yunque Manor 101 was Wang Siming's villa, rumored to be worth 250 million yuan. After his father passed away, Wang Siming inherited billions. Though he indulged in luxury and wasn’t adept at business, causing him to drop off the rich list, he was still known as the "First Prince of China" due to his extravagant lifestyle over the past decade.
Rumors claimed he had affairs with over 80% of China's top actresses and had dated tens of thousands of women.
Zhang Yi eyed Xu Hao with a playful smile.
"Why are you telling me this?" he asked skeptically.
Xu Hao quickly explained, "I want to follow you. Just let me be your subordinate, and I'll help you take over that shelter!"
Zhang Yi narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the man before him. A billion-dollar super shelter was incredibly enticing to Zhang Yi. He was almost done with his business at the Yue Lu community, having eliminated most threats. Some people outside likely knew he had a large stockpile of supplies. Moving to a better shelter and keeping a low profile would be wise.
However, could he trust Xu Hao?
Zhang Yi sneered, "You think I'm an idiot? Why would you tell me about such a valuable place?"
Xu Hao hurriedly clarified, "I know where it is, but Wang Siming currently controls it. I can't take it by myself, so I need your help."
"That's why I'm asking to follow you. As long as you provide for me, I'll do everything I can to help you."
Zhang Yi's face remained impassive. "If it’s such a top-tier shelter, it won't be easy to conquer."
"Besides, we have no relationship. You suddenly offering such a gift makes me suspicious. Do you think I'll believe in free lunches?"
Xu Hao saw Zhang Yi’s caution and knew he had to convince him further. He revealed more crucial information, "I not only know the location but have been inside. I understand the layout well."
"Previously, Wang Siming and I were still in contact. He heard about you and planned to lure you there to steal your supplies and snowmobile."
Zhang Yi's eyes flashed with killing intent. Xu Hao panicked and explained, "But I refused him! I wouldn't dare plot against you!"
Zhang Yi coldly remarked, "Perhaps you're still trying to fish for information now."
With that, Zhang Yi pressed his handgun to Xu Hao’s forehead.
"I could shoot you right now," he threatened.
Xu Hao trembled, his legs nearly giving out. "Don’t kill me! I swear, I’m telling the truth! Please, believe me!"