Chapter 163: Sweet as Honey
The ten-billion-dollar shelter was undoubtedly top-tier, even by the standards of a decade later. With such an advanced network setup, Zhang Yi could now access information from the outside world more accurately. Domestic news channels often focused on entertainment, presenting them as serious news.
Sitting down, Zhang Yi began browsing international networks, eager to learn about the current global situation beyond Tianhai City. The information he found aligned with his expectations. The extreme cold had killed most living creatures, and due to poor communication, the exact global death toll was unknown. However, according to a mathematical model from Hopkins University’s underground lab, the global population had plummeted from 8.5 billion to about 2 billion.
"In just one month, nearly three-sevenths of the population wiped out. If 5% survive, it will be a miracle," Zhang Yi sighed.
Despite the harsh environment, humans continued to fight and kill each other, with extremely low temperatures halting production activities. No crops could be grown, and resources couldn’t be extracted, leading to a severe shortage of food and energy. Wars broke out everywhere, from personal conflicts to international disputes, all over these precious resources.
"Fortunately, I’m well-prepared," Zhang Yi took a deep breath, feeling grateful for his foresight.
As he continued browsing, he stumbled upon information about "mutants." A mysterious American website used this term for those who had mutated, inspired by their once-popular comics. Zhang Yi straightened up; he was eager to learn more about this, given his own spatial abilities resulting from mutation.
Through his research, Zhang Yi discovered widespread mutations across the globe. Hundreds of countries reported the appearance of mutants, including humans, animals, insects, and plants. The mutations varied, some positive, granting extraordinary abilities, while others negative, distorting bodies horribly.
For instance, he saw a video of a girl in Russia’s icy wilderness who could conjure fire from her hand. Unfortunately, the flame lasted only two seconds before extinguishing, leaving the girl unconscious. "In this cold, awakening to fire abilities is rather tragic," Zhang Yi mused.
Zhang Yi meticulously noted all available information. Although the number of known mutants was low, he suspected many were hiding their abilities, making the world outside still very dangerous.
Resolving to stay hidden in the shelter, Zhang Yi decided to bring Zhou Ke'er over. Used to her company, he found life more interesting with a beautiful, understanding woman by his side. As for Uncle You, Zhang Yi had other plans. He didn’t want Uncle You living in the shelter since he and Zhou Ke'er were still in their honeymoon phase, enjoying intimate moments that would be hindered by another man’s presence.
Zhang Yi equipped himself and opened the shelter’s heavy metal door, admiring its futuristic design. Outside, he saw footprints, likely from the three women he had released earlier. Dressed inadequately for the cold, they probably wouldn’t survive long.
"Am I wasting resources?" Zhang Yi wondered, noting the high quality of Tianhai City’s "socialites." They rivaled some celebrities in looks. He had considered giving them to Uncle You but decided against it, fearing their manipulative nature might cause trouble.
"Never mind, there will always be better women," Zhang Yi muttered as he walked out.
He decided not to use the snowmobile to avoid drawing attention. As he neared Villa 204, he suddenly heard a woman’s voice.
"Hmm?" Zhang Yi paused, finding the voice very familiar, as if he had heard it often.
"Wait?" he thought. "Wait for what?"
Recalling a classic movie line that had once gone viral, Zhang Yi turned towards the voice, his finger on the trigger.
At the door of Villa 204 stood a figure wrapped in a black down jacket. Seeing Zhang Yi turn, she moved towards him excitedly.
"Please wait, I... I have something to tell you."
Hearing the childlike, high-pitched voice, Zhang Yi confirmed the person’s identity. His eyes lit up with surprise and delight. "Are you Da Mi Mi?".