Volume 1, Chapter 24: Breaking Up Was Just a Test of Your Devotion!

Old Mrs. Xu was fuming, her face contorted with rage. Never before had anyone dared to show her such blatant disrespect.

Mrs. Xu (A-806): [You brat, where are your manners? You can’t possibly finish all that food by yourself. It’s just going to spoil, so you might as well give some to me!]

Her tone was arrogant, as if she were entitled to his supplies.

"Full and Satisfied": [Once I’ve had my fill, I’ll produce a fresh steaming pile for you. Make sure you don't waste that, either.]

Mrs. Xu (A-806): [You young punk, is that any way to talk? Didn't your teachers ever teach you to respect your elders?]

"Full and Satisfied": [Get lost!]

After sending the message, Lin Feng promptly muted Old Mrs. Xu. Finding herself unable to send any further messages, the old woman stomped her feet in frustration.

In the past, she would have already gone out to track down who this person was, then laid herself across their doorstep, refusing to budge until they paid up. But now, with white mist swirling outside and the constant, chilling roars of mutated beasts echoing through the air, who would dare step outside? Old Mrs. Xu could do nothing but glare at her phone in impotent fury.

At the same time, in a rented apartment not far from the Shengshi Jiangnan residential complex, Wang Xiaohu was sprawled on the sofa, his fingers flying across his phone screen while he cursed incessantly.

"The jungler’s economy is lower than the support’s? Are you kidding me, you incompetent fool!"

Perhaps it was the physical toll of the game, but he suddenly felt a wave of hunger. He turned to the woman sitting nearby and shouted impatiently, "Sis! Why isn't dinner ready yet? I’m starving to death!"

"I’m getting it for you right now!" Wang Xiaoli scrambled up and hurried to the kitchen. When she opened the refrigerator, her heart sank. It was nearly empty, containing only three packs of instant noodles and two packs of spicy gluten strips—the last of their food.

She glanced back at her brother, who was still busy berating his teammates. If Xiaohu’s health suffered from hunger, she would have no way to answer to their parents. Gritting her teeth, she took out one pack of noodles and one pack of spicy strips.

Minutes later, Wang Xiaoli brought out a steaming bowl of spicy instant noodles. She only ate two of the strips herself, leaving the rest for her brother. Wang Xiaohu took the bowl with a look of disdain, grumbling as he ate. "Sis, are you serious? How is this enough to fill me up? Are you trying to starve me to death?"

"Xiaohu, we really are almost out of food. Just bear with it a little longer."

"Then what are we supposed to do? Hurry up and go to the supermarket to stock up!"

Wang Xiaoli looked out the window with a bitter smile. Below the 20th floor, everything was shrouded in thick white mist; even during the day, visibility was poor. In such conditions, where could she go to buy food? Moreover, mutated beasts were lurking outside, watching for prey. Yesterday, she had tried to go out for supplies, but before she even reached the ground floor, she encountered a cockroach larger than a dog. She had been so terrified she lost one of her shoes while fleeing. Now, she didn't dare take a single step out of the house.

Suddenly, Wang Xiaoli remembered her ex-boyfriend, Lin Feng. He had always liked to hoard snacks for late-night meals; surely, as a single man living alone, he couldn't have finished everything. A wave of resentment washed over her. That dog of a man—he had food at home and didn't even have the decency to offer it to her. Breaking up with such a stingy person had definitely been the right choice.

"Xiaohu, Lin Feng might have some food."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiaohu’s eyes lit up with greed. "Then go get it from him! I’m starving. Wait—actually, make him bring it over; that’ll be faster."

Wang Xiaoli thought about it and agreed that having Lin Feng deliver it would be safer. With the world so dangerous outside, she had no intention of taking any risks. She was also in the Shengshi Jiangnan community group, and seeing Lin Feng’s advertisement looking for women had filled her with a sense of stifling, aimless frustration. Worried that the food might go to those "sluts" he was looking for, she grabbed her phone and dialed his number.

When Lin Feng saw the incoming call, he raised an eyebrow in surprise. Bored, he decided to answer, curious to see what kind of game she was playing.

"Lin Feng!"

The moment the call connected, Wang Xiaoli’s angry voice erupted from the receiver, sharp enough to pierce his eardrums. She was undeniably beautiful—the reason the system had identified her as a "Goddess"—but it was a pity she had such a mouth, and always held such a condescending air. Looking back, Lin Feng felt he had been truly blind to be so infatuated with a woman who lived only to serve her brother’s needs.

"What do you want?"

Hearing Lin Feng’s cold tone, Wang Xiaoli felt even more justified, her voice taking on an accusatory tone. "Why haven't you brought your food over to me?"

Lin Feng laughed out loud. How thick-skinned could one person be to ask such a thing? All of Wang Xiaoli’s expenses throughout her four years of college had been paid for by his hard work—delivering food and taking odd jobs. He had slaved away day and night, hoping they could get married once she graduated. Instead, he ended up as a cautionary tale on social media. After passing her civil service exam, she had kicked him to the curb, claiming he couldn't afford the million-yuan dowry.

"Why would I give my food to you? Have you forgotten we’ve been broken up for over three months?"

Hearing this, Wang Xiaoli felt no shame at all; instead, she burned with fury. She hadn't expected that after months of silence, he would dare to talk back to her like this.

"Lin Feng! Don't you understand? The breakup was just a test! You’ve really disappointed me—only three months later and you’re already looking for women in the group chat." Her voice rose an octave, thick with blame.

Lin Feng scoffed. They were broken up; who he chose to see was his own business. "You don't need to test me; I’m just not built to pass your tests. I’m just a delivery guy—where would I get a million-yuan dowry? You wanted the 'six pieces of gold,' a hundred-thousand-yuan meeting gift, not to mention buying a Mercedes for your brother. I’m not good enough for you, okay?"

Wang Xiaoli didn't see any issue with those demands. She was a "heavenly pride" who had passed the civil service exam right out of school. She had a bright future ahead of her; what was wrong with wanting a little more for a dowry?

"Do you really think I care about the money? What I care about is your attitude! If you didn't have the money, why didn't you borrow it? How can you say you love me if you wouldn't even take out a loan? I only have one brother—is it really so wrong to want to give him a little more love? Think carefully about whether what I’m saying makes sense. Bring the food over tonight. Depending on your attitude, I might consider..."

Before she could finish, the call was disconnected. Thinking about having to go hungry again, she stomped her feet. "That bastard, he’s grown some nerve, actually hanging up on me!"

Wang Xiaohu, having finished his game, climbed off the sofa with a look of anticipation. "Sis, when is the food coming? I’m so hungry. Were you two just arguing?"

"Don't worry, Lin Feng will be calling back to apologize soon enough," Wang Xiaoli assured her brother. She had figured it all out: Lin Feng still cared about her! As soon as she hinted at the possibility of getting back together, he would come crawling back to check on her. This was just Lin Feng acting out.

Thinking of the delicious roast chicken she was sure to receive, Wang Xiaoli allowed a satisfied smile to cross her face.