Volume 1, Chapter 30: The Trading Market, and an Address for Food and Shelter!

The tragedy that unfolded in the residential building across the street only deepened Lin Feng’s craving for power.

Only by possessing power could one truly master their own destiny. Only then could his infinite supply of resources belong solely to him, rather than being treated as a public warehouse for others to pillage at will.

Throughout the entire afternoon, Lin Feng neither napped nor busied himself with other tasks. He simply sat on the sofa, clutching a handful of fruits, eating whenever he felt hungry. Zhang Xueqi and Li Bing watched from the side, their eyes wide and their mouths watering uncontrollably. Yet, they knew deep down that these supernatural fruits were only theirs if Lin Feng chose to bestow them. If he didn't, they dared not snatch them, nor did they have the courage to ask.

[Mastery upgraded to LV3. The host’s physical fitness has been comprehensively enhanced; auditory perception has been significantly increased!]

Seeing the system notification, Lin Feng patted his distended stomach. "If I hadn't leveled up, I would have puked from all this eating!"

An explosive surge of energy coursed through his body. Simultaneously, he could hear the most minute sounds: the breathing and heartbeats of Zhang Xueqi and Li Bing nearby, and even the faint rustle of ivy climbing the exterior wall of the balcony. If an enemy were to attempt a sneak attack, he would detect them at the slightest noise.

Just then, Lin Feng heard a bustling commotion echoing from every floor of Building A. The trading market, just agreed upon in the group chat, had officially opened. The hallways were filled with people coming and going, an uncharacteristically lively scene.

Chen Hao, accompanied by Liu Jie and Xu Xiaodong, arrived at the 22nd-floor corridor. Their primary objective was to scout the residence of the user known as "Fed and Sated" from the group. The trio arrived right at two o'clock to find the area already packed.

Everyone’s spirit was low; they looked lethargic and deathly pale. It was clear they had been starving for some time. Many wore face masks—partly to avoid being recognized during trades, and partly to prevent the spread of disease. In the current environment, even a minor illness could prove fatal. They clutched their bags tightly, eyes scanning every passerby with suspicion. Those looking to trade had placed signs or boards in front of them, listing their wares.

"One unopened case of Pepsi, looking for food."
"I have food, but I only trade for cola."
"Two boxes of cold medicine, trade for two packs of instant noodles."
"A fifty-thousand-dollar diamond ring, trade for one frozen steamed bun!"
"Two jars of sauce-scented liquor, trade for two cases of instant noodles or other food."

...

Chen Hao shook his head. Everyone wanted food, but those who actually possessed it were few and far between. A particular stall caught his eye. The vendor was an old man with completely white hair and a white beard. Though his skin showed few wrinkles, he looked incredibly weathered. A line was written in chalk on the board in front of him: "One catty of pickled vegetables, trade for one box of table salt."

Because this was one of the few stalls offering food, and the vendor seemed generous, many people paused before him. However, no one stayed for more than two seconds. The smell of the pickles was overpowering, reminiscent of dog feces. Moreover, while they were labeled as pickled vegetables, the chunks were much larger than usual. Many who looked on suspected they were made from mutated plants.

"Who the hell would dare eat that?" someone muttered before hurrying away.

Chen Hao walked over to join the crowd. He picked up a piece of the pickled leaf with a napkin and brought it to his nose. His expression shifted instantly, and he let out a dry heave.

"Ugh!"

Disgusted, he tossed the pickle back into the jar and asked with a frown, "Is this stuff actually edible? It smells like rotting dog shit."

The old man nodded with a serious expression. "Of course. I’ve been eating it for days, and I’m not dead yet, am I? Though, eating too much does make your hair turn white."

Hearing this, Chen Hao recoiled two steps and immediately covered his mouth and nose. "May I ask how old you are, old sir?"

"Old? I’m only twenty-five this year. Just call me a young man."

"What the hell!"

Chen Hao’s eyes widened as he couldn't help but retort, "You look like you’ve already got one foot in the grave."

The little old man shook his head helplessly and sighed. "We’re all starving. If it doesn't kill you, you keep eating. At the rate things are going, we’ll all be eating mutated flora and fauna sooner or later."

Chen Hao couldn't accept such food. Furthermore, he possessed supernatural abilities and hadn't yet reached the end of his rope. He turned and walked back to Liu Jie and Xu Xiaodong.

The two stood at a distance, unable to stand the smell and not daring to get close.

"How was it?" Liu Jie asked, covering her nose.

Chen Hao shook his head, looking repulsed. "Don't even ask. Those pickles smell worse than shit; who would dare eat that?"

Ten minutes passed, and the residents who had been observing from the sidelines, seeing the constant barrage of messages and photos in the group, could no longer restrain themselves. They hurried over. The trading market grew increasingly crowded, and the once-quiet atmosphere turned chaotic.

On one side, people were shouting and haggling, turning red in the face over a meager amount of food. On the other, people were spitting as they recounted their tragic experiences, sighing deeply when they reached the sad parts. Groups of acquaintances huddled together, whispering about who had already passed away in this catastrophe.

"Old Hu is gone just like that. What’s his family going to do?"
"What, are you already thinking of taking care of his widow? Look at yourself, have some shame."
"When will official aid arrive? My family really can't hold on anymore. If this keeps up, we'll all starve to death."
"Our lives are lives, too. A week has passed; haven't the officials finished the rescue yet?"
"Do you guys know 'Fed and Sated'? I wanted to buy a roast chicken with a hundred thousand in cash."
"Who cares about money now? Can you eat that? Can it fill your stomach?"
"The guy has food and drink, and even beauties by his side. Why go there? To get robbed?"
"The cold goddess Zhang actually lowered herself for that brat. I used to sneak peeks at her all the time—that figure, tsk tsk."
"Who didn't? But once Director Zhang returns, that kid is finished. You think the Director will spare him?"
"And that woman Li Bing. She used to hold her nose in the air, but now that she's out of food, she’s surrendered herself just the same."
"I wonder where her fiancé went. If he knew about this, I bet his head would be covered in green hats."
"Do you think the rich and the officials will ever come back?"
"Of course! Can mutated plants and animals compete with warships and cannons? This is a technological society; we still have shells and nuclear weapons!"

...

Chen Hao wandered through the crowd, continuing his search for the address of "Fed and Sated." His expression grew increasingly grim. The amount of exchangeable food in the hands of these residents was pitifully small—the situation was far worse than he had anticipated. Those who had food wouldn't trade it unless they had an urgent need. The rest was just cola, alcohol, and that mutated vegetable pickle that no one dared to consume.