The Deal

In his previous life, he had survived the initial period only because of his good luck in coming across a basic-level airdrop box. And now, on just the second day here, he had already opened his fourth box.

Even though he had already obtained a top-tier airdrop box, Xiao Jun still maintained an attitude of reverence every time he opened a box.

He rubbed his hands and started rummaging through it.

A high-tech steel knife, nothing unexpected.

He rummaged further - a water flask.

That was it...

As expected, basic-level airdrop boxes were the mainstream.

But Xiao Jun was not disheartened. There were still countless boxes outside waiting for him.

This situation continued until after 3 pm in the afternoon.

Xiao Jun had found two more airdrop boxes, but unfortunately those were basic-level too, giving him two lunch boxes and two water flasks.

Even for low-level airdrop boxes, food items were usually the main output, to ensure that people would not starve to death first.

In the process of searching, Xiao Jun had also killed quite a few zombies, finally gathering five first-order mutant crystals, enough to get back to upgrade Wan Qianya.

Whether it was searching corpses or boxes, it was still best to let the lucky goddess Wan Qianya do it instead of him, the African import.

Also, leaving her alone in the hotel, Xiao Jun felt somewhat uneasy too.

In the initial period of the apocalypse, the more beautiful a woman was, the more likely she would die. Only after three months, when Future City was initially built, would beautiful women have a chance to choose and depend on a strong person.

When he returned today and got Wan Qianya upgraded, they could venture out together tomorrow. With him around, there was basically no danger to fear at this stage.

It was almost 4 pm now. He would search for one final box.

In winter, the sky darkened early. At the latest by 5 pm, he had to head back, otherwise once night fell, the strengthened zombies would overwhelm even him.

He randomly chose a direction and walked some distance when Xiao Jun suddenly heard people talking. Judging from the voices, they seemed to be coming from the yard in front.

Xiao Jun crept to the entrance and saw dozens of people inside. Even though he had lightened his footsteps, he was still noticed immediately.

With so many people here, a fight could really go either way. But from their appearance, they seemed to have split into several smaller groups, each watching the other warily.

"Another young brother has arrived. Do you want to join us? There is strength in numbers!"

Before Xiao Jun could decide whether to retreat, someone had already called out to welcome him.

"No thanks, I'm used to being alone," Xiao Jun rejected without a second thought.

After speaking, Xiao Jun prepared to leave, but another person called out to stop him.

"Young brother, I can see you are quite capable. Have you come across those boxes falling from the sky?"

The one who spoke had a full, beard, but looked strangely amiable, creating a contrasting impression.

"Don't be afraid. Let's exchange some information. And the things that come out of those boxes are quite similar. If you have any extras, maybe we could trade."

His words were directed at Xiao Jun, but his eyes kept staring at the two steel knives in Xiao Jun's hands.

So that was the issue. Currently, the probability of weapons appearing in the airdrop boxes was not high. It was only because Xiao Jun had opened many boxes, including one top-tier and one high-level box, that he had ample weapons.

Apart from the two knives in his hands now, there was another knife and dagger stored in his space equipment.

"Young brother, how about I trade you this lunch box for one of your knives? You should know that this single lunch box contains a full twenty rice balls, extremely delicious and enough to fill one person's stomach."

This amiable, bearded man was not as benign as he looked. To think he wanted to exchange a lunch box for a knife, wishing for too much.

The lunch box would only prevent you from starving for now. Weapons were the root to keep getting stronger.

"Young brother, don't listen to him. Exchanging weapons for food is never a fair trade. Why not trade with me instead? I have a dagger here, also from those boxes. Extremely sharp without compare! That steel knife is too heavy to wield more than a few times. It can't compare to the nimble dagger."

A member of the third group also stepped forward. He looked weak and scholarly, but being able to represent an entire group meant he was not so simple.

For instance, what he was actually thinking now was:

[These two idiots actually think someone who could walk here alone armed with two knives would be that easy to fool? You need to take out something truly valuable to trade.]

The suggestion moved Xiao Jun a little. He had no use for the dagger, but Wan Qianya needed one!

He already had a dagger, just lacking another. And he currently had four steel knives, so trading away one of the spares might not be too bad of an idea.

But outwardly, Xiao Jun's expression remained impassive, only letting his gaze drift to the dagger occasionally, seemingly hesitant yet moved.

[This brat sure is hard to trick. From his expression, he's clearly tempted, just unwilling to trade. Quite ambitious indeed.]

"How about this, young brother. I won't let you suffer any losses either. A dagger plus a lunch box in exchange for one of your knives. What do you think?"

[Little bastard. Don't let me run into you alone next time. You'll regret it if we meet again.]

This was a perfect example of smiling amiably on the surface while cursing inwardly.

Xiao Jun gave no visible reaction. His expression remained conflicted and undecided.

After waiting two minutes and realizing no better offer seemed forthcoming, Xiao Jun finally nodded in agreement.

"Young brother, pass your steel knife over. I'll give you the dagger and lunch box."

The scholar's eyes glinted as he thought of yet another idea.

[Come closer. The moment you step within my reach, I'll signal my brothers to seize you. Let's see if the other two groups dare make trouble over such a small matter.]

"No need for that. You throw the items over first. I'll inspect them. If all is fine, I'll toss you the knife after. With so many on your side, you surely aren't afraid of me going back on my word alone?"

There was no way he would approach them. Stepping into their encirclement, even if this sinister scholar did not make a move, the other two groups would undoubtedly strike at the opportunity. Xiao Jun could hear their underlying intentions clearly.

"If elder brother is unwilling, then I shall take my leave first. It will be dark soon. Any later and it will get dangerous."

The scholar was already cursing a streak inwardly, but his face remained harmonious and powerless as Xiao Jun declined to approach.

Just as Xiao Jun said, time was really short now.

Being able to trade for this extra dagger added one more bit of fighting power to his side. With more weapons, he could search for even more airdrop boxes tomorrow.

"Xiao Wu, go. Let this brother inspect the items first."

It was impossible they would throw the objects over. And if they really did, Xiao Jun would turn and flee immediately without hesitation. Outside were only zombies anyway, and they were what he feared less.

At the scholar's instruction, the man named Xiao Wu carefully approached Xiao Jun holding the dagger and lunch box, while the other two groups looked on without any other movement yet.

Xiao Jun opened the lunch box. Twenty plump rice balls, no problem there.

"The knife," the scholar called out from behind.

Just as Xiao Wu held out the dagger, his other hand simultaneously reached out towards Xiao Jun's side.

But Xiao Jun reacted swiftly. Snatching away the dagger, he casually tossed one of his steel knives forward.

"Trade complete. I'll take my leave first."

Xiao Wu jerked back in shock, predictably unable to catch the heavy 60-jin knife smoothly.

The other two groups reacted extremely quickly as well, immediately closing in, a conflict on the verge of breaking out over that single steel knife.

But Xiao Jun had no more business here. He now had to return to that supermarket from before, fill up his storage ring, and get back to the hotel before 6 pm.