The Fiercest in the Apocalypse
Chapter 19: No Scrap Metal Accepted

Chapter 19: No Scrap Metal Accepted

Zhang Su found Zhong Xiaoshan relatively sensible, at least aware of the principle of value exchange, rather than resorting to the typical plea of, "Have mercy, please pity me."

“So that Director Hu had you come here for a good time, but didn’t even prepare any food? What if you fainted from low blood sugar on the bed? How bold of you two!”

“It wasn’t… he… he didn’t come back…” Zhong Xiaoshan replied awkwardly. “I brought some water, but no food.”

“Handsome guy, beautiful lady, it’s obvious you’re both good people. I don’t need much to eat, just a few boxes of those self-heating meals will do. I’ll give you everything I have.”

As she spoke, Zhong Xiaoshan removed her ring, earrings, and necklace, placing them on the coffee table in one motion. To show her resolve, she even pushed them toward Zhang Su.

Zhang Su glanced at the pile of gold jewelry and shook his head slightly. “Sorry, Ms. Zhong, but answering my questions already used up your money and jewelry. These are mine now, so you can’t use them to trade for food.”

Ordinarily, Zhang Su was generous, using his surplus supplies to build goodwill and strengthen relationships. However, that didn’t mean he was a selfless do-gooder.

On the contrary, Zhang Su was a deeply self-serving person who did everything for his own benefit. Even his efforts to maintain good relations with others were purely for his convenience.

Having ventured into an unfamiliar city alone as a young adult, despite having some money, he had walked on thin ice, learning firsthand the harsh realities of human relationships.

“This can’t be happening…” Zhong Xiaoshan’s face froze in disbelief.

“Did you forget what you said earlier?” Zhang Su showed no intention of compromising. However, he didn’t bother to collect the jewelry either. To him, these items were now worthless.

“I… I didn’t forget, but… I’m really hungry,” Zhong Xiaoshan pleaded, her face full of desperation.

People who are typically slim due to dietary restraint often appear less dependent on food. In reality, they can’t handle hunger well. Long-term restrictive eating can weaken bodily functions, making it difficult to endure even a short fast. Conversely, those who eat heartily—like the stereotypical overweight individual—can endure hunger for days as long as they have water, often outperforming a camel in endurance.

“Ms. Zhong, do we look like the kind of people who cook? Our supplies will last two or three days at most, and we don’t even know what’s coming next. We simply can’t spare anything for you.”

Zhang Su remained unmoved. Without a clear plan for the future, he had no intention of offering help.

Zhong Xiaoshan, frustrated by his resistance, felt helpless. If not for Zheng Xinyu sitting nearby, she might have offered Zhang Su a full-service plea for just one meal.

Turning to Zheng Xinyu, Zhong Xiaoshan switched tactics, directing her pleading gaze toward the younger woman. If the man wasn’t moved, perhaps the girl, who seemed more compassionate, could be persuaded.

“Beautiful lady, please, I’m begging you. I’m so dizzy I can barely sit. If I don’t eat something soon, I won’t survive. Please save me!”

“I… I…”

Zheng Xinyu hesitated. Moments ago, she had been irritated by Zhong Xiaoshan’s flirtatious behavior. But now, with the woman desperately begging, she couldn’t harden her heart to refuse.

Still, she knew better than to make promises lightly. She understood that Zhang Su was the one in charge, even if most of the supplies were technically hers.

“He’s right. We really don’t have much. I’m sorry.”

Despite her sharp wit during livestreams, lying in real life was much harder for Zheng Xinyu, especially in a matter of life and death. She felt guilty, but she refused to make decisions on her own.

Zhang Su nodded approvingly at her response, but what Zhong Xiaoshan said next irritated him.

“In times of great disaster, shouldn’t we survivors work together? Why? Why won’t you even sell me a little food when you clearly have so much? Doesn’t it bother your conscience to watch me starve to death?”

Zhong Xiaoshan gestured toward the open door of Zheng Xinyu’s room, her expression filled with despair.

Zhang Su furrowed his brows and glanced at Zheng Xinyu, only to remember that, in their rush to stop Zhong Xiaoshan’s earlier yelling, they had forgotten to close the door.

“I… I forgot to shut the door,” Zheng Xinyu admitted sheepishly, making a playful face.

“Ms. Zhong!”

Zhang Su stood abruptly, his expression cold. “Too many people have died out there. If there are vengeful spirits, the sky would already be pitch black. Don’t expect others to save you with life-saving resources unless you can offer something valuable in return.”

“Something of real value—not this scrap metal!”

He gestured disdainfully at the pile of jewelry on the table.

In times of peace, antiques and gold held great value. But in the chaos of a civilization on the brink of collapse, gold lost its worth, becoming as meaningless as dirt.

Zhong Xiaoshan, now lightheaded from hunger, forced herself to remain calm. “I do have value! I was really a nurse. I know many first-aid techniques. In times like this, when hospitals are overwhelmed, having me around can make you much safer!”

She tried her best to sell her skills.

Zhang Su shook his head solemnly. “Ms. Zhong, I admit your skills are useful, but I don’t need them right now. Trading for a skill that might come in handy someday—are you suggesting we support you indefinitely?”

If circumstances allowed, Zhang Su wouldn’t mind having a nurse around, especially one as easy on the eyes as Zhong Xiaoshan. But the situation was dire. The apparent safety was only temporary, with zombies roaming the building and danger lurking everywhere.

“No, handsome guy, I have more than one skill! CPR, basic breathing techniques, administering injections, stabilizing fractures, treating illnesses, understanding medications—I know so much!”

“I’m begging you. I’ll eat just a tiny bit, that’s all. When the rescue comes, I’ll repay you a hundredfold. I have savings—more than three hundred thousand yuan. I’ll give it all to you. Please, save me!”

Overcome with emotion, Zhong Xiaoshan slid off the sofa and knelt on the floor with a loud thud. Tears streamed down her pale face as she looked up at Zhang Su in despair.

If beauty couldn’t sway him, then tears were her last resort.

“Uh… I’ll go close the door,” Zheng Xinyu muttered awkwardly.

She realized how hard it was to steel her heart. This was nothing like what she had imagined. In her mind, bad guys would wield weapons and try to rob her, and she would fight them off fiercely. But facing a weak, desperate woman, she found it nearly impossible to drive her away.

At this moment, she was relieved that Zhang Su was the one making the decisions. If it were up to her, she’d probably agonize endlessly.