ID 367434: "Are you kidding me? Give me my damn refund!"
ID 367434: "54321 and 123321, get out here right now! Didn't you claim that 1945 couldn't afford any more S-Alloy? Now they've practically bought up the entire market. What's going on with this mess?"
ID 464242: "Exactly! Because of your schemes, we had to sell at rock-bottom prices."
ID 54321: "Look, I didn't expect 1945 to still have so many resources either. They hadn't made a move before… Clearly, this person is far more cunning than we anticipated. We've all been played like fools!"
ID 123321: "Who could've predicted this? This time, 1945's acquisition spree was even bigger than last time. How deep are their pockets?"
ID 356735: "Enough with the excuses already! Forget about how much stock 1945 has. Let's talk about how you two convinced us to fix our prices—and now look where that got us. Whose fault is this mess?"
ID 46453: "Damn it, I never wanted to sell so cheaply in the first place. But when I tried raising my price, I got pushed to the back pages. If I hadn't been desperate for supplies, I wouldn't have sold at such a low rate. Bad luck doesn't even cover it!"
ID 1945: "54321, thank you. The agreed-upon resources have been sent your way. Let's continue working together next time."
ID 856897: "Huh? What does that mean? 54321, care to explain what's going on?"
ID 29845: "Well played, 54321. You and 1945 pulled off quite the double act, buying S-Alloy at dirt-cheap prices!"
ID 54321: "Listen, just hear me out…"
Chen Du gazed at the substantial quantity of S-Alloy packed into his inventory, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. He had acquired it all at bargain-basement prices. A thought crossed his mind: once these sellers realized the significance of S-Alloy after the impending meteor shower struck, what expressions would they wear then?
By now, Chen Du had gathered enough S-Alloy to construct an underground shelter, and he wasn't about to delay any further. Although Tian Xiaoyu had mentioned that the meteor shower was still roughly a month away, Chen Du knew the sooner the shelter was completed, the better.
He decided to build the underground bunker beneath his villa. First, it would provide easy access. Second, the villa was already fortified with a sturdy fortress wall and an automated defense system, making it an ideal location for added security. Third, the villa already had a basement, which could serve as the foundation for the expansion.
Chen Du retrieved the blueprint for the underground bunker and, accompanied by Xie Li and Tian Xiaoyu, headed down to the basement to oversee the construction process.
[Underground Bunker]
Primary Underground Bunker Blueprint (1/1)
S-Alloy Required: 259 units (Available: 20 units)
[Construct Underground Bunker?]
[Yes/No]
Chen Du selected "Yes." The S-Alloy in his inventory began to liquefy, flowing smoothly over the existing walls of the basement. As the metallic material fused and expanded, the space transformed dramatically. It was still recognizable as the same basement—but not entirely.
Chen Du examined the newly formed walls, now shimmering with a sleek, silvery finish. The underground bunker exuded a futuristic aesthetic, resembling something straight out of a sci-fi film. Upon seeing the final result, Xie Li and Tian Xiaoyu exchanged astonished gasps.
However, Chen Du rested his chin on his hand, frowning slightly. Something about the design felt eerily familiar. After pondering for a moment, realization struck him.
The understated silver tones, the cold metallic sheen covering every surface—it was essentially an upgraded version of a prison cell!
Once someone accepts a particular mental image, it becomes almost impossible to shake off its subconscious influence. The more Chen Du stared at the bunker, the less satisfied he felt.
Thankfully, the structure retained the spaciousness of the original basement. It included a living area on the lower level, two maid's quarters, a bar counter, a study, and several other functional zones. At least this aspect pleased him.
After all, his initial vision of an underground bunker was a cramped space crammed with supplies and survivors—like something from a post-apocalyptic movie. Seeing that only the walls were coated in S-Alloy while the rest remained largely unchanged left him content. Even without the looming threat of a meteor shower, living in such a space would be undeniably comfortable.
Turning to Xie Li and Tian Xiaoyu, Chen Du voiced his thoughts.
"I'd like to make some modifications to the bunker. The current layout isn't really to my liking."
He smiled. "Xie Li, Xiaoyu, do you have any suggestions on how we should renovate it?"
Xie Li tilted her head, puzzled.
"Renovate? Are we talking about fortifications or interior design?"
Chen Du patted her lightly on the head.
"Silly girl, obviously I'm referring to the interior design. I'll handle the fortifications myself."
At the mention of interior design, Tian Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled with excitement. She had always loved designing spaces.
Tian Xiaoyu chimed in, "Chen Du, I think the most pressing issue is the S-Alloy walls. They're too cold and sterile—it gives off an unsettling vibe."
Xie Li nodded in agreement.
"Yes, exactly. The silvery color feels harsh and almost blinding. Can't we change it to something warmer?"
Chen Du studied the walls thoughtfully. He had to admit, the metallic sheen was uncomfortable to look at for extended periods. A warmer hue would indeed improve the atmosphere.
Nodding in agreement, he asked, "Alright, what color or wallpaper do you two suggest?"
Without hesitation, both women replied in unison: "Blue."
They paused, surprised, then burst into laughter. It seemed they shared the same taste.
Chen Du chuckled. "Alright, two against one. Majority rules—we'll paint the walls blue. But let's be clear: when it comes time to work, no slacking off. Everyone pitches in."
Xie Li clung to his arm playfully.
"Of course! How could we possibly let you do all the work alone?"
Tian Xiaoyu glanced away, her tone calm but firm.
"I'll contribute too. No exceptions."
Chen Du gestured toward the living room. "As for the living area, I don't think we need to change much. It's a simple setup—a leather sofa, coffee table, and TV. We don't have much furniture anyway, so this will suffice."
Xie Li walked over to the wall behind the sofa.
"Chen Du, can we hang a painting here? There's one upstairs that I really like. It would look perfect in this spot."
Chen Du nodded.
"Sure thing. We'll bring it down later."
Tian Xiaoyu scanned the bar counter and surrounding layout.
"Chen Du, it seems our bunker lacks a proper kitchen. Why don't we convert this small bar counter into a simple open kitchen?"