Zhang Su thought that the woman named Zhong Xiaoshan was fairly perceptive, at least she understood the value of exchange, instead of starting with "Please, have mercy on me" and that sort of thing.
"Didn't Director Hu prepare any food for you to enjoy here? Aren't you scared of passing out from low blood sugar? You guys are quite bold!"
"That's not him… he hasn't returned yet. I brought some water, but no food."
Zhong Xiaoshan, feeling awkward, said, "Handsome man, beautiful woman, you two look like great people. I don't need much food, just a few boxes of self-heating rice is enough. I'll give you all of this."
While speaking, Zhong Xiaoshan hastily took off her ring, earrings, and necklace and placed them on the coffee table. To show her determination, she pushed them toward Zhang Su.
Zhang Su glanced at the pile of gold jewelry on the table and shook his head slightly, saying, "I'm sorry, Ms. Zhong, you've spent all your money and jewelry just by answering questions. These things are already mine; you can't use them to exchange for food anymore!"
Usually, Zhang Su was generous because resources were abundant, and he never lacked food or drink. He utilized what he had to build relationships and foster goodwill. This didn't mean he was a genuinely altruistic person!
On the contrary, Zhang Su was quite selfish, doing everything for his own benefit. For instance, maintaining good relationships was purely for his convenience.
He ventured alone into an unfamiliar city right after coming of age, carrying a substantial amount of money but still walking on thin ice, which made him see clearly the cold warmth of human relationships!
"How could it be like this…"
Zhong Xiaoshan didn't expect Zhang Su to say that and her expression stiffened, leaving her at a loss.
"Did you forget what you said before?"
Zhang Su had no intention of compromising, nor did he tidy up the jewelry because, in his view, these things were already worthless!
"No, I haven't forgotten, but I… I'm really hungry."
Zhong Xiaoshan's expression showed a pleading look.
Many slim people often have a controlled diet, giving the illusion of having little need for food. However, these people aren't able to tolerate hunger well because their prolonged dietary restrictions leave many body functions in a risky state, and missing just a couple of meals can lead to a breakdown.
On the contrary, those who usually eat a lot, despite complaining when they skip a meal, can endure hunger for three days without eating as if nothing happened. As long as they have water, they can endure like camels!
"Ms. Zhong, do we look like people who can cook? Our stock is only enough for two or three days, and we have no idea what to do afterward. We truly don't have the capability to help you."
Zhang Su was not moved at all; until there was a clear way forward, he absolutely wouldn't offer help easily.
Zhong Xiaoshan felt utterly powerless seeing Zhang Su remain unmoved. If it weren't for Zheng Xinyu sitting there, she would have gladly given Zhang Su a full-care package just to have a meal!
Thinking of Zheng Xinyu, Zhong Xiaoshan promptly turned her pleading eyes towards her. Since the man was unyielding, perhaps she would have better luck with a girl soft-hearted.
"Beautiful girl, sister begs you. I'm already dizzy sitting here; if I don't eat something, I really can't survive much longer. Save me, won't you?"
Zhong Xiaoshan never imagined that prolonged hunger could be this painful.
"Ah, I..."
Zheng Xinyu looked troubled; a moment ago, she disliked this woman for trying to seduce Zhang Su, but now faced with her sincere plea, she couldn't bear to refuse.
Yet, she wouldn't agree rashly because she knew very well who currently held authority in the room. Even though most of the supplies belonged to her, she couldn't make decisions!
"He's right, we truly don't have much to offer, sorry."
Zheng Xinyu, who was quite eloquent during live broadcasts, found it unexpectedly difficult to lie in real life, especially when faced with a life-and-death dilemma; deceiving others became nearly impossible.
Her conscience felt burdened, but she wouldn't make decisions impulsively.
Zhang Su was very pleased with Zheng Xinyu's response, but Zhong Xiaoshan's subsequent words made him extremely dissatisfied.
"In times of disaster, shouldn't we, as survivors, join forces? Why, when you have so much food, can't you sell me a bit? Doesn't watching me starve make your conscience ache?"
Zhong Xiaoshan pointed towards Zheng Xinyu's room, her face sorrowful, seeming weak.
Zhang Su frowned slightly and glanced at Zheng Xinyu, finally recalling that in their haste to stop Zhong Xiaoshan's foolish shouting, they left the room without closing the door.
"I…I forgot to close the door."
Zheng Xinyu made a grimace.
"Ms. Zhong!"
Suddenly, Zhang Su stood up, his face cold as he said, "Outside, too many people have died. If there are vengeful spirits, the sky would surely be covered in darkness. Don't expect others to save you with their life-saving resources unless you provide something valuable in exchange!"
"Value that is useful, not these discarded metals!"
Unreservedly, Zhang Su pointed to the gold jewelry on the table.
Prosperous times treasure antique, chaotic times value gold, but this 'chaos' has limits.
If human civilization suffers severe upheaval and global turmoil ensues, the value retention of gold won't exist, turning it into a heap of waste!
Due to her excitement, Zhong Xiaoshan felt dizzy again, but she steadied herself and said, "I have value. I was truly a nurse before. I know many emergency procedures, and with hospitals overwhelmed, I can make you much safer by staying here!"
Zhong Xiaoshan tried hard to sell her abilities.
Zhang Su shook his head earnestly and said, "Ms. Zhong, I admit your skills are useful, but I don't have a need for them right now. Using a skill that may never be utilized as a trade—is the intention for us to support you indefinitely?"
If conditions allowed, Zhang Su wouldn't mind having a nurse, especially an attractive one like Zhong Xiaoshan.
However, the current situation was dire; the apparent safety was only temporary. In just this building, who knows how many zombies are wandering; dangers are everywhere!
"No, handsome, more than one skill—CPR, basic breathing, injection for various situations, stabilizing broken bones, and many more. Handling some diseases, pharmacology—I know a lot!"
"Please, I'll eat just a small amount daily; just a small amount is fine. Once help arrives, I'll repay you a thousandfold—I have savings, over three hundred thousand, I'll give it all to you. Please save me!"
Speaking desperately, Zhong Xiaoshan slid from the couch, falling to her knees with tears in her eyes, looking up at Zhang Su with a lost beauty.
Since physical allure couldn't tempt, crying might as well; perhaps it could move them.
"Ahem, um, I... I'll go close the door."
Zheng Xinyu realized hardening one's heart was apparently quite difficult, contrary to what she had imagined.
In her mind, bad people would wield weapons, viciously snatch food, where she'd definitely fight back fiercely, wouldn't mind killing them. Now, faced with a woman feebler than a chicken, she truly struggled to drive her away.
In this moment, she felt some relief—grateful she wasn't the one deciding, otherwise, she'd be entangled to death.