The chat channel buzzed with lively discussion.
Clearly, the swift sale of Chen Du's protective items owed much to their efforts.
Chen Du remained silent.
He understood that in this apocalyptic world, some people resorted to selling their bodies just to survive and acquire essential supplies.
It was an inevitable consequence of the harsh environment.
But still, how could one measure the worth of innocence in a place like this?
Yet, Chen Du couldn't shake off his unease.
His thoughts drifted to Xie Li.
If she were pushed to the brink of survival, would she also be forced down such a path?
He abruptly cut off his train of thought, muttering under his breath, "Damn fate. Even my own survival hangs by a thread—might not last another day. Why am I wasting energy worrying about others?"
With that, he redirected his focus toward the zombies roaming the streets below.
[Experience +1]
[Experience +1]
...
[Congratulations, player! You've leveled up. Keep pushing forward!]
Level: 3 (0/300)
Strength: 15
Agility: 7
Stamina: Hungry
"Finally… leveled up!"
Chen Du shook his arm, which had grown stiff from hours of fighting.
After over ten grueling hours, he'd finally reached Level 3, gaining three points in Strength and two in Agility.
A small milestone achieved.
Now, with hunger gnawing at his stomach, it was time to eat.
He pulled out a packet of instant noodles and a bottle of water, replenishing his energy while scrolling through the trading platform.
To his surprise, something useful caught his eye—a pistol silencer.
This was a game-changer!
With it, he could fire without drawing unwanted attention, significantly boosting his chances of staying alive.
The seller's asking price? A mere ten bottles of water.
Without hesitation, Chen Du made the purchase.
Wealthy as he was, haggling never crossed his mind—it was simply a waste of time.
Moments later, the silencer materialized in his hand.
As he attached it to the barrel of his gun, the weapon took on a sinister aura.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Chen Du felt a prickle of alertness.
In his line of sight, a shifty figure with dyed yellow hair was sneaking into the supermarket below.
Since the street's zombie threat had been cleared, the intruder moved unimpeded.
Trouble.
Chen Du's eyes narrowed as he quietly descended from the rooftop, pistol in hand.
Just as he reached the staircase, he heard Xie Li's desperate cries coming from the second-floor office.
"Help! Someone, please help me!!"
Her voice cracked with desperation.
"Huh, scavenging for supplies and I stumble upon such a beauty. Been cooped up for days—looks like my luck's turned around," a strange man's voice sneered from within.
The sound of rustling clothes followed, then tearing fabric.
Chen Du rushed to the second floor, gun raised.
"Damn it, stop struggling!"
Before the yellow-haired man could force himself on her, a gunshot echoed through the room.
Pain exploded in his left shoulder.
"Ahhh!! It hurts!"
The man clutched his bleeding arm, screaming in agony.
Chen Du stood in the doorway, his face an icy mask, the barrel of his gun still smoking faintly.
"How dare you lay a hand on what belongs to me?"
His voice was low and menacing as he fired again, striking the man's thigh.
Tears streamed down the wounded man's face. Unsure whether to clutch his shoulder or his leg, he collapsed to the ground, begging for mercy.
"Boss, I'm sorry! I didn't touch her—I swear! Please spare me! I'll do anything you want!"
Chen Du's expression remained cold.
"Even calling me 'father' won't save you now."
The man trembled violently.
"Yes, yes! You're my grandfather, my ancestor! Discipline me however you see fit—just let me live!"
Chen Du's irritation mounted as the man babbled on.
Thinking back to how close the man had come to violating Xie Li, his emotions spiraled out of control.
"You talk too much."
He raised his pistol and unloaded several rounds into the man.
Watching the life drain from the attacker's eyes, Chen Du stood frozen for a moment before snapping out of his daze.
He turned to Xie Li, who sat trembling, and rolled his eyes.
"Not dead, are you?"
Xie Li burst into tears.
She'd never imagined facing such a situation in her entire life. The thought of nearly being violated overwhelmed her with grief.
Chen Du said nothing, waiting until her sobs subsided.
After untying her, he placed a set of clean clothes beside her and stepped outside.
"Your old clothes are ruined. Change into these."
Downstairs, Chen Du sifted through the attacker's backpack.
Nothing valuable—far inferior to his own supplies.
Once dressed, Xie Li emerged from the supermarket and approached Chen Du.
He handed her ten portions of food and water.
She frowned.
"What's this for?"
Chen Du shrugged. "I'm letting you go. Whether you live or die afterward… well, that's on you."
Without waiting for her response, he turned and walked away from the abandoned supermarket.
Meeting two strangers in three days signaled danger. This area was no longer safe; more players would likely arrive soon.
He had no choice but to leave.
As for Xie Li, there wasn't much more he could do.
Leaving her with basic supplies ensured she'd survive for a few more days—at least. That was all he could offer.
Chen Du walked away without looking back.
Moments later, faint footsteps echoed behind him.
Thanks to multiple level-ups, his heightened senses now picked up even the slightest sounds.