Chapter 34: United Front

That evening, Shen Yanming enjoyed the delicious dinner Bi Qiao’an prepared. Afterward, while relaxing on the sofa and watching the news, he asked, “How was your first day at work? Are you adjusting well?”

“Not really. My previous life had only a few months of work after graduation, then the apocalypse and rebirth. It’s been ages since I’ve felt these constraints. My colleagues are nice, though,” Bi Qiao’an replied honestly.

“Yes, you just started, so there’s no conflict of interest.  They won’t likely give you trouble. For now, don’t rush. Focus on completing the leaders’ tasks—no need for us to strive for outstanding performance,” Shen Yanming cautioned with a flicker of concern.

“I know, hehe. The goal is to fly under the radar,” Bi Qiao’an nodded. “What about you? Has everything been smooth?”

“Mm.” Shen Yanming didn’t say much.

“With your brilliance, the leaders are sure to value you!” Bi Qiao’an believed Shen Yanming would excel anywhere.

He chuckled lightly. “I’ll try to keep a low profile.”

Both set out to be the most unassuming presences at work—no ambition, just competently completing tasks and avoiding inquiries about anything the leadership didn’t disclose on their own.

This approach endeared them to their colleagues, new and old alike as they posed no threat to them. Shen Yanming especially surprised his new bosses. At first, his demeanor hinted at extraordinary capabilities. However, as time passed, he seemed to simply be muddling through the days, showing no ambition at all. So they all let their guard down around him, and the relationship between colleagues became more harmonious than before.

On the first weekend of early November, apartment 1602 welcomed its first wave of guests.

Zhang Heping, Ji Kangyong, and Li Zhaozhao arrived at the door carrying a bunch of gifts.

Bi Qiao’an welcomed them in, and Shen Yanming entertained the visitors while she brought out peanuts and melon seeds from the cabinet and also set out tea for them.

Bi Qiao’an noticed Li Zhaozhao shooting Shen Yanming a look. “You guys chat,” she said quickly. “Why don’t you all have lunch at home? I’ll go prepare first.”

As she was turning to leave, Shen Yanming pulled her back. “Just say what you need to. Qiao’an can be trusted.”

Li Zhaozhao stared at their clasped hands, his voice sharp, “Qiao’an, we trust Yanming. But believe me, if you leak a single word about today, I will haunt you even after death!”

Shen Yanming’s expression darkened, but Bi Qiao’an wasn’t angry. Squeezing his hand tightly, she retorted, “Relax. Yanming and I are a team. I won’t let him get into trouble. And the same goes for the three of you. If you spill something you shouldn’t, I will also fight you to the death!”

Her words carried an unexpected chill, a deadly aura radiating from the petite woman.

The tension broke as the three men visibly startled. They hadn’t anticipated such ferocity hidden in this seemingly sweet girl.

“Ahem, everyone, calm down. We’re all on the same side. Qiao’an, I swear, I will never betray Yanming,” Zhang Heping spoke up, breaking the charged air.

“Me too. Even if someone finds out later, I’ll never expose Shen Yanming,” Ji Kangyong affirmed.

“Same here. We’re childhood friends. He’s doing us a favor here. I’m not an ungrateful bastard!” chimed in Li Zhaozhao.

Bi Qiao’an smiled and nodded. “Me too. Our goals are the same; we all want to live well, to survive!”

Shen Yanming then spoke, “It’s good we’re being honest. You came today because there’s something important, right?”

“Right. We’re almost done preparing. Wanted to let you know,” The three quickly detailed their progress.

“We got more than what you suggested,” Ji Kangyong added, “since Zhang Heping’s been reading apocalyptic novels. We discussed it and stocked up according to their descriptions.”

Li Zhaozhao complained, “Getting all this…it was a nightmare! To avoid suspicion, we moved it piece by piece, using other orders as cover. Little stuff, but exhausting! We covered our tracks… at least, we hope so.”

“There are four warehouses of supplies, one per person. We handled everything directly, keeping you out of it on the surface. Here’s my thought, secretly move your share to your warehouse away. If we’re ever caught, at least that stockpile is safe. We’ll have to rely on you to not starve then,” Zhang Heping said seriously.

Ji Kangyong and Li Zhaozhao nodded in agreement.

Shen Yanming, silent for a moment, agreed. “Alright, but be extra careful. Don’t leave any clues.”

Then Ji Kangyong spoke up, “Yanming, if you can, shift half the stuff from my warehouse too. Don’t even tell me where. If I really can’t protect this half warehouse of supplies in the future, I’ll find you.”

Li Zhaozhao echoed the sentiment, “Right, me too.  Even if they investigate, you’ll be safe.  It’s more about peace of mind, knowing you’ve got survival stuff for us.”

Shen Yanming paused, considering the implications. While he could undoubtedly guard the supplies more securely, concentrating so many resources with one person posed its own kind of risk.

“Don’t stress about it too much. Even if your stock is lost too, it’s how it goes. Although there’s an old saying that eggs shouldn’t be put in the same basket, if we brothers can’t keep the things in our hands, the same probably goes for the things in your hands. Holding it for us is just a comfort. A ‘what-if’,” Zhang Heping said, a bitter smile touching his lips. No amount of preparation could fully assuage the fear of the unknown.

“We feel the same. Won’t hold it against you or betray you,” Ji Kangyong and Li Zhaozhao were quick to assure him.

Shen Yanming nodded after a long silence. “Alright, but make detailed lists of the supplies. Brothers or not, transparency matters in arrangements like this. And like you said, I can’t guarantee the absolute safety of the supplies. If there really is an accident…”

“We won’t blame you. We can even write a guarantee!”

Shen Yanming nodded, not refusing their gesture.

He knew a guarantee was worthless, but he couldn’t dismiss the effort his friends had put into gathering those supplies. And if they faced hardship in the future, could he live in comfort knowing he’d used their stockpiles while they suffered? He’d have to support them regardless. This way, his brothers could use the resources in good conscience.