Lu Yu discussed with Jiang Ning, “Anning, there are too many people and eyes on our side. Can we temporarily store the supplies at your place? We’ll come to get them once we find a place to keep them.” 

Over there, they even had to close the windows to cook porridge, let alone eat meat. 

Jiang Ning had no objections. “Sure, there’s still quite a few connections here. If you want to eat meat or something, just let me know in advance. If I can trade for it, I’ll get it for you.” 

Everyone was even happier upon hearing this, feeling a new sense of hope in their lives. 

After they had eaten enough, Zhang Chao announced the main matter, “Anning, we plan to resign from the security jobs.” 

Now that they weren’t lacking supplies, who would risk their lives anymore? 

Jiang Ning was happy for them. “That’s good news. Eternal Night is indeed too dangerous. It’s not too late to set out again after surviving this disaster.” 

After eating, they played with Coke for a while, then planned to leave. 

Jiang Ning exchanged some mung beans and soybeans for both families, which they could use to grow bean sprouts. 

They couldn’t always drink corn porridge; it was good to change up the taste occasionally. 

Additionally, she took out the keys from her pocket. “The villa is still relatively safe, and there probably won’t be any disturbances for now. The other house is just sitting empty. You can stay there for now. We’ll talk again if anything changes.” 

It wasn’t just for this; it was also because of their attitude today. 

If the villa area ever really fell, she believed they would vacate the house if she needed it. 

Zhang Chao happily accepted the keys. “Anning, thanks.” 

They were just ordinary couples. Even kissing at night made noise, so sharing one house was indeed inconvenient. 

They wouldn’t stay for free either. They would pay rent according to the market rate, directly deducted from the supplies. If they needed it someday, they would vacate immediately. 

After closing the courtyard gate, Jiang Ning went back inside the house and sat quietly on the sofa. Her smile had disappeared, and she didn’t feel as excited anymore. There was a hint of confusion in her expression.

Huo Yishen walked over. “What’s wrong?” 

Jiang Ning thought for a moment. “I asked for a plane and fuel. Do you think that’s too greedy?” 

“This time Ding Qi asked, next time it will be Zhang Chao?” 

Huo Yishen sat down beside her, pulling her into his arms to comfort her. “Ding Qi knew that asking would upset Zhang Chao and Lu Yu, but she did it anyway. And from today, although they intended to compensate, it didn’t affect their relationship at all.” 

He had some things to say, which might upset Jiang Ning, but he felt they needed to be said. 

“Anning, whether it’s Zhang Chao and the others or us, we’re all changing. It’s not about being selfish or greedy; it’s that our needs and interests have changed.” 

Back on the 18th floor, they used to share interests and think alike, forming a close-knit community. 

But things have changed. Zhang Chao and the others are now part of Ding Qi’s group. 

“I believe your feelings for Zhang Chao and the others haven’t changed, and their friendship towards you hasn’t either. But the world has changed, and our goals in life have changed.” 

He didn’t think Jiang Ning was greedy. “If you insist on equal sharing, they might not realize that friendship has boundaries. If that habit forms, you might end up like Zheng Weili and face the same situation with her brother and sister-in-law.” 

Unequal distribution of benefits would make them reflect on themselves. 

Huo Yishen’s words eased Jiang Ning’s mind. 

When Ding Qi spoke up, her mind was in turmoil, fearing she would see nothing but polite responses on their faces. 

If that were the case, it’d mean there was no future. 

Huo Yishen was right. Friendship has boundaries, and they need to be carefully considered. 

Fortunately, through this incident, both she and Zhang Chao and the others had reflected on themselves. 

Jiang Ning felt enlightened and then stared at Huo Yishen. “You had your opinions all along. Why were you so tolerant of me?” 

“You’re my wife, if I don’t tolerate you, who else would I tolerate?” 

In Huo Yishen’s heart, Jiang Ning had long been his wife, even though they couldn’t legally marry in this apocalypse. 

If it weren’t for the apocalypse, they might have had children by now. She had her quirks and temper, but they were all manageable. As long as it wasn’t too extreme, there was nothing wrong with her occasional unpredictability.

He even worried that he might be too dull and make her feel bored. 

“Huo Yishen, thank you.” Jiang Ning leaned on his shoulder. “In the future, if I ever lose control, you can tell me right away. Don’t keep it to yourself.” 

Seeing her soft side, Huo Yishen suddenly became interested. “How do you plan to thank me?” 

“How do you want me to thank you?” 

Huo Yishen hinted suggestively, “Call me brother?” 

Jiang Ning burst out laughing and bit his ear lightly. “Brother Shen.” 

The two were still playing downstairs, filled with excitement. Huo Yishen lifted her up. “We got the big plane; let’s celebrate properly.” 

Door closed, lights on. 

… 

After a severe crackdown, the outside became much quieter. For several days, there hadn’t been any intruders climbing the community walls. 

Residents had also adapted to the prolonged darkness, each honing a keen sense of hearing. Sometimes, just by the sound of footsteps, they could roughly identify who was approaching. 

Different footsteps—tall, short, fat, thin, male, female, young, old—all sounded different. Even different types of shoes had unique sounds, not to mention the distinction between residents and intruders. 

Some residents, finding humor in hardship, would even make bets during patrols, guessing the owner of approaching footsteps. The loser would offer a cigarette or some peanuts. 

In the pitch dark, a familiar dog’s bark echoed outside. 

The dog immediately stood up, visibly excited and even wagging its tail. 

It appeared that Coke was quite fond of its buddy, Ah Ben. 

Jiang Ning let it out to play under the usual rules—only within the designated area. 

Opening the door, she saw Ah Ben wasn’t alone; he was dragging a wheelchair. 

Sitting in the wheelchair was… a white mummy. 

When the flashlight shone on him, Jiang Ning almost burst out laughing. “What happened to you?” 

“Sis, do you even have a heart?” Rong Sanshao wailed in distress. “I’ve been beaten up this badly.” 

Jiang Ning was surprised. “Did you break your arms and legs?” 

When she rescued him, it didn’t seem like his injuries were that severe. 

Rong Sanshao, feeling downcast, replied, “Those minor injuries healed a long time ago. This was my old man’s doing.” 

Oh, indeed he deserved it! 

Rong Sanshao came to settle the score, seething with anger. “Sis, you’re really ruthless, asking for a helicopter right off the bat.” 

If she had asked for less, he wouldn’t have been beaten so badly by his father. 

He’s truly heartbroken! 

Jiang Ning calmly replied, “Rong Sanshao, is your life so cheap that you’re not even worth a helicopter?” 

Bullshit, of course not! 

Rong Sanshao was rendered speechless with anger, his face flushed and neck swollen. “But you can’t ask for 100 tons of fuel either.” 

She wasn’t just asking for a helicopter; she was asking for his life! 

Jiang Ning was speechless. “What’s the use of a helicopter without any fuel?”

He didn’t care; his heart was thoroughly hurt. 

Little did he know Jiang Ning had an even harsher question. “When are you going out again? Maybe I can ask for another helicopter.” 

Rong Sanshao nearly coughed up blood! 

Jiang Ning didn’t comfort his fragile heart. Instead, she asked curiously, “Did you find Yu Tong?”