No matter what, Ye Qingyi could only follow along with him now. Otherwise, not only would she lose her life, but those photos would also be released, and even her fiancé's entire family might face danger.
After getting up, Tang Ze casually brushed his teeth while reflecting on the past two days' progress—it had increased significantly, reaching level 16.
At this rate, gaining three points per day, it would take roughly a month to unlock the end-of-the-world gift pack at level 20.
If he could obtain three additional rations, the time required would be halved.
Unfortunately, so far, these three rations were the best available. After indulging in such luxurious delicacies as abalone, how could one settle for anything less?
Stepping onto the balcony, Tang Ze felt a chilling breeze sweep over him. For southern China in September, this weather was unusual, though fortunately, there was air conditioning indoors.
He checked his phone, which no longer displayed the temperature, but Tang Ze estimated it to be around ten degrees Celsius outside. The rapid change in weather was startling.
In the living room, Tang Ze's gaze fell upon Ye Qingyi, who instinctively shifted backward, fear welling up inside her.
Ignoring her, Tang Ze patted An Bai and Sun Ting on the head before preparing to enjoy breakfast.
Breakfast was typically the most nutritious meal of the day. However, given Ye Qingyi's situation, as previously mentioned, she would have to eat whatever the two girls left behind.
When the mushroom chicken soup appeared, Ye Qingyi froze. How could they possibly have such food?
And… sweet and sour spare ribs? Even a bowl of black chicken rice noodles?
Sun Ting and An Bai, already famished, quickly began eating, crouching on the floor. The aroma of chicken soup filled the living room. Ye Qingyi's lips trembled involuntarily, her throat swallowing reflexively, but all she could do was watch longingly.
Meanwhile, Tang Ze opted for a simpler meal: two meat buns and some porridge, while scrolling through updates in the neighborhood group chat.
After about ten minutes, the two girls finished eating, leaving the leftovers for Ye Qingyi.
Only bare bones remained from the sweet and sour spare ribs; the black chicken rice noodles were reduced to half a bowl of broth filled with bones, and the mushroom chicken soup was similarly depleted.
"Eat, don't just stare," Sun Ting said indifferently.
Ye Qingyi looked at the scraps. She had never eaten like this in her life. Yet, the rich aroma of the chicken soup was irresistible. Without sustenance, how could she muster the strength to escape?
With this self-consoling thought, Ye Qingyi immediately started sipping the black chicken soup, feeling warmth spread through her stomach. It tasted better than any dish from Michelin-starred restaurants.
"Mix some rice for her," Tang Ze remarked offhandedly. "You two ate all the meat. If she's only drinking broth and gnawing on bones, how can she possibly feel full? And if she isn't full, how can she endure what's coming?"
An Bai nodded and quickly scooped a generous portion of white rice. Ye Qingyi stared at the mound of rice, feeling as though it had been years since she'd last seen cooked grains. In this water-scarce environment, who still had the resources to cook rice? People survived on raw grains.
"Hurry up and eat," An Bai urged, not wanting Ye Qingyi to provoke Tang Ze's anger and end up with nothing.
Ye Qingyi gave An Bai a grateful glance. As the white rice mixed into the chicken soup, it transformed into something resembling braised chicken rice.
The sound of Ye Qingyi eating filled the living room. Not even the leftover bones were spared; she chewed them thoroughly before swallowing.
Burp.
Ye Qingyi couldn't help but let out a belch, immediately flushing with embarrassment.
Yet, it had been so long since she'd felt this full. If another bowl were available, she believed she could finish that too.
Suddenly, a familiar ringtone sounded.
"Your fiancé truly cares for you," Sun Ting chuckled, picking up the phone. Ye Qingyi made no move to snatch it, knowing it would only anger them and harm herself further.
"Yiyi, my father's friend mentioned there'll be a significant temperature drop and snowstorm in a few days. Make sure to stay warm."
"A temperature drop?" Ye Qingyi hadn't noticed anything unusual.
"Yes, in the south, daytime temperatures will plummet to around -20°C, and nighttime temperatures will reach -40°C. The north will be even colder. Avoid touching the snow—it's similar to this rain."
Tang Ze frowned upon hearing this. He had assumed the rain would stop, but now a severe cold front was approaching. It seemed they would remain trapped here.
No, he needed to find a way out. Securing more rations was the top priority.
"Okay, I'll make sure to stay warm. Don't worry."
"Why are you crying again?" Jiang Zihui's voice grew tense upon hearing his fiancée's tears.
"It's nothing, just feeling a bit sentimental."
"Sigh, if only you hadn't gone to your sister's place for dinner that night, you'd already be by my side," Jiang Zihui lamented.
Ye Qingyi shared the same thought. If she had left earlier, she wouldn't have encountered this devil.
"Sister-in-law, what are you doing?" A youthful voice suddenly chimed in, causing Tang Ze to pause. Ye Qingyi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The girl on the screen appeared to be seventeen or eighteen, her pretty face radiating youth and vitality, exuding innocence and charm. She wore a cozy woolen sweater, her collarbone subtly accentuated without being overly revealing, and a delicate Hermès summer accessory adorned her neck.
"Nana, I'm resting."
Jiang Nana hesitated. "Sister-in-law, make sure to rest properly. Everything will be alright."
"Okay, I'll rest well. Don't worry." Ye Qingyi's complexion gradually regained its color. Why had she ended up like this, even mentioning her deceased brother-in-law?
Jiang Nana didn't fully understand. "Sister-in-law, please stay safe. My brother misses you so much; he even sneaks peeks at your photos."
"What nonsense are you spouting, brat?" Jiang Zihui sounded flustered, and Ye Qingyi felt an overwhelming sense of shame, believing she had betrayed their love and was no longer worthy of her fiancé.