doomsday shelter

Chapter 15：Going out to get food

In Villa No. 3, Yuan Hui, the wife of Hao Yaowu, was in the kitchen preparing a meal. She exclaimed, "Hao, come in quickly!" Hao Yaowu entered the kitchen, smiling, "Darling, what's the matter?"

Yuan Hui indignantly remarked, "See for yourself!" and pointed to the open refrigerator and cupboard.

Hao Yaowu, upon inspection, found that the vegetables and meat in the refrigerator were almost depleted, and there was only a small bag of grains left in the cupboard. Astonished, he inquired, "How did it come to this scant amount?"

Yuan Hui retorted, "Do you even have the face to ask me? A grown man like you should be finding ways to procure food instead of trailing after others all day!"

Hao Yaowu replied, "Didn't you tell me to cook frugally? How did the food deplete so rapidly?"

Yuan Hui scolded, "Both our elderly parents and the child in our family need nutrition. How can we let them go hungry? Hurry, go ask both families for food, or else, we'll be left with nothing tomorrow!"

Hao Yaowu hesitated, "When we initially divided the food, we considered our family's needs. How can I bring myself to ask again?"

Yuan Hui snapped, "Our lives are at stake, and you're worried about saving face? Go now!" She reached for a broom to hit him.

Hao Yaowu, shorter and less robust than his wife, was always wary of her. At this moment, Yuan Hui's mother also joined in, berating, "Utterly useless! Letting your wife and child starve and still not seeking food! Vanity at the cost of suffering!"

Feeling crestfallen, Hao Yaowu slowly made his way to Villa No. 4. Though deeply aggrieved, leaving his family without sustenance was not an option. Considering Zhang Jian's household had two children, he hesitated to ask and opted to seek help from Song Yunian instead.

At that moment, Song Yunian was having a reduced-calorie lunch with Liang Jiajia. Seeing Hao Yaowu's visit, he invited him to sit down. Song Yunian inquired, "Have you come up with any good ideas, Brother He?"

Observing Song Yunian's robust physique, consuming merely a small plate of vegetables and meat slices alongside a bowl of thin porridge, and the mutual urging between Song Yunian and Liang Jiajia to eat more, Hao Yaowu couldn't bring himself to request grain. He suggested, "Brother Song, why don't we modify the cars and venture down the mountain to gather food?"

Song Yunian concurred, "You're on the same page as me. Currently, we have no other alternatives but to take a risk. We have three cars in total; I noticed your seven-seater has ample space, suitable for carrying food. Let's modify it."

Hao Yaowu agreed, "I'll follow your lead, Brother. Let's start this afternoon."

Song Yunian instructed, "This afternoon, let's gather some usable tools and materials first. We must reinforce the car doors and windows very securely; from what I know, zombies exert considerable force in their collisions. How is your father-in-law's health? Can he assist?" With that, he finished the bowl of rice porridge in one gulp, and Liang Jiajia scooped him another bowl.

Yuan Hui had left most of the delicious food for the two elderly and the child, leaving Hao Yaowu without a satisfying meal for many days. Watching Song Yunian and Liang Jiajia enjoy their meal, his stomach rumbled loudly, and he kept swallowing saliva incessantly.

Clearing his throat, he said, "He's unable to help; he's a bit senile."

Sharp-eyed Song Yunian noticed Hao Yaowu's hunger and embarrassment. He remarked, "Brother He, is there anything else on your mind?"

Hao Yaowu forced a smile, "Nothing at all, nothing at all, Brother Song and Sister-in-law, please continue eating! I'll take my leave now, see you this afternoon!" With that, he stood up to leave.

Song Yunian stopped him, "Brother He, wait a moment. Is there a shortage of food at home?"

Blushing, Hao Yaowu murmured, "Yes, there is."

Song Yunian said, "You're not one to lie; it's evident on your face. Jiajia, pack some food for Brother He."

Liang Jiajia frowned, "Husband, we don't have enough for ourselves. We already distributed the least to him; surviving on frugality has left us with this amount! Hao Yaowu, you should ask Zhang Jian's family instead!"

With a loud slap on the table, making all the dishes and utensils jump, Song Yunian's anger flared, "Other families have elderly and children too. Besides, we'll bring back food tomorrow. Go quickly!"

Terrified, Liang Jiajia trembled, burst into tears, and cried out, "I won't go! If you dare, hit me!"

Hao Yaowu hurriedly said, "Brother, it's really unnecessary. We can manage for a few more meals. See you this afternoon! Please, get along well with Sister-in-law!"

Song Yunian said, "Hold on. If she won't go, I will. Just wait a moment!" With that, disregarding Hao Yaowu's persuasion, he headed straight to the kitchen, while Liang Jiajia angrily retreated to her room, slamming the door shut with a loud bang.