This wasn't just a physical defense; it was also a psychological defense. In this apocalyptic world rife with danger and uncertainty, Xiao Yi knew that while external threats were formidable, inner fear and insecurity were the most deadly enemies. Every reinforced door lock, every meticulously installed early warning device wasn't just to ward off potential intruders; it was also to find a glimmer of comfort and security for his tormented soul. He often sat alone in a corner of his room on quiet nights, reminiscing about those horrific experiences. Those bloody images and desperate cries haunted his mind like ghosts, keeping him awake at night. These protective measures, like sturdy shields, temporarily kept those painful memories out of his inner castle. As he personally established these defenses, a temporary sense of peace welled up within him. It was as if he was telling himself, "I'm prepared. No matter how dark the world outside, I have the ability to protect myself." This psychological reassurance fueled his perseverance amidst loneliness and fear. However, he also knew that this defense wasn't indestructible. It was fragile, like the faintest ray of hope deep within him, a yearning for peace and tranquility. Yet, he clung to this lifeline, for in this endless darkness, even a faint glimmer of hope was enough to keep him going. This psychological defense was a dream he had woven for himself amidst despair. A dream of safety, of survival, of the future. He carefully nurtured this dream, preventing it from being shattered by the cruelties of reality. For as long as this dream remained, he had the courage to face each new dawn and the strength to embrace the challenges of the unknown.

"Only with peace of mind can we face the unknowns of the future." Xiao Yi leaned against the wall, letting out a sigh of relief. Fine beads of sweat still beaded his forehead, trickling down his cheeks and dripping onto the ground, as if a manifestation of his inner tension. A hint of fatigue lingered in Xiao Yi's eyes, but more so a sense of relief from a heavy burden. His back pressed against the cold wall, as if drawing strength and a sense of security from the solid touch. Xiao Yi recalled those moments of fear and helplessness, trembling alone in the darkness, helpless in the face of unknown dangers. "How many times have I been caught off guard by danger? That feeling of despair and powerlessness..." He muttered silently, his lips trembling slightly. Now, through his own hard work, he had finally created a relatively safe environment for himself. Even a brief moment of peace of mind was invaluable to him. Xiao Yi took a deep breath, feeling the rise and fall of his chest, letting his heartbeat gradually calm. "The future is still full of uncertainty, and I don't know when a new crisis will strike. But at least now, at this moment, I can calm my heart a little." His eyes grew firm, as if to encourage himself. "Only when my heart is at peace can I maintain a clear mind and react quickly when danger strikes." Xiao Yi clenched his fists, secretly vowing to constantly strengthen himself to cope with the various difficulties and obstacles that may arise in the future. Leaning against the wall, his body gradually relaxed, but his inner vigilance never disappeared. That moment of relaxation was only to better meet the challenges of the future and to continue to survive strongly in this cruel world.

Daily Inspections. Every day thereafter, Xiao Yi inspected these protective measures to ensure they remained in good working order. Early in the morning, before the first rays of sunlight had fully penetrated the windows, Xiao Yi had already begun his crucial daily tasks. He rose from his bed quietly, fearing to wake his still-sleeping companions. Putting on his slightly worn, yet treasured, coat, Xiao Yi approached the door. He first carefully inspected the lock, gently running his hand over the lock cylinder and handle, feeling for any signs of looseness or wear. His eyes were focused and sharp, not missing even the slightest scratch or flaw. He then crouched down to check the threshold for any signs of prying; even the smallest speck of wood would alert him. Then, Xiao Yi entered the room and examined each of the warning devices. He carefully plucked the silk threads, observing whether the attached bells sounded properly. For those hidden mechanisms, he meticulously checked the position and condition of every component, ensuring they would trigger accurately at the critical moment. During his inspection, Xiao Yi's expression was serious and attentive, as if handling a precious treasure. His fingers gently touched each device, feeling its temperature and texture, drawing on years of experience to determine if there were any potential problems. Sometimes, to test a device's sensitivity, he would deliberately create slight disturbances to observe whether it responded quickly and accurately. If he detected any signs of slowness or malfunction, he would immediately stop and begin repairs and adjustments. In the afternoon, as sunlight filled the room, Xiao Yi would inspect it again. This time, he was even more meticulous, even crouching on the floor and using a flashlight to illuminate even hard-to-see corners to ensure nothing was overlooked. Before nightfall, Xiao Yi would conduct one final inspection. Under the dim light, his figure appeared exceptionally focused and resolute. He knew that these protective measures guaranteed his and his companions' survival in this dangerous world; the slightest negligence could lead to irreversible consequences. Day after day, Xiao Yi never stopped inspecting these protective measures. With his persistence and meticulousness, he built a solid line of defense for himself and those around him.