Even the slightest wear or looseness would be promptly repaired. Xiao Yi treated every detail of these protective measures with the meticulous care of a rare treasure. Upon noticing even the slightest wear or looseness, his gaze would instantly become focused and sharp. He would quickly retrieve the appropriate tool from his meticulously prepared toolbox, neatly arranged and each one meticulously cleaned. If he noticed a barely perceptible scratch on the door lock, causing the cylinder to rotate slightly sluggishly, he would pick up a screwdriver and gently and precisely adjust the internal components until the cylinder rotated smoothly again. If the wire of the early warning device had even the slightest fuzz, potentially affecting the trigger sensitivity, Xiao Yi would immediately replace it with a new one. His hands moved with skill and stability, as if performing delicate surgery. Every winding and securing movement was meticulously executed, ensuring the new wire would function perfectly. Even the slightest looseness in a corner mechanism would be noticed by Xiao Yi. He would use a wrench to tighten the screws little by little, while constantly testing the mechanism's response until everything was restored to its original state. Sometimes, in order to find a suitable replacement part, he would rummage through the various miscellaneous items he had collected for a long time, not caring even if he got covered in dust. During the repair process, Xiao Yi was fully focused, and everything in the outside world seemed to have nothing to do with him. Fine beads of sweat might ooze out of his forehead, but he would not stop his hands to wipe them off. His mind was completely immersed in the repair work, because he knew that this tiny wear or looseness could become a fatal loophole at a critical moment. When the repair work was completed, Xiao Yi would check it carefully again. After confirming that there was no problem, he would breathe a sigh of relief, and a look of satisfaction appeared on his face. But soon, he would re-enter the inspection of other protective measures, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

"There can be no slackness. Danger could strike at any moment," Xiao Yi constantly reminded himself. These words echoed in his mind like a relentless alarm bell, never pausing for a moment. Xiao Yi knew that in this world teeming with danger, every moment held a potentially deadly threat. He often whispered these words in solitude, as if instilling a sense of vigilance deep within his soul. Whether walking through deserted streets or taking a break in a corner of the base, these words would suddenly resonate with him, instantly tightening his nerves. Whenever night fell, the darkness seemed to stir, and Xiao Yi, gazing into the endless night, his alertness reached its peak. "There can be no slackness. Danger could strike at any moment." His eyes were firm and sharp, as if they could penetrate the thick darkness and discern the hidden danger. During a mission, even a moment of slack could lead him and his teammates into dire straits. So, when others, exhausted and careless, slipped, he would use these words as a reminder, urging everyone to regain their spirits and maintain high alert. Xiao Yi recalled those painful experiences, the companions he had lost due to a moment of negligence, the scenes stained with blood, and his heart was filled with pain and self-blame. "I can't let such a tragedy happen again, absolutely not!" He secretly vowed, and this sentence became his creed. Even in his dreams, Xiao Yi would be awakened by this sentence. He would suddenly sit up, gasping for breath, his forehead covered with cold sweat, and then quickly adjust his state, preparing for any possible danger. "There can be no slackness, danger may strike at any time." This sentence was deeply engraved in Xiao Yi's heart, becoming the motivation and belief for his survival in this cruel world.

A Place of Peace. Xiao Yi's meticulous arrangement transformed this small room into a haven where he could truly rest in peace during the apocalypse. Upon entering, the first thing that caught his eye was the heavily reinforced door, a solid barrier that shut out the dangers and chaos of the outside world. In the corner behind the door sat a simple weapon rack he had crafted himself, neatly arranged with various polished and modified tools. Though crude, it brimmed with power. The walls of the room were covered with old photographs he had found in the ruins, beautiful memories of a past world that brought him a sense of warmth and hope whenever he glanced at them. The windows were tightly covered with heavy curtains, not only blocking out prying eyes but also adding a sense of tranquility to the room. A small bed occupied a corner of the room. The bedding, though a little worn, was meticulously washed by Xiao Yi, and exuded a faint scent of sunlight. On the small table beside the bed stood an oil lamp and several books he treasured. At night, the dim light and the words within became his solace. In another corner of the room was his storage area, neatly arranged with his collected food and water, each carefully labeled and categorized to ensure quick access when needed. Hanging from the roof beams were dried herbs and homemade protective charms, his wishes for health and safety. The floor was covered with soft hay, which rustled softly as one walked, bringing a sense of earthy comfort. The room was filled with a faint scent of pine branches gathered from the nearby woods, evoking a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Every object in this room held a story and meaning, and every detail reflected Xiao Yi's love for life and his vision for the future. When he returned exhausted and closed the door, it was as if the entire world had shut out, leaving only inner peace and tranquility. Here, free from the clamor and fear of the outside world, there was only his own little world. He could lie in bed, close his eyes, and completely relax; or he could sit at his desk, immersed in a world of books by the light of an oil lamp, temporarily forgetting the cruelty of the apocalypse. This small room became his spiritual haven, allowing him to find a glimmer of warmth and hope in a world filled with despair and danger, and to regain the courage and strength to face the future.

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!