Butler Zhao looked up, a satisfied smile on his face, nodded, and said:

"Young master, these are all in preparation for the upcoming cold weather, but I have almost finished preparing them for you. Thank you for your concern."

Junjue walked to the window and looked out. He saw that the sky was covered with dark clouds and a cold wind was howling.

He took a deep breath, feeling the approaching chill, but he wasn't afraid. He knew that someone in this room was doing their best to prepare for him.

"Uncle Zhao, I am truly grateful for all the things you have painstakingly prepared for me." Junjue turned around, his eyes revealing his sincerity towards Butler Zhao.

Butler Zhao smiled slightly, gently wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, and said, "Young Master, this is my duty, you don't need to be so polite."

I'll be content as long as you can spend this cold winter warmly and safely.

Junjue walked over to Butler Zhao, gently patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Uncle Zhao, you are one of the people I trust most. I have always seen your hard work and selfless dedication."

I know you've sacrificed a lot for this family, and I'm very satisfied with your work and efforts.

Butler Zhao felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He looked earnestly at Junjue and said sincerely:

“Young Master, I am very honored by your praise. I am just doing my best to do what I should do for you, so that you can have a warm and comfortable home in the freezing cold.”

Junjue smiled and nodded; he knew that Butler Zhao was telling the truth.

This home is not only home to him, but also to caring people like Butler Zhao.

A deep sense of gratitude welled up in Junjue's heart, and he decided to give Butler Zhao a surprise.

"Uncle Zhao, you've worked hard. I've decided to give you a vacation so you can have a good rest."

For the next month, you don't need to take care of me. Do whatever you want! The Duke's words were full of care and gratitude.

Butler Zhao was taken aback. He paused for a moment, then a look of delight appeared on his face: "Young Master, thank you for your kindness. But I don't need a holiday. I'll be content as long as I can get through this winter safely and happily."

“Uncle Zhao, you’re too modest.” Junjue grasped Butler Zhao’s hand, his eyes gleaming with gratitude. He assured Butler Zhao, “I will take good care of myself so you can have no worries.”

Butler Zhao sensed Junjue's determination and resolve, and he believed Junjue would succeed. He smiled and released Junjue's hand, saying:

"Young Master, I believe in you. You are a smart, kind, and responsible young man. I will always stay here and protect this family for you."

As for holidays, you really don't need them. I'm happy just being able to take care of you personally every day.

"Really not? Isn't a holiday good?" Junjue said with a depressed look.

“Really, there’s no need, young master!” Butler Zhao said firmly.

Besides doing what he can in this fortress, he's idle all day long, so why would he need a holiday?

"Alright then! Tell me whenever you're tired, and I'll let you rest anytime."

"Think about what other warm items you need, and I'll go get them for you!" Junjue conceded.

Butler Zhao was taken aback, not expecting his master to care about him so much. "Young Master, thank you for your concern."

I already have thick blankets, thick clothes, and thick shoes. I just need some hand warmers and foot warmers; these are the most basic cold-weather supplies.

"Hand warmers, foot warmers?" Junjue frowned slightly and asked curiously, "Do you find your hands and feet particularly prone to getting cold?"

Butler Zhao smiled slightly, "Yes, it's probably because he awakened a water-based ability, and his hands and feet feel colder than others."

Hand warmers and foot warmers can effectively relieve the discomfort caused by the cold.

Junjue nodded, understanding what Butler Zhao meant. "Alright, I will prepare these supplies for you immediately, hoping they will keep you warm in this extreme cold."

Butler Zhao sincerely thanked him, saying, "Thank you for your concern and thoughtfulness, young master."

"Wait here, I'll go prepare it for you!"

"Young Master, your bed is made up, and all the warm items are prepared. I'll be going back to my room now!"

Go!

Over the next period of time, Junjue personally selected many of the highest quality hand warmers and foot warmers in the space and personally delivered them to Butler Zhao's room.

Butler Zhao excitedly accepted the gift with both hands, overwhelmed with emotion.

“These hand and foot warmers are specially made to provide continuous warmth for twelve hours and are soft and comfortable,” Junjue explained. “You can feel the warmth simply by holding them in your hands or placing them in your shoes.”

Butler Zhao nodded repeatedly, looking at Junjue with gratitude. "Thank you, young master. With these, I won't feel cold hands and feet anymore."

"These are snacks and nutritional supplements. Let me know if you need more. I'm going back to my room now." With that, Junjue left.

"Take care, young master!"

The next morning, the entire eastern region was blanketed in light, fluffy snowflakes, which gently fell upon the earth.

Gradually, the snow became heavier and heavier, falling densely and thickly, drifting like dancing snowflakes in the cold winter.

A week has passed, the heavy snow is still falling, and the temperature is plummeting, with the cold air making people shiver.

The polar winter seemed to have descended upon this city, a vast expanse of white, the world covered by thick snow.

The earth in the end times has been abandoned by all things.

The frigid north wind howled past, its sharp chill piercing to the bone, freezing the entire world in this long, white solitude.

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