These painful experiences had instilled in Xiao Yi a deep understanding of the pervasive dangers of this crumbling world. Even the slightest moment of complacency could bring catastrophic disaster. Therefore, even within the base, despite its sturdy walls and relatively comprehensive defenses, Xiao Yi dared not afford to be careless. Whenever he ventured outside, he carefully observed his surroundings, alert for any unusual movement. Even an unusual stone beneath his feet or the faintest whiff of a strange smell on the wind would set him off. Returning to his room, he always checked the doors and windows to ensure they were locked, then carefully inspected every corner to ensure there were no potential threats. Even when sleeping, he maintained a state of semi-sleep, awakening at the slightest sign of trouble. Xiao Yi was equally cautious in his interactions with others. He would not readily trust anyone's words, constantly analyzing and judging them to avoid being misled by false information. He maintained a high level of vigilance around newcomers to the base, remaining cautious until he was certain they posed no threat. This cautiousness had become ingrained in his life, becoming second nature. In the eyes of others, it might seem a bit overly nervous, but only Xiao Yi himself knows that this is the secret to his survival in the apocalypse, and it is also the only way for him to protect himself and those around him.
He carefully added another layer of locks to the doors and windows. These locks might seem insignificant to others, but to Xiao Yi, a psychic, the sound they made when broken was enough to alert him. Xiao Yi first took out several exquisite and sturdy locks, their bodies gleaming with a cold metallic sheen. He gently stroked the surfaces of the locks, as if communicating with them silently. Then, with utmost concentration, he began to install them, each movement delicate and precise. He carefully inserted the lock cylinder into the slots of the doors and windows, adjusting the position to ensure a perfect fit. Then, he took up the screws and slowly tightened them with a screwdriver, pausing to check for a firm fit after each turn. Throughout the installation, Xiao Yi's eyes never left the locks in his hands, his brows slightly furrowed, his expression serious and focused. He attended to every detail, even ensuring the uniform tightening of the screws. These locks might seem ordinary, without a fancy appearance or complex structure, but Xiao Yi understood their importance. He imagined possible dangerous scenarios, where enemies attempting to break in would trigger this line of defense silently. Even a very slight "click" would be infinitely amplified by his keen perception. For ordinary people, such a slight sound might be ignored in the noise of the environment, but Xiao Yi, with his extraordinary hearing and alertness as a psychic, was able to capture this subtle change at the first time. This sound was like a battle horn, which could instantly wake him up from a deep sleep or relaxation state and quickly get him into combat readiness. After the installation was complete, Xiao Yi checked the lock again, and only after confirming that it was correct did he breathe a sigh of relief. But his eyes were still alert, as if telling these locks: "Guard this place well, and no uninvited guests can get through easily."
"In this apocalypse, a little more caution means a better chance of survival," Xiao Yi muttered to himself as he installed the lock. His voice was deep and profound, as if carrying the weight of countless past memories. Xiao Yi's eyes were focused and profound, his hands moving unceasingly, yet he was unconsciously lost in memories. He recalled the days when he and his companions had struggled through the ruins. Back then, a moment of carelessness had prevented them from noticing the zombies lurking in the shadows, instantly leading to their impending doom. The terrified cries of his companions and the roars of the zombies mingled, still echoing in his mind, a nightmare he could never erase. Then there was the time when, searching for water in the wilderness, he hadn't carefully observed his surroundings and accidentally stepped into the territory of mutants. Those hideous and terrifying creatures swarmed from all sides, attacking them frantically. Although he had managed to escape, it had come at a heavy price: the loss of several close companions. Xiao Yi's brow furrowed, and his hand unconsciously increased the pressure as he installed the lock. "Every moment of carelessness could be the end of my life." He gritted his teeth, his voice filled with pain and regret. "We can't make the same mistake again. We can't let tragedy happen again." His gaze became firm and resolute, and the lock in his hand was installed more securely. "In this cruel world, no one will give you a second chance. Only by staying vigilant at all times and not missing any details can you survive." Xiao Yi took a deep breath and continued to focus on the work in his hands. He knew that these locks were not just simple protective tools, but also his persistence in survival and his expectations for the future. "The more careful you are, the more hope you have." He kept repeating this sentence, as if injecting himself with infinite strength.
Xiao Yi knew he couldn't easily reveal his full psychic powers within the base. These seemingly ordinary locks were a means of concealing his abilities. In this apocalyptic world shrouded in uncertainty and danger, human nature was as complex as the zombies and disasters outside. Xiao Yi understood that if his full power became known, it might not only draw admiration and dependence, but also jealousy, schemes, and even covert assassination. He carefully restrained the aura of his psychic powers, behaving like an ordinary survivor. In public within the base, he maintained a low profile, striving to avoid drawing undue attention. Even during missions, he controlled his psychic power usage, preventing it from being overly powerful. These seemingly ordinary locks were his carefully crafted cover. By observing them, others would simply perceive him as an extremely cautious and insecure person, never suspecting the deeper purpose behind them. Xiao Yi chose these ordinary locks over high-tech protective devices to create the illusion of an ordinary person striving for self-protection. When asked, he would always say calmly, "In these end times, it's always better to be cautious," making one think he was simply timid, not deliberately hiding anything. In reality, while these locks might seem ordinary, Xiao Yi's installation and configuration were ingenious. Only he knew that the position of each lock and the tightness of each screw had been meticulously calculated and arranged. When danger approached, he could rely on his familiarity with the locks and his supernatural perception to react instantly. At the same time, these locks also became a tool for him to observe others. By noting who showed excessive attention to the locks or who attempted to delve into the secrets behind them, he could detect potential threats and those with ill intentions. During his time at the base, Xiao Yi quietly concealed his strength, using a seemingly ordinary appearance and cautious behavior as a cover, waiting for the moment when he would truly be required to unleash his full power.
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