There was still a whole day ahead, so Lin Wei decided not to waste time and began carrying out his plans slowly, starting with food supplies.
There is no point in sitting idle. Even though the Wheel of Fortune is on cooldown until midnight, I can still prepare everything else in advance. Food supplies should be the top priority. As soon as the System descends, supermarket shelves will be emptied within hours, and people will turn into a frenzied crowd. It is better to stock up now, while everything is still quiet, prices are normal, and no one is paying attention to me.
He quickly changed into inconspicuous casual clothes — simple jeans and a dark jacket — took his wallet and keys, and left the apartment. The spring air outside was surprisingly fresh and warm for the end of March. The sun gently illuminated the streets. People walked calmly about their business: some talked on the phone, others laughed with friends, and children ran near the entrances. Lin Wei watched this ordinary scene with a strange mixture of pity and cold detachment. In his previous life he had been one of those people frantically rushing between looted stores in search of any food. This time everything would be completely different.
Without delay, he headed straight to the nearest large hypermarket on the outskirts of the district. The store was operating normally — brightly lit halls, pleasant background music, and shopping carts squeaking as they rolled. Lin Wei took the largest cart and began moving methodically between the aisles, acting calmly and efficiently.
First, he focused on products with a long shelf life. Cans of stewed meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit compotes quickly filled the cart. He selected only the most calorie-dense and nutritious options, carefully checking expiration dates. Next came large bags of rice, pasta, buckwheat, and oatmeal. He did not forget salt, sugar, vegetable oil, spices, and bouillon cubes — everything that would make food edible even after several months. Dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, and long-lasting chocolate also went into the cart. They would be perfect for quick snacks when there would be no time or energy left for cooking.
In the first month after the Descent, fresh food will disappear almost instantly. I need at least three to four months of supplies for one person. Later, once I have a secure base, I will be able to expand the stockpile significantly. The important thing is to start now.
He also added several large bottles of drinking water, even though he knew the building he had received had a filtration system. It was better to have a good reserve just in case. In the pharmacy section, Lin Wei picked up multivitamins, painkillers, fever reducers, antibiotics, bandages, hydrogen peroxide, and a full first-aid kit. All of this could save a life in the first weeks of chaos.
Lin Wei moved through the store with focus but without haste, trying not to attract unnecessary attention. He did not push, did not get nervous, and did not grab everything indiscriminately like some other shoppers. He simply methodically loaded the goods into the cart, as if preparing for an ordinary long trip.
By the time he reached the checkout, he had two completely full carts. The cashier slightly raised her eyebrows at the volume of purchases but said nothing — she simply scanned the items and announced the total. Lin Wei paid in cash without blinking. The amount was quite substantial, yet he did not care. In a week, these banknotes would lose almost all their value.
He called a taxi and loaded everything into the trunk and back seat. It took several trips up the stairs to bring all the bags and boxes into the apartment. When every purchase was finally inside and neatly stacked in the living room, Lin Wei closed the door, sat down on the floor, and looked at the impressive mountain of supplies with quiet satisfaction.
This is only the beginning. Tomorrow I will buy even more and more variety. Non-perishable food, generators, fuel, tools, warm clothing, and everything that will be almost impossible to obtain later. I need to find and rent a small warehouse or garage as soon as possible to store everything safely and avoid cluttering the apartment.
He spent the next few hours carefully sorting and organizing the purchases. Canned goods were arranged by type and expiration date. Rice and grains were transferred into sturdy plastic containers to protect them from moisture and insects. He made a detailed list in his notebook of what still needed to be acquired in the coming days.
When evening came, Lin Wei prepared a simple but hearty dinner — rice with stew and vegetables. While eating, he continued thinking about the next steps.
The green-rank building will become my main base, but I cannot put all my eggs in one basket. I need to prepare several small hidden safe houses in different districts of the city in case of retreat or unforeseen situations. I also need to decide exactly where to activate the residential complex. The suburbs may be safer in the early stages, but the city center will have more abandoned resources at the beginning. A difficult choice that will have to be made very soon.
He washed the dishes, then returned to the old desk and continued making notes in his notebook. The list grew longer and more detailed: weapons (while it was still possible to legally buy hunting rifles and ammunition), warm clothing, sleeping bags, tents, portable stoves, powerful flashlights, batteries, and solar chargers. He also marked several promising locations he planned to scout tomorrow.
When night finally fell, Lin Wei lay down in bed but could not fall asleep right away. His thoughts were still too active. He opened the red interface and stared at the inactive Wheel of Fortune for some time. The bright red color still pleased him.
Just a few more hours until midnight. Tomorrow I will spin the wheel for the "Weapons" category first. I need at least one reliable weapon for close combat and preferably something firearms. After that, I will spin again for consumables to expand my food and water reserves. Step by step, without rushing.
A small but firm, determined smile appeared on his face.
He closed his eyes, feeling a quiet but solid confidence settle in his chest. The first full day after his return was coming to an end, and Lin Wei had already taken important first steps toward a completely new future.