For a moment, the walkie-talkie was filled with nothing but static. No one spoke.So Albert wasn't a big shot after all.For now, their fear wasn't that Ray would turn against them—it was that the last thread of hope in their hearts had snapped.If Albert had truly been a top military figure, might the state have sent a rescue team? Possibly.And if they came to rescue Albert, wouldn't they also bring everyone else along?After all, anyone who could afford—or even gain access to—villas in this community was no ordinary rich person. Each of them had connections of one kind or another, just not ones that reached the very top. If rescue ever came, perhaps they could pull strings, name names, and be taken along as well.But if Albert wasn't a military heavyweight, then the state would have no reason to send anyone. That faint glimmer of hope was gone."I'm not bringing this up to crush everyone's spirits," Ethan said gravely. "I want us to face reality. This morning, everyone saw Ra

In these freezing temperatures, so much was ruined. Food had frozen solid. Meats like pork, beef, and lamb could be thawed and cooked, but what about vegetables? Seafood? Fruits?That made Ray's fresh supplies a true rarity—a treasure no one else could provide.Even those who normally carried themselves with a hint of pride—Heather, Cassandra, and Katie—couldn't help but soften slightly toward him, their affection quietly deepening.But dinner hadn't even begun when the walkie-talkie suddenly buzzed."Ray… Ray, please respond." A man's voice came through. Ray thought for a moment, then answered, "State your business. I'm not interested in small talk."There was a brief hesitation on the other end, then, "Ray, I… I'd like to ask you a favor.""I refuse." Without another word, Ray cut the connection.What could someone possibly want? Supplies? Borrow the hovercraft? Neither would he allow.…Isaac Rubin stared blankly at the walkie-talkie in his hand, stunned at how decisive R

Isaac kept calling out to Ray via the walkie-talkie.By the time his voice was hoarse, he finally heard Ray's response. At that moment, he felt like he could cry from relief."Ray, it's me, Isaac from Villa no. 9," he hurriedly said. "I have a favor to ask. My mother has diabetes, and our insulin supply at home is almost gone. I'd like to ask if you could help us get some. Anything you want as repayment, just name it."Ray gave a faint smile. "Fine. I need fuel—gasoline or diesel. Just give me a few hundred liters, and I'll help you get the insulin."Isaac froze for a moment before saying, "Ray, I need fuel to keep our generator running. With this weather, if I give you the fuel, our whole family will freeze to death!""Heh, so my life isn't important?" Ray teased. "You're quite the filial son—only good at talking about being dutiful."Isaac blushed and quickly tried to negotiate. "Ray, can we make a different deal? You know what they say: jewels in prosperous times, gold in trou

When Ethan said that, Emily and Amanda both turned to look at Ray, amusement flickering in their eyes.Ray couldn't care less.'So what if I'm lustful? I can afford to keep this many women. Planning to use a honey trap next? Fine. I'll eat the sugar coating, but I'll fire the shell right back at you.'Ray sat down, crossed his legs, and waited to see what other schemes Ethan and his crowd could come up with.Amanda and Emily exchanged a glance, then stood up and moved to his sides, each starting to massage him.Not bad at all. The pressure was just right—surprisingly comfortable.Since he had announced that the ranking list would be released in three days, these women were clearly doing everything they could to curry favor, hoping to secure a higher tier.Competitive instincts—who doesn't have them?The pretentious types went without saying; they were the most proactive and skilled at it. But even someone like Katie, the pure, innocent college girl, had been "studying" hard lat

"Christina, I'm your mother now. Watch your mouth," Jennifer shot back, refusing to give an inch."Enough, both of you!" Ethan slammed his hand on the table and barked the order, successfully cutting off the argument between the so‑called mother and daughter who were the same age.He began tapping the tabletop, lost in thought.That's right—their food was almost gone. He had to come up with a solution, and fast.Ray.The hovercraft.But how?Damn it. If only he could still get in touch with the company.He forced himself to swallow a few bites, then went upstairs and started fiddling with the walkie‑talkie. It was his only remaining way to communicate with the outside world.Before the disaster, everyone had relied on phones. Who used walkie‑talkies? And radio communication had strict range limits—it was only good for short distances.The maximum range of the device in his hand was four kilometers. His company was more than ten kilometers away. In theory, contact was impossib