Chapter 29: Scouring the Mall, Stockpiling Supplies!

Su Bai began scavenging for supplies throughout the city, fully aware that having knowledge of the future made every second more precious than ever. Before Linghai City became fully data-driven, she resolved to gather as many resources as possible, ensuring a better life for herself once she entered the safe zone.

The streets were desolate, with only the distant sound of the wind and faint rustlings within the mist breaking the oppressive silence.

In recent days, the soldier living next door with Grandma Cheng had rarely appeared, their duties seemingly growing busier. Though curious, Su Bai did not pry.

While scavenging, intermittent system notifications buzzed in her ear — updates on the experience gained by Tianba and Pearl as they hunted monsters in the misty forest.

[Ding! Your pet Tianba successfully killed a silkworm larva. Experience +2! Player experience +0.5!]

[Ding! Your pet Pearl successfully killed a silkworm larva. Experience +2! Player experience +0.5!]

[Ding! Your pet Baiyu successfully killed a silkworm larva. Experience +2! Player experience +0.5!]

Su Bai chuckled, “You guys are just out here farming silkworm larvae!”

The silkworm larvae might have wished for a defender.

Though the experience she gained was minimal, Su Bai felt a surge of joy. This “auto-leveling” style of growth, allowing her to strengthen without direct combat, was simply exhilarating.

“Tianba and the others are becoming more reliable by the day,” she murmured softly, a faint smile gracing her lips. Tianba was not only powerful but also diligent—a companion that brought Su Bai immense reassurance.

“I have to work hard too!”

Her current target was the large shopping mall in the city center—a place she frequented and even once worked part-time at a snack shop inside.

Upon arrival, the mall’s main doors remained firmly shut, but Su Bai knew an employee passage leading from the underground parking garage.

Navigating the maze-like garage, she finally found the staff entrance. The door was unlocked; she pushed it open gently and slipped inside.

In the past, security guards patrolled here, but since the evacuation of Linghai City, it was deserted.

“This might just be my chance,” Su Bai whispered, a hint of relief stirring within her.

Inside, the mall was cloaked in darkness. Though it was daytime, the blackout left the interior nearly pitch black.

She switched on her flashlight, its dim beam illuminating the path ahead.

“First, I’ll check the snack shop where I used to work. The owner was quite lazy—maybe she left behind a lot when she fled.”

Swiftly moving toward the shop, Su Bai’s familiarity with the place guided her steps. The owner was known for being careless, often forgetting to restock.

She suspected some goods might have been abandoned.

Though the door was closed, Su Bai found a way inside.

As she entered, she found the shelves still piled high with various snacks. Some had been taken, but a substantial amount remained.

“Perfect, there’s still plenty!” Su Bai’s eyes gleamed with delight as she quickly gathered useful items.

Chips, biscuits, chocolate, nuts—she stored them all in her “Thief’s Space,” feeling a deep sense of satisfaction.

Though not abundant, it was enough for her alone.

“These snacks aren’t staples, but they’ll satisfy cravings and provide energy when needed,” she murmured, continuing her search.

Her gaze was drawn to a crate of unopened energy drinks tucked in a corner—clearly left behind in the owner’s haste.

“Energy drinks! Now this is a treasure!”

She eagerly stowed the entire crate in her space, her heart steadying.

Water resources remained paramount.

After finishing at the snack shop, Su Bai pressed on, aware that the mall housed many other stores that might hold valuable supplies.

She resolved to explore further, gathering as much as she could.

“The road ahead is long; I must be thoroughly prepared,” she whispered.

In total, she found one crate of functional beverages and three large boxes filled with various sweets, including candies and biscuits.

“Not as much as I hoped, but still good news.”

Leaving the snack shop, Su Bai continued her search within the mall.

Her objective was clear: gather as many useful supplies as possible, especially medicine and food.

However, she knew that ever since the Disaster System appeared, the government strictly controlled the distribution of pharmaceuticals and food, making it difficult for ordinary people to stockpile these essentials.

Still, she held onto a glimmer of hope that some overlooked items might remain.

Moreover, because medicine and food were state-controlled, common folk might not even notice their scarcity.

She walked cautiously, flashlight beam scanning ahead.

The mall was eerily silent, her footsteps echoing through the empty corridors.

Suddenly, a clothing store caught her attention.

The shelves were laden with all kinds of garments, some from high-end brands she once only dreamed of owning.

“None of these clothes have been taken?” Su Bai wondered, stepping inside and casually picking up a jacket.

The fabric was soft, the style fashionable; once, she would have hesitated to buy such a piece.

Now, these clothes were abandoned, untouched.

Su Bai chose not to waste her “Thief’s Space” recklessly; she understood that while clothing wasn’t vital for survival, warmth and protection were crucial in harsh environments.

She selected practical items—thick coats, warm sweaters, waterproof jackets—and stored them carefully.

“Clothing is worth keeping, but not indiscriminately,” she whispered, planning her inventory.

Space was limited; practicality was priority.

Having finished in the clothing store, Su Bai continued exploring the mall.

Her flashlight beam paused at a shop window displaying a large poster showcasing camping gear—tents, sleeping bags, portable stoves, hiking backpacks...

“An outdoor equipment store?” A spark of excitement lit her eyes.

She knew such gear would be indispensable for survival in the days to come.

Quickening her pace, she entered the store to search thoroughly.

But just as she stepped inside, the sharp sound of shattering glass pierced the silence.

“Crack!”

Su Bai’s heart jolted; she swiftly switched off her flashlight and slipped into the shadows.

Her pulse raced as countless possibilities flooded her mind: “Someone else? Could there really be others left in Linghai City?”

Holding her breath, she listened intently.

Sure enough, faint footsteps echoed nearby—someone moving in an adjacent shop.

She remained still, cautious, peering carefully to discern the intruder’s silhouette.

She thought, “Looks like I’m not the only one scavenging. But I must be careful. Li Weiwei’s memories warned that as the Disaster System’s data integration deepens, human nature becomes increasingly unpredictable.”

Recalling Li Weiwei’s warnings, a vague unease settled over her.

In a post-apocalyptic world, scarcity drives people to extremes, willing to do anything for survival.

Su Bai knew she had to stay vigilant at all times.