April 13, 2019
On the third day after Haizaki and Utaha arrived in Wuhua City, the two set out once again, heading toward the long-term residence Haizaki had confirmed.
"We're going to the military residential compound in Wuhua City. The villas there have independent power systems. As long as we ensure a supply of diesel, we won't have to worry about electricity."
"What about water?"
Utaha felt quite reassured by Haizaki's arrangements.
Since meeting Haizaki, four days had passed. She understood that he was meticulous, serious, and thorough in his actions. There was almost nothing she needed to worry about.
Being with a man who acted this way made her feel relaxed and at ease.
"There's an independent water supply as well."
That was an unexpected bonus. With both water and electricity secured, their basic living conditions for the coming year were guaranteed.
"Mm…"
Her wine-red eyes blinked lightly as Utaha gazed at Haizaki's profile. He was not a particularly handsome man; placed in a crowd, he would honestly not stand out much.
However, after four days of interaction, even without the factor of him saving her during the earthquake, she still felt that Haizaki possessed a certain charm and appeal.
Being with him felt comfortable and easy.
"What is it? Something on your mind?"
"No, nothing."
How could she possibly admit that she had just been thinking about him?
…
Over the course of the 12th and 13th, Haizaki had cleared the roads leading to the villa district. Thanks to those two days of effort, on the 14th, the car carrying the girl was able to reach the target villa area without obstruction.
Ten days after humanity's disappearance had not left the villas feeling old or dilapidated. On the contrary, unchecked vegetation growth gave the area a vivid, natural greenery.
"So this is how people at the top live?"
"Probably. Partly for security, partly for lifestyle needs. But from now on, this will be our home."
She truly had not expected that one of her former goals would be achieved so easily.
"Happy?"
"In a sense, yes. It's the realization of one of my life goals."
That immediately piqued Utaha's interest.
"A villa?"
"Yes. Through my own efforts, owning a villa of my own."
However, that goal no longer held any meaning for him now.
"No other life goals? Like marrying a beautiful and gentle girl, then having a few children?"
"A mansion, luxury cars, beautiful women—aren't those what many men pursue their entire lives? I naturally had such thoughts once, but as I grew older, I realized it was almost impossible," Haizaki spoke calmly.
He was not pretending or acting like a hypocritical gentleman.
He dared to face his own heart honestly.
Utaha disliked men who lacked ambition and dreams. Even if a dream was realistic or vulgar, it was still something a person strove for. But recognizing reality and giving up on pursuit and effort—that was the most spineless and weak-willed type of person.
In Utaha's worldview, dreams—more important than their fulfillment—were the long process of pursuing them. Through constant setbacks and trials, people overcame obstacles and moved steadily toward their goals. When a dream was finally achieved, the joy gained surpassed the dream itself. Even in failure, there were still great rewards.
Yet the Haizaki she sensed felt like someone who, before even taking a step toward a dream, decided it was impossible and gave up.
They were completely different kinds of people.
Had the outbreak of the apocalypse forced him to become the resolute and rational person he was now?
"Is that really what you thought?"
"Yes. That was how I used to think."
"Then what about now?" Utaha asked anxiously.
She did not know when it had begun, but she had developed a desire to understand Haizaki more deeply—a fact she herself had not realized.
"Now? Now I no longer think that way. I just do what needs to be done."
Dedicating one's life to the greatest undertaking in the world—saving humanity and continuing civilization. He had a far loftier goal.
"I see…" Utaha responded softly, and said nothing more.
Haizaki noticed her reaction. He had no intention of explaining further, nor was there any need to. If anything, this was better.
Silence spread between them as they entered the fifth villa in the complex.
"Go to the second floor and choose a room. I'll handle the unnecessary items in the villa. Let's try to finish cleaning the place this morning…"
Overall, the villa was not extremely dirty, but the air was filled with dust and a strong musty smell. A thorough cleaning was necessary before it could become a suitable living space.
"These are air fresheners and masks…"
These were tools Haizaki had brought with him. As for cleaning supplies, when he came yesterday, he had already discovered that Villa No. 5 had plenty of them—there was even a vacuum cleaner.
"Other than the rooms we'll use, I plan to use the remaining rooms for storing supplies."
"No problem. Just do whatever you think is best. I'll head upstairs first."
Utaha picked up her personal items—a photo album, a laptop, and a small bag of spare clothes—and set off.
Haizaki turned his gaze toward the kitchen on the first floor. He decided to start with the kitchen.
He opened the cupboard. The bowls and chopsticks were all there. When he opened the refrigerator, a foul smell immediately spread, and he frowned instinctively. Foods with short shelf lives had spoiled.
Haizaki picked up an egg and shook it.
"Has it gone bad? Looks like there's no chance to eat fresh eggs anymore."
Although there were still salted duck eggs and preserved eggs, it was a pity—fresh eggs could be used in many dishes and would improve their meals.
Thinking about food, Haizaki decided to move refrigeration units that afternoon. At present, since Wuhua City's power supply was still functioning, some stored frozen meat remained frozen. But once the power went out, all that meat would spoil.
His requirements were not high—just enough meat to last for a year.
Haizaki took a few steps, turned on the faucet, and tap water began to flow with a loud rush. He soaked a towel, wrung it out, and officially began cleaning the kitchen.
However, Haizaki knew that finding refrigeration units was not difficult—the hardest part was moving them. Loading them into the car and then into the villa would be a real hassle.
"I'll ask her later. At least she can give me a hand."
Haizaki decided to call Utaha over. Those things were too big and too heavy; doing it alone would be very difficult.
…