Chapter 8: Talent Registration, Shelter Construction
While Liu Zhengnan was asking Su Ning questions, the Zhang Li family across from them was also responding to inquiries.
“My talent is called Scavenger’s Eye. It can check whether food is expired or poisonous!” When Su Ning said this, she silently added in her heart, “But that’s just one of its functions.”
Upon hearing Su Ning reveal her talent, Liu Zhengnan began taking notes.
Su Ning did not reveal her full ability. She only mentioned the Scavenger’s Eye, which was similar to an appraisal skill, and even downplayed its effect significantly.
She did so out of caution—after all, in a world like this, staying low-key and hiding one’s strength is the best way to protect oneself.
“A talent that can detect poisoned food? Hmm, that’s quite a practical ability,” Liu Zhengnan nodded while writing, expressing affirmation.
After recording everything, he looked up at Su Ning, his gaze now carrying a trace of scrutiny.
He seemed to be searching for inconsistencies in Su Ning’s expression or tone, but Su Ning remained calm and composed, not revealing anything suspicious.
Seeing nothing amiss, he continued, “It’s best not to go out unless necessary. These days, many people think they’re superior after awakening their talents and start stirring up chaos. Things outside are getting messy again.”
Hearing this advice, Su Ning nodded in full agreement. “Of course. Better to save energy and rest at home than run around.”
Liu Zhengnan finished recording that floor’s talent information. “Alright, if anything happens, be sure to report to the community manager.”
Su Ning nodded.
As she turned to go home, she met Zhang Li’s gaze.
There was a flash of disdain in Zhang Li’s eyes.
“Su Ning? That’s your talent? So lame! You can only check if food is poisoned? That’s totally useless. Not like me—my talent gives me super strength.”
She even wanted to demonstrate it in front of Su Ning, but unfortunately, there was nothing nearby she could lift to show off, which made things a bit awkward.
Su Ning ignored her bragging and simply turned to leave.
However, Zhang Li wasn’t about to let it go and continued, “Such a pity. If you were more useful, you could’ve helped out at the shelter. But it’s fine, I only told you all this because I pity you.”
Su Ning stopped in her tracks, turned around to look at Zhang Li, and raised the corner of her mouth in a cold smile.
“Is that so? Well, thank you for your concern. But I think it’s pretty useful. At least I won’t worry about being poisoned. As for helping out, I’d rather just stay at home.”
With that, Su Ning turned and left, leaving Zhang Li standing there with a very unpleasant look on her face.
“You—”
Su Ning didn’t even bother responding. She rolled her eyes and walked straight back inside.
“The next game is in a week. The first round was rushed, so I need to prepare better for the next one. I should set clear goals—adapting on the fly wastes too much time.”
With the onset of doomsday, the government quickly centralized all useful supplies and resources.
Although there were rescue efforts and distributions, many still couldn’t get what they needed to survive.
So next time she enters the game, she needs to gather items that can regulate extreme temperatures—or at least make life more comfortable.
The sweltering heat made Su Ning eager to return to the game instance.
She took out her hot-and-cold converter flask.
Pouring a bottle of water into it, she pressed the “Cold” button. Instantly, she had a jug of ice water.
She poured herself a glass and downed it in one gulp. The refreshing coolness was incredibly satisfying.
“Ice water must be the thing everyone wants most right now.”
In this extreme heat apocalypse, all external power lines had long been destroyed by the high temperatures.
Most homes had no electricity.
So getting ice was extremely difficult—and water itself had already become a rare resource, let alone ice.
Su Ning considered what she could put up for sale in her store.
“Ice + water—both incredibly rare. If I list this, someone will definitely buy it.”
But she didn’t want to earn game coins right now. She wanted other resources instead.
“No… no one else has listed water. If I list it, I’ll attract too much attention. That’s too high-profile. I’ll wait until someone else lists water and see what happens.”
Su Ning preferred a steady development. Even the national store hadn’t listed water yet, so as a civilian with no ability to protect herself, it was better to stay under the radar.
Talents were unpredictable. If someone had a power that could gather others’ information, she could be in trouble.
Besides, why should she sell water to others? She didn’t even have enough for herself.
However, the other miscellaneous items she had collected in the game could be resold.
Like paper, or wet wipes.
In extreme heat, you couldn’t bathe without water, so using wet wipes was a very cost-effective solution.
Su Ning began tidying up her home.
Dawn was approaching, and she needed to rest.
Once she woke up, another day would begin.
Since the apocalypse started, even though it was just extreme heat for now, this was only the beginning.
The abnormal weather and disasters hinted at more than just high temperatures.
Everyone was trying to survive.
The government had started building underground shelters all over the country.
Su Ning also needed to work so she could exchange labor for food.
As a petite girl, she began hauling bricks just to earn food.
That way, she could get food rations, supplemented by rescue supplies—enough to keep her from starving.
“What kind of talents have you awakened?”
“Did you hear? Old Wang’s son awakened an elemental power. His attack strength is terrifying—got recruited by the government shortly after registration.”
“Seriously? I awakened a pretty useless talent—it’s just makeup. But look, I can do a full face in under a minute.”
“No wonder you look so good! Even in this heat, you’re still beautiful. I guess with your talent, you can even save on cosmetics, huh?”
“Sigh… I thought the survival game would make life easier. Turns out even if we find some survival supplies in there, it’s not safe. That family of six downstairs—their bodies were stiff by the time the game ended.”
“Yeah… when will this nightmare end?”
While listening to the gossip, Su Ning continued her brick-lifting slowly and methodically.
She didn’t carry many bricks, but it was enough to earn her daily food.
Even though she had food in her backpack, she couldn’t let anyone know she had stockpiles.
After all, human nature was unpredictable in this world. Ruthless acts for the sake of survival were far too common.
She knew she had to protect her secrets carefully—otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.
As a girl living alone, she had to consider even more than most.
Robbery, murder, and looting were all common occurrences in the apocalypse—she had to stay alert at all times.
Her image was that of a pitiful orphan. She couldn’t allow anyone to suspect her or notice anything off. Only that way could she ensure her safety.
Even so, work was still necessary.
But carrying bricks every day was exhausting—especially when her whole body ached the next morning.
So she made up her mind to find an easier job that still provided food.
That way, she could secretly treat herself to better meals without drawing attention.
