Shenzi woke up warm and comfortable.
The portable heaters kept the 12th-floor office at a perfect temperature. He stretched lazily, enjoying the contrast with the raging blizzard outside the frosted windows.
He walked over to the side office.
Zhao Qing lay curled tightly under the thin blanket. Her face was even paler. Heavy dark circles hung under her eyes. Her lips were dry and badly cracked. She shivered slightly.
Shenzi squatted beside her and smirked.
"Still alive, Zhao Qing? You look like a beautiful ice sculpture now. Ready to stop being stubborn?"
Zhao Qing opened her eyes weakly and glared. Her voice came out very hoarse and tired.
"…Bastard."
Shenzi chuckled softly.
One more day of this and she'll break. Hunger and cold are better weapons than any knife.
He sat down near a heater and opened his email with a casual swipe.
"Ding!"
[Congratulations on obtaining unlimited high-quality thermal underwear!]
The icon appeared in his backpack with the glowing ∞ symbol. The set included tops, bottoms, and socks — thin but extremely effective at retaining body heat.
Shenzi immediately changed into a full set. He felt his body temperature stabilize perfectly, even if he removed outer layers.
Not bad. In this Eternal Frost, staying warm without bulky clothes is a huge advantage.
He pulled out several extra sets and examined them. They could be traded as high-value warmth items. Or used to control Zhao Qing's comfort.
Shenzi rehydrated more freeze-dried rations and ate a hot breakfast slowly in front of Zhao Qing.
The rich aroma filled the room again. Zhao Qing's stomach growled loudly and uncontrollably.
He offered her one small spoonful.
She tried to resist, but her body betrayed her. She ate it.
Then Shenzi ate the rest himself with exaggerated satisfaction.
"Mmm… so warm inside… this heat spreads so nicely."
While eating, he casually mentioned the new reward.
"Got unlimited thermal underwear today. Feels amazing — no more shivering even in this cold."
He held up a set and teased her.
"Want one? It'll keep you warm on that cold floor. But you'll have to earn it."
Shenzi offered the master-servant contract again.
"Sign it and you get warm clothes, hot food, and a proper bed. Refuse… and you can keep enjoying the floor."
Zhao Qing trembled with anger and hunger. Her voice cracked.
"You despicable egoist! Unprincipled bastard!"
Shenzi laughed softly and gave her only a small sip of warm, slightly salted water.
He then dramatically tested another thermal underwear set by putting it on over his clothes right in front of her.
"Feels so comfortable. No more freezing. The heat stays right against the skin."
Zhao Qing's eyes showed clear envy. Her body shook harder from hunger than cold now.
Shenzi put a few sets of thermal underwear on the trading platform with high demands — tools, maps, weapons.
Trades went through quickly. People were desperate for anything that provided warmth.
He opened the chat channel and read the latest messages.
Number 45678: "The blizzard is getting worse! My clothes are frozen solid!"
Number 11223: "Frostbite Zombies are appearing more. They move faster when they thaw!"
Number 38383: "I'll give anything for warm clothes! Anything!"
Number 9527: "The Heavy Blizzard Storm is coming… we're all going to freeze to death!"
Shenzi felt smug superiority.
While they beg outside, I'm turning this tower into my fortress step by step.
He used the new traded materials and steel cables to further reinforce the 12th floor and create a simple trap on the stairwell.
As evening approached, Shenzi prepared to rest.
He gave Zhao Qing one thin thermal underwear set "as a test of mercy."
"Change into it. You'll need it for tonight."
He loosened the ropes just enough for her to change while still partially tied. The act was humiliating but practical.
Even with the new layer, he didn't give her extra heaters or a full meal.
Shenzi lay down comfortably on his warm bed, covered in blankets.
Zhao Qing lay on the floor, now slightly warmer but still hungry and bound. The small improvement made the contrast even crueler.
Shenzi gave her one last tease before closing his eyes.
"Think about it tonight. Tomorrow the Heavy Blizzard Storm hits. You can either freeze with pride… or live comfortably under my protection."
Zhao Qing stayed silent. Her eyes showed deep conflict and exhaustion.
Late at night, Shenzi was woken by loud crashing sounds from several floors below.
Zombies were becoming more active as the temperature dropped further.
The system suddenly broadcast a city-wide warning.
"Heavy Blizzard Storm will arrive in 24 hours. Temperatures expected to reach -45°C. Frostbite Zombies will evolve faster in the extreme cold. Survival rate predicted to drop sharply."
Shenzi sat up with a cold smile.
He looked toward the stairwell, then glanced at Zhao Qing's trembling form.
The storm will be the final push. She'll submit… or become useless.