Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Chapter 822: Gratitude

Zhang Yi convinced Zhu Yunque to understand the potential troubles her actions might cause. Though somewhat dissatisfied with Zhang Yi’s attitude, she wasn’t completely brainless—coming from such a family background had given her some insight.

She said, ”Alright then, let Su Nuanxi eat with the crew. I won’t give her special treatment anymore.”

Zhang Yi smiled. ”That won’t do.” His expression turned serious as he pointed at Zhu Yunque. ”She doesn’t even qualify for crew meals! From now on, she’ll eat downstairs.”

”Of course, if you don’t mind eating less, you can share some of your portion with her.”

”But as punishment, your food rations will follow the Rockflow Group’s standard for the next week!”

Zhang Yi wasn’t so easily swayed unless it concerned his own family. With outsiders, he remained unmoved by both soft and hard approaches. Zhu Yunque’s concession wouldn’t change his stance.

Zhu Yunque huffed angrily, ”Fine, fine! We’ll do as you say, okay?” What upset her wasn’t Zhang Yi’s actions, but his attitude toward her. At this rate, the task Zhu Zheng assigned her seemed increasingly unlikely to succeed.

She felt deeply frustrated—why was it so difficult for someone of her charm to win over a mere warehouse manager?

Returning to the cabin, Zhu Yunque found Su Nuanxi still hoping she’d secured some proper privileges. Instead, Zhu Yunque relayed Zhang Yi’s decision.

”These are extraordinary times. Endure it for now. Once we reach shore, I can take you to the Jiangnan Region headquarters and arrange a decent job for you,” Zhu Yunque said calmly.

Su Nuanxi’s expression changed. Zhu Yunque raised an eyebrow. ”What? Are you unhappy about this?”

Su Nuanxi quickly shook her head. ”Of course not! I know you’re the best, Senior Sister. I’m really sorry for causing you trouble!” She pouted pitifully. ”I just never expected that Zhang guy would disrespect you like this.”

”After all, you’re the niece of the Jiangnan Region’s supreme commander. And him? Just some low-level functionary.” A flash of contempt crossed Su Nuanxi’s eyes.

”Hmph, how dare he be so insolent toward you! I doubt he’ll get any promotions in the future!” She still thought the outside world operated as it had before.

Zhu Yunque sighed. ”The world outside has changed. Many things are different now, including the rules you knew.”

Su Nuanxi asked doubtfully, ”No matter how much changes, shouldn’t subordinates still try their utmost to please their superiors and their families?”

”In the Huaxu Kingdom’s system, the top leader has always held absolute power. That can’t possibly change.”

Zhu Yunque didn’t know how to explain it to her. The Rockflow Group had been isolated too long—they didn’t understand what a top-tier superhuman like Zhang Yi meant in the outside world.

In some smaller nations, individuals of Zhang Yi’s caliber were practically deities. Even high-ranking officials from the six major regions had to actively court them—evident from how Zhu Zheng treated Zhang Yi more courteously than his own son.

”Just listen to me. Stay by my side and help me take care of Tommy. I won’t let you suffer,” Zhu Yunque said.

Su Nuanxi put on a sweet smile. ”Dear sister, why would I suffer? I’m just indignant on your behalf, afraid you might be bullied.” As fellow socialites, Zhu Yunque easily recognized Su Nuanxi’s manipulative tactics.

Yet some truths, even when understood intellectually, remained difficult to act upon. Zhu Yunque’s resentment toward Zhang Yi continued growing within her.

...

A week had passed since leaving Rockflow Island. Order aboard the Golden Edge remained relatively stable without major conflicts.

Zhang Yi spent his days either practicing calligraphy with Zhou Ke’er in their room or monitoring the ship’s order to prevent unrest among the passengers.

Most people remained content with their current situation, satisfied with having full bellies. But there were always those with ulterior motives.

The Rockflow Group members lived in eight-person cabins—standard bunk beds with four upper and lower berths, plus a small central table for meals. Li Zongyu and his wife enjoyed special privileges with their private room, while others weren’t so fortunate.

At lunchtime, chef Xie Changming arrived, opening the middle deck’s hatch. ”Come get your food!” Immediately, representatives from each cabin came forward to collect meals.

The middle deck’s rations were decent—daily protein supplements, meat every three days, with soy products and canned goods forming the staple diet. Xie Changming treated them with detached indifference, like a livestock keeper.

Former New Rohan official Che Haicheng approached with an ingratiating smile. ”We’re endlessly grateful for your generosity!” He never missed an opportunity to flatter Xie Changming during meal collections, having mastered the art of sycophancy.

Seeing Che Haicheng, Xie Changming actually cracked a slight smile. ”I’ve been giving your cabin extra portions. You should show proper gratitude.”

Che Haicheng’s expression flickered briefly before his smile widened. He bowed deeply at ninety degrees. ”Indeed! Your great kindness shall never be forgotten!”

Xie Changming set down his ladle and followed Che Haicheng toward the central cabins. Nearby crew members eating their meals merely chuckled at the sight.

Upon reaching the middle deck, Che Haicheng arrived at his cabin door just as his wife Kim Kimee appeared. As a former high-ranking New Rohan official, Che Haicheng had once commanded immense power and wealth—his women always being the finest.

Kim Kimee, his ninth wife, was a thirty-two-year-old former top idol from New Rohan. Though six months on Rockflow Island had left her haggard with dark circles, her graceful figure and charm remained evident.

Xie Changming leaned against the bulkhead and whistled at her. Che Haicheng quickly gave Kim Kimee a meaningful look. Understanding immediately, she walked over with an ingratiating smile, familiarly taking Xie Changming’s arm before they disappeared into his quarters.

After each encounter, she received generous rewards from Xie Changming. Far from objecting, Che Haicheng actually benefited from his wife’s arrangements—receiving extra food that elevated his status within the cabin to food distribution supervisor.

Author’s Note