When Lin Wei finally left the gym, it was already dark outside. The evening air was cool, but he walked slowly, without hurrying. The conversation with the guys was still spinning in his head. They had agreed, yet he had seen the doubt and slight worry in their eyes. That was to be expected. The main thing was that they had not refused outright and were ready to start shopping together tomorrow.
Talking about a food crisis is the safest reason for now. They will accept it much more easily than a story about the apocalypse and the System. Even if nothing happens, the food will not go to waste. And when the real thing begins, they will remember my words themselves.
The walk home took a little over twenty minutes. Lin Wei climbed the stairs, opened the apartment door, and let out a tired sigh. The living room now looked like a small warehouse — neat rows of boxes and containers took up almost the entire wall. He put the bag with his gym things in the corner, changed into home clothes, and quickly took a warm shower, washing away the tension of the day.
Already lying in bed, Lin Wei went over the entire conversation in his head once more. Zhang Hu had promised to gather everyone tomorrow morning. The others had also nodded, although they had not hidden their skepticism. He understood that he could not fully convince them on the first try, but the first step had been taken.
Let them think for now that this is just a food crisis. The truth will reveal itself in time.
With that thought he closed his eyes and almost instantly fell into a deep, calm sleep.
In the morning Lin Wei woke up at exactly seven, when the sky outside the window was just beginning to brighten. He did not stay in bed. First he went to the bathroom: he took a hot shower, shaved carefully, brushed his teeth, and put himself in order. Then in the kitchen he quickly made a simple breakfast — oatmeal with dried fruit and a glass of water. While eating, he was already thinking about the coming day.
After finishing his morning routines, Lin Wei sat on the edge of the bed and mentally opened the red Gacha System interface. The translucent window appeared before his eyes, softly illuminating the room with its rich crimson light.
As expected. The daily limit has already reset.
He nodded with satisfaction. The System worked precisely.
Now he needed to decide which category to spin today. Lin Wei looked thoughtfully at the four available options:
[Building.]
[Transport.]
[Consumables.]
[Weapons.]
Today the guys and I are planning to buy food supplies. If I have my own transport, everything will be much easier. I will be able to load everything inside and take it straight to the warehouse or a safe place. No need to carry heavy bags by taxi or make ten trips up the stairs. Besides, having my own vehicle in the first days of the apocalypse will be a huge advantage for mobility.
After a short deliberation Lin Wei made a firm choice.
[Transport.]
The mist over the Wheel of Fortune instantly disappeared. Now all the sectors were clearly visible: passenger cars, SUVs, cargo vans, motorcycles, and even rare special vehicles. Some sectors glowed gold and purple, but most remained white and green.
Come on. Third spin.
Lin Wei mentally started the wheel. The red sectors merged into a solid fiery streak. The wheel spun quickly, then gradually began to slow down. The pointer slid across the sectors, passing by expensive and rare rewards.
Finally the wheel stopped.
A message flashed on the interface:
[Congratulations! You have received: "Used Cargo Van – White Rank"]
Lin Wei stared at the result in silence. White rank.
White… Of course. Out of all possible options, the lowest one.
He took a deep breath and opened the detailed characteristics.
[Used Cargo Van (White Rank).]
[Type: Cargo Minibus.]
[Capacity: up to 1800 kg cargo + 8 passengers.]
[Condition: Good (mileage 180,000 km).]
[Features: Reinforced body (basic protection), Spacious cargo compartment, Runs on regular gasoline, Basic storage system in inventory (can be placed inside), Further upgrades possible through the System.]
Lin Wei leaned back on the bed and ran a hand across his face.
White rank… I understood, of course, that the chance of high ranks was low, but getting something below green is already disappointing. The van is useful, of course. Especially now when we are going to buy a ton of food. I will be able to load everything in one go and not run around the city. But white… This is the most ordinary, unremarkable transport. No armor, no special functions, not even decent speed. Just an old van that could have been bought for a couple of thousand dollars even without the System.
He stood up, walked to the window, and looked outside, where ordinary morning traffic had already begun.
On the other hand, it is still better than nothing. Having my own transport means mobility. I will be able to move quickly between stores, the warehouse, and the future shelter. And when the System descends, I will be able to upgrade it. The main thing is not to stop. One spin every day. Sooner or later luck will come.
Lin Wei closed the interface and checked the clock. There was still some time left before meeting the guys. He quickly finished his cooled coffee, put on comfortable clothes, and took the notebook with the shopping plan.
Today we will focus on food. The van will appear in the inventory when I need it. I can activate it right outside the store, load everything, and drive on. This will make the task much easier.
He glanced once more at the red interface floating in the air and quietly muttered:
"White is white. We will work with what we have."
Lin Wei took his keys, checked his wallet, and left the apartment, ready to continue the preparations. The day was only beginning, and there was still a lot to do.