Apocalypse I have a system to raise children

supplies

Dejection hung heavy around the old vegetable seller, his wrinkled face etched with worry. Drawn by the surprisingly low price, Vivek approached the stall, curiosity piqued.

"Old grandfather," he began, his voice polite, "besides Chinese cabbages, do you have other vegetables?" He reached out, his fingers gently brushing a crisp green leaf.

Memories of overheard conversations from market vendors below his old apartment surfaced. He recalled whispers about insect bites on vegetables signifying minimal pesticide use. Although unsure of their veracity, his gaze fell upon the several insect-munched leaves on the cabbages. If the insects still thrived, perhaps it was a sign of safety.

"Have, have!" exclaimed the elderly man, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. "Of course, I have. Not only these cabbages, but grains and other greens... little boss, you..." He trailed off, his eyes filled with unspoken gratitude.

"I will take all the Chinese cabbages you have here," Vivek declared, his voice firm yet kind. He then inquired, "Old grandfather, your vegetables look good, but why are they so much cheaper than the others?"

The old man's eyes welled up. He explained how a recent downpour had caused landslides, burying the road leading to his village in the mountains. Trucks that typically transported their produce were unable to enter or leave, leaving him stranded with a cart full of cabbages. He hoped to sell them quickly and hire an excavation team to clear the debris.

"Unfortunately," he continued, his voice cracking, "because of the low price, people seemed hesitant to buy."

Vivek listened intently, a mix of empathy and opportunity stirring within him. He not only saw a chance to secure fresh produce but also an opportunity to help someone in need.

While helping load the cabbages into a woven basket, he learned more about the old man's village. They not only grew cabbages but also cultivated a variety of nuts, maize, potatoes, melons, and more. This knowledge sparked an idea in Vivek's mind.

He proposed a deal on the spot. He would entrust the old man and his village with fulfilling his future fruit and vegetable needs. After all, buying the entire basket had only cost him five hundred dollars. If the old man needed funds for the excavation team, he would need to sell more.

So, Vivek found someone to draft a business agreement. He offered the old man a five-thousand-dollar down payment and promised to visit the village in ten days. A signed document and a thumbprint sealed the deal. The old man, overwhelmed with gratitude, tears streaming down his face, left after providing the village's location.

With fruits and vegetables secured, Vivek wasted no time. He took public transport to the agricultural district to buy seeds, then rushed to the slaughterhouse to purchase a large quantity of meat. Finally, he visited the aquatic marketplace, filling his basket with seafood, crabs, prawns, carps, and various seaweed varieties.

The day flew by in a whirlwind of activity. By late afternoon, Vivek was exhausted but triumphant. As he boarded the bus back to the warehouse, he saw several trucks arriving, delivering the rice and flour he had ordered. After an hour of unloading, he settled the payment, and the trucks departed.

Stepping inside the warehouse, he drew the shutter door closed and transferred everything - rice, flour, and the purchases from the day - into his space. Suddenly, an old voice called out from outside. It was the vegetable vendor.

Vivek rolled up the door to find the old man, accompanied by a tall, muscular man pulling a large cart filled with the purchased cabbages. Evidently, the money had secured the road's clearance.

"Little boss," the old man said, his voice filled with relief, "the vegetables are here. Ten days from now, at noon, I will be waiting for you at the mountain road's crossing."

A smile spread across Vivek's face. This wasn't just about securing resources; it was about building connections, about fostering a sense of community in this strange new world. And as he watched the old man and his helper disappear into the distance, he knew this was only the beginning.

Eight days had flown by, and Vivek's interdimensional space had become a treasure trove of survival supplies. Rice, flour, pasta, noodles, vegetables, an assortment of meats, seeds - the list went on, accompanied by a hundred sturdy plastic containers. Looking at this mountain of provisions, a deep sense of satisfaction washed over him.

However, this comfort came at a price. His reckless spending, akin to water gushing from an open tap, had dwindled his seven-million fortune to a mere three million. Each day, he ventured out, not just for supplies, but also for a crucial resource - water.

A peculiar discovery awaited him every morning. Despite the low May morning temperatures and the use of cold water, Vivek felt surprisingly warm and comfortable. Moreover, as he diligently washed away the black stain from his body, his skin transformed. It became softer, clearer, and blemish-free, a stark contrast to his previous state. He felt reborn, a different person altogether.

This revelation filled him with a surge of joy. The ancient spring water from his space, a gift from his Taoist ancestor, was proving to be remarkably potent. Today, being the last day of his daily shopping spree, he decided to focus on other crucial needs.

His first stop was a bookstore, where he amassed a collection of comprehensive cookbooks. Next, he headed to a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) store, purchasing a hundred cans of gas and several stoves. Thanks to his sharp mind, he quickly learned how to operate, install, and even fix these appliances, soaking up information from a helpful staff member.

Kitchenware was next: pots, pans, utensils, chopping boards, knives - anything that could be of use down the line made its way into his basket. Finally, the need for transportation and self-defense loomed large. He needed a vehicle that could withstand the post-apocalyptic environment and weapons for protection against potential threats like zombies and monstrous creatures.

Car dealerships offered no solace - nothing met his criteria. Similarly, his search for steel pipes and tires proved fruitless. Undeterred, he turned to a sporting goods store, emerging with a hundred baseball bats. A taxi ride later, he found himself at V City's infamous underground black market.

Vivek, no stranger to such places in his past life, easily located a sword shop. "Big brother," the shop owner, a seasoned merchant, greeted him with surprise, "you seem confident. A hundred swords right off the bat? Not planning any chopping sprees, are you?"

Vivek chuckled. "Boss, as you said, I'm not here for violence. Can you deliver them to this address?" He handed over the warehouse address, followed by a generous down payment.

"Sure, I can send them with my men this afternoon," the owner confirmed, pocketing the cash. "Anything else I can help you with?"

Vivek, his eyes gleaming, inquired, "Speaking of, do you know anyone selling durable vehicles, something that can withstand collisions?"

The shop owner raised an eyebrow, then counted the cash once more. "Youngster, your luck is in!" he exclaimed. "There's a car dealer up ahead who just got new stock, including a Hummer. Not sure if it's still available, but mention Sword San sent you."

"Thanks a lot!" Vivek's face lit up. While the Hummer might guzzle gas, its durability far outweighed the drawback, making it a perfect choice for the harsh post-apocalyptic world.

With a renewed sense of purpose and a treasure trove of supplies secured, Vivek was one step closer to facing the unknown future. His journey had just begun, and he was determined to not only survive but also thrive in this strange new reality.