Chapter Nine, The Phantom

At this moment, I finally noticed that Xiao Nana is truly beautiful, but her beauty is of a completely different type compared to Su Wan. Su Wan belongs to the category of delicate beauties, whose appearance instantly evokes a refreshing feeling. In contrast, Xiao Nana is entirely different; her beauty is entirely seductive, the kind that is particularly alluring.

Although the overcast sky yesterday was quite intense, the sea breeze did not bring much snow, only a few scattered snowflakes. Once the sun came out, the snowflakes in the sunlit areas melted almost completely. Fortunately, there were still a few scattered snowflakes on the open ground below, and only our footprints remained on it.

During the Cold War, this trend reached its peak, with the two major camps of East and West attacking each other. Fortunately, by this time, the level of technology had advanced to a considerable extent, leading to the development of a machine capable of signal interference and separation. Within the energy wave coverage area of this machine, it can interfere with or separate the target radio frequency bands, preventing the people within the coverage area of the machine's energy waves from receiving the seductive broadcasts of the enemy radio stations. A machine capable of signal interference and separation was developed, which can interfere with or separate the target radio frequency bands within its energy wave coverage area, thereby preventing the people within the coverage area from receiving the seductive broadcasts of the enemy radio stations.

I was taken aback by her actions. Upon closer inspection, she did not seem to have any intention of seducing me. I thought to myself, the post-90s generation is truly something else; they do whatever they want, completely unrestrained.

I stammered that it was nothing serious, just a minor injury, and that I would be fine after a little rest. She glanced quickly at my waist, as if she understood something, her face slightly flushed, and she hurriedly changed the subject, asking: "Have you been in contact with the outside world?"

The overweight man looked at me as if I were an idiot and said, "What the hell, are you crazy? This vacuum cleaner has now become a weapon; how can you just throw it away? What if we encounter that ghostly thing again?"

MM looked at me with approval and smiled, saying, "You are quite clever, understanding it right away." After laughing a couple of times, he continued, "However, radio waves have many frequency bands, and not all of them are interfered with. Moreover, many natural phenomena, such as dark clouds and tides, can also play a certain mediating role, so we should be able to discern valuable information from them... it's just a pity that it has run out of power." He added, "However, radio waves have many frequency bands, and not all of them are interfered with. Moreover, many natural phenomena, such as dark clouds and tides, can also play a certain mediating role, so we should be able to discern valuable information from them... it's just a pity that it has run out of power."

I truly did not expect that pale blue ghostly thing to be so easily captured by the chubby guy, and for a moment, I found it hard to believe. Before I even had the chance to breathe a sigh of relief, I realized something was amiss

I said anxiously, "Why are you only bringing it out now? Hurry up and open it, let's listen to what the outside is like right now." I have always been quite optimistic, and at that moment, I naively thought that since we, a few half-baked individuals, could survive, there might still be many survivors in this world! Moreover, it was clear that the heads of those zombie-like monsters were vulnerable to gunfire, and many countries abroad do not prohibit firearms. Some individual perverts, just with their personal collections of firearms and weaponry, could equip an enhanced company. It was also evident that the heads of those zombie-like monsters were afraid of gunfire, and many countries abroad do not prohibit firearms. Some individual perverts, just with their personal collections of firearms and weaponry, could equip an enhanced company.

It was only when I reached downstairs that I realized, although the entire rescue process seemed to take an exceedingly long time, it had actually been less than two hours. It was now precisely noon, the time when the sunlight was most abundant. Returning now would seem like a waste of time, and we all understood how crucial time was for us.

The beautiful anchor held back her laughter and said, "Is there anyone who drinks water like this? It's too wasteful." While speaking, she lightly clenched her fist and gently patted my back, giving me more than ten light taps before I felt a bit better

I happily thought for a long time, and seeing the beautiful anchor still standing there motionless, I hurried to urge her. To my surprise, the beautiful anchor smiled wryly and said: "But the batteries in this radio are dead, and there is no sound anymore"

I feel as though my heart is about to break; if this can be considered good news, then how bad could the bad news possibly be

As soon as I heard this, I quickly said, "I will keep an eye out for paper, ink, and a flashlight, but you should take care of the sanitary pads yourself... As for the bra..." I thought without hesitation that the small supermarket would definitely not have items like bras or shorts, so I could only say, "We are in difficult times now; we need to learn the spirit of the Red Army's Long March, not fearing hardship or fatigue. We should avoid unnecessary items whenever possible... Otherwise, you might as well not wear one."

The beautiful anchor quickly realized the situation and, in a flurry, went to retrieve the heavy kitchen knife that she had thrown at the fat man. Gripping the handle with both hands, she prepared to chop at the cloth bag at the fat man's feet

The fat man suddenly understood my meaning and, dancing with his hands and feet, chuckled, "Still as clever as ever... Hurry up and bring the hot water bottle, let's scald this damned fellow to death!"

I quickly interrupted the beautiful host, asking if she could explain it in simpler and more understandable terms

However, considering that I had sustained some injuries and the beautiful anchor had no experience in such situations, Su Wan decided to have me and Xiao Nana stay behind to guard the armored car while she and the fat guy continued the search. I repeatedly insisted that I was mostly fine, but the fat guy said, "Our mission this time is to rescue people, which means searching house by house. You saw the situation just now; having more people actually doesn't help. It would be better to allocate some personnel to guard the armored car below. If something were to damage the vehicle, we wouldn't even be able to return to the savings bank."

Among the entire team, I might be the one whom the beautiful anchor feels the most fondness for. Therefore, she is not at all shy. After opening a bottle of mineral water, she carefully looks around while handing the bottle to me and casually asks, "Where are you hurt? Is it serious? Let me see."

I nodded. Telephones and televisions require wiring; although mobile phones do not need wiring, they still require a server room and a control tower. These components are easily susceptible to external damage, whereas semiconductor radios are different. Their signals are radio waves, which offer great simplicity. In old spy films or war movies, there often appears a device called a radio station, which is merely a small box. Once plugged into a power source, it can transmit intelligence to distant individuals or receive information.

The beautiful host continued, "But later, all of this suddenly disappeared. What I could receive were only the sounds from some foreign radio stations, chaotic and disordered. Although there were people speaking Chinese, I could not understand what they were saying at all. I suspect that an incident occurred at the National Radio and Television Administration, preventing it from isolating the various chaotic signals flooding in from both domestic and foreign sources, which is why..." I suspect that an incident occurred at the National Radio and Television Administration, preventing it from isolating the various chaotic signals flooding in from both domestic and foreign sources, which is why..."

Xiao MM's gaze immediately darkened. She furrowed her brows in thought and then said: "I need some paper and a ballpoint pen, as well as a flashlight that can provide long-lasting illumination, two packs of sanitary napkins, and a C cup bra..."

The more I listened, the more surprised I became, and I quickly asked, "What did you say? Can you still contact the outside world?" My goodness, in that moment, I was almost driven mad with happiness, and my mind raced. How was she able to communicate with the outside world? ... The landline was gone, the mobile phone had no signal, the internet was down, and even the television was out of order. How could she ...! ... Ah! Suddenly, it occurred to me. The landline was gone, the mobile phone had no signal, the internet was down, and even the television was out of order. How could she ...! ... Ah! Suddenly, it occurred to me.

Su Wan and the others went directly to Building 3, seemingly intent on conducting a thorough search from door to door. I have a vague feeling that while this is the only method, the process is too dangerous; it is possible that we may not even finish searching this community before encountering unforeseen circumstances.

I finally understood, I said with frustration: "I get it now, the jamming device has malfunctioned, so all the chaotic radio stations are coming through, and the sounds we were supposed to hear are now inaudible."

That creature was restless in the cloth bag, bumping around and making a "squeaking" sound, as if it wanted to escape from the opening of the bag. The noise resembled the grinding of teeth, sending chills all over my body.

As soon as Xiao MM heard this, her eyes lit up. I quickly gave her a warning, saying that we are currently in a life-or-death situation, so it's best not to mention anything unreliable. Even if you bring it up, I won't take care of it for you.

I pretended not to care and said, "We can't always have the opportunity to purchase items. Think about whether there is anything else you need, and when we go to get it later, we can bring it back together"

Unfortunately, this is really not the right time. Back in the days of university craziness, even if she were the daughter of our homeroom teacher, I would have boldly approached her. But now, all I can think about is how to survive. Therefore, in front of a light beauty like her, I actually remain oblivious.

I looked around in confusion and suddenly spotted something that caught my eye. I bent my back and struggled to get up, walking over to lift the thermos that was standing under the coffee table. As soon as I picked it up, I realized there wasn't much water left inside. I continued to reach for a second one, and by feel, I knew there was at least more than half a pot of water inside. I removed the lid to check if the water was still hot, but I applied a bit too much force, causing my nose to directly touch the opening of the thermos. It burned me, and I jumped slightly; if it weren't for the dull pain still lingering in my groin, I would have jumped up.

Thus, Su Wan and the chubby man set off after checking the weapons. This area is entirely residential, consisting of six-story buildings with an additional seventh-floor attic. Now that we no longer have the clues and hints left by the large rice dumpling, Su Wan and the chubby man can only search according to their own ideas. As I was speculating where they would begin their search, I saw them walking towards Building No. 3, one after the other.

Unfortunately, no matter how high the fat man lifts his feet or how heavily they fall, and regardless of how flattened the cloth bag beneath him becomes, as soon as he raises his foot, the strange things inside the bag immediately start squeaking and writhing. Rather than describing the scene as cruel, it would be more appropriate to say it is comical.

The beautiful anchor nodded and said: "My situation is similar to yours. I stayed in the apartment building, and after about three days, both my mobile phone and landline became unreachable. The limited television signal lasted for just one more day before it disappeared as well. However, this does not faze me, after all, I am a broadcaster..."

Although our country has a gun ban, China has the largest population in the world. While ordinary citizens do not possess firearms, both military personnel and police officers are armed. As long as these individuals survive, it is possible that after the disaster subsides, China will continue to be the most populous country in the world

"What's so difficult about this?" I casually remarked, "Once Su Wan and the others return, we can just go to the supermarket and get some batteries, can't we?"

While I was left dumbfounded, the chubby man had already started to scold, saying, "What are you all dawdling for? Hurry up and come help!"

I was momentarily stunned, thinking to myself, in the face of the only means of communication, and under the uncertainty of life and death, how could anyone pay attention to the battery consumption? At that moment, the only thing I wanted was to escape from the predicament before me as quickly as possible, hoping to receive even the slightest hint from the radio.

The beautiful anchor immediately refused, thrusting her ample bosom towards me, rolling her eyes and asking, "What if they sag?"

I am still not giving up, and I asked: "So, when your radio was still operational, what kind of information did you receive from it?"

However, my disappointment is also evident, as Xiao Nana is merely holding a radio, not a transmitter. Such a device can only receive information unilaterally. Yet, upon further reflection, I feel happy again, as we can understand the outside world through this device. Currently, all of humanity is fighting against this catastrophe, and regardless of the information received, it is of immense help to us

Ah! The beautiful anchor suddenly widened her eyes, then playfully rushed over and gave me a fierce kiss on the cheek. After that, she sat down on the chair and bounced a couple of times, laughing, "How did I not think of that, really!"

The beautiful anchor sighed and said: "This is the worst part. In the first three or four days, we could still hear some good news, such as the fact that this catastrophe is global in nature, and that all major cities in China, including Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, and Kaohsiung, have experienced widespread outbreaks of the 'pyramid scheme' virus. All departments, including the Ministry of Health, the National Defense Science and Technology Commission, the National Security Council, and the Ministry of Defense, have been mobilized to respond to the crisis..."

I stumbled over and approached, the fat man snatched the hot water bottle and declared, "I represent the Party and the people in sentencing you to death!" Without further ado, he poured the scalding hot water onto the cloth bag. Immediately, I heard a long, piercing cry, and looking down at the cloth bag beneath the fat man, I saw it slowly deflating, releasing white steam, never to rise again. A light blue liquid began to seep from the edges of the cloth bag, and wherever that liquid flowed on the floor, countless bubbles instantly formed, while a putrid stench of decay filled the air. Following that, I heard another long, piercing cry, and looking down at the cloth bag beneath the fat man, I saw it slowly deflating, releasing white steam, never to rise again. A light blue liquid began to seep from the edges of the cloth bag, and wherever that liquid flowed on the floor, countless bubbles instantly formed, while a putrid stench of decay filled the air.

Upon hearing this, I realized he was right, so I said nothing. Su Wan said to Xiao Nana: "Old Hua is injured, you help him a bit... Fatty, you bring up the rear"

"What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and leave!" Su Wan was the first to circle around from the edge of the cloth bag, and the chubby man did not dare to lag behind, following Su Wan as he rushed over. I saw that he was still holding the vacuum cleaner in his hand, so I asked, "What are you still carrying someone else's vacuum cleaner for?"

The overweight man shouted in exasperation: "Then what do you suggest we do?"

Because the residential buildings in this community appear quite similar from the outside, each building has been assigned a number to facilitate residents in finding their way home without confusion. The building I reside in is Building 2, which is located behind Building 1, the one we visited yesterday. Building 3 is directly in front of us, followed by Buildings 4 and 5. To my right, starting from the road, the outermost building is Building 6, which is very close to Building 1 on my left and is on the same level. The subsequent buildings, 7, 8, 9, and 10, are arranged similarly. Building 3 is directly in front of us, followed by Buildings 4 and 5. To my right, starting from the road, the outermost building is Building 6, which is very close to Building 1 on my left and is on the same level. The subsequent buildings, 7, 8, 9, and 10, are arranged similarly

I said I can't drive, so what use is it for me to stay? Even if I see the zongzi smashing into our car, there's nothing I can do except run away. Unexpectedly, the beautiful anchor immediately volunteered, saying she could drive. Although she only knows how to drive small cars like those from www.hetushu.com, the principles are quite similar for both large and small vehicles. Now, with no one competing with her for the road and no traffic police issuing her tickets, she can drive this car to any place it can reach.

I shook my head and said that the mobile phone and the landline were both out of service, and the television had no signal either. It must be that the communication lines have been damaged by those monsters

The beautiful host then began to explain to me that this issue has a long history. Since radio waves are not constrained by any geographical boundaries, they have been exploited by many political figures since their invention as a tool for psychological warfare in potential regional applications. They tirelessly concoct various reasons and excuses, fabricating or exaggerating known and unknown facts, using radio waves to brainwash people within the target area, attempting to weaken the enemy from within through division. After all, this is a typical case of high returns with minimal investment; all that is needed is a transmitter and a person with persuasive oratory skills.

Women generally have relatively small and slender bones, making it unsuitable for them to carry the injured while on the move. Fortunately, at that moment, I was still unable to stand upright, so I was able to hunch over and hold Xiao Nana's shoulder. Thus, we left Room 401, and as we walked down the corridor, we all felt as if we were in a dream, as if we had already died once.

The beautiful anchor has already opened her large suitcase and taken out a small semiconductor radio, smiling as she said: "Looking at your expression, it seems you have already guessed! This thing is actually an old antique that my father bought for me. After they emigrated, I couldn't bear to throw it away."

Cough! I almost spat out the mineral water I had just taken a sip of, so I quickly closed my mouth, but it was too late; half a mouthful of water shot out of my nose, causing me to cough violently.

Both the chubby guy and I exclaimed at the same time, calling out together, as we had almost spoken simultaneously, and our words were of similar length. Consequently, the beautiful host failed to comprehend either of us, standing there foolishly, holding a large kitchen knife, looking at the two of us in confusion

At a critical moment, one must rely on the stout man. He stepped on the opening of the cloth bag with one foot and forcefully pulled it away from the vacuum cleaner. Despite the vacuum cleaner in his hand still hissing as it sucked, his other foot was desperately stomping on the strange items inside the cloth bag. The stout man's robust physique allowed him to stomp down with the full weight of his body, each step landing heavily. With such force, even a soccer ball would have been crushed.

The fat man quickly repeated, "Sister, please don’t chop my foot!" I thought to myself, why are you saying such nonsense at this moment? Isn’t this just adding psychological pressure on the beautiful anchor? However, I didn’t voice this thought, because when Xiao Nana looked over at me, I expressed my other concern: "What if the kitchen knife cuts through the bag and that thing flies up again?"