Chapter 2 Step by Step

Though on the surface life remained luxurious and serene within the sprawling family estate, Gu Mo Yang knew better than anyone that what he truly needed wasn't wealth or fleeting comfort. When the apocalypse arrived, no amount of money or status could buy survival.

He understood one unshakable truth - only meticulous preparation would save him.

From the very first days after his rebirth, Gu Mo Yang quietly began gathering supplies. Every category was carefully organized, each item listed in detail as if directed by a seasoned commander.

For food, he didn't just stock up on the usual canned meats, fish, and preserved vegetables. He supplemented his stores with dried fruits, nuts, grains, sugar, salt, honey, and a full range of multivitamins. Every trip to the supermarket or night market was made during off-hours, minimizing attention.

Clean water was another priority. He purchased large storage tanks and installed a high-grade purification system in his future base, ensuring a sustainable supply untouched by contamination.

Medicine, too, was thoroughly prepared: antibiotics, painkillers, allergy medications, and first-aid essentials like bandages, syringes, and saline. He even hired a discreet medical consultant to ensure no critical items were overlooked.

Survival equipment was next. Gu Mo Yang set up a network of surveillance cameras at key points around both the villa and his future shelter, all powered by solar panels for reliable, off-grid operation. Motion-sensor lights were installed throughout the estate, providing early warning of any suspicious movement.

For defense, he had bulletproof glass fitted to every window and secretly acquired several sporting firearms and ammunition - all safely stored within his spatial ability, a hidden dimension that defied physics and concealed his growing cache from the outside world.

The underground base was discreetly constructed on a secluded plot of land he quietly leased in the countryside. The shelter was deep and expansive, equipped with an advanced air filtration system capable of blocking fine particulates and airborne viruses. Its independent water supply was sourced from a private well and thoroughly purified. A compact medical bay was outfitted with essential tools for treating injuries and illnesses.

Food storage, living quarters, weapons caches, and survival gear stockpiles were all systematically arranged within the shelter. Every inch of the base was designed to guarantee both safety and secrecy.

After nearly two weeks of relentless effort, the preparations were finally coming together. Gu Mo Yang felt a shift within himself - from anxious fear to steady determination.

One weekend evening, with most of the groundwork completed, he arranged to meet Han Yuan, an elder brother figure from his past life, at a small, tucked-away restaurant in the city.

Under the warm, muted light, the two of them sat across from each other, ordering simple dishes before falling into quiet conversation.

Han Yuan gave him a look of familiarity mixed with faint concern. "Mo Yang, you seem overly worried lately. It's all rumors on social media and the news - nothing concrete yet."

Gu Mo Yang smiled faintly, his voice calm. "I know. But there are things you can't afford to wait for proof of. I'm only saying... it wouldn't hurt for you to stock up on some food, medicine, and essentials. Better safe than sorry."

Han Yuan's gaze darkened with thoughtfulness. "I've considered it too. It just hasn't seemed that serious yet. But seeing you prepare so thoroughly... maybe you're right."

Gu Mo Yang tilted his head, his eyes sharp yet sincere. "Life might seem peaceful now, but you have to believe me - if something happens, there won't be time to react. The only way to survive is to save ourselves first."

Han Yuan managed a small, strained smile. "You're right. I'll start getting things together too."

The conversation ended on a warm, reassuring note. But within Gu Mo Yang's heart, an unshakable unease lingered. Even if no one else could see the apocalypse yet, step-by-step preparation was the only path to survival.

Returning to the villa, the glow of the evening lights reflected off his solemn face - the face of a man quietly waging war against fate, determined this time not to let anyone harm him again.