Looking for Roommates, Under 20 Only

On Fifth Avenue, Russell was invited by Robert to get into a large Ford SUV, perfect for transporting daily necessities in a deserted city.

The brand-new Audi R8 was thrown away, not because it wasn't good-looking enough, but because it only had two seats, and Sam couldn't exactly lie on the roof!

Robert, with a swollen face and a blissful expression that said, "I'm in pain, but I'm comfortable," said Robert. "Dude, New York is my territory. Don't be shy here. Just treat it like home."

Humans are social animals, fearing loneliness. In order to gain social recognition, they are willing to give up their individuality and follow commonalities.

Robert, who hadn't spoken to anyone for three years, was even more so. From the moment he got on the bus, he chattered on and on, eager to share everything in order to gain Russell's approval.

"This is Fifth Avenue, New York's most bustling commercial street, now it's my backyard. What do you like, gold or diamonds? I'll take you there now, take your time, take as much as you want..."

Unlike Russell, Robert had never experienced the loneliness of not seeing a living person for three years; he only felt that thousands of flies were buzzing around his ears, which annoyed him to no end.

"Russell, my good brother, are you listening to me?"

"No!"

"Haha, you're so funny! Since you're listening, I'll continue..."

The number of flies had increased again. Russell realized for the first time that men could be so talkative. Helplessly, he looked out the window, where a tattered poster flashed by on the street.

The poster, weathered by wind and sun, has lost its original Five Colors, leaving only a gray and white base. You can vaguely make out the image of a butterfly with outstretched wings. The text printed at the bottom corner of the poster reads: God still loves us!

Russell had seen the film, both versions, with two different endings, and knew that the butterfly had a very profound meaning.

As for whether it symbolizes breaking free from the cocoon and being reborn, or the rebirth of the Night Demon; or whether it symbolizes destruction, or that God loves humanity but has no pity for humanity's self-destruction.

On this point, opinions vary, and Russell declined to comment. He only knew that... Robert really talked a lot, making him wish he could draw his gun and shoot him on the spot.

True to his word, Russell pulled out his Desert Eagle and pointed it at Robert: "If you keep talking nonsense, I'll smash your dog head in!"

"Woof woof!"

Sam in the back row let out two whimpers, and Russell pulled out a Desert Eagle, pointing the gun at him. "You too, if you whimper again I'll blow your dog head off."

Robert raised his hand and made a zipping motion to indicate that he wouldn't say anything more. Even with a gun pointed at his head, he wasn't angry at all; in fact, he wanted to do it again.

The vehicle continued driving, and two minutes later, Robert couldn't hold back any longer. He glanced at Russell with a conflicted expression, then raised his hand and pressed the loudspeaker.

"If anyone can hear me, anyone, I can provide food and water, and safety..."

Russell reached out and turned off the radio. Seeing Robert scratching his head in frustration, he felt a surge of sympathy and offered him a few words of nonsense. "Buddy, don't play it anymore. You probably know that there's no one else in New York but you."

"Isn't there still you?"

Robert immediately retorted, "If I hadn't insisted on broadcasting every day, I might have missed meeting you. So I firmly believe that there are many more lonely people in the world who are struggling on the brink of death. They need companions, they need communication, even if it's just a broadcast."

I'm an exception!

Russell shook his head with a wry smile, about to say something, when he suddenly saw Robert's blinking, aggrieved eyes and realized that he had said all this in order to receive a caring greeting.

"Uh, that was tough..."

The atmosphere suddenly became gay!

Russell shuddered and abruptly changed the subject. "Dude, change your broadcast message. It's too pessimistic. Nobody's going to listen to you."

Robert was unhappy that he didn't receive the greeting he wanted, but he still continued the conversation along Russell's lines.

"Change it to what?"

Russell said with a serious face, "Looking for a roommate. Requirements: under 20 years old, angelic face, devilish figure, able to do laundry, cook, make the bed, etc..."

Robert's mouth dropped open in shock; he nearly dropped the steering wheel. In this apocalypse, finding an inflatable thing would be a blessing, let alone expecting so much.

Robert wanted to call him shameless, but having not seen a living person for three years, and fearing that Russell might abandon him in a fit of anger, he could only abandon his principles and agree, "I understand, I actually like this kind of thing too. I know a record store that sells all kinds of exciting and thrilling discs. I've managed to keep going for the past three years thanks to it. I'll take you there now."

As he spoke, Robert winked and made faces, adopting a sleazy look of someone who had been there all along.

"Hehehe..." X2

Russell was about to readily agree when he suddenly remembered something, slapped Robert on the thigh, and said angrily, "Robert, I misjudged you. I never thought that a guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes like you could be so filthy inside!"

Robert: "..."

"I remember you told me that you were a scientist who studied viruses..."

"Uh, I didn't say that!"

"Shut up, you do!"

"Okay, I already said that."

Russell, exasperated by his lack of ambition, said passionately, "Robert, do you realize how much time you're wasting?! As a virus vaccine expert, you were likely the only surviving human being capable of reversing the virus and bringing new life to all humanity. And what have you done in these past three years? A video store, and you call it thrilling and exciting? Do you have any respect for the six billion people who have died?"

Robert lowered his head in shame, while Sam in the back row whimpered, seemingly also ashamed for his master.

Russell sighed softly, "Robert, I'm not saying this for any other reason than to make you realize the weight of your responsibilities. Come on, turn around and go home now. I'll urge you to produce the antitoxin serum, and you're not allowed to step out of your room until you succeed."

"Oh!"

"Woof!"

Meanwhile, in the desolate Washington Square Park, a dim light flashed, and sixteen Reincarnator appeared.

The group consisted of both men and women, all of whom were physically and mentally exhausted, with injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Where is this?

"Damn it, is it another apocalyptic world?"

"This is New York, New Manhattan. I've seen that stone archway in the 'Spider-Man' movies."

"..."

A group of Reincarnator split into several teams and began discussing the current world. Soon, they all fell silent and looked at the twelve hibernation pods.

"What's going on? Why are there twelve guys sleeping here? Are they idiots?"

No one objected. Sleeping in the mission world of the Main God Space, and being exposed to the public without any precautions, what else could it be but idiots?

"Should we kill them?"

"Wait a minute, let's find out what world this is before we make a move! Judging from their fearlessness, they must have chosen a side that's easy to win. Killing teammates will deduct Reward Points!"

"That makes sense."