James Lon arrived at the 28th floor. To avoid exposing his ability to phase through walls, he took the stairs down. Seeing him, the survivors backed away a few steps. Some elderly folks looked toward Aunt Green. Despite her earlier bravado, she was now a bit intimidated by James Lon.

James Lon didn't give her a glance and knocked on Wot And's apartment door. After a moment, Wot And looked through the peephole and was surprised to see James Lon, feeling a twinge of anxiety.

"Did I offend him?"

Nervous, Wot And thought he had no choice but to open the door. Trying to stay calm, he asked, "James... Building Manager, what can I do for you?"

"I'm here to see your patient." James Lon walked in without waiting for permission. Wot And didn't dare stop him and closed the door, following behind. The injured man stood up involuntarily.

James Lon examined the man's facial injury and asked, "Dr. Wot, can it be treated?"

Wot And noticed James Lon didn't seem hostile and relaxed a bit, sighing, "Not much chance; we're too short on medicine." He wanted to ask if James Lon had medications but didn't dare to.

James Lon continued, "Let me see what you're using."

Wot And showed him the leftover pine needles. James Lon wasn't knowledgeable in traditional Chinese medicine, but he did understand that having a doctor was useful, especially a traditional one. Unlike modern medicine, which relies heavily on advanced pharmaceuticals, traditional Chinese medicine was all about herbal knowledge. However, James Lon was unsure how effective traditional medicine would be in this era of rapidly mutating plants and animals. Still, it's better to have it than not.

James Lon then asked, "I saw you selling some very smelly vegetables before?"

Wot And nodded, "Mutated shepherd's purse. It smells terrible and is even worse when cooked, but you can eat it. It's nutritious, or so it seems. I've been living on it as my staple food these past days. Unfortunately, there's no more gas to cook it, and I'm afraid to eat it raw, sigh."

Wot And showed some samples, a smell almost like a latrine filled the room, almost making James Lon gag. Wot And remained unbothered.

The injured man asked eagerly, "This stuff is edible?"

Wot And nodded, "Yes! I eat it every day. I've got nothing else."

Seeing Wot And's rosy complexion, the injured man pleaded, "Can I have some to eat?"

"Raw, will you dare?" Wot And asked.

"I dare! Won't live many days anyway, might as well have a full belly!" the injured man replied boldly.

Wot And produced a large bowl of fresh shepherd's purse, placing it before the injured man, "I picked it yesterday. This stuff is special; it doesn't spoil for three days."

The man gagged at the stench. He tried some, nearly retching; it was like eating diarrhea. The texture and odor made it barely palatable. He managed half a bowl before giving up, collapsing into a chair and staring vacantly at the ceiling, dry heaving occasionally.

Watching, James Lon was speechless. You can eat that? He admired Wot And. How did you discover it was edible?

"You did well. The first time I only managed two bites," Wot And laughed, adding, "Eat regularly and you'll get used to it. If we had gas and water, you could make soup. It's smelly but nutritious."

Soup that tastes like poop? Even James Lon was at a loss for words. This old man was truly formidable!

Finally, the injured man waved weakly, "Just kill me, I'd rather die than eat more! Ugh~"

James Lon chuckled, "Keep detailed notes on his condition; I want to know if that herb works."

Sensing an opportunity, Wot And replied, "Sure thing."

Two hours later, when James Lon returned, the man's wound had actually scabbed. His aura had stabilized too, according to James Lon's perception. The injured man noticed as well, exclaiming, "Dr. Wot, my face doesn't seem to hurt anymore?"

After examination, Wot And was amazed, "Unexpected! The mutated pine trees are much more effective now. This evolution might be an opportunity for humanity. You're lucky; go rest."

Delighted, the injured man left. James Lon was satisfied too.

Wot And proved to be quite competent. Thus, James Lon decided to help him out. "From now on, I'll give you food every day. How about that?"

Wot And paused, eyes on a pack of instant noodles. Who wouldn't prefer decent meals over poop-flavored feasts? Aware that no kindness comes without strings attached, he asked cautiously, "What do I need to do?"

James Lon appreciated these sensible individuals who wouldn't act unpredictably, "If my women get sick, you treat them. Successfully cured means a reward; failure won't be punished. Deal?"

Wot And was tempted. Essentially, this made him James Lon's personal doctor. Never a rigid traditionalist, Wot And agreed, "Deal."

Wot And decided to move immediately. His valuable items were all solid wood furniture, which couldn't be taken, so he easily left them behind. His wife had passed early, and his son and granddaughter were in a nearby city, unreachable since the purple mist descended. Packing some clothes and his medical box including silver needles, scales, alcohol, and iodine, Wot And was ready to go.

Taking the doctor upstairs, fellow residents watched with envy. Aunt Green was further incensed. Her grandson's death had been, in part, due to a lack of treatment from Wot And. Now, the same doctor was the one who healed the guy she'd fought with. "Old coot, deliberately crossing me!"

With others barred from ascending, only Wot And could, aggravating her imbalance even more.

...

James Lon took Wot And to the 28th floor, finding a place farthest from Emma's home. Cautious, he wouldn't let Wot And stay on the 32nd floor.

Perplexed, Wot And asked, "I live here? How do I open the door?"

James Lon reached out, phasing his arm through the security door, solidifying his fingers to easily unlock it. Click.

The door swung open.

Increasingly adept at phasing, James Lon could now skillfully control partial body phases.

Amazed, Wot And exclaimed, "Is that an ability? Incredible!"

Evasive, James Lon responded, "I'll contact you if needed. Stay inside; it's chaotic outside. I'll have food sent over soon."

Not overly trusting of Wot And, James Lon withheld further displays of his abilities. Returning home, he prepared a box of instant noodles, a large bag of sausages, and a crate of mineral water.

"Monroe Anne, Elsa Thomas, deliver these to room 2809 for Dr. Wot."

Both women hesitated to go out but couldn't refuse James Lon.

He wasn't concerned; his awareness allowed him to monitor the whole building, ensuring no danger above the 5th floor temporarily. Below the 5th floor was different.

Overnight, land cleared by herbicides was again overrun with dense vegetation and various insects, ants, and mice scurried about. Brief safe-excursion windows closed, once more confining everyone within the building. Even inside, safety wasn't guaranteed. Lower floors were infested with mutated rats, cockroaches, and occasionally mosquitoes, leaving victims to pray for survival.

Moreover, the drainage system had unusual giant worm-like creatures, though their faint luminosity suggested minimal threat.

...