Chapter Forty-Two: Asking for Food? What a Joke

“When enough people show up, there’s bound to be conflict. All we have to do is wait and reap the benefits.”

…

Fang Xia could never have imagined that, less than a hundred meters away, a group was already scheming to swallow his team whole.

After eating their fill, it was time to get back to work. They stuck to the morning’s strategy, and the young women kept their spirits high. The four who’d joined recently had already been helped by Liu Rui to level up during their break—it wasn’t free, of course; she’d put it on their tab, to be repaid in due time.

Once again, Fang Xia slew a second-tier zombie. The women formed a practiced circle around the supply drop, standing guard, while Liu Rui made her way to Fang Xia’s side.

“Brother Fang, something’s off. There are more and more people following us.”

Fang Xia frowned. Since the afternoon, people had been trailing their group, but since the numbers were small and they kept their distance, he hadn’t cared. Now, though, there must be a hundred people back there.

“Should I go ask them?”

It was unsettling, fighting up front with a crowd watching from behind. If they decided to attack during a fight, it would be over for everyone.

“Alright, but be careful. I’m watching.”

Fang Xia nodded, his brow still furrowed, and lit a cigarette. As the thick smoke filled his lungs, some of the tension ebbed from his face. Whatever their intentions, he’d give them one warning—after that, he wouldn’t hesitate.

Soon, Liu Rui returned, her delicate face pinched in a frown that made her look almost comically cute.

“Brother Fang, these people heard somewhere that we have a lot of food. They want us to give them some.”

What?

Fang Xia wondered if he’d misheard. This was the apocalypse—they wanted him to give them food? Were they dreaming?

Behind them, the crowd grew restless, maybe because Fang Xia’s group hadn’t moved for a while, or maybe because their numbers now felt sufficient.

“Ladies, we’re all compatriots here, how can you bear to watch your older sister starve?”

“Yes, yes, please have pity on my child. She’s only eight. Her father was eaten by zombies while searching for food. We haven’t eaten in three days.”

…

Not long ago, the young women in Fang Xia’s group had been university students with dreams of the future. They’d never seen anything like this.

—

Many of the young women wore looks of sympathy—the people before them seemed so pitiful.

Fang Xia stepped forward, his face grim, with Liu Rui close behind. As the only man in his team walked forward, the crowd instinctively shrank back. They’d been following for a while and had seen Fang Xia’s prowess—he could fell a second-tier zombie with a single stroke.

“Who told you my team has food?”

Silence. No one wanted to be the first to speak.

“Whoever tells me, the food goes to them.”

He pulled a self-heating meal and a bottle of cola from his storage, setting them in plain sight.

Still, no one spoke.

Now Fang Xia understood—they weren’t nearly as desperate as they claimed. This little bit of food meant nothing to them; they wanted much more.

“Young man, we didn’t hear it from anyone. We’ve been following you all this way and saw how much food you’ve gathered.”

A voice rang out from the crowd. With someone taking the lead, the others grew bolder.

“That’s right, you’re so strong, you must have plenty. Please help us out.”

“Brother, when disaster strikes, we all help each other. As compatriots, shouldn’t you lend a hand?”

Instead of anger, Fang Xia laughed, a mocking smile for the crowd.

“So tell me—how much should I give you?”

They looked at each other. Of course, getting it all would be best, but no one dared say it aloud.

“Brother, how about a meal box and a canteen for each? Everyone faces hard times, and next time we could help you.”

The same voice again. This time, Fang Xia spotted the speaker—a young man with tattoos. He seemed familiar, but Fang Xia couldn’t quite remember where he’d seen him.

The crowd was growing louder.

“Yes, yes, a meal and a canteen—surely that’s not hard for someone like you.”

—

“Of course. Someone as strong as you can just kill a few zombies, open a few supply boxes, and it’s nothing.”

Liu Rui, standing behind Fang Xia, looked anxious. That much food—even if they had it, they could never give it away. But there were already over a hundred people here; if things turned ugly, her team would be at a disadvantage.

She could force her companions to fight zombies—they had no choice. But kill people? Liu Rui couldn’t even fathom it.

She looked around. Many of the women had come to their senses. None of them were idiots. Anyone could see this was robbery—if they couldn’t, they’d never have gotten into university.

But they were nervous—their hands trembled on their weapons, their minds racing: What if there’s a fight? What should I do? I can’t possibly kill someone, can I?

Noticing their unease, the onlookers felt even more confident.

Just as I thought—young students are easy prey, especially the girls. Once we get food this time, we can come back for more. This is perfect. Maybe I can develop this—let them get food, we just follow and collect. I know this routine—my company’s interns were just like this.

Fang Xia took in every expression, even hearing some of their inner thoughts as clear as day.

A pack of bloodsucking fiends wearing human skins.

Too bad for them, they’d met Fang Xia.

“Whose idea was that? I believe it was yours. You’ll be first, then.”

He motioned for Liu Rui to bring out a meal box and a canteen, placing them in front of the crowd.

The young man was surprised at how quickly Fang Xia had relented. He emerged from the crowd with a leering grin, his eyes glued to Liu Rui’s long legs, making her feel nauseous even in her tracksuit.

He reached out for the food, muttering, “You’re a good man, brother. And you, miss, are truly beautiful. But this meal is a bit bland. If only there were some soda and hotpot to go with it.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll never have to worry about food again.”

Fang Xia’s voice was icy.

“Why?” the young man blurted out.