Chapter 101 Disobedience Means Death
Steven heard the noise and sneered. The moment his voice cut through the air, conversation ceased abruptly.
"I've been feeding you all every day lately. Have I accidentally given you too much courage? " he queried, his tone dripping with derision
His gaze, piercing and unyielding, swept over the crowd, finally landing on Nicholas. The bald, corpulent man shrank back two steps, his face pale.
"When I took over as building manager, I made it clear—everyone listens to me." A sinister smile curled Steven's lips. "It’s been what, a few days? And you've already forgotten?"
Without further ado, Steven drew a gun and aimed it unerringly at Nicholas’s head. In the next heartbeat, he pulled the trigger. The sharp report of the gun was followed by a gruesome explosion of blood and gore that left many of the women screaming in abject terror.
No one had anticipated Steven would shoot simply because he could—or kill merely because he felt like it.
"Disobedient people must die." Steven declared coldly, his gaze unyielding as it scanned the horrified faces before him.
It was only at this moment everyone was starkly reminded that Steven was far from the benevolent provider he pretended to be. He was a demon, a tyrant who had already slaughtered more than half the building’s residents.
A deathly silence fell over the crowd, thick with fear. Steven raised an eyebrow, a picture of nonchalance.
"Now, go take out the Crazy Wolf Gang for me! Who’s in favor, who’s against?"
Silence persisted for a tense few seconds before Dennis finally raised his hand, breaking the spell. "I agree. Follow Mr. Rogers’ orders."
Gradually, the others followed suit, echoing, "Follow Steven’s orders!"
With a gentle smile, Steven nodded. "That’s more like it! We’re all friends here, right? Friends look out for each other. See? I'm not fooling you. I took down ten of them myself! I just need you guys to handle the rest. I’m doing you a solid, aren't I? Now go. Henry and I will be out gathering food for tonight’s feast. Everyone's going to eat well!""
Despite their initial horror, the neighbors were somewhat mollified by his promises. After all, it was Nicholas who had died, not them, and the lure of food proved persuasive.
With Steven ominously watching, the group could only arm themselves and charge into the building, their reluctance overridden by the stark presence of survival instincts.
From inside, sounds of chaos and combat soon echoed. Steven checked his watch, a plain yet elegant golden Rolex, and sighed. "Let them keep fighting. We need to move; otherwise, we’ll be back too late."
He looked at Henry, "Let's go, you'll help me this time."
For today’s routine search, Henry’s presence was inconsequential, yet Steven didn't entirely trust leaving him back at base either.
Henry beamed, casting a glance at Building 21. "Alright, let's roll!"
Steven winced slightly, clutching his ribs as if in pain. "I can’t drive. I took a hit earlier; my ribs are bruised."
Eager to please, Henry offered, "I'll drive!"
Then he took the wheel, and Steven settled behind him, his wound feigned to mask the true reason: he never trusted anyone at his back.
As they left the compound, the icy wind whipped at Henry’s unprotected face. He squinted against the blistering cold, but instead of discomfort, he felt a rush of elation. He hadn’t been outside the community in weeks, trapped within its confines. The freedom felt exhilarating.
Henry gazed at the snow-covered streets, the frigid air biting at his cheeks, and exclaimed, "It's really nice to be out! By the way, Steven, where are we headed?"
Steven casually said, "The city is so big, we can go anywhere. Let's check out World Trade Street first!"
World Trade Street, renowned for its bustling commercial activity, had been a district rife with the remnants of a once-thriving Starlight City.
Nodding in agreement, Henry navigated the familiar routes etched in his memory toward their destination. After over half an hour, they arrived.
The high-rise buildings of the World Trade district loomed like bamboo shoots emerging from a sea of snow, half-buried and half-exposed. Abandoning their vehicle, Steven and Henry began to scavenge through the deserted structures.
It was Henry's maiden outing, and the commercial district's relics enthralled him. The luxury brand counters in the malls, with their gold and silver jewelry, designer clothes, and high-end cars, stirred a palpable excitement within him. The unattainable riches of the past were now his for the taking.
Excitedly dashing from one display to another, he quickly amassed a collection of items in a large bag. Steven observed, somewhat bemused, as Henry focused on acquiring an assortment of clothes, notably baby clothes. A wry smile tugged at Steven's lips—was Henry compassionate or just a hopeless simp?
Steven, uninterested in luxury goods, approached Henry. "Henry, there's no food around here. Seems like we've come to the wrong spot."
Henry didn't seem perturbed. He smiled and said, "True, but my family is not short on food. It's the kids who are growing fast and need clothes."
Steven shook his head, sitting down on a nearby chair. "You and Mrs. Daniels seem pretty close."
Henry laughed heartily. "Doesn't matter if we're close or not. We're just living together. Having a woman to warm the bed does make life a bit sunnier!"
Steven's eyes gleamed with an amused light. "If that's what you need, I know some women with... ample assets. How would you like a proper introduction?"
Henry's back stiffened visibly. "You know I'm not that kind of person!"
Steven raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. He hadn't forgotten Henry's old habit of visiting Moon Street to indulge in the services at The Cutting Edge Barbershop. Henry might be an honest man, but it didn't mean he didn't appreciate the company of women. Steven understood that well enough.
"Don't worry, we're buddies. I’ve got your back. I’ll handle it," Steven said, throwing an arm around Henry's shoulder, grinning mischievously.
"Stop saying that! I'm a decent guy." Henry said, his attempt at indignation belied by the grin spreading across his face.
"Sure, sure, you're a decent guy," Steven said with mock seriousness.
Steven had made up his mind. Henry’s attachment to Cara was more convenience than affection. If Cara ever became an inconvenience, Steven would ensure Henry had a suitable replacement—someone equally willing but far less troublesome.
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