Chapter 116 Two Dimwits
Chase and the other five building managers were left in stunned silence, utterly baffled by Steven's proposition.
'Farming? Becoming farmers? This has to be a joke,' they thought, their shock palpable.
Owen, clearly discontented, challenged, "Have you ever farmed? In this kind of cold, all the crops will just freeze to death."
Steven responded, "You can't be so sure! Remember they managed to grow corn in Siberia? If you think corn won't survive, I’ve got other seeds—potatoes, wheat. There's got to be something that’ll work."
Chase and the others exchanged incredulous looks. “Steven, stop kidding around. You know how freezing it is outside. Besides, where could we possibly plant anything in this icebox?”
Steven's demeanor turned serious. "So what if it's cold? We're still breathing, right? We have no clue how long this snowpocalypse will last. Obviously, the higher-ups have all vanished—they’re prepared for long-term bunkering. This means we're in for the long haul. If we don’t start growing our food, we'll run out of supplies fast. Then we're all as good as dead.""
"As for where to plant, that's the easy part." Steven pointed outside. "All that land out there? Just clear the snow, and you've got soil underneath! To combat the cold, we could plant underground. Tough as it may be, we need to try. Only by doing this can we create a sustainable ecosystem and outlast this apocalypse!"
Among the five, Owen and Chase appeared somewhat swayed. Owen, with his farming background, saw an opportunity to leverage his skills. If they could address the food issue through farming, he’d certainly stand out among the city folks in their community.
Chase, on the other hand, recognized the potential in the large labor force within their group. Embracing an agricultural model could boost his influence in the community.
Samuel, however, eyed Steven with skepticism. He had no intention of picking up farming himself, but as the head of Building 21, he could easily delegate the hard labor to others.
Chase suddenly asked, "If we are to start farming, we need enough food. In that case, three hundred portions of food are too few."
Steven allowed a slight smile to cross his face. "Ah, but I don't need all three hundred people."
He spread his hands. "Alright, let's talk about my second condition. Each building needs to send people out to clear the farmland. Progress reports are expected daily. After all, I’m busting my chops to find food, not to feed freeloaders!"
Steven's fingers tapped the table lightly as he assessed the room, while the others did some quick mental calculations. "Those are my two stipulations. If you agree, I'll supply the necessary provisions. And if we manage to sustain three hundred people, you can expect better food quality. Plus, in the future, maybe even cigarettes, alcohol, clothing, and medical supplies!"
Steven's final offer stirred the room, causing some to stir with excitement. Samuel, eager, stood up and exclaimed, "You can get cigarettes?"
His eyes were full of anticipation.
Owen's lips trembled with excitement. "Do you have cigarettes? Give me one now! I haven't smoked in half a month—I'm losing my mind!"
Both men were heavy smokers, and the withdrawal over the past few weeks had been grueling. Their irritability was undoubtedly due, in part, to their nicotine cravings.
Steven's smile widened as he produced a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, tossing one to each of the desperate men. They stared hungrily at the cigarettes before quickly placing them between their lips.
"Anyone got a lighter?"
"Here, hurry up and light it!"
Samuel and Owen were so eager for a puff that they momentarily forgot the very reason they had come. With trembling hands, they dashed to the side to light their cigarettes, drawing in deep, satisfying breaths.
White smoke billowed from their noses, transforming their expressions into ones of pure ecstasy. They could forego meals, but going without a smoke was a torment that drove them to the edge.
Steven's smile grew wider. "Now my conditions are on the table. Do you agree?"
Caitlin, shivering from the cold, clenched her legs tightly despite her discomfort. She was acutely aware of her wet pants but dared not voice her distress.
Luke, muscular yet simple-minded, was bewildered by Steven's farming proposal and found himself at a loss for words.
Just as Chase prepared to negotiate for better terms, Samuel interrupted. "As long as you can guarantee my cigarettes, I agree to all your conditions! But you'll have to give me at least two packs a day!"
Owen quickly echoed, "Same here."
Steven replied, "I can only provide one pack a day at most. It's impossible to get more."
Without hesitation, Samuel and Owen conceded, "Alright, one pack a day it is! Just make sure you bring it to us!"
Steven spread his hands and smiled. "So, we have reached a consensus today, right?"
Both Samuel and Owen, not particularly sharp, were easily swayed by their addiction to cigarettes, which had swiftly eroded their willpower. Their sole concern was securing their daily nicotine fix. With Steven’s offer on the table, they voiced no objections.
Chase, however, remained cautious. "We still need to discuss this further."
Caitlin, still squeezing her legs tightly, added with difficulty, "Yes, we definitely need time to think this through."
Steven waved dismissively. "Fine. These are my conditions—I've shown you my utmost sincerity and bottom line. If you still can't agree, then we might as well prepare to fight." He stressed the word "fight," a pointed reminder that opposing him would be akin to bringing knives to a gunfight.
Samuel extended his hand toward Steven. "I've got no problem with your terms. Just give me another cigarette! "
Steven sneered, "Are you kidding? Aren't you all on the same side? Until you give me a clear answer, these conditions are not officially in effect. So, if you want another cigarette, you'll need to make a decision first."
Taking a long drag, Samuel's eyes grew dazed. Impatiently, he turned to Chase and the others. "What are you all waiting for? We got what we wanted, didn’t we? Let’s just do what he says!"
Chase protested, "But this is too..."
Samuel cut him off with a glare. "What 'too'? Stop wasting time! I can’t stand all this dithering."
Blowing out a smoke ring, Owen added, "I think it's fair enough. Steven has shown us respect. We should consider his position, right?"
Chase’s face darkened, silently cursing Samuel and Owen. These two dimwits were causing internal discord right in front of Steven!
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