Chapter 118 A Lifetime Wouldn't Be Enough to Repay Steven's Kindness
Steven surveyed the crowd, his eagle eye discerning the most prominent targets. He picked them off one by one with calculated precision, each fatal shot causing the rest to scatter in frantic terror.
The remaining residents, paralyzed by fear, could do nothing but witness the carnage unfold. They were splattered with the blood and fragmented remains of their neighbors, a grotesque spectacle that sapped any remnants of bravery.
This visceral display of violence served as an unequivocal deterrent, smothering any thoughts of resistance in an instant.
With the immediate threat neutralized, Steven methodically retracted his sniper rifle. He then turned to face the five individuals who stood, shell-shocked. He spoke with an unsettling calmness, "Have you made up your minds?"
Even Samuel and Owen, known for their ruthlessness, trembled visibly. The primal fear of a weapon in the hands of a capable wielder held them in its grip.
Samuel swallowed hard, raising his hand in reluctant submission, "I agree to the conditions you've set."
Owen nodded, echoing, "No objections here."
Luke and Caitlin, paralyzed by indecision, raised their hands in silent compliance. Seeing the capitulation of the others, Chase, though visibly reluctant, raised his right hand. "I agree too."
A faint smile curled Steven's lips. "Good. Your work begins today. Tomorrow afternoon, I will call you to collect supplies."
He added, almost as an afterthought, "And do your best. I'll be watching—try anything foolish, and you'll regret it."
The group nodded, unable to disguise their apprehension.
Steven dismissed them with a wave. "You can leave now."
Chase slouched out of the room, trailed by Luke. Caitlin, visibly shaken, walked unsteadily, her body wracked with tremors as if her legs might give way. Samuel and Owen lingered, reluctant to depart.
"Hey Steven, can you spare some smokes?" Samuel eyed the pack in Steven's hand with raw longing. "Since we’re allies now."
Owen, not wanting Samuel to monopolize the small luxury, interjected quickly. "Don’t hog them all, Samuel!"
Turning to Steven with a sycophantic grin, Owen added, "Steven, can you share?"
Without a word, Steven tossed the half-empty pack to the ground. "Divide them among yourselves."
Like ravenous dogs, the two men scrambled to the floor, engaging in a ridiculous struggle over the precious cigarettes.
"Dammit, Samuel! These are mine!"
"Owen, don't push your luck! Let go!"
The pack was ultimately torn apart in their scuffle, each man clutching their hard-won cigarettes as they glared at one another, departing the negotiation room in mutual animosity.
For now, the crisis on the 25th floor had been averted.
Steven put away his sniper rifle and settled into a chair, his demeanor remarkably composed despite the less-than-ideal outcome of today's events.
Initially, he had envisioned annihilating the leadership of all 29 neighboring buildings in one decisive strike. However, reality often strays from even the best-laid plans.
Still, the current circumstances weren’t entirely unfavorable. Ostensibly, he had secured their cooperation; now he would allow them to turn on each other. When the opportune moment presented itself, he would deliver the final blow.
Steven was in no rush. With abundant supplies and a fortified living space, he existed in a state of perpetual advantage.
Once the five building managers departed, the residents of Building 25 exhaled collectively and flocked to Steven, eager to hear about the outcome of the meeting.
Steven addressed them with authority, "Under the pressure of military might, they compromised. From now on, I need to provide food for 300 people in exchange for peace."
He continued, "Moreover, everyone must contribute to labor. We will cultivate land, engage in agricultural production, and pursue sustainable development."
A murmur of disbelief spread through the crowd.
"Food for 300 people? Is it possible?"
"And if you give all the food to them, what about us?"
They couldn't fathom why Steven had proposed such terms, particularly without consulting anyone beforehand.
Steven's response was measured, "Without this agreement, what would you propose? Do you truly wish to fight against thousands of people in the entire neighborhood?"
He let out a derisive chuckle, "Frankly, I don’t care. Regardless of their numbers, I remain unphased, but can you handle it?"
Embarrassed silence and uncomfortable glances filled the room. In Building 25, 99% of the defensive capability resided in Steven alone. With formidable firepower and an impregnable stronghold, Steven could thrive independently. But the others? They’d likely fall prey to the wrath of the surrounding populace, ending up as mere casualties or worse.
Steven reassured them, "Don't fret. I'll source food by any means necessary. I won't let you starve."
The collective gaze of the neighbors lifted, filled with gratitude and incredulity, tears brimming in their eyes.
"Steven, you are..." A woman choked up. "You are so kind."
"Steven, you are shouldering the entire burden of Building 25 alone! It's so touching!"
"Steven, we were right about you. You are a leader worthy of our respect!"
Moved to tears, the neighbors felt the weight of the food crisis resting solely on Steven's shoulders.
Steven sighed softly and adopted a more tender tone. He looked around the room, his voice taking on a solemn, deep timbre. "Everyone, cease your tears. I know many of you have harbored mixed feelings about me, perhaps seeing me as a villain. But no matter how you see me, I sincerely hope everyone can live well! Not just me, but every one of you!"
Walter, wiping away tears, proclaimed loudly, "Mr. Rogers! Fear not, we will remember your kindness! We will not let you down!"
The neighbors nodded in agreement, murmuring among themselves.
"Actually, thinking about it, although Steven killed seventy or eighty people, they all deserved to die. He never attacked those people proactively!"
"Steven was just protecting himself. He has been good to us. Maybe we misunderstood him in the past! He is really a good person!"
"Anyway, from now on, I will fully support Steven and uphold all his decisions!"
"We can never repay Steven's kindness in our lifetime!"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
