Chapter 121 Harmony
In the coming period, the focus of the conflict would shift from Steven to among other buildings and within each building.
Through a negotiation, Steven had successfully created a rift in their loose alliance. He also used the condition of only ten portions of food per building to create significant internal risks.
Later, he would observe when and how the conflicts would occur. Ultimately, the chaos would inevitably benefit Steven.
Predictably, turmoil ignited on the very day Samuel, Owen, Chase, Caitlin, and Luke returned. The instigator who had launched an assault during their negotiation had angered the five managers.
After leaving Building 25, they sought retribution against the decision-makers who had betrayed them. Throughout the afternoon, shrieks filled the air as the neighborhood endured a brutal purge.
Yet, by the break of dawn, life seemed to resume its veneer of normalcy. Regardless of how many perished, the survivors inexorably continued their struggle for existence, and residents from each building reluctantly gathered for communal snow-shoveling.
Steven knew that those building managers must have tacitly concealed the "ten portions of supplies" issue. Otherwise, most residents wouldn't be so obediently coming downstairs to work.
Today's snowstorm seemed mercifully lighter. For the first time in ages, thousands gathered, and their purpose wasn't to fight over supplies but to work together. With tools in hand, they exchanged tentative smiles that gradually warmed into genuine camaraderie.
"It's been a long time since we all came out together like this!"
"Before the snow, our neighborhood was so lively!"
"Yeah, everyone would come out for a walk in the evening. I remember your golden retriever—such a sweetheart!"
"Yes! Our dog was so well-behaved. It wouldn’t retreat in the face danger."
"Once the snow disaster blows over, you can get another one."
"By then, only polar bears can survive."
"Let's get to work! Our building manager said the more we work, the more food we get."
"Right, right, we need to work. The life of farmers it is!"
"At least life will be hopeful!"
An elderly man gazed upwards at the overcast sky, its gray-white hue portending a glimmer of sunshine breaking through. It was as if the oppressive snow clouds were ready to disperse, heralding the return of warmth and light.
The old man said, "Our neighborhood has reached a peace agreement, so we won't have to fight every day. We can eat well and stay warm."
"Life is getting better and better!" he said with a satisfied smile.
A sense of harmony permeated the neighborhood as everyone worked together, their chatter lively. Despite the snowstorm's persistence, hope was tangible, making the labor less burdensome. With more people around, the temperature even seemed to rise, a small reprieve in the cold.
Samuel and the other building managers oversaw their teams, ensuring progress continued at a steady pace, while the neighbors had grown accustomed to their aloofness, accepting their authority despite the inequity in resource distribution.
Chase was the sole manager working hard, his demeanor solemn. He shoveled with determination, a contrast to the others' cheerful faces.
Steven, dressed for the cold, descended the stairs. Seeing the activity, he smiled slightly. "Steven, are you going out to find supplies?" Owen from the neighboring building waved, gesturing with two fingers to remind Steven of the promised cigarettes.
Steven chuckled, “Yeah, everyone’s hard at work, so I can’t slack off! Don’t worry, you’ll get your smokes.”
From another direction, Samuel from Building 21 called out. "Steven, can you handle it alone? If there's too much stuff, I can go with you!"
Steven laughed heartily, "Come on, I have a snowmobile, don't I? With it, I can haul as much stuff as I want!"
"Alright then, wait for me to come back! By the way, make sure everyone keeps working hard. I'll check the progress when I return! If the work’s not up to par, food allocations will be cut!” Steven said with a sinister grin.
He made a show of heading to the garage, and soon the engine roared to life as he sped off on his snowmobile.
Watching Steven leave, Samuel's face turned grim. "Where exactly does he keep that vehicle? I've searched everywhere!"
Steven left the neighborhood, casting a glance back at the harmonious scene with a sense of irony. But he had no time for pity. Though they harbored no personal animosity towards him, their sheer numbers posed a potential threat. Letting them deal with their own issues was advantageous for him.
But he didn't have time to pity those people.
Although they had no personal grudge against Steven, their sheer numbers were a threat.
Letting them solve their own problems was beneficial to Steven.
Steven didn't head straight to the supermarket but went to Costce Mall.
Costce Mall, an iconic establishment in Starlight City with a seventy-year history, was known for its affordable and good-quality goods in a city famed for commercial opulence and high living costs.
The mall’s twelve-story main building housed mostly small shops, many around 300 square feet, selling inexpensive jewelry, knock-off clothing, and various other items, from underwear to hardware, and even offering services like hemming pants.
Steven made his way there because of the veterinary store he knew it housed.
Arriving at the snow-buried Costce Mall, only the upper part of the main building visible, Steven found a window to break in through. Ignoring the cheap merchandise, he headed straight for the veterinary store.
Locating it quickly, he smashed the glass with a crowbar and rifled through the medicine cabinet.
In modern society, obtaining poison at a pharmacy was impossible; lethal pesticides were also detectable due to their strong odor. However, one substance is colorless, odorless, and highly lethal—rat poison.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
