After Chen Zhenghao killed the resident of 301, the atmosphere in the entire building became exceptionally tense. The once chattering crowd now dared not utter a word. Chen Zhenghao seemed to have become aware that a new owners' group was formed behind his back. However, such a matter was inherently uncontrollable. His only recourse was to employ various means of intimidation and persuasion within the owners' group.
"Now, the situation is dire, and everyone is striving for survival. No one wishes to resort to violence."
"If that lad from 301 hadn't struck my men first, I wouldn't have resorted to killing him. After all, I am no demon!"
"I hope we can harmoniously coexist in the future. When the need arises, lend us some provisions."
"As long as you cooperate obediently, I guarantee everyone's safety."
These words, once spoken, managed to relax the guard of some individuals. Some even believed, perhaps as Chen Zhenghao claimed, that the owner of 301 died because he initiated the violence.
This Stockholm Syndrome, referring to individuals who, in the face of death's despair, express gratitude for even the slightest goodwill from their assailants, was now evident.
Zhang Yi, remaining an observer, coldly watched, neither commenting nor participating. However, in his heart, he became more wary of Chen Zhenghao.
Although the defenses in his home were robust, with Chen Zhenghao and his few men armed with a broken gun, there was no chance of breaching it. Yet, in the post-apocalyptic world, an extra measure of caution was always prudent.
"If he truly provokes me, I'll find an opportunity to eliminate him!"
Zhang Yi calmly remarked.
...
This brief tranquility was shattered the next day. Though households were reluctant to venture outside due to fear of Chen Zhenghao, they couldn't survive without descending to chip ice for water. So, some discreetly opened their doors, planning to dig through the snow unnoticed.
However, those sent by Chen Zhenghao to keep watch caught them red-handed. The supplies plundered on the first day had been devoured by the hungry ruffians. Now, with bloodshot eyes, they regarded all building residents as their prey.
No one they captured would be treated with any mercy; they must be plundered entirely!
In the new group, urgent calls for help were heard. Zhang Yi opened the group chat and couldn't help but smile. The one pleading for help was none other than Liu Tiantian, residing on the seventh floor, just below Chen Zhenghao.
This morning, she thought to sneak down in the darkness to chip ice and collect water but was caught red-handed. Living alone, she had little to pack, making her the perfect target for Chen Zhenghao's gang.
Having set eyes on her as a potential target since the beginning and suffering from nearly two weeks of confinement, Chen Zhenghao and his companions were eager to relieve their pent-up frustration with a woman.
Liu Tiantian wasn't exceptionally attractive, but her youth and figure were passable. Given the limited choices, no one bothered to be selective.
The gang, armed with wrenches and iron rods, gleefully approached.
Liu Tiantian hurriedly closed her door and, in despair, turned to her neighbors for help.
"Wuwuwu, please come and save me! They're banging on my door, please, I'll be killed by them!"
"@Uncle You, Uncle You, save me! Aren't you a veteran? They surely can't beat you."
"These people are absolutely untrustworthy and ruthless. Everyone, let's unite!"
"In case something happens to me, the next one might be you!"
Liu Tiantian, with a tearful voice, desperately sent one voice message after another in the group.
But yesterday, when she arrogantly berated the male homeowners in the group, her tone was far from this.
Uncle You replied, "Young lady, the situation is sudden, and I alone can't handle so many of them!"
Although Uncle You was kind, he wouldn't go to his death without reason. With Chen Zhenghao holding a gun and having five or six people in his group, even someone with military experience like him couldn't confront them.
If they had reached a consensus yesterday and formed a defense team, scaring them off would have been possible.
Seeing Uncle You's response, Liu Tiantian felt a chill in her heart. She cried, "Can't you protect a weak girl like me? What kind of men are you!"
"Wuwuwu, if I die, I won't let you off even in the afterlife!"
Originally, some sympathized with her, but upon discovering her shameless attempt at moral blackmail, a fire ignited. Coupled with her scathing remarks towards all the male residents in the building yesterday, they now harbored both new and old grudges.
"Ah, right, we're all useless. Little fairy, you're so powerful; you surely don't need our help!"
"Haha, the little fairy can throw punches; beat those people to death!"
"Yesterday, you were so arrogant, thought you were powerful, but now you have to beg us little insects to save you."
"You might as well die; one less, happiness for a thousand families!"
Laughter filled the group chat.
Faced with Liu Tiantian's desperate situation, instead of sympathy, some found joy in her misery. Because her home had been raided, they could, at least for a short time, consider themselves safe.
Seeing the cold ridicule in the chat, Liu Tiantian's heart sank into complete despair. She turned to the female homeowners for help, but their responses were unified.
"We're all sisters, facing such a situation, there's nothing we can do."
"Sisters, hold on! I support you spiritually."
"You must endure; otherwise, if they break in, who knows what they'll do to you!"
"Yes, with so many of them, they'll ruin you."
Some offered perfunctory comfort, while others maliciously frightened Liu Tiantian. Long-term isolation and the threat of death had begun to twist many people's minds.
More and more people joined the chat, but the topic had shifted.
"Sister, even if you die, make sure to pull someone down with you. Consider it removing harm for the people!"
"Exactly, we're all robbed; I doubt you can survive much longer. Might as well pull down someone as you die."
Liu Tiantian, trembling with anger, was about to say something more when her door was kicked open with a loud "bang."
In Zhang Yi's home, watching the surveillance, he saw Liu Tiantian scream and then get dragged out by several hoodlums.
"It's so cold outside, yet they don't forget to exercise. Their enthusiasm is truly remarkable!"
Zhang Yi exclaimed. However, it made sense. In the current situation, nobody knew when they might die. Facing death, the first thought for any living being was to pass on their life essence.
Taking a bite of a chocolate bar, Zhang Yi addressed the surveillance feed, "At this temperature, any exposed inch of skin is life-threatening!"