Huang Tianfang, in his misguided self-assurance, has orchestrated the demise of numerous individuals at No. 25, employing this strategy to coerce Zhang Yi into the open. If this were a cinematic scenario with a virtuous protagonist, undoubtedly, the moment calls for her inability to refrain any longer, compelling her to step forward and engage in negotiations with Huang Tianfang. Unfortunately, Zhang Yi not only lacks a sense of self-reproach but revels in the unfolding situation. His intention is to goad Huang Tianfang into slaughtering more neighbors, instigating panic and compelling these neighbors to implore his intervention. Indeed, just two days later, the neighbors reached a breaking point. Confronted with the blood-written message left by Huang Tianfang upon his departure, they unanimously concluded that only Zhang Yi confronting Huang Tianfang could resolve the current predicament. Consequently, the group bombarded Zhang Yi within the chat, inundating him with private messages and voice calls.
"Zhang Yi, you must rectify the calamity you have caused! The syndicate, Tianhe Gang, is a consequence of your enticement and your actions. What affinity do we share in this matter?"
"Yes, each individual is accountable for their deeds. You cannot expect us to bear the repercussions on your behalf."
"They have declared that if you do not emerge, they will continue their murderous rampage. Zhang Yi, if you possess even a modicum of conscience, endeavor to resolve this matter independently!"
"Do you truly have the heart to witness the demise of everyone due to your actions?"
Observing the messages from these individuals, Zhang Yi chuckled. He harbored no resentment, understanding the ingrained nature of these neighbors very well. He casually dispatched a few messages within the group.
"It's not as though I invited them. How so? They came to eliminate me, and I, in self-defense, retaliated. How does this now become my fault?"
"You yourselves lack the capability to resist them. It's none of my concern."
"You acknowledged they are too perilous. In that case, I am even less inclined to venture outside; my abode remains a sanctuary! Hehe!"
Upon completion, Zhang Yi appended a smiling emoji. This considerably vexed the neighbors within the building.
"Zhang Yi... You've secured your safety, but what about us?"
"Are you not implicating us all in your misfortune?"
"The individuals you attracted, why should we face them on your behalf? Do you possess no conscience?"
Confronted with the neighbors' reproach, Zhang Yi burst into hearty laughter.
His comprehension of their shameless nature was profound. He derisively remarked, "Why should I concern myself with your affairs? Does your life or death hold any semblance of significance to me?"
"Do not engage me in discussions about conscience. When you besieged my domicile, whose household remained untarnished?"
"It was only my magnanimity that prevented me from brandishing a firearm and visiting each of you individually, terminating your existence one by one! You now raise objections; are you even worthy of discussing conscience with me?"
In a sinister tone, he continued, "Do you genuinely believe I lack the resolve to dispatch you?"
Zhang Yi's concluding statement silenced the utterances in many throats. They belatedly recalled that Zhang Yi was not one to be trifled with. How did Chen Zhenghao meet his demise? He was cryogenically frozen and subsequently shattered. This was Zhang Yi's handiwork! Without uttering another word, Zhang Yi sent a message to Uncle You.
"Uncle You, the time has come for you to make a move!"
Uncle You reassured, "Rest assured, I've got it covered!"
Within the homeowners' group, those homeowners berated by Zhang Yi found themselves in a state of bewilderment. The moral coercion failed, and negotiations collapsed, signifying that henceforth, they would still have to confront the Tianhe Gang, uncertain as to when they would storm in to commit murder. With most of No. 25's men either dead or incapacitated, only Zhang Yi and Uncle You possessed the necessary prowess.
"What are we to do? We believed that with Chen Zhenghao gone, we could endure. Alas, the individuals from the Tianhe Gang are even more ruthless!"
"Chen Zhenghao committed murders for dominance and sustenance."
"In contrast, Huang Tianfang and his associates kill for retribution; they slay indiscriminately without pondering the consequences."
"Must we resign ourselves to inevitable demise?"
"Curses! Why has the world devolved into its current state? Is this savage society to become the new norm?"
"The snow calamity will not abate in the short term, and we will all be interred within this snowstorm."
Many individuals plunged into profound despair, convinced of their imminent demise. It was at this juncture that Uncle You, typically reserved, suddenly made an appearance.
"Do not panic, the Tianhe Gang comprises roughly twenty individuals. If we unite, we can resist them!"
Uncle You's arrival elicited a gleam of hope in many eyes. After all, this retired soldier and gatekeeper exuded an aura of simplicity and reliability.
"Uncle You, thank goodness you are here!"
"You've been silent lately; I thought you might have met your demise."
"Excellent, with Uncle You present, our safety is guaranteed!"
"Uncle You, tell us how to proceed! We will wholeheartedly support you!"
Observing the words of the neighbors, Uncle You couldn't help but twitch his eyelids. Wholeheartedly support me? Does that imply you wish for me to take the lead, while you watch from the sidelines? He felt utterly dumbfounded.
Uncle You remarked, "Alas, relying solely on me will be ineffective!"
"Our household supplies have been depleted, and we've gone several days without sustenance. Presently, we are weakened by hunger."
"The majority of you must find yourselves in a similar predicament. In such a state, how can we contend with the Tianhe Gang?"
Some neighbors maintained a discreet silence. For a portion of the neighbors, despite recent deprivation, the quality of their rations remained relatively good, consisting of roasted meat. Once one's spirit became desensitized, the taste of these provisions remained surprisingly palatable.
"Uncle You, what are we to do? Many of us are deprived of sustenance, rendering us unable to assist you!"
Having just pledged wholehearted support, they now hesitated to part with even a morsel of their food.
"Do you have any suggestions? Please, provide some guidance; we shall defer to your judgment."
Here, they began to articulate comforting words once again.
Uncle You stated, "Presently, our building must stand in opposition to others, and our reliance can only be upon Zhang Yi!"
"Within Zhang Yi's residence lies an abundance of weaponry, and he partakes in a well-fed existence, endowed with strength."
"Allowing him to lead us represents the most apt choice!"
The assembled individuals exchanged incredulous glances, rendered momentarily speechless. Having recently driven Zhang Yi
away, now they sought his leadership. Was this a feasible course of action?
"However, Zhang Yi just asserted that we should fend for ourselves. He has no intention of leaving his abode, and we lack the means to summon him."
"Yet, if he could lead us, it would indeed be optimal!"
They found Zhang Yi detestable, yet undeniably formidable. Half of the building's residents had met their demise at his hands.
"Uncle You, Zhang Yi proclaimed he wouldn't emerge to assist us. What recourse do we have?"