Zhang Ye issued a warning to Chen Lingyu, making it clear that he was not someone to be trifled with. Chen Lingyu paced back and forth in the room, not out of nervousness but to alleviate the biting cold. Despite wearing numerous layers, she presented herself meticulously, even donning a coat with a fox fur collar. Upon receiving Zhang Ye's chilly message, she took a deep breath and murmured to herself, "Indeed, he's a formidable figure! I mustn't be careless."
Facing Zhang Ye, Chen Lingyu's inner tension and even fear were palpable. After all, Zhang Ye's exploits had become widely known. Single-handedly, he had eliminated half of the neighbors in an entire building! Moreover, he possessed a variety of weapons, including the dreaded sniper rifle. Various rumors instilled deep fear in those who had heard Zhang Ye's stories.
Regaining her composure, Chen Lingyu meticulously expressed the words she had rehearsed in her mind countless times. "Mr. Zhang Ye, your reputation precedes you. We've long heard about your stories and have always hoped to meet you. Now that we know you have a snowmobile to venture outside for supplies, Building 9# hopes to collaborate with you."
Zhang Ye glanced at her, disdain forming a slight smile. "Collaboration? What can you offer me? Cooperation relies on mutually beneficial terms, and you should understand that."
Chen Lingyu quickly responded, "Building 9# is relatively harmonious, with minimal casualties. So, we have an ample workforce now!"
"Now that you have a snowmobile, you can leave the neighborhood for exploration. We can provide you with 76 individuals—our best labor force."
"With the outside covered in snow and ice, it has essentially lost order. In other words, everything buried by ice and snow in this world, whoever obtains it, owns it."
"You have transportation and weapons, and I have obedient family members ready to work under your command. As long as we join forces, we will undoubtedly achieve great things in the future!"
Zhang Ye cleared his ear. "It sounds intimidating, but it's all empty talk. Let me ask you, with so many people not knowing how to survive tomorrow, what use is your development?"
Chen Lingyu swallowed her saliva. "Of course, we need you to help us gather food to ensure our survival first. Then, whatever project you want to undertake, our people will be the best labor force!"
Zhang Ye shook his head, losing interest. A leader of a pyramid scheme begging for support might work on desperate homeowners, but Zhang Ye had no interest in involving himself.
In response, he sent a voice message. "I have no interest in what you're saying. Goodbye!"
Chen Lingyu, hearing Zhang Ye's words, became somewhat anxious. She bit her lip and hastily sent a message, "You have become the envy of the entire neighborhood. Just provide us with food, and at least we can maintain neutrality towards you. You wouldn't want us as your enemies, would you?"
Upon reading this, Zhang Ye's expression turned slightly serious. This was what he wanted to hear. All the previous blathering was unnecessary. These damned pyramid scheme people!
"Oh, so many people in the other buildings want to take action against me? Heh, I find that hard to believe. I'm living well now, and no one has come to attack me!" Zhang Ye asked, probing.
Knowing Zhang Ye was testing her, Chen Lingyu had to disclose some information to express sincerity. "Zhang Ye, you're a smart person. You should understand the principle of harboring resentment. With thousands of people living in the entire neighborhood, everyone can only wait to starve in their houses."
"The reason they haven't made a move is simply a weighing of pros and cons. However, it's only a matter of time before they act against you."
"I'm asking for little, just ensuring our basic food needs. The people in our building will absolutely not make a move against you!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Ye squinted slightly. In a sense, this was a form of threat.
"Oh? Are you suggesting that if I don't agree, Building 9# will attack Building 25#?" Zhang Ye's voice was cold, filled with a murderous intent.
Chen Lingyu trembled for a moment but quickly retorted firmly, "I believe you won't choose to do that. Making an enemy of us, even if you win, won't bring any benefits."
Her calm demeanor stemmed from the considerable distance between Building 25# and Building 9#. If Zhang Ye wanted to attack, it would mean a dead end for him. Moreover, there was the risk of being attacked by people from other buildings.
"We only need some food, and we have no other requests."
"Moreover, with my abilities combined with your firepower, we can easily dominate the entire neighborhood in the future!"
Chen Lingyu said with excitement.
Zhang Ye's smile at the corner of his mouth was somewhat contemptuous. "It's the first time I've seen someone beg so boldly. This...is cooperation!"
Chen Lingyu, infuriated, took a deep breath. "This...this is cooperation!"
Zhang Ye replied indifferently, "Let me consider it, and I'll get back to you later."
After that, he didn't want to continue chatting with Chen Lingyu,
so he closed the chat window.
Placing his phone on his lap, Zhang Ye began pondering how the situation would develop. As for Chen Lingyu, he didn't care much. A mere Building 9#, even if they wanted to fight him, it wouldn't be a problem no matter how many people there were. They had no idea how many guns and bullets Zhang Ye possessed! If they really attacked, Zhang Ye, armed with his exceptional marksmanship, could wipe them all out with just a single assault rifle!
However, the problem lay in the fact that there were undoubtedly more people with such ideas in this neighborhood than just Chen Lingyu. In all 29 buildings, everyone coveted his snowmobile. Some, in their impatience and dwindling resources, were even willing to risk their lives to come after him. If they were to unite and simultaneously attack Building 25#, Zhang Ye would be exhausted from fighting them off.
Zhang Ye glanced at his secure house, constructed with aerospace alloy, capable of withstanding artillery bombardment. Even if the entire neighborhood attacked, they would not be able to break through. Unless they could dismantle Building 25#, there was essentially no threat to Zhang Ye.
"How likely is this possibility?"
Zhang Ye frowned, contemplating the issue.
If all the buildings' residents joined forces, the probability of this incident occurring was real.
"Current electricity restrictions prevent the use of high-powered electrical appliances."
"They won't be able to use tools such as jackhammers and electric drills."
"To manually demolish a large building is impossible under the current conditions of extremely low temperatures and a severe lack of food to provide energy."
"After all, with their current physical stamina, they would probably freeze within a short time of walking outside. Where would they find the strength to break walls?"