Jiang Ning finally understood. The Aoyuan community only accepts capable individuals who can band together to survive during natural disasters. 

He Tianming was momentarily surprised, then smiled. “Miss Jiang has a keen eye. Indeed, our community has a well. Members with well-digging skills in the community manually dug it out. Each household can get about half a bucket of water per day. Do you still think 10 kilograms of grain is expensive?” 

After the conversation, he had already formed a judgment about the two of them and hoped they would join. 

Despite the variety of skills in the community, there were no doctors, and the defense capabilities were weak. People like Huo Yishen are urgently needed. 

“Let’s consider it for a couple of days and get back to you.” 

Accustomed to being cautious, the Eden of the Apocalypse seemed more like a poisoned apple. The two of them didn’t rashly enter the community to look at houses. Instead, they wanted to thoroughly understand Aoyuan first. They didn’t want to walk into a trap. 

They drove away, but they did not return home. Instead, they find an abandoned building with a broad view and patiently sit down to observe. 

According to He Tianming, Aoyuan Phase One had two completed buildings, while Phase Two had three buildings with only exterior decoration completed. The interiors were still unfinished, and later, he led the community owners to renovate Phase Three and rent it out. 

Huo Yishen observed through the binoculars and found that indeed, only three buildings showed signs of life, while the other two were vacant. 

Judging from the clothes hanging on the balconies and the planting situation, except for the upper floors, each floor of each building was occupied. 

It was estimated that there was one household per floor, and the fire doors of the staircases were closed, which meant an additional layer of security. This allocation was quite reasonable. 

Aoyuan had ambitious plans, with plenty of open space waiting to be developed. However, with the sudden arrival of natural disasters, it had turned into scattered sunshade sheds, with drought-resistant sweet potatoes planted in the ground. 

The community was not far from a river channel, so the underground water should be richer than in other places. It made sense to dig wells; otherwise, where would the community get so many sweet potatoes? 

In this sense, life in Aoyuan was much better than in other places. 

However, the better the conditions, the more likely they were to attract unwanted attention. 

Huo Yishen noticed that, apart from having a security post at the main gate, there was also a lookout point in the sky garden of Building Two and they used this to monitor the situation outside. 

In addition, there was a patrol team that circled the community every half an hour, indicating they were well aware of the dangers outside. 

“I think they don’t have big problems, but they are guilty of holding a treasure. Their combat capability is weak, and if the environment continues to deteriorate, it’s only a matter of time before they fall.” 

Apart from food, water resources are the most precious now. If people outside knew that Aoyuan had water, it would lead to a fierce battle. 

Normal survivors were fine as long as the community remained united externally, but what if they encountered an organized criminal forces? 

Jiang Ning thought for a moment. It was true that Aoyuan had its risks, but if they went elsewhere to find a rental, it would be equally dangerous, especially with a child and a dog. Living in constant danger was not an option. 

Moreover, there was still the risk of earthquakes. Going elsewhere was essentially the same as taking a risk. 

Aoyuan hadn’t collapsed in the past, and although it might not necessarily be safe now, its safety factor was relatively high. 

She spoke up, “Let’s observe for a few more days. If everything seems fine, we’ll move here then.” 

Huo Yishen had no objections. “Okay.” 

For several days in a row, the two of them brought the child and dog punctually, conducting a comprehensive observation of Aoyuan. They found that their lives were quite regular, and there were loudspeakers and walkie-talkies at several important positions in the community. 

One evening, Jiang Ning sat on the unfinished building and eat a frozen watermelon, while the dog gave a warning. 

She took out the binoculars and saw a group of people carrying hoes and sticks, heading towards Aoyuan. There were probably about twenty or so, likely local residents from nearby. 

They assembled at the entrance of Aoyuan, and soon both sides were in a standoff, leading to physical clashes. 

The alarm sounded in Aoyuan, and men, women, and children poured out, launching a counterattack for survival. 

Jiang Ning threw the half-eaten watermelon to the dog and focused intently. 

He Tianming was the leader. Their combat capabilities were weak, but it was clear they had faced enemies before, especially on their own territory. They used tactics like throwing sand in the eyes and pepper spray, which quickly drove the opponents back. 

However, it seemed like a few people got injured. 

Throughout the confrontation, they only used cold weapons. 

In the evening, as the two of them returned to their unit block, they found a van parked at the entrance. 

The doors were wide open, and inside sat several bald, tattooed men. Some were smoking, while others played with sharp knives. 

Seeing the Hummer stop, the leader tossed his cigarette to the ground and crushed it underfoot. “From the 18th floor?” 

Huo Yishen lowered the car window, his gaze stern. “What’s the matter?” 

The man raised an eyebrow. “You guys haven’t forgotten, have you? You killed some of our brothers a few days ago.” 

“If others don’t offend me, I won’t offend them. But if they do, I will retaliate.” Huo Yishen disregarded his threat. “Is there a problem?” 

The tattooed man with the knife became irritable, rushing towards Huo Yishen, wanting to take a swing at him. “You killed so many of our brothers…” 

Huo Yishen’s eyes narrowed. “Try moving.” 

Just as the tattooed man raised his knife to strike, the leader intervened. 

The man put on a smile. “You killed several brothers from the Qinggang Base. According to the rules, we should avenge them. But our leader values talent. As long as you agree to join the base, we can let bygones be bygones.” 

Huo Yishen refused. “Not interested.” 

The man’s expression stiffened. “I advise you to reconsider. Not only will we not pursue this, but we also offer a life of luxury. You can pick any beauty you want, you won’t find this treatment outside.” 

Huo Yishen reiterated, “Not interested.” 

The man instantly changed his tone. “So, you want to refuse a toast and only face the consequences, huh?”

“I’ve quit drinking.” 

Several tattooed men surrounded Huo Yishen, wanting to teach him a lesson, but the leader stopped them again. 

He looked at Huo Yishen, a hint of killing intent flashing in his eyes. “Fine, don’t regret your choice today. Let’s go!” 

The van roared away. 

Several tattooed men were dissatisfied. “Brother Chun, why didn’t we finish him off just now?” 

“Finish him off?” The man squinted. “Did you forget how those rats died?” 

The tattooed men fell silent, then continued indignantly, “Is he really that powerful?” 

“Did you waste your time these days?” The man was brimming with anger. “Everyone around says so. None of the residents of the 18th floor are easy to mess with. They even handle the members of the Dragon Slaying Society without hesitation.” 

“The boss wanted to give him face, but he refused. We’ve lost so many brothers without making a sound. If we let this slide, won’t it be a joke? What’s the point of hanging around in the streets?” 

“Why complain? Whatever the boss arranges, that’s what we’ll do. Are you guys only good for eating, drinking, and having fun?” 

The tattooed men fell silent, and the van roared away. 

Back on the 18th floor, Jiang Ning sent the two to play. “They won’t just let it go.” 

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