Chapter 27: I Want to Crush Her!

Among the gathered people were men, women, young, and old, but mostly mothers—there were even two heavily pregnant women.

In such extreme heat, adults could endure a little, but children and the elderly were much harder to withstand it.

Several mothers, seeing their young children already showing signs of distress, were stunned when they saw He Chunmei’s message—and just followed along.

But once everyone arrived, they realized that there wasn’t an air conditioner ready and waiting—they would have to collectively “besiege” Jiang Yan to get her to share it.

Some people felt this violated their moral boundaries and, without listening to He Chunmei’s full plan, turned around and left.

Yet a portion of the crowd, knowing this “siege” was morally questionable, still decided to participate—what hurts the child hurts the mother.

To help their ailing children at home, they chose to “fight” for it.

Learning from the previous incident where someone got shocked, this time He Chunmei didn’t pound on the door. She stood some distance away.

She held a loudspeaker she had dug out from some corner, ready to use it for collective shouting to force Jiang Yan out, then mobilize the crowd to get her to open the door.

“Chunmei, isn’t this illegal?” One of the people left in the crowd had looked up He Chunmei’s plan online.

The heat made phones scorchingly hot, so most people had tucked theirs away. But hearing this, they all pulled them out.

The one who spoke was a young girl, who recited: “Maliciously blocking a door constitutes a civil infringement on the right of passage and is illegal.”

The others exchanged glances for a second.

He Chunmei rolled her eyes dramatically and shouted: “Law? Who cares now?! Let me tell you, I just checked—most of our community security has been pulled to the police station! Why? Because they don’t have enough manpower right now.

We’re lucky here. In other places, looting and smashing have already broken out! Haven’t you seen it on Douyin or Toutiao?”

“Yes, it’s not normal anymore. The apocalypse rumors are spreading online. The police probably can’t handle these trivial neighborhood matters. Fortune favors the brave, while the timid starve. Besides, we haven’t done anything wrong!”

“Exactly! Right now, you can’t even get an air conditioner installed. Everyone’s outside scrambling for freezers to make ice blocks and cool down. My husband went to buy one this morning—payment ready, and it was snatched away instantly!”

“That’s right! We’re just chatting about the heat! Who can’t gossip a bit at their doorstep?!”

“Enough talk—who made her so selfish? This building has units over 120 square meters, and she’s a young girl, living alone with air conditioning for such a big space. Isn’t that wasteful?!” Zhang Qiqi fumed.

She had come alone.

Her home had a fan, but it only blew hot air, better than nothing.

Her son, Song Xiaofei, had a fever and was lying at home.

Thinking of this, she hated Jiang Yan.

If it weren’t for her, Song Deming wouldn’t have died, and she wouldn’t have been forced to move out of the villa due to debt collection.

Right now, she could be lounging in the villa, air conditioning on, eating ice cream!

Although she didn’t know exactly what had happened, she was sure her brother’s death and Song Deming’s death were somehow connected to Jiang Yan.

The police claiming she wasn’t involved was clearly a bribe!

Especially that little brat disappearing after leaving the police station. Even with millions of followers on Douyin and Weibo, she didn’t update anything—wasn’t that fleeing to avoid punishment?

If she ever found her, she’d gladly crush her on the spot!

“I think Qiqi’s right. You all know the danger of extreme heat. Let me remind you: we all have children. Heatstroke can be deadly! Hospitals are overcrowded; if something happens to the kids, you’ll regret it for life.” He Chunmei glanced at the crowd, speaking earnestly.

At her company, she was at least a junior manager. She understood how to read people’s psychology.

Those with strong principles or low demand had left after hearing her plan.

Those still standing were either wavering or had a strong need for air conditioning.

Most people also have herd mentality or the tendency to follow others.

By presenting the core concern and appealing to reason and emotion, one could usually persuade (or manipulate) them.

Here, with the attractive and poised Zhang Qiqi leading, the effect was stronger.

Men had little resistance to beautiful women—and sometimes, women too.

Sure enough, after listening, the crowd fell silent.

An elderly man, initially ready to leave after hearing blocking a door was illegal, paused.

“Chunmei, I remember seeing a tall, elegant, slim girl leave your building this morning. She dressed strangely, and since she was unfamiliar, I remembered her. You said she’s a mistress being kept, often hiding her face—this must be her,” said one of the pregnant women.

Qianshui Bay had been occupied for years. Most residents of Building A were long-term; they recognized each other.

The new arrivals were only on the 7th and 32nd floors.

The pregnant woman rested one hand on her hip, the other gently on her belly, sweat dripping from her forehead, face flushed.

“No wonder! I shouted my head off this morning, but she didn’t react at all!” He Chunmei stomped angrily.

Zhang Qiqi’s eyes glinted with malice. She sneered:

“Haha! Sister, that’s perfect! There are blood-sucking mosquitoes outside, and the hotels with AC are fully booked. She’ll have to come home eventually—we’ll block her!

And why stop there? If she refuses, we’ll take her keys! We have plenty of tricks!”

She glanced at the two pregnant women and several elders, her hint unmistakable.

He Chunmei nervously eyed Jiang Yan’s door and frowned:

“She has a dual lock system—password and fingerprint. No keys.”

“Even better, sister!” Zhang Qiqi said slyly, giving He Chunmei a meaningful look.