Chapter 69: Inviting Them to Search for Supplies

Right now, aside from gathering supplies, she also needed materials to upgrade her space.

Things were piling up again—wanting to do nothing but hide at home was simply too hard.

The next morning after breakfast, Jiang Yuan brought some mung bean sprouts that Qin Yue had grown.

They could sort of count as vegetables—having something was still better than nothing.

“Yuan-jie, what brings you here?”

Zhang Kaiyang opened the door, clearly not fully awake, his hair a mess.

“I brought over some bean sprouts. My mom grew them herself, for Mianmian and you.”

The two of them had already peeked through the peephole when they heard the knock.

Ye Mianmian lit up at the mention of bean sprouts. “Yuan-jie, you should keep them! We still have a lot of self-heating hotpots and rice.”

“We have more at home. These are specially for you.

My mom figured it’s too cold to grow vegetables now, so she told me to bring you some sprouts.”

Jiang Yuan thought it was better to explain clearly—vague, unspoken favors were still favors, after all.

“This weather really won’t do—way too cold.

But Yuan-jie, this really isn’t a big deal.”

After chatting for a bit, Jiang Yuan took her leave without stepping inside.

She didn’t see Grandma Ye today either, which felt a little odd.

After dropping off the sprouts with them, she didn’t forget Song Yi. She took a small portion and knocked on the door of 2102.

“Jiang Yuan?”

The man was in pajamas, but didn’t look like he’d just woken up. A warm current of air wafted from the apartment.

Apparently, his home had heating.

“My mom grew some bean sprouts—not much, but enough for everyone to have a taste.”

Song Yi glanced at the dish of plump, juicy sprouts she was holding. They looked great.

“Thanks. Wait a second.”

He took the plate and disappeared inside.

Less than a minute later, he returned—with an empty plate and two bright red apples.

“You don’t need to—keep them for yourself…”

Her house had plenty of fruit. Apples weren’t in short supply.

“For your little one. Thanks for the bean sprouts.”

He suddenly smiled—as if he could see right through her.

“Alright then, thanks!”

This guy was dangerous—better not linger.

Back home, Jiang Yuan washed the apples, cut them into pieces, and shared them with the family.

Her parents didn’t eat any—just kept urging Xiao Nuan to have more.

“We’ve got plenty. If we don’t eat them, they’ll go bad.”

She insisted they each eat two pieces before she let it go.

Exercise was still important. Xiao Nuan was curious about the treadmill.

Jiang Yuan turned it on and coached her through walking on it. In less than ten minutes, the little girl’s cheeks were rosy.

She didn’t push her too hard—just enough for a start.

After letting Xiao Nuan rest, she hopped on the treadmill herself.

She wasn’t sure what kind of training to focus on, but running was always a good baseline.

If a time came when stamina was needed, she’d be better prepared.

“Sweetie, come look! Someone’s coming.”

Jiang Xingzhi had noticed some movement and went to check near the entryway.

Sure enough, it was Sun Yian again—this time with five other people.

“Isn’t that the guy who tried to pry our door open that night?”

Her dad pointed at the last person in line. It had been too dark to see clearly back then.

“That’s him. Looks like they’re here to talk about that incident. I’ll go see what’s up.”

She wasn’t in danger as long as she didn’t open the door.

Besides, this needed to be dealt with—leaving it unresolved would only bring more trouble.

Back then, she’d considered killing those three directly. Who knew they’d escape—it was dumb luck they got away.

“I’ll go with you.”

“Okay.”

Out in the hallway, the knocking was loud and clear.

Jiang Yuan opened the inner door. The two sides now faced each other. Song Yi came out too, his dog trailing behind.

His place didn’t have surveillance, but a dog’s hearing and smell were sharper.

The three didn’t speak—they just exchanged nods and turned to face the visitors together.

“Lawyer Sun, what brings you here today?”

Sun Yian had been chosen by the others, so he must’ve had his merits.

He stepped forward slowly, smiling gently as he spoke.

“Jiang Yuan, here’s the thing—the neighbors on the 15th floor said you or someone from your household injured their elderly lady.”

“That’s right. So what?”

He didn’t expect her to admit it so quickly—so openly, even.

“You have to understand—she’s an old woman, already frail. Doing that was a bit excessive.

She’s recovering at home now, and under normal circumstances, you’d owe them compensation.”

Jiang Yuan rolled her eyes and shot him an unfriendly look.

“You—look, I came today hoping to help solve this problem. But your attitude isn’t helping.”

“You want to solve it? Fine. First, I wasn’t the one who hit her.

If you want to pick a fight, go deal with the people from Building 9. Don’t come bullying me. What—only picking on the ones who seem easy?”

Song Yi let out a cold laugh. Did she look like an easy target?

“Second, that old lady messed with my business. Kept nagging.

If she hadn’t run her mouth, she wouldn’t have gotten hit.

Third, you guys came in the middle of the night to pry open my door. Now you’ve brought more people. What’s your plan?”

They’d already tried once—and at night, no less.

Their intent was clear.

Sun Yian didn’t expect that they already knew and had been keeping it from him.

His authority as a leader was being challenged, and he didn’t look pleased.

He turned to the man in the back. “Since you already made a move without telling me, maybe you don’t need my help anymore.

Also, she’s running a business—not bothering you—so leave it alone.”

That man looked disgruntled, and being scolded in public made it worse.

“Lawyer Sun, we asked her for compensation, but she refused.

Look how arrogant she is!”

Sun Yian, who had seen all types of people, saw right through his petty scheme.

Unamused, he gave the man a glance and then turned back, face softened again.

“Song Yi, Jiang Yuan, Uncle Jiang—we came today for another matter too.

We’re planning to go out and search for supplies. Would you be interested in teaming up? We could have each other’s backs.”

Jiang Yuan was surprised. She looked at Sun Yian with confusion.

“Seriously? There’s a torrential downpour and strong winds.

You really think this is a good time to go out?”

“That’s exactly why we want to go together—it’s safer in numbers.

We’re out of food at home. We wouldn’t risk it otherwise.”

“Yeah, if you’re going too, we could all look out for each other.”

In truth, they mainly wanted Song Yi to come—he was strong. Jiang Yuan was just an extra.

“We’re not going. It’s too dangerous.”

Song Yi said it plainly—everyone got the message.

“Yeah, we’re not going. You go ahead without us.”