[edited]

The police are also human beings, and there’s already a shortage of manpower.   

There are even fewer who survive after experiencing natural disasters or participating in rescue operations. 

However, the growth of criminal forces is exponential. It’s not an exaggeration to say they are blooming everywhere, with crimes happening all over. 

Many public officials even die at the hands of these villains. 

These people come and go like ghosts, covered from head to toe. They only reveal their eyes while holding those guns in their hands. They secretly buy off residents in the community to act as informants, and the fate of those who report or resist is even more tragic.” 

On the 18th floor, there was silent communication through their eyes. Zheng Weili couldn’t hold back, “Whoever wants to cooperate can, but I won’t.” 

She had always been the one to beat others up. How could she tolerate others dumping shit on her head? 

Jiang Ning remained calm, “Grandma Zhong, none of us are paying protection fees.” 

Grandma Zhong understood, “Zhong Ping will start work with his parents in a few days. When that happens, we’ll face it together, and I won’t be a trouble for you guys anymore with my old bones.” 

Back home, she discussed with her son and others, “My idea is the same as that of the 18th floor. We absolutely cannot surrender the protection grain. What do you think?” 

A family with an elder is like having a treasure. 

The Zhong family has a good family tradition, with their grandmother always being the backbone. Mr. Zhong had no objection, “Mom, we’ll follow your lead.” 

“Well, as long as you all understand but it’s not enough that it’s just us.” 

Grandma Zhong had a plan in mind, “Remember, the harder the situation, the more we need to stick together. If those people really come charging up, the first to suffer will be us on the 17th floor. We need to make arrangements with the two households next door as well. 

Everyone fears death, but being afraid is useless. We’re already not as skilled as others, if we hide when trouble comes, it will truly chill the hearts of others. 

No one is stupid; you can hide once, but you definitely won’t escape the second time. 

If one day I’m not here, you all must still adhere to the bottom line of being human. Being cowardly will only lead to a quicker death.” 

After talking heart to heart with the younger generation, Grandma Zhong went to knock on the doors of the neighbors. 

The conversation went exceptionally smoothly, the other two households agreed readily, and she finally let go of her lingering worries. 

It was another new day, and the residents of the 18th floor, along with their dogs, were all in motion. There was banging and clashing. 

Suddenly, there was a commotion downstairs, followed by screams of agony. Different voices intertwined and it almost knocked the roof off. 

Everyone looked at each other, the collectors of protection grain had arrived. 

Indeed, the residents of the building were filled with anxiety, each of them turning pale with fear. 

Perhaps because He Zhian had maintained a good image, the survivors in the building all turned to him. 

So, living up to everyone’s expectations, he once again rallied them together, intending to unite against the collectors of protection grain. 

However, to their surprise, He Zhian was the first to be dragged into a neighboring room, where he was beaten until his nose and mouth bled. 

It wasn’t just him; other key figures were also beaten, and a girl with good looks was almost publicly humiliated. 

The residents of the building rallied together in resistance, thoroughly angering the collectors of protection grain. “Other buildings only have to give three pounds per month, but you guys are so stubborn. You’ll have to give six pounds each month. If anyone doesn’t want to comply, I’ll personally invite them to eat peanuts!” 

He Zhian endured the pain and pleaded, “We really can’t afford six pounds, how can we give that much? It’s a matter of life and death for us!”

“You think you’re tough, huh?”

So, he was dragged to the neighboring room again, where he was beaten within an inch of his life and thrown back like a dead dog, all covered in blood stains.

He Zhian was barely conscious, unable to speak.

“Anyone dares to resist; this will be their fate.”

Ignoring his own life, He Zhian begged, “Please, six pounds really won’t work. Can we negotiate to just give three pounds like the other buildings?”

The leader of the group remained silent, glaring coldly at him.

He Zhian struggled to stand up, wiping the blood from his face. “I’m sorry, everyone. I couldn’t keep my promise to protect you. If you want to hit or scold someone, come to me. Nothing is more important than life. They agreed to reduce it from six pounds to three pounds. This beating was worth it. Those of you who have grain, give it up. For those who don’t, I really have no choice… cough cough.”

As he spoke, he spat out more blood.

The crowd was furious. Why should they have to give six pounds when other buildings only had to give three?

But seeing He Zhian taking the beating for them, they couldn’t express their anger even though it burned inside.

However, they truly felt unjust.

So, someone bold shouted, “If you want us to give grain, let the 18th floor hand over their grain first!”

The crowd was surprised, but quickly understood, “Yes, if the 18th floor gives, we’ll give too. Not a single pound less!”

“And what about the 17th floor? They have plenty of grain in their apartments. If you have the guts, make them hand over the grain. What’s the point of picking on weak persimmons?”

A stone stirred a thousand waves; everyone looked resentful.

The leader furrowed his brows. It seemed today that if they don’t settle things easily with the 17th and 18th floors. This situation couldn’t be resolved at all.

Fine. They had come for the 18th floor anyway. Once they dealt with them, let’s see who else dared to resist!

Therefore, He Zhian led the way; the attitude of the protection grain collectors was arrogant, while the survivors who weren’t afraid of death felt gleeful.

Regardless of who won or lost, it would allow them to vent their frustrations. It would be best if both sides suffered.

Soon, the door at the staircase of the 16th floor was pounded on.

Jiang Ning and others stood at the staircase, hearing everything clearly. They couldn’t find words to describe the stupidity of the people downstairs.

Since they had come, they might as well meet them.

So, armed with weapons, they descended the stairs, with the dogs eagerly lining up.

Doudou, who was locked in the house again, “…”

On the 17th floor, the Zhong family was already waiting at the staircase, holding sticks in their hands.

They looked nervous and scared, but they didn’t flinch.

Jiang Ning frowned, “Where are they?”

He was referring to 1702 and 1703. Why weren’t they coming out?

Grandma Zhong looked embarrassed, “We knocked on the door but there was no response. They probably went out to look for supplies.”

She said so, but anyone with clear eyes could see through it.

No one from the 18th floor was expecting them anyway. They continued downstairs.

Same formation and no change of order in their appearance, only now there were members of the Zhong family at their tail.

The doors were opened one by one, revealing a slender leg adorned with expensive Tang swords, an icy glare, and a fair and pretty face…

The leader with the gun was momentarily stunned. He felt like there was background music playing in his mind.

In this apocalyptic world, ordinary survivors lived like ghosts, yet she maintained a smooth complexion. Especially the woman behind her, her thighs were thicker than a man’s, how much did she have to eat to get so strong?

And there, the pretty boy holding the wolf-tooth club, his face was even more beautiful than a woman’s.

Just when the boss was getting bored and wanted a change of taste, taking him back to serve would definitely be good.

Yeah, the 18th floor really had treasure, and they wanted all of it today!

The boss instantly raised his gun, aiming at Jiang Ning’s head through the railing, “The 17th and 18th floors, right? This community is under our control now. Starting today, each of you has to give 100 pounds of grain per month, and we’ll ensure your safety.

“If you don’t comply, ask the guy in my hand if he agrees.”

One hundred pounds per month? The survivors’ pupils dilated!

Great! It served the 18th floor right for not sharing their grain with them. They were in trouble now, deservedly so!

Those who didn’t know thought they owned 100 pounds of grain, completely forgetting what would happen to them if they couldn’t even produce three pounds of grain.

Anyway, as long as the 18th floor suffered, they would feel relieved.

Jiang Ning didn’t rush to speak but turned to look at Huo Yishen.

Huo Yishen’s gaze was deep, staring down at the boss flaunting his gun.

With just five people in their group, two with guns, and the other three with iron rods, they had completely subdued all the survivors in the Jinrong community.

Receiving his feedback, Jiang Ning couldn’t help but laugh, scratching her ear, “What did you say? I didn’t catch that earlier.”