Chapter 25: Brotherhood Ends at the Buffet Line
"Doctor Wang, what's going on?" Xiao Mei grabbed Doctor Wang Ye from the crowd, curiosity in her eyes.
"Oh, it's Miss Xiao," Wang Ye greeted her with a smile and explained, "Brother Biao just finished assembling a radio and managed to pick up an official broadcast."
"What?!"
Xiao Mei and Liu Ling'er both lit up with excitement.
They hadn't heard anything from the authorities since getting trapped here. If the government was announcing that the heatwave was ending or rescue was on the way, they might actually be saved!
Just as the two women pushed their way forward, the broadcast reached its final sentence:
"...We urge all residents to begin self-rescue efforts!"
The moment those words came through, everyone fell into stunned silence.
No updates on the heatwave, no rescue plan—just a vague call to self-rescue?
Everyone here was an adult—they understood exactly what that meant.
The authorities had lost control.
If even the government couldn't help, what chance did ordinary people have?
Despair immediately swept through the crowd like a wave.
Ah Biao, still seated near the radio, had a different reaction—his eyes flashed with ruthless determination.
Though disappointed, people had no choice but to return to their places in silence, their spirits crushed.
...
The next morning, as people gathered out of habit to receive food from Ah Biao's group, they noticed something unusual—none of them were getting up.
"Brother Biao, what's the meaning of this?" Wang Ye stepped forward, trying to stay on good terms.
"You all heard yesterday's broadcast," Ah Biao said lazily. "The government told us to rely on ourselves."
"But there are over a hundred people here, and not enough food to last."
"So starting today, if you want food, you'll have to earn it!"
An uproar broke out.
"What do you mean by 'earn it'?"
"Simple," Ah Biao said with a grin, pointing outside the garage. "Go out and search for supplies."
The crowd burst into panic.
In this kind of heat? Going outside was suicide!
"Why don't you go out there?"
"Yeah! That food you're hoarding—we were the ones who handed it over!"
"This is ridiculous!"
But Ah Biao wasn't fazed. He smiled coldly.
"Most of that food came from the hotel and was meant for guests. I'm collecting it on behalf of Manager Dang. Fair, right?"
Manager Dang nodded in agreement.
He had already realized there would be no rescue coming anytime soon. Better to side with Ah Biao and keep the food under control.
"We've got numbers! Let's stop talking and take the food back!"
"Yeah, let's get it!"
People began to surge forward.
But Ah Biao had expected this.
Not only had he formed an alliance with Manager Dang and the hotel staff, but he'd also distributed weapons to his men in advance.
And unlike the hungry crowd, his group had been eating well these last few days.
Though outnumbered, they held their ground easily.
The opposing crowd, weakened by hunger and lacking leadership, was no match.
Within moments, over a dozen people had been beaten bloody and lay groaning on the ground.
The rest didn't dare move.
Ah Biao stepped forward with a fierce look on his face. Without a word, he raised his tool and brought it crashing down on a man's head.
Thud!
With a sickening thud, the man died instantly—he didn't even have time to scream.
"This is what happens when you try anything stupid," Ah Biao growled.
These people were just regular civilians—most had never killed a chicken, let alone seen someone murdered in front of them.
Terrified, they all backed away.
"Much better," Ah Biao said, nodding in satisfaction. "Remember this: from today forward, if you want to eat, you'll work. Go find supplies. If not, go hungry."
No one dared resist any longer. They returned to their spots in dejection.
The body of the man who had been killed was tossed into the utility room like the others.
Only the bloodstains on the ground and the metallic scent in the air served as grim reminders of what had just happened.
Once things had quieted down, Zhang Mingyuan cautiously approached Ah Biao.
"Brother Biao."
Ah Biao looked up and nodded slightly.
"So… I assume I won't have to go out and scavenge like the others?"
"Why not?"
Zhang Mingyuan's smile froze.
"Brother Biao, collecting the food—that was my idea…"
"So what?" Ah Biao sneered. "I make the decisions now."
"I've let you eat and drink for free long enough. Time you earned your share too."
Zhang Mingyuan was shocked by the sudden betrayal.
Though furious inside, he dared not explode. He could only swallow his anger.
"Brother Biao, I've always seen you as a true brother—even if we don't share blood."
"Please, just take care of your little bro a bit longer."
"When all this is over, I'll make sure my dad rewards you. A few million would be nothing. I'll even give you shares in Mingyuan Group."
Ah Biao laughed scornfully.
"Wow, Young Master Zhang, I'm honored."
"But where was this 'brotherhood' when you were out flirting at the bar and I was standing outside waiting for you?"
"Where was it when you ordered me around like a dog?"
"When I took hits for you during your fights, did you think of me as a brother then?"
"And as for your shares—forget it. The pie you're offering is too big for me to swallow."
"From now on, you're just like everyone else."
"Now get lost."
Ah Biao knew exactly what kind of person Zhang Mingyuan was.
If the heatwave ended and society returned to normal, Zhang would definitely try to get revenge.
He was only keeping him alive because he was still useful.
Zhang Mingyuan's face turned ghostly pale.
Without another word, he turned and left.
Just wait, Ah Biao. When this is over, I'll make you pay.
Back at his spot, Zhang Mingyuan muttered the oath silently to himself.
Just then, he caught sight of the RV nearby—and suddenly, a new idea began to form.