Chapter 40: Pledging Allegiance to Brother Biao
"Rather than let them kill each other, it's better to use them for my own purposes."Abiao's smile was filled with cruelty."In this way, we not only get to enjoy the fruits of their labor, but if supplies run out in the future, we can survive a few more days."Though he didn't elaborate further, everyone already understood what he meant.After all, Phoenix Mountain was so small, there couldn't be many supplies.When all the resources were used up, the survivors would become the last source of food!Xiao Mei swallowed nervously, feeling a chill run down her spine.Don't be fooled by how Abiao is treating her well now—once the supplies run out, she could very well end up as food!But it was too late to be afraid now.Xiao Mei was already on Abiao's ship, and there was no way to get off it....
"... This is what happened."Liu Ling'er hid in the stairwell, telling Su Chen about the events of the past two days."Abiao's not stupid."Su Chen, playing with the PS5 in his hand, sneered.Initially, Abiao had hoarded supplies and refused to share with other survivors.But when he saw the survivors banding together to resist him, he realized the situation and decided to divide and conquer, pulling them in to maintain his rule.The stolen supplies and missing survivors were most likely all part of Abiao's plan.To his surprise, Abiao was not only ruthless but also had some brains.He was clearly a rising power!In another place, he might have been able to dominate, but unfortunately, he was stuck on this small Phoenix Mountain.It seemed that Su Chen would have to be careful of this guy!He thought to himself: If I had known earlier, I should have just shot him in the head right away."Got it. Report if anything happens. I've left the food and water at the same place as before, so remember to get it."Su Chen casually said.Since Wang Ye and his team had joined Abiao, Su Chen had decided to keep Liu Ling'er away from him for safety.Instead, every time he emptied the black water container, he'd leave a supply stash at a designated spot for Liu Ling'er to pick up.After Liu Ling'er put away the walkie-talkie, she went back to her position.The others had already prepared and were gradually leaving the underground parking lot.With He Wang no longer in charge, the survivors' living conditions were becoming increasingly dire.If they didn't want to starve to death, they'd have to go out to search for supplies.Liu Ling'er blended in with the survivors, and not far after leaving the parking lot, she found a deserted building and slipped inside.She walked straight to the innermost room and opened the refrigerator.Although the fridge wasn't running, there were still some supplies inside.To her surprise, among a bunch of bread, there was even a portion of roast meat.Hungry, Liu Ling'er quickly tore open the packaging and began to eat hungrily.After she was full, she put the remaining supplies back in the fridge.She stayed in the room for a while, and once she felt it was time, she began to head back.On the way, she passed several returning survivors, but they were all covered in sweat and empty-handed.Seeing this, Liu Ling'er couldn't help but feel a little thankful.It's good that I have Su Chen.I don't need to worry about starving, and I don't have to toil endlessly.There were several of Abiao's subordinates guarding the entrance.They thoroughly searched through Liu Ling'er's bag several times before reluctantly waving her through.Once Liu Ling'er returned to her seat, she heard Wang Ye's familiar voice."Ling'er, how did it go? Did you find any supplies today?""No."Liu Ling'er suppressed the annoyance in her heart and replied coldly."What should we do? Are you hungry? If you are, I still have a pack of instant noodles."Wang Ye, trying to be considerate, took out a pack of instant noodles and eagerly handed it to Liu Ling'er.Having just eaten roast meat, Liu Ling'er didn't care for his instant noodles, so she waved her hand to refuse."Such a shame. If only I had more ability! I would definitely make sure you're well-fed."Wang Ye angrily punched his own chest, his face full of self-reproach.Liu Ling'er found this completely baffling, feeling extremely exasperated.In the past, she had been like Xiao Mei, playing the role of the "queen" for a while, keeping a few "pets."But now, in the apocalypse, she didn't have time to treat Wang Ye like a backup!Yet Wang Ye, like a loyal dog, kept pestering her every day!Just as Liu Ling'er was about to give Wang Ye a clear warning, a sweet, delicate voice suddenly interrupted,"Ling'er, I heard you didn't find any supplies again today?"Liu Ling'er and Wang Ye looked up, only to see Xiao Mei walking toward them, smiling at them both.Thanks to Su Chen's help, Liu Ling'er didn't need to worry about starving.But Xiao Mei, in order to survive, had to sell her body and cling to Abiao.Liu Ling'er couldn't help but feel some disdain for this.Her once "plastic good friend" had clearly gone their separate ways, and they hadn't spoken in days.Now Xiao Mei came to find her, and Liu Ling'er felt sure that she had some ulterior motive.Liu Ling'er kept her composure and sighed in pretend frustration."Yes, the supplies around here have all been looted.""That's not good. With your small frame, if you go hungry for a few days, I'm afraid it won't be good for you."Xiao Mei said with concern, then shifted her tone and smiled,"I actually have a way to make sure you're well-fed.""Ah? What's the way?"Liu Ling'er asked eagerly, pretending to be hopeful."Why don't you come with me and pledge allegiance to Brother Biao? What do you think?"Xiao Mei smiled sweetly.Liu Ling'er was taken aback for a moment, then felt pure contempt in her heart!Xiao Mei was willing to sell her body, but now she wanted to drag Liu Ling'er into serving Abiao as well? That was really shameless!"I'll pass. I'm not as lucky as you, Mei'er."Liu Ling'er flatly rejected Xiao Mei.Upon hearing this, a trace of disdain flashed in Xiao Mei's eyes.They were about to starve to death, and yet Liu Ling'er was still putting on airs?If it weren't for Brother Biao's orders, do you really think I'd come to beg you?Before the apocalypse, Abiao wasn't much more than a dog for Mingyuan Group.For beautiful women like Xiao Mei and Liu Ling'er, Abiao had no chance to get close to them.But with the collapse of society, and with his ruthless nature and ability to fight, Abiao had taken control of the survivors on Phoenix Mountain.Now, he and Zhang Mingyuan had reversed roles, and Zhang Mingyuan had become Abiao's subordinate.After taking Xiao Mei, Abiao set his sights on Liu Ling'er, wanting to try out the pleasures of a "couple" life, the same way Zhang Mingyuan, a second-generation rich kid, did!Though he could have simply forced her, it was better to have Liu Ling'er come willingly.That's why he sent Xiao Mei to persuade her!"We're all about to starve, Ling'er. Don't be so proud.""Forget it!"