Volume 1, Chapter 31: Why Don't You Just Go Rob Someone?

Chen Hao had previously been calculating how to eliminate his close friend, Xu Xiaodong. He had planned to emulate the person known as "Eat Well, Drink Well" in the group chat, bringing a few women along to live a comfortable life. Now, however, that idea seemed far too naive and immature.

Food was becoming increasingly scarce, and even with the establishment of a trading market, there was no way to acquire more. That left robbery as the final, remaining path. In such matters, men held a clear advantage, while women only served as a burden. Other residential buildings would inevitably form raiding parties sooner or later; if a conflict broke out, what use would women be?

Xu Xiaodong had wandered through the trading market, returning to Chen Hao’s side breathless and looking grim. He spread his hands in frustration and said, "Big Brother, I asked over a dozen people, my lips are practically worn thin, but I still couldn't find out the address of 'Eat Well, Drink Well.' Besides, we don’t have anything to trade for food."

Chen Hao waved his hand, signaling Xu Xiaodong not to fret. A hint of a ruthless smile curled the corners of his lips. "Don't panic; I have a way to get food." He had no intention of being a pathetic wretch who possessed a supernatural ability only to starve to death. In extraordinary times, one had to use extraordinary measures!

"Big Brother, what about that guy 'Eat Well, Drink Well'? Could it be he isn't in Building A?" Xu Xiaodong was incredibly desperate for the supernatural fruit in Lin Feng’s possession and was particularly diligent about investigating his whereabouts.

Just then, Liu Jie happened to return from scouting for information. She hadn't managed to learn the specific address of "Eat Well, Drink Well" either, but she brought another piece of good news. "Brother Chen, I asked around, and many people know that the two women who are always with 'Eat Well, Drink Well' live right here in our Building A. So, he is likely in this building as well. Moreover, there is no fog in his photos, which means he must be on the 21st floor or higher."

Hearing Liu Jie’s words, Chen Hao and Xu Xiaodong’s eyes lit up instantly. "That piece of information is worth a lot of food! It’s a pity we don’t know what he looks like. Our greatest hope still lies with him." Thinking of the photos posted in the group chat, the trio couldn't help but salivate, their stomachs growling in response.

In the trading market, some people were still managing to strike food deals. Zhao Ming, a middle-aged man selling white liquor, had traded three bottles of Erguotou to a drunkard for two bags of instant noodles and a small packet of dried beans. He was overjoyed, clutching his backpack tightly, preparing to head home to continue scraping by.

"What an idiot, trading food for liquor. Can you fill your stomach by drinking?"

Just then, Chen Hao, Xu Xiaodong, and Liu Jie approached from three different directions with hostile expressions, blocking the man in the center. Seeing Chen Hao standing in his way, Zhao Ming subconsciously tried to detour.

"You’re just planning on leaving like that? That doesn't seem right."

Hearing this, Zhao Ming’s expression shifted instantly. Chen Hao was not only strong and robust, but flames were also dancing across his palms. Behind him stood Xu Xiaodong and Liu Jie, both brandishing iron rods. With nowhere to run, Zhao Ming could only shout, trying to draw the attention of others. "What do you want? Why are you stopping me from leaving!"

The people in the corridor looked over one after another, their eyes filled with suspicion and wariness. However, facing these doubtful gazes, Chen Hao remained completely unruffled. "Do you all remember who initiated this trading market? That’s right, it was me! Since I brought you all here, I naturally have to be responsible for you. Rest assured, I will protect your personal and property safety. But in exchange, since you’ve enjoyed the benefits, you have to pay a management fee, right?"

The people in the corridor sank, cursing silently. A management fee? Isn't that just a damn protection racket?

Liu Nai Nai hid in the crowd, her palms sweating with nervousness. She was wrapped in oversized clothing, her face heavily made up to look dowdy and plain, like a middle-aged aunt. She knew that in this chaotic world, beautiful women were the most vulnerable, so she had deliberately disguised herself to avoid being targeted. The effect was just as she had expected: not only did no one hit on her, but some people even cast looks of disgust as they passed by. Standing in the crowd and watching Chen Hao’s gang collect "protection fees," she felt extremely anxious. Would "Eat Well, Drink Well" really come? Was he not a scammer? A mutant fruit trading for three roast chickens sounded too unbelievable. Even if she traded for food, how would she take it back later?

Liu Nai Nai subconsciously touched the small handbag hidden inside her oversized top. Inside was a single scarlet fruit. It was the only thing she had to trade for food, and her only hope for survival. Many people, seeing Chen Hao collecting protection fees, began packing up to leave. Those who didn't have important supplies like food or medicine stood to the side, watching the chaos unfold.

Suddenly, Chen Hao let out a roar. "Anyone who dares to leave this corridor, I will burn them until not even ash remains!"

The flames in his hand surged, rising over a dozen centimeters and crackling, looking exceptionally intimidating. Those who had been preparing to run away froze in place, at a loss for what to do. Chen Hao turned his head, his gaze landing on Zhao Ming, who was clutching his backpack tightly. He revealed a row of black and yellow teeth and extended two fingers, which were wreathed in flame. "I don't need much for the management fee, just hand over two bags of instant noodles."

"That's so much! Why don't you just rob me instead?" Zhao Ming’s temper flared; he was a middle-aged man, after all, and he had his own pride. He had traded three bottles of Erguotou just to get those items. This young man, however, wanted to freeload two bags of instant noodles without putting anything in?

Chen Hao was quite satisfied with Zhao Ming’s stubbornness. He needed an opportunity to "kill the chicken to scare the monkey," and Zhao Ming was clearly the unlucky target. With a flick of his wrist, a fireball rose instantly. He waved it lightly, and the fireball landed on Zhao Ming’s shoulder.

"Ah!" Zhao Ming let out a shrill scream, clutching his shoulder in agony as he collapsed to the ground. The area from his left chest to his shoulder was instantly charred black, and the flames on his clothes continued to spread to other parts of his body. Zhao Ming rolled frantically, trying to extinguish the fire. Even so, his other hand still held the backpack tightly, refusing to let go.

Chen Hao curled his lips into a cruel smile, his flaming palm clamping onto Zhao Ming’s neck and hoisting him up. The sound of burning skin crackled, and a foul, scorched stench filled the air. Zhao Ming’s screams echoed through the corridor, chilling to the bone. The onlookers felt their scalps tingle; was this the power of a supernatural being? Not only was his physical strength immense, but he also wielded a superpower.

In truth, Chen Hao’s physical constitution was not that extraordinary. After holding Zhao Ming up for only a few seconds, his arm began to ache, and he was forced to throw the man aside violently. Chen Hao stepped forward and snatched the backpack Zhao Ming was clutching. "You refused to obey the arrangements of the trading market administrator; all your items are hereby confiscated!"

"No! You can’t do this, that’s my food for survival! Give it back to me!" Ignoring the flames still burning on his body, Zhao Ming rushed forward, attempting to snatch back his backpack.