The man's words instantly silenced the surrounding accusations. Everyone knew they had reached a dead end. Food was a secondary concern. In another day, perhaps even less, they would start dying one by one if they couldn't find enough water.

Doesn't Ren Fei know the man is telling the truth?

He did! But what could he do? Besides wait, what other options did he have?

"We're all trapped here, destined to die sooner or later! We're just looking for a little fun before we die!"

"I don't want to die a virgin."

Another man shouted along, "Exactly! Look around us. No water, no food. How long can we last? Instead of slowly starving or dying of thirst, we might as well enjoy ourselves while we can! If you've got the guts, then kill me. We're all going to die sooner or later. I'll just go on ahead and wait for you."

The man jutted his chin out defiantly. Far from showing any self-reflection, he complained about their dire environment.

Young and inexperienced, Ren Fei was left at a loss. He didn't know how to handle these men. To the crowd, his hesitation was a devastating blow. The wrongdoers' words had already been a sharp blade, slashing through the last shred of hope and letting despair spread like a tidal wave. Now, Ren Fei's reaction only seemed to confirm their words. The sounds of quiet sobs and low curses began to ripple through the crowd as everyone realized their situation was far more terrifying than they had imagined.

Ren Fei trembled with rage. He clenched his fists, yet he felt utterly powerless.

"Need a hand?"

Suddenly, an icy voice cut through the air, momentarily halting the crowd's mournful atmosphere.

It was Chen Pingchuan!

Even though I can't see his expression, my hatred for him has deepened. If he hadn't suddenly barged in here, maybe Uncle wouldn't have died, my companions wouldn't have died, and everyone wouldn't be so desperate.

"For free," Chen Pingchuan added, not waiting for Ren Fei's reply.

Chen Pingchuan had heard the commotion from the sidelines. He knew what was happening the moment those men made their move, but he only furrowed his brows slightly, having no intention of intervening. In his view, whether these people lived or died had little to do with him. His mind was still focused on striking a deal with Ren Fei to obtain the resources in the bank vault. Speaking up now was merely a tactic to break down Ren Fei's final defenses.

Chen Pingchuan's voice echoed in Ren Fei's mind, like a demon tempting a mortal to sell his soul. He looked over at the female employee who had almost been assaulted. She was hiding in the crowd, trembling uncontrollably, her eyes filled with fear and despair. She didn't know what awaited them next: the unknown insect swarm outside, or the complete collapse of humanity within.

"Alright!"

I don't know how I managed to say that. Maybe I just want to see what he'll do. Or rather, I know what he'll do, and I don't want to be the one to do it.

Hearing this, Chen Pingchuan chuckled lightly. His eyes instantly turned cold and fierce as he unhesitatingly ordered Porcupine and Wei Hao, "Haozi, you and Piglet go. Take care of those scumbags for me."

Upon hearing this, Wei Hao's lips curled into a smirk, though it was unclear if he was pleased or just resigned. As for the evildoers who heard Chen Pingchuan, they were like mice that had just seen a cat. They had just started to move toward Ren Fei to beg for mercy when an immense weight of gravity pinned them to the ground.

They weren't afraid of Ren Fei, but they were terrified of Chen Pingchuan!

In contrast to Wei Hao's silent approach, Porcupine's was far more imposing. Roaring, he strode toward the men, reaching them in seconds and ignoring their wails. With a sweep of his massive, fan-like hand, he struck the men so hard they spat blood.

CRACK. CRACK. CRACK.

The crisp sound of necks snapping echoed several times. In moments, the would-be wrongdoers lay dead on the spot. At that moment, the light in the vault conveniently went out, plunging everyone's minds into fear.

Waiting to die is one thing, but having your neck snapped by someone else is another. It's better to cling to life, no matter how ignobly.

This brief turmoil temporarily quelled the crowd's frantic anxiety, but it couldn't change the reality of their deteriorating living conditions. Their bodies grew weaker by the day, and their spirits were on the verge of collapse. Soon, they would close their eyes in despair and embrace an eternal slumber.

Ren Fei began to consider ways to break out. He knew he truly couldn't wait any longer. He tried to find other weak points in the ventilation duct or use his surroundings to fashion some kind of tool, but he dismissed every idea that came to mind. In the end, with no other options, Ren Fei had no choice but to cautiously move toward Chen Pingchuan and his group.

Chen Pingchuan sensed someone approaching and a smile played on his lips.

It's settled!

"Have you made up your mind, brother? It's no big deal. You have to think carefully: what's more important, shouldering the blame or saving lives?

"Sacrificing one person for a chance to save everyone is a worthy trade.

"Besides, you won't necessarily be sacrificed. As long as the people here keep your secret, just remember that everything you're doing is for them."

Chen Pingchuan's words drifted through the sealed room. The eyes of those who had already given up hope suddenly lit up. Maybe he really does have a way out.

"What do you want?"

To be this helpful for no reason... he must be up to no good. Ren Fei knew Chen Pingchuan was no saint, and whatever he asked for wouldn't be easy. But at this point, he had no other choice.

"It's simple. Disable the protective shield around the gene serums. I need that batch."

Chen Pingchuan's words startled Ren Fei. The gene serums stored here are priceless. On the outside, they'd be worth an astronomical sum. This is a supply for an entire city! What could Chen Pingchuan even do with them? He can't get out either. Unless he...

Ren Fei racked his brain but couldn't figure it out, so he questioned him sternly, "What are you really up to?"

"Hahahaha..." Chen Pingchuan didn't answer the question directly. Instead, he began to ridicule him in a mocking tone, "Don't you know where we came from?"

Ren Fei was stunned. He actually did know some inside information. These men had escaped from the backyard of the mayor's villa. The powered individuals detained there often had... mental issues. Their ultimate fate was usually to become test subjects for gene serum experiments. He had no idea how they'd managed to escape from the well-guarded mayor's residence.

Chen Pingchuan understood the principle that any fortress, no matter how strong, can be breached from within. But how could a young man like Ren Fei, who had never been tempered by the harsh realities of the world, possibly understand that?

"Fine. I agree."

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