Chapter 20
Given a second chance at life, Ste was well-versed in the dichotomies of human nature.
"I wouldn''t want to either, but this standoff isn''t helping anyone. Letting them venture out to find
supplies is the safest option for us."
When driven to the edge of starvation, people could lose all rationality. When pushed into life or
death circumstances, there was essentially nothing they wouldn''t do. It was with this in mind that
Ang finally agreed.
Ste descended the stairs, addressing Drew, "There''s no need for us to search for supplies
together. However, we can lend you our rubber boat for a day. Also, I would suggest prioritizing
finding a boat over food."
Drew had never expected the tenants of the 18th floor to agree to venture out together. He had
merely implemented a strategy where he''d make an impossible demand, then settle for less. His
goal was the boat, after all. "Alright, thank you guys."
"But remember, we''re only lending this once. What happens if you lose or damage it?"
"Well...we are neighbors..."
"Don''t try to sweet talk me. What kind of neighbor would risk others'' lives?" Ste was blunt. "This
boat is our lifeline. Lending it to you is a gesture of goodwill, but it''s not an obligation. Don''t push
your luck because you have more people. If you push me too far, I won''t hesitate to fight back.
Who''s next?"
Survival was a basic human instinct. They may have outnumbered Ste, but no one was foolhardy
enough to risk their lives. After all, the people on the 18th floor were notorious for their ferocity. For
a moment, no one dared to speak.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.
Drew nced at his silentpanions, seething with frustration. They had been all talk earlier, but
now they were all as timid as mice. He had no choice but to swallow his pride. After all, his wife and
kids were still starving at home. He was leading this expedition, which meant he''d get arger share
of the supplies. Plus, it would be easier to orchestrate things with him at the helm.
"If we damage it, we''llpensate you with another one."
"Verbal promises are hardly binding. We need a written agreement."
"Fine," Drew grudgingly agreed. After all, it was just a boat, so what if he borrowed it and never
returned it? Once the floodwaters receded, he could always repay her.
Once they had agreed on the terms, Ang drew up a contract which both parties signed. Upon
receiving the boat, Drew''s face split into a grin as wide as a Cheshire cat''s. He uttered a string of
empty pleasantries before dispersing the crowd.
"Mr. Drew," Ste called out, stopping him in his tracks. "You are responsible for the boat. If
anything happens, I''ll being after you."
"Of course."
Ste gave him a chilling smile. "You live in 1303, have a wife and two kids, and your mother has a
limp, right?"
Drew paled, his heart pounding in his chest. "Don''t worry," he hastily reassured her. "We''ll take good
care of the boat."
With so many scheming people, how many supplies could a rubber boat retrieve? If the distribution
was not fair, chaos would ensue. Ste would love to see them keep fighting amongst themselves!
Returning to the 18th floor, Ang gave Ste the two thousand dors back, "I intended to pay, but
the supermarket was such a mess. We had to run with our stuff. There was no chance to pay."
Ste epted the money, "Now everything is messed up, but I believe the government will soon
be able to control it, then we will have a chance to spend the money."
The money was not spent, but the suggestion was made by Ste, Ang decided to split the
retrieved supplies half.
"I can''t take it. You didn’t even spend the money." Ste immediately rejected, "Furthermore, you
risked danger to grab these supplies."
"We can''t calcte it like this. Without you, we wouldn''t have been able to get the supplies, let
alone bring them home."
Both parties were resolute, Ste finally had no choice but to ept two packets of noodles, some
fuel blocks, and dried vegetables, but she absolutely refused to take anything else.
After she left, Lukas discussed with his girlfriend, "The person in 1801 seems cold, but feels quite
righteous. We are being targeted right now, we need to be united. Besides, without his help today,
we can''t keep our stuff safe."
Ang agreed, "How about sending some stuff over? It can be seen as a formal introduction, and
we can help each other in the future."
Lukas packed five kilos of rice and went to knock on the door of 1801.
Ste watched them paddle away from the building, six men armed with clubs. The sight of the boat
made the other residents green with envy. Some even thought of seizing it but were deterred by
their weapons.
When Jasper came knocking, Ste answered it. "Do you know where we can find gas?"
"I do," Ste admitted. "But the gas station is located in a low-lying area and was evacuated before
the typhoon hit. It''s probably underwater now."
Despite the dire circumstances, Ste was determined to help. "There are a few diners near the
apartmentplex. They use gas cylinders. Maybe we can salvage some?"
Lukas immediately agreed. "Our current priority isn''t food, it''s gas. Let''s give it a shot. But we have
to be quick. If we wait too long, there''ll be nothing left."
Jasper had no objections, so they decided to go for it. Ang stayed behind to guard the apartment
with Rosie while Jasper took a rubber boat and some gasoline.
Rosie was a little afraid of Ang, but she bravely nodded her agreement. "Pleasee back
soon, Jasper."
Jasper ruffled her hair affectionately. "We will."
And so, while the rest of the building went out in search of food, the 18th-floor tenants decided to
look for gas cylinders.
"Should we find any extras, we could always trade them for food," Lukas suggested.
As soon as they started the rubber boat’s engine, they drew the attention of many people. Some
even dared to approach them, only to be sprayed with water from the dinghy''s wake.
The diners were submerged, but the apartmentplex provided a point of reference, so they
weren''t hard to find. Ste took out a portable diving mask and waterproof miners''mp. However,
they faced a dilemma. Lukas was too weak to dive, and Stecked the lung capacity to dive and
pry open the doors.
Jasper took the diving mask. "I''ll do it."
After he put on the diving mask and heamp, Ste tied a rope around him. "The current is strong.
If you run into trouble, tug the rope."
Once Jasper dove, Ste and Lukas stood guard, armed with their clubs, and kept an eye out for
potential thieves.
The floodwaters were murky to the utmost degree. Peering into the distance, Lukas blinked in
surprise. "Ste," he called out. "What in tarnation is that?"