Chapter 44: The Disaster-Affected People

"I'm relieved to hear your awareness," Henry said with a smile, looking at Charles' somber expression. "You know the current situation outside. Many people can't live like you all; some don't even have a place to stay. So, I had David investigate the nearby area."

"There are many vacant houses in your community, including in your building. I'm thinking of temporarily requisitioning these vacant houses to provide temporary shelter for those without homes."

Charles didn't immediately respond. He pondered the idea of accommodating refugees in their community. Indeed, many buildings had collapsed in other areas, and some places were at risk of collapsing, rendering them uninhabitable, leaving many people homeless.

But, what did that have to do with him?

Charles wanted to refuse, but he quickly realized that taking in these refugees would be a statement. With the military's capabilities, it was impossible for them not to know what he had done. They tolerated his existence because he was armed, which made them wary.

They couldn't spare too much manpower to deal with a tyrant like him in such extreme weather. This was an attempt to win him over!

If he agreed, it would mean collaborating with the officials, helping the government shelter refugees, and they might overlook his past actions.

Charles knew that once the water outside evaporated, the army would find it easier to move around. Even in harsh conditions, given time, the government could prepare. Then, it would be time to deal with the criminal forces that had emerged.

After some contemplation, he didn't agree immediately.

"Henry, as you know, in today's world, we value freedom and democracy," said Charles. "I personally agree with your point. However, I can't speak for everyone in the building, so I need to discuss with others before making a decision. Can you wait a while?"

Henry scoffed, "We can't wait. You see, the weather outside is getting more severe by the day. Time is of the essence."

"Look, we've already brought the people over."

Charles looked outside and realized, what he initially thought were all military personnel on the military rubber boats, were actually partly refugees.

No wonder... If it was just for negotiations, why bring so many people?

Knowing that today was the deadline, Charles said, "I'll go upstairs and discuss with everyone. Henry, don't think I'm unkind. In these times, we simply can't trust others easily."

"Don't worry, to ensure everyone's safety, my men will also be stationed here," Henry chuckled. "There are eight buildings in your community. Except for your building, the other buildings have more than half of their rooms vacant. Your building, the eighth one... is a prime location."

He was clearly hinting at something, but Charles just smiled, "We are more resilient and have prepared more food, but now we have no more reserves. If you want us to accept these disaster-affected people, is there any relief policy?"

"If we bring them in but then they riot due to lack of food, who will bear the responsibility?"

"Let me tell you, the government is currently researching seeds that can survive in extreme conditions and has made great progress. Soon, we'll start cultivating them," Henry said. "For now, the government will provide 'relief food' to everyone in the community. Once the heat-resistant seeds are developed, everyone needs to work together to cultivate them, and then everyone can work for their food."

"Alright," Charles said. "How about you first arrange the disaster-affected people in the other buildings? Logically, as we are the eighth building, we should be the last to be arranged, right?"

"I'll go and inform the people in our building."

Henry thought for a moment, then nodded, "Okay, but I hope you won't make an unwise choice."

"Of course, I am a good citizen and will try to cooperate with the government as much as possible," Charles chuckled and gestured for them to leave.

Henry nodded and left with two soldiers.

Before leaving, he said, "No need to see us out. You better hurry and inform your people."

After they left, Charles' eyes darkened.

"Humph," he snorted and went upstairs.

"Charles."

His men were waiting around the fifth floor, all armed. If there was any movement downstairs, they would rush down immediately.

Charles nodded at them and then saw Jacob, "Did you inform David?"

"Yeah, he said he knows everything."

"That's why they say he's like God," Charles said. "Damn, they're trying to take our territory."

"They don't want to fight us but want to send those who have no food or place to stay to our community and then station some of their men here."

"How can this be?" Jacob said anxiously. "If they're here, how can we operate as before?"

With the army in the community, how could they continue their previous unrestrained activities?

"Do you know who came?" Charles glanced at him.

"Who?"

"A captain." Charles took out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep inhale, blowing out a ring of smoke. "They're not here to negotiate with you."

"They'll arrange refugees in buildings one to seven. We're the last one. Put away your weapons. I'm going to see David for his opinion."

Seeing Jacob's incredulous face, Charles patted his shoulder, "Think positively. If the army really wants to take over here, they'll also provide us with food."

"The government is preparing for the disaster. If we can get those disaster-resistant seeds, we're in luck."

"Relying on looting is unstable. Being able to cultivate our own food is a good thing."

"I'm going up now. No one make any rash moves!"

Charles headed to the seventeenth floor.