Chapter 23: Cheng Yali's Wrath

"I'm Shao Hang, the property manager of the community."

"Oh, what's the matter?"

This was the first time Zhou Lin had seen Shao Hang.

His first impression wasn't particularly good, even though Shao Hang's attire and facial expressions gave off a reliable and steady vibe.

Zhou Lin positioned himself to block the doorway, using his height to prevent Shao Hang from peering into the corridor.

"We received complaints from some residents about illegal construction." Shao Hang pointed to the newly installed explosion-proof door. "This is a public area. We're here to discuss this with you based on other residents' complaints."

"I see."

Zhou Lin didn't outright deny it. He was a reasonable person.

"Since there are complaints, we'll contact a renovation company to remove it. It should take three to five days."

Shao Hang was surprised. That was too easy. It didn't seem real.

"Thank you. If there's anything we can help with, please let us know. We'll do our best."

"Sure, once my parents return, I'll ask them to contact the renovation company. Don't worry; we'll take it down as soon as we find one."

Satisfied with the response, Shao Hang took out his phone and asked Zhou Lin to scan a QR code to join the Lan Shan Community Owners' Group.

"Your parents are getting on in years. I didn't mention it the last few times I saw them. It's good enough for one family member to be in the owners' group." As he operated his phone, Shao Hang continued:

"The weather has been harsh lately. We don't know when it will return to normal. Some residents here are quite resourceful. A resident from Building 3 arranged for a farm to deliver five truckloads of fresh vegetables. Another resident in Building 5 deals in grain and oil. If anyone needs food, they can contact him, but the amount can't be too much, just enough for three to five days."

He looked at Zhou Lin, "I heard Mr. Zhou is a big livestock farmer. Any chance you have some pork?"

If Zhou Caijun and Cheng Yali hadn't mentioned it, how did the property management know about this? This was suspicious.

"Our farm was sold a while ago. That's why we moved here. If we had known this would happen, we wouldn't have moved. At least in the countryside, there's no shortage of food."

Shao Hang was visibly surprised and disappointed. "Do you have any stock left in the countryside?"

"No." Zhou Lin spread his hands. "We ran a farm, not a processing plant."

"I see. Well, if you need anything, communicate through messages. We won't disturb you."

Watching Shao Hang and two security guards enter the elevator, Zhou Lin finally closed the door.

Zhou Li and Wu Xue, hiding behind the partially open security door, heard everything.

"That Shao Hang tried to add me on social media at the community gate a few days ago. I refused," Wu Xue said.

"Sneaky, not a good person," Zhou Li nodded. "Ignore him, Sister Xue!"

Locking the door, Zhou Lin called Cheng Yali and told her about the explosion-proof door. Zhou Caijun confirmed they hadn't mentioned their business to anyone in the community.

"Could it be the developer? The property management is a subsidiary of the developer," Cheng Yali suggested.

"No worries. Let's stay out of community affairs. When will you be back?"

"We're on our way... Lao Zhou, slow down. Something's blocking the road. Brake..." Cheng Yali's shout made Zhou Lin's heart race, followed by the sound of a collision.

"Bro?"

"Stay seated," Zhou Lin said, his face pale as he heard the busy signal on his phone.

Something was wrong!

It wasn't a car accident. Lao Zhou was too skilled a driver for that.

And Cheng Yali had clearly shouted about something blocking the road. Zhou Lin immediately thought of roadblocks.

Using roadblocks to rob passing vehicles was simple and effective. Inexperienced people could easily fall for it.

"Bro?"

Seeing Zhou Lin head out, Zhou Li's face changed.

"Take this. You know how to use it, right?" Zhou Lin had no time to explain. He handed a pistol and two magazines to Zhou Li, avoiding Wu Xue's sight.

Zhou Li's hands trembled as she hid the gun in her thick home clothes. "Bro, be careful."

"You too."

He ruffled Zhou Li's hair and left through the explosion-proof door.

Outside, the cold wind howled, and the sky was almost dark. The next time humans would see the sun would be three months later. The real winter was about to begin tonight.

Zhou Lin had to find Zhou Caijun and Cheng Yali quickly. Their lives were at risk. He fully armed himself before getting into his car.

Wearing complete U.S. Special Forces gear, including an infrared night vision device, Zhou Lin felt prepared.

Once out of the community, Zhou Lin immediately placed two pistols and a submachine gun within easy reach, then floored the gas pedal.

On the way from the farm to the city, Zhou Caijun and Cheng Yali's pickup truck was tilted at the roadside. Not far ahead, a group of people was slowly approaching the truck.

Inside, Zhou Caijun clutched his bleeding forehead. Blood seeped through his fingers, covering his eyebrows and eyes. But he remained conscious, repeatedly telling Cheng Yali to lock the doors and windows.

Due to poor visibility, Zhou Caijun saw the roadblock late. To avoid hitting it, he braked and swerved, trying to use the pickup's off-road capability to drive through the farmland.

But luck wasn't on his side. The truck hit a large rock on the field's edge, stalling the engine and causing him to hit his head.

This unexpected stop took the robbers by surprise. They had planned to loot the truck after it crashed, but now it was thirty meters away.

Cheng Yali wasn't too flustered. She locked the doors and windows while checking Zhou Caijun's injuries. Seeing no serious harm besides the forehead, she looked outside.

In the darkness, shadows closed in, some wielding weapons that glinted in the car's headlights.

"Dare to rob me..." Cheng Yali reached into her coat for the pistol Zhou Lin had given her, loaded it, and prepared to get out.

"Zzzt~"

"Zzzt~"

The radio crackled, and Zhou Caijun's voice stopped her. "Son, it's your mother!"

Hearing Cheng Yali, Zhou Lin finally relaxed.

"Mom, are you okay? Where are you?"

"Ambushed at Yangba Pass! I'm going to kill them!"

"Mom, don't rush. I'm almost there. Stay put!"

Knowing the location, Zhou Lin sped up. He knew Cheng Yali's temper. If she said she'd kill them, nothing would stop her.