(1) I See You're Up To Something Big (1)

On the hardwood coffee table, two cups of hot tea were displayed, fragrant steam gently rising.

"Good tea," Ha Khanh said.

Chu Duong smiled, "Besides money, the best thing this bank has is tea leaves. Sitting in the office drinking tea, life truly has its flavors."

A simple, relaxed exchange. He knew Ha Khanh's purpose, but who could get straight to the point right away? Naturally, some preamble was needed, even though for Chu Duong, the man before him was once a famous entrepreneur in Hoang City, with methods in both the black and white worlds.

But now was different; in the apocalypse, past glories were nothing, everything would start anew.

At this moment, Ha Khanh put down his teacup, his posture straightening, a clear sign he was about to discuss serious matters.

"Brother Chu Duong, thank you immensely for your prior notification. Otherwise, I fear my Hanh Van Hao would have been hard to protect." Ha Khanh finished, the situation back then had exceeded his calculations. Who would have thought that young people nowadays play their cards completely unconventionally, utterly disregarding past rules of conduct, nearly causing him to capsize his boat in a ditch.

Chu Duong smiled and said: "Ha Gia, it was what I ought to do. That fellow Chu Chan, relying on being an Awakened one, was lawless, arrogant, and reckless, like a madman incarnate, never considering the consequences of his actions. For Ha Gia to shelter so many survivors is a righteous act. Besides, I have good relations with the Duong Quang residential area and understand Mr. Lam's way of doing things. How could I know and not inform you?"

He had profited handsomely from this. The hidden resources in Tay Cuong had all been gathered by him, and at the same time, he understood Lam Pham's strength; it was absolutely not something he could currently shake.

One must have self-awareness in life and work.

Han Suong and the others had reminded him before.

He had also seen it with his own eyes.

If he still didn't get it, he would truly be courting his own destruction.

Ha Khanh thought for a moment and said: "Brother Chu Duong, tell me frankly, what are your views on Mr. Lam?"

After various events, his thoughts had quietly changed. He once thought of using the Hanh Van Hao as a base to develop his own forces.

His arrangement for survivors was to let them stay on the Hanh Van Hao.

However, he wouldn't provide any supplies; they needed to venture out and risk their lives themselves, and he would take a fifty percent cut. The percentage was high, but having a safe place to rest was what every survivor desired.

Chu Duong looked at Ha Khanh's serious expression and chuckled, "Ha Gia, you already have an idea in your heart, why ask me? I use the bank as a shelter, always adhering to the principle that I am a person, a person full of positive energy, helping others."

Ha Khanh stared at Chu Duong and couldn't help but smile. In the past, he was not only an entrepreneur but also a member of an official social organization, frequently attending meetings to study the spirit of the new era.

The most frequently mentioned point was the need to be full of positive energy.

Chu Duong smiled as well.

Not much was said, but the meaning was clear, and equally straightforward.

"Yes, indeed, one must be a person full of positive energy."

Ha Khanh hadn't expected that even in the apocalypse, such thoughts could exist. This was external pressure, or rather, when there was an irresistible existence suppressing from the outside, it could often change anyone's original ideas.

Chu Duong said: "I can only say that in the future, Hoang City should be developed into a city of last hope for humanity. He is clearing the zombies in Hoang City, and the results are remarkable. In my eyes, it really can be done."

Ha Khanh said gravely: "So many zombies in Hoang City, can they really be completely cleared?"

"Ha Gia, whether it can be done or not is not for us to decide. Rather, the strength he has demonstrated already shows such capability. Striving for supremacy was indeed my previous thought; now, I no longer have such notions."

Chu Duong spoke very frankly, laying his cards on the table. There were only two paths: either continue doing what he wanted and eventually be completely finished when the sky falls.

Or follow the other party's wishes, and there might still be some hope for the future.

Hearing these words, Ha Khanh fell into deep thought. He had to admit that what Chu Duong said was indeed reasonable.

No matter who it was, ambition certainly existed.

When an opportunity presents itself, who would willingly give it up?

Ha Khanh looked at Chu Duong, saw his sincere expression, and knew Chu Duong was speaking earnestly. As for what his true thoughts deep down were, it was no longer important.

What could make them care.

Was still that Lam Pham, whom they couldn't keep up with, couldn't touch.

Ha Khanh stood up.

"Understood."

Chu Duong looked at Ha Khanh, wondering what move the other party would make.

Was it because he heard these things.

And would thereby form a close connection with Lam Pham?

Chu Duong and Ha Khanh both sighed.

Clearly possessing soaring ambitions, how could they have expected to encounter someone like Lam Pham.

As Ha Khanh was about to leave, he turned back and said: "Brother Chu Duong, are you an Awakened one?"

Chu Duong shook his head and said: "No, but Little Hong is an Awakened one. If Little Hong wasn't by my side, when Chu Chan came to probe me before, and I refused his cooperation, with his temperament, he would have definitely attacked me. Of course, now, whether one is an Awakened one or not doesn't matter. With Mr. Lam of the Duong Quang residential area around, no one dares to act recklessly."

Ha Khanh smiled, seemingly agreeing with Chu Duong's words, but in reality, he felt helpless. In his understanding, relying on others was never as reliable as relying on oneself.

As for whether Chu Duong was telling the truth.

It wasn't important either.

At least the situation he faced was the same as his.

He also needed to face Lam Pham of the Duong Quang residential area.

Watching Ha Khanh's departing figure, Chu Duong walked to the window, looked at the silent city outside, and scratched his head.

"Damn, this is really tough."

Grand ambitions burned fiercely, who would have thought such a situation would arise. It was truly a pain in the ass.

Little Hong hurried over, her expression a bit unsightly, "Brother, of the four female survivors we rescued, one committed suicide while we weren't paying attention?"

Chu Duong looked surprised. Nowadays, people wanted to live, which was good, yet someone actually thought of dying.

"Let's go take a look."

Rest area.

Chu Duong looked at the three female survivors who had somewhat regained their spirits, their eyes a bit dull. The other female survivor who had just committed suicide had already been taken away, and a faint, uncleansed bloodstain remained on the floor.

"Brother, they are finding it very hard to accept what happened before. I can understand their despair and pain," Little Hong said.

As a woman herself, how could she not understand.

Chu Duong said: "You all want to die, right?"

Lying on the beds, their hands tied, they looked at Chu Duong with lifeless eyes and nodded. That's right, we just want to die.

What they experienced at the Tay Cuong shelter.

Had caused immense physical and mental trauma.

Little Hong said: "Life is very precious. You should forget those painful things and bravely welcome the arrival of tomorrow."

Even her attempts at consolation were met with indifference.

These words, to them, were merely painless and pointless.

"Haha, truly weak. Just because you were captured and bullied by Chu Chan, you want to die? Then have you ever thought that Chu Chan is still alive, still out there, free and unpunished? Even if you commit suicide now, it won't have any effect on Chu Chan. If I were you, I'd fucking find every way to become stronger, find Chu Chan, and take a knife to cut off his flesh piece by piece."

"Not like you, so cowardly, only thinking of suicide."

"You want to commit suicide, right? Thinking of escaping, letting Chu Chan live happily? Fine, no problem, I'll give you the chance right now."

Chu Duong untied the ropes binding their wrists.

He directly slapped the dagger from his waist in front of them.

"The tool is right here, solve it yourselves. We'll consider it as having saved you for nothing."

Chu Duong understood their current situation. Simple reassurances couldn't change their minds. He had to take an unconventional approach, use harsh words to provoke them.

Little Hong looked at Chu Duong, then at the three female survivors.

She could understand the intention behind her brother's harsh words.

However, she thought, Chu Chan was already dead, they definitely wouldn't meet him. Deceiving them like this was deceiving them for a lifetime.

Chu Duong folded his arms and stepped aside, an indifferent spectator.

The meaning was clear: live or die, it's up to you. Whoever interferes is a dog. Even if they really wanted to die, he wouldn't stop them. Those with a will to die couldn't be saved.

The three women lying there, their weak gazes fixed on the dagger placed there.

One thought of raising her hand, but it trembled, as if all her strength had been drained.

Thinking of Chu Duong's words.

In their minds, those devilish faces appeared.

Tears couldn't help but flow.

Seeing this, Chu Duong sighed in relief internally. Being able to cry meant they were venting the anger in their hearts.

Chu Duong put the dagger back on his waist, "Recover well. This place is different from other places. You can slowly seek your revenge later."

After speaking, he turned and left.

He thought, these three would definitely be formidable characters in the future.

Anyone who can walk out from the darkness of despair will indeed become very ruthless.

Don't ask him how he knew.

Chu Chan, who turned from an angry youth into an Awakened one, had become so perverted; naturally, there was no need to say more about others...

Night.

Lying in bed, Lam Pham looked at the interface.

It was time to add points again.

[Name]: Lam Pham.

[Strength]: 113290. (Infinite)

[Stamina]: 79280. (Infinite)

[Speed]: 65480. (Infinite)

[Points]: 3.

Feeling his own strength, it was truly terrifying.

Even now, clenching his fist, he could feel the extremely terrifying energy boiling within his body.

He didn't want to use beasts of burden to describe his ferocity and dominance.

That wouldn't be fair to them.

"Time to sleep."

He wasn't overly interested in increasing his strength; he thought enough was enough. The only different feeling adding points could bring him was the enjoyment of hunting zombies and the joy of adding points itself.

The night was very quiet. Relaxing his mind, he entered an ethereal state.

His keen hearing seemed to pick up "En, en, en" sounds.

He opened his eyes.

The source of the sound was from the shop over there.

It sounded like a woman's voice.

There were also low, bull-like moans.

Lam Pham smiled, closed his eyes, and fell into a deep sleep.

"Life is just like that, ah, men and women are attracted to each other. To meet in the apocalypse is also a happy and good thing."

Early morning.

Lam Pham got up as usual, took care of Manh Manh, found some food from the refrigerator, and simply made some dishes. His standard of living was average in the shelter.

Holding Manh Manh, he opened the door, preparing to find Sister Ly, and saw Nhan Ny Ny also opening her door.

"Good morning," Lam Pham greeted with a smile.

"Brother Lam, good morning,"

Nhan Ny Ny's smiling eyes sparkled with brilliant joy.

"We often run into each other at the same time when leaving."

Lam Pham felt that fate was truly hard to explain; sometimes it was hard to meet, but sometimes one could always meet.

Nhan Ny Ny smiled, but thought to herself, the so-called fate really depended on whether she woke up early, dressed up, and then sat waiting by the peephole, closely observing.

"Heehee, could this be fate?" Nhan Ny Ny wore sportswear, her figure slender, her hair braided, exuding youthful vitality.

"Perhaps it really is, huh."

Lam Pham and Nhan Ny Ny went upstairs together, handed Manh Manh to Sister Ly, then went downstairs together, chatting and laughing, without any of that awkwardness.

Old Man Vuong and the others were exercising their bodies there. Seeing this scene, they all chuckled.

Lam Pham greeted the old men.

Then he saw Co Hang moving the cooked porridge onto the vehicle.

"Brother Hang, need any help?"

Co Hang said: "No help needed, it's just a bucket of porridge. Oh, right, help me get the bread from Little Hieu's side."

"Alright."

These items were all for the members of the Dang Hoang pharmaceutical factory.

Those people were busy and worked very hard; they certainly couldn't be stingy with food.

"Little Hieu, is the bread packed?" Lam Pham asked.

The aroma of cakes in To Tieu Hieu's shop was very rich; just smelling it made one's appetite open up.

"Ready, ready."

To Tieu Hieu's busy voice came from the shop.

To Tieu Hieu came out carrying two large bags, "Brother Lam, the bread is all here, forty in total, I don't know if it's enough."

"Should be enough."

The number of members in that base was only a dozen or so; forty loaves of bread and a bucket of porridge would definitely be enough.

Nhan Ny Ny followed beside Lam Pham, "Brother Lam, can I go with you to deliver it?"

"Aren't you going for a run?"

"Not running for now, I want to go see."

"Alright then."

Delivering food was usually done by Lam Pham and Co Hang. Now, adding Nhan Ny Ny was no problem. Having stayed in the shelter for a long time, wanting to go out and see was a normal thing.

Getting into the car, as they were about to leave, Lam Pham said to Old Man Vuong:

"Old Man Vuong, please tell Sister Ly and the others to prepare a richer lunch for them today, get some shrimp and fish."

Old Man Vuong smiled and said: "Okay, no problem."

As the vehicle departed.

Old Man Chu sighed and said: "This kid Little Pham is really hospitable, ah."

Old Man Vuong rolled his eyes, "What do you understand? Is this a reason for hospitality? This is Little Pham's high level of awareness. He'd rather eat simply himself to provide those experts with a rich lunch."

Old Man Chu smiled, "Ai, not bad."

"Definitely not bad. This kid Little Pham is very sensible, his awareness is extremely high. Or do you think we can be so relaxed every day, just amusing ourselves and swinging our arms, like useless trash?"

"Old Brother Vuong, what you're saying isn't very pleasant to hear, ah."

"You have to listen even if you don't like it. It's the truth, ah."

Old Man Chu had the mind to beat Old Vuong to death. The words coming out of this mouth were truly grating. He clearly wanted to call himself useless trash but had to drag others along.

Truly infuriating...

On the road.

The vehicle drove slowly.

Nhan Ny Ny stared out the window, lost in thought, as if imagining the past splendor. Now, the scenery remained, but people were gone, and everything had changed. She was not the dance streamer whose looks were repeatedly hyped by people, but a pitiful survivor in the apocalypse.

Thinking of various encounters, she considered herself fortunate.

Looking at Lam Pham's profile, her eyes filled with gratitude. It was this person before her who had saved her from dire straits. Every woman has a hero complex; stepping on seven-colored auspicious clouds was a fantasy, but through contact, she felt Brother Lam should be able to achieve it.

There were very few people alive in the apocalypse; the population had dropped to a historical low.

When she chatted with group members, some said that in the future, if we want to ensure the continuation of civilization, we must make contributions. For example, in the past, people only wanted one child; now, three children don't seem excessive.

For her, still a young girl, this topic was a bit far-fetched.

However, she also thought, if she wanted to contribute to the continuation of civilization, she would definitely want to be with Brother Lam.

"What are you looking at me for?"

Lam Pham and Nhan Ny Ny's eyes met. He was very puzzled, touched his face, wondering if there was something dirty on it, but felt nothing, feeling a bit confused.

Nhan Ny Ny averted her gaze, "Nothing."

Co Hang, who was driving, smiled. He could tell at a glance that Nhan Ny Ny had feelings for Little Pham. However, Little Pham seemed a bit slow on the uptake. Honestly, any man who understood and appreciated beauty would definitely jump with excitement if a beautiful woman liked him.

However, he too was a bit troubled at the moment.

Duong Tue's reliance on him at work made him somewhat at a loss. He had told Duong Tue that her feelings for him were just a kind of reliance felt when someone protected and accompanied her during her most helpless moments, giving her warmth and a sense of support.

Her feelings for him were not love, but a sense of dependence.

Although he had said it, Duong Tue never took it to heart.

This made Co Hang really not know what to do.

He could only leave early and return late, trying his best to avoid her.

He had also thought about living separately from Duong Tue, but considering Duong Tue's emotions, if they separated, it might have a terrible impact on her mood.

He could still see that Duong Tue's emotions were somewhat suppressed, possibly due to being abandoned during her previous pregnancy, which formed emotional instability.

"Little Nhan."

"Hmm? Brother Hang?"

"If you have time later, you can chat with Duong Tue."

"Oh, okay."

As a woman, Nhan Ny Ny was certainly very accurate in observing other women. She could see that the way Duong Tue looked at Brother Hang was very unusual; there were feelings there, but Brother Hang's demeanor was very cold, always trying to avoid that kind of gaze.

She felt like she could understand something.

But it wasn't very clear either.

She was in a state of half-understanding.

Soon, the Dang Hoang pharmaceutical factory arrived. Lam Pham got out of the car and opened the gate. The tightly shut iron gate, and the main door of the production building were also sealed. For these experts, their task was to produce the serum; other matters did not require their attention. Even if there was a huge commotion outside, they had to maintain calm, as if nothing was happening outside.

Lam Pham knocked on the door.

"I am Lam Pham from the Duong Quang residential area, here to deliver breakfast."

After hearing Lam Pham's voice, the door of the production building slowly opened.

Co Hang and Nhan Ny Ny carried in the food, calling them to eat breakfast.

"Professor Hoang, is there anything else you need?" Lam Pham chatted with Hoang Cu Long. He could understand that this was a very monotonous task, and compared to the Duong Quang residential area shelter, it certainly couldn't compare.

Professor Hoang smiled and said: "It's very good, the environment here is excellent. Thank you for your hard work, needing you to deliver breakfast so early in the morning. How about this, just send us some rice, and we can manage it ourselves."

"It's alright, you are busy with important matters. Leave these small things to us," Lam Pham waved his hand. How could they let people cook for themselves? Wouldn't that imply that their Duong Quang residential area was full of lazy people?

Professor Hoang didn't continue on this topic, accepted the porridge and bread Nhan Ny Ny handed over, said thank you, and then chatted with Lam Pham.

"The production equipment is already being adjusted, estimated to be put into production tomorrow or the day after."

Lam Pham said: "You've worked hard."

"Not at all, we are merely contributing a little manpower. You are the ones who are truly working hard."

Professor Hoang found Lam Pham to be very easy to talk to, very gentle, and very friendly to people. To meet such a person offering help in the apocalypse naturally greatly increased his hopes for the future.

At this moment.

The group of experts drinking porridge and eating bread looked at Lam Pham, exchanging soft words. One of them, seemingly pushed forward by the others, walked towards Lam Pham, a bit nervous, a bit embarrassed.

"Hello," Lam Pham saw him and greeted him.

"Hello, they insisted I come. Hung Ung said you are exceptionally formidable. We are all very curious, just want to know to what extent." This young expert was very curious.