Chapter 42: Even the Richest Man's Son Can't Help!

The words "borrowing a knife to kill" rolled off Zhang Qiqi's tongue with casual indifference.

Liu Dahong's eyelids twitched involuntarily upon hearing this, but he remained silent at first.

After glancing through the security booth window to confirm no one was outside, he finally regarded Zhang Qiqi with skeptical eyes and asked:

"Borrowing a knife to kill? Whose knife? And who are we killing?"

Zhang Qiming and the remaining property managers felt a chill run down their spines at these words, casting surprised glances between the two.

"Here. Borrow their knives to eliminate those with bad luck." Zhang Qiqi said nonchalantly as she pulled out her phone, opened the Homeowners group chat, and scrolled to Jiang Yan's conversation with Property Manager No.1 before handing it to him.

Liu Dahong furrowed his brows. "I'm not quite following. Could you explain in more detail, miss?"

Having worked at Repulse Bay for years, he could name nearly every long-term resident.

But A-3201 in the group chat and this Zhang Qiqi before him were unfamiliar faces.

Seeing her stick so close to Zhang Qiming earlier, he'd assumed she was his new romantic interest.

These matters of personal relationships weren't his business to pry into unless volunteered.

"Let me see." Zhang Qiming interjected, taking the phone from her hand.

Recognizing Jiang Yan's conversation with the property manager, his frown deepened as he pulled Zhang Qiqi into a corner, whispering urgently:

"Qiqi, you're not planning to drag Ms. Jiang into this, are you? Didn't you just tell me this afternoon that you wanted to get closer to her when we're all sleeping on the communal bunks tonight? How can you—" change your mind faster than flipping a page!

Moreover, Jiang Yan still hadn't replied to his messages.

He'd initially assumed her phone was off, that she'd respond once powered on.

Yet here she was actively messaging in the group while completely ignoring him.

And to think she planned to go to the Official Shelter instead!

After all the trouble he'd gone to secure her a prime spot, even reassigning the three roommates originally paired with her to others.

Zhang Qiming suddenly felt his sincere efforts had been brutally discarded.

The temperature outside was sweltering—nearly 65°C—yet his heart felt drenched in ice water, chilled to the core.

"Ms. Jiang? How affectionate you sound, Brother Zhang!" Unaware of his inner turmoil, Zhang Qiqi pouted with evident jealousy.

She avoided answering his question directly.

After all, Zhang Qiming was her chosen temporary protector now.

If he learned she'd once been the mistress of Jiang Yan's stepfather... she couldn't predict his reaction.

Zhang Qiming, already feeling guilty, backpedaled: "She's worth over three billion. We'd be wise not to provoke her."

"Hah! Brother Zhang, that was then, this is now. Whether she has three billion or Prince Wang—the richest man's son—stood before us helpless, I'd still push him out without hesitation! Haven't you noticed how the neighborhood's changed just today?

This morning, people would criticize and curse if someone dumped a body in the garden.

By afternoon?

Everyone's grown accustomed to it—some even started copying the behavior!

So compared to useless numbers sitting in bank accounts, controlling supplies and eliminating competition is what truly matters now!"

The scorching heat came on with such ferocity that none of us could have anticipated it. Do you really think that love-struck daughter of yours would have thought ahead and withdrawn billions to keep at home?!

Besides, I'm just offering suggestions. Whether they're implemented isn't up to us."

Zhang Qiqi spoke with conviction, but there was one thing she couldn't wrap her head around: why would Jiang Yan, who had a perfectly good villa, choose to live here instead?

Her reasoning was so persuasive that it left Zhang Qiming momentarily stunned:

Indeed, judging by today's developments, the heatwave wasn't ending anytime soon.

And this heatwave was global in nature.

Perhaps the Apocalypse truly was upon them.

All that talk about marrying a wealthy beauty and coasting through life suddenly seemed trivial.

Survival came first.

Having convinced himself, he sighed silently and fell quiet.

Liu Dahong glanced at the two whispering in the corner and said, "Miss, you haven't finished what you were saying earlier."

Zhang Qiqi gave Zhang Qiming's hand a reassuring squeeze before stepping forward with a smile. "Manager Liu, aside from fearing the heat and shortages, what else are people afraid of?"

"Blood Mosquitoes?"

Liu Dahong shot her a sidelong glance. "Are you suggesting we let the Blood Mosquitoes eliminate some of the residents?"

A cold smirk flickered in Zhang Qiqi's eyes.

She remained silent, but her meaning was clear.

"But no one dares to step into the gardens now. We can't just summon everyone outside. Besides, as long as skin isn't exposed, those Blood Mosquitoes can't attack," Supervisor A pointed out.

No matter how much a mosquito's proboscis mutates, it can't evolve from flesh to metal.

Zhang Qiqi chuckled. "We're all used to enticing the enemy to go deep, closing the door to beat the dog. But have you considered opening the door to welcome guests? If no one comes out, then let the mosquitoes in!"

"But our duty as property management is to ensure the security of every building's entrance. Right now, the entire complex is as solid as a fortress, untouched by Blood Mosquitoes, thanks in part to our team's diligence. If we open the doors, wouldn't that be like the guardian stealing the goods? When accountability comes knocking..." Supervisor B trailed off, casting a wary look at Liu Dahong.

Even setting aside accountability, their own moral compasses wouldn't allow it.

Zhang Qiqi clicked her tongue in frustration. "Who said anything about you opening the doors? It's not impossible for some residents to leave without closing them properly. As for accountability?

Haven't you seen the kind of people our residents are? Just look at the trash they've thrown out—literally!

People who'd abandon their own parents—who else deserves punishment more than them? We're simply acting on behalf of Heaven, delivering justice where the law fails! And let's be real—do you actually believe this heatwave will end?! Stop dreaming!

Even if it does, the blame will fall on someone else!"

Supervisor C instantly grasped her meaning and chimed in:

"I think this lady makes a valid point. You can't catch a wolf without sacrificing the bait! With the surveillance down, we can quietly open the doors after dark and let the Blood Mosquitoes in. No one will know. If anyone asks, we'll say it was those who left for the Official Shelter earlier today—they must've left the doors ajar."

Today, all the residents will be moving downstairs. Plus, nothing has happened in the building recently, so everyone is dressed in short sleeves and shorts to cope with the heat. Hardly anyone would consider taking precautions like we do. Those mosquitoes are starving—if they swarm, a single bite could drain half your blood!

I estimate that at least half the population will be wiped out. Among so many people, if they're the ones who get bitten, it's just their bad luck. Can't blame anyone else."

Liu Dahong had remained silent the whole time.

He frowned and stayed quiet for a few seconds before finally speaking in a calm, measured tone:

"Fewer people isn't just about easier management."

"???"

The others exchanged puzzled glances before turning their eyes toward him in unison.

These two chapters will foreshadow the cruelty of human nature when the Apocalypse arrives, so there's a bit more screen time for the supporting characters.