Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Collaboration Between Both Parties
David was stunned too. Initially, he was somewhat nervous, seeing Charles enter with so many men, each armed with a gun. What concerned him most was the numerous large boxes they brought along. Who knew what those boxes contained? Perhaps grenades, bombs, or even heavier weaponry? He had prepared himself for a potential gunfight within the building, ready to disengage the safety on his pistol.
But he hadn't expected things to turn out this way.
Suddenly, Charles pointed his gun at the people in the building and started shooting, killing everyone?! David couldn't fathom what Charles intended to do.
Not responding immediately, Charles, noticing David's silence, spoke again, "The man who disturbed you yesterday, Samuel, I've dealt with him too."
"Bring him over."
Amidst the crowd's movement, someone opened a box, revealing Samuel, who had returned last night.
Watching through the surveillance, David was shocked. Samuel was dead! A bullet hole in his head had easily claimed his life, his final moments marked by confusion and bewilderment. It seemed he couldn't understand why, after bringing such important news to Charles, he met such a fate!
In a soft voice, Charles said, "Brother, I might not be good at many things, but I know who the strong ones are. We've never met, but after hearing about you from Samuel and Jones, I knew you were no ordinary man."
He waved his hand, signaling the others to leave. The armed men dispersed, some heading downstairs, others upstairs. Only Charles remained in the space, continuing, "I know you're capable. My men offended you earlier; I've paid for that with their lives, as well as for those who offended you. They all deserved it."
Listening to Charles, David couldn't help but feel that this man was truly fearsome. He said, "Mr. Charles, you're quite ruthless."
"That's nothing," Charles replied, "In today's world, the old laws and morals can't restrain capable people. I believe you're one of them, and I... have some abilities too.
"So, I'd like to stay in this building. I wonder if you have any objections? Of course, if you're against it, I won't insist on staying."
Was he... trying to make amends?
Watching Charles through the surveillance, David faced a tough decision.
This man was indeed dangerous. He must have gleaned information about David from the bits and pieces Samuel had shared, deducing that David was not to be trifled with. Offending a mysterious enemy for the sake of Samuel wasn't worth it. He decisively eliminated his subordinate, the loyal but misguided Samuel.
Then, without delay, Charles came to the building. After learning everything about David from Jones, he confirmed that David was not someone to provoke. For someone with Charles' intellect, this wasn't a hard conclusion.
A person who, despite being deprived of all resources and food, not only survived but suddenly possessed all these incredible things.
The doors changed, becoming more robust, even the keyholes disappeared, making them unbreakable. The walls became harder, immune to even the heaviest hammer blows. Food appeared out of nowhere, steak one day, roast lamb the next, followed by fish soup, and occasionally hot pot. They even suspected an abundance of water, as David's voice, initially hoarse, became increasingly smooth day by day. Life seemed almost divine!
The people in the building knew something was off about David, but what could they do? Their previous actions had already offended him completely. Even if they begged for reconciliation, David would likely respond with, "Reconcile? Now? You must be joking."
They had completely alienated David, leaving them no choice but to oppose him continually, even trying to attract stronger, more formidable people against him. But how could those stronger than them be manipulated?
Initially, Charles was indeed interested in what David possessed, but that didn't mean he was brainless. What happened to David was clearly abnormal! He wasn't particularly lacking survival supplies, so why provoke an enigmatic person like David? Was he insane? Instead of provoking David, he aimed to appease him. So, he killed everyone in the building, both to avenge David and as a gesture of goodwill.
David, intelligent as he was, understood Charles' intentions. He wanted to live in the building, to be David's neighbor, or perhaps... a collaborator. With Charles' strength, he might indeed be useful in the future. David also didn't want to keep playing with those clowns. It was fine for a time, but endlessly teasing them would be boring. Moreover, their very existence was a threat. What if they colluded with stronger forces outside?
Charles, who had made his stance clear, was indeed a good choice. With his significant strength, as long as he didn't oppose David, external enemies couldn't get in, significantly reducing David's adversaries. As long as Charles continued to collaborate, David would face no issues. Even if enemies attacked, they would be attacking Charles.
Thinking this, David couldn't help but admire the man's intelligence.
"Charles..." David spoke softly, "Wherever you live is fine by me. But... I just want to live a peaceful life. We can collaborate appropriately, but let's not interfere too much in each other's affairs."
"I suppose that would satisfy you, wouldn't it, Charles?"
"Ha ha!" Charles laughed heartily, "That's enough, more than enough!"
"I hope we can have more opportunities to collaborate in the future. Of course, I'll never disturb your comfortable days!"
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