Apocalypse Shelter System

Chapter 17: I Can Please You, But I Have a Condition

 n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Darlene! Are you really going to be so selfish?" Terry's eyes turned cold as he pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, speaking in a chilling tone: "Originally, we had enough water to last a few more days! But because of you, taking advantage of Digby's protection, you even secretly used the water we saved from drinking urine to wash your face! Let me tell you, our storage is now completely out of water. If Alex doesn't give us water, then you go out and find water for us!"

"So that's what happened! I was wondering why, when we first arrived, there were several bottles of mineral water, and now it turns out you used it to wash your face! Damn it, we've been drinking urine to save water, and you used it to wash your face, you wretch!"

One of the female students beside Darlene slapped her fiercely, cursing in uncontrollable anger.

A male student sneered coldly: "Since Darlene is unwilling to accompany Alex, we can probably only live for two or three more days. Anyway, we're all going to die, so why not drag Darlene over there and have our fun first. Before we die, let's taste what the school's beauty is like!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah! I've been sick of this bitch for a long time! She's always putting on airs, acting as if the whole world should worship her! Damn it! Now it's the apocalypse, no one's going to protect you, wench. You're not even worth a dog! Anyway, we're all going to die, might as well have some fun before that!"

Another boy, ugly with a black birthmark on the corner of his eye, looked at Darlene greedily and said without any restraint: "Before I die, I can taste the school beauty. That makes this life worthwhile!"

"What do you think you're doing?" Darlene panicked, stepping back in horror as she looked at her classmates, their faces twisted in malice. These boys, who had previously been her admirers, calling her "goddess" every day as if she were a saint, were now turning against her. And these girls, once her followers, were now assaulting her. The one who had just slapped her used to always follow her around, calling her 'sister.'

Ignoring how she had cared for and helped them before the apocalypse, even after it began, if it wasn't for her constant protection, these girls would have already been preyed upon by other boys. How could these admirers talk to her like this? Why were these traitors insulting her?

Darlene's face twisted with emotion: "You dare! If you harm me, once Digby's uncle sends the army, I'll make sure you all suffer terribly!"

"Die terribly? Ha ha ha! I've known for a while that Digby was lying to us. If the army was still around, they would have reached the city hall to rescue people by now. Have you heard any gunfire or seen any planes? Nothing at all!"

Terry laughed somewhat maniacally: "Even if there were, we can't wait for the army to save us. Now, you have two choices: First, you attend to Alex well and secure food and water for us; second, let everyone have their fun with you, giving us a taste of the school beauty before we die."

Darlene kept backing away, her face growing paler. She looked back at the unconscious Digby, a flicker of guilt in her eyes, then burst out in desperation: "Alex! I'll accompany you, but I have a condition! If I do this, you must save me and Digby!"

"Hmm? Such a loving couple! How touching. Is this some kind of tragic love story? Are we in a movie or something? Heh." Alex sneered disdainfully, turning his head to look at Darlene: "But, are you negotiating terms with me? Do you think you're in a position to? Sorry, I'm not a sycophant, and I'm not moved at all. I'm only offering you a chance for a trade. If I'm pleased, I'll give you the food and water. If I'm not, the deal is off. There are no other terms to discuss."

Darlene's face suddenly turned red, a mix of anger, shame, and unwillingness flashing across her features. She turned to look at the ferocious crowd behind her, then made up her mind.

With a "thud," Darlene knelt in front of Alex: "Alex, I can serve you, but... can you make these disgusting people not watch?"

Alex gave a cold smile and looked up at Terry and the others. Terry's eyes brightened. He quickly grinned and nodded obsequiously at Alex, then turned to the crowd behind him, "Turn your heads away, all of you! Anyone who dares to peek will have their eyes gouged out! You two girls, go get a cloth and set up a screen for Alex and Miss Ling!"

Then, looking at Digby, recalling Alex's previous question, a vicious look flashed in Terry's eyes. He sneered at a few boys, "Tie Digby up and wake him up! Let him see how his girlfriend Miss Ling serves Alex! Consider it his chance for redemption!"