The once-ho has now turned into a hell-shunned by refugees, whom even fear nearing it... Not just because of the floodwaters that haven't yet receded, but also due to the scavengers who, ard, scour the ruins in search of valuable items following the calamity wave.
But in a place that was originally a slum, how much of value could possibly remain?
A piece of clothing, a car, a few parts, a couple of als, or even a breathing human...
For these things, so commonplace elsewhere and often dismissed, ard beasts have begun to slaughter one another.
In these ruins, where order is nonexistent, who can predict what lies around the next corner?
In the oppressive humidity and heat, corpses decompose rapidly, and even before the rain stops, endless snakes, insects, rats, and ants erge. Scavenging birds rise and fall in the intermittent gunfire like clouds, each ti signaling the start of a skirmish, and each descent marking the birth of fresh corpses.
With nowhere left to turn, refugees either gather on nearby high grounds to await death or linger near the city, hoping for relief or even a garbage truck...
So, in desperation, turn their gaze to the industrial areas outside the city, attempting to climb over the walls only to be shot by guards.
"The situation is terrible."
Elder Longge, upon returning once more, appeared increasingly numb.
"Didn't they just organize relief?" Ji Jue, freshly recognized by the Temporary Governnt at a charity event, was montarily stunned.
"Is it helpful? Not at all sufficient." Long Ge sighed wearily, "The relief donated by large corporations never even reaches the warehouse before the Temporary Governnt sells it on the black market. Even expired food and dicine can't be kept..."
Ji Jue wasn't surprised: "Giving it to the Temporary Governnt is like throwing dumplings at a dog, it never lands... It's just that, for such a good opportunity to show face, has no one approached the Sect?"
"They have, ever so generously... but there are very few I'm willing to accept."
Long Ge gave a bitter smile: "Everyone expects an old man like to morally endorse them. But if they were truly guiltless, why would they need ?
I can afford to lose face, but I'm wary of those who might want to use the Sect against ."
"Don't worry, New Spring can send a bit more."
Ji Jue consoled him. Since receiving the disaster alert, he had asked Yu Shu to prepare and supplies were already on route: "If it's not enough, I'll think of another way to help."
"It's enough already, Mr. Ji."
Long Ge smiled painfully: "We just need to hold out for a few more days; supplies should be arriving soon... However, apart from a free dal, we really have nothing else to offer you."
"I like dals. Give a few more; they lend so prestige when I take them out."
Ji Jue raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly: "That's settled then."
After a brief conversation, he rose to say goodbye.
There was so much to do.
The makeshift office, a temporary partition made from sheet tal in the factory, was overcrowded. The entire coastal industrial area was bursting at the seams.
Even the ground space was insufficient; many slept directly on the floor. The air, filled with the pungent sll of disinfectant, barely masked the odor of those unable to shower for days.
Despite the ventilation system running at full capacity, the humidity in the air remained oppressive.
Everyone appeared disheveled and haggard, yet so spark remained in their eyes... After becoming accustod to nurous disasters and hardships, a flood alone was not enough to make them despair. Compared to others roaming the wilderness, left to fend for themselves, they were already fortunate.
There was basic dical care, a roof over their heads, and expired compressed biscuits softened in hot water to eat.
No guns pointed at their heads, forcing them to leave.
Compared to the hell outside, it was practically Heaven.
"Hello, Mr. Ji."
"Morning, Director Ji."
"Good day, sir."
A mix of dialect and broken Federation languages filled the air with greetings, and they were endless.
Ji Jue nodded calmly, weaving through the crowd without looking sideways, ignoring all the gratitude and appreciation, without response, without any ans to respond.
Better to put on a stern face to deter them; at least it maintained what little rules and order remained.
Besides, what had he done? At most, he provided an unused factory space and so nearly expired cheap supplies.
Even for this, many accused him of re posturing, pretentiousness.
So even suggested: these are all free labor; don't be too greedy, leave so for everyone...
The number of victims in the coastal factory area had swelled tenfold compared to the original group brought by the church, reaching the verge of capacity.
It truly could not withstand any further mistakes or unrest.
Compared to the nearly chaotic relief zones managed by the Temporary Governnt, here was considered a stable land of order. Reputation and benefits were secondary; he simply wished for a good end, for the sake of himself, others, and everyone.
Those allowed to enter had already been screened.
In contrast to labor camps accepting only young and strong n, the coastal factory allowed entrance regardless of age or gender, as long as one held a charitable badge from the Chongguang Sect and matched the church's list.
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