Chapter Twelve: The Firewood Dispute

"Xiao Xi, a woman came to see me today. She thought I was strong and wanted me to do something I didn't want to do. When I refused, she and her husband tried to hit me. She believed she was in the right and brought others to teach me a lesson, so I... scared them off."

After saying this, Jiang Huan looked at her brother. Seeing he was waiting for her to continue, she added, "It's very cold outside now, extremely cold. Many things have frozen and broken. The food we have is something others can't get anymore. There are no shops or supermarkets open, so supplies are scarce. When people are hungry or afraid, they may lie, steal, or even harm others. I want you to know that I might become harsher in the future, but don't be afraid—I will never hurt you."

Xiao Xi seemed to understand. "You're good, Sis. I'm not afraid."

He hesitated for a while, then said, "I'm strong."

Perhaps he wanted to express that he could protect his sister too, but couldn't form a longer sentence. Anxious, Jiang Xi started fiddling with his fingers, his face showing nervousness.

Jiang Huan hugged her brother, patting his back. "I know, I know. Our Xiao Xi is the best. It's just that I can't help it—I can't change the weather, can't..."

A wave of emotion surged in Jiang Huan, but she quickly regained composure. She couldn't afford to frighten her brother, and the survival crisis ahead would only grow. There wasn't time to be swayed by feelings.

For example, in just a few days, someone had already started causing trouble for her. If she and her brother were to receive the same supplies as everyone else and still look healthier, problems would surely arise.

She needed a solution.

Living in isolation would reduce such troubles, but compared to having to fight alone all the time, Star City Community was already forming a gathering point. At the very least, sharing information was something solitary living couldn't offer.

That night, they ate a simple meal of beef noodles. Jiang Huan continued tinkering with the items on the floor, but after a long while, nothing took shape.

Jiang Xi, who had been silently watching the blueprints, suddenly reached out and took over her work. In about an hour, he assembled a simple device that, though not very efficient, could actually generate electricity.

Jiang Huan was surprised as she watched her brother, then spent over forty minutes pedaling, producing less than one kilowatt-hour of power.

Still, it was a pleasant surprise. Jiang Huan pedaled until she was drenched in sweat, then stopped. Jiang Xi took over, and while he was at it, Jiang Huan slipped into the room, set up a large bath bucket, took a quick hot shower, then set up another new bucket for her brother.

The next day, Jiang Xi started pedaling as soon as he finished breakfast. Jiang Huan went downstairs to collect her own supplies.

The lobby was crowded, far more than the initial group that had gone out.

Wu Gang was organizing the queue. Those who had gone out were to line up first; others had to bring something useful to exchange for supplies.

The scene was noisy and chaotic—clearly, some people were unhappy about the need to trade.

Jiang Huan joined the queue. When the people ahead received their supplies, they all grumbled: only half the firewood was distributed.

Although Wu Gang led everyone out and used the property’s vehicles and fuel, it was hard to accept that after braving the cold to chop trees, half the firewood was taken away. But Wu Gang was firm, insisting the extra firewood was for emergencies. There was a medical station on the first floor staffed by a couple, so their firewood had to come from the common pool.

Everyone could only mutter among themselves and head back.

When it was Jiang Huan’s turn, she looked at the fifteen pounds of firewood handed to her and stared directly at Wu Gang. "Do you really think I only handed in thirty pounds of firewood?"

Chunmei snapped nervously, "Everyone saw it weighed. Don’t make trouble, all get half."

Jiang Huan just looked at Wu Gang.

Wu Gang didn't feel offended; instead, he sensed that Jiang Huan assumed he would be fair. If he wanted to become the true leader here, Jiang Huan’s recognition was important.

After all, Jiang Huan was highly capable.

"Chunmei, let me see the register," Wu Gang said, reaching out.

Chunmei tried to protest, "Captain Wu, I know you sympathize with their siblings, but it's not good to always take their side."

Jiang Huan stared at Chunmei, who felt uneasy but, with so many people around, didn't believe Jiang Huan would dare provoke everyone.

She tossed the firewood onto the table. "I don't mind taking only half, but I want every piece that belongs to me."

Wu Gang immediately picked up the register to check.

"The original number started with a nine—why is it altered to a three? Chunmei, what are you doing?"

No wonder she’d been so eager to help count firewood yesterday.

Seeing Wu Gang side with Jiang Huan, Chunmei grew angry. "Are you done yet? It's freezing, and my hand shook—I wrote it wrong, is that so hard to believe? All this fuss, aren't you just interested in her because she's young and pretty—"

Bang.

Jiang Huan stabbed her dagger into the table. With a twist, a long crack split the surface. Chunmei’s eyes widened, her legs trembling uncontrollably.

How dare she!

"Are you all just going to watch? There’s a madwoman here—a lunatic! Yesterday, she tried to kill me!"

From the corner, Lin Lili, who’d been pestering for extra firewood, came running out.

"With someone like her living here, aren’t you all afraid? While everyone’s gathered, let’s unite and throw her out! She’s just a—nothing good—"

Lin Lili never finished her sentence, because Jiang Huan grabbed her hair.

The dagger hovered at her lips; a gentle swipe split the corner of her mouth, but Lin Lili dared not move, for Jiang Huan had the blade pressed under her jaw—one push, and her head could be pierced.

Jiang Huan looked at the frightened, furious crowd, knowing Lin Lili’s words had left an impact.

She smiled, asking, "Last time, you blocked the road and forced me to break ice for you. When I refused, you started trouble. Didn’t I warn you that if you spread rumors again, I wouldn’t let you off?"

Lin Lili trembled, unable to utter a word.

Chunmei wanted to shout, but Jiang Huan’s murderous intent made everyone wary.

Wu Gang, however, thought this was the perfect moment.

Choosing his words carefully, he spoke, "Jiang, don’t be impulsive. This is indeed Chunmei and Lin Lili’s fault. Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll give you half of their firewood, and I’ll add thirty pounds myself. Your original contribution will be counted as one hundred pounds. How about that?"

That would mean Jiang Huan suddenly had a hundred and fifty or sixty pounds of firewood!

She seemed tempted, but still looked at Wu Gang. "But these two have repeatedly targeted me. Chunmei is not fit to be a manager or decision-maker. I have two requests: if you agree, I’ll let her go."

Wu Gang understood—Jiang Huan was hinting that if he handled this well and cooperated with her, managing the community would be much easier in the future.

"Alright, I’ll temporarily act as the community manager. I promise to fulfill your requests. Please, tell me."