Zhang Xiaojuan raised an eyebrow. "What does a little kid know? Many of those who need loans are desperate people who can't afford to eat. If someone lends them a few hundred crystal cores at this time, they would be so grateful that they would kneel down and kowtow on the spot."

The entrance to the Oasis Group is very strictly controlled; a team must have at least a level three or higher ability user to enter.

They call it taking responsibility for everyone who enters the oasis.

Lu Sheng and the others waited idly for a while, when a heated argument came from the front of the line.

Several tall, burly security guards dragged a man in his forties out like a dead dog and threw him directly into a stinking ditch by the roadside.

A swarm of mutated mosquitoes immediately swarmed around the man and began a lavish buffet.

Within seconds, the man was covered in bruises and swelling from the mosquito bites, but instead of swatting them away, he lunged at the security guard.

"Didn't the radio say that as long as there is a need for crystal cores, one can apply for a loan from the Oasis Group?"

"I really need a loan! I urgently need crystal cores! My son was bitten by a poisonous leech and needs crystal cores to treat him. Please let me in!"

The security guard gave the man a cold, sidelong glance and kicked him aside.

"You do not meet the application requirements."

The man's eyes suddenly turned red with anger. "The radio clearly said that everyone can get a loan, and that as long as you apply, you'll get at least 100 crystal cores in credit!"

Lu Sheng and the others were also drawn to the noise of the argument.

The man had a limp. Although it was impossible to tell what kind of superpower he possessed, his sallow and emaciated face and tattered clothes suggested that he was not living a happy life.

"At least let me in! Let me try!"

The man let out a desperate growl and limped towards the line, only to be turned away by security once again.

No matter how much the man pleaded, the reason was always the same: he didn't meet the requirements.

Some people in the queue sighed in dismay.

"The advertisements make it sound so good, but they still treat people differently based on their abilities. They just casually dismiss those with low-level superpowers or disabilities."

Some people coldly mocked, "Oasis Group isn't doing charity. They know they can't repay loans to people like this, so why would they do a losing business?"

But most people just stand by indifferently.

In this world, everyone is struggling to survive, and countless people die every day. Tears and death have become commonplace.

Sun Tiantian frowned. "These loans aren't meant to help people at all; those who truly need them are being turned away."

"Isn't this normal? It was like this before the apocalypse."

Zhang Xiaojuan casually put her hands behind her back and said, "Banks were like this before the apocalypse: they offered umbrellas on sunny days and took them away on rainy days."

"They only lend to people who don't need money, and never give a penny to people who are really in need. That's why so many microfinance companies have emerged."

"This place is clearly designed to trick people with superpowers into working for free; of course, they won't lend money to people who aren't capable of working."

Although it may seem heartless, it's the truth.

The gate was open quickly, and it wasn't long before Lu Sheng and her group were allowed to enter.

Oasis Plaza is a microcosm of the city center before the apocalypse, with restaurants and shops packed with people everywhere, and almost everyone on the street is a superhuman with superior abilities.

Overspending has reached its extreme here. Advertisements for Crystal Core Loans are everywhere on the streets, as if borrowing this loan would guarantee a worry-free life.

As soon as the group entered, young and pretty girls immediately came up to them and started promoting the luxury hotel.

"I have no money." Zhang Xiaojuan refused simply and bluntly.

"No problem, the hotel front desk is already connected to the Oasis Group's lending center back office, and can help you with the loan application process through the fast track, which is very convenient."

The girl handed over her business card with a smile.

"Doesn't the loan require implanting a chip? Does it hurt?" Han Rui asked, feigning interest.

"It won't hurt, it won't hurt. We use inhalation anesthesia here. You can get the loan after a good night's sleep," the girl enthusiastically recommended.

The group exchanged glances.

This Oasis Group has truly taken loan brainwashing to the extreme. Once you step through this door, countless tricks await you, and they won't stop until they've lured you into the operating room to implant a chip.

"Let's think about it some more."

Lu Sheng politely declined the girl's offer, and the group turned and walked towards a slightly secluded path on the other side.

"Yu, have a glass of water, I'm so thirsty after walking all day." When they reached the alley entrance, Zhang Xiaojuan greeted Xiao Yu, her face covered in sweat.

Just as Xiao Yu was about to unleash his water-based superpower, a large hand suddenly reached out from the alley and pulled him inside.

The remaining few people immediately rushed in, only to find an unexpected face in the alley.

"What are you doing here?" Lu Sheng asked, frowning.

A tall, young man emerged from the shadows deep in the alley, beckoning to the group in a low voice, "Shh, keep your voice down."

"The use of superpowers is strictly prohibited here. Didn't anyone tell you that?"