Yang Li knew that Zhao Defu's supplies were just a drop in the ocean.
The flame in her heart never went out; on the contrary, it burned even more brightly because of the temporary peace.
She longed for more than just survival; she wanted to climb back to the top of power, or rather, to find a powerful reliance that would allow her to live a life of luxury.
The name Lin Feng resurfaced in her mind like a curse.
That man had a sturdy shelter and plenty of food.
If she could gain his protection, no, if she could control him… A glint of greed and calculation flashed in Yang Li’s eyes.
But she was also aware of Lin Feng's disgust and wariness towards her. Going directly to him for help would be tantamount to humiliating herself, and might even lead to her being abandoned again without mercy.
She needed an opportunity, a reason that would allow her to occupy the moral high ground, or at least give Lin Feng a reason that he couldn't easily refuse.
Zhao Defu, a man who obeyed her every word and was full of unrealistic "heroism" and "gentlemanly manners," was undoubtedly her best card.
After several days of "meticulous care" and subtle probing, Yang Li felt that the time was ripe.
That evening, the campfire crackled, illuminating the diverse faces of the group.
Zhao Defu had just returned with a few sour wild fruits. Although the harvest was meager, seeing Teacher Yang Li's "gratified" smile made all the hard work worthwhile.
“Defu,” Yang Li took a wild fruit, gently wiping it, her voice carrying just the right amount of worry, “This can’t go on. You’re running out of food, and there’s not much you can find in this forest. And those terrible monsters… who knows when they might reappear.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Defu's honest face also showed worry: "Teacher Yang, you are right. I am also trying to find a way, but... I... I really don't have any ability."
He lowered his head in frustration.
“No, Defu, you’ve done very well,” Yang Li comforted him gently, placing her hand lightly on Zhao Defu’s shoulder. This small gesture warmed Zhao Defu’s heart. “You are a kind and brave person. However, the predicament we are facing now is not something that one person can easily solve.”
She paused, a complex look flashing in her eyes, tinged with helplessness and struggle: "Actually... Defu, I know a place that might... might be able to keep us safe for the time being."
"Really? Teacher Yang!" Zhao Defu's eyes lit up instantly. "Where is it? Is it far? Is it safe?"
Yang Li sighed, her expression turning sad and indignant: "That place... was a shelter built by a man. His name is Lin Feng, and he is said to be very capable. His shelter was very well built and had plenty of supplies inside."
"That's wonderful!" Zhao Defu said excitedly. "Teacher Yang, let's go find him right away! Since he has the ability, he will definitely help us! We are all human survivors, and it is only right that we help each other!"
Looking at Zhao Defu's naive expression, Yang Li sneered inwardly, but her face showed a troubled look: "But... Defu, things are not as simple as you think. That Lin Feng... he... he's a bit strange."
"Strange?" Zhao Defu asked, puzzled.
"Yes,"
Yang Li's voice lowered, tinged with grievance and accusation, "Before... I took Xiao Mei and the others, and we saw his shelter from afar. We were desperate at the time and wanted to ask him for help, hoping that he would take us in because we are all compatriots, even if it was just to give us a corner to shelter from the wind and rain, or a bite to eat..."
As she spoke, her voice choked up and her eyes reddened, as if she had suffered a great injustice.
"But...he...he actually...he actually kicked us out!"
Yang Li's voice trembled with sobs, "He said... his shelter doesn't welcome women! He said we're a burden! He just watched us, defenseless women, starving and living in fear outside, without offering us a single helping hand!"
"What?!" Zhao Defu jumped up from the ground like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. His slightly chubby face turned bright red with anger. "Outrageous! Is...is Lin Feng even a man?! He's...he's worse than an animal! How could he treat you poor women like this!"
Zhao Defu's sense of "justice" exploded instantly.
In his simple values, it was a man's duty to protect women. Especially in this environment, a capable man should take on the responsibility of caring for the weak. In his eyes, Lin Feng's behavior was simply unforgivable.
“He…he also said…” Yang Li continued to embellish the story, lowering her head, covering her eyes with a handkerchief, her shoulders trembling slightly: “He said we…we were less useful than the wild animals he kept…Waaah…we were…truly helpless back then…”
"This is outrageous! This is absolutely outrageous!" Zhao Defu trembled with anger, his fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his flesh. "Teacher Yang, please don't be upset! This kind of person doesn't deserve to be called a man! We...we'll go find him! I'll reason with him! How can a grown man be so utterly lacking in manners! He must apologize to you! He must give you an explanation!"
Yang Li was secretly delighted, but her face still showed a sorrowful and helpless expression.
She raised her tear-filled eyes and looked at Zhao Defu: "Defu...but...he...he's very fierce...we...we can't fight him..."
"Teacher Yang, don't worry!" Zhao Defu patted his chest and said righteously, "I'm here! Although I don't have any great skills, I still understand this principle! No matter how fierce he is, I will let him know that a man should act like a man! Protecting women is a man's responsibility!"
Liu Pan and Wang Lan also chimed in at opportune moments.
"Yes, Brother Zhao, that Lin Feng went too far! We almost died out there!" Liu Pan said, her voice trembling with tears.
Although Wang Lan remained silent, she looked at Zhao Defu with a mixture of fear and anticipation in her eyes.
Zhao Defu felt his blood boil under the trusting and expectant gazes of the three women. He felt like a warrior in a movie about to slay a dragon, filled with a sacred sense of mission.
"Teacher Yang, there's no time to lose! We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning to find that Lin Feng!" Zhao Defu said resolutely. "I will make him pay for his actions! I will get justice for you!"
Yang Li lowered her head, a barely perceptible, smug smile playing on her lips.
Very good, the fish has taken the bait.
Lin Feng, just you wait. This time, I'll see how you get out of this mess!
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