Chapter 48: Those Who Overestimate Their Capabilities

During this period, a group was formed within Gu Pan’s residential compound. The leaders were a taekwondo coach and someone who used to work at the public security bureau; at any rate, both men possessed martial arts skills.

They gathered over twenty young men from the compound to train together and go out searching for supplies together. The young men from the two households on the third floor also joined them.

The initial starting point of all this was probably good. Once outsiders knew that this compound had a formal organization, they would not dare to easily come in and stir up trouble.

However, over the past couple of days, they began levying food rations within the compound—in simple terms, collecting protection fees. The meaning behind it changed, but given that it was the end of the world, Gu Pan did not wish to comment on anyone else’s way of living.

In her past life, when this group was first established under the banner of working for everyone's benefit, Lu Reisheng had also considered joining. However, when the leaders learned he was a veteran, they rejected him. They didn't cite any disqualifying factors; they simply told him it wouldn't work.

Of course, after Gu Pan and Lu Reisheng returned this time, they figured out the real reason: the other party was afraid Lu Reisheng’s combat ability was too strong and that his experience in leading troops might lead him to usurp power and seize the top position, so they barred him from entry altogether.

Even so, Gu Pan and Lu Reisheng had previously gone along with paying the protection fees. After all, standing out as the tall poppy was never a wise choice back then; it was better to blend in with the crowd for the sake of greater safety.

In this lifetime, everything was different. Gu Pan and Lu Reisheng had established their reputation very early on. Knowing that Gu Pan and her group had killed people, those individuals never dared to come to them for protection fees.

Since the other party was not creating trouble, Gu Pan and Lu Reisheng didn't want to invite unnecessary complications either. It was a case of minding their own business and not crossing paths with each other, which worked out quite well.

However, such peace did not last long. On this day, as Gu Pan and her group returned from scavenging for supplies outside, three young men were waiting downstairs, stating that they wanted to discuss an alliance.

Gu Pan’s group brought the three men up to Room 901 to talk. Although they had no intention of forming alliances with anyone, since the visitors had sought them out, they needed to reject the offer politely, save face for the other party, and avoid making enemies in order to survive better.

Besides, it was far too freezing outside, and their conversation would have been easily overheard by others.

On their way upstairs, passing the sixth and seventh floors, the three men cast a few extra glances. After all, such heavy fortifications were exceedingly rare to see.

The three men hadn't expected to be led into a specially designated room. One look at this room revealed it was prepared for martial arts training and could also function as a meeting room. They understood clearly that Gu Pan and her companions were extraordinary people.

Once seated, the three men took off their hats and scarves, revealing their faces.

The one who had spoken to them first was clearly the leader. His name was Li Dong, around forty years old, of medium build, carrying a certain air of authority—he had likely been a leader in his past life.

The two men accompanying him included an older one named Shen Jungang, who, judging by his speech, was likely the scribe or secretary of their little faction. The other younger man was called Sanzi, who presumably possessed physical prowess.

In her past life, these people had never sought out Gu Pan and her group, so they left little impression. After her rebirth, however, certain events had diverged from the past.

Gu Pan’s group also made brief self-introductions, keeping details to a minimum and only stating their surnames.

Li Dong was the first to speak, addressing Gu Pan and the others: "We plan to establish a faction to manage this entire district. I am well aware of your strength; I know you have weapons and martial arts skills. Therefore, if you join us, I will certainly grant you the highest authority."

Gu Pan looked at him and asked, "Highest? Higher than yours?"

A subtle expression crossed Li Dong's face, and he smiled as he said, "Miss Gu is joking. Since I am the one who organized this team, how could I not retain the highest decision-making power? Besides, every team needs a core figure, otherwise wouldn't it just turn into a heap of loose sand?"

Gu Pan looked at him and asked, "How many people do you have right now? How many weapons? What kind of strength gives you the right to lead us?"

Although there was a hint of tension in Li Dong’s expression, he remained shrewd and composed: "We might not match your combat capabilities, but our faction is organized and disciplined, capable of growing large and strong. You must understand that right now, brute force isn't the only requirement; leadership talent is also essential. Even the highest-ranking officials don't go out to fight battles on the front lines every day, do they? Only by joining us can you go further."

Gu Pan smiled. "How do you know we lack organization or discipline? We have no desire to become big or powerful; we simply want to live a life of freedom. Therefore, we will not be joining you."

"Do you realize that without backing, relying solely on a handful of people will only make things harder and harder in the future? Finding supplies is already extremely difficult now," Li Dong persisted, unwilling to give up.

Gu Pan replied, "Everyone has their own aspirations. We have our own way of surviving."

Li Dong cast a glance around the room, his gaze finally resting on the slightly older Chen Shaonan. He said, "You are older, so you should be able to see further than Miss Gu. A young girl thinks simply, but surely you must consider things more thoroughly? You should know that there is already a dominant faction in this compound. Aren't you afraid they will make trouble for you?"

Chen Shaonan was extremely satisfied with their current small team. He understood that without a formal military background, the more people there were, the more complicated things became. Furthermore, just as Lu Reisheng had said, their squad didn't compare themselves to ordinary people; their training and capabilities were meant for special forces, for elites, and they had no need to mingle with others.

Therefore, Chen Shaonan stated, "What Miss Gu said is precisely what we think. Our principle has always been that we won't offend others unless they offend us first."

Li Dong rubbed his fingers together, looked around at everyone, and said, "I can see that everyone present is a capable person. I don't know why you let a young girl represent your opinions, but are you truly being responsible to yourselves by doing this? Throughout history, generals and commanders have mostly been men."

A chilling tone crept into Lu Reisheng’s voice: "Have you never heard of General Mu Guiying taking command? Besides, our affairs are certainly not for an outsider like you to make irresponsible remarks about. Trying to sow discord and split us apart with such petty tricks? We wish to be enemies with no one, so you should also know when to stop. If you keep going, you won't like how this ends."

Feeling the oppressive weight radiating from Lu Reisheng’s aura, Li Dong no longer held the composure he had displayed earlier. Seeking a way to gracefully back down, he smiled and said, "You've all misunderstood. I was merely curious, and I only hoped that all of us could live better lives. Since you have your own plans, I won't intrude any further."

Gu Pan did not stand up to see them out; she merely told them to watch their step on the way down. This man lacked a sense of personal boundaries, and though his ambitions were grand, his capabilities were limited. Even if he wanted to form an alliance with their side, this was hardly the attitude to bring. Moreover, before he had even accomplished anything of significance, he was already this arrogant—clearly not someone capable of achieving great things.

Hearing their footsteps fade away, Cheng Yang walked out to take a look, and after making sure they had gone far enough, he closed the door.

Through these two months of getting along, everyone had tacitly agreed to take their cues from Gu Pan.

Initially, everyone had thought that Lu Reisheng, as a retired special forces soldier, possessed high combat skills and experience as a team leader. But over time, they realized that Gu Pan possessed greater foresight and a broader perspective; everything she predicted came true, and whenever Lu Reisheng had to make a decision, he would seek her opinion. Thus, gradually, everyone came to regard Gu Pan as the core of the group.