Chapter 397: Chapter 407: Dissatisfaction

And this was one of the better scenarios he had considered—one where they could find supplies.

Then, even if life was hard, they could endure for a while and things would eventually improve.

But what if they couldn’t find any?

Then it wouldn’t just be about living a bitter, difficult life. No matter how much they scrimped and saved, if they couldn’t find new supplies, their entire group would starve to death.

Supplies were hard to come by these days. Whenever a new cache of food was discovered, countless factions like theirs would fight to the death over it.

They weren’t successful every time.

That’s why they had a strict system for rationing their food. Everyone followed it to the letter, and no one dared to break the rules.

They all knew that these supplies were their lifeline. Every extra moment they could hold out increased their chances of finding hope—their chances of survival.

Lawrence understood this better than anyone. ’So why is he doing this today?!’

’Even if she’s someone special, who doesn’t know how precious food is right now? If we just gave her a simple, ordinary reception, she probably wouldn’t hold it against us, right?’

’But now Lawrence is insisting on making tonight’s meal "lavish." Just what is his standard for "lavish"?’

At this moment, though he was curious about the woman’s identity, he was mostly filled with worry.

But Lawrence was the boss, after all. And during every supply run, it was always Lawrence who contributed the most. So, despite his anxiety, he couldn’t bring himself to say anything.

"Doing this will cause discontent among your men."

After the man left, Stella Sterling spoke to Felix Lawrence beside her. She had noticed the fleeting look of displeasure and worry in the man’s eyes as he walked away.

Stella could understand his concerns.

After all, she wasn’t a member of their faction and hadn’t contributed anything. Yet, from their perspective, there were suddenly two more mouths to feed.

Sometimes, the rations for two people, if saved and stretched, could be enough for many others to last for days.

Given her situation, it looked like she would be staying for a long time. That would likely impact their own supply distribution. No wonder the man was unhappy.

"It’s fine, don’t worry about it. Besides, you’ve finally made it all this way to see me. My conscience wouldn’t be clear if I didn’t treat you well!"

"As for him, don’t overthink it. I’ll talk to them later."

Seeing Felix Lawrence’s insistence, Stella Sterling didn’t press the issue.

She thought for a moment, told Felix Lawrence she’d be right back, and returned to where she had parked her car.

Then, for a moment, she used her consciousness to rummage through her storage space, trying to find some common, inconspicuous items.

After searching for a while, she found two cases of instant noodles tucked away in a corner. She had found them in a company office while scavenging an office building back when she was still at the residential complex.

She had plenty of food in her storage space, so after stowing the noodles away, she had just set them aside.

After a moment’s thought, she took out the two cases, opened them, and smeared some mud on them to make them look dirty. Then she put them all into a single bag, ready to give them to Felix Lawrence.

Although she knew Felix Lawrence wouldn’t say anything even if she stayed here for free, this faction didn’t belong to him alone. He had a whole group of brothers under him.

Even if his men, intimidated by his authority, didn’t dare say anything to her face, Stella Sterling knew without a doubt that they would be resentful.

She was going to be staying here for a while, and she had no desire to walk on eggshells around anyone.

Besides, she had a very bad temper. If someone managed to piss her off, there was no telling what she might do.

She and Felix Lawrence had a good relationship, and it would be a shame if it became strained over something like this.

That being the case, it was better to come bearing gifts from the start. Two cases of instant noodles were a considerable amount. In these times of scarcity, they could be considered a huge fortune.

At their current rate of consumption, two cases of instant noodles would last them a long time. It would be more than enough to cover her and Andrew Shaw’s food and drink for their stay.

’If I present this gift now, these people will have nothing to complain about. After this is settled, I’ll give Felix something personally.’

At this thought, Stella Sterling took out a few more miscellaneous items from her storage space.

Not too much. ’Too much would definitely arouse their suspicion. Even Felix Lawrence would probably start to wonder, where did she get so many things from her car?’

But not too little, either. At least the items she brought wouldn’t have them rolling their eyes at her behind her back anymore.

So, she picked up the items and returned to the cave.

Felix Lawrence didn’t know what Stella Sterling had gone to do, so he waited for her. By this time, the man from before had returned. He had arranged for a room to be cleared out and was now waiting to lead her to it.

Besides him, another person stood at his side.

It was the man who had been out with Felix Lawrence last night—the same one Andrew Shaw had injured with his knife.

When he saw Stella Sterling, his eyes widened. ’It really is that strange woman from last night. Lawrence actually brought her back.’

’Bringing her back is one thing, but he even had someone clear out a separate room for her and is treating her to good food and drink!’

’Even if she’s an old acquaintance of Lawrence’s, he doesn’t need to go this far!’

He glared at Stella Sterling with displeasure. This time, even though Felix Lawrence prompted him several times, he ignored him, his face dark as he stared at her.

If Felix Lawrence hadn’t been standing right there, it looked as if he was about to attack Stella Sterling directly.

Stella Sterling walked over, gave the man a single glance, and then ignored him.

She looked at Felix Lawrence and said, "I’m already grateful enough to be staying here for a while, and on top of that, you’re providing food and drink. I don’t have much to give you, so just take these. Consider it payment for my... underling... and my food expenses during our stay."

Hearing this, Andrew Shaw, who was at her side, opened his mouth, wanting to retort. He wanted to say they were friends, that he was no one’s "underling."

The bald guy had kept calling him the woman’s underling earlier, and he had just swallowed his pride, not wanting to argue.

But hearing her say it too, he still felt the urge to say something back.

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