NOVPUBChapter 48: Chapter 48 The Man Who Overestimates His Abilities
Chapter 48 -48 The Man Who Overestimates His Abilities
During this time, someone in Gu Pan’s neighborhood had put together a team, led by a Taekwondo instructor and a police officer—both skilled in martial arts.
They gathered over twenty young men from the neighborhood to train and scavenge for supplies together; young men from two families on the third floor also joined.
Their initial intent seemed positive—the presence of an organized group meant outsiders were less likely to carelessly cause trouble in the neighborhood.
However, in the past two days, they started collecting food from residents, basically protection fees, which changed the nature of their operation. But in the apocalypse, Gu Pan refrained from judging anyone’s way of life.
In her past life when the team was first established and claimed to be working for the good of all, Lu Ruisheng considered joining. But once they found out he was a veteran, they rejected him without much explanation.
Of course, Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng soon realized why; the other party was probably worried about Lu Ruisheng’s strong Combat Power and leadership experience, fearing he might usurp their leading role, so they simply didn’t let him join.
Gu Pan and her group had also paid protection fees before, as being a standout back then wasn’t the best choice. It was safer to go along with the rest.
This life was different though. Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng had quickly established their reputations; knowing they had killed before, those people didn’t come to them for protection fees.
Since the others didn’t cause trouble, Gu Pan’s group wasn’t looking to stir things either—it’s best when the well water doesn’t disturb the river water.
Nevertheless, the peace didn’t last. One day, after returning from scavenging, they found three young men waiting downstairs, wanting to discuss forming an alliance.
They took the three up to Room 901 to talk. Although they had no intention of forming alliances, they still needed to refuse politely and save face for the other party. Avoiding making enemies was key to surviving.
Besides, it was too cold outside and their conversation could easily be overheard.
As they passed the sixth and seventh floors, the trio took several interested glances, their protections being a rare sight.
The three didn’t expect to be brought into a dedicated room, which was evidently set up for practicing martial arts and could serve as a meeting room. It was clear that Gu Pan’s group was no ordinary group.
After sitting down and removing their hats and scarves, the men’s features were more visible.
The one who spoke first appeared to be the leader. He was Li Dong, in his forties, of average build, exuding a certain authority, probably a former leader.
The two accompanying him included the older Shen Jungang, who seemed like he might handle the group’s paperwork, and the young Sanzi, likely the one with good physical skills.
In her previous life, these people never approached Gu Pan, so her impression of them wasn’t strong and things were not exactly the same after her rebirth.
Gu Pan and her group briefly introduced themselves without too many details, sharing only their surnames.
It was Li Dong who broke the ice, addressing Gu Pan’s group, “We plan to form a team to manage this entire area. I’m aware of your strength, and that you have weapons and know martial arts. So, if you join, I’ll assure you the highest authority.”
Gu Pan responded, “The highest? Higher than yours?”
Li Dong smiled with a trace of subtlety, “Miss Gu must be joking. After all, since I organized this team, I should at least have the highest decision-making power, right? Besides, a team needs a core figure, or it will just fall apart.”
Gu Pan asked, “How many people do you have now? How many weapons? What capabilities do you have to lead us?”
Li Dong looked nervous but remained calculating: “We might not be as strong as you militarily, but our team is disciplined and organized, poised to grow. Remember, it’s not just about Combat Power anymore but also leadership skills—can a high-ranking official fight every day? You can only go far if you join us.”
Gu Pan laughed, “How do you know we lack organization or discipline? We have no desire to grow powerful; we just want to live comfortably, so we won’t be joining you.”
Li Dong persisted, “Don’t you realize that without support, and relying on just a few people, it will get more difficult over time? It’s already tough finding supplies.”
Gu Pan replied, “To each their own; we have our way of surviving.”
Li Dong looked around and focused on the older Chen Shaonan, “You’re more experienced, you should see further than Miss Gu. A young woman’s views might be simplistic, but you must think more comprehensively, right? Don’t you fear the existing team in the neighborhood growing dominant and troubling you?”
Chen Shaonan was quite satisfied with their current squad and understood that more people meant more troubles; as Lu Ruisheng said, their small team didn’t compare to ordinary people. Their training and abilities were of elite soldiers, not meant to mix with others.
So, Chen Shaonan said, “What Miss Gu has spoken is exactly what we think. We follow the rule: if others don’t offend us, we won’t offend them.”
Li Dong’s fingers rubbed together as he addressed them, “Everyone here is capable. I don’t understand why you let a young girl represent your views. Are you really being responsible to yourselves? Historically, commanders were mostly men.”
Lu Ruisheng spoke chillingly, “Ever heard of Mu Guiying commanding armies? Besides, our affairs really aren’t for an outsider to criticize. Trying to sow discord? Those are petty tricks. We don’t want to make enemies with anyone, so best stop it there, or you might find it hard to exit gracefully.”
Li Dong sensed the oppressiveness in Lu Ruisheng’s tone and lost his earlier composure. Smiling to retreat graciously, he said, “I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I was merely curious and hope we all do well. Since you have your own views, I won’t intrude any further.”
Gu Pan didn’t get up to see him out but simply said goodbye. Li Dong seemed to lack personal boundaries, and although ambitious, his abilities fell short. Even if he desired an alliance, his attitude was wrong, and currently, he wasn’t that influential. He wasn’t someone who could handle great matters.
Once their footsteps had faded, Cheng Yang went out again to check that they had left, then closed the door.
Through two months of living together, everyone had defaulted to following Gu Pan’s lead.
Initially, they felt that Lu Ruisheng, as a former special forces soldier with a high Combat Power and leadership experience, should be in charge. Over time, however, it became clear Gu Pan had greater foresight and a strategic mindset. Lu Ruisheng always consulted her before making decisions, so gradually, everyone began to center around Gu Pan.
