The Crowd 016

Of course, with a large population came exceptions. A so-called human rights organization had actually emerged in the base, with its leader advocating for the elimination of social classes and equality for all.

They just want to climb higher, so they are deliberately using these criminals as an excuse, Li Duo said, hitting the nail on the head.

But obviously, these people had never experienced Fang Zhiyi's methods.

However, to everyone's surprise, Fang Zhiyi did not take direct action against them this time.

After all, we have a lot of people now, and I care about my reputation too, Fang Zhiyi said. But right after, he turned around and ordered his men to increase the workload for those criminals.

The criminals, who were already half-dead from exhaustion, completely blew up when they heard that their working hours were being increased by four hours just because a group of people was protesting.

Someone who had just opened his mouth to question this had his front teeth knocked out by a guard.

All their pent-up resentment instantly shifted toward those baffling protesters.

Meanwhile, Wang Qian, the leader of the protest organization, gradually grew smug when she saw no reaction from Fang Zhiyi and his people. She was someone who had struggled and survived in the apocalypse for a long time, and every time, she managed to precisely get what she wanted.

She became even more brazen, preaching her ideals to anyone she could find, and even began threatening to run in an election for the base's administrator.

For a time, the balance of the base was broken, and countless people began to wait and see.

Except for the earliest batch of residents, who watched with the amusement of seeing a joke unfold.

Fang Zhiyi still made no response, nor did he stop their actions. He simply watched as their ranks swelled with people dissatisfied with his dictatorial ways. Some felt they should not have to farm, others thought they were given too little food, and some had been reprimanded by the guards for disobeying orders.

Looking at their growing ranks, these people were filled with joy, as if a beautiful life was waiting for them tomorrow.

They also did not believe Fang Zhiyi would dare to move against so many people. How did the saying go? The law cannot punish the majority, not to mention that laws did not even exist anymore.

We demand self-governance!

Equal distribution!

Free the slaves! All humans are equal! No one should be enslaved!

Criminals are people too! Why not give them a chance to turn over a new leaf!

The scale of the base had now expanded from a single village all the way down, looking very much like a small town built around the mountain.

And these slogans constantly echoed above the base.

An old man came to find Fang Zhiyi. Fang Zhiyi remembered him; this old man was tough and healthy, having stubbornly followed them all the way here from the very beginning. He was also very active during their first planting season. Even in those days when food was scarce, the old man had repeatedly shared his rations with his neighbors. Everyone had a very good impression of this elder.

Xiao Fang, I can call you that, right?

Fang Zhiyi smiled and nodded. Grandpa Liao, please speak.

We cannot just let them keep making a scene like this, Grandpa Liao said directly. It has been so hard for everyone to finally see some hope, and the vegetables in the fields are just starting to sprout. With them causing such a ruckus, many young people are losing focus on actually making a living. As the person in charge, you need to step up and say something.

Fang Zhiyi nodded. Yes, but we are not like we used to be. There are a lot of people now, and it would not look good for me to be too dictatorial, would it?

Grandpa Liao slammed his hand on the table, startling Chen Rui, who was keeping accounts to the side.

Sorry about that, Xiao Chen, Grandpa Liao smiled warmly at Chen Rui, who quickly waved his hands to say it was fine.

Who dares call you a dictator? Who has the right? Without you, how many of these people would even be alive? Have their consciences been eaten by dogs? You just step forward! Us old folks who have followed you will absolutely stand by your side! Look outside!

Fang Zhiyi approached the window and looked out. Surprisingly, quite a few people were standing downstairs. Seeing him, they all raised their hands to greet him.

Chen Rui also leaned over, his face showing some emotion. These are all the survivors we picked up back then... bah, the ones who followed us...

Just say the word! Grandpa Liao's face flushed with excitement. If it is inconvenient for you to deal with them, we will!

Fang Zhiyi quickly shook his head. No, no, no. If you go, would that not just cause a division? He knew that if he let these people mobilize, there would definitely be clashes, and things would escalate into a large-scale conflict.

Do not worry, Grandpa Liao. Have them go back first. I have my own plans for this.

Grandpa Liao looked at Fang Zhiyi's face but could not read any emotion on it. After a moment, he said, Alright. Whenever you need us, just say the word. We will always support you.

Thank you.

Watching those people leave, Fang Zhiyi's face darkened. Notify Zhao Hu to cut the rations of those damn bastards by another half!

Chen Rui nodded knowingly and pushed the door open to leave.

The moment he opened the door, he saw a girl they had rescued from a bandit stronghold standing at the doorway with an angry expression. Chen Rui knew this was yet another person coming to file a complaint.

He would leave this headache to Fang Zhiyi. He quickly nodded in greeting, then hurried off toward Zhao Hu's office area.

By now, Wang Qian's ego had inflated to the absolute limit. For days in a row, she had not seen Fang Zhiyi or his people show their faces, and the earlier so-called victims had not stepped forward to oppose her either. She felt the time was right. Looking at the supporters around her, she shouted her slogan: Fang Zhiyi step down! We want democracy! We want self-governance!

She now had enough supporters, and these people had bought into the grand promises she painted for them. Now, she was going to lead them directly to charge at Fang Zhiyi's office building. Though called an office building, it was actually just a two-story stilt house designed by Fang Zhiyi himself.

If Fang Zhiyi liked hiding, then she would force him to come out and face them! She would let him know that this base did not belong to him alone! If he knew what was good for him, it would be best if he handed the leader's position over to her.

As they marched deeper, members of the guard team appeared on the streets, but upon seeing this procession, they merely stepped aside. This inflated the crowd's arrogance to the extreme.

Even the guards did not dare stop them!

Just as they were about to approach Fang Zhiyi's location, a group of people in tattered clothes appeared before them.

Wang Qian recognized them at a single glance. These were the criminals who were escorted by the guards to do hard labor.

She looked at the criminals walking toward them, her face full of joy. It is so good to see you! It is me! We have been out here fighting for your rights every day! Let us rebel against that tyrant's rule together!

She turned around and shouted to her supporters, Do you see that?! They are scared! They released these criminals! This is our victory!

However, only a sparse few responded to her.

It is this stinking bitch! She is the reason we barely have anything left to eat!

We originally only had to work ten hours a day, but because of their fuss, we have to work fourteen hours!

Fuck! Beat her to death!