The overwhelming problems kept piling up as Jetro dealt with the growing crowd trying to stay in the building, the thick ice forming on the rooftop, the unknown beast lurking nearby, and now the government with its hidden agenda.
If Elena and Ethan had known about his dilemma, they probably would’ve laughed—at least they wouldn’t be the only ones dealing with all this trouble.
"Where exactly are they now?"
"They said they’ll wait for you on the Paradise shop floor. And..."
"They told you to hurry up..."
Jetro raised his brows, showing no anger. This so-called ’government’ clearly had a plan.
However, the core members felt a bit upset—those officers were acting like they owned the place and did not even show the manager basic respect.
"Bring them here. If they refuse to cooperate and try to cause trouble, throw them out," Jetro instructed, then added with a sneer, "Politely."
The resident nodded and was about to leave when Jetro called him back.
"Wait. Also, ask the Paradise shop staff if they can send a representative," Jetro instructed.
If the damn government wanted to push their weight around, then he would bring in the Paradise shop to face them.
He didn’t know the full extent of the shop’s influence or power, but he believed they were more than capable of fending off the government’s pressure.
Well, the Paradise shop would have to answer the call—because he knew the main reason the government had come to their building was the shop itself and what it could offer.
And there was no doubt about it—they wanted the shop for themselves.
"Yes, Manager," the resident said, then rushed out and headed straight for the shop.
Meanwhile, the government officials sent to survey the building and meet the manager were busy watching the shop.
They were shocked to see the building full of life—a sharp contrast to the gloomy evacuation center.
Many people were buying and selling all kinds of items.
"It looks building has plenty of supplies. If we take control, we’ll be able to live well," one official said, eyeing the food stalls selling ready-to-eat meals.
The others agreed, excited about the chance to take over the building.
"Indeed, the shop seems to have endless supplies. Let’s go inside and take a look."
"Let’s eat first at the stall—they have meat noodles."
Seeing the neat and well-dressed people approach her shop, the woman felt happy and ready to serve these big customers.
"Hello, sir. What would you like to order?" she asked, handing them the menu.
The officers didn’t bother to look at it. They simply ordered, "Give us 20 servings of meat noodles."
"All right, sir. That will be 10 normal-sized jade. I need payment before I take your order," the woman said firmly, not wanting to be taken advantage of.
"Do you know who we are? We’re from the government," one officer said proudly.
"What does it matter to me if you’re from the government? Like I said, you pay first, then I’ll take your order."
"How dare you! The least you can do is help us, since we risked coming here. This meal should be a reward. Tell the manager to pay for now. Once we start working here, we will pay him back," the officer said mockingly.
They believed that once they controlled the building, the residents would have no choice but to obey them.
They also thought they could seize the supplies and later use them to ensure their protection.
The woman was shocked by the officer’s nonsense.
"Get out..." she shouted angrily.
Hearing the woman’s angry outburst, the residents turned to the officials, ready to stand by their neighbor.
’No one messes with our building.’
The officials were furious, glaring at her and ready to put her in her place.
But their leader raised a hand to stop them, then turned to face the gathering crowd and declared.
"Everyone, listen up. The higher-ups sent us to help keep order in this area. We’ll make sure this building stays protected. So follow the rules, or we’ll punish those who don’t."
The customers, who had only wanted to stand by and watch the drama, were stunned by the bold declaration.
Their expressions quickly turned cold with scorn—especially those who had once lived in the evacuation centers. They knew exactly what this so-called government had done. The promised relief goods never came.
They were given just one small meal a day, no real shelter, and crime was rampant—only drawing attention when someone was already on the brink of death.
And now these officers dared to demand obedience?
"You’re a joke. Do we even have laws anymore?" one resident sneered, his voice thick with contempt for their so-called ’protection.’
"Where were you when the flood came? Where were you when the extreme cold hit? And when the criminals targeted us, where the heck were you?" another resident demanded. "So tell me—why should I listen to your stupid, empty words?"
The residents glared at the officials, their anger clearly showing. The intense stares made the officials uneasy.
"Are you rebelling?" the leader barked. "The government hasn’t fallen yet—you don’t get to make your own rules!"
A resident chuckled and replied, "Then answer us first—where were you when we needed you most? And stop eyeing our building. We’re doing just fine without you.
"Yeah!" someone shouted.
More voices followed, echoing in support of the resident’s words.
The standoff continued. The government refused to back down, while the residents stood firm, demanding accountability from the same useless government that now pretended to care.
Oslo was listening closely when Daniel came over and interrupted him, "Brother Oslo, the manager was looking at Sis Elena. They’ve invited us to a meeting later."
"Yes. They said the government wants to talk to them."
Oslo raised his brows, trying to understand the manager’s intentions.
’Why would Jetro invite them?’
"Alright, I’ll talk to Chief and sister-in-law about it."
Daniel nodded and returned to assist the customers, while Oslo contacted Elena to pass along the invitation.
When Elena heard the news, she finally understood the uneasy feeling she’d had earlier.
"So, the government’s finally here."