In a spacious warehouse, the only chair seated a young man while dozens of unarmed police officers stood among them. Two young men holding assault rifles and a woman carrying a sniper rifle guarded them, alongside two other women holding police pistols who looked slightly at a loss.
Zhou Mingyuan, who had been the person in power at this grain depot an hour ago, stood before An Yang like a primary school student facing a teacher.
The conversation had already lasted for several minutes.
"Director Zhou, do you think the elderly His Majesty the Emperor and the honorable council members can survive a virus outbreak, not to mention those pot-bellied ministers and generals?"
"You... the country won't perish so easily. Once the government reacts, your consequences will be severe!"
"Director Zhou, wake up. I don't know about other countries, but over ninety percent of the people in our nation are already dead. Whether you admit it or not, the vast Central Empire has perished! And your life right now is in my hands."
"What do you want?"
An Yang stood up abruptly: "Surrender to me. In exchange, I can let you live and work for me. As a reward, I can give you many things you couldn't obtain before!"
"You want to rebel? That's impos..."
Zhou Mingyuan's words were cut off by a black pistol. An Yang's gaze had grown cold as he continued: "If you refuse, I'll make you a loyal subject devoted to His Majesty and the government, dying to defend His Majesty's grain depot—ah, I forgot, His Majesty hasn't had any authority since two hundred years ago. I should say you died to protect the property of the broad masses of the people!"
Zhou Mingyuan gave a start, stunned for a moment, then lowered his head and