Lease Territory to Lin Chen?

"Darling, aren't we running?"

Inside a residential complex somewhere in Australia, a woman asked.

Many people in their complex had already fled. Less than half remained.

"Where can we run to?"

"We don't have houses or relatives in the countryside. The United States is our ally, and it'll join the war. If we stay home and wait a few days, maybe we can get through this."

"We have enough food to last more than a month."

The woman's husband comforted her.

"But—"

Worry showed in the woman's eyes.

She considered herself fairly attractive, and they had a beautiful daughter, though she was only twelve.

"No buts."

"This isn't the era of World War I or World War II. Modern warfare is cruel too, but it's far more civilized by comparison. Running around everywhere might put us at even greater risk."

The man reassured her.

"All right."

The woman nodded helplessly.

Half a day later, East Sakura Country soldiers arrived at their complex.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Suddenly, someone pounded hard on their front door.

"Open up, or we'll break in. If it comes to that, don't blame us for getting rough with you."

Someone outside said in broken English.

Trembling, the man opened the front door.

Several East Sakura Country soldiers barged in arrogantly.

"All of you, come out. Bring your valuables and all your food. You'll be placed under centralized management!"

"Hide people or supplies, and die!"

One of the East Sakura Country soldiers barked.

The mother and daughter emerged from the closet, shaking with fear.

The moment the soldiers saw them, their eyes lit up.

"You, go into that room!"

The soldiers drove the man into a room, then took the mother and daughter into the other rooms.

Very soon, the man heard sounds that filled him with rage.