Uncle Wong rushed over, and upon seeing Sun Lianhao and Chen Yong standing behind James Lone, he exploded with fury.

"You two bastards! The beautiful Dale has saved your lives several times, and this is how you repay her?"

Sun Lianhao threw his hands up in exasperation. "Damn it, old man! If I hadn't pulled you yesterday, you'd be missing a leg by now!"

Chen Yong joined in, defiantly facing Uncle Wong. "Wong, spare me the theatrics! I've had it with you old geezers. You all do the least while munching the most! And you still flaunt your former status? Times have changed!"

James Lone watched the exchange with amusement.

Dale lowered her head, deep in thought, trying to figure out how to escape this situation.

An elderly lady seized the moment to step forward. "Young man, my name's Sara, and I'm the mother of the Deputy Mayor of New York City. You want to get to the 910 outpost, right?"

James Lone remained noncommittal. "And?"

The old woman, sensing an opportunity, raised her chin. "If you let me on your car and drop me off at the 910 outpost, I'll hook you up with a position there! I guarantee you'll rise through the ranks."

James Lone chuckled.

Really? This old bat is still living in the past? What guarantees does she even have?

The crowd, noticing his amusement, thought he was intrigued and quickly chimed in:

"My granddad is the director of the National Security Bureau! Just let me on the car, and I'll get him to pull some strings for you!"

"My uncle is a state assemblyman in Miami..."

"My cousin is a chief of staff at the New York City Council..."

James Lone shot a curious glance at Dale.

Wow, this woman saved a bunch of high-profile family members, her ambitions are something else.

Dale anxiously met James Lone's gaze. If he was willing to save these powerful relatives, maybe she'd find a way out.

But Sara, noticing James Lone's interest in Dale, quickly added, "Wangqing, I'm not trying to put you on the spot, but this gentleman looks like he's worth following! Hahaha!"

Dale's eyes widened in disbelief. "Aunt Deng, what are you talking about?"

Others jumped in:

"Dale, the beauty! Unmarried and unattached, you wouldn't lose out following this gentleman!"

"Wangqing, I can see he's quite taken with you!"

"What era are we living in? Just give it a shot and see how it goes. If it doesn't work out, you can always part ways!"

This crowd were all clever folks, hoping to hitch a ride to a better life.

Dale felt as if she'd been struck by lightning. "I admit I had my reasons for helping you, but I ultimately saved you all! You're just going to sell me out like this?"

Some people felt embarrassed, while others retorted loudly, "Dale, you're being too harsh! How can you say we're selling you out?"

"Sticking with this fellow guarantees a better life!"

"Come on, Dale, you can't be selfish. How can you expect the gentleman to dislike everyone just because of your ego?"

Dale felt a wave of despair wash over her. The faces in front of her took on a sickening quality she hadn't recognized before.

"Why! Why! I saved you!"

Everyone laughed, sounding amused. "What do you mean you saved us? Your powers are just a worthless illusion, don't you realize that?"

"We're all in this together."

"A girl who can't lift a finger has quite the attitude, doesn't she?"

"We searched for food, you just sat back and enjoyed the spoils."

"Who asked you to save us? What were you thinking when you decided to intervene?"

"Shut up!" Sara snapped, cutting off the chorus. "What are wrong with you guys? How can you even say stuff like that? We haven't reached the 910 outpost yet!

If Dale gets close to that man and he wants to kill us, it won't be hard!"

The crowd began to realize their mistake, falling silent as they reconsidered their previous words.

Dale was just a woman in her twenties, and they were all used to a life of luxury, accustomed to flattery. When had they ever had to heed a girl's commands?

The tension was palpable as they shifted nervously.

Once the topic was raised, they forgot their decorum.

Dale stared at the familiar faces, feeling like she was seeing them for the first time.

James Lone regarded Dale with interest. "So what's it going to be? Are you coming back with me, or do I have to tie you up?"

Dale bit her lip hard, "I'll go with you, but those two have to die!"

She pointed an accusatory finger at Sun Lianhao and Chen Yong.

Both men froze in shock. "Brother! Don't listen to her!"

"Big brother! I really want to stick with you!"

Suddenly, James Lone seized Dale by her collar, his icy voice sending shivers down her spine. "Dale, do you want to dictate what I do?"

Dale's face paled. This man was nothing like the others she'd encountered; he could turn on a dime!

"No, I didn't mean it like that. I just..."

"Hmph!" James Lone tossed her aside, sending her tumbling to the ground. Sun Lianhao and Chen Yong breathed a sigh of relief, their hatred for Dale deepening.

James Lone appraised the crowd. "My car can only fit two more people. You decide who they'll be."

Sun Lianhao and Chen Yong's faces lost all color.

The group exchanged glances, understanding the naked provocation—it was clear what he was doing.

Yet, they found themselves in an inescapable position...

They cast wary glances at one another, the atmosphere thickening with tension.

Suddenly, Chen Yong whipped around and delivered a knife-hand strike to Sun Lianhao's neck.

Squelch!

Blood sprayed high into the air.

Sun Lianhao clutched his neck as he collapsed, choking and gasping for air, blood pouring from his mouth and nose.

Chen Yong's actions seemed to flick a switch.

Chaos erupted among the group.

Clubs, wrenches, and stones became weapons.

Screams echoed.

Dale watched in stunned silence.

These people, whom she had fought so hard to save, were now turning on each other, mercilessly brutal, each more ferocious than the last!

She had thought they might be a bit underhanded, but this was beyond her wildest expectations.

A chill ran down her spine. If she obstructed their path due to a conflict of interest, would they treat her this way too?

As she witnessed the hellish scene unfold, reason provided her with an answer. But her heart could not accept it as she cried out, "Why! Why are you making them fight each other?"

James Lone remained calm. "Did I say anything? I merely informed them there were only two seats left. They chose to fight amongst themselves."

Dale stared at him in horror, the man was terrifying!

Minutes later, only two battered figures remained, one of whom was Chen Yong. Both looked toward James Lone with desperate hope.

"Sir, can we two go?"

James Lone casually responded, "Oh, I forgot to mention, Dale counts as one of the seats too."

The two men stared, dumbstruck.

Then, they quickly resumed their struggle.

Half a minute later, one more had fallen.

Chen Yong was the last one standing.

He was bruised and bleeding, struggling to meet James Lone's gaze. "Sir, can I go?"

James Lone glanced at Dale, looking amused. "This man's fate is in your hands. Do you want to save him? It's up to you."

Chen Yong immediately turned to Dale, his eyes filled with a desperate longing for life. "Dale, please save me! I was crazy just now; I promise I'll never betray you again!"

Dale's hands trembled.

She could actually decide someone's fate?

She had considered allowing Chen Yong to get in the car, but remembering his betrayal made her conflicted. She whispered, "No, don't save him."

Chen Yong froze, cruelty and resentment flooding his features, his voice turning to a roar of rage. "Dale! You're so ruthless! I swear, even as a ghost, I won't let you off!"