Natural Disasters Strikes: I stockpiled like crazy! novel Chapter 159

The new awakenings, while offering hope for survival, also brought out the worst in some individuals.

Some, emboldened by their newfound abilities, began using them for personal gain. A group of young men with enhanced speed started using their powers to steal from people under the cover of night. They waited near dark alleys where people carrying supplies passed by, quick as shadows.

Worse still, some of the awakened began threatening their neighbors. One woman, with a minor fire-based ability, started intimidating a local family into handing over their extra supplies. "If you want your house to stay standing tonight, you’ll give me the rest of your supplies," she hissed, flames dancing on the tips of her fingers. The elderly couple, too frightened to resist, handed over everything they had.

It didn’t take long for the soldiers to catch wind of the growing threats.

During a routine inspection, they uncovered a stash of stolen things in one of the apartments, along with the terrified faces of those too afraid to report what had been happening. The young men who had been using their speed to pilfer supplies were caught, and one of them, in a desperate attempt to escape, was swiftly subdued. They were quickly locked up, spending the rest of the winter in a cold jail.

Those who misbehaved for a third time were escorted out of the base with their belongings.

The criminals’ stomachs churned with regret, and they begged for a fourth chance.

The base might need awakeners, but it didn’t need such troublesome people. The soldiers, however, were kind enough to escort them to the commercial district and hand over the offenders’ belongings.

But in these weather, how long will people without proper shelter last.

These incidents were announced as a warning, and as a result, the number of crimes drastically fell.

Nanzhi had listened to the announcement at that time. It’s just a matter of time before this balance breaks.

However despite the warnings, there were still some misbehaving individuals, and the jade exchange point shop attracted its fair share of opportunistic people.

"What do you mean it’s fake?! This top-grade Hetian jade. Smooth, warm to the touch and—"

Feng Ran snorted. "If this is Hetian, then my boots are made of gold. Look at the color. Too uniform. No natural texture."

"But it’s translucent under the light!" the survivor argued.

"So is cheap glass. See this edge? Too sharp. Real jade, especially Hetian, has a waxy luster and a soft rounded finish over time," Feng Ran explained.

"What about this one? It’s a family heirloom!" The survivor handed over another bangle.

"You’re getting warmer, but still off. This is dyed. See the green veins? Too bright. Natural jadeite doesn’t scream, it whispers."

"What was Feng Ran’s job before?" After listening to the short exchange, Nanzhi asked, curious. He seemed far too knowledgeable about jade.

Lin Weihao replied, "He’s the sub-owner of Jade Dragon, responsible for inspecting the quality of imported and exported jade. The Feng family owns some jade mine deposits in the country, and from childhood, he was taught how to appraise them."

A sub-owner of Jade Dragon?

Jade mines?

Nanzhi’s ears perked, and her eyes changed as she looked at Feng Ran, as if seeing a walking jade vault.