Chapter 19: The Rules of City of Darkness?
Myra, a psychology major with top grades, understood the dark side of human nature more deeply than anyone else present. What Alex did might seem evil to some, but to Myra, it was actually a form of kindness.
Alex didn't force anyone to do anything. He simply offered his belongings in exchange for certain actions. Everything Darlene and the others did wasn't at Alex's behest, it was their own choice. At least, Alex didn't force anyone to do anything against their will, he gave them the option to choose.
If Darlene had refused to comply out of dignity, Myra believed Alex wouldn't have resorted to violence. In such an apocalyptic world, Alex's behavior was already merciful enough. Being able to follow such a man, Myra considered herself lucky and was glad she had chosen to stand up for Alex initially.
"You're right, there are no born villains, only good people who have turned bad," Alex said, walking up to Myra. He picked her up, tied her up with a rope, and walked towards the door without a glance at the others still kneeling on the ground, begging.
"Alex! I'm your woman now! Aren't you going to take me with you?" Darlene, with a face full of pleading, crawled to Alex's feet like an animal.
"You're mistaken; you're just a plaything to me. However, even if you're my plaything, I don't want anyone else touching you," Alex said coldly, looking at Terry and the others kneeling on the ground. "I'll be back to trade with you after some time."
Seeing a new member join, Li Wan Ning nodded obediently and began to explain the rules of City of Darkness to Myra. These rules were a combination of the requirements set by Alex and her own understanding.
For instance, the first rule Li Wan Ning recited was that Alex must be addressed as 'Master' and his arrangements must be followed unconditionally. Alex was quite satisfied with this first rule, but the second rule left him somewhat speechless.
Li Wan Ning, very seriously and earnestly, said, "Our daily work is to bury bodies and serve the Master. We must find ways every day to make the Master comfortable and happy. You are new here, and I don't know if you have been graced by the Master yet, but tonight, I will personally teach you how to serve the Master in bed."
Myra pushed up her glasses and took meticulous notes in a notebook, as if she were listening to an important lecture from a leader.
Li Wan Ning was pleased with Myra's serious attitude. She walked back and forth, continuing to speak persuasively, "Always remember our status. We are the Master's most loyal servants! Making the Master happy is our greatest honor and responsibility. If anything makes the Master unhappy, even if the Master doesn't punish you, we will all severely punish you."
Shen Tingting kept nodding her head, putting on a mature demeanor, and said, "Wan Ning is the first to be graced by the Master, and I am the second. So, I am your senior. Do you understand?"
"Yes, senior!" Myra nodded earnestly, pushing up her glasses and said sadly, "But I haven't been graced by the Master yet..."
"What? You're a disgrace to us! Tonight, we will definitely help you," Shen Tingting said with a mischievous giggle.
"Okay! Thank you! I will do my best tonight!" Myra bit her lip and nodded seriously...