Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Don’t Be Envious, It’s Well-Deserved

The voice from behind them made the expressions of the Lawrence family darken. Her uncle, Evan Lawrence, even subconsciously backed away, afraid of getting caught up in any trouble that might prevent him from entering the military bunker and escaping the cataclysm.

Pamela Sutton, however, couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

’Heh, how amusing.’ 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Everyone stared forward. For a moment, even Joanna Ward, who had been causing a scene earlier, fell silent. All eyes were fixed on them, many people’s faces showing they were ready to watch a good show.

Before long, however, the young soldier finished his report, and Nolan Quinn walked over with a solemn expression.

Seeing the officer emerge, the crowd quieted down, staring fixedly as Nolan Quinn walked over to Sue Lawrence’s family and came to a stop.

Everyone assumed Sue Lawrence’s family would be kicked out of the bunker. But to their surprise, Nolan Quinn excitedly grabbed Vincent Lawrence’s hand and gave it a firm, hearty shake.

"Mr. Lawrence, your Lawrence Group donated half of its assets to disaster relief. The Lawrence Group is a shining example for us all. I’m delighted to welcome you. I will personally escort your family inside shortly."

The moment he finished speaking, everyone was stunned.

’They weren’t being kicked out of the bunker, but personally escorted in?’

The crowd couldn’t help but break into whispers.

"The Lawrence Group? Why haven’t I heard of them?"

"You don’t even know that? The government made a public announcement a few days ago. All the corporations in Stellaport were supposed to donate, right? The Lawrence Group ranked first. They gave the most—half of their assets. A lot of companies didn’t even donate money, just a few useless scraps."

"Oh? *That* Lawrence Group? Well, in that case, they definitely deserve it."

As the whispers spread, the family became a stark contrast to Joanna Ward, who had tried to use money to cut the line. Seeing this, Evan Lawrence and Pamela Sutton stopped hiding. They both stepped forward, rushing over eagerly. "Hey, hey, Officer! We’re all together, we’re one family! We’ll go in together!"

A moment ago, they were so afraid of trouble that they’d hidden as far away as possible. Now that they saw a chance to benefit, they came scurrying back.

Nolan Quinn instinctively glanced at Vincent Lawrence, but before Vincent could speak, Sue Lawrence said coolly, "I don’t know them."

"Sue Lawrence!"

Pamela Sutton gritted her teeth, about to let loose a string of curses, but Evan Lawrence quickly pulled her back. ’There are too many people here,’ he thought, ’and it’s obvious the Lawrences are getting special treatment. Better not to make a scene.’

"It’s fine, brother," Evan said. "You all go on ahead. We don’t mind waiting."

Evan Lawrence forced an apologetic smile and instinctively adjusted his large down jacket. The coat was torn in one spot and smudged with dirt, making him look utterly wretched. Combined with his usual idle, work-shy lifestyle, he lacked Vincent Lawrence’s vitality, appearing old and pathetic.

The physical contrast was the most striking. Even though Evan Lawrence hadn’t said anything incriminating, the onlookers’ minds were already churning with speculation. ’Is this older brother being bullied or something?’

As gazes shifted back and forth, Vincent Lawrence’s expression turned utterly grim. ’I helped my older brother so much in the past,’ he thought. ’I even gave him huge sums of money and never asked for it back, helping him whenever I could. And now he’s kicking me while I’m down?’

"Uncle, the state is fair and just," Sue said. "The Lawrence Group, which my father and brother run together, donated half of its assets. Our family gave money and effort, so this is what we’ve earned. If you can contribute your part in the future and gain recognition, you will naturally receive this kind of special treatment. So, Uncle, I suggest you work hard."

Sue spoke calmly. Just as she expected, Evan Lawrence’s expression shifted, while Vincent and Elliot Lawrence’s faces relaxed. Sue’s words weren’t just for her uncle; they were for the crowd, to prevent anyone from resenting them for their special treatment. Her speech served to put everyone’s thinking back on the right track.

’That family received special treatment because they earned it. If you want the same, you have to work for it.’

Soon, the Lawrence family completed their registration and followed Nolan Quinn through the heavy doors.

The moment they stepped inside, they could feel that it wasn’t quite as cold. It was still frigid, but at least the wind couldn’t get in, and the biting chill no longer seeped into their very bones.

Sue even took off her mask and took a few deep breaths of the cold air. It was still chilly, but not so cold that it would cause frostbite in her mouth or nasal passages. It was a temperature humans could withstand.

"Mr. Lawrence, this way, please."

Nolan Quinn was extremely polite to Vincent Lawrence. Sue subconsciously glanced around. The interior had been renovated almost beyond recognition. Cameras were everywhere. In addition to patrolling soldiers, there were also many types of robots. This place didn’t look like the end of the world; it felt more like a mix of futuristic technology and post-apocalyptic punk. In places where it wasn’t deemed necessary, you could still see mottled, peeling paint on the walls, but any part that had been refurbished shone with the cold gloss of high tech.

She subconsciously scanned her surroundings and was surprised to see an ant at her feet. Without a moment’s hesitation, she lifted her foot, crushed it, and then activated her Skill.

Raider Skill 1: What’s Yours Is Mine.

[Skill Activated: What’s Yours Is Mine. Acquired: Ant’s Pathfinding Ability (You can remember every path you travel, just like an ant, even across a featureless snowfield.)]

’I won’t get lost, even on a featureless snowfield?’

’This Skill is amazing! If the snow gets even deeper and buries all the buildings, I’ll never get lost with this pathfinding ability. I can always find my way back to the base or the mines.’

’This is fantastic!’

[Acquired: Ant’s Perception and Pheromone Communication Ability (Perception is used to sense external dangers; pheromones are used for simple communication, e.g., danger, safe, zombies present, etc.)]

’Great, it’s an evolved version of Perception, with the addition of pheromone communication.’

’This way, if something happens, I can send messages without even speaking. Sometimes, in a critical situation, all you need to convey is a simple danger signal. There’s really not much else to communicate.’

Sue had gained two new abilities, and she was very satisfied.

Meanwhile, Nolan Quinn led them to their temporary quarters.

"This room isn’t large, but it’s the best private unit the bunker can offer. Your family can stay here."

"Thank you!" Vincent Lawrence naturally expressed his gratitude. "We only did what any citizen ought to do. If there’s anything you need help with in the future, please don’t hesitate to let us know."

Nolan Quinn hesitated for a moment before speaking. "This cataclysm is going to last a long time. If our stored supplies run out, the situation will likely devolve into trading labor for food. I just wanted you to be aware of that, Mr. Lawrence."

Vincent Lawrence was taken aback for a second, then quickly thanked him again. With that, the family finally entered the room.

It was called a unit, but it was really just two rooms with no bathroom or kitchen—only enough space for them to sleep. Compared to the Lawrence family’s villa, it was pitifully small. But in a bunker packed with so many people, this was the largest space they could possibly be given.