Chapter 33 Chapter 33 A Fair Trade She strolled away nonchalantly with her dog following closely at her side. The man felt a surge of panic as he observed her departure, confusion overtaking his expression. No way! He considered himself intelligent. Early in the apocalypse, he had already gathered from the news that things were more complicated than they appeared. When the zombie outbreak struck his neighborhood, he acted swiftly-slammed his doors shut, kept his entire family secluded in silence, and managed to weather the turmoil. Later, his luck turned again-he unlocked a plant-based ability that allowed him to grow vegetables, securing his family's basic food supply. But vegetables alone weren't enough; while the adults could endure, the children were already showing signs of malnutrition. Still, he firmly believed that the fresh produce he was growing must hold value out there. In a world like this, who else had access to fresh vegetables? B He was convinced-this could be traded! But he hadn't anticipated that Theresa didn't even flinch and simply didn't care. Just as she was about to walk away, the man called out to her, "Miss! What do you need? Money? We have some! Whatever you want-if we have it, we're willing to trade!" That finally made her stop. For the first time, a hint of interest appeared on her face. She glanced toward their house-the 9th Villa. "I want your house," she stated. He was shocked. What in the world?! It's the freakin' apocalypse, and she wants a house? That's not food or clothing! "I'll offer you 500 pounds of rice, 50 pounds of meat, 100 eggs, and ten cases of milk in exchange for your house," she declared. It was a great deal. Before the world collapsed, all of that might not have even amounted to $700-it couldn't have purchased even a single square foot of the property. But now? In this world? That kind of bounty for a house was a bargain. Still, uncertainty flickered across the couple's faces. We could give up the house, sure... but then, where the hell would we live? "Miss, if we sell you the house, can we still live here?" The man adjusted his glasses and appeared to have a notion. His gaze sharpened as he regarded Theresa. "What if we stay on as workers? We'll give you half of everything we grow-every single day. In other words, we'll become your employees!" the man inquired. It was a clever strategy. It's basically like being tenant farmers from the old days... but honestly, it's the smartest move we've got. We don't have to move, we keep a roof over our heads, just give up half the harvest-and best of all, she'll protect us. 1/3 It's clear from the start-this girl is anything but ordinary. It's the smartest move we've made by aligning with her and putting our trust in her. And honestly? It's not a bad deal for her either! Theresa had already set her sights on their residence-no intention of living there, but to incorporate it into her domain. I need support-and with my territory growing so quickly, a lot of it's still wide open and vulnerable. Having this family here to help guard it? Not a bad deal. They're offering half their food every single day, and he's a plant-based ability user on top of that? Yeah, that's definitely a fair trade. In that moment, a mechanical voice resonated in her mind. Beep-new territory residents' allegiance detected. Accepting them will yield +300 territory points and unveil special resident traits! She was startled. Special traits?! "I accept!" she declared without hesitation. As soon as the words exited her lips, an unseen force surged forth, linking her to the three individuals before her. A transformation occurred. David Weston and his wife were suddenly engulfed by a wave of reverence. Though unable to articulate it, as they gazed at her, it felt like looking up at a divine figure-someone deserving of worship. Instinctively, hey felt compelled to bow their heads in submission. Meanwhile, Theresa sensed a peculiar, potent energy flowing through her. She extended her hand towards a box of vegetables cultivated by David, and instantly, the plants thrived, growing vigorously, even faster han when he utilized his own abilities. The couple finally comprehended why she had previously looked down on their crops after witnessing his. He thought, She's got plant-based ability too. And clearly, hers are way stronger than mine. A blend of emotions surged within them-thankfulness, wonder, and a hint of fear. She doesn't need our help... but she still decides to include us. Her kindness is something else-deeper than any cruelty could ever be. Theresa officially acquired their home. At the entrance, she inscribed a large 'Tess' onto the mailbox, marking it as hers. Her territorial map was at last complete-each segment in its rightful place. "From this day forth," she proclaimed, her voice firm, "I am your leader." She provided the couple with specific instructions-they were to remain and manage this section of the 2/3 territory. No outsiders were permitted to intrude. They would cultivate crops, safeguard the land, and in return, she would offer them protection. And if they contributed effectively, she would even reward them. David and his wife were profoundly touched-they nodded eagerly, overwhelmed with emotion. T-This is exactly what we've been longing for. Before the world collapsed or after, it was irrelevant-ordinary people always desired one thing: a secure place to call home, under the guardianship of someone powerful enough to fend off the encroaching darkness. Title: A Tangle of Love (English-dubbed) In "A Tangle of Love," a captivating romance unfolds within a unique observation show where participants navigate intricate relationships, love triangles, and power dynamics. Set against the backdrop of modern-day complexities, this ongoing series delves into themes of reincarnation, revenge, and personal transformation. Follow the journey of diverse characters as they grapple with misunderstandings and emotional conflicts while vying for love and success. As the drama unfolds, one couple emerges from the chaos, showcasing a remarkable glow-up that defies expectations. What sets "A Tangle of Love" apart is its blend of billionaire lifestyles, contemporary romance dynamics, and the allure of second chances. Dive into this enthralling narrative available to read online at CrushReel for a compelling exploration of love's complexities in a world where power and passion collide.