Her Rebirth of Retribution
Chapter 186 Subjects Of Study

Outside the city, there were many people lingering about, akin to refugees. It wasn't hard to imagine that they must have been driven out by the healthier individuals.

A boy, standing in the corner, was eagerly peering in this direction. Seeing the guards, he didn't dare approach. However, when he spotted Calista, his eyes suddenly lit up. He came running over. "Could you give me something to eat?"

Typically, it's only women who are known to be soft-hearted, hence he took the risk of stepping out, solely for the purpose of replaceing something to eat.

The soldier, assigned to protect them, immediately pointed his gun at him. "Back off."

Seeing that they hadn't killed anyone and had only told him to scram, the boy refused to give up and followed the group.

"My mom's starving. Please, I beg you to give her something to eat. Please."

People kept sneaking glances in their direction as they passed by, seemingly trying to gauge whether the child would survive or not. If he were to die, this group would be untouchable to them. However, if the child survived, they could approach them for some food. The people sitting by the roadside cast longing glances at the passing trucks. If it hadn't been for the intimidating city-goers they had encountered earlier, who had scared them off with their guns, they wouldn't have been so well-behaved now. Calista observed the child who was simultaneously talking and crying, falling down only to get back up and continue following them. Although the soldiers were harsh toward him, they never went so far as to seriously harm him. It was evident they still harbored sympathy for him.

Calista paused, and as she did, everyone else followed suit. It was then that the mixed-race military officer realized that Calista was the one calling the shots. "Come here."

Calista spoke in the local dialect, waving at the boy. A look of surprise and delight crossed the boy's face. He rushed over quickly. Though he was clearly excited, he was smart enough not to clutch at Calista's clothes and instead maintained a respectful distance from her. "Please, could you spare some food? My mother is starving."

The outskirts of the city were populated by the poor, most of whom were elderly, frail, or disabled. They were unable to leave even if they wanted to and were often subjected to expulsion by the city dwellers. Their lives were marked by profound hardship. "People who fell ill in the city were all driven out to the outskirts?" Calista asked.

The boy nodded. "People in the city claimed we'd bring them harm, so they drove us out. Could you spare some food..."

"Are those patients still able to move because they have their loved ones by their side?"

The boy nodded. "Those who can't move have all been burnt to death."

Calista gently patted his head. "If I give you any food now, others will snatch it away later. So, gather the families of all the patients and meet me by the large tree up ahead later. I will distribute food to all of you then." "Really?" The boy, still quite young, accepted what he heard without a shred of doubt.

"Yeah."

"Yay!" the boy exclaimed, then turned around to spread the news from house to house. Meanwhile, Bowen was left in confusion, unsure of what Calista was planning. He said hesitantly, "Ms. Calista, we don't know how many people are here. I'm afraid the food we brought might not be enough."

Calista chuckled. "Just let the local government handle the purchase. The bill is on Kallum. They'll agree to it."

"All right." Everyone scoffed internally. If someone was willing to play the fool, why would they possibly refuse?

The soldiers' expressions softened when they heard the directives from Calista. If they had the means, they too would have wanted to provide some food for these people, for their situation was truly pitiful.

Upon reaching the large tree, Calista ordered for a camp to be set up. She decided not to head into the city just yet. It was easier to gather information outside the city walls.

Some of the people who had stayed

behind didn't believe the boy's words at first. However, when they saw

that Calista and her group hadn't

actually entered the city, but had set up camp instead, they excitedly gathered around, worried they might be too late for food.

Calista instructed the soldiers to maintain order, then had Bowen prepare some food, acting as if she was about to make a charitable donation.

By the time the aroma of oatmeal and pasta filled the air, quite a crowd had already gathered around.

As there were soldiers brandishing guns, they didn't dare to cut the line and obediently queued up instead.

At that moment, Calista surreptitiously poured a vial of medicine into the oatmeal. She then informed the people who came to collect the food that the oatmeal was meant for the sick, as they were weak and frail, and the pasta was for them. These people were all rather obedient. After receiving their food, they immediately ate the pasta on the spot and took the oatmeal with them.

Bowen made a phone call, then approached Calista. "Ms. Calista, I've already contacted the government. They expressed gratitude for our good deeds and also mentioned that they're willing to donate some food as well."

In reality, the local government

.n

might be criticizing them for their unnecessary actions. Those who had food were all healthy individuals, while those without were either patients or relatives of patients They were all considered high-risk groups who had long been abandoned. Yet, since Calista had donated food, they couldn't very well not do the same.

Calista nodded. "I've already added our improved inhibitors into the oatmeal. Although it might slightly affect the medicine's potency, it shouldn't be a big issue. After eating the oatmeal, the patients should feel a bit more comfortable in the future." "You truly are a kind-hearted girl," Bowen said sincerely, assuming that Calista's actions were purely out of compassion.

Calista shook her head. "They are also our subjects of study. We must maintain a good relationship with them. Later, I plan to visit each one to check on their conditions. I'll have to trouble you with the follow-up work here."