Chapter Twelve: The Intent to Kill

To attempt something like this with almost no experience… As a shut-in, even one obsessed with philosophy, how deeply could I possibly understand human nature? What could I do? Only my best. Only observe, analyze, explore, decide—barely, vaguely sense the direction ahead, and do what I can along that path—who knows when things might go wrong, when problems will arise, or when everything will collapse!

Yet, all I can do is pretend to be brimming with confidence, act as if everything is under control. Otherwise, those around me—and even myself—will be the first to fall apart… Ah! My head is about to split open!

—Wang Luo

August 15, 1993, 8:28 p.m.

A phone booth by the side of Nost Street, 7 kilometers north of the rendezvous point

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“Has the plan changed? Or was this always the plan?”

Zhu Cunjia appeared utterly calm. After watching the program on Channel One with Tang Xiaoxiao, he parked the car in a deserted corner, found a phone booth, called the TV station, and then contacted Wang Luo.

“The plan… can’t keep up with changes. This is a great new idea I came up with on the way. How about it? Isn’t it better than the original?”

“What do you need me to do? Keep tossing gold onto the streets?”

“If it’s convenient, you might as well drop some gold and cash at all Umbrella’s warehouses and offices too, that would be nice.”

“Understood.”

Zhu Cunjia quietly hung up the phone. Judging by Wang Luo’s tone, it didn’t matter if he cooperated or not; either way, it was fine.

It wouldn’t affect what had already happened.

It was infuriating. For Zhu Cunjia, who had survived over twenty scenarios, being treated this way by a newcomer made him uncharacteristically angry.

He opened the phone booth door and shrugged at Tang Xiaoxiao beside him. “Looks like we’ve both been played.”

His tone remained calm. That calmness came from confidence in his own abilities, from the demon cards he had already used and was about to use since arriving in this scenario, and from his experiences and understanding of this cruel world.

He had been through countless battles; what was that kid to him? Just a naïve rookie!

Kill him, kill him. Kill him!

No, not so fast. The traitor card has already been used—killing him wouldn’t bring any punishment, but what would be the benefit?

He had sacrificed so much maximum life not just to vent his anger. Besides, if he killed him, what would Yang Wentian and the others think?

But still! Ha! He really wanted to! He could barely hold back from snuffing him out before he grew into a threat.

No! He had to restrain himself. Using demon cards was all about doing the right thing at the right time. Otherwise, he’d end up like those other players he’d seen, dying in agony.

Wait, after all these scenarios, why would a few lies still make me want to kill someone? Haven’t I already learned to act for my own interests? After so long, am I still not mature enough?

Adjusting his mindset, he reconsidered his current situation.

He needed to ensure two things: 1. Survival; 2. To maximize his gains on the basis of survival.

It was a tough situation.

Normally, the scenario would steer them toward combat. In battle, they’d meet many natives—some with quests, some who’d drop good loot when killed. That rhythm had held true in past adventures.

But this time? The citizens hadn’t become zombies yet, so killing them was pointless; there were probably mutants outside the city, but they couldn’t get out; and until time ran out, there was no way to enter the Hive.

What if—what if that person wasn’t a rookie… What if he’d used some item to alter the scenario, or continued here from a prequel scenario?

Then it wouldn’t be about killing him—it would be about guarding against him coming to kill me.

What’s his next move? How strong is he? Does he have permission to use demon cards defensively? Does he know I used the traitor card?

This was the worst-case scenario. For the first time since entering, Zhu Cunjia felt true fear.

If it were true, he’d instantly go from hunter to prey. The danger of the traitor card, along with its double rewards—if that guy was a veteran and suspected he’d used the card, half his life would already be lost.

No, it won’t be like that… He’s just a rookie. I’m just scaring myself… There aren’t that many experts, and what are the odds I’d bump into one?

As Zhu Cunjia was wrapped in fear and confusion, Tang Xiaoxiao beside him was also undergoing many changes.

It was clear now that Wang Luo was not as upright as he appeared. Whatever he’d said to her at the start, or later at the café, must have been calculated.

In other words, he’d been testing me all along.

He knows what I loathe? Her body trembled. What does he want?

Calm down, calm down. Telling herself this, she managed to regain a little composure.

The situation wasn’t too dire. Even if Wang Luo was stronger, Zhu Cunjia wasn’t weak either. Things wouldn’t necessarily go his way. People might riot for a while because of this incitement, but it wouldn’t last. The company would give an explanation, and people would...

Ha! But maybe there would be no explanation. He said he would hide gold inside the company. Once the maddened crowds started finding gold everywhere, things would only spiral further out of control.

Tang Xiaoxiao had seen this kind of thing before.

So that’s why he suggested robbing the bank. Who knows what his next move will be?

It’s still early. It’s not time to decide yet.