Chapter 71 Three Questions
Qi Xia's expression darkened slightly, and he let out a weary sigh. "Aren’t you being overly optimistic? I don’t even know how to escape this cursed place."
"Officer Li believed," Lawyer Zhang replied steadily, "that if anyone could find a way out, it would be you, Qi Xia."
At her words, Qi Xia fell silent.
In his life, rarely did things unfold beyond his expectations. He was accustomed to controlling situations with meticulous precision. But ever since entering this twisted realm, he had faced powerlessness time and again.
Here, nothing seemed to follow the careful plans he had always relied upon.
Initially, Qi Xia had devised a bold strategy, intending to {stake his life} in pursuit of {Dào}. However, his plans were swiftly upended by {Terrestrial Ox}, the host of games that could claim the lives of participants.
Then, the traumatic deaths of Qiao Jiajin and Tian Tian unfolded right before his eyes, leaving him with a torrent of grievances, yet he felt utterly powerless to intervene.
He had hoped to collaborate with Officer Li to formulate a plan for their next move, but fate had deemed otherwise, and Officer Li was gone.
‘I find this sense of helplessness in strategizing utterly detestable,’ Qi Xia murmured to himself before turning to Lawyer Zhang. "May I pose a few questions to you?"
"Questions?" Lawyer Zhang contemplated for a moment before replying, "Certainly, as long as they don't encroach upon my privacy."
"What compels you to escape?"
"I..." Lawyer Zhang found the inquiry intriguing. "Even without a specific reason, I refuse to accept a life confined here."
Qi Xia nodded, pressing on. "Do you believe that {killing others for Dào} is acceptable?"
"Killing others for {Dào}..." Lawyer Zhang rested her chin on her hand, thoughtfully considering the question before responding cautiously. "While I acknowledge that this method could be effective, I personally would refrain from such actions. It fundamentally contravenes the law."
Qi Xia pondered for a moment before asking, "Alright, final question... have you ever committed a transgression?"
"Committed a transgression?" Lawyer Zhang was stunned. "Do you mean committing a crime?"
"It has nothing to do with the {law}," Qi Xia clarified, "It’s the kind of {transgression} that alters the course of your entire life, filling you with endless remorse, deep regret—an error so profound that you spend the rest of your life paying for it."
Suddenly, Lawyer Zhang's demeanor shifted; her eyes turned icy as she fixed her gaze on Qi Xia. "What are you implying? How does this question pertain to our alliance?"
Though she refrained from answering, Qi Xia could sense the truth beneath her silence. It appeared that all of this stemmed from the very first game.
"Very well, I understand. Let us act in concert," Qi Xia affirmed, extending his hand toward Lawyer Zhang.
With a hint of suspicion in her eyes, Lawyer Zhang hesitated before gradually extending her own hand, sealing their alliance with a firm handshake.
Observing the exchange, Ole Lu felt a wave of isolation wash over him, as though he were an outsider in this newly formed unity. He recognized that Qi Xia was no ordinary individual; joining forces with him would significantly enhance his chances of acquiring {Dào}.
Resolving to bridge the gap, Ole Lu stepped forward, a big smile on his face. "Since they have been found, is it my time to leave?"
Qi Xia nodded expressionlessly, calmly stating, "Then I won’t see you off."
"Huh?" Ole Lu was taken aback for a moment. "Punk Qi, you don’t intend to keep me by your side?"
"There is no need," Qi Xia replied, turning away to sit down slowly, his focus returning to the lighter in his hand.
Ole Lu stood there in discomfort, wanting to deliver a poignant display of {Reluctant Parting, Forced to Remain}, but the young man before him was entirely unimpressed. What was he to do now?
His gaze shifted back to Lin Qin, his eyes filled with a glimmer of hope.
Yet Lin Qin understood Qi Xia all too well; he would never choose to keep a stranger close. The recent misfortunes surrounding Qiao Jiajin and Tian Tian had stemmed from an outsider named Xiao Xiao, prompting Lin Qin to disregard Ole Lu entirely.
Seeing that Lin Qin remained unresponsive, Ole Lu turned his attention to Zhang Chenze, hoping for a warmer reception from her.
She appeared kind enough, and he thought she wouldn’t be so heartless. Leaning closer, he adjusted the jacket around her shoulders, then said, "Girly, I'm leaving now; you have to take care of yourself, okay?"
What he didn’t anticipate was that Zhang Chenze would prove even colder than Lin Qin. "Sir, your concern is unnecessary," she replied sharply. "Let me clarify: unless it’s an emergency or a medical issue, please refrain from touching me."
"You people..." Ole Lu seethed, feeling a rush of frustration. He wanted to bite back, but he realized there was little more to say; after all, it was he who had insisted on departing.
He had seen others navigate out of uncomfortable situations, but he had never encountered someone navigating themselves 'out of the frying pan and into the fire'.
This time, it was Ole Lu who felt the pangs of reluctance. As he made his way to the door, he glanced back every few steps, only to find that no one was attempting to keep him from leaving. With a blend of helplessness and resentment, he stepped outside.
Just as he was about to leave, an idea struck him, prompting him to rush back and address the group. "This morning, I came across a game that requires a team of four to participate... Are y’alls interested?"
At this, Lin Qin and Zhang Chenze both turned their gazes toward Qi Xia.
He slowly lifted his head, pondered for three seconds, and asked, "What animal?"
Noticing that Qi Xia was genuinely intrigued by the prospect of gaining {Dào}, Ole Lu simply took a seat.
"Heh heh, it’s {dog}!" Ole Lu exclaimed, his enthusiasm palpable. "Their games can confirm the compatibility level of our team, we’ll definitely have no problem with it!"
"Dog?" Qi Xia was momentarily taken aback, then lowered his gaze to reflect.
The {dog} game focused on {team coordination}. Lin Qin and Zhang Chenze were sensible and adept at following instructions, so collaborating with them shouldn't pose a challenge. The only uncertainty lay with Ole Lu.
Qi Xia stared at Ole Lu, his expression complicated, as if weighing the feasibility of a team-based game.
"Punk Qi, what’s with cha? Don’t you trust me?" Ole Lu grew anxious. "I told you, the more critical the moment, the smarter I get!"
"Ole Lu, can you promise me one thing?" Qi Xia asked.
"Of course! Just say it!"
"During the game, adhere strictly to my instructions."
Ole Lu pondered this for a moment before nodding, "Alright, what else?"
"That’s it—just this one thing."
"Ai, and here I thought it was something import’nt!" Ole Lu chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "Don’t worry, Punk Qi; I’ll listen to you when the time comes."
Qi Xia remained unconvinced and added, "I might make some unconventional decisions, but if we aim to win, you must follow my lead."
"Ai, I got it!" Ole Lu nodded with newfound seriousness.
Noticing Ole Lu's serious demeanor, Qi Xia opted not to pursue the matter further. He turned his attention back to Lawyer Zhang, inquiring, "Have you had enough to eat?"
"Yes," she replied, picking up a relatively clean piece of discarded paper and meticulously wiping the grease from her hands.
"I realize this might seem a bit inappropriate, but would you like to change into Officer Li's clothes?" Qi Xia suggested.
Lawyer Zhang paused, glancing down at her soaked attire before looking at the bloodstained T-shirt of Officer Li. After a moment's contemplation, she shook her head resolutely.
"I have an obsession with cleanliness—so I’ll stick with what I’m wearing."