“Are the two of you really that close? Hanging around so openly makes it easy for others to notice.”
Xukesi Number 12’s gaze sharpened.
Although she was looking at Yelena Number 14, her words included Huaru as well.
However, with his thick Hong Kong-accented Mandarin, few could immediately understand what he meant without careful analysis.
“He’s saying you two are too close, and it’s easy to be seen through. Be careful.”
Ragna Number 7 acted as the temporary translator.
Well, Huaru wondered if she was regressing—needing someone to translate Mandarin into Mandarin for her to understand what it actually meant.
“I… don’t know what to do.”
Yelena Number 14 lowered her head, as if admitting a mistake, yet also as if unsure what her fault was.
“Ah, just got stuck with this kind of teammate.”
Ragna Number 7 wanted to punch someone. He shook his head, no longer expecting much from this person.
“If it weren’t for Zheng Wen’s good acting, you’d have been exposed long ago. We almost got killed because of you.”
Ragna Number 7 quickly translated the other’s words into something comprehensible: “He said if it weren’t for Zheng Wen’s performance, you guys would’ve been exposed. A few of us almost died because of you.”
Xukesi Number 12 also started criticizing Yelena Number 14 and took the chance to praise Huaru—not just perfunctorily, but genuinely complimenting the young lady’s acting skills.
The self-introduction from earlier in the day was like watching a live movie scene.
“This problem isn’t too big now. I tell others we’re all in the same QQ group, so it explains why she’s so close to me.”
Huaru sat up straight, chest held high, a stark contrast to her timid and shy demeanor from earlier.
“Since you’re already this close, there’s nothing to be done about it. Just keep being close; don’t spread rumors.”
Xukesi warned firmly, treating Yelena like a child. But Yelena didn’t understand a word and just waited for the translation.
“He said since you’re this close already, just keep it up. Zheng Wen, watch her carefully—don’t let her say anything reckless.”
Ragna Number 7 dutifully took on the role of translator, doing a decent job.
“You should just keep speaking Cantonese.”
Huaru was about to lose it.
She really couldn’t understand this Mandarin at all.
But Ragna understood it, which made the young lady wonder if she had been shut away from the world for months and completely out of touch.
“OK, OK.”
Ragna clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention as the three turned to look. “Let’s talk about the mission intel. Also, who do you think the police are? Who’s suspicious? Give your reasons.”
Ragna’s method was mature—unlike a Japanese high schooler, and especially with his fluent Mandarin, he didn’t sound like a foreigner. But no one had time to think about that; all attention shifted to the task at hand.
“I’ll go first.”
Seeing everyone silent, Ragna spoke up. “I suspect Number 3. In his self-introduction, he said he was a detective, which is very dangerous.”
A spark lit in Huaru’s mind.
She immediately understood Ragna’s meaning and pictured Teacher Number 11 in her head.
(Spoken in Cantonese) “Detective? What’s wrong with that? Are you afraid he’ll investigate the case?”
Xukesi Number 12 seemed unaware of any deeper meaning.
“Ignorance.”
Huaru said coldly, casting a disdainful look at Xukesi before explaining slowly, “If he claims to be a detective, then he must be able to investigate.
It ties to his role. Like how a criminal case calls for the police, a water issue calls for the Water Bureau.
Here, since there’s been a murder, the one with the most authority is naturally the detective. Without anyone able to refute him, he becomes the authority.”
Ragna’s eyes brightened as he picked up the thread.
“Exactly. Right now, two people have the power of speech—Number 1 and Number 3. Both have considerable influence, so tomorrow will be troublesome. They can point fingers wherever they want. We suspect Number 3 because he might not play by the rules. For example, we expect the police to stay hidden, not stand out. But he might be deliberately acting differently, stepping forward and using such a risky real occupation.”
(Spoken in Cantonese) “Then why don’t you suspect Number 1 and Number 10? They also stand out a lot.”
Xukesi questioned back.
“We do suspect them, but personally, Number 3 feels more like it. You and Number 3 are close; tell us what you think.”
Ragna threw the question back.
(Spoken in Cantonese) “We’re not that familiar—just talked a few times. He might have sensed my probing, and I was afraid that if I asked more, I’d expose myself, so I stopped. He’s very cautious and seems quite calculated.”
Xukesi thought carefully and described the man in her mind.
“Who do you suspect?”
Ragna didn’t press the issue further.
(Spoken in Cantonese) “Number 11, the teacher. He doesn’t say much and keeps a low profile. I just find him suspicious.”
Xukesi’s reason was surprisingly simple. But after only one day, it was hard to confirm anyone’s true identity without any actions.
“And you? Who do you suspect?”
Ragna suddenly asked Huaru.
“I suspect everyone. Let’s start with Number 1.”
Huaru shifted her feet and changed posture. “Number 1 has gathered many people—roughly six. We all know the rules: police and civilians alike can only act in self-defense, except…”
“Self-defense?”
Ragna suddenly interrupted.
“You don’t seriously not know that people can kill others in self-defense during this time period, do you?”
Huaru’s eyes held a hint of disdain.
This rule was almost an open secret—how could anyone not understand?
Seeing the three others looking clueless, she realized she was the only one who had noticed this rule.
“Rule 5: During normal hours, no player may kill or restrict others’ movement. The only non-normal hours are midnight to 6 a.m. We all heard the system prompt earlier, right? The rule says no killing during normal hours but doesn’t mention non-normal hours, so clearly, anyone can attack during this time. But normal people can’t leave their rooms then, so this rule effectively permits players to act in self-defense. You can’t even understand such a simple rule?”
Huaru explained deliberately, wearing a superior expression and sounding quite smug.
It made Ragna Number 7 and Xukesi Number 12 grind their teeth, either because they disliked her attitude or because they resented the system.
“You little bitch.”
Xukesi muttered in Mandarin, glaring at Huaru.
It was unclear whether the insult was aimed at her or the system.
Huaru pretended not to hear.
After all, she needed to maintain her composure—how could she stoop to arguing?
That would be against the young lady’s style.
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