Chapter 73: The Spy

"Jian Xi?" Qi Xia thought carefully for a moment, not understanding the meaning of this identity card.

If there was a Jian Xi among the four people, their identities should logically be kept secret. Yet, Di Gou had everyone check each other's identities from the outset and even allowed them to exchange cards. What game was he trying to play?

"Everyone, do you want to exchange identities?" Di Gou asked from behind the hotel counter.

Qi Xia glanced at the cards in everyone's hands, feeling a bit troubled.

He had no idea what the next game would involve, so how could he figure out which identity was the most important?

If the "Jian Xi" identity was meant to disrupt team cooperation, it would suit Lao Lv perfectly.

He wasn't particularly clever, so Qi Xia would have an easier time dealing with him.

But what were the roles of "Fa Xin Ren" and "Shou Xin Ren"?

"Qi Xia, let's swap," Lin Geng said, holding out his "Shou Xin Ren" card. "I don't get what these two identities mean, but based on the names, 'Fa Xin Ren' comes first and 'Shou Xin Ren' second. I'll take the first one, and if you become 'Shou Xin Ren', at least you'll have some room to maneuver."

Qi Xia thought Lin Geng's point made sense.

He did need to be in a "backup" position.

"Alright, let's swap."

The two exchanged cards, so Lin Geng became "Fa Xin Ren" and Qi Xia "Shou Xin Ren".

"Um..." Lao Lv held his card, looking lost. "Mine is... I don't know..."

Qi Xia patted his shoulder and said, "Lao Lv, no matter what the Jian Xi's mission is, just focus on your own tasks. Remember, we're a team, and when necessary, think things through."

Lao Lv nodded as if he understood, and Qi Xia turned back to Zhang Chenze.

She was staring at her "Ren Zhi" card, her clothes still soaking wet. Qi Xia could imagine how cold she must feel.

"Zhang Chenze, are you okay?" Qi Xia asked.

"This 'Ren Zhi'..." Zhang Chenze's lips moved slightly, "Could it be like being 'tied up in a fish tank' or something?"

Qi Xia considered the question seriously and nodded. "That's possible. Do you want to swap with me?"

"No need..." Zhang Chenze shook her head and gave a bitter smile. "Maybe none of you have as much experience as I do. I'm the perfect one to be the 'Ren Zhi'."

Seeing the forced strength on Zhang Chenze's face, Qi Xia didn't know how to console her, so he simply said, "Don't worry, I'll save you."

"I'm not worried about myself, I just hope you don't end up breaking your own hand."

Qi Xia and the others had settled their identities, and the opposing team had finished exchanging cards as well.

Their identities were "Fa Xin Ren" for Green Hair, "Shou Xin Ren" for Gold Hair, "Ren Zhi" for Bald Head, and "Jian Xi" for the only girl in their group.

The girl seemed unhappy with her identity, as if someone had swapped with her.

"Both sides, please line up with your chosen identities," Di Gou said with a smile.

Qi Xia was slightly startled; he noticed that when Di Gou smiled, his facial muscles moved as if he weren't wearing a dog head mask but had an actual dog head.

"First, I'd like to invite the players who drew 'Jian Xi' to step forward," Di Gou gestured invitingly.

After a moment of thought, Lao Lv and the girl stepped out.

"Please give them a round of applause!" Di Gou started clapping on his own.

No one else moved, and the muffled sound of his applause echoed awkwardly.

"First, I must congratulate you both on drawing the identity with the highest survival rate in this game."

"The highest survival rate?" They both frowned at the same time.

"That's right. From now on, due to your special 'Jian Xi' status, you'll be operating within the opposing team," Di Gou explained, gesturing as he spoke. "You have two ways to complete your tasks. First, act as a proper 'Jian Xi' and help your original team win, ensuring everyone's survival. Second, you can abandon your original team and help the new one win the game. As long as the team you're with at the end accepts you, you can survive with a new identity."

Lao Lv processed this and asked, "So, does that mean we're not just 'Jian Xi', but like 'double agents'? As long as we help either team win, we succeed?"

"Exactly. As long as the new team accepts you, you've won," Di Gou said with a nod and a smile.

Qi Xia felt there was a flaw in this rule and asked, "Then why have two Jian Xi? If they're just switching sides, one should be enough."

"Good question," Di Gou nodded. "That's what makes this game so interesting. If a new team wants to accept a 'Jian Xi', they have to abandon the one they sent out. In other words, a team can have at most four members, so it's impossible for both 'Jian Xi' to join the same side."

After hearing this, Qi Xia's expression turned grim.

Indeed, nothing here went according to plan.

So, "Jian Xi" could betray their team?

Before Qi Xia could say anything, Lao Lv turned back and asked, "Qi Xia, you guys won't abandon me, right?!"

Qi Xia stared into Lao Lv's eyes for a moment and countered, "What about you?"

"What would I gain by abandoning you?! I paid for the four 'Dao' tickets," Lao Lv said anxiously. "The winning team gets five 'Dao' each, plus the losers' spoils, right? You all are broke except for that lawyer who has a few 'Dao'. If I help the other side take you out, I'd only get five 'Dao' total, meaning I'd barely break even with one 'Dao' profit after all that work."

Qi Xia nodded and said, "As long as you understand that, it's good. I won't abandon you."

"Then it's a deal," Lao Lv grabbed Qi Xia's hand. "I'll do my best to mess up the other side and help you win the game."

"Hold on." Qi Xia pulled Lao Lv closer and whispered, "There are a few things I need to tell you."

...

On the other side, the girl who was also a "Jian Xi" was troubled by the rules. She went to her boyfriend, Green Hair, and said reluctantly, "What the heck? I have to go to the other team?"

"Don't worry, babe," Green Hair put his arm around her waist. "It's just for show. Those weaklings over there can't beat you."

"You're not going to ditch me, are you?" she asked.

"What are you talking about? Why would I ditch you for that old guy?" Green Hair pulled her closer, their faces almost touching. "In some ways, you're way more important than him."

"You're so shameless..."

After that, the two embraced and kissed without a care for their surroundings.