Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 77: Trust

In regard to the “fair competition” proposal, Xu Wang was somewhat confident in Teacher Wei’s team, but he wasn’t sure about Han Buting’s team.

The “forceful breakout” at the amusement park and the “cupid sneak attack” at the villa made it difficult to establish a good impression between the two teams.

Moreover, the lone presence of Chi Yingxue on 6/23, following the events of 3/23, suggested that the atmosphere within Han Buting’s team was probably not great either.

The accumulated grudges were indeed a concern…

“We are on the puzzle-solving line,” Teacher Wei stated earnestly, showing a willingness for peace and cooperation.

With one side declaring their stance, Xu Wang naturally reciprocated.

“We are on the career line,” he said, his gaze sweeping across the room with a calm and confident air.

Wu Sheng, Qian Ai, Kuang Jinxin, Qi Shan: “……”

Lying is easy, but only their team captain could make up such stories with such sincerity, down to every hair on his head.

Han Buting pondered for a while.

Li Xia remained typically gloomy, his eyes hidden behind his bangs, making it hard to gauge his attitude.

The two unfamiliar new teammates, one with a serious and calm demeanor and the other indifferent, also showed no specific inclination.

Only Li Zijin, as lively as ever, nearly desperately signaled his disagreement to Han Buting, but the captain seemed not to notice.

Xu Wang suspected Han Buting’s criteria for choosing teammates were “silent + aloof”.

It must be hard for the energetic young Li Zijin to match the team’s “deep” vibe.

“We are on the joy line,” Han Buting finally said after careful consideration.

His words seemed to relax the tense nerves in the room, at least unconsciously.

Puzzle-solving line, career line, joy line.

True or not, at least there were no overt conflicts on the surface.

A temporary peace agreement was reached between the three teams.

Xu Wang and Dark Circles exchanged glances, seeing familiar and bright smiles on each other’s faces.

It was the joy of a successful deal.

Xu Wang was about to high-five the other team when he was suddenly pulled aside by the collar.

“That’s enough,” Wu Sheng said with an aloof face reminiscent of Han Buting’s team. “In case we end up fighting each other later, won’t it be awkward to remember this closeness?”

Xu Wang was bewildered. “Isn’t your definition of closeness a bit broad…”

“Career line captain, I don’t mean to interrupt your… intimate interaction.” Han Buting finally found a word to describe it. “But could you first help us clear up a doubt? I believe the puzzle-solving line captain has the same thought.”

Xu Wang, still rolling his eyes at Wu Sheng, turned to see that the other two teams hadn’t moved an inch, still not in “search for their own clues” mode. All eyes were quietly on them as before.

Wu Sheng released his grip on his team captain’s collar.

Captain Xu straightened his clothes and composed himself, standing dignified like a proper team captain. “Please speak.”

Han Buting: “Each team has five members. Why do you have six?”

Wei Menghan nodded, adding to Han Buting’s question. “And a team mascot.”

Xu Wang turned to look at his team.

The elderly writer smiled kindly.

Xu Wang held his forehead, having completely forgotten they had an NPC with them, and quickly pointed to the wall. “That’s the painting we mentioned.”

The previously quiet elderly man, as if waiting for this cue, immediately went forward eagerly, his cane tapping a rapid rhythm on the carpet, mirroring his inner urgency.

Once in front of the painting, the elderly man stood still, gazing intently and appreciatively.

Xu Wang, seeing the expressions of the other teams, knew no further explanation was needed and simply said, “Mission NPC.” He glanced at the dog beside Qi Shan. “This one is our defense stationery.”

Wei Menghan had no more questions and turned to his teammates. “Let’s get to work.”

His team dispersed, seemingly ready to conduct a thorough search of the room.

Han Buting also didn’t waste more time and nodded to his team.

They sat down in a circle, ready for their task.

Xu Wang, knowing his destination was the painting and seeing that the other teams had no interest in it, was naturally relieved.

However, his teammates couldn’t help but glance at Han Buting’s team as they walked towards the painting, curious about their formation.

“Are they playing poker for the joy line?” Qian Ai was already standing in front of the painting. He was genuinely worried for the other team. “It’s hard to pair up five people for a game.”

Xu Wang looked at the fire in the painting. “Five-player Fight the Landlord, three against two.”

Kuang Jinxin looked at the kissing couple under the tree. “Could it be Werewolf?”

Wu Sheng gestured at the onlookers. “No, they don’t have enough players.”

“….” Han Buting’s team, trying to focus for the 101^st time, failed.

In such a small room, could they not gossip about others unless they’re in the bathroom?!

Li Zijin resisted shouting but couldn’t stop glaring.

And just as he glared, he met Qi Shan’s gaze.

Li Zijin, unfamiliar with Qi Shan, felt uncomfortable under his stare.

Frowning in warning, Li Zijin glared back.

But Qi Shan kept looking.

Li Zijin became irritated. “Why are you staring at me—”

His outburst disrupted the meditation of his four teammates and also stunned Xu Wang’s team.

The two teams glanced at each other and searched among themselves, temporarily unsure who Li Zijin was yelling at.

Qi Shan was already focused on the painting.

“Don’t get distracted,” Han Buting advised Li Zijin tersely, wanting to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Confused and frustrated, Li Zijin reluctantly closed his eyes again and re-engaged in his team’s “mission line”.

This minor incident didn’t affect the main course of action. Han Buting’s team soon entered a focused state, and Xu Wang’s team also began earnestly searching for clues in the painting along with the elderly man.

After ten minutes, nothing happened.

Han Buting’s team still sat quietly, almost making one wonder if their mission line was “yoga meditation”.

Xu Wang’s team scrutinized the painting until their eyes hurt, but the painting remained unchanged, not even showing signs of the “burning” they had experienced before.

Wei Menghan’s team had it even tougher. While the other two teams remained “stationary”, they practically tore the room apart yet found nothing.

All three teams were at a standstill, but none were willing to give up.

The clues clearly pointed to this room.

“Forget the painting.” Xu Wang changed tactics. “Let’s search the room for other clues.”

His teammates agreed and dispersed evenly: one checked the windows, another flipped the carpet, startling Teacher Wei.

“Why are you also turning the place upside down?” Teacher Wei asked warily, his eyes questioning if this was actually their mission line.

“Our focus is really on the painting.” Xu Wang sighed. “But since the painting isn’t responding, we can’t just hang our hopes on one thing.”

Teacher Wei resonated with his words. “Strange, we also followed clues here, but now we can’t find anything either.”

While the two team captains pondered deeply, the eight team members had already begun a thorough search.

Paper Thin Zhu Mo, and Kuang Jinxin both ended up in the same corner, one knocking on the wall, the other flipping the carpet, in good spirits.

Unburdened by the same concerns as his team captain, Zhu Mo was more interested in gossip and whispered to Kuang Jinxin, “Did you guys have issues with them?”

Nodding, Kuang Jinxin honestly replied, “We met them in 3/23.”

Zhu Mo wasn’t surprised by the answer and teased quietly. “How did you make enemies? Did you trick them too?”

Kuang Jinxin, carefully inspecting the lifted carpet without looking up, replied seriously, “We beat them fair and square. We only tricked your team.”

His tone carried no hidden emotions, just a straightforward answer to the question.

Zhu Mo was caught off guard by the response, especially the unabashed honesty of the latter part, and couldn’t help but laugh.

At the bed’s side.

While Xu Wang was re-fluffing the blankets tossed by Teacher Wei’s team, he occasionally glanced at Qi Shan, who was carefully inspecting the window.

It wasn’t that Xu Wang didn’t trust his teammate, but he had observed for ten minutes that Li Zijin’s “Why are you staring at me” was indeed directed at his own teammate.

Qi Shan would glance over at Li Zijin occasionally, seemingly unintentionally. However, having stealthily watched Wu Sheng countless times in high school, Captain Xu was too familiar with this tactic and could easily discern whether it was “unintentional” or not.

His view was suddenly blocked by a figure.

Looking up, he saw Advisor Wu frowning.

“New team members don’t need to be watched like that.” Wu Sheng had been observing for ten minutes, and it seemed like their team captain was about to glue his eyes to Qi Shan.

Speechless, Xu Wang pulled Wu Sheng close, whispering in a barely audible voice only for the two of them. “His gaze at Li Zijin is off.”

Wu Sheng observed Qi Shan for a few seconds. “Looks normal to me.”

“……” Xu Wang gave up. “Forget it. Just focus on finding clues. That’s your strength.”

After a brief silence, Wu Sheng suddenly asked in a low voice, “What’s bothering you?”

Xu Wang looked at him, puzzled.

“It’s not about Qi Shan,” Wu Sheng said. “You’ve been distracted since we left 1829.”

1829 was the room of the girl with the braided hair.

There, Wu Sheng had deciphered the love letter code.

There, Xu Wang was reminded of the five letters from his home.

And he had been preoccupied with it ever since.

Xu Wang’s heartbeat suddenly became erratic, like a disco. He was surprised that Wu Sheng had been watching him and even more surprised that his distraction was so noticeable.

Worse, looking into Wu Sheng’s eyes, he couldn’t think straight. His lie-generating system was crashing.

After a long struggle, he managed a barely convincing, “I’m not distracted…”

Wu Sheng became serious and a bit stern. “I don’t care what you’re thinking about, but from now on, forget it.”

Xu Wang was startled by this response and froze for a moment.

Wu Sheng softened his tone, but his attitude remained firm. “This is both a challenge and a test. We need to be ready for any unexpected events and finish before all the other teams. Any distraction increases the risk.”

“It would be great if this were an exam hall.” Xu Wang sighed regretfully.

Wu Sheng was startled by the change.

Xu Wang gave him a disdainful look that said “stupid”. “If this were an exam hall and we were on the same team, sitting next to each other, I could just copy your answers. We’d finish in minutes and wouldn’t have to be stuck here, right?”

Wu Sheng: “……”

Reason told him he should retort.

Instinct invited him to come over for a treat.

This treat was called “Trust from Xu Wang”. The candy wrapper was colorful, too pretty to unwrap. Just looking at it could sweeten one’s heart.

Kuang Jinxin: “What is the captain and the advisor discussing?”

Qi Shan: “They’re speaking too softly. I can’t hear.”

Qian Ai: “But the atmosphere seems… harmonious?”

Qi Shan: “Why does that sound like a question…”

“Hey—” Phoenix Eyes couldn’t stand it any longer.

“Got it, got it.” Qian Ai hurriedly smoothed things over, shouting to their captain for the second time, “Captain, advisor—”

This time, they finally pulled those two out of whatever dimension they were in.

When Xu Wang looked up, he saw Han Buting’s team standing up, and Wei Menghan’s team had finished searching. The two teams were distinctly separate, but their gazes were unified, all looking towards them.

Captain Xu understood in a flash. “Ready to go?”

Qian Ai, who was about to explain, was shocked by his understanding…

Han Buting remained silent, only acknowledging with his eyes.

Wei Menghan, however, added a few more words. “We can’t delay any longer. We can’t find it here, so we’re changing locations. If we meet again later…”

Xu Wang understood. “It depends on the situation.”

The ceasefire agreement was set by all three parties, and naturally, a mutual heads-up was needed for its termination.

Otherwise, Han Buting and Wei Menghan could just lead their teams away.

Wu Sheng didn’t pay any attention to the changes in the situation here. Having just finished appreciating the candy wrapper, he was now in a fully energized state, with his mind running uncontrollably like a carousel, clicking and moving like a stampede of thousands of horses. From the moment he entered this situation until now, every minute, every second, every detail had been perfectly recreated.

Human aura truly exists.

Like right now.

Everyone felt the unusual flow of air. It formed the words “wisdom” and “intelligence”, swirling around him with his eyes closed.

“Don’t mind us. Our advisor is going through the files.” Qian Ai politely made way for the other teams. “You can leave this way.”

Just as the two teams were about to step forward.

Wu Sheng suddenly opened his eyes and strode forward, heading straight for the white-haired elderly man in front of the oil painting!

Han Buting and Wei Menghan’s teams naturally split apart, maintaining a safe distance, but they were too curious about Wu Sheng’s next move to leave just yet.

“Please take this.” Advisor Wu took out a small card from his pocket and forcibly handed it to the bewildered elderly man. “The questions have been improved, making it easier to start thinking.”

Xu Wang: “……”

Kuang Jinxin: “……”

Qian Ai: “……”

All this fuss just to hand out a flier?!

Han Buting held his forehead, realizing that expecting this team to break the game was wishful thinking.

“When we asked you the first time, you said you wanted to write a novel about revenge.” Wu Sheng suddenly changed the topic. “But when we found you the second time, you said revenge was just one of the novels you were thinking of?”

The elderly man holding the card slowly raised his head. There was a kind look in his eyes now, mixed with something unusual. “Yes, besides revenge, I have conceived another novel.”

Wu Sheng asked, “What’s the theme? Can you tell us?”

The elderly man replied, “Space.”

A hint of surprise flashed in Wu Sheng’s eyes. He had thought the other theme would be key to their mission, but it seemed he was wrong.

But it wasn’t bad.

Wu Sheng: “Can you be more specific?”

Elderly Man: “The recording and reading of space on a medium.”

Wu Sheng: “Can I understand it as saving?”

The elderly man smiled, his voice gentle and warm. “Do you want to save?”

Wu Sheng’s lips curled up. “Of course.”

Xu Wang, Qian Ai, Kuang Jinxin, Qi Shan: “……”

Han Buting’s team: “……”

Wei Menghan’s team: “You guys must have chosen the VIP route…”

The elderly man tapped his cane on the carpet, and the spot where it touched instantly rippled like water.

However, the two observing teams also moved, each donning their stationery.

Qi Shan’s dog sensed the sudden change in the atmosphere, letting out a powerful bark.

Only then did Wu Sheng come back to his senses, the abrupt change in the situation catching him off guard.

Xu Wang was also confused, but seeing the situation, he roughly understood. “Can only one team save at a save point?”

Han Buting frowned, as if to ask, “You didn’t know that?”

“This level is mostly about exclusive save points.” Wei Menghan’s “friendly explanation” was much clearer, although this “friendship” might be temporarily on hold.

Xu Wang fell silent. Given the current situation, he wasn’t confident about winning against either Han Buting or Wei Menghan. Moreover, while fighting one, he had to guard against the other’s sneak attack.

Should he ally with Wei Menghan first?

As Xu Wang pondered, Wu Sheng also felt frustrated. He was too caught up in the moment, forgetting to be cautious. Having only saved once, their experience was severely lacking, and their analysis of the rules might be biased.

“In the game, everyone can use the save points.” Kuang Jinxin didn’t believe what others said and looked directly at the elderly man for confirmation. “Can you only save for one team? Why is that?”

“There is no why,” the elderly man replied. “For each mission line, only one team can save here.”

Kuang Jinxin frowned. “But our three teams have different mission lines, so why can only one team save?”

“The mission lines are different, so saving does not conflict with each other,” the elderly man explained.

Kuang Jinxin blinked.

The elderly man continued to be benevolent.

Kuang Jinxin turned to Xu Wang. “Captain, I’m a bit confused…”

Xu Wang glanced at the fully armed two teams. “It’s okay. Being confused is better than feeling awkward.”

Han Buting’s team: “……”

Wei Menghan’s team: “……”

This isn’t a VIP line. This is like buying a fast pass…

Without saying anything more, the three team captains put their hands on the elder’s cane to check, and soon the cane emitted a warm light, and the elder nodded in relief. “Different mission lines, can save.”

The cane touched the ground again, and as the ripples spread, the three teams successfully saved.

“Thank you for bringing me to see the paintings,” the elder said to Xu Wang and the others. “Now I have new inspiration and need to go back to create. You can come over for tea again when you have time.”

After speaking, the elderly man left.

The three teams: “……”

Could this exit be any more abrupt!

“Captain!” Li Zijin suddenly stared intently at the spot where they had just sat in a circle. “The Devil’s pattern!”

Han Buting was shocked and immediately led his team over, unable to believe that what they had summoned for so long had just appeared out of nowhere.

“Thump, thump.”

Zhu Mo, who had returned to the corner of the room, knocked on the wall again, confirming his intuition at the end. “Teacher Wei, this is empty.”

Ji Yunlei, the only new face in Wei Menghan’s team, rushed over first, knocked twice, and gave his teammates a confirming look. “It’s definitely here, no mistake!”

A young man in his mid-twenties, with wheat-colored skin, full of vitality, and a wild handsomeness.

Xu Wang could tell at a glance that the two from Han Buting’s team were new members, but this wheat-skin guy was definitely a regular teammate of Wei Menghan’s team, with trust built up over a long period evident in their glances and attitudes.

Wait a minute.

If both their teams had discoveries…

Xu Wang shuddered, looking sharply at his four teammates.

The four teammates nodded solemnly and directed their captain’s gaze towards the painting.

In the painting, the flames became more real.

“Boom—”

Wei Menghan and Ji Yunlei, working together, broke open the wall, and indeed, there was a secret passage.

In the dusty room, Xu Wang raised his hand honestly. “Well, since everyone has found something, we might need to start burning too…”

Han Buting, who was studying the devil’s pattern, looked up. “Burn?”

Wei Menghan turned around. “Burn what?”

The flames in the painting suddenly leaped out, igniting the walls around!

The temperature in the room instantly rose!

Wei Menghan’s team took a big step back in shock. “What the hell?”

They were asking about Xu Wang’s team’s “fire”, but as they spoke, a disheveled woman in white crawled out of the secret passage. When she climbed to the entrance of the cave, she stopped and raised her faceless head.

Wei Menghan’s scalp was about to explode. Unable to think of new words, he repeated, “What the hell—”

“Don’t block us! This is ours!”

Li Zijin rushed over first, followed closely by Li Xia, then Han Buting and the two new teammates.

Wei Menghan’s team was frightened, and Xu Wang’s team wasn’t faring much better.

The fire had already caused panic, and now a ghost too?!

Qian Ai couldn’t stand it anymore. “Aren’t you on the joy line?”

Li Zijin and Li Xia, together, affixed a talisman to the ghost’s forehead, and then, along with Han Buting, who had arrived, quickly arranged a ghost-exorcism formation.

At this point, there was nothing to hide.

Han Buting said, “We are the horror line.”

Zou Jun, or Phoenix Eyes, didn’t care about Han Buting’s line, just asking one question. “Can you get her out first and then deal with it! We need to go through the secret passage!”

Qian Ai: “Even the puzzle line needs to go through the secret passage?”

Wei Menghan gave him a knowing look, “We are in the escape line.”

Qian Ai: “……”

He didn’t understand. What about the basic trust between people?!

Wei Menghan: “Does your career line also need to enter the sea of fire?”

Qian Ai: “Oh, we are in the love line.”

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The author has a message to say:

The three team captain actors express, “What is sharing one’s heart? We don’t understand~~” (～￣▽￣)～

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