“An ‘absolutely safe participant’…”
Bai Yang pondered for a moment before saying, “This one is a bit more abstract. After I become an ‘Earth-level,’ I’ll make this ‘participant’ my direct liaison. I’ll share all the inside information I know with them, pool resources to ensure their survival, and in theory, they could become the person in the ‘Land of the End’ who knows the most truths. But in return, they’ll have to work for me. It’s that simple.”
After speaking, he glanced at us, raised two fingers—one on each hand—and added, “Two paths, each suited for different directions… Of course, you can refuse, and I’ll keep searching for other suitable candidates.”
Seeing that Zhang Qiang and I remained silent, he stared at Zhang Qiang and added, “Oh, and those who become ‘Interviewers’ as ‘Zodiacs’ will permanently gain ‘Brute Strength.'”
“Permanently…?” Zhang Qiang blinked, seemingly tempted, but he said nothing.
The two paths Bai Yang laid out indeed led to entirely different directions.
If one chose to become a ‘Zodiac,’ they wouldn’t need to worry about ‘striving’ at all—they could simply wait. Whether it took years, as long as Bai Yang eventually became the ‘Ruler,’ they’d be freed.
Moreover, since ‘Zodiacs’ had a high probability of dying in each cycle, time would essentially fast-forward for them, with only one day’s memory retained per cycle.
No matter how many years Bai Yang needed, the waiting time for someone who chose to become a ‘Zodiac’ would only be a tenth of what it would be for someone who chose to become a ‘participant.’
On the other hand, choosing to be a ‘participant’ meant relentless effort—constantly absorbing new knowledge, growing stronger, and facing unknown dangers from both other ‘Zodiacs’ and fellow ‘participants.’
Though Bai Yang offered two choices, their destinations were the same: ‘eternal safety.’ Given that, who would pick the more arduous path?
Well, of course—me.
If ‘escape’ wasn’t possible here, I’d have to adopt the same life goal as in the real world: becoming stronger.
Staying in the interview room, living the same repetitive life, just wouldn’t do. I wouldn’t grow stronger—I’d stagnate.
So, if Zhang Qiang and I agreed to Bai Yang’s proposal, I’d choose without hesitation to become the ‘absolutely safe participant.’
It was a choice that left me with ample room for retreat.
From two perspectives:
If Bai Yang succeeded in his rebellion and became the ruler, as he claimed, I’d be exceptionally powerful by then—strong enough to serve as his ‘elder statesman,’ managing affairs on his behalf. Knowing many truths and being a true powerhouse, I’d likely be highly valued, securing better opportunities.
On the other hand, if Bai Yang failed, I’d lose nothing. I’d still be a ‘participant,’ just as I was now—but stronger. Armed with knowledge of the truths here, I’d be better equipped to handle challenges. If Bai Yang fell, I could align with the next strong faction, forge powerful alliances, and turn this place upside down.
No matter how I looked at it, agreeing was a solid choice.
“I accept the partnership,” I declared firmly. “Let’s do this together.”
“Oh?” Bai Yang instantly brightened. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I nodded. “I’ll be the ‘absolutely safe participant.’ Tell me what I need to do.”
“Wait… Zhi Chun, you…” Zhang Qiang turned to me, his eyes betraying reluctance toward Bai Yang’s offer.
“Qiang, if we keep hesitating, we’re the ones wasting time,” I said.
“But you’re being reckless! This could define our future paths—how can you decide so quickly?”
“I’ve been considering it for ten days,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “Ever since Bai Yang first mentioned ‘partnership,’ I’ve been thinking about it.”
“You…” Zhang Qiang fell silent for a moment. “I don’t think I’m ready… I’m not good with people. I work better alone.”
“But you have no other choice,” I told him. “Once I leave this place, you’ll be trapped here forever.”
His head dropped heavily, as if realizing the gravity of the situation.
“Qiang, even if you survive the ‘Liar’s Game,’ it won’t matter. ‘Bamboo Shoots After Rain’ can’t block spears from all directions alone.” I sighed. “Right now, with me here, I can at least control other ‘Zodiacs’ to form a four-direction ‘bamboo shoot’ defense. But if you’re alone, will they help you?”
“That’s exactly why you should think carefully!” Zhang Qiang protested anxiously. “How many times have we even met this Bai Yang? What if he’s lying to us?”
“You must’ve noticed Bai Yang is taking a huge risk too,” I reasoned. “Why would he come here just to deceive us? What do we even have that’s worth scamming?”
“Well…”
He wavered again after my words.
“Whether you agree or not, I’ve made my decision,” I said. “I’m becoming the ‘absolutely safe participant.’ It’ll save me a lot of exploration time.”
Bai Yang then turned to Zhang Qiang, employing his refined psychological tactics: “No need to feel pressured. Someone else’s choice doesn’t affect you—just follow your own instincts. After all, I’ve already achieved half my goal. Even if I have to restart in another room, the workload is halved.”
I silently translated the subtext of his words, gauging how aggressive they really were.
Essentially: *”One of you has already decided. My time is limited. If you refuse, I’m leaving.”*
“I know not everyone can trust me, and I can’t trust those who hesitate. You’re free to refuse—I won’t force you. After today, you can go back to doing whatever you want, just like before.”
The underlying message: *”If you keep hesitating, even if you agree later, you’ll lose my trust. You’ll be stuck in your old, aimless life.”*
Bai Yang was indeed clever—wrapping his aggressive propositions in seemingly neutral dialogue, steadily dismantling psychological defenses.
And now, by siding with him, I’d backed Zhang Qiang into a corner: *Cooperate or perish.*
“Fine… If Zhi Chun’s in… then so am I…”
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