You said you were going to make games, how did you become the richest man without doing anything?

Chapter 603

Tang Yin's eyes gleamed with wisdom in the dim light. The current situation was quite dramatic: five candidates, ten voters. If there was a perfect 2-2-2-2-2 tie, the runoff vote would automatically be invalid, and no one would be executed today. He glanced at Xia Hui's sullen face; it was clear she had considered this too, which was why she voted for Xiao Mee without hesitation.

However, a shadow quietly loomed over Tang Yin's heart—given the current situation, the person to be executed seemed to have already been secretly determined. Just then, Gao Zhijie's hoarse voice broke the silence: "—For the final round, cast the same vote as in the previous round."

Damn it! Tang Yin cursed in his heart. This old man is too aggressive. The light from the oil lamp reflected on Gao Zhijie's wrinkled face, making it look particularly gloomy.

"Hmm?" Zhao Gang asked doubtfully. Qin Ming remained silent, his brow furrowed. A flicker of anxiety crossed Gao Mei's pale face. "Even so..."

"Wait! We have to vote again!" Wang Lina suddenly stood up, her bright eyes gleaming with determination. Tang Yin nodded secretly. It seemed that she had noticed the crux of the matter and took quick action.

"Of course!! Otherwise, I - Hualu, can you let me see the voting results!" Qian Jin's voice was a little flustered, and cold sweat was already oozing from his forehead.

Hualu lowered her head and responded timidly, "Okay, okay, no problem." Her slender fingers gently flipped through the notebook.

Tang Yin's eyes quickly scanned the voting record. It seemed Qian Jin had also discovered the crux of the problem. Just one glance at the record was enough to understand: if the votes were cast according to the original number of votes, Tang Yin, Qin Yi, and Xiao Mei would each receive two votes, Hua Lu would receive one vote, and Qian Jin would unfortunately take the top spot. Of course, this dangerous situation could be avoided with a re-vote. But -

"Is it necessary to do that?" Gao Zhijie's voice was as cold as a knife, interrupting everyone's thoughts.

Wang Lina immediately retorted: "Of course it is necessary! Grandpa Gao, otherwise why would we have to vote in the final election!?" Her dignified face was full of determination.

"Lina, did you vote with the intention of equalizing the votes from the beginning?" Gao Zhijie's question was like a heavy hammer, leaving Wang Lina speechless for a moment.

The wind whistled outside the window, as if accompaniment to this awkward moment. Indeed, Gao Zhijie was right. The so-called runoff vote essentially eliminated those with fewer votes and then redistributed those votes to those with more. Therefore, if there were neither a minority nor a majority, only a perfect tie, no one could be elected.

The atmosphere in the assembly hall grew increasingly tense, anxiety and confusion written across everyone's face. The flames of the oil lamps flickered in the cold wind, casting dancing shadows on the walls, as if silently revealing the intrigue hidden behind this vote. Tang Yin's fingers tapped unconsciously on the table, his mind racing, trying to find a glimmer of hope in this complex situation.

Tang Yin's gaze wandered across the dimly lit assembly hall, his thoughts drifting to the unique voting rules of the Hidden Mist Village. Unlike ordinary voting, not only would suspects be stripped of their voting rights, but the entire vote distribution would be altered the moment they were stripped of their voting rights. Even more uniquely, there was no so-called minority in this vote, eliminating the need for a re-vote.

Ten voters could have easily voted the same way they had before. So, what was the point of re-voting? Just as this question lingered in everyone's minds, Gao Zhijie's hoarse voice suddenly rang out, "Have you voted for the Human Camp's victory?"

These words struck like a hammer, hammering down upon the hearts of every resident of the Hidden Mist Village. The flames of the oil lamps swayed violently in the chill wind, and the shadows cast on the walls seemed to tremble with fear. In this small, closed society, risking one's life for the victory of the human camp was an iron rule, an unwavering belief. In this atmosphere, insisting on a new vote would be tantamount to making an enemy of the entire village. Who would be willing to bear such a stigma?

Qin Ming lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously stroking the tabletop. Mrs. Chen Xiang's pale face was covered in anxious wrinkles. Tong Xiaoliang, on the other hand, was uncharacteristically silent, only occasionally letting out a few ambiguous sighs: "...Hmm..."

Tang Yin's gaze wandered between the three people who had voted for Qian Jin. Who would dare change their mind and vote for Hua Lu at this moment? That would be tantamount to openly defecting under Gao Zhijie's pressure. In the silence, Tong Xiaoliang uttered another low moan: "Hmm..."

The entire assembly hall was shrouded in a depressing atmosphere. Everyone understood that there were only two options. Would Tong Xiaoliang change his mind? Just as everyone waited with bated breath, this seemingly innocent young man suddenly broke into a brilliant smile.

"...Ha, that's it. This kind of opportunity is rare. It's such a fun thing~" Tong Xiaoliang's voice was a little frivolous, "Okay, I'll vote for Sister Hualu instead!"

"Xiaoliang!!!" Gao Zhijie stood up suddenly, his wrinkled face twisted with anger, veins exposed on his clenched fists.

"Stop! Uncle Gao!" Zhao Gang rushed forward just in time, using his strong arms to stop the furious old man. The light from the oil lamp danced on their violently swaying figures, casting huge shadows on the wall.

"You know... Xiaoliang has this kind of personality." Zhao Gang's voice was helpless as he tried to calm Gao Zhijie's anger.

Gao Zhijie's voice was low and cold: "...Anyone who does anything that benefits wolves is a traitor to humanity."

"...I know, of course I know." Zhao Gang sighed, a hint of deep meaning flashing in his eyes. "Actually, you know it too, Uncle Gao."

The wind howled outside the window, but the atmosphere inside the assembly hall had subtly shifted. Tang Yin leaned back in his chair, watching this sudden, dramatic turn of events, already having a clear premonition of what was to come. The oil lamp's flame persisted in the tumultuous night, its faint glow a silent witness to this life-or-death struggle.

The air in the assembly hall grew heavier, as if solidified into an invisible boulder, weighing down everyone's heart. The light from the oil lamps flickered, casting mottled shadows on the walls. Everyone's face was filled with fatigue, their eyes unfocused, wishing only for this long, torturous moment to end. An invisible sense of weariness spread through the crowd, like a vast net, enveloping them all.

Zhao Gang rubbed his temples tiredly, his voice apologetic: "...I'm sorry, Mr. Gao, not everyone is prepared like you are."

Granny Rong's stooped figure looked particularly old in the dim light. A resigned smile crossed her wrinkled face. "...I've made up my mind." She paused, then added, "But, Xiao Gao, there's nothing we can do. We all decide who gets hanged. That's the rule." "I understand. Don't regret it." Gao Zhijie's voice was filled with deep resentment, like a sharp dagger piercing everyone's heart. Everyone present fell silent, a subtle sense of guilt hanging in the air.

On the first day, there were no executions. Tang Yin looked at the scene before him, a wry smile forming in his heart. The outcome he had completely denied last time was now brought about by his own hands. Old Man Gao's footsteps echoed across the floor, heavy and slow, as if treading on everyone's heart, before finally disappearing at the door of the assembly hall.

The others also began to stand up, their faces filled with relief, as if they had finally unloaded a heavy burden. At this moment, Qin Ming's sharp face suddenly turned to Tang Yin: "Tang Yin, I have something to tell you later."

"...Okay." Tang Yin forced a smile. He smiled bitterly inwardly, thinking of such a scary scene at the end.

"...Tang Yin, that..." Wang Lina hesitated to speak, her bright eyes flashing with hesitation.

"Mr. Tang Yin... is it convenient for you now?" Hua Lu's voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, but it caused a dull ache in Tang Yin's temples. Oh my, what's going on?

Qin Yi snorted coldly and glared at Tang Yin with hostility: "...Don't think you can show off just because you have a pretty face, you psychopath."

"Is that the case...?" Tang Yin shrugged helplessly.

Tong Xiaoliang had a mischievous smile on his face: "Then talk to me too, you pee-holding guy."

"Don't call me that before this name takes root." Tang Yin held his forehead, feeling a headache.

"Do you want to talk to me?" Mr. Wolf appeared beside him at some point, with a meaningful smile on his face.

"Are you trying to play a prank on me again?" Tang Yin took a half step back warily.

Gao Mei stood aside, bewildered: "What's going on?"

Just as the scene descended into a strange chaos, Zhao Gang's deep voice suddenly rang out, "...It's better not to whisper." His muscular figure intervened between the crowd, instantly interrupting the baffling atmosphere. The wind outside the window continued to howl, as if mocking this farcical ending. The light from the oil lamp cast a deep shadow on his face, making it impossible to discern the expression in his eyes.

Zhao Gang's resolute face looked especially serious in the dim light. His voice was low and penetrating. "No matter how thick the fog is, this is still a small place. Even if you lower your voices, someone will hear you. Whether it's a secret or a conspiracy, it will spread throughout the Hidden Mist Village in less than half a day." He glanced around, a warning in his eyes. "It's best not to discuss matters that cannot be exposed."

"...Thank you for your advice." Tang Yin nodded thoughtfully. Indeed, in this closed environment, no matter who you discuss things with, there's no guarantee that they'll keep the secret. Furthermore, the very act of keeping secrets sows the seeds of distrust between people, not to mention the resentment and suspicion that private conversations with the opposite sex can provoke.

He scanned the various expressions around him, thinking to himself. Who knows, at tomorrow's banquet, someone might use the phrase "Only wolves whisper" as a pretext, and that would be really troublesome. Instead of being secretive, it's better to speak openly and loudly.

At this moment, Mrs. Chen Xiang's voice broke the slightly awkward atmosphere: "Tang Yin, we need to prepare lunch. Can you use a kitchen knife?"

"It's just so-so," Tang Yin shrugged, following Madam Chen Xiang to the kitchen. A damp smell filled the air, and the thick fog outside the window seemed to seep in. The ingredients were mostly leftovers from the morning, and didn't look particularly sumptuous. However, while rummaging through the pantry, they stumbled upon a box of curry sauce, which provided a solution for lunch.

However, this ordinary family-sized box of curry sauce was clearly insufficient for fifteen people. Tang Yin watched as Mrs. Chen Xiang expertly blended the sauce into the pot, adding appropriate amounts of salt and soy sauce for seasoning. A rich aroma slowly permeated the kitchen. Although the resulting curry was thinner than curry udon soup, this impromptu dish unexpectedly garnered enthusiastic reviews when it was served.

Watching everyone wolfing down their food, Tang Yin couldn't help but smile wryly. Perhaps after the intense vote that morning, everyone was exhausted, and being able to eat a mouthful of hot curry rice was a rare comfort. The thick fog outside the window still enveloped the Hidden Mist Village, but at least for this moment, everyone seemed to have temporarily forgotten those unsettling shadows.

Tang Yin gazed at the curry before him, lost in thought. Judging by the familiar way everyone ate it, it was clear the cafeteria hadn't been serving this special curry for the first time. However, this somewhat casual dish probably only appeared on the table during special occasions. He marveled at this unique "Mist Village-style curry" as he devoured the bowl of what looked more like curry porridge.

After dinner, Tang Yin stood by the sink, washing dishes, his peripheral vision obscuring everyone in the cafeteria. Zhao Gang had suggested that everyone should not split up, so despite the crowding, everyone remained obediently in the cafeteria. Only Old Man Gao, with a single word, "I'm going on patrol," left alone.

"Everyone else, stay here. Shout when you come out, or I'll shoot." Gao Zhijie's words, brimming with undeniable authority, resonated in the cafeteria's air. Tang Yin paused for a moment, wondering who would dare venture out under such a threat? Indeed, if they were defeated piecemeal like in their last reincarnation, the consequences would be disastrous. But Old Man Gao's actions were too drastic, and his declaration sounded like a self-destructive declaration, which made him uneasy.

The atmosphere in the cafeteria was surprisingly relaxed. Students gathered together, their faces brimming with youthful energy, and laughter echoed. They chatted about their studies, occasionally letting out bursts of laughter. Wang Lina's delicate face shone brightly under the light as she vividly recounted her experiences outside, drawing nods of delight from those around her. Through the misty windows, one could vaguely see the thick white fog still shrouding the outside, but at least for that moment, the cafeteria was filled with a rare warmth.

Tang Yin looked at this seemingly peaceful scene, but his hands didn't relax at all. Amid the gurgling of the faucet, his mind was racing, trying to detect any possible anomalies in this seemingly ordinary routine.

(End of this chapter)