Xu Zhi's lips curled up slightly, forming a meaningful smile. "When...did you become 'us'?"

Chuanliu was taken aback at first, but then quickly realized that Xu Zhi's words were not a joke about their relationship, but rather that she had discovered their alliance.

Chuanliu felt a sudden sense of alertness, but she maintained a calm demeanor on the surface.

She walked up to Xu Zhi and said frankly:

"You know? There's nothing we can do. In chaotic times, sticking together for warmth is always more cost-effective."

The latter was not annoyed; instead, he asked with interest:

"Just like you and me?"

Chuanliu didn't hide anything and nodded very frankly.

They are all people seeking survival and profit in this chaotic world, and they choose whoever has higher value.

It's simply a matter of natural selection and survival of the fittest.

Upon hearing this, a glint of admiration flashed in Xu Zhi's eyes.

After several encounters, she realized that the girl in front of her was definitely not an ordinary person like Hong Qiankun or Jia Zuowei.

This is why she trusts her and chooses to cooperate with her.

But deep down, Xu Zhi had to admit that she had lost the sense of control she had long held over Chuanliu.

Wealth, status, and reputation do not seem to be Chuanliu's primary pursuits.

When it's impossible to determine what a person's desires are, that person is often difficult to control.

At this moment, Qian Chuan stepped forward, casually draped an arm over Chuan Liu's shoulder, and teased him with a nonchalant smile:

"It seems I'm not qualified enough to have Mr. Xu seek my alliance."

Xu Zhi chuckled softly, but there was no smile in her eyes. She responded indifferently:

"Brother Qian is a good man. You and Jia are such good friends, how could you bear to hurt him?"

Qian Chuan shrugged, neither confirming nor denying.

"People always have to think about themselves, don't they?"

Xu Zhi did not continue the topic, but changed the subject, saying:

“I told you, I’m not here to cause trouble, so you don’t need to be so nervous. Besides… there are too few people available in the Cube City right now, and dwelling on the past won’t do me any good.”

Her words revealed a sense of pragmatism and composure.

The matter is now settled, and the result is that she won.

There's no point in dwelling on who voted for her and who didn't.

Xu Zhi walked up to Chuan Liu and took out two cards from his pocket.

He handed a "4 of Diamonds" and a "5 of Diamonds" to Chuanliu.

"This is the compensation we agreed upon beforehand."

She made a point of emphasizing the fairness of the transaction, as if she were speaking directly to the money.

Throughout, Zhuiming stood there quietly, like a silent statue, his eyes lowered, lost in thought.

Chuanliu glanced at Zhuiming out of the corner of his eye, and couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

She didn't know if Zhuiming would tell Xu Zhi what had happened before, but it seemed that Xu Zhi was unaware of their relationship with Jia Zuowei.

Jia gave her a "7 of Diamonds" and an "8 of Diamonds" as a token of his trust.

And the fact that she voted for Jia.

Relieved, the girl took the two cards and thanked Xu Zhidao.

Xu Zhi nodded in acknowledgment and continued, "Both Che Yiba and Hong Qiankun are dead, which wasn't part of my plan. Actually, normally, Brother Qian Liu should have succeeded as 'Nine of Diamonds.'"

She glanced at the string of coins, "But you will all become my right-hand men in the future, which puts me in a dilemma. So..."

This time, Xu Zhi didn't take out her own "9 of Diamonds" card, but instead took out two debit cards.

"So I went to the Hearts Casino and exchanged this 'Nine of Diamonds' for cash as quickly as possible. There are $45,000 in each of these two cards, which I'm giving to you."

Seeing the complicated look in Qian Chuan's eyes, a sly smile curled at the corner of her lips, and she added:

"Brother Qian Liu, don't say I'm being biased this time."

It would be strange if they weren't biased.

According to the rules of succession, the money string was originally supposed to succeed "9 of Diamonds".

However, Xu Zhi used a clever trick, replacing the cards with money and splitting it equally between the two.

Given the rarity of the "Nine of Diamonds" on the market, even if there were a second one, it would be impossible to afford even if one spent all one's savings.

"Square 9" has been destroyed, and since then no one has been able to ring the judgment bell and initiate a vote against Xu.

I will nourish my life with your blood.

Kill two birds with one stone.

Of course, there's another layer to this: if the alliance between Chuanliu and Qianchuan isn't solid, then the division of profits could very well cause cracks in their alliance.

Xu Zhi had achieved her goal, and seemingly wanting to further express her goodwill, she affectionately took Chuan Liu's arm and said earnestly:

"I've just become 'Square 10,' and my foundation isn't solid yet. From now on, you and Brother Qian Liu will be my right and left arms. We must work together, understand?"

Chuanliu nodded slightly; she understood what Xu Zhi meant.

Xu Zhi was able to reconcile with Qian Chuan for the same reason.

Xu Zhi will inevitably suffer heavy losses in the battle against Jia. If someone tries to take advantage of her weakness while she is recovering, it will undoubtedly cause her a second major blow.

Therefore, Xu Zhi needs to cooperate with the two of them and use their strength to consolidate his position.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Xu Zhicai left with Zhuiming.

The study fell silent.

Chuanliu spoke first, "Here, take this card."

It was the memory card that contained 45,000 yuan.

Qian Chuan raised an eyebrow. "What? Trying to bribe me?"

Chuanliu: "It was what you deserved, it's just a pity about that card. Can't you really ask Brother Wang Shuo and his Red Heart Casino to change the rules?"

It's so painful to see such a priceless identity token broken like that.

Qian Chuan looked at the girl with disdain, "How dare you talk about others like that?"

Chuanliu gave an awkward smile, as if she had indeed lost quite a few hands...

Qian Chuan accepted the memory card without hesitation.

Seemingly trying to comfort the girl, he said, "Don't overthink it. The 'Nine of Diamonds' is valuable, but it's not important enough to me to break the League."

Qian Chuan understood that the girl was worried that their alliance would create a rift between them.

But he still knew in his heart what was his and what shouldn't have been his.

"Tsk tsk, Brother Qian Liu is so generous!"

Chuanliu made exaggerated expressions, his intention to flatter was obvious.

Qian Chuan shook his head helplessly and changed the subject.

"Xu Zhixuan's appearance at this time is by no means accidental."

"What's the meaning?"

Upon hearing this, Chuanliu immediately regained his composure.

The latter paused, "I haven't confirmed this news yet, and I didn't originally intend to tell you today. The successive deaths of official residents of Cube City have already attracted the attention of the higher-ups..."

In other words, we'll be seeing them very soon.