The players' bets were not small, and the total amount of the entire bet was staggeringly large.
However, compared with winning or losing, almost all the contestants care more about the identity of the mastermind behind the scenes.
Many people have begun to be wary of their surroundings.
"Hey! 'Villain'!" someone shouted, "If you're here, you might as well stand up now!"
Fu Bo also sneered: "Article 845 of the Federal Law stipulates that voluntarily surrendering oneself can be appropriately reduced in sentence. Don't hide it! You can't hide it!"
While the contestants were shouting excitedly, Ren Xiayang ran away and discussed with the expert group for a while.
Not long after, he came back with a smile on his face, holding a computer with a special design in his hand.
"This computer has footage of the entire match. Everyone, please recall the time you were killed, and then go through the footage one by one in the order of the live broadcasts. We'll definitely be able to find the person soon!"
This is such great news!
Everyone thanked Ren Xiayang, and then sat together staring at the computer.
The people who were originally scattered in several huts suddenly gathered together, and the shabby little hut could not accommodate them at all.
Many people were piled up on top of each other like a human pyramid, and some were squeezed outside where the roof could not cover them, but they would rather stand on tiptoe to look inside under the scorching sun than leave.
Jiang Ran found it unbelievable.
Ren Xiayang was not among the people she had cheated?
What on earth had offended him? Why was he at the forefront of the “battle”?
Jiang Ran asked tentatively: "Have you been cheated before?"
Ren Xiayang: “No.”
"Then why..."
"It's not just the victims who can speak out." Ren Xiayang waved his clenched fist and said righteously, "It's everyone's responsibility to eradicate evil!"
"...Yeah." Jiang Ran gave him a thumbs-up. "You have a very high level of ideological awareness."
After being praised by Jiang Ran, Ren Xiayang felt embarrassed.
He secretly glanced at Bai Zhiyong who was squatting outside the shed, and then whispered in Jiang Ran's ear: "Actually, it's mainly for Teacher Bai."
"He was also cheated by that 'villain' before. He was so angry at that time that he ignored me for a long time. Now that I have the opportunity, of course I have to help him get revenge."
After Ren Xiayang said this, Jiang Ran understood.
Bai Zhiyong was the first person she deliberately tricked. The rope she used to build the rope ladder of the tree house was borrowed from Bai Zhiyong.
Now this is retribution.
Fortunately, Jiang Ran had done sufficient preparation.
She never showed her face, and even deliberately changed her voice, disguising herself as a young man. So if anyone wanted to look for the video, they would probably start with this type of person, and she still had enough time to make plans.
However, just as he was about to find an opportunity to sneak away, he was seen by Bai Zhiyong.
He had been squeezed in the outermost circle of the shed and couldn't get in. He was already very depressed. When he accidentally noticed that Ren Xiayang and Jiang Ran were looking at him and talking nonsense, he immediately walked over angrily.
"What were you looking at me for?"
Ren Xiayang stood up suddenly: "We are talking about that 'villain'! Once his identity is exposed, we must torture him thoroughly. How could he dare to do such a shameless thing!"
Bai Zhiyong turned to look at Jiang Ran. She hesitated for two seconds and finally nodded silently.
"You're right, that man is awful!" Bai Zhiyong was also furious. "Digging traps to harm people and stealing everyone's supplies is fine. After all, we're all in a competition, and it's understandable that they'll do anything to win. But he actually wanted to attack Xiao Lanhua! This is intolerable!"
Jiang Ran: “…”
When did she ever have any interest in straw mushrooms?
"Really?" Jiang Ran wanted to clear his name, "But it's useless for him to harm Xiao Lanhua, right?"
Bai Zhiyong was anxious: "What do you mean? Who are you calling useless?!?"
Jiang Ran: "...I mean, even if he takes Xiao Lanhua away, it won't do him any good."
"How can there be no benefit?"
Bai Zhi looked at Jiang Ran in disbelief, as if he was confused as to how this person could say such ridiculous words.
He said, "If the little orchid were taken away, it would have research value on the capital planet and edible value in the rainforest. How could you think the little orchid is useless? Are you kidding me?"
Of course Jiang Ran wouldn't say he was joking. After all, Bai Zhiyong's eyes clearly said:
This is not funny at all.
"...I'm sorry." Jiang Ran gave up on defending himself, "I was the one who spoke too much."
As they were talking, a loud noise came from a shed not far away.
Several people subconsciously looked over there and saw that the bustling crowd in the room seemed to be arguing.
Bai Zhiyong was very concerned about the result of the horse-stealing incident and immediately walked over there.
Ren Xiayang also followed him. After a while, he turned back after finding out the situation.
Jiang Ran carefully analyzed his expression and confirmed that they probably hadn't figured out his identity yet. Then he asked curiously, "What happened?"
"Based on the information we have, we've searched through all the videos of young male athletes, but still can't find anything." Ren Xiayang was also very puzzled. "I don't know how he did it."
Jiang Ran speculated, "Perhaps... he's not actually a contestant, but a native human on Earth, a native of the Amazon rainforest?"
"Hahahaha you're so funny, how is that possible?" Ren Xiayang laughed heartily, "There hasn't been a living person on Earth for years."
"But when things are confusing, the most unlikely answer is often the right one."
Jiang Ran confidently lied, "Where did you hear that there are no living people on Earth? Has the Federation sent a search team to investigate? Have you personally confirmed this?"
Ren Xiayang said, "The Federation did send an advance team here thirty years ago."
He scratched his head. "The news from the federal government is still online. It can't be fake, right?"
Jiang Ran: "...It's okay, just pretend I didn't say anything."
"It doesn't matter." Ren Xiayang waved his hand and said, "We will find out what happened soon."
When Jiang Ran heard this, his heart immediately began to hang in the air again: "What do you mean?"
Ren Xiayang: "Teacher Bai just said that when he was attacked, he felt that the other party's voice was a little strange. He might have been disguised. So relying on the sound to determine the range is not reliable."
"So what are you going to do..."
"Just watch everyone's video according to the time node."
“…”
It's really over now.
The vest can no longer be kept.
Seeing that everyone was once again frantically searching, Jiang Ran knew that he could not wait any longer.
"Then do your best."
Jiang Ran said, "I have something I want to ask the staff, so I'll leave first."
Ren Xiayang nodded.
Jiang Ran waved at him and said, "When you find that bad guy, tell me immediately."
Ren Xiayang promised: "No problem, we will interrogate him together then."
Jiang Ran's heart trembled, and the smile on his face froze a little.
But when she thought about finally being able to leave this troubled place, her mood quickly brightened up again.
Unexpectedly, just after taking a few steps back, Zeng Pei pulled him back.
Oh no, this is also one of her creditors!
Did Zeng Pei discover something? Did she reveal any information just now?
Jiang Ran carefully thought about his actions just now. After confirming that he had said nothing wrong, he cautiously probed: "Why did you pull me? What's going on?"
"It's nothing serious." Zeng Pei waved his hand nonchalantly. "I just wanted to ask if you know anything about that 'villain' they were talking about."
Why ask this kind of question?
Why ask her alone?
Could it be that Zeng Pei discovered some loophole and is just testing it now?
Jiang Ran was nervous and his heart beat faster and faster.
"You're asking the wrong person..." Jiang Ran thought quickly, "I haven't run into that 'villain' yet, so how could I possibly know? If everyone hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have known there was such a person."
Zeng Pei: "That's such a pity."
Jiang Ran: “…”
Jiang Ran: “???”
"He's very good. From setting traps to camouflaging them, he's a master. That's why he's been able to trick so many people, even me..." Zeng Pei sighed, "It's a pity that when I met him, he refused to stay no matter how much I called him. Otherwise, I would have had a good discussion with him about how to make old-fashioned traps!"
Jiang Ran: “…”
Wow, so this is what Zeng Pei thought.
Jiang Ran recalled the original scene.
When Zeng Pei was trapped in the pit, his reaction was indeed different from that of other players.
Not only did he keep asking her questions about the trap, he even asked her to jump into the pit so they could discuss the polishing of the bottom edge and the design of the trapped person's line of sight... But anyone would think he was just stalling for time and waiting for a counterattack, right? How could he believe that she really wanted to discuss the issue?
To some extent, he is truly a talent.
"How about this, you let me go first." Jiang Ran said, "I have something to ask the production staff right now. I'll ask that person for you later."
Zeng Pei asked in confusion, "Don't you know him?"
"I just don't know his true identity, but how many of the contestants here don't I recognize? Maybe he's someone we used to work with in the base?" Jiang Ran said kindly, "Once his identity is exposed, I'll go and help you get involved."
"Thank you so much!" Zeng Pei was very touched. "If you have something to do, go ahead and do it."
"It's just a small matter. You're welcome." Jiang Ran waved his hand. "Then I'll be leaving first."
I wasted so much time and I don’t know how far the vest-removing work in the shed has come.
Jiang Ran controlled his speed so as not to attract too much attention, and then walked quickly in the direction away from the crowd.
The contestants will take the same starship on their return trip, but not the entire production team will be together.
The team of experts specially hired by the program team came here on a small starship contracted separately, and they will most likely not return on the same route as the contestants. As long as she can sneak on that starship before it sets sail, even if she is discovered, the program team will not really abandon her in the vast universe.
"Ah! Got it! It's right here! I have an impression of the environment here!"
"Great! Looks like we've finally found the right path!"
"So the 'villain' really has so many disguises! He's so cunning!"
“…”
There was a noisy sound coming from far away, as if the horse-stealing operation on the other side of the shed had made great progress.
Jiang Ran didn't even bother to control his pace, he walked faster and faster, just like he was participating in a race walking.
"Hey, this seems to be Jiang Ran's live broadcast room?"
"No way? Let me see... Shit! It's actually true!"
"Wasn't she the first one to enter the arena? Why was she still staying outside the rainforest during that time?"
"Look! She's going over there!"
“…”
Help! My vest is really about to fall off!
Jiang Ran no longer restrained herself. She ran at the fastest speed in her life, almost leaving an afterimage when viewed from a distance.
Within seconds, a deafening sound came from a distance, and the sound waves alone were enough to almost blow the roof of the shed off.
"Jiang Ran!!!"
"I'm going to shark you!!!"
After struggling for a long time, he still couldn't escape.
Jiang Ran arrived at the place first and successfully got on the expert group's exclusive small ship. Unfortunately, the ship set off too late and failed to keep the other contestants out.
They even had a thrilling game of chase and hide in the small boat, but in the end, because the venue was too small and there were too many opponents, Jiang Ran was defeated.
hateful!
Jiang Ran was indignant.
Why did she have to go through all kinds of inspections when trying to get in, while other contestants could just barge in so openly?
Jiang Ran didn't know the reason until he was surrounded from all sides and escorted out.
The experts were all in high spirits and were blocking the entrance of the small ship to watch the excitement. The leader even waved to her and said hello.
Jiang Ran: “…”
At least put that smile off your face for a moment?
It's okay to pretend :)
Of course, this is off topic.
What Jiang Ran needs to think about now is how to explain this matter to everyone.
Jiang Ran was "surrounded" by people all the way back to the shed.
Everyone was very "polite" and "friendly" to her and tied her to a chair.
Then Fu Bo took the lead and stomped his foot in front of her: "Humph! Tell the truth!"
Jiang Ran smiled bitterly: "Haven't you all seen the video? What else do you want me to confess?"
"Of course I'm recruiting you, why would you do such a thing!"
"That's right! You're already so good at surviving in the wild, why are you trying to steal our things? Are you bullying us?!"
"Are you doing this on purpose, just to flatter us at the critical moment!?"
“…”
There were too many victims, all vying to ask questions, and Jiang Ran couldn't even get a word in.
After a long time had passed, when everyone's mouths were dry from questioning and the noise had died down a little, she finally found the opportunity to speak.
"I hadn't originally planned to do that... It was only after entering the rainforest that I realized the supplies the production team had given me were all unsuitable. I had no choice but to... find a solution elsewhere."
"Right!" Jiang Ran remembered something. "Look, after I took the supplies, didn't I return them with better ones? It's not pure white whoring, right?"
However, the more Jiang Ran spoke, the angrier the others became.
As the top scorer in the quiz, she received the best and most advanced supplies, yet she said these were inappropriate?
Is there anything inappropriate?
Is it inconvenient for her to challenge herself?
Everyone was almost laughing out of anger.
And when Jiang Ran mentioned "exchanging supplies", everyone was shocked.
"Go to hell! Aren't all the supplies you gave me bad? Haha."
"That's right! Taking our things is one thing, but he even went out of his way to replace them with broken ones. Are you trying to humiliate us?!"
Jiang Ran: “…”
She herself had forgotten about it.
"Bad?" Zeng Pei murmured.
She had originally just stood by and watched the show, but now something suddenly occurred to her: "That time, you clearly didn't receive any alerts, yet you were able to accurately predict that I was in danger and came to save me. Was it because you knew in advance that my supplies were damaged and would sooner or later be in danger?"
"I..." Jiang Ran was speechless. After thinking for a long time, he finally managed to utter a word, "If I said... I didn't know that the supplies were damaged, would you believe me?"
Everyone just gave her death stares.
Their eyes are full of words: guess whether I believe it or not :)
Jiang Ran: “…”
The angriest person was Fu Bo.
Not only did he know that he had been deceived by the culprit, but he even defended her many times when others doubted her, directly or indirectly helping her to clear the suspicion. Looking back on those scenes now, it was really ridiculous!
He was furious and questioned Jiang Ran on the spot why he did this. Is it fun to laugh at his joke?
However, Fu Bo's question suddenly brought back everyone's memories.
That's right! They had suspected Jiang Ran at first. After all, he was able to produce so many high-end supplies, so he had to be the first suspect. However, Fu Bo, as one of the victims, swore that it was Jiang Ran who helped him when he was trapped, so Jiang Ran was definitely not a "villain". In the end, Jiang Ran was erased from the list of suspects.
Once you think in this direction... it's really terrifying!
"Fu Bo, stop pretending."
Someone asked doubtfully, "Are you and Jiang Ran in the same group?"
Fu Bo was shocked: "What? How is that possible? What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Don't forget, it was you who insisted on clearing Jiang Ran of suspicion!"
"That's because..."
"So that's how it is. No wonder Jiang Ran was able to hide until today. He actually has an accomplice!"
“…”
The more everyone thought about it, the more reliable this guess seemed, and their faces became more and more indignant.
"Fu Bo," someone said earnestly, "I originally thought someone as foolish as you... someone so innocent wouldn't lie. Now it seems I was wrong!"
Fu Bo: "..." Don't think I didn't hear what you just said!
"No, wait."
Fu Bo was confused: "I'm really not Jiang Ran's accomplice! Am I not working hard enough to find the 'villain'?"
"I've learned that." Someone else said, "If you want to look innocent, you have to find ways to get into someone else's team, then do one thing in public and another behind the scenes."
Fu Bo was even more confused: "...Are you really talking about me?"
Bai Zhiyong shook his head regretfully. Just as Fu Bo felt a glimmer of hope, he slowly said, "Today I finally truly know you as you are."
Fu Bo: “…”
Fu Bo was almost in despair.
He slowly turned his head to look at Jiang Ran, who seemed invisible from a moment ago: "You have..."
"Congratulations." Jiang Ran interrupted him, "Do you feel what I just felt?"
Fu Bo: “…”
Fu Bo: “???”
"Ah..." Jiang Ran sighed, "It smells like snow in June."
Fu Bo paused: "Are you crazy?"
Jiang Ran ignored him.
Although they are in the same predicament, they clearly each have their own loneliness.
Ugh. What a sad story.
Neither Jiang Ran nor Fu Bo was willing to honestly admit their mistakes, but others had obviously already determined their guilt.
Everyone left them aside and gathered together to discuss the punishment measures for them.
Jiang Ran and Fu Bo were left out for as long as everyone discussed. When they finally finished the discussion, almost half an hour had passed, and it was less than an hour before the program crew's scheduled return time.
On behalf of all the victims, Bai Zhiyong solemnly announced the measures to be taken against the two people.
"Jiang Ran, as the mastermind, bears primary responsibility and is ordered to personally prepare ten meals for all the victims as a small form of compensation. Fu Bo, as an accomplice, bears only joint and several liability and is ordered to be responsible for organizing, coordinating, and providing the services for these ten meals. That's all."
"Wow, so professional?" Jiang Ran sighed, "If I weren't still tied up, I would applaud you."
Fu Bo was furious: "What professionalism? This is simply an insult to federal law... If the federal court were to do what you're doing, it would probably go bankrupt after just a few sessions."
Jiang Ran looked at Fu Bo in surprise. "I want to applaud you, too. I always thought your passion was gaming, but I didn't expect you to have such faith in your profession."
Fu Bo chuckled, but his expression softened considerably.
"Then may I ask whether you two accept your own judgment?"
"……accept."
“…Take it…”
Seeing how reluctant they were, everyone was so happy.
Bai Zhiyong laughed and was about to remind them of some precautions when a huge roar suddenly came from the distance.
Everyone looked and saw a huge starship slowly landing on the ground.
Even though it was covered in dust, it was difficult to conceal the cold and complex mechanical metal texture. That was their return starship.
"Finally I can go home!"
"When I get back to the capital, I have to take a good shower! I stink!"
"Go home, go home! Let's go!"
“…”
"No, wait a minute!" Jiang Ran froze. "Why don't you untie the rope for me first!"
Fu Bo also shouted angrily: "And me!"
"Oh my, aren't you two really that amazing? You can't even untie the rope by yourselves? No, no!"
Jiang Ran: “…”
Fu Bo: “…”
Enough of these people!
Although the starship has arrived, there is still some time before it sets sail, so everyone is not in a hurry and continues to have fun with Jiang Ran and Fu Bo.
However, not long after, the leader of the expert group came from a distance and urged everyone to get on the starship quickly, as they had to count the number of contestants later.
Everyone still respected this person, and stopped making trouble after hearing what he said. Although they were still reluctant, they took the initiative to help Jiang Ran and Fu Bo untie the ropes.
Just as they were about to leave together, the expert stopped Jiang Ran.
Although the others were a little confused, they didn't ask too many questions, and Jiang Ran certainly didn't refuse.
After everyone had walked away, Jiang Ran took the initiative to say, "Thank you for helping me out just now."
"No problem, you're welcome." The expert waved his hand and said, "My name is Zhou Kangbo. Can I add my optical computer communication number?"
Jiang Ran paused, but did not refuse.
Zhou Kangbo said, "I have high hopes for you. If you have any problems in the future, you can come to me."
Jiang Ran laughed this time: "Look at me?"
Zhou Kangbo nodded: "You don't believe it?"
"If you had hesitated a little longer when you stored the program team's information on the computer and gave it to Ren Xiayang, or smiled a little less when they pulled me out of your ship... I might have believed this statement a little more."
Zhou Kangbo laughed heartily: "So you're still mad at me."
Jiang Ran said with a forced smile: "Stop joking. I'm just telling the truth. Why are you being angry?"
"Don't blame me." Zhou Kangbo's eyes curved with a smile. "What has been done will eventually become unconcealable. You can hide for a while, but you can't hide for a while. This knife, it's better to fall sooner rather than later."
"Okay, thank you for putting the knife down for me."
"Okay, okay, I won't talk to you anymore." Zhou Kangbo was frightened and waved his hand with a smile. "Come to me if you need anything next time."
Jiang Ran hesitated for a moment, but finally thanked him sincerely.
It is not that difficult to distinguish between sincerity and falsehood.
After Zhou Kangbo left, Jiang Ran also walked towards the starship where the contestants were boarding.
While they were chatting, the other contestants had already boarded the spaceship, but Zeng Pei was still waiting for her on the ground.
As Jiang Ran approached, Zeng Pei immediately moved forward and hooked his arms around her neck: "Villain?"
Jiang Ran held his forehead helplessly: "Please, can you please not mention these two words? It gives me a headache just hearing them."
Zeng Pei agreed readily: "Okay, now that the vests have been removed, isn't it time to put the old-style trap making that you promised to discuss with me on the agenda?"
"...Okay, ancestor, can you let me on the starship?" Jiang Ran said, "I'm very tired now and want to have a good rest."
The intense competition of the past few days had already exhausted her body. After the repeated changes in the championship position, the ups and downs had also exhausted her spirit. Just when she was finally able to relax completely, she was immediately exposed again...
Too tired.
Jiang Ran felt physically and mentally exhausted and just wanted to have a good sleep.
When Zeng Pei heard her words, he considerately let go of her hand and patted her shoulder.
Jiang Ran thanked him, but stopped after taking only two steps.
"What's wrong?" Zeng Pei asked.
Jiang Ran hesitated for a long time before turning around and saying, "I'm sorry, I really didn't know those supplies were bad."
Zeng Pei said as a matter of course: "I know."
"Do you believe me?" Jiang Ran was pleasantly surprised.
"Why wouldn't you believe that?" Zeng Pei laughed heartily. "During the competition, no one knew how much of a rescue would be decided at the end. If you deliberately stole everyone's supplies to harm them, why would you have saved so many people and worked so hard to build a base? It would have been a thankless task."
"Thank you for believing in me." Jiang Ran was filled with indescribable gratitude. However, after thinking for a moment, he sighed, "But the others..."
“They all believe you.”
Jiang Ran raised his head in shock: "But just now..."
Zeng Pei waved his hand: "It's rare to see you get humiliated. Everyone is just looking for an opportunity to have fun."
"Besides," Zeng Pei smacked his lips and said with a hint of nostalgia, "If not, how could I have gotten ten more meals from you?"
Jiang Ran: “…”
Jiang Ran: "That's too much, my friend."
What kind of people are these???
Seeing Jiang Ran's speechless look, Zeng Pei laughed while holding his belly.
Jiang Ran said expressionlessly, "If you laugh again, you'll never get a free meal from me again in your life."
Zeng Pei was so frightened that he covered his mouth and stifled the sound in his throat, but a smile still appeared between his eyebrows.
Jiang Ran: “…”
"Alright, alright." Zeng Pei stepped forward, put his arm around her shoulders, and led her to the starship's staircase. "Didn't you say you were exhausted? Go and get some rest."
Jiang Ran glanced at her sideways, but finally did not refuse.
The two walked up side by side, and then met Fu Bo at the door of the starship. He was standing right in front of the moving door of the starship, and he was motionless and silent, so Jiang Ran and Zeng Pei didn't notice him.
Fu Bo looked at the two of them with a dull expression, not knowing how much he had just heard.
"so……"
Fu Bo asked bewilderedly, "Everyone knows Jiang Ran didn't really want to harm them... so why did they convict me as an accomplice?"
Zeng Pei hesitated for a long time, then lowered his voice, a little embarrassedly saying, "Maybe I think you believe everything I say, which makes you look cute, so I want to tease you, right?"
"Cute!?" Fu Bo immediately flew into a rage, "How is I cute?"
"Yes, yes, you are not cute." Jiang Ran fanned the flames, "You are not cute at all."
"Tsk..." Fu Bo deliberately lowered his voice, "You don't understand. This is maturity, so I won't bother with you."
After saying that, Fu Bo snorted and walked into the cabin.
Jiang Ran and Zeng Pei looked at his back, looked at each other, and laughed together.
Ten minutes later, the starship set sail.
Jiang Ranhe leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed, intending to have a good sleep on the way back. However, the other contestants around him were still in an excited mood, chattering away, discussing this and that, and arguing non-stop.
Irritable.
Jiang Ran changed direction and adjusted his sitting position.
The optical computer vibrated with a "beep".
After a while, it shook a few more times.
It should be a new message alert, but Jiang Ran was not in the mood to read it.
However, within two minutes, the cabin became quiet and even the sound of a pin drop could be heard clearly.
What's going on?
Jiang Ran opened his eyes and picked up the laptop to take a look.
In the group of hundreds of contestants on Silla’s show, there were only a few pieces of the latest news, and she read them all at a glance.
Zeng Pei: From now until the spaceship lands, anyone who doesn't make any noise will receive a 10% discount on my studio tickets.
【Fu Bo:? Why?】
Zeng Pei: Fu Bo disqualified
【Fu Bo: ……】
Jiang Ran smiled silently, then lay back down with peace of mind.
When he closed his eyes, Jiang Ran thought.
After returning to the capital planet, she had to get rid of the junk contract with the agency as soon as possible.
This way, when the next episode comes, she will be able to be with this group of people without any burden.
In the complete silence around him, Jiang Ran had a beautiful dream.
The author has something to say:
From now on, I will update every day at 9 pm. If there are special circumstances, I will post a leave note in advance. Starting from August 1st, I will update every six days. Thank you for your support~
【Small Theater】
Fu Bo: You all bully me!
Zeng Pei: Baby, that’s because you are so cute!
Fu Bo: Bah! You are PUA!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
