Chapter 19: The Grand Spectacle

Zhang Xiaofan’s decision was not made lightly; he had deliberated deeply. Lately, Zhu Kai’s actions had grown increasingly outrageous, and from the way he conducted himself, his greed for Su Qianqian was unmistakable—a line Zhang Xiaofan would never allow to be crossed.

In truth, if only his own strength was greater, Zhang Xiaofan would have already planned to kill Zhu Kai himself. Yet reason whispered that he would likely not be a match for Zhu Kai.

Early the next morning, the class group chat was abuzz.

Zhu Liwen: Everyone knows my uncle works in the criminal investigation unit. He told me something this morning: a fingerprint was found on Ma Biao.

“Damn, whose is it?”

“Finally! The culprit has been found. Tell us the name, and I’ll kill him myself!”

“It’s Zhu Kai!” Zhu Liwen posted.

Instantly, the group fell silent. After all, Zhu Kai was now the class leader, and no one dared to speak out against him openly.

“If it really is him, who wants to try messaging Bao Lei?”

“What if it’s not? The punishment is death.”

“Yeah, I’d rather forgo the fifty-thousand reward.”

“@Zhu Liwen, you send the message then, since you’re so sure.”

Zhu Liwen: I only said the fingerprint is his; I didn’t say he’s the killer. Oh, and my uncle also said they found Zhu Kai’s fingerprint on yesterday’s victim, meaning he was close to that student.

This revelation sent the entire class into uproar.

“Damn, it really might be Zhu Kai.”

“Where is Zhu Kai, anyway?”

“Probably with Chen Jing.”

Zhang Xiaofan knew that, at this moment, Chen Jing was distracting Zhu Kai under Wang Hu’s instruction, preventing him from seeing the messages. Chen Jing must have already turned off Zhu Kai’s phone, making calls impossible.

Just then, Wang Hu logged in at the perfect moment: Classmates, now is our hour of crisis. You’ve seen Zhu Kai’s recent actions—brazenly claiming to be our leader, which could be tolerated, but he’s also been killing our classmates at will. If this continues, our class will eventually be wiped out.

Page (1/3)

Song Feng: Wang Hu, you’re asking for trouble. Zhu Liwen, everyone knows you’re Wang Hu’s man—who’s going to believe you? Wait till Zhu Kai comes back, you’ll regret it. Hey, where is Zhu Kai? His phone isn’t connecting.

“Brother Song, we can’t reach him either.”

“His phone’s off. He’s probably still sleeping with Chen Jing.”

Wang Hu: @Song Feng, you idiot, you’re still defending Zhu Kai after being cuckolded. Classmates, from what I know, Zhu Kai is the killer. He’s trying to divide us so he can pick us off one by one. We must not let his scheme succeed. Many of you have girlfriends in our class—be careful, or they might end up like Chen Jing.

Song Feng: Wang Hu, shut up.

“I support Brother Tiger.”

“That’s right, Song Feng, if I were you, I’d have fought back long ago.”

“Come on, he practically handed his wife over.”

“He brought the shame on himself.”

These comments came from those close to Wang Hu.

Of course, the classmates wouldn’t blindly trust Wang Hu; most stayed silent. Zhang Xiaofan knew it was his turn—this was what he and Wang Hu had agreed upon.

Zhang Xiaofan: Classmates, if you think carefully, what Wang Hu says isn’t wrong. That day in the classroom, I secretly saw Zhu Kai throw something onto the dead student. I didn’t look closely at the time, but thinking back, Zhu Kai is very likely the killer.

Zhang Xiaofan: Besides, analyzing Zhu Kai’s movements, his behavior is suspicious—especially turning off his phone early in the morning. I suspect he’s preparing to kill. Everyone, be careful today. My analysis won’t be wrong.

“Zhang Xiaofan, are you serious?” a classmate asked.

Zhang Xiaofan: Do I need to help Wang Hu? I’m speaking objectively, for the good of our class, and my analysis is reliable.

Zhang Xiaofan’s words carried weight. First, he and Wang Hu had always been at odds, so classmates wouldn’t suspect he was actually allied with Wang Hu.

Second, Zhang Xiaofan’s repeated successes in the Red Packet Game had earned him admiration—not just from girls wanting to be his girlfriend for protection, but from many students who saw him as an equal to Murong Feng and others. When someone of his stature spoke, trust followed naturally.

This was one reason Wang Hu sought Zhang Xiaofan’s partnership.

Wang Hu knew that even if he and Chen Jing presented piles of evidence, few would believe Zhu Kai was the killer; everyone would suspect Wang Hu was simply trying to suppress Zhu Kai.

Page (2/3)

After all, the two were now like water and fire—one must die for the other to survive.

But when Zhang Xiaofan spoke, things changed. Sure enough, the group erupted.

“Xiaofan’s analysis makes sense. I too feel that ever since Zhu Kai joined, our class has fallen into chaos.”

“Yeah, so many died without reason.”

“Let’s quickly message Bao Lei and claim the reward.”

Wang Hu: Not yet. I’ve invited an expert. With him, Zhu Kai will be dealt with directly. If we make a mistake by accusing the wrong person, it could cost lives.

Wang Hu’s urgency in stopping them stemmed from the fact that the accusation against Zhu Kai was fabricated by him, Zhang Xiaofan, and Chen Jing. If anyone pointed the finger now, their plot would be exposed.

Zhang Xiaofan chimed in: Agreed, don’t send anything yet. Our priority must be safety; after all, what we’ve said is just speculation.

“What do we do then?”

“If Zhu Kai is the killer, what about his many followers?”

Wang Hu: Those of you who side with Zhu Kai, you’ve seen all the evidence posted. If you keep supporting him, after we’re gone, you’ll be next.

Zhang Xiaofan: Exactly. If Zhu Kai isn’t the killer, we’ll accept that. But the fingerprints and circumstances all point to him. You’ve seen the game rules—the killer must murder one person a day, until everyone is dead. If you help him, you’ll die eventually. @Song Feng, what do you think?

Song Feng still hadn’t responded. Zhang Xiaofan knew he must be wavering.

Despite Song Feng’s apparent loyalty to Zhu Kai, Zhang Xiaofan understood he was just a fair-weather friend. Once Zhu Kai showed signs of losing power, Song Feng would be the first to betray him.

This was clear from how Song Feng had tried to curry favor by offering up Chen Jing.

Sure enough, moments later, Song Feng privately messaged Zhang Xiaofan: Zhang Xiaofan, your analysis makes sense, but Zhu Kai’s strength is undeniable. How do you plan to deal with him?

Page (3/3)