God's Imitator

Huang Shengjie was somewhat surprised, even though he had roughly guessed beforehand that Brother Zhang would vote against it, he hadn’t expected such a firm stance.

Brother Zhang explained in a matter-of-fact tone: "I know, the Imitator is very dangerous, and from the current situation, there certainly are Imitators in the Community, and it’s very likely there are one or two S-Class Imitators.

"But even so, I don’t want the Community to pass such a proposal.

"Call me a coward or say I’m deluding myself, but I’d rather be killed by an Imitator in the game than scare myself to death."

Huang Shengjie felt even more surprised: "Brother Zhang... you’re even more determined than I thought."

Brother Zhang waved his hand: "It’s not about being determined or not.

"Just seeing things clearly.

"In this damn place, most people will die, it’s just a matter of sooner or later.

"Are ordinary players counting for fewer deaths than the Imitators? Not necessarily.

"Just like the Community 23 you encountered in the game, Zhao Heng’s harm to other players far exceeded that of the Imitators.

"That being the case, I feel that dying at the hands of a player or an Imitator is essentially no different.

"Unless I see evidence that cannot be refuted no matter what, I would tend to maintain the status quo and make no changes."

Huang Shengjie couldn’t help but feel a bit moved, even though he didn’t entirely agree with Brother Zhang, he was sincerely touched.

Players with such firm will, regardless of their strength or correctness, still have a certain charm in this damn place.

Huang Shengjie nodded: "Uh-huh, I’ll also vote against it."

Brother Zhang didn’t care: "You can vote however you like, I don’t care how others will vote or the final outcome; I just vote according to my own true thoughts."

Huang Shengjie asked again: "So, have any other players come to you about this matter before?"

Brother Zhang nodded: "More than one, but my answer was always the same."

Huang Shengjie didn’t inquire further, as Brother Zhang’s stance was already very firm.

This attitude might be true or false, but Huang Shengjie had no ability to discern, and regardless of true or false, he felt he had no ability to change Brother Zhang’s mind.

Since that was the case, it might be better to spend time on other people.

...

Huang Shengjie strolled around the Community twice and then found Zhou Wanlin in the kitchen.

Although some players in Community 2 cook, they usually buy directly from vending machines.

After all, the vending machine’s food tastes good and saves time and effort.

It’s true that buying raw materials and cooking can save a lot, but since they are veteran players, they don’t really need to nitpick over a bit of visa time.

But that doesn’t mean the kitchen isn’t used at all; for instance, Zhou Wanlin often uses the kitchen to do some baking, sharing cookies or cakes she makes with everyone.

"Sister Wanlin, have you decided how you’re going to vote?"

While trying to assist Zhou Wanlin, Huang Shengjie asked casually.

Zhou Wanlin seemed a bit torn: "Ah, I really haven’t decided yet.

"Actually, I did have some thoughts, but... more than one person talked to me about it, and I feel like they all make reasonable points, so now I can’t make up my mind.

"Currently, my thoughts are leaning towards... voting against it?

"I can’t give a good reason, I feel both sides could convince me, but instinctively, if I’m hesitant, it means deep down, I actually don’t want to.

"So, let’s vote against it first."

For Huang Shengjie, this was good news, though he still pressed: "But Brother Lu already said that if it doesn’t pass this time, it won’t be brought up again within 2 months.

"What if, by then, the Imitators become more rampant and start killing people?"

Zhou Wanlin seemed stumped by the question, pondering for a while: "What can we do then? We’ll deal with it then.

"I feel like Lu Bingjun’s words aren’t 100% unchangeable, if by then everyone in the Community unanimously wants to pass the proposal, can he really say no?

"I think not.

"So it’s not necessarily a missed opportunity that won’t come back; he’s more like using it as rhetoric, so it’s not worth taking too seriously."

Huang Shengjie nodded: "Yes, that’s also how I see it, it seems our thoughts are very close.

"Sister Wanlin, do you know about others’ attitudes?

"For example, Aunt Geng?"

Zhou Wanlin shook her head: "I don’t know, I haven’t talked to her. I think she can vote however she wants, it wouldn’t be surprising either way.

"Actually, players like us on the edge don’t have much influence on such proposals; whether something big happens or not generally doesn’t affect us.

"I think voting based on the first feeling is fine."

Huang Shengjie nodded quietly: "Mm, indeed. Thank you, Sister Wanlin, I’ll go ask the others."

After they chatted a bit more, Huang Shengjie finally left the kitchen.

Brother Zhang and Zhou Wanlin’s attitudes brought him a lot of peace of mind.

Though what they told him might not be true, and could still change before the final vote, it was still quite a good start either way.

...

Huang Shengjie found Lu Qi looking somewhat idle in the library area.

"Have you decided how you’re going to vote?" Huang Shengjie asked.

Lu Qi was a bit surprised: "Me? I don’t know, but everyone should vote for it, right? I should vote in favor too.

"I think there are plenty of smart big shots in the Community, if they want to pass the proposal to catch Imitators, they must have a plan, and they need to implement it after passing the proposal.

"I don’t understand anything, shouldn’t make trouble for them by intentionally voting against it, should I?"

Huang Shengjie instantly felt invigorated.

It was evident that within the Community, there was a player even more inexperienced and marginalized than him, and that was Lu Qi.

All the things Huang Shengjie had previously pondered privately could finally be put to use now.

"This matter isn’t as simple as you think.

"Let me help you analyze it, you don’t need to decide based on my ideas, but at least you should understand the situation and follow your own true thoughts."

No one else was in the library area, so Huang Shengjie began explaining things simply to Lu Qi.

Lu Qi, listening in confusion, looked somewhat interested and seriously listened, nodding frequently.

...

This day felt longer than any of the previous days.

After lunch, most players returned to their rooms to rest.

Having chatted extensively with Lu Qi during the morning, Huang Shengjie was also a bit tired, and after a nap, he had brief conversations with Zheng Chunhua, Geng Yuxia, and Shen Bowen.

Overall, most players thought this proposal, whether passing or not, was on the fence; clear opposition like Brother Zhang was uncommon.

But also, almost no one expressed clear support.