God's Imitator

After lunch, Lu Bingjun returned to the second floor, intending to take a brief rest in his room.

But when he arrived at the door, he found Qin Cheng waiting for him.

Among the few players participating in the game, Qin Cheng ate the least and quickest.

Lu Bingjun initially thought it was due to excessive fatigue resulting in a lack of appetite, but now he realized perhaps Qin Cheng did it deliberately, aiming to speak with him privately.

"Let’s go to the third floor."

Without saying much, Lu Bingjun went with Qin Cheng to the third floor, finding a small room without anyone else.

"Do you have something very important to tell me?" asked Lu Bingjun.

Qin Cheng’s expression appeared slightly hesitant, as if he had not yet completely made up his mind.

However, after a brief consideration, he still asked, "Brother Lu, I want to ask a question, of course, you don’t have to answer.

"Was our community’s proposal to judge the Imitator because you already have a clear suspect, or is it just that ’something must be done’?

"In other words, perhaps this proposal is merely to make everyone feel that we’re taking action, not ignoring the Imitator, and incidentally to have a deterrent effect.

"In reality, is it not intended to be actually implemented?"

The question was somewhat sharp, and clearly, it was difficult for Lu Bingjun to immediately provide a clear answer.

After pondering for a long time, he responded quite candidly, "If other players asked, I would say it this way:

"’This proposal is mainly to scare the Imitator, making him more restrained, thereby creating a safer environment for everyone within the community.

"’Just like the existence of the death penalty can effectively deter potential criminals.

"’Of course, this proposal is not without basis; I do have suspects within the community, but I don’t want to incite panic or disputes, so even if there are some signs and indications, I prefer to stay quiet for the time being.’

"But you’re different, after all, you are a core member I recognize, so I can speak the truth on this matter.

"I indeed do not have a very clear suspect."

Qin Cheng nodded: "Brother Lu, thank you for your honesty.

"Being a new player who joined the Walkway in the second stage, it is truly something I am grateful for, that you recognize and accept me.

"Therefore, no matter what happens within the community, I will stand by your side, wholeheartedly and without reservation.

"Similarly, regarding some of your plans, I will also do my best to cooperate."

Lu Bingjun nodded with satisfaction, "Yes, I know.

"You performed very well in this game; no matter what happened during the game, you were witnessed as the leading core by everyone, with Yao Yuan merely assisting.

"During the post-game review tonight, remember to claim a bit more credit for yourself; regarding other matters, I will try to arrange them well for you.

"The community can almost have a fourth game core now."

Qin Cheng slightly bowed his head, "Thank you, Brother Lu, I will definitely continue to work hard in the future."

Initially, Lu Bingjun thought Qin Cheng asked this matter just to strengthen their relationship and subtly suggest elevating his status within the community, so the conversation would be about wrapped up here.

But very soon, Qin Cheng changed the topic.

"However, Brother Lu, I do have a suspect now."

Lu Bingjun felt somewhat surprised, but his expression still turned solemn, slightly lowering his voice, "Who?"

Qin Cheng hesitated for a moment again, "Although I also lack concrete evidence, but...

"I suspect Uncle Zheng."

Lu Bingjun was even more shocked: "Zheng Chunhua?"

Qin Cheng seriously confirmed once more, "Yes."

Lu Bingjun needed to make this confirmation because he felt quite surprised; evidently, in his initial assumption, Zheng Chunhua was not within the realm of possibility.

Yet, he did not rush to deny this point, but instead said, "What basis do you have for this judgment?

"Pointing out an Imitator is a significant matter; if it’s formally pointed out within the community, there could be a ’false accusation backfire,’ and once the voting result becomes official, there’s no room for regret.

"Qin Cheng, I know that although you are young, you are steady in handling matters and considerate; saying this should have accounted for possible consequences.

"But still, I must remind you: be cautious."

Qin Cheng nodded, "I understand this point, hence deciding to privately mention it to you first, listen to your opinion.

"If you think it makes no sense, then forget it; I won’t bring it up to anyone else."

Lu Bingjun was silent for a moment, "Alright, go ahead."

Qin Cheng briefly organized his thoughts, "Actually, before this game, I hadn’t suspected Uncle Zheng much.

"Because Uncle Zheng truly hasn’t been very visible within the community, others’ impressions of him are essentially of a diligent, agreeable person.

"His behavior in the ’Pain Game’ and ’Prison Factory’ also appeared just like an ordinary player, honest and compliant.

"Within the community he basically doesn’t speak, even after we set up the proposal, his speeches hardly touch on the game’s core content, merely expressing harmless words from his own feelings.

"Therefore, based solely on his performance within the game and the community, Uncle Zheng seems impeccable, perfectly fitting the image of an ordinary player.

"It’s absolutely impossible to associate him with the vile S-Class Imitator."

Qin Cheng paused, continuing, "And the reason I suspect him is mainly due to the following reasons.

"Firstly, let’s temporarily set aside the case of Wei Changfeng’s death, and only consider the death cases that occurred within our community in the second phase: Deng Xiao and Wen Wan.

"Both of them were staunch supporters of you, Brother Lu; the Imitator targeting them involves merely two possibilities:

"The first possibility, the Imitator wants to indiscriminately kill all players within the community, yet in that case, he should also target people on Ye Lin’s side.

"The second possibility, the Imitator is a player closely connected with Ye Lin, whose aim is to gradually cut off your wings, thus weakening your influence within the community, and gradually taking over.

"Because Deng Xiao and Wen Wan’s deaths actually have multiple impacts on you:

"You’ve lost strong support, being at a disadvantage in specific proposal votes;

"You failed to protect those two, causing others to question your abilities, which also threatens your position within the community;

"Furthermore, regardless of whether you propose the ’Community Judgment Proposal,’ it’s wrong. Because not proposing it makes you seem timid and lacking in leadership; yet proposing it makes you appear overreactive, exploiting the situation to expand your power within the community.

"Therefore, I’m more inclined towards the second possibility, this dangerous Imitator is actually in Ye Lin’s hands, as she is the biggest beneficiary."