Chapter 41 Part 2

Despite the constraints, Jie Jialiang made them colorful, fragrant, and delicious, even preparing milk and whisky.

Only someone of his caliber could leisurely pursue quality of life in an instance.

The other four grew even more deferential, showering him with compliments during the meal.

Jie Jialiang smiled faintly throughout, friendly yet distant, like a serene lake.

Zhong Nian sipped his soup, quietly observing. After scanning everyone, he didn’t forget there was still one person missing from the dinner.

The Masked Man hadn’t joined them, staying upstairs. No one had asked about him, as if it was expected.

Right on cue, as they finished clearing the table, the Masked Man came down and leaned into his previous corner.

“Now that everyone’s here, let’s start voting.” Jie Jialiang sat on the single sofa, leg crossed, holding a half-finished glass of whisky.

His tone was calm, posture relaxed, yet his presence commanded unconscious obedience—even the domineering Bald Man followed his lead.

But Jie Jialiang never fully dominated; he always left room for discussion, asking for and awaiting opinions.

When he said to start voting, he didn’t lead by example or control the flow—he yielded space.

For a moment, they exchanged glances, no one wanting to be the first.

After a long silence, the Bald Man kicked the Skinny Man’s stool, startling him into a yelp. “You, speak first.”

“I… I…” The Skinny Man wiped nonexistent sweat from his brow, eyes darting uncertainly between them—nerves or indecision.

“Hurry up, don’t dawdle!”

Under the Bald Man’s urging, the Skinny Man stammered vaguely, “I… I vote… him.”

The Bald Man barked, “Didn’t eat enough? Speak up clearly!”

Trembling, the Skinny Man seemed to muster courage from fear. He gulped, shut his eyes, pointed shakily, and yelled hoarsely, “I think it’s him! He glanced at me earlier and nearly hooked my soul! So he’s definitely the Devil!”

“…”

Zhong Nian stared in shock, pointing at himself incredulously. “?”

After a brief hush, someone chuckled lowly.

The stagnant Live Stream Room came alive as stunned viewers reacted.

【A sudden big pot smashed my Baby dizzy.】

【So blind, how could my Wife be this handsome and be the Devil!】

【Gotta say, that’s a hard reason to refute.】

【When did Wife look at him? Was it during room assignment?】

【What eyes, I’m going to his live stream to curse him out now.】

【Crawled over from Big Bro Jie’s stream, can’t walk away now. Still time to join Wife’s Lickdog army?】

【Tip 1,000 points to qualify for the fan group. No CP fans allowed.】

Zhong Nian, who had earned a vote for this bizarre reason, felt awkward, unsure how to defend himself.

He opened his mouth, then swallowed the words.

Such a flimsy excuse was probably just targeted at him, the “outsider.”

No need to explain—it would be futile.

The awkward vibe lingered until Jie Jialiang finally spoke. “Alright, Zhong Nian has one vote. Others?”

With a start, the rest followed suit.

The Bald Man declared, “I’m voting the Masked Guy.”

Little Yu from the couple said timidly, “Me too… he’s been weird from the start.”

Her boyfriend pointed at Zhong Nian. “I’m picking him.”

Both Zhong Nian and the Masked Man had two votes each—right as Zhong Nian had expected.

They were indeed grouping up to vote him and the Masked Man out.

“So, Zhong Nian, who are you voting for?”

Zhong Nian played it safe. “Still thinking. Can I vote last?”

If the Masked Man voted for him to save himself, he’d have the most votes.

Jie Jialiang nodded with a smile and turned to the Masked Man. “And your choice?”

Zhong Nian’s heart tightened; he bit his lip, awaiting the answer.

The usually silent man lifted his gaze, his deep eyes landing on Zhong Nian.

Just as Zhong Nian thought he’d name him, a low, husky voice said two other words: “Abstain.”

Everyone froze.

The Bald Man slammed the table. “No way, you can’t abstain! What if everyone does? How do we vote? You’ve got two votes, bro—not worried?”

He’d cast one of those votes himself but stirred chaos anyway, clearly wanting to see Zhong Nian and the Masked Man turn on each other.

Zhong Nian relaxed inwardly and said crisply, “I abstain too.”

Now both he and the Masked Man were tied, leaving the deciding vote to Jie Jialiang.

The Bald Man’s scowl turned excited.

Jie Jialiang’s smile remained gentle and unruffled, unaffected.

A normal person would’ve been cornered.

He stayed composed, swirling his glass, and said slowly, “Abstaining makes sense—it’s only the first day, we’re not familiar. Deciding rashly is unwise. How about…

“Tonight’s doesn’t count. We’ll spend another day together and vote tomorrow. Of course… I’ll stay vigilant tonight. If anyone calls for help, I’ll step in—no one who gave me face will be let down.”

…

And so, the night’s vote fizzled out.

They headed upstairs to sleep, but Jie Jialiang stopped Zhong Nian, who was last.

“Tonight’s situation must’ve been tough on you. Don’t worry—once everyone gets to know you, it’ll be fine.”

Behind the cold gleam of his Silver-Framed Glasses, the handsome man’s mild smile seemed somewhat insincere, hard to read.

Half-jokingly, he said to Zhong Nian, “If you really are the Devil, come to my room tonight. I’ll welcome you eating me up.”