Chu Yueru thought that what was on his mind was not much different from what he had said aloud.
She looked at Fan Daoyi, her gaze calm.
"Are you planning to keep questioning the butler?" Fan Daoyi pressed.
Seeing that no one was stopping him, the butler left according to his programming.
Chu Yue quickly gathered her thoughts. Unwilling to expose her mental-type mind-reading ability, she casually lied to him. "No, I was just asking."
"I've always been curious."
"About what?" Chu Yueru replied, her heartbeat quickening a little without her realizing it.
"Have none of you ever doubted your own background and identity?"
"Huh?" Chu Yue was a little puzzled.
"When you received your identities, did you never suspect that you might be the troublemaker?"
Chu Yue's heart tightened, and she frowned slightly. "Why would I think that?"
"Because there's plenty of motive." Fan Daoyi smiled. "It was the same in the guide."
"So you suspected yourself?" Chu Yue decided to turn defense into offense. She looked Fan Daoyi straight in the eye and listened to his thoughts.
Fan Daoyi readily admitted it with a nod, defusing her attack. "Of course. You all suspect me, don't you?"
His tone was calm, and he seemed unconcerned about being suspected.
"Oh, so you do see things clearly." Chu Yue continued subtly fishing for information. The corners of her mouth lifted in a faint smile, making her expression look more relaxed and natural. "Since you're admitting it so readily, you must already have some ideas, right?"
"Would you like to hear them?"
Chu Yue lowered her head and chuckled. She nodded slightly and said, "Sure."
The two chatted briefly there. Chu Yue listened carefully to every word Fan Daoyi said while observing his expression and body language.
After their conversation, Fan Daoyi took his leave of Chu Yue. "May the plan go smoothly."
Chu Yue watched Fan Daoyi walk away. The smile on her lips quickly faded, and she murmured to herself, "What a person shows on the surface and what he thinks inside are surprisingly consistent. Doesn't he ever lie?"
Fan Daoyi likewise sought out the other players and discussed the plan with them.
At that moment, the banquet hall was ablaze with light, melodious music filled the air, and people danced gracefully on the dance floor. Fan Daoyi and Clark stood in a corner, watching the people dancing at the ball.
Clark held a glass of the banquet's red wine and gently swirled it, sending ripples through the wine.
"That's quite an interesting idea of yours. Someone who doesn't exist in the story?" Clark said with interest as she sipped her wine. "But you guessed that answer based solely on what the NPCs said on the surface?"
Clark raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at Fan Daoyi. Her fair fingers brushed his cheek as she teased, "You know, Mr. Unemployed, while we were discussing things at the table, I was thinking of killing you outright."
"Oh?" Fan Daoyi turned his head, avoiding her touch.
Her gaze fell first on the shovel in Fan Daoyi's hand, then rose to meet his in a lingering exchange. Her tone took on a slightly coquettish note. "That shovel of yours really is an extraordinary item. Could you give it to me?"
"Sure." Fan Daoyi tilted his head, agreeing with unusual readiness, a seemingly harmless smile on his face.
Clark brightened, a smile spreading across her lips. She eagerly reached for the shovel.
But before her hand could touch it, Fan Daoyi quickly pulled his shovel-holding hand back. His smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a sly look. "But I prefer an equal exchange. Wouldn't you agree, devious and cunning Miss Olivia?"
"A devious and cunning mental-type ability user"—those were the first words Fan Daoyi had said when he came over.
Clark's expression changed slightly, but she quickly recovered her composed smile, though it was a little strained now. She stepped closer to Fan Daoyi and tilted her head up slightly, the scent of her perfume reaching his nose at once.
"Yes, so are you really unwilling?" Her voice grew even softer, even carrying a hint of charm. "I specialize in mental abilities, so I'm far too weak in other areas."
With a pitiful expression, she showed Fan Daoyi her weakness and spoke of her helplessness and predicament.
"Naturally, I'm willing to give you the shovel, Miss Olivia." Fan Daoyi's tone was sincere. Although he put some distance between them, his gaze lingered on her. "But I also need a weapon that suits me, so I can survive this dangerous banquet."
"What do you need?" Clark's eyes flashed, thinking there was a chance.
"A stick. One that feels right in my hand, and I'll trade you the shovel for it."
"Please wait a moment." With that, Clark turned and left. Her steps were somewhat hurried, as though she were eager to find the stick Fan Daoyi needed.
After Clark left, the lingering look in Fan Daoyi's eyes instantly dimmed. He brushed the powder off his face in disgust. "These players really do trust their abilities. Just what gives them that confidence?"
Clark's identity gave her a great advantage at this banquet. She was a distant noble relative of the duke and also had exceptional looks, making it difficult for members of the opposite sex to refuse her requests.
Before long, Clark walked gracefully through the crowd, bringing Fan Daoyi a cane.
As she handed it over, she deliberately pressed close to Fan Daoyi again. This time, he did not retreat. Instead, he looked down and watched her every movement affectionately, a trace of curiosity and admiration in his eyes. He said softly, "Miss Olivia, I suspect you're doing this on purpose."
"You really are a gentleman, Mr. Unemployed." Clark curled her lips in a smile and tilted her head up slightly, staring directly at Fan Daoyi. "So patient and restrained. Why? I'm actually very willing to be friends with you, for our mutual benefit."
Her words carried a teasing note without losing their intimacy.
Fan Daoyi smiled faintly and naturally handed the shovel to Clark. "It's my honor. So if you need anything else later, you can come to me again."
"Of course." With a charming smile, Clark turned to kiss Fan Daoyi on the cheek.
She closed her eyes slightly, her long lashes casting faint shadows in the light.
"Miss Clark." A voice suddenly rang out, breaking the delicate atmosphere. Sun Ruijie's arrival interrupted Clark.
Perfect timing. It wasn't for nothing that I made a point of mentioning it to Sun Ruijie, Fan Daoyi thought.
Clark stopped herself in time and looked back with a perfect smile.
Holding a plate of exquisite food, Sun Ruijie walked slowly toward Clark.
"Miss Clark, your gaze lingered on these dishes for quite a while just now. I thought you might like them."
Fan Daoyi glanced at Sun Ruijie behind Clark. Sun Ruijie was looking at her expectantly, his body leaning slightly forward. For some reason, the sight made Fan Daoyi imagine the guy behind her wagging his tail at her, doing everything he could to curry favor.
What was the word again? A simp?
It seemed Olivia Clark's charm was quite effective on certain people.