Important Matters

"Isn't it obvious? This is God's miracle! A truly perfect heaven!"

Su Xiucen, the middle-aged woman who had been excited all along, spoke impatiently as she prayed devoutly.

"Here, we are all equal;

"Here, there is no oppression, no danger.

"We can freely exchange for unlimited food. This is God's blessing!"

The neatly bearded man in formal, well-tailored clothes gave a scornful laugh. "Heaven? A miracle from God?

"Are you sure there's no danger here?

"The rules already made it very clear: food, clothing, housing, and transportation here all have to be exchanged with Visa Time.

"Besides, there's also that judicial institution called the 'Promenade.' People really can die during its trials!

"Our identity, put nicely, is that of players. Put bluntly, we're lab rats being used to test the rules of the game."

Lin Sizhi remembered that he was No. 6, Wang Yongxin, the owner of a startup company.

Another man, who looked exceptionally old, with dark skin and countless wrinkles on his face, retorted, "So what? Wasn't the original world dangerous too?

"This place may be dangerous as well, but everyone is equal here."

No. 10, Ding Wenqiang, fifty-three years old, was a delivery driver.

Su Xiucen immediately chimed in, "Exactly! For ordinary people, a world where everyone is equal is naturally a perfect heaven.

"But that might not be the case for a big boss like you.

"After all, nobody here is going to work for you."

The remark was clearly hostile. Wang Yongxin's face darkened, and his expression turned visibly unpleasant.

"Hmph. Before long, I'll still be richer than you. Do you believe that?"

Seeing the conflict between the two sides growing sharper and showing faint signs of spiraling out of control, many people seemed at a loss.

Fu Chen hurriedly clapped his hands softly. "All right, please calm down a little, you three.

"Sorry, that was my fault. I didn't establish a speaking order or agenda.

"How about this? I suggest we speak in numerical order. Five minutes per person, okay?"

Cai Zhiyuan, the programmer in a plaid shirt, shook his head. "Compared to taking turns speaking, I prefer a more efficient method of discussion.

"I think the moderator should first give a summary, establish the topics that need discussion, and keep the discussion within a certain framework.

"Then, anyone with strong opinions can raise their hand and add to it.

"Those without opinions can simply remain silent."

As soon as he said that, quite a few people nodded. "Right, that would be better."

Cao Haichuan, the relaxed and mature-looking criminal investigator, smiled. "I also support putting efficiency first. After all, I'm hungry."

The programmer, Cai Zhiyuan, continued, "I suggest that Fu Chen serve as the moderator and give the summary."

The others also nodded. "Agreed."

Clearly, as an online streamer, Fu Chen had considerable eloquence, and his earlier remarks had proven that he possessed some hosting ability.

After considering it for a moment, Fu Chen nodded somewhat sheepishly. "All right. Thank you for your support.

"Then let's tentatively settle the agenda as follows:

"I'll take about ten minutes to summarize and analyze the problems we currently face, then raise several key issues.

"After that, we'll take a break and see what kinds of food or supplies can be exchanged here.

"We'll reserve an hour for eating and free time.

"The formal discussion of those issues will take place after dinner. What do you all think?"

Everyone nodded. "Agreed."

Cai Zhiyuan stood up and handed over a notebook and pen. "I found these in the library reading area earlier."

Fu Chen took them. "Thanks, this is a huge help."

He quickly scribbled several lines in the notebook, then organized his thoughts as he got down to business.

"First, based on the information we currently have and the rules announced on the big screen, we can roughly determine that we are in a supernatural world that science cannot explain.

"This place is called the 'New World,' and it consists of two parts: the 'Community' and the 'Promenade.'

"Many of you may have the same doubts as me, wondering, 'Am I already dead?' or 'How can I escape and return to the original world?'

"But I think that, from a rational standpoint, it would be best for us to accept reality for now and live according to the rules here.

"If, during future exploration, we happen to discover a way back to the original world, we can consider it then."

Fu Chen paused slightly. Seeing that no one objected, he continued, "Of the three main rules displayed on the big screen earlier, the one that concerns me most is the rule related to the 'Promenade.'

"Because these games are Death Games in every sense of the word. We may earn Visa Time from them, but we may also die in them.

"So, there are three main problems we need to solve right now:

"First, we need to determine the Community's prices and make sure we can survive in the New World.

"Second, we need to examine the rules related to the 'Promenade' games as soon as possible. If we encounter a 'trial,' that could improve our chances of survival. Of course, it would be even better if we could use certain methods to expose the hidden criminals.

"Third, within the Community, we can propose new motions. These may determine our future way of life.

"If we can put forward better motions, we can give the entire Community greater cohesion, or benefit everyone through better division of labor.

"Those are the three issues I believe should receive top priority based on the current situation and the rules we know. Does anyone have anything to add?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Player No. 3, Li Renshu, smiled and praised him. "That was a very thorough and appropriate summary."

Lin Sizhi remembered that her original profession had been civil servant. Her appearance made it obvious as well: there was almost no trace of makeup on her face, and she gave off a neat, capable impression.

Fu Chen looked toward Cao Haichuan and Lin Sizhi again.

Cao Haichuan smiled. "No objections from me."

After thinking seriously, Lin Sizhi also nodded slightly. "Mm, it was very thorough. Even if there are other problems, they aren't things we can figure out in a hurry."

Fu Chen looked at the others. "All right, then let's stop the discussion here for now. Everyone, go sort out dinner first."

The group instantly relaxed and went off to exchange for food.

There was a dedicated supply exchange area in the hall.

It contained machines similar to Vending Machines, with a clear list of all exchangeable supplies displayed on them.

After scanning a visa, the charge could be processed.

However, what was deducted was not money, but "Visa Time."

There were many such vending machines. Lin Sizhi approached one of them and quickly scanned the list.

[The unit of price for all supplies is Visa Time.]

[Ingredients and fruits:]

[Potatoes 400g: 10 minutes]

[Eggs x8: 10 minutes]

[Chicken wingettes 500g: 25 minutes]

[Cola 300ml x6 cans: 10 minutes]

...

[Prepared meals:]

[Egg fried rice: 30 minutes]

[Tomato and egg rice bowl: 45 minutes]

[Braised Pork Stir-fry: 1 hour 20 minutes]

[One set of Roast Duck: 2 hours]

[10-inch Durian Pizza: 2 hours]

...

There were many items on the list, but they were basically all daily necessities.

There were prepared meals, fresh ingredients, fruit, drinks, cigarettes and alcohol, as well as clothes, shoes, and so on.

But there were no products such as mobile phones, televisions, or cars.

Lin Sizhi frowned slightly as he looked at the prices of these supplies.

Yang Yuting, Player No. 11, who was choosing beside him, said in surprise, "So cheap!"