Chase Game

"Alright, let's get down to business. If we finish this quickly, we can go back and have lunch."

After taking a sip of water, Zhang Haiping put down the cup and said seriously.

Ling Yi listened attentively.

"First of all, there's the chase game itself; so far, no one has figured out its origin."

All I know is that it has existed since ancient times, taking different forms in different eras, and right now it's the app on your phone.

"To date, there are several of the largest organizations in the world, and our Fugitive Chase Game Association is one of them. We have a deep historical background, which I won't go into detail about. You just need to know that in China, we are the only organization with an official background."

Zhang Haiping spoke with particular confidence at this point.

"Our headquarters are located in the capital, and we have branches in each prefecture-level city. Each branch has its own departments that are responsible for managing the local players."

"How is it? Do you understand?"

Zhang Haiping stopped and asked a question.

Ling Yi: "Okay, please continue."

"Okay, young people are very receptive to new things, so I'll continue."

"The monitoring system told us that a game was played here around 10 p.m. last night. After further investigation, we have confirmed that the players were you and your neighbor Li Fang."

Do you agree with the above?

Ling Yi agreed, but when he asked Zhang Haiping about the "monitoring system," Zhang Haiping replied:

"This isn't exactly a secret, but it's not something you can just tell outsiders. If we have the chance to become colleagues, you'll naturally find out."

Based on what he said earlier, he felt that Zhang Haiping was trying to recruit him, but Ling Yi said he wasn't worried and would wait and see.

Zhang Haiping then continued with a serious expression:

"Now comes the most important part: the monitoring system shows that you, as a novice fugitive, have successfully counterattacked and killed your pursuer, Li Fang."

"You may not understand this yet, but it's a very unusual thing. Now we require you to give a complete account of the process, during which Liu Hao will record your account for future reference."

It turned out the young man's name was Liu Hao. Upon hearing this, he composed himself, staring intently at Ling Yi with a gaze so intense it seemed to burn a hole in him, or like an eagle ready to see through Ling Yi's lies.

Ling Yi took a deep breath, met Liu Hao's gaze without fear, and said in a deep voice:

"I refuse."

Upon hearing Ling Yi's answer, Zhang Haiping and Liu Hao were suddenly taken aback, clearly surprised that he could refuse so decisively.

After realizing what was happening, Zhang Haiping said, "Ling Yi, don't refuse to cooperate with the work just because of your feelings towards Comrade Liu Hao."

Liu Hao frowned deeply, but surprisingly said, "Our problems can be resolved privately. Now..."

"No," Ling Yi interrupted Liu Hao before he could finish speaking, her tone calm, "You've misunderstood. I simply refuse to answer."

In fact, Ling Yi did not want to expose his abilities, and even if he refused, he did not believe that the association would do anything to him.

A player's abilities are inherently a very private matter. A crucial information gap might save one's life, so why would someone insist on revealing them to others?

So Zhang Haiping's statement may seem tough, but in fact there has always been a hidden option of "refusing".

Both of them were somewhat surprised. Generally, newcomers are guided and threatened, and they will confess everything at once. Ling Yi is an exception.

Zhang Haiping spoke first.

"Okay, if you don't want to talk, we can't force you to. Let's skip this part and move on to the next one."

Zhang Haiping maintained his usual smiling face.

But Ling Yi had already subtly lowered his opinion of him; he felt that this guy wasn't sincere enough.

"The association's attitude towards players has always been 'recruit as many as possible, and manage those who cannot be recruited.'"

"As you know, the average person in society is still unaware of our existence as players. In order to maintain the distinction between these two groups, we have no choice but to do this. You understand, right?"

Ling Yi hummed in response, her attitude indifferent, waiting to see what he was going to say.

"Hehe, that's why I still hope you can join us. A rookie fugitive killing his pursuers—that feat should shut a lot of people up."

"What if I don't want to?"

"Then there's nothing we can do. We'll have to control you, for example, by restricting your use of public transportation."

When leaving the city, the route to the destination must also be reported;

There are also mandatory monthly psychological assessments, etc.

Ling Yi couldn't help but sigh that it was indeed troublesome, but then he thought again that these restrictions probably would still exist even after joining the association.

He thought for a moment and asked, "Shouldn't I have some time to consider this?"

"Sorry, no. If you don't agree to join, then we'll have to take you back as an 'unaffiliated player' for registration now."

Ling Yi had given this matter considerable thought, and Zhang Haiping and Liu Hao did not disturb him.

He actually intended to join an organization so that everyone could support each other and at least have a channel to exchange resources and information, even if they couldn't share them.

What he lacks most right now is information.

If you really want to join, getting into a large organization with official backing is indeed a good choice.

Moreover, not being involved in society will restrict you, while being involved in an association will also restrict you, but at least you can act under an official name and receive some benefits.

After all, players are practically superhuman beings. If they're ever in a bad mood and say "I don't eat beef," it doesn't matter if they're members of the association or not.

However, Zhang Haiping's previous insincerity had lowered his impression of the association.

However, when compared to the resource benefits that can be obtained after joining, this impression score can be ignored.

"Alright, then I agree to join."

Ling Yi's decision pleased Zhang Haiping, who said "good" three times in a row.

"Alright, alright, in that case, let's go register at the association together."

"Oh? We still have to go!"

Zhang Haiping explained cheerfully, "Don't worry, it's just a registration. It'll be done quickly, and we can even have lunch together afterwards."

"Hehe, Director Zhang is right."

"Hey Xiao Liu, could you go down and bring the car over here?"

Ling instantly understood that this was a pretext to get Liu Hao away.

Liu Hao understood, and after hesitating for a moment before leaving, he decided to ask Ling Yi:

"I want to ask you a question: what are your thoughts on the 'chase and escape game'?"

After thinking for a moment, Ling Yi replied, "As its name suggests, it's just a game to me."

"Is it a game...?"

After Liu Hao left, seemingly lost in thought, Zhang Haiping approached him again and said:

"Hehe, actually Liu Hao hasn't been in the industry for very long either. He's a very serious person. At first, he didn't believe you really managed to turn the tables, so he insisted on coming over to see for himself."