Chapter Sixty-Two: The Little Schemer

“So we need to choose a powerful death-row inmate as our leader. Little brother Mu You’s strength speaks for itself, so if he becomes the boss, I doubt anyone would object…” Wan Yan Zang finished his words, his gaze fixed on Mu You’s face as a smile crept in. His aura seemed to weaken in Mu You’s presence, adopting a posture of deference.

Mu You’s heart skipped a beat. Damn, he realized he was the one being trapped. The dangerous prisoners around him began to display varied expressions—none of them were fools, each had survived to this point by wit and grit. To make these people bow was no simple matter. Strength, benefit, control, temperament—each must be mastered to perfection before one could command this group. Otherwise, the first to be thrown into the fire would be himself.

If Wan Yan Zang sought to unify Building A, not only would he eliminate his strongest rival, but he’d also observe everyone’s attitude, making it easier to win their loyalty. And now, in the full view of the cafeteria, this public alliance was a silent way to expose Mu You to the authorities. Whatever methods were used, he’d be the first to suffer. This was essentially placing him atop the death list, allowing others to learn from his fate and protect themselves.

The more Mu You thought, the more he felt the terror—he must not be the leader. Let anyone else take it.

He was just about to refuse when He Jing discreetly stepped on his foot under the table. She looked exhausted, as if not fully awake, yawning with sleepy eyes while pressing harder with her foot, her expression unchanged as she stared at him.

He Jing knew Mu You’s intelligence well; she was sure he had seen through the trap and was about to toss the hot potato back. Yet, she quietly signaled him—could it mean something else?

Mu You trusted He Jing implicitly. Almost instantly, as she pressed his foot, the words at his lips changed: “I really don’t care about being the leader. Mu You’s life was bought with everyone’s blood, and I’m willing to be the lead sheep. I hope my brothers and sisters will lend me their strength. As Senior Wan said, to outsiders, we are a single whole. If we want to survive, we must protect every side.”

As he spoke of “protecting every side,” Mu You’s smile grew even deeper. Wan Yan Zang instinctively looked away. This kid couldn’t have missed the trap, yet he stepped in willingly—what was his game?

At that moment, Wan Yan Zang felt, for some reason, like he was weaving his own cocoon.

“So it’s settled.” The dangerous inmate from the eighth floor, unwrapping his bloodstained bandages, spoke heartily. The wound that stretched across his abdomen had healed, leaving behind a massive, fierce scar.

“At last, I get to call someone else boss! Hahaha!”

“Boss Mu, hey, it rolls off the tongue pretty well! Haha, feels good to have someone covering us!” The dangerous inmate from the fourth floor, Mu Li Tian, tried calling him “Boss Mu,” and it wasn’t as awkward as he’d imagined.

“What, just a title gets you excited? Let me try—cough, cough, Boss Mu… Hey, wow, it really does feel relaxing, like I don’t have to be on edge anymore. Not bad, Boss Mu.” The inmate from the seventh floor patted Mu You’s shoulder jokingly.

“Boss, protect us!”

“Boss Mu, I’m with you now! When we enter the Perfect Person Academy, you better take care of me! Hehe…”

Everyone chimed in, bantering with Mu You. He played along, laughing, but inside felt utterly disgusted—how could they be so happy just clinging to someone? These people were truly bizarre!

On the way back, Mu You’s smile disappeared. He said to He Jing, “I’ve risked everything this time. I expect the benefits to match the risk.”

He Jing was still immersed in the trust Mu You had just shown, but as he spoke, she quickly organized her thoughts and answered, “Wan Yan Zang didn’t reveal everything. Our Night Group’s information is just as good. The trainer this time comes from Sky Island, but not as a guest—more precisely, they’re returning.”

“Returning?” Mu You repeated softly.

“Yes.” He Jing nodded, “They were originally A-grade inmates from Death Row Paradise, sent to Sky Island for exchange and reform. Simply put, it’s a contest of strength between Death Row Paradise and other prison institutions on Sky Island. The returning A-grade inmates have a higher chance of advancing to S-grade than the local ones, so the park lets both groups compete and merge, preparing for the S-grade assessment. The test subjects are dangerous inmates being promoted to A-grade. In Death Row Paradise, if you’re not A-grade or above, you have no status at all.”

He Jing’s eyes were dim, and even Xu Chen lowered his head.

“We’re all just ants, only different in size. Whoever breaks through first gains the capital to survive individually; for the park, it’s an honor. The rewards brought by that honor are unimaginable.”

Mu You listened, placed his hand on his neck, twisted it forcefully, his expression turning serious.

“But I made you the leader not just for the reward. Once the assessment begins, only all-out effort offers a sliver of hope. There’s no room for you to test the waters or observe from the sidelines. That’s what everyone’s ignored. In the Perfect Person Academy, you either come out perfect or you’re finished.”

He Jing analyzed with clarity.

As they spoke, Mu You and the others unconsciously arrived at the elevator. Suddenly, a faint, elegant fragrance drifted to their noses, growing stronger behind them, bringing a sense of clarity and freshness.

Mu You gave He Jing a look, telling her to continue but change the subject.

Ding—

The elevator light flashed and the doors opened.

Mu You didn’t enter. Instead, he turned sideways and bowed formally, saying, “Beautiful Sister An, please go ahead.”

“So obedient, you make me shy. Let’s go together,” An Ru Xiang replied with a quiet smile.

“No, beautiful sister is too gorgeous—please go first. That way, when little brother enters later, the whole elevator will light up!”

An Ru Xiang laughed, covering her mouth at Mu You’s odd logic. As the elevator was about to close, she lifted her long, straight right leg to block it, showing off her perfectly rounded, lifted hips. She bent forward, studying Mu You, her scent growing more intoxicating.

“Really not going first? Mu… Boss…” With each word, An Ru Xiang moved closer, until her nose nearly touched Mu You’s forehead. If he lifted his head, her fragrant lips would land upon his.

“How can sister be so beautiful? Little brother is mesmerized…” Mu You’s eyes maintained an inscrutable coolness, yet his words continued to play the fool.

“Little schemer.”

Seeing Mu You unfazed by her teasing, An Ru Xiang gave up and entered the elevator first.

The squinty-eyed inmate tried to follow, but was blocked by He Jing and Xu Chen. Mu You ignored him, following An Ru Xiang into the elevator. Xu Chen bumped the squinty-eyed inmate and entered with He Jing, leaving the latter to pout, nearly in tears.

Just as the elevator was about to close, hurried footsteps sounded: “Wait, wait…” A young man’s large hand wedged into the closing doors, forcing them open again.

Inside, Mu You and the young man outside stared at each other, both stunned.

The young man’s step into the elevator halted abruptly.

Murderous intent—Mu You’s eyes radiated it, brazen and unrestrained, from the moment he saw the youth.