Chapter Ninety-One: The Game Has Fallen Apart

Wang Zixuan said, "Then we'll keep you locked up until you confess. Let's see who can outlast whom."
With that, he stormed off in a huff. The gaggle of geese had been interrogated for several days. At last, there was progress. As usual, they held a meeting.

Wang Zixuan announced, "All the geese have been apprehended and have confessed to their crimes. But now, we have a more pressing matter to deal with. Xiao Duan."

Duan Peng switched on the projector, displaying a collection of reports from Weibo and across the internet.

Wang Zixuan continued, "In just three days, things have escalated to this point. We need to find a way to mitigate the impact of the geese's insults. Otherwise, there's a real risk of unnecessary panic and unrest among the public."

Duan Peng replied, "We've already scrubbed the videos from the internet, but far too many people had watched them before that. The reach has spread far beyond the bounds of M City. We can't erase everyone's memory."

Hao Yingjun spoke up, "I have a tentative suggestion—I’m not sure if I should bring it up, but it might help shift public opinion."

Wang Zixuan said, "Go ahead."

Hao Yingjun hesitated, "But it would require the cooperation of the goose spirits."

Wang Zixuan replied, "That’s not a problem. Tell them anyone who cooperates will be treated leniently."

Hao Yingjun snorted, "Cooperation? We’ll be lucky if they don’t bite our heads off. You’re underestimating how difficult these guys are."

Duan Peng interrupted, "The colleagues handling aftermath found something at Qin Li’s house. It may be of use to you."

In the detention center, a group of people stood in two rigid lines.

Qin Li commanded, "Attention! At ease! Attention! Comrades, tell me—which rich man ever earned his money the right way? They all get it by exploiting people like us, right?"

A man standing in the middle spoke up passionately, "That’s right! People like us, working hard every single day, can’t afford to buy a house in our entire lives. We may earn little, but every cent is honest. Isn’t that so?"

Those beside him echoed in agreement, "Exactly." Qin Li motioned for silence.

He continued, "That’s why each one of you here is the backbone of our League of the Rich’s Nemesis. We must hold fast to our beliefs and never be swayed by them."

As they began to chant "faith" in low voices, the door to the detention center was kicked open. Wang Zixuan stood at the threshold, looking at them with disdain. Hao Yingjun nearly stumbled behind him.

Wang Zixuan sneered, "Listen to him spouting nonsense."

He strode in and tossed a suitcase full of lottery tickets onto the floor. Qin Li’s whole body quivered—he knew trouble was at hand.

Wang Zixuan said, "Qin Li, these were found under your bed. Ten years’ worth of lottery tickets. Looks like you’re more desperate to get rich than anyone."

The people locked up together surged forward to get a look at the contents of the suitcase. Only Qin Li shrank back, numb and uneasy.

Wang Zixuan went on, "You’re the one accusing others of ill-gotten gains, but if there were really any shortcuts to wealth, you’d be the first to jump in."

After inspecting the tickets, the group turned on Qin Li, eyes blazing with fury, surrounding him as if they might tear him apart.

Qin Li nervously rubbed his nose, stammering, "No, wait, these are all charity lottery tickets. I was just supporting programs for those in need."

Seeing their skeptical glares, Qin Li grew increasingly flustered—he wondered if he’d picked up the wrong script, as the tone seemed to have shifted abruptly.

He protested, "Hey, hey, what’s going on? Does no one remember the chain of command anymore? I’m your leader, your chief!"