Qiuqiu was wailing frantically in Qi Xu's mind, but Qi Xu still couldn’t be bothered to pay it any attention.
Chinese Master Chef was stunned. "Huh? Since when are AIs this sneaky?"
Luo Xinpan adjusted her glasses and analyzed, "Based on your descriptions, this Qiuqiu must be a pre-programmed entity. It probably has a mission or received some kind of directive."
Qiuqiu frantically agreed in Qi Xu’s mind. "Yeah, yeah! I have no choice! Your district has zero conflict—it’s way too peaceful. I can’t complete the first phase’s survival-of-the-fittest task... That’s all I can say."
Qi Xu roughly understood and immediately shared what he knew with the group.
"Maybe it has reasons it can’t explain. Let’s just treat it as a tool for now."
Luo Xinpan hesitated, worried that as a newcomer, she might be overstepping by speaking too much. But then she caught Qi Xu’s encouraging glance.
She spoke up anyway. "But this does serve as a warning. At this stage, it’s not wise to interfere too much. Letting human nature play out a bit is actually a good thing. The survival-of-the-fittest process is like sifting gold from sand.
If other districts keep strengthening, losing members, and merging while ours stays the same size with an overly comfortable environment, that’s not good.
If cross-district battles happen later, we’ll be at a disadvantage, and it could lead to way more casualties. I know it sounds harsh, but since we’re in a survival game, we have to adapt to its rules.
As long as it’s not someone as brutal and unreasonable as the God of Light, a little conflict from personal grudges isn’t bad. The ones who survive will be the strongest."
After Luo Xinpan finished, everyone suddenly realized why Whirlwind Boss had recruited her—her mind worked fast. While they were stuck on the surface, she’d already analyzed three layers deep.
Qi Xu fully agreed with her perspective. In this round of the game, he’d almost gone to the opposite extreme... This place was full of traps. Thank goodness for that little blue flower causing a scene earlier.
"That makes sense. Hey, Flatty, how old are you? I just turned 20—the youngest in the team," Retired Magical Boy suddenly asked curiously.
Flatty Never Speaks rubbed his hands sheepishly. "I’m 16. Do I seem too old or out of place? I’m not great at making friends, so sometimes I come off a little weird.
When I was six, my parents died, and I got sent to a gifted program. My teacher kept me close—I barely left the lab.
I missed out on a lot of life experiences, so I didn’t grow up normally. If I say or do something wrong, just tell me. I’ll learn..."
Chinese Master Chef, the softest-hearted of them all, teared up. "No, no! Flatty, you’re great! I really like you. If you ever crave something, just let me know..."
Bubbly Girl Guo Degang’s eyes sparkled. "Whoa, a gifted program? You’re amazing! I failed the entrance twice! You’re the real genius here!"
Old White Dragon swapped Luo Xinpan’s alcohol for juice. "No drinking before adulthood—it’ll make you dumb. When you’re older, I’ll find you some good stuff to celebrate. At six, I was still peeing in mud puddles, and you were already in advanced studies... That couldn’t have been easy."
Luo Xinpan hadn’t expected such warmth. Joining a tight-knit, harmonious team late usually meant getting sidelined.
Plus, her weaknesses were obvious—low combat stats and her age.
In her experience, being young did come with some perks, but it also meant being treated like a kid, never as an equal.
So she’d been faking maturity, pretending she understood social norms...
But today, moved by their kindness, she’d been honest about her biggest insecurity—and instead of judgment, she got genuine care.
"Honored guests! Come try the pizza I just made! Tell me what you think!"
Following Qi Xu’s lead, the group amped up their enthusiasm.
They set down their food and eagerly grabbed slices.
"Whoa, just the smell alone is incredible!"
"So good! Hedgehog Chef, you’re amazing!"
"Thank you—you’re seriously skilled."
The hedgehog waiter basked in the praise, though... something felt off. The compliments sounded routine, like they were used to gourmet meals daily.
Chinese Master Chef, a harsh food critic, gave a professional review.
"Even browning, light and crispy crust, creamy sauce with a silky finish. You used Italian ham, sliced paper-thin—perfectly salted. Really excellent. But a light dusting of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano would elevate it further. Also, these toppings..."
The hedgehog’s eyes lit up at Master Chef. Soon, the two were deep in conversation, heading hand-in-hand to the kitchen.
"Uh..."
By the time everyone finished eating, Master Chef still hadn’t returned. After more chatting, he finally reappeared, arms stacked with pizzas.
"Ha! Got myself a side gig. These are fresh out of the oven—take some for the road. I’ve hit my daily quota, so no rush to leave."
The hedgehog waiter added, "Grab anything else you want from the restaurant too. Meeting you was fate—please visit our buffet again!"
Qi Xu noticed their favorability had risen another five points. Master Chef was already calling him "Hedgehog Buddy" and landed a job—definitely past 60. Specialization really paid off!
Though the hedgehog said "take anything," they knew not to overdo it and embarrass Master Chef.
But taking nothing would seem cold, so everyone picked a few favorites and left generous tips.
The hedgehog waiter was overjoyed, politely escorting them out.
Only then did they see the lineup of gleaming Level 5 vehicles parked outside.
"Wow, you guys are the real deal! We’re upgrading our menu soon—you’ve gotta come back!"
As a parting gift, the hedgehog handed everyone a location card for the buffet.
Now they could easily reunite here!
"Whirlwind Boss, what do we still need for Level 6? Let’s pool resources—no need to announce it and attract competition."
Old White Dragon’s suggestion got unanimous support.
Mainly because Qi Xu was reliable—if he borrowed something, he repaid it double. Mutual benefit was the whole point of forming a team.
..........
