Chapter 2: The Lord of the Shadow of Death (Requesting Recommendation Votes)

There were two decks of cards, very standard ones that could be found in any neighborhood shop.

"Who’s going to shuffle?" Bao Lei asked.

No one answered. Zhang Xiaofan spoke up, "I’ll do it."

"I don't trust you," Bao Lei sneered. She suddenly pointed at Shen Fengxing and said, "You do it."

Shen Fengxing nodded; it didn't matter to him, as he wasn't participating in the game anyway. He stepped forward and began to shuffle the cards naturally. While watching the others, Bao Lei remarked, "Classmates, you can watch, but you absolutely must not offer any hints. If I catch anyone giving a hint, heh, you know the punishment for breaking the rules—no need for me to elaborate, right?"

Many felt a chill in their hearts, casting fearful glances at Bao Lei, whose eyes were missing; no one knew how she managed to "see" the cards.

"As for you lot..." Bao Lei glanced at Lin Rou and the others, smiling brightly. "Whoever admits to being the secret landlord will be dealt with via death."

Bao Lei then set the cards in place and told Qiao Xuewei, "Cut the deck."

Qiao Xuewei’s hands trembled as she cut the cards. Bao Lei placed the eight bottom cards down and flipped over one card from where the deck had been cut; it was a four of spades.

"Shen Fengxing, start dealing," she commanded.

Shen Fengxing nodded and began. Soon, the four of spades was dealt to Bao Lei. She chuckled, "Luck is on my side. I’m the landlord."

Zhang Xiaofan wanted to move closer to get a look, but Bao Lei snapped, "Everyone, stay back. No looking at our hands."

*She’s worried that if we see the cards, we might help them win,* Zhang Xiaofan thought. This implied that the game wasn't foolproof; there had to be a way to make Bao Lei lose. But what if Su Qianqian or Lin Rou were on her team? What if one of them was the secret landlord she had named?

The deal finished quickly. Shen Fengxing let out a sigh of relief, announced the end of the deal, and hurried back.

Bao Lei excitedly grabbed her eight cards, laughing, "I’m the landlord! I’m the landlord! Wow, these are great cards—so many bombs."

Su Qianqian and the others watched her nervously, knowing that the next moment would be when Bao Lei named the secret landlord. Zhang Hua and Qiao Xuewei actually hoped to be chosen; after all, being on Bao Lei’s team meant a much higher chance of winning. Su Qianqian and Lin Rou, however, hoped not to be called, as being selected meant they were on the opposing side.

Bao Lei grinned at the four of them. "Have you all memorized your hands? Then I’m calling it. I name... the Small Joker! Whoever holds the Small Joker is the secret landlord!"

Zhang Xiaofan immediately scanned the expressions of the four women. Zhang Hua’s brow furrowed, then deepened. Su Qianqian looked tense; Lin Rou was breathing heavily, cold sweat beading on her forehead; Qiao Xuewei was trembling so violently that she nearly dropped her cards several times.

None of them seemed to be faking it, but from these reactions alone, it was impossible to tell who held the card.

"If you ask me, whoever the secret landlord is should just speak up," Zhang Hua said coolly. "One life lost to save the other three—it’s a fair trade."

Her statement clearly implied she wasn't the secret landlord, but Bao Lei didn't comment on her. Instead, she said excitedly, "You aren't the secret landlord? Should I believe you or not?"

Su Qianqian shook her head. "I’m definitely not."

"Could it be you, Xuewei?" Lin Rou asked.

Qiao Xuewei sobbed, "How could it be? I’m not! I think it’s one of you—so vicious, trying to divert the attention onto me."

The four women looked miserable. In truth, Zhang Hua had spoken up just to flush out the secret landlord, but the person in question wouldn't confess so easily.

Zhang Xiaofan’s expression was grim. As it stood, Lin Rou and Su Qianqian were clearly siding with each other, which meant the secret landlord was likely Zhang Hua or Qiao Xuewei. Zhang Hua seemed the most probable; she had been the most composed and was the first to speak, trying to distance herself from the role.

*So, Zhang Hua is the most likely candidate.*

But then again, by saying that, she had drawn all the attention to herself—a counterproductive move. Since he could analyze it this way, surely others could too. Zhang Hua couldn't be that foolish.

*Could it be Qiao Xuewei?*

Zhang Xiaofan looked over. Qiao Xuewei was crying incessantly, looking pitiful, but Zhang Xiaofan knew she wasn't someone to be trifled with. She looked fragile, but she was just as ruthless as the rest when it came to harming others.

*Is it possible the secret landlord is Qiao Xuewei?* Zhang Xiaofan shook his head; it was too early to jump to conclusions. It was even possible that Su Qianqian or Lin Rou were the ones. It wasn't that they were acting; it was simply because Bao Lei had stated that the secret landlord must never admit it, or face death.

The atmosphere grew stifling. Bao Lei laughed. "Alright, I’m starting. Secret landlord, I hope you play well."

She threw down a three. "So many low cards," she chirped.

Zhang Hua’s eyes lit up. "Four."

"Six," Su Qianqian threw in.

"Ten," said Lin Rou.

It was Qiao Xuewei’s turn. She was the one guarding the landlord. Usually, the guard shouldn't play low cards that would allow the landlord to get rid of their junk. Qiao Xuewei looked at her hand, frowned, glanced at Bao Lei, and said, "Jack."

Zhang Hua’s expression changed. "Qiao Xuewei, so you’re the secret landlord! Playing such a low card on purpose to let the landlord advance?"

Qiao Xuewei said in terror, "I didn't! I... I really don't know how to play."

"Hmph, acting is pretty convincing," Lin Rou spat.

Bao Lei giggled. "Enough chatter. My turn. Two."

Zhang Hua let out a cold huff. "Can't beat it."

"Can't beat it."

"Can't beat it."

Zhang Hua’s face darkened. "Damn it."

"Zhang Hua, you’re talking too much. Remember, no hints," Bao Lei said coldly.

Everyone looked at Qiao Xuewei. She shook her head. "I can't beat it either."

The expressions of Zhang Hua, Su Qianqian, and Lin Rou shifted instantly. Anyone who had played this game knew that if even a single Two couldn't be beaten, there was only one explanation: the Jokers were in the landlord's hand.

Zhang Xiaofan’s expression was grave. It was obvious now that both the Big and Small Jokers were with the landlord, and the secret landlord also held a Small Joker. The farmers were at a severe disadvantage.

"Heh, no one can beat it? Then here I go: three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. A straight!" Bao Lei threw the cards down triumphantly.

Zhang Hua shuffled her cards, then shook her head, frustrated. "I’m one card short."

Su Qianqian shook her head. "Can't beat it."

Lin Rou said, "Five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, Jack, Queen."

Qiao Xuewei shook her head. At that moment, Bao Lei said smugly, "You can even play that? Then watch this..."