Zhang Yi said to Uncle You, "What I'm using isn't a conspiracy — it's an open scheme."
"Not all of them are fools. Some are smart, like Li Jian and Chen Lingyu. Their heads are full of twists and turns. They've probably already guessed that my real goal is to weaken them."
He smiled faintly. "But so what? I've already shown them my firepower, and I've lured the fools among them with enough benefits. In a mob, fools always outnumber the smart ones. Li Jian and Chen Lingyu may be clever, but they don't have enough authority to hold everyone together."
"Most people will always sacrifice the bigger picture for short-term gain. Look at Liu Yilong — he killed Tan Daoji and ruined his own defense line. Even emperors have done things that stupid. Let alone people in this tiny corner of Tianhai."
Uncle You stared at him blankly. His education wasn't enough to keep up with Zhang Yi's references, so he could only nod with a wise expression and scratch his head. "You're right… that makes sense. Heh… heh."
He quickly changed the subject. "But why make them farm? It's freezing outside. How can they grow anything in this weather?"
Zhang Yi glanced toward the door. This time, Uncle You was more alert and checked outside first."No one's there," he said. "You can speak freely."
Zhang Yi smiled. "It's simpler than you think. Making them farm is just a way to stir up conflict and drain their strength. Right now, the only thing they can offer is labor, and worthless labor at that."
Uncle You frowned and thought for a moment before his eyes lit up. "That's the strategy of tiring the enemy?"
"Exactly." Zhang Yi narrowed his eyes. "I didn't kill all their leaders today. Next time, I'll kill even more. I need to weaken their combat strength as much as possible."
He leaned closer and said seriously, "None of those people can be trusted. Our conflict is irreconcilable — we'll fight sooner or later. So don't let your guard down. And keep everything I told you secret."
Uncle You was deeply impressed. He nodded firmly. "I understand. Our family's survival depends on you, Zhang Yi. I'll do whatever you say."
Zhang Yi smiled in relief. "Good. Then let's see how far they can go."
But he had only told Uncle You part of the truth.
In reality, he had more tricks up his sleeve. He knew there was a traitor in Building 25 who had colluded with the others — someone who had once ambushed him in the snow, and would do it again if given the chance.
Back in his room, Zhang Yi checked the camera feed from Zhou Ke'er's room.
He kept her under tight watch now. With a major conflict approaching, even if he trusted she wouldn't betray him, caution came first. His life was at stake.
No one was careless with their own life.
He had confiscated Zhou Ke'er's phone and locked her in her room whenever he went out. But she adapted quickly. She was smart, and she knew her place as a servant. She never challenged his authority.
At that moment, Zhou Ke'er was doing yoga in her room. She wore a pink camisole and brown yoga pants, her body moving gracefully, her long legs stretched out in a perfect split.
Zhang Yi unlocked the door and stepped inside.
Zhou Ke'er looked up, sweat beading on her forehead, a loose strand of hair stuck to her cheek, giving her a faint, alluring charm.
"You're back!" She stood quickly, smiling warmly, and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing close. "How did the negotiations go?"
Her closeness was distracting, but Zhang Yi only felt more alert. He kissed her deeply, pulled her onto the sofa, and told her the gist of what had happened. After a big decision like this, he needed to vent to someone.
"Things might get messy these next few days. Stay home and don't go anywhere," he said, his voice turning colder. "Soon enough, all this trouble will disappear."
Zhou Ke'er nestled against his chest, not fully understanding, but she smiled happily. He was keeping her safe, which meant he cared. For a woman, that was everything.
"Zhang Yi, you're carrying so much on your own, and I can't help at all. Sometimes I feel useless," she said quietly, guilt in her voice.
Zhang Yi looked down at her and thought: I bought this insurance policy not for the payout, but for the backup. I hope I never need my chief physician.
Zhou Ke'er blushed and clung to him a little tighter. "But there are still some things I can help with… like relieving your stress."