I Was Just Respecting

"Alright, is everyone done talking?"

Liu Bo plopped down onto the couch with a sigh. "One last thing—if the werewolves target me tonight, the Witch better heal me. I’m checking Tang Ziyun tonight, and by dawn, we’ll know the outcome. That’s it. Let’s vote."

Meng Qianyu chuckled. "Time to vote!"

As soon as she spoke, everyone pointed at Ji Bo.

Meng Qianyu glanced at him coolly. "Well, you’re out. Last words?"

Ji Bo frowned. "Do you even know how to play? You’re killing off a real Seer! This is ridiculous. Liu Bo’s obviously just stirring the pot. Witch, don’t heal him—if you do, we’re doomed. That’s all."

Liu Bo shook his fist at Ji Bo. "You’re dead and still trying to drag me down? Not happening."

Meng Qianyu cut them off. "Enough. Game continues. Night falls—close your eyes."

Everyone shut their eyes again.

After another round of darkness, Meng Qianyu announced, "Day breaks. Liu Bo died last night."

Liu Bo looked stunned. "Wait, what? Who’s the Witch? Why didn’t you heal me?"

"Stop. No last words for you. Su Yang, you’re up first."

Su Yang furrowed his brows. "Why didn’t the Witch heal Liu Bo? He was clearly the real Seer. But even so, Tang Ziyun’s basically exposed. Let’s just vote her out. Pass."

Pan Ning scanned the group. "I’ve got nothing else to say. We’ll vote soon."

When it was Tang Ziyun’s turn, she paused before speaking softly. "Guys, I’m really not a werewolf. If I were, why would I kill Liu Bo? You can’t keep eliminating the good players. That’s all. Pass."

Lu Yun scratched her head. "I don’t think Tang Ziyun seems like a werewolf, but I’m still lost on who actually is. Heh, I’m not great at this game."

Finally, Zhang Ziming sighed. "I’ve figured out who the Witch is. It’s Lu Yun. She’s clearly inexperienced and got swayed by Ji Bo’s nonsense earlier. But it doesn’t matter now. Let’s vote—game’s over."

Meng Qianyu looked equally resigned. "Alright, vote."

Everyone except Lu Yun pointed at Tang Ziyun.

"Tang Ziyun’s out. Game over."

Lu Yun gasped, turning to Tang Ziyun. "Wait, you were actually a werewolf?"

Tang Ziyun finally relaxed, grinning sheepishly. "Yep."

"Ugh, you totally fooled me!"

Su Yang laughed. "Pretty sure you were the only one fooled. The rest of us knew."

Shen Yixue shot Ji Bo a glare. "We lost because of you!"

Ji Bo blinked. "How is this my fault?"

Zhang Ziming rolled his eyes. "Duh. Claiming to be the Seer was fine, but why’d you randomly vouch for Tang Ziyun? She was hiding perfectly until you exposed her!"

"But how were you all so sure I was the werewolf?" Ji Bo still looked confused.

"Ugh, I can’t even explain it. You’re hopeless. And Meng Wenzhou too—accusing me? Seriously?"

Meng Wenzhou shrugged. "You just gave off major werewolf vibes. Jumping to accuse people right away? Classic move."

Zhang Ziming groaned. "Whatever. We’re clearly not cut out for this game. Let’s play something simpler."

Lu Yun suddenly piped up, still dazed. "Wait, who was the Hunter?"

Ye Wan raised her hand with a smile. "Me. The totally overlooked Hunter. I was ready to take someone down with me, but the game ended before I could."

Meng Qianyu took a swig of beer and shook her head. "Yeah, I thought I’d give this a try, but aside from Zhang Ziming, none of you know how to play. Let’s switch games."

Zhang Ziming nodded smugly. "Exactly. The Seer didn’t reveal early, the werewolves didn’t kill strategically, the Witch was clueless—what even was this? New game, please."

"Hold on, punishments first!" Meng Wenzhou grinned at the three werewolves.

Ji Bo grabbed a beer bottle casually. "I’ll drink for both of them. This round’s on me—not my forte, I admit."

He downed two bottles in one go, tilting his head back.

Su Yang clapped. "Nice! That’s some tolerance."

Liu Bo added, "And don’t forget—you three are treating us to late-night snacks."

Ji Bo waved grandly at Shen Yixue and Tang Ziyun. "No need. I’ll cover it all. No big deal."

Shen Yixue linked arms with Tang Ziyun, grinning. "Tang Ziyun, let’s not argue. Let him pay."

Tang Ziyun nodded. "Fine. But we still have to do the squats, right?"

"Right! How about I carry you while doing them?"

"Sure!"

Ji Bo’s eyes widened. "Hey, I can do that too! I’m strong!"

Shen Yixue laughed. "No need. You’ve already taken two punishments for us. We’ll handle this one—can’t let you do everything."

"Fine, fine. You do the squats. I’ll order food. What’s everyone craving?"

......

Meng Wenzhou pulled out his phone. "I’ll pick. I’ll send you the bill, and you pay. Deal?"

"Deal."

As they settled, Shen Yixue and Tang Ziyun stepped to the coffee table. After a quick huddle, Shen Yixue scooped Tang Ziyun up in a princess carry.

"Whoa, Tang Ziyun, you’re not light!"

Tang Ziyun flushed. "Should I carry you instead?"

"Nope, I’ve got this!"

Under the group’s amused gazes, Shen Yixue, face red, managed ten slightly wobbly squats with Tang Ziyun in her arms.

"Applause!" Liu Bo cheered.

Clap clap clap—

"Impressive, Shen Yixue. Didn’t know you were that strong," Su Yang praised.

Shen Yixue smiled shyly. "Yeah, I’m pretty strong for a girl."

"No wonder Zhang Ziming’s scared of you," Meng Wenzhou teased.

Zhang Ziming glared. "Tch. Scared? I’m respectful."

"Oho, since when are you so smooth?"

......

Amid the laughter, Meng Wenzhou finalized the late-night order and sent the bill to Ji Bo.

Ji Bo stared at the total. "Whoa—Meng Wenzhou, what kind of barbecue costs this much?"

Meng Wenzhou smirked. "Gotta make the most of this chance. Pay up!"

"Whatever. Pocket change."

The group settled back on the couch, clinking glasses for another round.

Meng Qianyu thought for a moment and said, "Let's play a simple little game next."

"What should we play?"

"There's this game where you stick a word or a name on your forehead and try to guess what it is—I forgot what it's called."

Ji Bo raised his hand with a laugh. "I think it's called 'Guess Who I Am' or something like that. Sure, let's play that. It's my specialty!"

"Your specialty? You actually have a specialty? Alright, let’s play then. I’d like to see how good you really are," Liu Bo said skeptically.

Meng Qianyu chuckled. "Okay, but this game also requires teams. How about this—two people come out to play rock-paper-scissors to pick teams. One side might be short by one person, but it won’t make much difference."

"Who’s going to pick the teams?"