Everyone hurried to their respective voting machines to check.

The machine displayed animal avatars of all 40 players, which were originally lit up, and now five avatars had a 'Eliminated' stamp on them.

They were the 'Gorilla,' 'Crocodile,' 'Tiger,' 'Leopard,' and 'Red-crowned Crane.'

In addition, three players' avatars had a 'Withdrawn' stamp, likely those who voluntarily handed over their chips to clear their debts.

The hall became restless again as many people looked at the players who had been eliminated.

Some players looked frustrated, while others appeared more relieved.

According to the game rules, 'Eliminated Players' went through two rounds of screening: first, selecting the 50% of players with the largest deviation from the standard answer, and then eliminating the five players with the fewest chips from them.

So, the people eliminated at this point were the ones with relatively fewer chips.

But some of them still felt frustrated, as they hoped to continue guessing the numbers correctly, entering the final voting phase to clear all debts.

Those who were more relieved were aware they absolutely could not hold out till the end; eliminating now wouldn't increase their debt and put an end to things.

They could still proceed to the Battle Stage for games or exchange visa time for chips.

As long as they paid off their debts before the game ended, it would be fine.

But those who were not eliminated also could not rejoice, as most of them had not guessed the number correctly either; they simply weren't eliminated because they had more chips.

At this rate of elimination, it would soon be their turn, and they would end up carrying more debt then.

The hall was filled with anxiety, as a sense of unease spread among the people.

Everyone returned to their respective lounges.

According to the game rules, once the second phase of the game starts, there will be no rest time, but after each round ends, players must return to the lounge.

Because the card sets in the game will refresh inside the lounge, and they must return to the lounge to receive the new card set for the round.

When returning to the lounge, they must destroy the remaining cards from the previous round's card set at the machine by the door;

When leaving the lounge, they must also take their card set with them.

Otherwise, it triggers a rule violation.

Soon, everyone returned from their lounges.

"Swish!"

A lot more chips were added to the cylindrical glass container in the center of the field.

...

'Gray Wolf' He Xiaojun and the other players quickly gathered, and although they were all wearing masks, excitement was palpable.

Because the 'Guess the Number' result from the last round was very close to the standard answer.

This greatly increased their trust in the 'Owl.'

According to the 'Guess the Number' game rules, if they can guess the number each time, they might even get eliminated later than those Wise Players with more chips.

"Big Brother 'Owl,' what do we do next?" 'Gray Wolf' He Xiaojun asked.

'Owl': "Same as the last round, keep the 'Fool's Card' and wait."

'Gray Wolf' asked: "Wait for you to give the number?"

'Owl' shook his head: "Wait for others to bring money."

'Gray Wolf' thought for a moment: "Should we use up the 'Cloth' and 'Scissors' first?"

'Owl' looked at another small group organized by 'Plum Deer' and told the others: "Don't use them up this round.

"Spread out, keep all the cards in your hands, do nothing, and wait for my return.

"If any Wise Players try to buy you, notify me."

...

'Owl' approached 'Plum Deer.'

"I think I've guessed who you are; you can repay the 'Ransom' you owed me last time."

'Plum Deer' was taken aback, then looked up and down, saying: "Last time, I didn't owe you any 'Ransom.'

'Owl' nodded: "Well, that's right. Did you get the 'Fool's Card Set' or the 'Wise Man Card Set'?"

'Plum Deer' thought for a moment: "Let's show each other."

With that, both took out their card sets and unfolded them to each other.

Both were 'Fool's Card Sets.'

They both froze for a moment, apparently surprised by this result.

However, 'Owl' said: "If both are 'Fool's Card Sets,' it's easier to establish cooperation. What is your ideal price for the final prize pool?"

'Plum Deer' pondered a bit: "Hard to say now. I noticed there's already a small group forming on the side of the Wise Players; it will take some time to determine the real core members.

"If there are two core players, at least 15 Contract Coupons from each, for a total of about 30.

"We'll decide later based on the situation whether to add more."

'Owl' nodded: "Hmm, I think it might be the 'Rabbit' and 'Sheep,' but we can't be sure yet.

"But 15 Coupons are too few; I think it can be one person with 35 Coupons and the other with 20."

'Plum Deer' paused: "That many? The other side might not be willing to give that much, risking a negotiation breakdown.

"If it's just a single player's 35 Coupons, it might be possible, but there will be other risks."

'Owl' said: "Ask for the sky and settle for what you can get.

"The more we demand, the greater the pressure on them, making their strategy more certain. Instead, if we ask for less, their strategy has more room, and uncertainty increases."

'Plum Deer' thought about it: "Yes, that's true. Let's each stick firmly to the 35 Contract Coupons baseline, and see how the other side plays their hand.

"But you also need to think carefully about how to ensure they don't renege, or I may not cooperate with you till the end."

'Owl' smiled nonchalantly: "You'd better not entertain such dangerous thoughts."

Just as he was about to leave, 'Plum Deer' asked again: "By the way, how did you recognize me?"

'Owl' looked at her: "You organized a group too quickly, abnormally fast, and many players gathered around you immediately.

"So, I guessed they all came from the same community as you.

"In the community, you probably arranged in advance for 'special elements for mutual recognition in anonymous games,' telling other players beforehand your favorite color, animal, clothing, or other identifiable things.

"For example, 'Deer' suits your surname well.

"As for evening wear, most women opt for various styles of gowns, but you deliberately wore uniquely colored trousers.

"With enough understanding from other players, they could roughly guess your choice.

"Even without passwords, a combination of two to three factors allows them to recognize you from the crowd immediately.

"Am I right?"

'Plum Deer' fell silent for a moment: "People who are too smart sometimes have no friends."

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