Xu Tong was noticeably struggling to keep up with the pace of their discussion, and said somewhat confusedly, "Imbalance of power? It shouldn't matter too much, right? Our community only has 12 people in total.
"With everyone having one vote, there shouldn't be any extreme situations.
"Moreover, based on Lawyer Lin's current performance, he's the strongest person in the community and someone who takes good care of weaker individuals. Even if we let him have a bit more power, it shouldn't be an issue, right?
"If any problems do arise, we can just vote to limit him then."
Wang Yongxin countered, "Do you really believe that?
"You think that just because a system theoretically allows you to vote freely, you can actually vote freely?
"From Lawyer Lin's current performance, he does seem perfect enough that many in the community wouldn't mind handing all power over to him.
"After all, he always seems to make the right choices in the game, allowing others to lay back, trust completely, and gain time for visas in the easiest, most efficient way.
"But can you read minds?
"How do you know what Lawyer Lin presents is his true self?
"If it's all an act, then once he thinks the time is right and reveals his true colors, will there still be a way to remedy the situation? Can the consequences be dealt with?
"Do not put faith in the conscience and morals of the strong. When weak and strong coexist, there is only one choice: all work together to restrain him through rules.
"If he doesn't care, then it's fine to maintain this restraint;
"If he is dissatisfied, then the need to strengthen this restraint is even greater.
"The weak cannot afford to 'trust' the strong, just as wild animals cannot afford to 'trust' humans.
"Choosing to transfer rights to the strongest in exchange for survival, if it fails, means losing both rights and survival.
"If you believe the best choice for the weak is to find a strong leader in the community and toss all your rights to them in hopes they lead you, then stronger individuals will never consider your opinion again."
Xu Tong thought it over again, "But after all, we frequently face trial games and could die any day. Thinking too much will in the end just be in vain."
Wang Yongxin nodded in agreement, "True, trial games can come at any time, and we could die at any time, so should we do nothing in the community and let things be?
"'Anyone could die at any time' is merely a mindset, a means of self-comfort, not a guideline for action. You can't think that just because you might die anytime means everything besides life and death is meaningless.
"Just like in 'Blood Poker,' disgust and fear of blood draws, and the desire for security can erode your rational judgment capacity.
"Similarly, aversion to death in trial games and the longing for safety might unconsciously drive you to seek security by transferring power, but that's equally irrational.
"In most of the most dangerous trial games, you can't rely on the help of the strong; you can only depend on yourself. What's the point in pinning your hopes on the strong?
"Furthermore, wasn't the Immunity Coupon something that only appeared after the community reached a certain level of development? Isn't its use determined by the community's discourse power?
"If you stand back and leave everything to the strong in the community, when Li Renshu has to make a choice between using the Immunity Coupon, why would she choose you?"
Yang Yuting and Xu Tong both fell silent.
Wang Yongxin sighed quietly and continued, "In any case, the point I want to emphasize is: even if I join the five-person circle, I won't forget that you two are my most important supporters.
"Whether for discussing proposals or distributing benefits, I will consider tying our three votes together.
"On the other hand, you should prioritize supporting me, and when I have conflicts with anyone else, stand unconditionally by my side."
Yang Yuting and Xu Tong both nodded, "Understood."
After some thought, Yang Yuting added, "In this case, within the five-person group, you'll actually be closer to Li Renshu.
"I wonder what Cai Zhiyuan's stance will be."
Wang Yongxin didn't mind, "That's not important. He's just a staff advisor anyway; he will adjust his position based on the situation. His opinion doesn't hold much weight."
...
Meanwhile, Li Renshu was having a private conversation with Cai Zhiyuan.
"Brother Wang has already agreed.
"Tomorrow, we'll discuss a new proposal and bring Brother Wang in.
"I've already privately communicated with Yinzhang. She doesn't need veto rights on the proposal and doesn't care about joining our five-person group.
"However, I still made a promise to her: if there's any reduction in the five-person group, she'll undoubtedly fill the vacancy.
"Though she's not in our group, she can always voice her opinions to me privately, and I promise to give them serious consideration."
Cai Zhiyuan nodded, "Good, that's the best way."
Li Renshu added, "I know there might be some ideological differences and a bit of opposition between you and Wang Yongxin, but since we've decided to bring him in, let's try to get along peacefully."
While speaking, she carefully observed Cai Zhiyuan's demeanor.
Cai Zhiyuan showed no resistance and nodded, "Of course.
"I think it's necessary to emphasize that what I say doesn't necessarily reflect my 100% views. Sometimes, I believe the meeting process requires a dissenting voice, so I play that role and reiterate the opposition's stance.
"To prevent overly consistent opinions from leading to overlooked possibilities and potential issues.
"But as I previously told you: if I'm not expressing extreme opposition vocally, you don't have to take my other dissenting opinions too seriously.
"That might be just for the audience to see.
"For me, there are few scenarios in the community that I can't accept. It's just a matter of adjusting myself more or less.
"I've positioned myself as a staff advisor, so I only give opinions, not decisions. Similarly, it doesn't matter to me whether you accept or reject those opinions."
Li Renshu fell silent for a moment; she knew all this, of course.
But sometimes, it was still hard to be sure of Cai Zhiyuan's true thoughts.
"Returning to the question, do you really believe that Wei Yinzhang is a better choice?" Li Renshu inquired.
Cai Zhiyuan responded indifferently, "If I must say, the difference between the two candidates for me is roughly 49% and 51%. Wei Yinzhang's priority is slightly higher, but just a bit."
Li Renshu carefully observed Cai Zhiyuan's expression, "Have you considered the issue of how Lawyer Lin's influence would drastically increase if Wei Yinzhang entered?"
Cai Zhiyuan nodded, "I have, otherwise Wang Yongxin wouldn't have a 49%."
Li Renshu felt slightly reassured and sighed a bit wistfully, leaning back on the sofa's backrest.
"Actually, I have another very important reason for wanting to bring Brother Wang in."
Cai Zhiyuan asked, "Besides contribution, seniority, and checking Lawyer Lin?"
Li Renshu nodded, "Yes."
Cai Zhiyuan pondered for a long time, "I can't think of any other reasons for now."
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