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Chapter 13: Introduction
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Zero-sum game Chapter 1: Operation
The zero-sum game, a concept in game theory, implies that in any situation involving two or more players, one player's gain is exactly balanced by the losses of the other player(s). Thus, the total sum of gains and losses among participants is always "zero," eliminating any possibility of cooperation.The streets were lined with trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground as the brilliant sunshine peeked through the leaves.A black Lincoln was parked by the curb, with the occasional pedestrian strolling by on the sidewalk. It seemed like an ordinary day, except for the two bodyguards in dark suits standing conspicuously in front of the Lincoln.From a distance, a little boy, bouncing joyfully with a basketball not much bigger than a tennis ball, made his way towards the car, followed by a woman who kept reminding him loudly, "Slow down, watch where you're going! Be careful not to fall! Hold onto the ball tightly, don’t lose it!"While the passersby could hear her warnings, the boy co
Zero-sum game Chapter 2: Failure
Joint Operations Unit, Special Task Force.The mood in the conference room, where six members were gathered, was grim."What happened?" The man speaking, a middle-aged individual named John Avery, was the leader of the Special Task Force and also the direct boss of Ethan Reed.After a brief silence, the person seated next to Ethan, named Alex Johnson, spoke, "I can confirm that Michael Chase did get on the car." He was the one observing with binoculars from a high-rise."I'm also certain that Michael didn't leave the car before we reached the mountain roads," continued Chris Martin, who had been tailing Michael's vehicle.Ethan then detailed what he observed in the car: "Based on the tracker, the car didn't stop after it entered the mountain roads."The woman, who had disguised herself as a mother on the street, had removed her makeup, appearing several years younger, her eyes no longer filled with faux innocence. If not for the distinct facial features, it would be difficult to assoc
Zero-sum game Chapter 3: Infiltration
Ethan Reed had thoroughly reviewed Michael Chase's file. Normally, Chase was accompanied by four bodyguards, indicating tight security measures. Ironically, the day he had only two guards was due to his attendance at a charity event for disabled children.Charity work, it seemed, didn't lend itself to an intimidating security presence. Unfortunately, no matter how commendable his public actions, they couldn't mask his burgeoning ambitions and desires.The dossier also revealed that Chase's most frequented locations were the Global Dynamics Corporation Tower and his residential villa.The villa, heavily guarded and with limited access, was quickly dismissed by Reed as a viable option due to the high difficulty of escape.That left the Corporation Tower. Reed had already acquired the internal layout of the building, but penetrating the heart of Global Dynamics was not going to be straightforward.Moreover, given the potential betrayal of their inside man at Global Dynamics, any direct i
Zero-sum game Chapter 4: Identity
After returning, Ethan Reed was summoned by John Avery for a private discussion. Without preliminaries, Avery stated, "Plans have changed. Michael Chase is temporarily off the hit list."He then explained the reason, "Our inside man has sent word that Global Dynamics' new weapon is nearing completion. In a few months to a year, they'll have tangible results. Global Dynamics plans to gather major buyers to appraise their creation, and the true power behind the corporation will be present. That's our chance to take them all down in one fell swoop. If we eliminate Chase now, we might lose this opportunity."Reed expressed his doubts, "Is the insider's information reliable, or is this just a stalling tactic?"Avery admitted, "We can't be certain," and turned on the screen mounted on the wall. "I've pulled up surveillance footage from your last operation. Watch here."He fast-forwarded the video, then played a segment showing the black Lincoln at a stoplight with Chase's vehicle in the cen
Zero-sum game Chapter 5: Shooting
Michael Turner followed Alexander Reed's instructions, meticulously revisiting Ethan Winters' background inside and out once more.Days later, he handed all the gathered information over to Alexander Reed."Here are the accident reports and death certificates of Ethan Winters' parents, all his enrollment records, entry and exit documents, and any activity records that are still verifiable," Michael Turner concluded, handing over the stack of documents."One could say his life story is complete without gaps. Apart from proving that he's a genuine wealthy second generation, I can't see anything wrong." Alexander Reed skimmed through the documents hastily before setting them aside.He didn't doubt Michael Turner's capabilities; if Michael couldn't find any issues, then there likely weren't any."But this doesn't explain the calluses on his shooting hand," Michael frowned slightly."Yes," Reed agreed. "His timing is too coincidental. Just days ago, someone was after my life, and suddenly,
Zero-sum game Chapter 6: Suspicion
Ethan Winters felt a cold sweat form in his palm. In such a situation, even if Alexander Reed was serious, he had to act as though he wasn't.Ethan managed a strained smile, "Mr. Reed, with real guns and live ammunition, please be careful of accidental discharge."The current situation was far from humorous.Reed held the gun steady, scrutinizing the minute changes in Ethan's facial expressions. Speaking less to avoid mistakes, Ethan stood silently, letting the gunpoint remain aimed at him.After what felt like an eternity but was only about ten seconds, Reed suddenly lowered his arm and turned to fire three shots at his own target—one hitting the bullseye and the other two scoring nine points.Each shot mirrored the placement of Ethan's shots perfectly, as if the two targets could overlap entirely. Reed set down the handgun, a slight smirk on his lips, "It looks like we're even."On the day at the shooting range, Reed did not provide Ethan with a definitive answer regarding their pot
Zero-sum game Chapter 7: Agreement
Alexander Reed lived in "Blue Coast," a renowned affluent residential area, where he stood out even among the wealthy—his standalone villa was surrounded by a meticulously arranged garden, with no other residences within a kilometer. This, of course, was largely for security reasons.This time, Reed had his driver personally pick up Ethan Winters.The driver, a middle-aged man, courteously opened the car door for Ethan and waited for him to be seated before closing the door and returning to his seat.Ethan attempted to make small talk during the drive, but the man didn’t respond at all, maintaining silence throughout the journey. It seemed that working for Reed required a tight lip.Ethan turned his gaze outside the window as they entered Blue Coast.The car drove for a while before stopping in front of a huge iron gate, which opened automatically after a brief pause. Inside the gate was the garden, occasionally patrolled by bodyguards, whose presence Ethan noted silently.The car dro
Zero-sum game Chapter 8: Debauchery
"What did you put in the drink!?" Ethan Winters feigned ignorance as he confronted Alexander Reed.Reed stood tall, looking down at Ethan, "Nothing special. We're both adults here; you should know what it was."Ethan scorned, "The CEO of The Circle, resorting to such lowly tactics.""I did it for your benefit," Reed replied leisurely. "You wanted to collaborate with The Circle, didn't you? I'm offering you the opportunity, even providing an excuse for you. A little drug won't harm your pride; you can blame everything on its effects. Besides, my door is not locked; if you're unwilling, I can have someone take you back right now. Then you can vent on someone else, no problem at all."Reed's reasoning was oddly rational, presenting Ethan with a dilemma.This type of drug, more common than others, posed the most challenging situation. If Reed had merely drugged him to extract the truth, Ethan could pretend to be confused and tell a flawless lie. That was his plan. However, the current sit
Latest chapter
- Zero-sum game Chapter 13: Introduction
- Zero-sum game Chapter 12: Interrogation
- Zero-sum game Chapter 11: Impersonation
- Zero-sum game Chapter 10: Business
- Zero-sum game Chapter 9: Return
- Zero-sum game Chapter 8: Debauchery
- Zero-sum game Chapter 7: Agreement
- Zero-sum game Chapter 6: Suspicion
- Zero-sum game Chapter 5: Shooting
