Chapter 659: Stockholm Syndrome? First Round of Voting Begins!

Thick fog, unable to see clearly.

Zhai Sixin's role is Maid, and she and Coachman seem to have an unknown secret and relationship.

Based on this, Su Yang has full reason to suspect she is diverting attention.

Or perhaps she is covering for the Maid!

"The logic is off, right? If the Count treats Diana harshly and even so violently, how could the dead possibly fall in love with him? Shouldn't she hate him?" Liang Kaiji was puzzled.

"When a person is in a closed environment, if they are tormented by fear and pain for a long time, over time the Brain will Launch a self‑preservation signal," Su Yang said.

"What does that mean?" Liang Kaiji was confused.

"Have you ever heard of a psychological condition—Stockholm Syndrome?" Su Yang slightly raised his eyelids.

What?!

Liang Kaiji, with a surprised expression, said, "You mean Diana was tortured for so long that she developed affection for her perpetrator?"

"Not only that, she also developed feelings of dependence, identification and worship, which can also explain why she calls the Count 'father'." Su Yang nodded.

"This…" Liang Kaiji suddenly felt absurd.

This is far beyond public order, good morals, and reality.

The victim actually developed a twisted feeling toward the perpetrator?

If Zhai Sixin hadn't read this Letter, she would have scoffed at such matters in everyday life.

After all, if it were her, she would definitely fight the Count tooth and nail!

"The two have vastly different statuses; the Count possesses the wealth and position she yearns for, and with that gap, over time her mindset will naturally change," Su Yang explained.

"That's right; such humiliation placed on another person would already make them think of dying together, and even if nothing else, they'd end themselves," Coachman solemnly nodded.

"Then how do we explain her residence?" Tang Youning suddenly raised a doubt, "It's not hard to see from the Letter that initially Diana lived in the Ancient Castle, and this Maid could even see her dragging her injured body back to her room."

"That can also indirectly confirm that her status is actually the same as the other two Maids."

"But we discovered her residence is actually the Cellar, and from the scene traces it is clear she has lived there for a sufficiently long time."

"A beloved person who never resisted, even the Count, however ruthless, would not move a concubine to a pitch‑dark place."

"Information is incomplete for now; we must continue to interpret the Letter," Su Yang said.

"But we must vote tonight!" Tang Youning said in a deep voice.

"There's still some time before 8 p. m.; the big guy should push harder to find new Luoshi," Su Yang said slowly.

"Looking at your stance, it seems you already have a plan; could it be that Su Xiong already has someone in mind?" Tang Youning asked.

"Tang brother, you think too highly of me; Su can keep weaving stories, but now lacking critical evidence leaves me with no way to proceed," Su Yang said.

Having said that, Su Yang looked at Zhai Sixin, "Can't we continue any longer?"

"Hmm, it's already at the limit; I need rest and to digest," Zhai Sixin showed a troubled expression.

"Alright then, big guy, you may act freely; see you tonight," Su Yang was the first to leave the dining hall.

The others exchanged glances and all left to search for Luoshi.

Only Coachman and Zhai Sixin stayed in place; when the footsteps faded, the two exchanged a glance.

"Su Yang seems to have sensed it," Coachman whispered.

"That Tang Youning guy as well," Zhai Sixin said expressionlessly.

"What do you plan to do next?"

"Proceed as usual; do what needs to be done. He can't target us, and we can't yet get a handle on him."

"Zhao Ge said we must let Su Yang die in this Death Game! He issued the Final Ultimatum!"

"What was the exact wording?"

"Su Yang participates in the Round Table Meeting and puts forward a Proposal to create an Organization; if this continues, it will certainly affect other Sea Area players!"

"He actually obtained a rare Hidden Achievement?!" Zhai Sixin's face immediately paled.

"Moreover, Zhao Ge worries this kid will Accelerate rule updates, and soon will connect with one side of the Sea Area; then he may very likely discern that secret!" Coachman said gravely.

"Getting the title on the first encounter, this guy is indeed not simple!" Zhai Sixin pursed her lips, her eyes showing emotion.

Fortunately, Su Yang and Tang Youning already have a grudge, which makes an excellent entry point.

"You're now restrained and can't act freely," Coachman said.

"Yes, that damned Li Zhenhua has Lie Detection Innate Talent; he must die!" A cold glint flashed in Zhai Sixin's eyes.

————

7:55 p. m.

All players arrived at the Reception Hall.

The voting segment is imminent, and each person's face bears a different expression.

Obviously, no one wants to undergo a Hang Execution.

At the same time they worry others have obtained evidence detrimental to themselves.

"Dong—"

As the bell rang, the broadcast voice sounded in succession.

"Voting segment begins; players have a thirty‑minute Free Discussion Time, and when time's up they may raise their hands to vote!"

The words fell, and no one rustled.

Shooting the bird that sticks its head out is a principle all seasoned players understand.

An entire afternoon of searching yielded nothing.

The massive Ancient Castle was cleanly terrifying, as if it had been swept by a Cleaner beforehand.

"Everyone is silent; are you planning to cold‑handle these thirty minutes?" Su Yang spoke first.

After a moment, Liang Kaiji hesitated: "I just don't know where to start; the analysis that needed to be done was already completed after reading the Letter."

"The currently known details are—Diana, two Security Guards, a Maid; these four have already given enough clues, and the story is roughly pieced together. Isn't that enough?" Su Yang asked.

"Of course not; the Photo Frame in one of the Maid's rooms has vanished, and Su Xiong doesn't find that odd at all?" Tang Youning pointed the accusation at Su Yang.

"Then what can I do, dig three feet into the ground to find it?" Su Yang spread his hands.

"That doesn't seem to match your probing style; could it be that you hid the Photo Frame?" Tang Youning's eyes flashed with insight.

"I wish I had that ability, and even if I hid it, Tang brother knows me well enough to know I'd lie when you ask." Su Yang gave a slight Smile.

"What if you're lying right now?"

"So you believe it?"

"Hmph!" Tang Youning crossed his arms, looked away.

Su Yang restrained his Smile, glanced at Zhai Sixin and the Coachman, "You two, aren't you going to explain that thing I mentioned this afternoon?"

The Coachman's Pupil narrowed slightly, about to speak when Zhai Sixin cut in, "There's nothing to explain; anyone present could be the murderer, hiding evidence is just a precaution."

"Oh?" Su Yang, interested, stroked his chin, "Then may I understand that…"

"The Coachman used his Innate Talent to know the murderer's identity in advance."

"Thus the two of you set a trap to deliberately disrupt the situation."

"To spark a conflict between me and Tang brother?"

Zhai Sixin's Pupil suddenly contracted at those words!