It was evident that such an explanation could not immediately persuade everyone, but Qin Cheng also did not provide further explanations right away.
He merely added a couple of sentences.
"We’ve discussed too much today, and this issue can’t be explained in just a few words. I plan to elaborate more during tonight’s dinner.
"In the meantime, everyone can take some time to think about it and digest the information.
"I’ll give a more comprehensive explanation during dinner.
"There’s no need to rush with the matter of drug consignment either. Unlike other communities, we’re not under pressure to sell these drugs, so we can observe for a few more days and decide once the prices stabilize.
"I will continue to monitor this situation, and any subsequent arrangements will be communicated to you all promptly.
"Alright, everyone, go ahead and focus on your own tasks now."
This interlude made many people feel somewhat uneasy, but Qin Cheng’s attitude was quite decisive, with no hesitation whatsoever. So, even without an immediate in-depth discussion, it promptly played a role in stabilizing the community.
The group gradually dispersed.
Fu Yujun and Lin Sizhi exchanged glances, and both tacitly headed for the third floor one after the other.
...
"What exactly happened in Community 17?"
Most of the time, Fu Yujun appeared indifferent, but he couldn’t help but ask urgently as soon as they closed the door.
Lin Sizhi answered truthfully, "Fu Chen was sent back to the real world by Cai Zhiyuan, following the rules of the ’Super Authority Player,’ once the ’Lifting Game’ concluded.
"As for the other players... they also returned to the real world through the first stage rewards."
Fu Yujun’s face involuntarily showed a look of shock.
Clearly, such information was shocking enough for any player, making it difficult to remain completely unaffected without prior psychological preparation.
"It’s really possible to return to the real world?" Fu Yujun still appeared somewhat incredulous.
Lin Sizhi nodded, "The rules of the community and the walkway are very clear, so it shouldn’t be a falsehood.
"Of course, I only saw the rules and watched them leave the community; as for the situation in the real world, I’m completely unaware."
A rare expression appeared on Fu Yujun’s face, gradually transitioning from shock to joy.
This expression might seem restrained to others, but it was quite evident to himself.
Regardless, upon knowing Fu Chen could return to the real world, it was difficult for him to conceal his delight, perhaps the only thing he genuinely cared about in the entire New World.
Fu Yujun remained silent for a long time, seemingly pondering the implications repeatedly.
Then he asked, "Do the other players in Community 2 know about this information too?"
Clearly, Lin Sizhi frankly and honestly revealed these matters, somewhat surprising Fu Yujun.
Because in the walkway, the most precious thing wasn’t visa time but information disparity.
’The method to leave the walkway’ wasn’t just a special thought and hope; it was also the core mystery around which specific plans could be constructed.
Lin Sizhi said flatly, "No, I haven’t mentioned this to other players in Community 2 yet.
"I told you because of trust, especially given the trust in Fu Chen.
"As his father, of course, you have the right to know his whereabouts.
"As for the other matters, I’m sure you can surmise."
Fu Yujun paused before nodding, "Thank you. I will keep this matter confidential.
"...But I still want to ask one question.
"Why did you choose to stay?"
Lin Sizhi paused momentarily, "Because I still want to know the answers to some questions."
...
Approaching dinner time, everyone was bustling in the hall.
Qin Cheng already used the community fund to purchase discount coupons. During the week when the coupons were effective, everyone inevitably engaged in frenzied shopping.
Special items, including the Immunity Coupon, were, of course, to be replenished during this period, but since there was ample time, plans could be made leisurely.
Once preparations were complete, everyone gathered around the long table.
At this time, out of the 14 seats in the community, one was still empty. Everyone moved the empty chair to the side, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Qin Cheng did not deliver a lengthy speech before dinner but instead raised his glass symbolically to welcome the new members.
After that, everyone dined and chatted, with the atmosphere feeling free, relaxed, and harmonious.
When most people had eaten enough and those who drank were in a slightly tipsy state, Qin Cheng took back the conversation.
"Regarding the question of whether to consign drugs, I have long considered it repeatedly.
"I know everyone’s concern about this ’drug consignment’ is not about the act itself.
"If it’s just about consignment, our previous discussions have reached a general consensus with little opposition.
"The main concern is whether my earlier proposition conflicts with this ’drug consignment’ act, which might affect our image in the eyes of other communities, leading to a split between our left and right brains.
"What does everyone think?"
Everyone lowered their heads, falling into contemplation.
Sensing that there was no immediate response, Fu Yujun spoke first, "From a practical standpoint, I don’t see a conflict.
"What we advocate for doesn’t necessarily have to align entirely with our actions.
"Even the highest ideals must sometimes yield to reality where necessary.
"Pure idealists are destined to have short lives, no different from Don Quixote charging at windmills; conceding on certain matters to reality is not a compromise, but rather ensuring minimal achievement of the ideal.
"Failing by compromising nothing, or succeeding by compromising a little, a rational person would obviously choose the latter.
"Therefore, I see no fault in it."
Ye Lin pondered for a moment before speaking, "Here’s how I see it: Even if Qin Cheng’s proposal essentially aims for us to become a community akin to an ’opinion leader,’ advocating for a new order and leadership, we must clearly define our boundaries with other communities.
"Moreover, precisely because we aim to be ’opinion leaders,’ we must pay attention to this point."
Lu Qi seemed a bit puzzled, "Boundaries? What boundaries?"
Ye Lin explained, "Every community leader must have full autonomy to decide on their community’s affairs. That is their inherent right.
"If we impact the internal matters of their community, that would be infringing upon their power boundaries, which will surely invoke opposition and resistance from other communities.
"The more we intrude, the stronger their opposition will grow.
"The drug issue is the most critical among them.
"Therefore, in the matter of drugs, we must respect other communities’ perspectives and not demand they must regulate the drugs. Instead, we should respect their freedom to manage or not manage them.
"Under such circumstances, as long as we’re not excessively inflating consigned drug prices, it’s fine.
"Offering them at a typical or slightly lower price might be seen as a friendly gesture towards those communities that don’t regulate drugs, potentially drawing them into the order we advocate.
"If we truly want to establish a certain order across all communities, we must choose the path with the least resistance."
Qin Cheng nodded, "Yes, that’s my view as well.
"As it stands, most communities cannot regulate drugs, and that is already a foregone conclusion. Of course, we can’t intervene in their internal matters.
"We can only respect their decisions regarding drugs.
"Given this, selling drugs is not against our position— as long as we’re not deliberately raising drug prices for profit.
"We indeed aim to be the ’opinion leader’ of all communities, and are indeed setting higher moral standards for ourselves, considering we want to promote cooperation —with the premise being to appear trustworthy.
"However, this does not mean expanding our internal community’s moral standards to inter-community issues.
"So, I believe there’s no need for any moral burden. We can proceed with consigning drugs as usual, only slightly underpricing them compared to other communities."
Everyone nodded, signifying a consensus reached on the issue.
In truth, deep down, most were inclined toward drug consignment; thus, all it required was a seemingly rational reason to convince themselves.
However, Huang Shengjie frowned, feeling vaguely apprehensive for some reason.
Once the meal was finished, everyone worked together to tidy up the table, then returned to their rooms to rest.