The food truck sits at the edge of the survivor camp at dusk. Steam rises from the vents. The neon sign flickers. In the distance, two figures approach from opposite directions — one from the east road, one from the north.

Inside the truck, close on the System HUD. The crimson warning text pulses.

Mo Yan rushes to the truck window and looks out. He sees two approaching figures.

Close-ups of the two approaching parties.

Mo Yan makes his decision and moves.

Mo Yan intercepts the survivor patrol.

Mo Yan redirects the survivors with a fabricated threat.

The patrol agrees and redirects east. Mo Yan watches them go, then sprints toward the zombie representative.

Mo Yan intercepts the zombie representative on the road.

The System provides the excuse. Mo Yan reads it aloud.

The zombie accepts the excuse and departs.

Mo Yan watches the zombie leave, then checks the System. Wall integrity confirmed.

Mo Yan's hands begin to shake as the adrenaline fades.

Mo Yan realizes the stakes — the ratings depend on separation.

Mo Yan climbs back into the truck. Night has fallen.

Close-up on the map spread across the dashboard.

Mo Yan stares at the map, understanding the house of cards.

Mo Yan accepts his situation. The truck starts.

The opera house comes into view. The court is waiting.

Mo Yan enters and prepares to serve. The wall holds.

The System HUD shows ratings stable. The night proceeds.

The chapter closes on Mo Yan's realization. He is building a house of cards.