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Zero-sum game
Last Updated : 2024-03-02
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【Two Male Leads + Power Dynamics + Slow Burn Romance + Corporate Warfare + 1v1】 "You came to kill me, didn't you?" "That was the original plan, but I've changed my mind." "Oh, what an honor that is." In game theory, when the sum of gains and losses among participants always equals "zero," it's known as a "zero-sum game," where cooperation between the parties is not possible. In the game of love, however, two initially opposing individuals repeatedly break the norms and find their way to each other. A mission sparks their complex relationship, with one falling first, and the other soon succumbing to the fall as well... *Dual-faced, affectionate mastermind ✖️ Undercover agent playing coy *1v1
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Zero-sum game Chapter 13: Introduction
Ethan Winters appeared to be deeply asleep on the desk, but in reality, he hadn't fallen asleep yet. This was a deliberate arrangement by Alexander Reed; until Alexander showed up, Ethan couldn't be sure he had successfully passed the test. The control room was not far from this container, and it only took Alexander and Michael Turner a couple of minutes to arrive by car.Michael entered intending to wake Ethan but was stopped by Alexander, "Let him sleep."While preventing Michael from approaching, Alexander himself went over to Ethan, lifted him from the chair with ease, and walked out in a few strides, with Michael following behind.Ethan, seizing a moment when Alexander was less attentive, opened his eyes slightly to see who was carrying him. The sight of Alexander's profile surprised him yet also brought some relief. This indicated he had passed the scrutiny.Alexander carefully arranged Ethan's legs on the back seat of the sedan, and because Ethan couldn't lay down completely, A
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Zero-sum game Chapter 12: Interrogation
"Why are you here?" they exclaimed in unison. John Smith and Ethan Winters squeezed into a narrow gap next to them, only wide enough for one person, pressing against the containers while keeping an eye on their surroundings.John whispered, "Got a tip this afternoon that a small batch of arms from 'The Circle' could be intercepted here, so the team leader sent me to check it out.""Whose tip?" Ethan inquired."From our mole inside 'The Circle.' You know how unreliable that could be, so I had to come see for myself."John, standing closer to the outside, kept peering out as he explained. "And you? The team leader didn't mention you'd be here.""It's a long story; let's focus on getting out first," Ethan quickly sifted through John's words."But if the police already knew, why involve the joint task force?""I found that odd too. Took down two on my way here; their tactics felt off, not like real cops."Ethan hadn't directly confronted these "cops" and hadn't noticed this detail.John's
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Zero-sum game Chapter 11: Impersonation
Alexander Reed lightly patted Michael Turner's chest in commendation, then settled into the chair reserved for him.With his right leg crossed over his left, he focused intently on the screen that showed Ethan Winters—Ethan and the bodyguard who had provided cover for him were now taking refuge behind a crane, with any attempt to peek out quickly suppressed by gunfire.Ethan, unarmed, was stuck in a defensive position, hesitant to make a move.The coincidence and timing of the police's arrival suggested an informant.Ethan was certain it wasn't him; he wouldn't jeopardize his long-term plans for a short-term gain, especially when he had finally gotten close to the arms dealings of "The Circle."Could it have been an undercover agent from the joint task force?As Ethan dodged bullets, he covertly observed the reactions of the surrounding bodyguards.Unsure of how many were aware of today's arrangement within "The Circle," he considered everyone directly involved to be suspects.The sta
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Zero-sum game Chapter 10: Business
Although the arms dealing of "The Circle" was carried out in secrecy, the primary entity from which the secret was kept was the government; within the circle, however, it was an open secret.Few dared to tamper with it despite many being aware of it. Most of those in the know kept to themselves, attending to their own affairs without interfering with others.Alexander Reed had no intention of skulking or concealing the matter. He broached the subject with a double entendre, "This business isn't something I can agree to just by sharing a bed with you."Ethan Winters was not pleased with Alexander's attitude, "I thought I had demonstrated sufficient sincerity.""Sincerity?" Alexander scoffed, "Your demeanor has been so inconsistent in my presence, how do you expect me to believe in your sincerity?"Ethan slammed his coffee cup down on the table, "My current attitude should be proof enough of my sincerity."Alexander adjusted the cuffs of his suit, "So, you're admitting that your previou
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Zero-sum game Chapter 9: Return
As soon as Ethan Winters left and closed the door behind him, Alexander Reed's eyes opened, revealing no trace of sleepiness. He methodically got out of bed, summoned a servant to tidy up the room, and then, donning a bathrobe, headed for a shower.Reed had been awake all night and felt weary, needing to wash off the remnants of the night and indulge in some rest. The "important meeting" he had mentioned was nothing but a spur-of-the-moment excuse.After showering and about to use the hairdryer, a polite knock sounded at the door. "Boss," called a voice from outside.Reed didn't open the door, instead asking through the wall, "Has he gone back?"The servant outside responded respectfully, "Yes, as per your instructions, we've sent him back in a company car."Reed, looking at his reflection in the mirror and smoothing his hair, inquired, "How did he look?""Pale, and his movements were a bit off. He didn't eat the breakfast prepared for him, just asked to be taken back immediately."Re
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Zero-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
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Zero-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
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Zero-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
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Zero-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,
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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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
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