70 THREE IS NO MORE

Everyone froze as they waited in eager anticipation of where they would assign Zoe.

"Where would Zoe be assigned?"

"I don't like to be with her."

In general, most felt awkward towards her.

It was not just because of the unfortunate events that happened to her then. They totally twisted her reputation 180 degrees, from being the most attractive and sought-after girl in their school, to being the most pitiful and crestfallen one.

"Yeah, we haven't seen her for fifteen long years!"

Most of them were always present in their annual gatherings, so they have an idea about what the others have been through.

"That's right! This was the first time we will be with Zoe. And the first time we will have a grand team-building with challenges such as this!"

Zoe, on the other hand, was unaffected. She looked at them but she was not at all intimidated.

But she was uncomfortable being with them after a decade and a half.

She knew how they thought ill of her in the past—especially Savannah and her faithful followers.

'As much as I desire to say, "past is past" and "I've moved on," I want to be honest with myself. My entire existence was affected by you all.'

'During that time, I don't care. I was devastated by the sudden loss of my parents and our fortune. My entire focus is on how to move on from grief and my miserable circumstance.'

'But as I aged, I realized that you should be the people who were supposed to sympathize with me during those times. Not trampled on me all the more into the ground!'

Zoe drew in a deep breath.

'Fortunately, it diverted my world for the better....'

"Zoe Cheng," Erin called on her name.

She was the last on the list, and she would be announcing her tribe.

Now, she would prove her theory as she faced them once again.

What group would she be in? With Savannah and Enzo? Or her former friends who also sold her down the river?

"You will be on Norfolk tribe."

There were different reactions as Zoe calmly walked towards the Norfolk castaways.

Some were indifferent. Savannah's friends even grimaced at her.

"You are my tribemates, I have to cooperate with you for now."

Zoe clenched her fist as she controlled herself from pulling all their hairs out. 

"Don't worry, dear. We know what you've been through, so we'll go easy on you."

Savannah responded to her in a fake sympathetic tone.

Afterward, her face scrunched up with that irritating smirk.

Zo drew in a deep breath.

'That's it. Once is enough. Twice is too much. And thrice is no more.'

Zoe resolved to herself.

She lifted her head and faced Savannah.

"No, don't do that, honey. Give me the best you've got. I don't want to be the Survivor Queen just because you took me lightly, "

She smiled a devilish grin at her.

All of the castaways' eyeballs went wide-open in astonishment. Including Savannah.

They weren't expecting her to join the challenge, much more desiring to be the Queen.

All except Raigon, who chuckled as soon as Zoe released her pent-up rage.

"Hahaha!"

His eyes were on Zoe the whole time the atmosphere was being heated up, whether by a vulgar or silent exchange of invisible poisonous darts.

The eyes that were previously on Zoe and Savannah veered to their mysterious guest. It was their first time to see him in a cheerful mode.

"Ehem!"

Raigon noticed that he was in a hot spot. In a flash, he cleared his throat and explained himself away.

"I'm glad that clearly, we made the right choices in picking up the suitable tribes for you."

He glanced at the dean and the adviser, who nodded their heads in agreement with him.

"We are expecting a good fight." He concluded.

"All right then," Erin clapped her hands.

"We will have a short break. After five minutes, please return to your tribe. Thank you, everyone."

Savannah made one last death stare at Zoe before she flipped her hair and ramped away.

Zoe didn't move an eyelash. She remained rooted in her spot as she didn't fancy doing anything else. 

"Nice start, your Majesty."

Raigon approached her from behind and whispered in her ear in a deep but soft voice.

He had an urge to stay away from her and prevent rumors from the people around them. But his feet just couldn't stay still as long as she is within his range.

"Mr. Gao!"

Like lightning, Zoe swiveled and gazed at him.

Then, she glanced at the people around them.

Fortunately, only a few were looking at their direction.

"What are you doing?" She hissed.

"And why are you laughing back there?" She scowled at him.

She's still mad at him for talking to some women in her face.

"I just counted how many times you will let others take the upper hand before you show the real you. And I'm correct. It only takes three. And I'm glad you did."

He grinned triumphantly.

Zoe's previous frowning face relaxed.

'It seemed he was watching me the whole time. And he knew what was going on inside of me even if I was trying my best to hide it.'

She chuckled at the thought that someone was cheering for her secretly, and it was her mysterious savior.

Being in a light mood, she responded to him.

"Now you know. So don't start 'one' with me."

Raigon jerked his head and waved his hand as if telling her "over my dead body."

Zoe laughed at his antics.

They didn't realize that some of her fellow castaways were slowly coming back one by one.

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There is a limit to everything.

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