76 THE CHOSEN ONE

"To those who vote for Mr. Qigang, please raise your hand!"

Erin amplified her voice, so all the Norfolks could hear it. The Tasmans had left already and the only people on that spot where the Norfolks and the council.

One of the members' hand shot up in glee. But she quickly put it down as she noticed that she was the only one lifting her arm.

Mr. Qigang could see from where he was standing and scowled as he saw a single soul nominated him.

"Thank the heavens. I would rather snuggle up in an aircon room tonight."

Raigon smirked at him secretly.

'You don't even deserve that favor.' He uttered to himself, as he remembered how he supported the malicious strategy played against Zoe a while ago.

'How does he handle their school if he acted like that in an ordinary game?' He gritted his teeth.

"All right, one for Mr. Qigang. Thank you." Erin carried on.

"Since we only have two candidates left, please select between the two simultaneously. If you opt for Mr. Fu, please stick up your right hand. If you pick Mr. Gao, please bring up your left hand. The most number of votes will stay on this island with you."

Four participants of the Norfolks Tribe draw their right hand for Mr. Fu. Raigon glimpsed at him who was beaming at them from behind their eyeglasses. Maybe he was indeed sincere in his concern for his beloved students since they are willing to spend more hours with him.

He learned from his training in being a king that an excellent leader is not the one who has more extensive knowledge or skills, but the one who was loved by his people because of his heartfelt generosity towards them.

He shifted back to the Tribe to check on their preferences. Surprisingly, four others moved up their left hand for him. He was now on the same number with Mr. Fu.

Raigon should be pleased that even though he was just a guest and they only saw him for the first time, he would equal to Mr. Fu in terms of the election.

But he was not after their personal choice. Even if they didn't cast their vote on him, he doesn't care. He was thirstily waiting for one. His heart hammered as he waited for her answer.

"So what's yours, Zoe?" Erin asked her sweetly.

"Since it is a tie for both Mr. Fu and Mr. Gao, your liking will finalize our nomination. So who would you want to be with tonight?"

Raigon drew in a deep breath as he is breathlessly awaiting her answer.

Everyone also is looking at her. Zoe had closed her eyes for a few seconds before she made up her mind and holds up her hand. It was her left.

"Okay! So we all come down in favor of Mr. Gao! Clap your hands if you're glad that he's your choice."

Everyone clapped their hands, including Zoe. She was smiling while gazing at him at the same time.

Raigon balled up his brawny fist and secretly shook it in glorious triumph. He grinned as the thought of Zoe wanting to be with him sank in his conscious mind.

'You're mine tonight,' he thought to himself in eager enthusiasm.

Mr. Fu gave a hearty laugh as he tapped Raigon's broad shoulder.

"Good luck, son," He beamed at him. "I'm too old for this anyway." His stretched cheeks never left his kind face as he took off with Mr. Qigang.

"All right, it's settled then. You can now get your precious belongings and set camp. Later, Koby will give you your fishing equipment, so you can have your dinner."

"What? You mean we have to throw a net before we can eat?" One of Savannah's friends blurted out.

"Yes. Why not? This is Survivor Challenge after all." Erin winched one of her eyebrows in prompt response.

Some of them grunted. But most of them were excited.

"But we've never cast a hook before," One of them commented.

"Don't worry, dear. Koby will help you out." Erin reassured them.

"I can do that too. I can even help with cooking them for you." Raigon volunteered and gave a leg up.

Erin chuckled, having an idea of what Raigon was after.

"It makes no odds! Now you won't be starving, people. At the end of the day, you are Norfolks." She cheered them up as she called on Koby to distribute their tents.

The Norfolks now was finally smiling and clapping their hands. They thought that maybe they were not really ill-fated because of their direct connection with Zoe. But it looked like they were actually blessed.

"As you can see, we only have five tents available. Excluding our guide of course. You have the freedom to handpick who will be your tent buddy since you are ten in all. There will be two participants in one tent only." Erin pressed on.

Everyone grabbed another's hand as they chose their cronies. Kristie crept up at Zoe's side and beamed at her. "Can I be your partner?" She asked her in a delightful tone.

Zoe twinkled back at her. "Be my guest, sweetie." She pressed on her shoulders. Kristie grinned all the more at the positive response of Zoe.

"Very well. You can start building your little village now." Erin finished her orientation.

Everyone grabbed their tent equipment and started setting it up, including Zoe. She picked up the heavy bag and carried it over her shapely shoulder like a piece of cake.

Meanwhile, Raigon picked up his and gulped as he did so. It was as heavy as an elephant. He was not used to carrying a large load since he always has loyal assistants to carry them for him.

"Do you need help?" Koby inquired to him as he walked beside him.

"No, I can manage." Raigon gave him a smug smile.

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It's sort of crazy how much just one person can make you smile. - Raigon

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