Songbird nodded with a gentle smile.

“Alright!” White Rabbit clapped her hands. “That concludes the member introductions. Now, let’s proceed with the induction ceremony!”

Gao Yang silently counted: the organization already had ten members—Electric Rat, Battle Tiger, White Rabbit, Dragon, Ghost Horse, Gentle Lamb, Monkey, Songbird, Celestial Dog, and Dead Boar.

Dragon and Battle Tiger were the captain and vice-captain, so they were not participating.

That meant only Ox and Snake remained unassigned.

At that moment, Celestial Dog stepped forward, holding two plain plastic masks—one Ox, one Snake. “These are temporary masks. Later, you may customize them to your own liking.”

White Rabbit added, “Masks are mandatory on missions. First, it’s part of our company culture, and second, it conceals your identity.”

“Do we get to choose our own zodiac signs?” Gao Yang asked. “And our code names?”

“Precisely. However, since there are only two open spots, only two of you will receive a code name. The third will be a full member but remain nameless for now—until one of us dies.” White Rabbit shrugged. “Let’s hope that day doesn’t come too soon.”

“What kind of HR are you?” Officer Huang teased. “Hiring an extra person… That’s bad luck!”

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“Ha-ha, my apologies!” White Rabbit clasped her hands in mock penance. “I actually thought at least one of you would perish in Gujia Village, but all three survived!”

“Do you even listen to yourself?” Officer Huang was on the verge of exasperation.

“Huang, Qing Ling, you choose first.” Gao Yang smiled. “I’ll take the backup spot.”

“Are you sure?” Officer Huang looked at him. “Given my age, it should be me who defers.”

“No need. I’ll be the backup.”

Gao Yang held firm, for two reasons: first, he wasn’t particularly fond of Ox or Snake, so there was no need to fight for them; second, discretion is the better part of valor, and it’s wise to stay low-key.

“Alright, then,” Officer Huang agreed. “I’ll go with Ox. I’ve even got a name in mind—Yellow Ox.”

“Think carefully. Once chosen, it can’t be changed,” White Rabbit reminded him.

“I’ve thought it through—Yellow Ox, servant of the people!” Officer Huang declared proudly.

“Green Snake,” Qing Ling announced decisively.

“Wow, that’s quick!” White Rabbit looked at her approvingly, then cast a disdainful glance at Wu Dahai. “Look at her—decisive! And then there’s you… taking three days just to come up with *Electric Rat*. Questionable taste.”

Wu Dahai ran his hands through his messy hair. “White Rabbit, you’re too young to appreciate my charm. I forgive you.”

“Thank you for making me nauseous.” White Rabbit pulled a mock-gagging face.

Celestial Dog stepped forward, handing Gao Yang a faceless mask. “This is yours.”

Gao Yang put it on, feeling rather cool.

“All done!” White Rabbit announced.

“Hold on,” Officer Huang interjected. “Isn’t there an oath or something?”

“No! Too cliché—none of that here.” White Rabbit snapped her fingers. “But thanks for the reminder—let’s take a group photo! Otherwise, if any of us dies, there won’t even be a picture for the memorial.”

She directed everyone to don their masks and gather. Setting up the tripod and camera, she and Wu Dahai held up the masks of the absent captain and vice-captain for the photo.

White Rabbit shouted, “I hereby declare the Zodiac Twelve complete!”

“Three, two, one!”

“Cheese!”

*Click—*