Tang Ning hadn't encountered any relatives in this game instance, and as a freelancer, he seemed to lack colleagues. His thoughts, stirred by Boss Hao's words, revolved around the names mentioned until he heard the final piece of information: Mo Yunchu.
His bedside companion.
But how could that be possible?
Mo Yunchu was his biggest reliance in this instance. Without Mo Yunchu, he would have been attacked by ghost infants on the bus. Every life-or-death situation seemed to have Mo Yunchu appearing at the critical moment.
Tang Ning furrowed his brow, sensing a subtle confusion. Why were Mo Yunchu's timely rescues so perfect each time?
From their first encounter, Mo Yunchu had saved him at the most dangerous moments. What did Mo Yunchu say back then?
"Xiao Ning, are you still mad at me?"
From Mo Yunchu's perspective, "Tang Ning" had deliberately sat in the back because of anger.
Why did a caring boyfriend take so long to apologize for a simple disagreement and precisely at the moment when he was about to be killed by a ghost infant?
In the bathroom facing a ghost infant, Mo Yunchu arrived at the most appropriate moment. The same went for the midnight bloodsucking incident. Even when Tang Ning almost followed the ghost infant's command to jump off the building, Mo Yunchu's timely call woke him up.
Tang Ning felt like he might be going crazy.
Countless warm memories of Mo Yunchu flooded his mind, bringing infinite security. However, suddenly, he recalled the surveillance video sent by Lu Yingxing before his death.
Those warm memories now seemed to be tainted with ominous undertones.
Tang Ning shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.
Boss Hao had warned him about being cautious with those around him, but before that, he also mentioned having someone to help him, and Mo Yunchu should be that person.
"System, do I have any friends or relatives?"
"Currently, none."
Tang Ning found the system's response peculiar. "What about before?"
"Detailed character information is not disclosed. It's recommended for players to explore on their own."
After a pause, the system added, "This is beneficial for your self-improvement."
Tang Ning agreed with the system. Instead of overthinking, he decided to go to the phone repair shop to retrieve Lu Yingxing's phone and check the surveillance footage.
Leaving the funeral home, he arrived at the phone repair shop and opened Lu Yingxing's phone, watching the surveillance footage.
In the bedroom footage, Tang Ning was peacefully asleep, and it seemed Mo Yunchu was sleeping too. However, when he zoomed in, he saw Mo Yunchu's open eyes—staring at him in the darkness.
Tang Ning couldn't help but feel uneasy. Watching himself sleep while Mo Yunchu silently observed him was eerier than having a ghost infant near his pillow.
After a while, Mo Yunchu suddenly got up, his movements gentle and unobtrusive, not waking Tang Ning. Tang Ning initially thought Mo Yunchu was going to the bathroom, and he even started feeling angry about Mo Yunchu not keeping his promise. However, Mo Yunchu didn't leave the room.
He did something Tang Ning couldn't comprehend.
Mo Yunchu's slender hands picked up Tang Ning's discarded clothes, and his handsome, cold face buried into Tang Ning's shirt. The shirt covered the upper half of Mo Yunchu's face, revealing a stoic jawline.
Tang Ning saw the movement of Mo Yunchu's adam's apple.
After a moment, Mo Yunchu took the shirt away from his face. There was no expression on his face, and he had a face like a high mountain flower. He meticulously buttoned up his black sleepwear, looking meticulous and austere. The dirty clothes in his hands seemed almost sacrilegious.
Tang Ning remembered Mo Yunchu's strict, almost obsessive behavior when helping him bathe. Even in this situation, Mo Yunchu, the one who meticulously cleaned the spaces between his fingers, was now sniffing his shirt like an addict unable to resist his cravings.
Tang Ning rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
This scene had a more profound impact than the ghost infant lurking near his pillow.
Mo Yunchu returned to bed, gazing at Tang Ning's sleeping face for a long time. His intense, unblinking phoenix eyes gave Tang Ning the sensation of being preyed upon. Then, slowly, he approached the sleeping Tang Ning, like a snake waiting for an opportune moment.
Tang Ning's scalp tingled, especially seeing himself soundly asleep. For the first time, he realized how deeply he could sleep.
At a hair's breadth from Tang Ning's forehead, Mo Yunchu's thin lips stopped. His beautiful fingers lifted a strand of Tang Ning's hair, and Mo Yunchu gently kissed the strand.
After these actions, Mo Yunchu returned to his side, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.
"System, what's wrong with Mo Yunchu? Why did he smell my clothes? Why did he stay up all night watching me?"
Tang Ning asked in a daze.
"Perhaps he has unique preferences."
The system replied calmly.
Tang Ning was dumbfounded for a moment. Indeed, people's preferences could be quite diverse. Maybe he was making a fuss over nothing.
Next, Tang Ning checked other surveillance videos. The most significant anomaly from last night's footage was Mo Yunchu flashing around various room entrances, and there was a sudden blackout in the bathroom footage.
Tang Ning wanted to have someone repair the video, but considering Mo Yunchu's special profession, he hesitated. If videos related to Mo Yunchu were leaked, and Mo Yunchu found out about the hidden cameras in the mansion, he might not forgive Tang Ning easily. If Boss Hao wasn't reliable, losing Mo Yunchu as a protective talisman would jeopardize Tang Ning's survival in this instance.
He randomly clicked on today's real-time surveillance. Initially not expecting to see anything significant, he was surprised by an unexpected figure on the screen—
Mo Yunchu, who should be on the set, appeared in the mansion.
Mo Yunchu wore a cap and a mask, carrying a black backpack on his back. Even though he concealed himself well, Tang Ning instantly recognized him.
Mo Yunchu took out a key from the entrance and headed towards the basement.
The basement was a forbidden area for Tang Ning.
What was Mo Yunchu doing in the basement?
What was in his backpack?
Why did he come back so early today?
Questions arose one after another, and Tang Ning hadn't figured out the answers when a call came in. Mo Yunchu's low and gentle voice sounded from the phone, "Xiao Ning, what time will you be home today?"
"I'm not sure, depends on when you get back. It's boring being alone at home," Tang Ning replied. If Mo Yunchu wasn't home, he planned to stay with Boss Hao. Despite the funeral home's oppressive atmosphere, Boss Hao's high-status reassured Tang Ning.
"Okay, I'll try to finish early. I'll be home by 8 tonight," Mo Yunchu said softly.
Staring at the basement door, Tang Ning asked, "Where
are you now?"
"Of course, on the set."
Suddenly, Tang Ning didn't know what to say. "You focus on your filming; no need to call me specifically."
The basement door opened, and Mo Yunchu came out with the backpack seemingly less full. He chatted with Tang Ning while walking towards the entrance, reaching the front door, and looking directly at the surveillance camera.
At that moment, Tang Ning's heart pounded violently, like a small animal stared down by a predator.
Mo Yunchu casually averted his gaze, seemingly just taking a casual glance. He walked towards the door, his voice steady, "I want to hear Xiao Ning's voice; it gives me motivation to act."
"By the way." Inserting the key into the entrance, Mo Yunchu suddenly said, "Has Xiao Ning been to the basement recently?"
Tang Ning felt an indescribable pressure. "No."
Mo Yunchu smiled, "Why so nervous?"
"My voice didn't change; I'm not nervous," Tang Ning's throat felt dry.
"Your tone changed. Xiao Ning is so cute when nervous. Going to the basement isn't a big deal," Mo Yunchu's tone was light, as if teasing a little cat or dog. "Alright, let's not talk about it now. See you tonight."
The call ended here.
Tang Ning only realized he had been so nervous that his breathing became heavy.
He couldn't understand Mo Yunchu's intentions. Initially, Mo Yunchu said he could go anywhere in the entire mansion except the basement. Now he was saying that going to the basement wasn't a big deal. Was he trying to play mind games?
What secrets were hidden in the basement?
Was Mo Yunchu his benefactor or someone he should be wary of?
Without clarifying this matter, Tang Ning felt he might not be able to share a bed with Mo Yunchu again, especially with someone who would silently stare at him, smell his clothes, and hide secrets in the basement.
Compared to the ghost infant, it was a different kind of unknown terror.
Mo Yunchu had already left, and he wouldn't return until 8 in the evening. Tang Ning had enough time to return to the mansion and go to the basement. Tang Ning didn't hesitate for too long; he made up his mind and immediately took a taxi back to the mansion.
Upon reaching the mansion, Tang Ning picked up the key in the entrance and walked step by step towards the elevator leading to the basement.
The mansion's elevator was narrow and cramped. Going down to the basement felt suffocating, both physically and psychologically. Tang Ning watched as the number jumped to minus one. The elevator doors opened at this moment, revealing various rooms like a regular floor.
Tang Ning reached the room where Mo Yunchu had entered just now. He inserted the key and turned it, only to realize the door wasn't locked.
Had Mo Yunchu forgotten to lock it when he left?
Tang Ning was stunned, opened the door handle, and found the room very dim. It seemed like the air conditioner was on, emanating a cold, cellar-like air.
Turning on the light, Tang Ning saw an almost empty, undecorated room with white walls and floors. In the center was a small crib, and the whole room had an indescribable chill.
Thud.
+
Behind him, the sound of the door closing echoed.
Tang Ning hadn't encountered any relatives in this game instance, and as a freelancer, he seemed to lack colleagues. His thoughts, stirred by Boss Hao's words, revolved around the names mentioned until he heard the final piece of information: Mo Yunchu.
His bedside companion.
But how could that be possible?
Mo Yunchu was his biggest reliance in this instance. Without Mo Yunchu, he would have been attacked by ghost infants on the bus. Every life-or-death situation seemed to have Mo Yunchu appearing at the critical moment.
Tang Ning furrowed his brow, sensing a subtle confusion. Why were Mo Yunchu's timely rescues so perfect each time?
From their first encounter, Mo Yunchu had saved him at the most dangerous moments. What did Mo Yunchu say back then?
"Xiao Ning, are you still mad at me?"
From Mo Yunchu's perspective, "Tang Ning" had deliberately sat in the back because of anger.
Why did a caring boyfriend take so long to apologize for a simple disagreement and precisely at the moment when he was about to be killed by a ghost infant?
In the bathroom facing a ghost infant, Mo Yunchu arrived at the most appropriate moment. The same went for the midnight bloodsucking incident. Even when Tang Ning almost followed the ghost infant's command to jump off the building, Mo Yunchu's timely call woke him up.
Tang Ning felt like he might be going crazy.
Countless warm memories of Mo Yunchu flooded his mind, bringing infinite security. However, suddenly, he recalled the surveillance video sent by Lu Yingxing before his death.
Those warm memories now seemed to be tainted with ominous undertones.
Tang Ning shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.
Boss Hao had warned him about being cautious with those around him, but before that, he also mentioned having someone to help him, and Mo Yunchu should be that person.
"System, do I have any friends or relatives?"
"Currently, none."
Tang Ning found the system's response peculiar. "What about before?"
"Detailed character information is not disclosed. It's recommended for players to explore on their own."
After a pause, the system added, "This is beneficial for your self-improvement."
Tang Ning agreed with the system. Instead of overthinking, he decided to go to the phone repair shop to retrieve Lu Yingxing's phone and check the surveillance footage.
Leaving the funeral home, he arrived at the phone repair shop and opened Lu Yingxing's phone, watching the surveillance footage.
In the bedroom footage, Tang Ning was peacefully asleep, and it seemed Mo Yunchu was sleeping too. However, when he zoomed in, he saw Mo Yunchu's open eyes—staring at him in the darkness.
Tang Ning couldn't help but feel uneasy. Watching himself sleep while Mo Yunchu silently observed him was eerier than having a ghost infant near his pillow.
After a while, Mo Yunchu suddenly got up, his movements gentle and unobtrusive, not waking Tang Ning. Tang Ning initially thought Mo Yunchu was going to the bathroom, and he even started feeling angry about Mo Yunchu not keeping his promise. However, Mo Yunchu didn't leave the room.
He did something Tang Ning couldn't comprehend.
Mo Yunchu's slender hands picked up Tang Ning's discarded clothes, and his handsome, cold face buried into Tang Ning's shirt. The shirt covered the upper half of Mo Yunchu's face, revealing a stoic jawline.
Tang Ning saw the movement of Mo Yunchu's adam's apple.
After a moment, Mo Yunchu took the shirt away from his face. There was no expression on his face, and he had a face like a high mountain flower. He meticulously buttoned up his black sleepwear, looking meticulous and austere. The dirty clothes in his hands seemed almost sacrilegious.
Tang Ning remembered Mo Yunchu's strict, almost obsessive behavior when helping him bathe. Even in this situation, Mo Yunchu, the one who meticulously cleaned the spaces between his fingers, was now sniffing his shirt like an addict unable to resist his cravings.
Tang Ning rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
This scene had a more profound impact than the ghost infant lurking near his pillow.
Mo Yunchu returned to bed, gazing at Tang Ning's sleeping face for a long time. His intense, unblinking phoenix eyes gave Tang Ning the sensation of being preyed upon. Then, slowly, he approached the sleeping Tang Ning, like a snake waiting for an opportune moment.
Tang Ning's scalp tingled, especially seeing himself soundly asleep. For the first time, he realized how deeply he could sleep.
At a hair's breadth from Tang Ning's forehead, Mo Yunchu's thin lips stopped. His beautiful fingers lifted a strand of Tang Ning's hair, and Mo Yunchu gently kissed the strand.
After these actions, Mo Yunchu returned to his side, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.
"System, what's wrong with Mo Yunchu? Why did he smell my clothes? Why did he stay up all night watching me?"
Tang Ning asked in a daze.
"Perhaps he has unique preferences."
The system replied calmly.
Tang Ning was dumbfounded for a moment. Indeed, people's preferences could be quite diverse. Maybe he was making a fuss over nothing.
Next, Tang Ning checked other surveillance videos. The most significant anomaly from last night's footage was Mo Yunchu flashing around various room entrances, and there was a sudden blackout in the bathroom footage.
Tang Ning wanted to have someone repair the video, but considering Mo Yunchu's special profession, he hesitated. If videos related to Mo Yunchu were leaked, and Mo Yunchu found out about the hidden cameras in the mansion, he might not forgive Tang Ning easily. If Boss Hao wasn't reliable, losing Mo Yunchu as a protective talisman would jeopardize Tang Ning's survival in this instance.
He randomly clicked on today's real-time surveillance. Initially not expecting to see anything significant, he was surprised by an unexpected figure on the screen—
Mo Yunchu, who should be on the set, appeared in the mansion.
Mo Yunchu wore a cap and a mask, carrying a black backpack on his back. Even though he concealed himself well, Tang Ning instantly recognized him.
Mo Yunchu took out a key from the entrance and headed towards the basement.
The basement was a forbidden area for Tang Ning.
What was Mo Yunchu doing in the basement?
What was in his backpack?
Why did he come back so early today?
Questions arose one after another, and Tang Ning hadn't figured out the answers when a call came in. Mo Yunchu's low and gentle voice sounded from the phone, "Xiao Ning, what time will you be home today?"
"I'm not sure, depends on when you get back. It's boring being alone at home," Tang Ning replied. If Mo Yunchu wasn't home, he planned to stay with Boss Hao. Despite the funeral home's oppressive atmosphere, Boss Hao's high-status reassured Tang Ning.
"Okay, I'll try to finish early. I'll be home by 8 tonight," Mo Yunchu said softly.
Staring at the basement door, Tang Ning asked, "Where
are you now?"
"Of course, on the set."
Suddenly, Tang Ning didn't know what to say. "You focus on your filming; no need to call me specifically."
The basement door opened, and Mo Yunchu came out with the backpack seemingly less full. He chatted with Tang Ning while walking towards the entrance, reaching the front door, and looking directly at the surveillance camera.
At that moment, Tang Ning's heart pounded violently, like a small animal stared down by a predator.
Mo Yunchu casually averted his gaze, seemingly just taking a casual glance. He walked towards the door, his voice steady, "I want to hear Xiao Ning's voice; it gives me motivation to act."
"By the way." Inserting the key into the entrance, Mo Yunchu suddenly said, "Has Xiao Ning been to the basement recently?"
Tang Ning felt an indescribable pressure. "No."
Mo Yunchu smiled, "Why so nervous?"
"My voice didn't change; I'm not nervous," Tang Ning's throat felt dry.
"Your tone changed. Xiao Ning is so cute when nervous. Going to the basement isn't a big deal," Mo Yunchu's tone was light, as if teasing a little cat or dog. "Alright, let's not talk about it now. See you tonight."
The call ended here.
Tang Ning only realized he had been so nervous that his breathing became heavy.
He couldn't understand Mo Yunchu's intentions. Initially, Mo Yunchu said he could go anywhere in the entire mansion except the basement. Now he was saying that going to the basement wasn't a big deal. Was he trying to play mind games?
What secrets were hidden in the basement?
Was Mo Yunchu his benefactor or someone he should be wary of?
Without clarifying this matter, Tang Ning felt he might not be able to share a bed with Mo Yunchu again, especially with someone who would silently stare at him, smell his clothes, and hide secrets in the basement.
Compared to the ghost infant, it was a different kind of unknown terror.
Mo Yunchu had already left, and he wouldn't return until 8 in the evening. Tang Ning had enough time to return to the mansion and go to the basement. Tang Ning didn't hesitate for too long; he made up his mind and immediately took a taxi back to the mansion.
Upon reaching the mansion, Tang Ning picked up the key in the entrance and walked step by step towards the elevator leading to the basement.
The mansion's elevator was narrow and cramped. Going down to the basement felt suffocating, both physically and psychologically. Tang Ning watched as the number jumped to minus one. The elevator doors opened at this moment, revealing various rooms like a regular floor.
Tang Ning reached the room where Mo Yunchu had entered just now. He inserted the key and turned it, only to realize the door wasn't locked.
Had Mo Yunchu forgotten to lock it when he left?
Tang Ning was stunned, opened the door handle, and found the room very dim. It seemed like the air conditioner was on, emanating a cold, cellar-like air.
Turning on the light, Tang Ning saw an almost empty, undecorated room with white walls and floors. In the center was a small crib, and the whole room had an indescribable chill.
Thud.
+
Behind him, the sound of the door closing echoed.
