Overwhelmed by the flood of information, Tang Ning was completely dumbfounded.
Paranormal buses, games, ghost babies, instances, surviving seven days...
Where had he encountered these terms before?
In a lightning-fast realization, Tang Ning suddenly remembered the card game app on his phone and its lengthy user agreement he had skimmed over without paying much attention to!
In disbelief, Tang Ning exclaimed, [Am I trapped in an instance because of that card game?!]
[Yes.]
Regretting his decisions, Tang Ning quickly asked, [Can I exit the game?!]
A cold, indifferent male voice echoed in Tang Ning's mind, [Exiting the game will result in instant death due to a combination of chronic sleep deprivation and physical weakness.]
Tang Ning: "?"
[To avoid a horrible ending, win the card game. Do you wish to exit the game?]
Tang Ning realized he had no choice.
He didn't dare leave the game to verify the system's claim about sudden death. The eeriness of the situation had instilled in him a deep-seated fear of the system's authority.
He forced himself to stay calm and observe the person in front of him. Was Mo Yun Chu an NPC in this instance, and were they supposed to be lovers? But he was straight..
[Players, please note, maintaining your character within the instance increases survival odds. Deviating from your character may lead to NPC suspicion and trigger a series of chain reactions.]
Feeling intimidated by dominant personalities, Tang Ning tentatively inquired in his mind, [What kind of chain reactions?]
[Including, but not limited to, being interned into a psychiatric hospital or turning into hostile relationships.]
Tang Ning understood the importance of adhering to his character setup, [What is my character setup?]
After a pause, the cold male voice elaborated, [You're depicted as frail and dependent, clinging to strong men for support. You're fickle in love, keeping ties with exes while enticing other men.]
Tang Ning was shocked, [Am I really that terrible?]
The male voice didn't respond further.
Tang Ning anxiously glanced at Mo Yun Chu, whose deep, dark eyes were like an ocean under the night sky, reflecting the faint glow of street lights as if moonlight danced on the glistening sea surface, capable of engulfing anyone with its depth of emotion.
Despite his exposure to numerous attractive individuals in the entertainment industry, Tang Ning was taken aback by Mo Yun Chu's flawless appearance.
Unsure how to convincingly portray Mo Yun Chu's lover, known in the entertainment circle as a poor actor, Tang Ning knew better than to make eye contact, as it would be akin to a public execution under the spotlight.
Anxiously, Tang Ning averted his gaze, seeking refuge in Mo Yun Chu's embrace, wrapping his arms around him and pressing his ear against Mo Yun Chu's chest. He could clearly hear Mo Yun Chu's robust heartbeat, which quickened due to his embrace, seemingly affirming genuine emotions.
"I love you too," Tang Ning whispered, lying.
The rapid heartbeat subsided, and Mo Yun Chu's large hands gently rested on his lower back. Perhaps due to the game setting him as fragile, Tang Ning could feel the calluses on Mo Yun Chu's palm through the fabric, rough yet warm, burning his skin.
Tang Ning bit his lip, instinctively wanting to escape Mo Yun Chu's embrace, but Mo Yun Chu tightened his hold, making escape impossible.
"Stay still, let me hold you," Mo Yun Chu murmured, his tone weary. Although Tang Ning didn't know what Mo Yun Chu had been through, considering his profession, fatigue seemed normal.
Awkwardly nestled in Mo Yun Chu's arms, Tang Ning was comforted by Mo Yun Chu's warm, woody scent. The soft, gentle fragrance with a hint of spicy undertone offered solace compared to the otherwise cold and terrifying surroundings, making Mo Yun Chu's embrace seem like a sanctuary. His strong arms not only restrained Tang Ning but also shielded him from harm.
Inhaling the unique woody scent, Tang Ning's fear slowly dissipated. As his tense body began to relax, Mo Yun Chu suddenly buried his face in Tang Ning's neck, deeply inhaling, his voice tinged with obsession, "You smell wonderful."
The warm breath spilled over Tang Ning's skin, feeling like invasive tendrils of desire. Tang Ning's shoulders trembled uncontrollably, puzzled by his exaggerated reaction. Was he influenced by the "fragile and dependent" character setting?
A blush crept over his neck, and without Mo Yun Chu doing much, Tang Ning felt as if he was being overwhelmed.
Mo Yun Chu whispered beside Tang Ning's ear, "Alright, the car's stopped, we can get off now."
Continuing to hold Tang Ning, Mo Yun Chu hadn't yet let go when Tang Ning, reacting swiftly, pushed him away, quickly picked up his phone from the floor, avoiding Mo Yun Chu's gaze as his long eyelashes fluttered like a butterfly struggling to escape a web.
But the moment he secured his phone, Tang Ning worried his overreaction might have breached his character, possibly upsetting Mo Yun Chu. He turned back, cautiously meeting Mo Yun Chu's gaze.
He saw Mo Yun Chu picking up the doll on the seat.
At that moment, Tang Ning felt as if he had plunged into an icy abyss, his face drained of color, his voice rising sharply, "Throw it away!"
Mo Yun Chu paused briefly before placing the doll back down.
"We should leave," Tang Ning urged, not daring to glance at the eerie doll again, his fear palpable as he clutched Mo Yun Chu's sleeve, his fingers white with tension, his voice shaky, "Hurry."
Mo Yun Chu donned a mask and cap, his strong hand gently enveloping Tang Ning's trembling one.
Tang Ning couldn't bear to look back at the doll or the passengers ahead. Everything about the bus seemed unnaturally bizarre, with only Mo Yun Chu's warm palm providing the strength to move forward.
Upon disembarking, Mo Yun Chu led Tang Ning to a villa complex.
Tang Ning froze.
Not because of the villa's luxury but because there was a cemetery on the hill behind the complex.
[System, is this Mo Yun Chu's home?]
[Yes.]
Mo Yun Chu, noticing Tang Ning's fixed stare, inquired with concern, "What's wrong?"
"There's a cemetery right behind the hill. Doesn't that bother you?" Tang Ning murmured.
"When I bought this place, the cemetery wasn't here. Besides, Tang Ning, aren't you a supernatural adventure blogger who usually dismisses these superstitions?" Mo Yun Chu replied with a smile.
Tang Ning: "?"
[System, am I supposed to be a supernatural adventure blogger?]
[Yes.]
The indifferent male voice added, [Your channel includes series on reviewing global haunted houses, testing ghost encounter methods, and reviewing horror games. To keep up your character, you should probably update some videos over the next seven days.]
Tang Ning went pale, feeling on the verge of collapse, [Can I skip the updates? I'm really scared of this stuff.]
After a pause, the male voice said, [As long as Mo Yun Chu doesn't suspect you, it's fine.]
Relieved, Tang Ning shared with Mo Yun Chu, "I wasn't scared before, but after immersing myself in this for so long, it's starting to wear on me. Plus, the flickering car lights today made me jittery."
His words, filled with sincerity, resonated as he noticed the trembling tree shadows, instinctively tightening his grip on Mo Yun Chu's hand, his eyes betraying his panic, resembling a bird startled by shadows.
Pitiful yet endearing.
Mo Yun Chu observed Tang Ning's quivering lashes, "The rain earlier might have caused a minor issue with the car lights."
Tang Ning nodded, constantly feeling as though something lurked behind him, but a courageous glance revealed nothing.
Inside the villa, Mo Yun Chu suggested Tang Ning take a hot bath to unwind.
After sweating profusely on the bus, Tang Ning also desired a bath. Mo Yun Chu thoughtfully prepared his change of clothes, adjusted the water to the perfect temperature, and even set up relaxing aromatherapy candles.
As Tang Ning undressed, he was shocked by his reflection. His body bore alarming bruises, a mix of blue, purple, and deep red, sprawling across his otherwise immaculate skin, resembling the aftermath of torture.
A closer inspection revealed these were remnants of the ghost baby's assaults.
Yet considering the Princess and the Pea scenario, where a small pea could be felt even beneath twenty layers of velvet quilts, this seemed plausible.
Tang Ning lightly touched the bruises, feeling little pain, just a visually disturbing sight. He sighed in relief, sinking into the bathtub, the warm water easing the day's fears, bringing a sense of comfort long missed. His nerves relaxed, and sleepiness crept in as the steam rose, casting a faint blush across Tang Ning's pale face.
His skin was so fair that any hint of color appeared strikingly beautiful.
As Tang Ning's mind drifted in the bath, he suddenly heard the door handle turn.
His bleary eyes opened, and through the foggy glass, Tang Ning's gaze settled on the bathroom door.
The noise ceased.
Thinking he had heard wrong, Tang Ning laid back down. Moments later, the clearer sound of turning resumed, persistent and distinct, as if meant for Tang Ning to hear.
A drop of cold water fell from above, splashing on Tang Ning's face, its chill seeping into his skin.
Was it leaking?
Bathing in a drowsy state, Tang Ning looked upwards, finding neither a shower head nor signs of leakage above him.
Wiping his face, Tang Ning noticed red stains on his fingertips, as if blood had mixed with the water.
The ambiance remained warm, steam still enveloping the room, yet Tang Ning felt an overwhelming chill.
The outside door handle's twisting grew more frantic, even banging the door, echoing loudly. With only him and Mo Yun Chu in the villa, it was improbable Mo Yun Chu would twist the handle silently. So, who was outside?
Panicking, Tang Ning internally called for the system.
[Find Mo Yun Chu.]
He hastily grabbed his phone. Entering the instance had altered his phone, adding Mo Yun Chu's contact among other changes. Tang Ning, with trembling hands, messaged, "Could you come to the bathroom to get me?"
He dared not call, fearing his voice might alert the entity outside.
Carefully wiping the misty glass door, Tang Ning peered through the cleared spot at the bathroom door handle.
Perhaps due to the inability to open the door, the handle ceased moving.
Silence reclaimed the bathroom, so quiet Tang Ning's breathing was audible.
Had it left?
Without moving, Tang Ning kept his focus on the door handle. Then, he heard water flowing, seemingly from the sink.
Wiping a larger clear area on the glass door, Tang Ning saw no leak from the faucet but detected a foul stench.
Shifting his gaze down from the sink, Tang Ning's discovery sent shivers down his spine.
The entire bathroom floor was smeared with bloody handprints.
The bloody handprints clustered most densely near the door gap.
Stretching from the door gap to the bathtub, the handprints transitioned from dense to sparse, with the nearest print to the bathtub merely about twenty centimeters away.
Terrified, Tang Ning backed away, but found himself against a wall, nowhere to retreat. His shoulders trembled against the wall, his legs crossed as if bound.
The water's ripple seemed to hasten the bloody handprints' spread, initially appearing slowly then flashing rapidly. The prints were small, child-sized, suggesting a child crawling rapidly across the floor, reaching the bathtub's edge in an instant.
"Don't come closer!" Tang Ning hurled an aromatherapy candle from the bathtub shelf onto the floor's bloody prints. A sharp wail echoed, reverberating through the bathroom.
Suddenly, the bloody handprints that had only marked the floor now enveloped the entire wall.
The blood stained the bathtub, the blood-filled water reflecting Tang Ning's distraught face.
Just then, a knock sounded, and all traces of blood vanished, leaving the bathtub's water crystal clear and the floor pristine, as if the previous scene was merely Tang Ning's illusion.
Mo Yun Chu had arrived!
Feeling as if he had found his anchor, Tang Ning hurriedly exited the bathtub, hastily wrapped in a bathrobe, not even bothering to tie it properly, eager to open the door for Mo Yun Chu, forgetting he had locked it. After attempting to turn the handle and failing, he remembered to unlock it first.
"Ding~" The phone on the bathtub shelf chimed with a message alert.
The knocking on the bathroom door intensified, becoming more urgent.
At this moment, Tang Ning wanted nothing more than to open the door and greet Mo Yun Chu.
With trembling hands, he unlocked the door.
As the lock clicked open, Tang Ning heard chuckling.
It was a joyful, triumphant child's laughter.
In that instant, the bathroom temperature plummeted, Tang Ning's fingertips numb with cold. Amid the surging cold, Tang Ning recalled some overlooked details—
If Mo Yun Chu was outside, why hadn't he spoken, only knocked?
Who sent that recent message?
If Mo Yun Chu was messaging him, then who stood at the door?
Frozen beside the door, Tang Ning saw the door swing open to reveal his worst nightmare—
The ghost baby with a pallid face stared directly at him, its pitch-black eyes wide, its blood-red mouth open, whispering, "Mommy."
Overwhelmed by the flood of information, Tang Ning was completely dumbfounded.
Paranormal buses, games, ghost babies, instances, surviving seven days...
Where had he encountered these terms before?
In a lightning-fast realization, Tang Ning suddenly remembered the card game app on his phone and its lengthy user agreement he had skimmed over without paying much attention to!
In disbelief, Tang Ning exclaimed, [Am I trapped in an instance because of that card game?!]
[Yes.]
Regretting his decisions, Tang Ning quickly asked, [Can I exit the game?!]
A cold, indifferent male voice echoed in Tang Ning's mind, [Exiting the game will result in instant death due to a combination of chronic sleep deprivation and physical weakness.]
Tang Ning: "?"
[To avoid a horrible ending, win the card game. Do you wish to exit the game?]
Tang Ning realized he had no choice.
He didn't dare leave the game to verify the system's claim about sudden death. The eeriness of the situation had instilled in him a deep-seated fear of the system's authority.
He forced himself to stay calm and observe the person in front of him. Was Mo Yun Chu an NPC in this instance, and were they supposed to be lovers? But he was straight..
[Players, please note, maintaining your character within the instance increases survival odds. Deviating from your character may lead to NPC suspicion and trigger a series of chain reactions.]
Feeling intimidated by dominant personalities, Tang Ning tentatively inquired in his mind, [What kind of chain reactions?]
[Including, but not limited to, being interned into a psychiatric hospital or turning into hostile relationships.]
Tang Ning understood the importance of adhering to his character setup, [What is my character setup?]
After a pause, the cold male voice elaborated, [You're depicted as frail and dependent, clinging to strong men for support. You're fickle in love, keeping ties with exes while enticing other men.]
Tang Ning was shocked, [Am I really that terrible?]
The male voice didn't respond further.
Tang Ning anxiously glanced at Mo Yun Chu, whose deep, dark eyes were like an ocean under the night sky, reflecting the faint glow of street lights as if moonlight danced on the glistening sea surface, capable of engulfing anyone with its depth of emotion.
Despite his exposure to numerous attractive individuals in the entertainment industry, Tang Ning was taken aback by Mo Yun Chu's flawless appearance.
Unsure how to convincingly portray Mo Yun Chu's lover, known in the entertainment circle as a poor actor, Tang Ning knew better than to make eye contact, as it would be akin to a public execution under the spotlight.
Anxiously, Tang Ning averted his gaze, seeking refuge in Mo Yun Chu's embrace, wrapping his arms around him and pressing his ear against Mo Yun Chu's chest. He could clearly hear Mo Yun Chu's robust heartbeat, which quickened due to his embrace, seemingly affirming genuine emotions.
"I love you too," Tang Ning whispered, lying.
The rapid heartbeat subsided, and Mo Yun Chu's large hands gently rested on his lower back. Perhaps due to the game setting him as fragile, Tang Ning could feel the calluses on Mo Yun Chu's palm through the fabric, rough yet warm, burning his skin.
Tang Ning bit his lip, instinctively wanting to escape Mo Yun Chu's embrace, but Mo Yun Chu tightened his hold, making escape impossible.
"Stay still, let me hold you," Mo Yun Chu murmured, his tone weary. Although Tang Ning didn't know what Mo Yun Chu had been through, considering his profession, fatigue seemed normal.
Awkwardly nestled in Mo Yun Chu's arms, Tang Ning was comforted by Mo Yun Chu's warm, woody scent. The soft, gentle fragrance with a hint of spicy undertone offered solace compared to the otherwise cold and terrifying surroundings, making Mo Yun Chu's embrace seem like a sanctuary. His strong arms not only restrained Tang Ning but also shielded him from harm.
Inhaling the unique woody scent, Tang Ning's fear slowly dissipated. As his tense body began to relax, Mo Yun Chu suddenly buried his face in Tang Ning's neck, deeply inhaling, his voice tinged with obsession, "You smell wonderful."
The warm breath spilled over Tang Ning's skin, feeling like invasive tendrils of desire. Tang Ning's shoulders trembled uncontrollably, puzzled by his exaggerated reaction. Was he influenced by the "fragile and dependent" character setting?
A blush crept over his neck, and without Mo Yun Chu doing much, Tang Ning felt as if he was being overwhelmed.
Mo Yun Chu whispered beside Tang Ning's ear, "Alright, the car's stopped, we can get off now."
Continuing to hold Tang Ning, Mo Yun Chu hadn't yet let go when Tang Ning, reacting swiftly, pushed him away, quickly picked up his phone from the floor, avoiding Mo Yun Chu's gaze as his long eyelashes fluttered like a butterfly struggling to escape a web.
But the moment he secured his phone, Tang Ning worried his overreaction might have breached his character, possibly upsetting Mo Yun Chu. He turned back, cautiously meeting Mo Yun Chu's gaze.
He saw Mo Yun Chu picking up the doll on the seat.
At that moment, Tang Ning felt as if he had plunged into an icy abyss, his face drained of color, his voice rising sharply, "Throw it away!"
Mo Yun Chu paused briefly before placing the doll back down.
"We should leave," Tang Ning urged, not daring to glance at the eerie doll again, his fear palpable as he clutched Mo Yun Chu's sleeve, his fingers white with tension, his voice shaky, "Hurry."
Mo Yun Chu donned a mask and cap, his strong hand gently enveloping Tang Ning's trembling one.
Tang Ning couldn't bear to look back at the doll or the passengers ahead. Everything about the bus seemed unnaturally bizarre, with only Mo Yun Chu's warm palm providing the strength to move forward.
Upon disembarking, Mo Yun Chu led Tang Ning to a villa complex.
Tang Ning froze.
Not because of the villa's luxury but because there was a cemetery on the hill behind the complex.
[System, is this Mo Yun Chu's home?]
[Yes.]
Mo Yun Chu, noticing Tang Ning's fixed stare, inquired with concern, "What's wrong?"
"There's a cemetery right behind the hill. Doesn't that bother you?" Tang Ning murmured.
"When I bought this place, the cemetery wasn't here. Besides, Tang Ning, aren't you a supernatural adventure blogger who usually dismisses these superstitions?" Mo Yun Chu replied with a smile.
Tang Ning: "?"
[System, am I supposed to be a supernatural adventure blogger?]
[Yes.]
The indifferent male voice added, [Your channel includes series on reviewing global haunted houses, testing ghost encounter methods, and reviewing horror games. To keep up your character, you should probably update some videos over the next seven days.]
Tang Ning went pale, feeling on the verge of collapse, [Can I skip the updates? I'm really scared of this stuff.]
After a pause, the male voice said, [As long as Mo Yun Chu doesn't suspect you, it's fine.]
Relieved, Tang Ning shared with Mo Yun Chu, "I wasn't scared before, but after immersing myself in this for so long, it's starting to wear on me. Plus, the flickering car lights today made me jittery."
His words, filled with sincerity, resonated as he noticed the trembling tree shadows, instinctively tightening his grip on Mo Yun Chu's hand, his eyes betraying his panic, resembling a bird startled by shadows.
Pitiful yet endearing.
Mo Yun Chu observed Tang Ning's quivering lashes, "The rain earlier might have caused a minor issue with the car lights."
Tang Ning nodded, constantly feeling as though something lurked behind him, but a courageous glance revealed nothing.
Inside the villa, Mo Yun Chu suggested Tang Ning take a hot bath to unwind.
After sweating profusely on the bus, Tang Ning also desired a bath. Mo Yun Chu thoughtfully prepared his change of clothes, adjusted the water to the perfect temperature, and even set up relaxing aromatherapy candles.
As Tang Ning undressed, he was shocked by his reflection. His body bore alarming bruises, a mix of blue, purple, and deep red, sprawling across his otherwise immaculate skin, resembling the aftermath of torture.
A closer inspection revealed these were remnants of the ghost baby's assaults.
Yet considering the Princess and the Pea scenario, where a small pea could be felt even beneath twenty layers of velvet quilts, this seemed plausible.
Tang Ning lightly touched the bruises, feeling little pain, just a visually disturbing sight. He sighed in relief, sinking into the bathtub, the warm water easing the day's fears, bringing a sense of comfort long missed. His nerves relaxed, and sleepiness crept in as the steam rose, casting a faint blush across Tang Ning's pale face.
His skin was so fair that any hint of color appeared strikingly beautiful.
As Tang Ning's mind drifted in the bath, he suddenly heard the door handle turn.
His bleary eyes opened, and through the foggy glass, Tang Ning's gaze settled on the bathroom door.
The noise ceased.
Thinking he had heard wrong, Tang Ning laid back down. Moments later, the clearer sound of turning resumed, persistent and distinct, as if meant for Tang Ning to hear.
A drop of cold water fell from above, splashing on Tang Ning's face, its chill seeping into his skin.
Was it leaking?
Bathing in a drowsy state, Tang Ning looked upwards, finding neither a shower head nor signs of leakage above him.
Wiping his face, Tang Ning noticed red stains on his fingertips, as if blood had mixed with the water.
The ambiance remained warm, steam still enveloping the room, yet Tang Ning felt an overwhelming chill.
The outside door handle's twisting grew more frantic, even banging the door, echoing loudly. With only him and Mo Yun Chu in the villa, it was improbable Mo Yun Chu would twist the handle silently. So, who was outside?
Panicking, Tang Ning internally called for the system.
[Find Mo Yun Chu.]
He hastily grabbed his phone. Entering the instance had altered his phone, adding Mo Yun Chu's contact among other changes. Tang Ning, with trembling hands, messaged, "Could you come to the bathroom to get me?"
He dared not call, fearing his voice might alert the entity outside.
Carefully wiping the misty glass door, Tang Ning peered through the cleared spot at the bathroom door handle.
Perhaps due to the inability to open the door, the handle ceased moving.
Silence reclaimed the bathroom, so quiet Tang Ning's breathing was audible.
Had it left?
Without moving, Tang Ning kept his focus on the door handle. Then, he heard water flowing, seemingly from the sink.
Wiping a larger clear area on the glass door, Tang Ning saw no leak from the faucet but detected a foul stench.
Shifting his gaze down from the sink, Tang Ning's discovery sent shivers down his spine.
The entire bathroom floor was smeared with bloody handprints.
The bloody handprints clustered most densely near the door gap.
Stretching from the door gap to the bathtub, the handprints transitioned from dense to sparse, with the nearest print to the bathtub merely about twenty centimeters away.
Terrified, Tang Ning backed away, but found himself against a wall, nowhere to retreat. His shoulders trembled against the wall, his legs crossed as if bound.
The water's ripple seemed to hasten the bloody handprints' spread, initially appearing slowly then flashing rapidly. The prints were small, child-sized, suggesting a child crawling rapidly across the floor, reaching the bathtub's edge in an instant.
"Don't come closer!" Tang Ning hurled an aromatherapy candle from the bathtub shelf onto the floor's bloody prints. A sharp wail echoed, reverberating through the bathroom.
Suddenly, the bloody handprints that had only marked the floor now enveloped the entire wall.
The blood stained the bathtub, the blood-filled water reflecting Tang Ning's distraught face.
Just then, a knock sounded, and all traces of blood vanished, leaving the bathtub's water crystal clear and the floor pristine, as if the previous scene was merely Tang Ning's illusion.
Mo Yun Chu had arrived!
Feeling as if he had found his anchor, Tang Ning hurriedly exited the bathtub, hastily wrapped in a bathrobe, not even bothering to tie it properly, eager to open the door for Mo Yun Chu, forgetting he had locked it. After attempting to turn the handle and failing, he remembered to unlock it first.
"Ding~" The phone on the bathtub shelf chimed with a message alert.
The knocking on the bathroom door intensified, becoming more urgent.
At this moment, Tang Ning wanted nothing more than to open the door and greet Mo Yun Chu.
With trembling hands, he unlocked the door.
As the lock clicked open, Tang Ning heard chuckling.
It was a joyful, triumphant child's laughter.
In that instant, the bathroom temperature plummeted, Tang Ning's fingertips numb with cold. Amid the surging cold, Tang Ning recalled some overlooked details—
If Mo Yun Chu was outside, why hadn't he spoken, only knocked?
Who sent that recent message?
If Mo Yun Chu was messaging him, then who stood at the door?
Frozen beside the door, Tang Ning saw the door swing open to reveal his worst nightmare—
The ghost baby with a pallid face stared directly at him, its pitch-black eyes wide, its blood-red mouth open, whispering, "Mommy."
