Chapter 011: Expertise in Conversation.
The building is named "Tengfei Tower." As Chi Shen typed this into his phone's search bar, property details popped up.
He swiftly skimmed the information, pausing at a forum title.
[Ghosts reported on the 14th floor of Tengfei Tower – any insights?]
Below were some suggested threads: "Guys, don't take ride-shares alone late at night" and "Eyewitness accounts of the white figure by Harbor City's riverbank."
This is a forum section dedicated to discussing supernatural occurrences. In the past, Chi Shen would have believed these tales were just bored netizens trying to scare others. Now, his perspective has shifted.
Chi Shen clicked on it.
He stepped into a shadowy corner. From his shadow emerged a dark figure, slowly forming into a young man in a suit wearing glasses. Ji Xingchen stood beside him, both engrossed in their phones.
Passersby might wonder why such a handsome young man stood still, but they only cast him a brief glance before moving on. Everyone's busy with their own affairs and seldom stops for a stranger.
The post was made by a user named "What to Eat Today" and the initial post was quite simple:
[I heard a few of them have quit again, not long after joining. They left with an air of mystery; it seemed less like resignation and more like fleeing.]
There were some trivial comments following the main post. Chi Shen swiftly scrolled through, quickly locating a valuable piece of information. Another user, "Calm and Cool-Headed," posted:
[The 14th floor is indeed suspicious. It houses a game company named Le Dao Culture, specializing in horror games. I suspect they've delved into some forbidden arts. Something's not right on that floor.]
[I often hear strange noises from above, like dragging chairs, frantic footsteps, or heavy objects dropping. It's so common, one might mistake it for ongoing renovations.]
[The creepiest part? I once visited their floor. When I first arrived, I couldn't find my stapler, so I borrowed one from them. Since then, bizarre things have been happening around me.]
[Things beside me would shift places, and the locked cabinet I left with keys inside would be open when I returned. Water glasses inexplicably knocked over, and voices calling my name during overtime.]
[I can't sleep well anymore. Whenever I close my eyes, I feel someone pacing in the living room. But when I turn on the lights, there's no one. All this because I borrowed a stapler from the 14th floor? Seriously?]
Many users questioned the validity of the post. The original poster didn't engage in arguments, only responding to comments suggesting religious interventions.
[Thank you for your concern. I've sought blessings from Guanyin, but to no avail. A friend recommended a master, supposedly from a lineage centuries old. I'm considering seeking his guidance.]
Beyond that, the comments weren't of much use. After reading, Chi Shen turned to Ji Xingchen.
Ji Xingchen suggested, "We could check the job listings. If they have constant turnover, they must be hiring."
Chi Shen nodded, quickly registering for a forum account and replied to "Calm and Cool-Headed": [Consider contacting the police.]
He then navigated to a job portal, swiftly locating the hiring posts for Le Dao Culture. It's an up-and-coming game company with an ongoing horror game project, and they're recruiting for every department.
Horror games...
A grin spread across Chi Shen's face. This seemed fitting, a match made in the professional realm, didn't it?
After successfully navigating a real-life death game filled with ghosts and goblins, wouldn't it be apt to say that designing horror games is right up his alley?
"Help me polish my resume," Chi Shen requested, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked at Ji Xingchen.
Ji Xingchen didn't hesitate, nodding, "Of course."
Just as Chi Shen was joyfully returning home, having set his career path, Bai Ran was seen storming out of the Bai family mansion with a dark expression.
Bai Ximing had called him earlier to ask if he knew why He Chao went to the old mansion.
All he said was that he wasn’t aware and admitted that he was the one who had taken Chi Shen to the old house, hoping to offer him an opportunity to return to the Bai family.
Bai Ran believed his response was flawless, both in expression and demeanor, perfectly mimicking his usual obedient façade.
However, Bai Ximing let out a deeply suggestive smile.
That smile struck Bai Ran as unsettling, stirring anxiety within him.
The death of He Chao was entirely unexpected. If the blame for it fell on him, the repercussions were unpredictable.
He had to prepare in advance.
Removing his bleeding finger from his teeth, Bai Ran's face twisted into a cold smirk. In an instant, he resumed his harmless facade and knocked on Lu Xiangyang's door.
Lu Xiangyang's face lit up with surprise upon seeing Bai Ran. "What did Uncle Bai say? Did some malevolent spirit follow me home?"
Bai Ran shook his head, his gaze steady on Lu Xiangyang. "Nothing has attached itself to you."
"How's that possible?" Lu Xiangyang's face contorted, "All afternoon, no, the entire day, I dreamt of it. The boy in the burial shroud, wanting to play hide-and-seek with me. He followed me home! I know he did!"
"He's long gone," Bai Ran assured, "You were just having a nightmare."
"That can't be!" Lu Xiangyang's voice edged on hysteria. "I know what it feels like to be haunted. You're lying. Uncle Bai can help me, right?"
With a mix of disdain and pity in his eyes, Bai Ran's patience wore thin. He firmly gripped Lu Xiangyang's shoulders, looking deep into his eyes, "The sachet, did you place it in Chi Shen's room? Answer me, and I'll have my father assist you."
A glimmer of clarity returned to Lu Xiangyang's frenzied eyes. He slowly uttered, "I did."
Bai Ran lowered his gaze, pressing on, "If someone asks you why He Chao went to the old mansion, what would you say?"
Hesitantly, Lu Xiangyang replied, "We needed to ensure that the one named Chi wouldn't die too soon. Because you mentioned he's trying to take your place..."
Bai Ran released Lu Xiangyang's shoulder, allowing him to slump despondently onto the bed.
"You're indeed cursed," Bai Ran remarked, rising from the edge of the bed with a cold smile gracing his lips, "Your death will be of great significance."
Lu Xiangyang echoed in disbelief, "Significance?"
By then, Bai Ran had already left the room and shut the door behind him.
Lu Xiangyang glanced down to find a translucent bead left by Bai Ran on the bed, seemingly containing a fragment of bone within.
He saw his reflection on the bead's surface.
The reflection began to magnify rapidly, and Lu Xiangyang realized with horror that the reflection did not resemble him. The realization struck; this was Bai Ran's wax bead used for attracting spirits.
The bead, made of wax, melted swiftly. The ghostly figure from the reflection materialized behind him, its mouth gaping open like a fissure, swallowing Lu Xiangyang whole.
Chewing sounds emanated from within the room.
Bai Ran exited Lu Xiangyang's residence, maintaining a steady pace, his face exuding gentleness and modesty.
"Chi Shen won't survive for long," Bai Ran thought with a cold smirk. The sachet had been planted, ensuring that even if Chi Shen was fortunate, he'd be devoured by malevolent spirits within three days. He knew all too well the horrors that lay within the old mansion.
Furthermore...
Even without the sachet, the ancient ghost of the Bai family could roam freely every once in a while. Bai Ran doubted Chi Shen would survive an encounter with such a being.
Bai Ran gritted his teeth in frustration, recalling his own premature exit from the mansion due to a surprise encounter with the freely roaming ghost on his third day there. If only he had timed his stay correctly and stayed for a month, he wouldn’t have to vie for the position of clan leader now.
His misfortune was to blame.
Inside the Bai family mansion, Chi Shen was engrossed in a game.
After Ji Xingchen had revised and submitted his resume, they received a call from Le Dao Culture even before they got home, requesting an interview with Chi Shen the following day. The promptness suggested an eagerness to onboard him. Naturally, Chi Shen happily confirmed the interview and repeatedly assured he would attend.
In preparation for the interview at Le Dao Culture, Ji Xingchen suggested Chi Shen familiarize himself with games previously launched by the company.
Upon research, Chi Shen found out that Le Dao Culture, a newly established gaming studio, hadn't released any games yet. However, their chief designer had independently developed a pixel-style horror game that had gained brief popularity. The success of this game paved the way for investments to establish the studio.
There was a mobile version of the game, which Chi Shen downloaded and played. While engrossed in the game, Ji Xingchen observed silently. The red-clad female ghost, however, was particularly animated, constantly circling the duo.
"Still alive!" The red-clad ghost exclaimed as if discovering something inconceivable, darting left and right around Ji Xingchen, repeating, "Still alive! Still alive!"
Ji Xingchen adjusted his glasses, appearing somewhat uncomfortable. He gently pushed the red-clad ghost away and cleared his throat, "Yes, I'm still alive."
The red-clad ghost looked again at Chi Shen's shadow, not daring to try anything. She reached out with her sole hand to grasp Ji Xingchen, whispering, "It's dangerous. It could be fatal."
Even amidst this vague dialogue, Ji Xingchen understood, replying, "It's quite cozy in there."
The red-clad ghost shook her head vigorously, "It's deadly!"
Ji Xingchen calmly retorted, "For you, entering would mean death."
At this, the red-clad ghost seemed satisfied, chanting gleefully, "It's deadly, within the shadow, it's deadly!"
Noises erupted outside the room, as if many ghosts had gathered. Footsteps, singing, dripping water, the sound of marbles rolling. Yet, inside, only the sound of Chi Shen gaming and the ghost's antics prevailed.
Despite the ruckus, Chi Shen, accustomed to such disturbances, remained deeply engrossed in his game.
An icy wind blew inside, silencing the red-clad ghost. She turned stiffly to the door.
Outside, an unsettling silence reigned.
Rows of red candles began to illuminate, casting a soft glow upon the dark path outside.
A bride in a blood-stained red wedding gown approached, holding a memorial tablet. A gaping hole marred her chest, and the veil bore the dark hue of dried blood, dripping slightly with her every step.
"Someone intends you harm," the bride announced as she stopped by Chi Shen's bedroom door, presenting a small sachet held delicately in her pale, gold-ringed fingers.
Chapter 011: Expertise in Conversation.
The building is named "Tengfei Tower." As Chi Shen typed this into his phone's search bar, property details popped up.
He swiftly skimmed the information, pausing at a forum title.
[Ghosts reported on the 14th floor of Tengfei Tower – any insights?]
Below were some suggested threads: "Guys, don't take ride-shares alone late at night" and "Eyewitness accounts of the white figure by Harbor City's riverbank."
This is a forum section dedicated to discussing supernatural occurrences. In the past, Chi Shen would have believed these tales were just bored netizens trying to scare others. Now, his perspective has shifted.
Chi Shen clicked on it.
He stepped into a shadowy corner. From his shadow emerged a dark figure, slowly forming into a young man in a suit wearing glasses. Ji Xingchen stood beside him, both engrossed in their phones.
Passersby might wonder why such a handsome young man stood still, but they only cast him a brief glance before moving on. Everyone's busy with their own affairs and seldom stops for a stranger.
The post was made by a user named "What to Eat Today" and the initial post was quite simple:
[I heard a few of them have quit again, not long after joining. They left with an air of mystery; it seemed less like resignation and more like fleeing.]
There were some trivial comments following the main post. Chi Shen swiftly scrolled through, quickly locating a valuable piece of information. Another user, "Calm and Cool-Headed," posted:
[The 14th floor is indeed suspicious. It houses a game company named Le Dao Culture, specializing in horror games. I suspect they've delved into some forbidden arts. Something's not right on that floor.]
[I often hear strange noises from above, like dragging chairs, frantic footsteps, or heavy objects dropping. It's so common, one might mistake it for ongoing renovations.]
[The creepiest part? I once visited their floor. When I first arrived, I couldn't find my stapler, so I borrowed one from them. Since then, bizarre things have been happening around me.]
[Things beside me would shift places, and the locked cabinet I left with keys inside would be open when I returned. Water glasses inexplicably knocked over, and voices calling my name during overtime.]
[I can't sleep well anymore. Whenever I close my eyes, I feel someone pacing in the living room. But when I turn on the lights, there's no one. All this because I borrowed a stapler from the 14th floor? Seriously?]
Many users questioned the validity of the post. The original poster didn't engage in arguments, only responding to comments suggesting religious interventions.
[Thank you for your concern. I've sought blessings from Guanyin, but to no avail. A friend recommended a master, supposedly from a lineage centuries old. I'm considering seeking his guidance.]
Beyond that, the comments weren't of much use. After reading, Chi Shen turned to Ji Xingchen.
Ji Xingchen suggested, "We could check the job listings. If they have constant turnover, they must be hiring."
Chi Shen nodded, quickly registering for a forum account and replied to "Calm and Cool-Headed": [Consider contacting the police.]
He then navigated to a job portal, swiftly locating the hiring posts for Le Dao Culture. It's an up-and-coming game company with an ongoing horror game project, and they're recruiting for every department.
Horror games...
A grin spread across Chi Shen's face. This seemed fitting, a match made in the professional realm, didn't it?
After successfully navigating a real-life death game filled with ghosts and goblins, wouldn't it be apt to say that designing horror games is right up his alley?
"Help me polish my resume," Chi Shen requested, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked at Ji Xingchen.
Ji Xingchen didn't hesitate, nodding, "Of course."
Just as Chi Shen was joyfully returning home, having set his career path, Bai Ran was seen storming out of the Bai family mansion with a dark expression.
Bai Ximing had called him earlier to ask if he knew why He Chao went to the old mansion.
All he said was that he wasn’t aware and admitted that he was the one who had taken Chi Shen to the old house, hoping to offer him an opportunity to return to the Bai family.
Bai Ran believed his response was flawless, both in expression and demeanor, perfectly mimicking his usual obedient façade.
However, Bai Ximing let out a deeply suggestive smile.
That smile struck Bai Ran as unsettling, stirring anxiety within him.
The death of He Chao was entirely unexpected. If the blame for it fell on him, the repercussions were unpredictable.
He had to prepare in advance.
Removing his bleeding finger from his teeth, Bai Ran's face twisted into a cold smirk. In an instant, he resumed his harmless facade and knocked on Lu Xiangyang's door.
Lu Xiangyang's face lit up with surprise upon seeing Bai Ran. "What did Uncle Bai say? Did some malevolent spirit follow me home?"
Bai Ran shook his head, his gaze steady on Lu Xiangyang. "Nothing has attached itself to you."
"How's that possible?" Lu Xiangyang's face contorted, "All afternoon, no, the entire day, I dreamt of it. The boy in the burial shroud, wanting to play hide-and-seek with me. He followed me home! I know he did!"
"He's long gone," Bai Ran assured, "You were just having a nightmare."
"That can't be!" Lu Xiangyang's voice edged on hysteria. "I know what it feels like to be haunted. You're lying. Uncle Bai can help me, right?"
With a mix of disdain and pity in his eyes, Bai Ran's patience wore thin. He firmly gripped Lu Xiangyang's shoulders, looking deep into his eyes, "The sachet, did you place it in Chi Shen's room? Answer me, and I'll have my father assist you."
A glimmer of clarity returned to Lu Xiangyang's frenzied eyes. He slowly uttered, "I did."
Bai Ran lowered his gaze, pressing on, "If someone asks you why He Chao went to the old mansion, what would you say?"
Hesitantly, Lu Xiangyang replied, "We needed to ensure that the one named Chi wouldn't die too soon. Because you mentioned he's trying to take your place..."
Bai Ran released Lu Xiangyang's shoulder, allowing him to slump despondently onto the bed.
"You're indeed cursed," Bai Ran remarked, rising from the edge of the bed with a cold smile gracing his lips, "Your death will be of great significance."
Lu Xiangyang echoed in disbelief, "Significance?"
By then, Bai Ran had already left the room and shut the door behind him.
Lu Xiangyang glanced down to find a translucent bead left by Bai Ran on the bed, seemingly containing a fragment of bone within.
He saw his reflection on the bead's surface.
The reflection began to magnify rapidly, and Lu Xiangyang realized with horror that the reflection did not resemble him. The realization struck; this was Bai Ran's wax bead used for attracting spirits.
The bead, made of wax, melted swiftly. The ghostly figure from the reflection materialized behind him, its mouth gaping open like a fissure, swallowing Lu Xiangyang whole.
Chewing sounds emanated from within the room.
Bai Ran exited Lu Xiangyang's residence, maintaining a steady pace, his face exuding gentleness and modesty.
"Chi Shen won't survive for long," Bai Ran thought with a cold smirk. The sachet had been planted, ensuring that even if Chi Shen was fortunate, he'd be devoured by malevolent spirits within three days. He knew all too well the horrors that lay within the old mansion.
Furthermore...
Even without the sachet, the ancient ghost of the Bai family could roam freely every once in a while. Bai Ran doubted Chi Shen would survive an encounter with such a being.
Bai Ran gritted his teeth in frustration, recalling his own premature exit from the mansion due to a surprise encounter with the freely roaming ghost on his third day there. If only he had timed his stay correctly and stayed for a month, he wouldn’t have to vie for the position of clan leader now.
His misfortune was to blame.
Inside the Bai family mansion, Chi Shen was engrossed in a game.
After Ji Xingchen had revised and submitted his resume, they received a call from Le Dao Culture even before they got home, requesting an interview with Chi Shen the following day. The promptness suggested an eagerness to onboard him. Naturally, Chi Shen happily confirmed the interview and repeatedly assured he would attend.
In preparation for the interview at Le Dao Culture, Ji Xingchen suggested Chi Shen familiarize himself with games previously launched by the company.
Upon research, Chi Shen found out that Le Dao Culture, a newly established gaming studio, hadn't released any games yet. However, their chief designer had independently developed a pixel-style horror game that had gained brief popularity. The success of this game paved the way for investments to establish the studio.
There was a mobile version of the game, which Chi Shen downloaded and played. While engrossed in the game, Ji Xingchen observed silently. The red-clad female ghost, however, was particularly animated, constantly circling the duo.
"Still alive!" The red-clad ghost exclaimed as if discovering something inconceivable, darting left and right around Ji Xingchen, repeating, "Still alive! Still alive!"
Ji Xingchen adjusted his glasses, appearing somewhat uncomfortable. He gently pushed the red-clad ghost away and cleared his throat, "Yes, I'm still alive."
The red-clad ghost looked again at Chi Shen's shadow, not daring to try anything. She reached out with her sole hand to grasp Ji Xingchen, whispering, "It's dangerous. It could be fatal."
Even amidst this vague dialogue, Ji Xingchen understood, replying, "It's quite cozy in there."
The red-clad ghost shook her head vigorously, "It's deadly!"
Ji Xingchen calmly retorted, "For you, entering would mean death."
At this, the red-clad ghost seemed satisfied, chanting gleefully, "It's deadly, within the shadow, it's deadly!"
Noises erupted outside the room, as if many ghosts had gathered. Footsteps, singing, dripping water, the sound of marbles rolling. Yet, inside, only the sound of Chi Shen gaming and the ghost's antics prevailed.
Despite the ruckus, Chi Shen, accustomed to such disturbances, remained deeply engrossed in his game.
An icy wind blew inside, silencing the red-clad ghost. She turned stiffly to the door.
Outside, an unsettling silence reigned.
Rows of red candles began to illuminate, casting a soft glow upon the dark path outside.
A bride in a blood-stained red wedding gown approached, holding a memorial tablet. A gaping hole marred her chest, and the veil bore the dark hue of dried blood, dripping slightly with her every step.
"Someone intends you harm," the bride announced as she stopped by Chi Shen's bedroom door, presenting a small sachet held delicately in her pale, gold-ringed fingers.
