Chapter 124: I Have a Friend Who Looks Like a Human.
After ending his call, Chi Shen felt relieved. He had initially called the red-clothed ghost to ask if Bai Wan was available to light a fire, but was startled by some unexpected events on the other end. Bai Wan soon reassured him everything was resolved and not to worry, advising them to continue their outdoor activities.
Taking her word for it, Chi Shen packed up, securing his bone-picking knife, arranged the prepared ingredients on the barbecue grill, and began wheeling it outside.
The barbecue grill, with its convenient wheels, was clearly designed for easy transportation.
Chi Shen, holding a promotional brochure from the Dongshan Hot Springs Hotel, commented as he read, "According to this, our room rate includes free barbecue. If no one's serving us, we might as well do it ourselves without any extra charge."
Ji Xingchen remarked, "Typically, using someone's property without permission is unauthorized use."
He paused, adjusting his glasses, then added, "However, they failed to provide a service we've paid for. If reported to consumer affairs, they'd be at fault. So, we're in the clear."
Chi Shen grinned, "Then there's no problem."
As they conversed, Chi Shen had wheeled the barbecue grill—or perhaps more aptly, the barbecue cart—a significant distance, arriving near the hot springs.
The dining hall of East Mountain Hot Spring Hotel stands apart from the main building, perhaps to accentuate the scenic environment. The restaurant is housed in a sleek white structure with elegant gray-black wavy patterns resembling flowing water, exuding a modern aesthetic.
Around the restaurant, various plants are strategically positioned, forming a vast, tiered garden. This, combined with a sprawling lawn, makes it a tranquil retreat in a resort renowned for relaxation and communion with nature.
Between the restaurant and the main building lies the hot spring area, the hotel's largest section, taking up three-quarters of the total property. It comprises a myriad of hot spring pools, water amusement structures, a swimming pool, sauna rooms, massage rooms, and more.
Approaching the perimeter of the hot springs, Chi Shen paused, tilting his head slightly and remarked, "I wonder, is there truly a red hot spring pool here?"
"You go ahead," Ji Xing Chen offered, taking the barbecue cart from him. "I'll watch over this."
Chi Shen glanced back at Ji Xing Chen and grinned. The dim lamplight made his smile seem ethereal, enhancing his allure. Ji Xing Chen just watched him, his eyes flickering subtly, saying nothing, merely observing as Chi Shen ventured farther.
As Chi Shen ambled away, he casually waved back, his voice drifting in the breeze, "Stay safe."
The deep winter chill was intensified by the mist emanating from the hot springs. The excessive humidity made the air colder still.
Ji Xing Chen stood statue-like, the barbecue cart laden with food before him. He made no move to seek shelter from the damp wind.
After a moment, he exhaled softly, watching his breath turn to fog. His typically calm eyes darkened momentarily.
The red hot spring Chi Shen sought wasn’t hard to find. After a short exploration, he located the pool with the deepest hue.
The area was veiled in mist, warm to the touch. Chi Shen glanced around, spotting an informational plaque: "Herbal Pool".
He eyed the nearby pool.
A faint bitter aroma reminiscent of real herbs wafted from the water. However, Chi Shen's keen sense of smell detected a subtle, stale scent of decay mingled in.
It was reminiscent of a lingering, putrid stench.
"East Mountain Hot Spring, being secluded and lush, may attract insects, snakes, or wildlife at night. Please refrain from venturing outside after sunset..." Chi Shen murmured, reciting the hotel's notice, "It's night, and I've wandered quite a bit without encountering any creatures. Is it because it's winter, or am I just fortunate... or do they fear me?"
Chi Shen prided himself on his exceptional memory. Before entering the deadly game, he honed his recall for academic and professional achievements, aiming to break away from his modest background. After being part of the game, it became a tool for survival; the more he remembered, the higher his chances of living.
This was why he immediately handed Mr. Zhong's notebook to Zhong Yi – he had memorized its contents. At a glance, he realized it didn't offer much; Mr. Zhong likely hadn't understood the threat before escaping and losing consciousness.
However, letting Zhong Yi familiarize himself might save his life in a dire situation.
As for himself, Chi Shen was here to verify the clues mentioned in the notebook.
The second note from old Mr. Zhong was evidently written in a state of disorientation. He contradicts himself, first claiming he made no mistake and then admitting he did. It likely involves the hot spring.
Given that Mr. Zhong didn't visit the hot spring on the first day, it's probable he ventured into it during a later investigation. Perhaps he had encounters with venomous snakes or wild beasts outdoors. Subsequently, Mr. Zhong was presented with two choices: enter the sauna or the crimson hot spring pool.
This is the crimson hot spring pool.
"Should you not return to the hotel building before sunset and happen to face wild animals or snakes, seek refuge in the sauna or the crimson hot spring pool. The unique scent of the medicinal herbs in the crimson pool, and the fragrant aroma of the sauna, are repelling to these creatures."
Why the crimson hot spring pool?
Certainly, the answers lie here.
Chi Shen gazed into the water with a courteous smile.
The hue of the water was profoundly deep, almost resembling dark red, akin to a pool of red wine... or perhaps a pool tainted with aged blood.
Such a color might evoke unpleasant associations for most, but Chi Shen gently dipped a hand into it, greeting it politely: "Hello."
At Chi Shen's voice, a gentle ripple formed around his hand, as if he was genuinely addressing the crimson water. The ripples expanded subtly in response.
Suddenly, the water's ripples intensified, making the entire pool seem to boil. The crimson hue surged towards the drain, and within moments, the spring's water returned to a faint brown, its herbal bitterness even more pronounced.
"Escaped?"
Chi Shen hesitated, slightly disappointed as he retrieved his hand. He calmly dried it with a paper towel.
"Such a swift exit. How dull." Chi Shen discarded the used towel into a nearby trash bin and leisurely headed towards the sauna. After inspecting it, he departed, looking even more morose.
His round trip was brief, no more than ten minutes, and he soon returned to where Ji Xingchen awaited him—near the entrance to the outdoor hot spring pool.
The further he walked outside, the denser and colder the mist became. Chi Shen's expression became more somber, and he hastened his pace.
How he wished he could keep Ji Xingchen safe, thought Chi Shen once more.
This time, Ji Xingchen wasn't hidden in his shadow. Despite their brief separation, Chi Shen grew concerned for him.
If he could secure Ji Xingchen, then as long as Chi Shen was alive, Ji Xingchen would be safe.
As the mist cleared before his eyes, and in the dim light, Chi Shen saw Ji Xingchen, unharmed, standing in the same spot. He was leaning against a barbecue cart, seemingly deep in thought.
Hearing the sound of Chi Shen's footsteps, Ji Xingchen looked up and said calmly, "You're back?"
"Mhm," Chi Shen glanced at the wet footprints beside Ji Xingchen, inquiring, "Did you notice anything unusual?"
Ji Xingchen responded, "No."
Chi Shen studied Ji Xingchen for a moment, who averted his gaze, saying, "Let's head back."
Without further questioning, the two of them, along with the barbecue cart, entered the hotel building. The receptionist glanced up, seemingly assessing their intentions. Noting their return with the barbecue cart, there was no sign of surprise.
Even though the receptionist didn't utter a word, Chi Shen courteously greeted her and asked if they could bring the barbecue cart with them. Receiving no response, he took it as implied consent, happily wheeling it to the hot spring entrance of their room, placing it outside.
Upon seeing Chi Shen's return, Bai Wan, accompanied by the lady ghost in red, approached. Bai Wan waved her hand and a line of red candles appeared beneath the barbecue grill, the delightful aroma wafting from the skewers in no time.
The lady ghost in red was the first to grab a chicken leg, eating voraciously while complaining to Chi Shen about some humanoid creature trying to kill her.
Ji Xingchen ate with more grace, leading Chi Shen to think that with the right setting - a high-end dish, knife, fork, wine, and an ambient candlelit background - his friend's eating manner would fit right in.
As for Bai Wan's eating habits... they remained concealed by her red veil.
Chi Shen had intended to invite Zhong Yi and Zhong Jingzhu for some outdoor barbecue, only to find out they had left. He lamented, "I should've talked with them earlier. Instead of investigating random things, they should be enjoying their vacation. Especially since they paid for it. I wonder when they'll return."
The lady ghost in red, munching on her chicken leg, vehemently agreed, "They better return intact. Vacations are great! Who'd want to work instead? That's just weird!"
Chi Shen chuckled, "I just thought you'd all benefit from some fresh air and fun. How do you like the place I picked?"
"It's great!" The lady ghost in red exclaimed, waving her chicken leg, "Even better if that humanoid didn't try to attack me!"
Bai Wan held down the ghost's flailing arm and wiped off the grease, preventing her from smearing it everywhere.
Ji Xingchen poured Chi Shen a cup of osmanthus wine. Taking a sip of the sweet, aromatic drink, he commented, "It's good."
Surprised, Chi Shen turned to Ji Xingchen, "Was that you speaking just now?"
Setting down his drink, Ji Xingchen met his gaze, "It was me."
Chi Shen remarked, "I didn't think you were the type to say things like that."
Ji Xingchen replied, "It's the truth."
In the midst of their conversation, Chi Shen glanced towards the outer wall before handing Ji Xingchen a skewer of grilled rabbit meat.
"Has anyone else noticed that it's been unusually quiet today?" Bai Wan asked as she wiped the hands of the woman in the red dress.
Chi Shen glanced at the noisy antics of the lady in the red dress, discreetly distancing himself so she wouldn’t smudge any oil on him from her chicken leg. He then replied, "Has it?"
"Yes!" The lady in the red dress raised her hand enthusiastically, "No one's been competing with me for chicken legs today. It feels like we're one ghost short here!"
Ji Xingchen calmly stated, "Gui Lian is missing."
It was only then that Chi Shen realized and exclaimed, "Indeed! How did we forget about him? He usually talks so much. How come his presence seems so negligible?"
Ji Xingchen adjusted his glasses, "Perhaps because most of it is gibberish."
Chi Shen laughed, "So, he's dispensable because he talks nonsense? That sounds a bit harsh… or rather, hurtful to a ghost. But now that he's not around, do you seem a bit happier?"
Ji Xingchen looked straight ahead, "That's your misconception. He left a note, it’s on the table."
Everyone picked up the note, which wasn’t so much a note as a scrawl on a previous warning paper. It read: I'm FREE now! —^_^.
Chi Shen squinted at the note, "How could you tell this was left by Gui Lian?"
Ji Xingchen responded, "The face at the end isn't an emoji. It's a self-portrait."
Chi Shen: "...Oh, I see."
Considering Gui Lian is a water ghost, him joyfully going out here, where he can be in his element, was understandable. No one dwelled on his absence, choosing instead to continue their merry barbecue.
After having their fill and the clock striking midnight, Bai Wan and the lady in the red dress cleaned up the barbecue. Chi Shen refreshed the hot spring and eased himself into it.
A pre-sleep soak can be sleep-inducing.
As he closed his eyes and relished the warm water, he heard another splash. Ji Xingchen had joined him. When Chi Shen opened his eyes, he spotted Ji Xingchen in the shark-patterned swim trunks he had bought for him.
Ji Xingchen, seemingly embarrassed, quickly submerged himself, perhaps hoping Chi Shen hadn't noticed his quirky swimwear.
But Chi Shen wouldn't let such an amusing sight pass. He burst into hearty laughter, tears streaming down, "It suits you! Adorable!"
Ji Xingchen remained silent, simply removing his glasses, slicking back his hair, and calmly watching Chi Shen's uproarious reaction.
After witnessing Ji Xingchen's composed expression and his now fully visible face, Chi Shen momentarily choked on his laughter. Catching his breath, he teased, "Aren't you scared of something lurking in the hot springs?"
Ji Xingchen replied serenely, "No fear. Not with you here."
The response greatly pleased Chi Shen, his eyes crinkling in delight. "Can you feel the warmth of the hot spring?"
"Yes."
Chi Shen continued in a relaxed tone, "Do you like it here?"
"No."
Chi Shen's casual demeanor faded slightly, and he looked at Ji Xingchen, "Why?"
"It makes me feel like I'm still alive."
Chapter 124: I Have a Friend Who Looks Like a Human.
After ending his call, Chi Shen felt relieved. He had initially called the red-clothed ghost to ask if Bai Wan was available to light a fire, but was startled by some unexpected events on the other end. Bai Wan soon reassured him everything was resolved and not to worry, advising them to continue their outdoor activities.
Taking her word for it, Chi Shen packed up, securing his bone-picking knife, arranged the prepared ingredients on the barbecue grill, and began wheeling it outside.
The barbecue grill, with its convenient wheels, was clearly designed for easy transportation.
Chi Shen, holding a promotional brochure from the Dongshan Hot Springs Hotel, commented as he read, "According to this, our room rate includes free barbecue. If no one's serving us, we might as well do it ourselves without any extra charge."
Ji Xingchen remarked, "Typically, using someone's property without permission is unauthorized use."
He paused, adjusting his glasses, then added, "However, they failed to provide a service we've paid for. If reported to consumer affairs, they'd be at fault. So, we're in the clear."
Chi Shen grinned, "Then there's no problem."
As they conversed, Chi Shen had wheeled the barbecue grill—or perhaps more aptly, the barbecue cart—a significant distance, arriving near the hot springs.
The dining hall of East Mountain Hot Spring Hotel stands apart from the main building, perhaps to accentuate the scenic environment. The restaurant is housed in a sleek white structure with elegant gray-black wavy patterns resembling flowing water, exuding a modern aesthetic.
Around the restaurant, various plants are strategically positioned, forming a vast, tiered garden. This, combined with a sprawling lawn, makes it a tranquil retreat in a resort renowned for relaxation and communion with nature.
Between the restaurant and the main building lies the hot spring area, the hotel's largest section, taking up three-quarters of the total property. It comprises a myriad of hot spring pools, water amusement structures, a swimming pool, sauna rooms, massage rooms, and more.
Approaching the perimeter of the hot springs, Chi Shen paused, tilting his head slightly and remarked, "I wonder, is there truly a red hot spring pool here?"
"You go ahead," Ji Xing Chen offered, taking the barbecue cart from him. "I'll watch over this."
Chi Shen glanced back at Ji Xing Chen and grinned. The dim lamplight made his smile seem ethereal, enhancing his allure. Ji Xing Chen just watched him, his eyes flickering subtly, saying nothing, merely observing as Chi Shen ventured farther.
As Chi Shen ambled away, he casually waved back, his voice drifting in the breeze, "Stay safe."
The deep winter chill was intensified by the mist emanating from the hot springs. The excessive humidity made the air colder still.
Ji Xing Chen stood statue-like, the barbecue cart laden with food before him. He made no move to seek shelter from the damp wind.
After a moment, he exhaled softly, watching his breath turn to fog. His typically calm eyes darkened momentarily.
The red hot spring Chi Shen sought wasn’t hard to find. After a short exploration, he located the pool with the deepest hue.
The area was veiled in mist, warm to the touch. Chi Shen glanced around, spotting an informational plaque: "Herbal Pool".
He eyed the nearby pool.
A faint bitter aroma reminiscent of real herbs wafted from the water. However, Chi Shen's keen sense of smell detected a subtle, stale scent of decay mingled in.
It was reminiscent of a lingering, putrid stench.
"East Mountain Hot Spring, being secluded and lush, may attract insects, snakes, or wildlife at night. Please refrain from venturing outside after sunset..." Chi Shen murmured, reciting the hotel's notice, "It's night, and I've wandered quite a bit without encountering any creatures. Is it because it's winter, or am I just fortunate... or do they fear me?"
Chi Shen prided himself on his exceptional memory. Before entering the deadly game, he honed his recall for academic and professional achievements, aiming to break away from his modest background. After being part of the game, it became a tool for survival; the more he remembered, the higher his chances of living.
This was why he immediately handed Mr. Zhong's notebook to Zhong Yi – he had memorized its contents. At a glance, he realized it didn't offer much; Mr. Zhong likely hadn't understood the threat before escaping and losing consciousness.
However, letting Zhong Yi familiarize himself might save his life in a dire situation.
As for himself, Chi Shen was here to verify the clues mentioned in the notebook.
The second note from old Mr. Zhong was evidently written in a state of disorientation. He contradicts himself, first claiming he made no mistake and then admitting he did. It likely involves the hot spring.
Given that Mr. Zhong didn't visit the hot spring on the first day, it's probable he ventured into it during a later investigation. Perhaps he had encounters with venomous snakes or wild beasts outdoors. Subsequently, Mr. Zhong was presented with two choices: enter the sauna or the crimson hot spring pool.
This is the crimson hot spring pool.
"Should you not return to the hotel building before sunset and happen to face wild animals or snakes, seek refuge in the sauna or the crimson hot spring pool. The unique scent of the medicinal herbs in the crimson pool, and the fragrant aroma of the sauna, are repelling to these creatures."
Why the crimson hot spring pool?
Certainly, the answers lie here.
Chi Shen gazed into the water with a courteous smile.
The hue of the water was profoundly deep, almost resembling dark red, akin to a pool of red wine... or perhaps a pool tainted with aged blood.
Such a color might evoke unpleasant associations for most, but Chi Shen gently dipped a hand into it, greeting it politely: "Hello."
At Chi Shen's voice, a gentle ripple formed around his hand, as if he was genuinely addressing the crimson water. The ripples expanded subtly in response.
Suddenly, the water's ripples intensified, making the entire pool seem to boil. The crimson hue surged towards the drain, and within moments, the spring's water returned to a faint brown, its herbal bitterness even more pronounced.
"Escaped?"
Chi Shen hesitated, slightly disappointed as he retrieved his hand. He calmly dried it with a paper towel.
"Such a swift exit. How dull." Chi Shen discarded the used towel into a nearby trash bin and leisurely headed towards the sauna. After inspecting it, he departed, looking even more morose.
His round trip was brief, no more than ten minutes, and he soon returned to where Ji Xingchen awaited him—near the entrance to the outdoor hot spring pool.
The further he walked outside, the denser and colder the mist became. Chi Shen's expression became more somber, and he hastened his pace.
How he wished he could keep Ji Xingchen safe, thought Chi Shen once more.
This time, Ji Xingchen wasn't hidden in his shadow. Despite their brief separation, Chi Shen grew concerned for him.
If he could secure Ji Xingchen, then as long as Chi Shen was alive, Ji Xingchen would be safe.
As the mist cleared before his eyes, and in the dim light, Chi Shen saw Ji Xingchen, unharmed, standing in the same spot. He was leaning against a barbecue cart, seemingly deep in thought.
Hearing the sound of Chi Shen's footsteps, Ji Xingchen looked up and said calmly, "You're back?"
"Mhm," Chi Shen glanced at the wet footprints beside Ji Xingchen, inquiring, "Did you notice anything unusual?"
Ji Xingchen responded, "No."
Chi Shen studied Ji Xingchen for a moment, who averted his gaze, saying, "Let's head back."
Without further questioning, the two of them, along with the barbecue cart, entered the hotel building. The receptionist glanced up, seemingly assessing their intentions. Noting their return with the barbecue cart, there was no sign of surprise.
Even though the receptionist didn't utter a word, Chi Shen courteously greeted her and asked if they could bring the barbecue cart with them. Receiving no response, he took it as implied consent, happily wheeling it to the hot spring entrance of their room, placing it outside.
Upon seeing Chi Shen's return, Bai Wan, accompanied by the lady ghost in red, approached. Bai Wan waved her hand and a line of red candles appeared beneath the barbecue grill, the delightful aroma wafting from the skewers in no time.
The lady ghost in red was the first to grab a chicken leg, eating voraciously while complaining to Chi Shen about some humanoid creature trying to kill her.
Ji Xingchen ate with more grace, leading Chi Shen to think that with the right setting - a high-end dish, knife, fork, wine, and an ambient candlelit background - his friend's eating manner would fit right in.
As for Bai Wan's eating habits... they remained concealed by her red veil.
Chi Shen had intended to invite Zhong Yi and Zhong Jingzhu for some outdoor barbecue, only to find out they had left. He lamented, "I should've talked with them earlier. Instead of investigating random things, they should be enjoying their vacation. Especially since they paid for it. I wonder when they'll return."
The lady ghost in red, munching on her chicken leg, vehemently agreed, "They better return intact. Vacations are great! Who'd want to work instead? That's just weird!"
Chi Shen chuckled, "I just thought you'd all benefit from some fresh air and fun. How do you like the place I picked?"
"It's great!" The lady ghost in red exclaimed, waving her chicken leg, "Even better if that humanoid didn't try to attack me!"
Bai Wan held down the ghost's flailing arm and wiped off the grease, preventing her from smearing it everywhere.
Ji Xingchen poured Chi Shen a cup of osmanthus wine. Taking a sip of the sweet, aromatic drink, he commented, "It's good."
Surprised, Chi Shen turned to Ji Xingchen, "Was that you speaking just now?"
Setting down his drink, Ji Xingchen met his gaze, "It was me."
Chi Shen remarked, "I didn't think you were the type to say things like that."
Ji Xingchen replied, "It's the truth."
In the midst of their conversation, Chi Shen glanced towards the outer wall before handing Ji Xingchen a skewer of grilled rabbit meat.
"Has anyone else noticed that it's been unusually quiet today?" Bai Wan asked as she wiped the hands of the woman in the red dress.
Chi Shen glanced at the noisy antics of the lady in the red dress, discreetly distancing himself so she wouldn’t smudge any oil on him from her chicken leg. He then replied, "Has it?"
"Yes!" The lady in the red dress raised her hand enthusiastically, "No one's been competing with me for chicken legs today. It feels like we're one ghost short here!"
Ji Xingchen calmly stated, "Gui Lian is missing."
It was only then that Chi Shen realized and exclaimed, "Indeed! How did we forget about him? He usually talks so much. How come his presence seems so negligible?"
Ji Xingchen adjusted his glasses, "Perhaps because most of it is gibberish."
Chi Shen laughed, "So, he's dispensable because he talks nonsense? That sounds a bit harsh… or rather, hurtful to a ghost. But now that he's not around, do you seem a bit happier?"
Ji Xingchen looked straight ahead, "That's your misconception. He left a note, it’s on the table."
Everyone picked up the note, which wasn’t so much a note as a scrawl on a previous warning paper. It read: I'm FREE now! —^_^.
Chi Shen squinted at the note, "How could you tell this was left by Gui Lian?"
Ji Xingchen responded, "The face at the end isn't an emoji. It's a self-portrait."
Chi Shen: "...Oh, I see."
Considering Gui Lian is a water ghost, him joyfully going out here, where he can be in his element, was understandable. No one dwelled on his absence, choosing instead to continue their merry barbecue.
After having their fill and the clock striking midnight, Bai Wan and the lady in the red dress cleaned up the barbecue. Chi Shen refreshed the hot spring and eased himself into it.
A pre-sleep soak can be sleep-inducing.
As he closed his eyes and relished the warm water, he heard another splash. Ji Xingchen had joined him. When Chi Shen opened his eyes, he spotted Ji Xingchen in the shark-patterned swim trunks he had bought for him.
Ji Xingchen, seemingly embarrassed, quickly submerged himself, perhaps hoping Chi Shen hadn't noticed his quirky swimwear.
But Chi Shen wouldn't let such an amusing sight pass. He burst into hearty laughter, tears streaming down, "It suits you! Adorable!"
Ji Xingchen remained silent, simply removing his glasses, slicking back his hair, and calmly watching Chi Shen's uproarious reaction.
After witnessing Ji Xingchen's composed expression and his now fully visible face, Chi Shen momentarily choked on his laughter. Catching his breath, he teased, "Aren't you scared of something lurking in the hot springs?"
Ji Xingchen replied serenely, "No fear. Not with you here."
The response greatly pleased Chi Shen, his eyes crinkling in delight. "Can you feel the warmth of the hot spring?"
"Yes."
Chi Shen continued in a relaxed tone, "Do you like it here?"
"No."
Chi Shen's casual demeanor faded slightly, and he looked at Ji Xingchen, "Why?"
"It makes me feel like I'm still alive."
