Chapter 243: The Ghost in the Mirror (VI)

Chapter 243: The Ghost in the Mirror (VI)

Upon hearing Jie Fangcheng's voice, Zhu Ping's initial reaction was inexplicable irritation.

While they battled supernatural entities, risking their lives, the player on the other end sounded so relaxed, as if he wasn't stuck in some horrific game level but rather on a casual outing.

As Zhu Ping picked up the phone, the ghostly figures began to materialize once more, intensifying the tension in the hotel.

Several players, weapons in hand and bearing various injuries, stood up to face the oncoming specters.

The atmosphere was thick with dread, the innate human fear of ghosts enveloping the hotel, and a faint metallic scent, like blood, lingered in the air.

At such a grave moment, that leisurely voice from the phone sounded again.

"Hmm? No one there?" The person muttered, sounding as if he was about to hang up.

Zhu Ping gritted her teeth, "...I'm here."

"Oh!" The voice from the other end seemed to shift, becoming slightly clearer, "Who are you? Are you also a player?"

Damn it!

Zhu Ping's face turned ashen. The ghostly apparitions were closing in. She quickly responded, "You're the player who got off the bus first, right? The rest of us are near platform one in a hotel. Where are you now?"

"Oh, I'm at Xinxin Home Complex." He replied unhurriedly.

“……”

"Hello?"

Zhu Ping's palm was covered in thick scales, and with one swift move, she sent a charging ghost flying, "Who told you to head to Xinxin Community?!"

That player is so cunning!

Everyone knows that the Xinxin Community is teeming with clues. The earlier you get there, the more likely you'll find pivotal hints, gain a huge advantage in scoring, obtain better equipment, and secure higher points.

Yet, even with this knowledge, no one dared to rush there.

Firstly, while every player may have their own ulterior motives, everyone in the game must acknowledge that players are the underdogs.

Not to mention the overwhelming strength of the BOSS, the danger in this ghost-themed level is even higher, as any ghost NPC could possess formidable power.

While the ghosts in this hotel might seem weak individually, it's currently midday.

There's a simple, general rule for ghost-themed levels: their power surges dramatically at night.

If they're just barely handling these ghosts now, the night would be even more challenging.

Thus, players typically collaborate in a group while maintaining mutual vigilance. At the very least, they maintain a façade of unity and cooperate whenever possible.

That's why, despite knowing the significance of Xinxin Community, the players initially chose to band together and seek refuge in this hotel.

Zhu Ping believed that once they've decided who would hold the fort at the hotel, even if someone feels aggrieved, as long as the majority agrees, the selected individual would comply.

No one wants to be isolated from the group of players.

This is one reason why they didn't directly head to the Xinxin Community.

Another reason is the inherent danger that the Xinxin Community might pose since it's filled with clues.

Due to these reasons, it never crossed Zhu Ping's mind that the absent player might have sneaked off to Xinxin Community to gather clues.

But who would have thought?!

That guy! He's so... so cunning! He must've thought of this and decided to find the clues while everyone was in the hotel!

Zhu Ping's brow furrowed in frustration, while the voice on the other end sounded surprised, "Huh? You're not coming here?"

Of course, Jie Fangcheng was taken aback.

It was a rare occasion he used his brain, sensing the community's importance, so he dashed over.

Could he have been mistaken?

Hearing him say that, Zhu Ping scoffed coldly.

Pretending!

Still pretending!

"We won't be coming," Zhu Ping replied tersely. "We're all at the hotel. You should come here."

With that, she promptly hung up the phone.

As soon as she did, all the ghostly apparitions in the hotel vanished.

Meanwhile, on Jie Fangcheng's end, the lively scene that had returned when he was on the phone also disappeared abruptly.

What on earth is going on?

Jie Fangcheng scratched his head.

Even though it was evident Zhu Ping was quite displeased with him, Jie, being easy-going, casually tapped the stick in his hand.

Maybe she had her reasons? Regardless, he needed to meet these players first.

After all, you have to meet someone face-to-face if you want to confront them, right?

With that thought, he stepped out of the Xinxin Community's main gate, stick in hand, heading toward the hotel.

Meanwhile, back at the hotel.

After Zhu Ping ended the call, a player not far from her, while reattaching his severed hand, asked, "What happened?"

Everyone had been fending off the ghostly assaults while keeping an ear on Zhu Ping's conversation, catching snippets of her sharp words.

Now that she had hung up, they turned their full attention to her.

Zhu Ping was succinct: "Let's go to Xinxin Community!"

"Wait, who's staying behind?" a player inquired.

"Let's all go," Zhu Ping said with determination. At this juncture, she knew that deciding who stays behind wasn't the priority. They needed to set ground rules for the team. Otherwise, if everyone acted like that cunning player and ran off on their own, the ones left behind wouldn't willingly stay put at the hotel.

Hearing her decision, the group exchanged glances.

Zhu Ping smirked, "If we don't act now, someone else will beat us to it."

Realization dawned on the others.

The group swiftly exited the hotel and made their way towards the Xinxin Community.

Throughout the journey, no one spoke, but their faces were clouded with concern.

Zhu Ping didn't elaborate, but everyone was well aware: given the audacity of that player's call, had he already stumbled upon some crucial clue?

Even if he hadn't found anything, with one rebel among them breaking ranks, what would prevent others from following suit if he went unpunished?

And where was that guy now? Having taken the initiative to search for clues, might he be strong enough to challenge Zhu Ping's leadership?

A situation that seemed clear moments ago now felt muddled and uncertain.

The players remained silent, on high alert, with some wondering if that rogue player might pose a problem.

As they were lost in thought, suddenly, someone exclaimed, "Damn!"

"Is that him?!"

Everyone looked up, taken aback.

From a distance, they saw a figure with a stick... no, it seemed to be a table leg torn from a table, casually slung over his shoulder. The table leg swayed in sync with his lax walking style.

His previously pristine white shirt was now smudged with dirt, and his hair was wet, as if he'd just showered.

The midday sun blazed fiercely, causing heatwaves that distorted the surrounding view.

The strange player's figure, too, seemed slightly warped amidst this haze, making him appear even more peculiar.

From afar, Jie Fangcheng also spotted the approaching players.

He waved enthusiastically, "Hey!"

His expression was even slightly cheerful.

Jie Fangcheng's way of thinking is distinct from these players. While the players observed with suspicion and caution, Jie Fangcheng actually felt relieved upon seeing them.

He knew it! He remembered heading this way. Indeed, he hadn't taken the wrong path!

They've convened ahead of schedule!

Two groups with vastly different mindsets were drawing closer and closer.

Upon face-to-face encounter, Zhu Ping examined the peculiar player in front of her with furrowed brows and a complex expression.

"Why... did you come out?"

Searching for clues in the Xin Xin homeland was a prized task in this instance that other players, including Zhu Ping herself, coveted.

The player before her was already on the quest for clues. Why on earth did he come out voluntarily?

"Huh?" Jie Fangcheng was even more perplexed, "Didn't you ask me to go to the hotel?"

“……”

"Oh! So you're not going now?" Jie Fangcheng understood.

"No," Zhu Ping paused, recalling something, and then asked, "I called every station, why didn't you pick up?"

"Oh, my hotel collapsed, and I lost my phone."

"What hotel? Collapsed??" Zhu Ping exclaimed in surprise, "What happened?"

Jie Fangcheng simply stated: "There's a ghost."

His explanation was so straightforward and simplistic that Zhu Ping was taken aback. It took her a moment to grasp what he meant.

"You're saying the resting place at your station was a hotel? And a ghost caused it to collapse?"

Jie Fangcheng pondered over it.

He was resting in the hotel, just innocently wishing to take a nap. But despite his non-threatening demeanor, a ghost wreaked havoc in his room.

He pursued the ghost, but those spirits dared to flee.

The ghost is to blame.

Jie Fangcheng affirmed, "Yes."

Zhu Ping pinched the bridge of her nose, finding this player rather peculiar.

Is he lying??

Zhu Ping struggled to understand his words, but a player beside her whispered a hint.

"Let's head to Xin Xin homeland first!"

Zhu Ping snapped back to reality.

Regardless of whether this player was lying or had ulterior motives, his time in the Xin Xin residential area wasn't extensive. Even if he found vital clues, it likely wouldn't impact their overall progress.

Currently, the priority was to inspect that residential area.

As for this player...

Zhu Ping gazed at him, her tone a mix of probing and mocking, "Are you heading to the hotel at station one now?"

"Hm?" Jie Fangcheng inquired, "Aren't I joining you all in searching for clues?"

Look!! Busted!!!

Zhu Ping sarcastically responded, "You've already been to that residential area. Shouldn't you let us find some clues too?"

Jie Fangcheng paused, looking slightly embarrassed, "Oh? You mean I should rest at the hotel while you search? Isn't that unfair?"

"It seems quite fair to me." Zhu Ping replied coolly.

Hearing her say that, Jie Fangcheng's face lit up with an unmistakable joy, "Oh, I'm truly sorry then..."

He rubbed his hands together, "Is there anything I can assist with?"

Zhu Ping: "..."

This lad... he can't be genuinely naive, can he?

Zhu Ping hesitated.

Jie Fangcheng was straightforward. He quickly summarized everything that had transpired in the Xin Xin residential area. The way he unloaded all the clues at once made it seem less like he was competing for points and more like he was tossing away a hot potato.

As he spoke, Zhu Ping's expression grew increasingly baffled. After he finished, she couldn't help but ask, "You're just telling us all this?"

"Exactly," Jie Fangcheng smiled, "Deciphering clues isn't my forte."

"Then what is?"

Jie Fangcheng twirled a stick, mimicking a sword flourish: "Fighting."

After which, he candidly added, "I'm quite strong."

Seriously?!

What's this guy's deal?!

Zhu Ping was genuinely lost.

From the side, Guan Yingying watched with a cold, discerning eye. Her wariness towards this player named Jie Fangcheng had peaked.

His premature visit to the Xin Xin residential area had already raised eyebrows, but starting from his seemingly casual phone call to his 'innocent act' with Zhu Ping, it was evident he was a master of disarming people's suspicions. Not just Zhu Ping, but the expressions of the players behind her shifted from dissatisfaction to disbelief.

This man was truly adept at lowering others' guards. Even Guan Yingying found herself momentarily disarmed.

Seeing Zhu Ping about to invite him to return to the Xin Xin residential area, Guan Yingying hastily interjected.

"You're strong?"

"Yes."

Guan Yingying locked eyes with him, "The phone in the hotel has the number 4444444. We need to connect that call to activate the 'tester' event. Only when this event is activated will NPCs appear in Xin Xin homeland, facilitating our clue search. But once that call connects, the hotel will be swarmed with ghosts."

With a courteous smile, she continued, "I assume you've realized that only during the 'tester' event will shadows of NPCs appear in the Xin Xin homeland, enabling us to better search for clues. But as soon as the phone connects, the hotel will be overrun by ghosts."

At that, she saw a glint of understanding in his eyes, "Ah, so you want me to go to the hotel and connect the call?"

"Exactly."

Guan Yingying's request was tantamount to asking him to take on immense risks so the others could more easily search the residential area for clues.

That's only fair!

No matter how eloquently he speaks or how innocent he appears, the fact remains: this player named Jie Fangcheng sneaked ahead to that residential area, while they defended against ghost attacks in the hotel, providing him a peaceful environment to search for clues.

Guan Yingying's intention wasn't genuinely to send him back to the hotel to answer the phone. Given his craftiness, he surely wouldn't acquiesce to her wishes.

She was signaling a warning to the other players: Don't be fooled by him! He's genuinely taken advantage of the situation!

While she was contemplating, considering how to further expose his true nature after his probable refusal, Jie Fangcheng had already nodded in agreement.

"Alright then."

"Alright... really?" Guan Yingying was taken aback.

"So, I just pick up the phone and place it there, right?" Jie Fangcheng sought clarification.

After a pause, he added, "Oh, right. There's a phone in the security booth at the entrance of the residential area. If there's any problem, just call me."

How pragmatic of Mr. Jie!

These players exhaustively search for clues in the residential area while he rests comfortably in the hotel. But if they encounter insurmountable problems after connecting the call, at least they can alert him.

Given Jie Fangcheng's efficiency, by the time he arrives at the scene, others might be in grave danger, but at least his willingness is commendable.

While Mr. Jie may be hands-off, his attitude remains proactive.

Now that he's agreed, the one who made the suggestion, Guan Yingying, examines him in disbelief from head to toe.

"Did you not hear what I just said?" Guan Yingying reiterated, "I said that when the phone connects, ghosts will appear in the hotel. These ghosts will attack you."

"I'm aware."

"…You're aware? Knowing that, you still agree? How will you handle their attacks?"

Jie Fangcheng calmly responded, "I'll defeat them."

“……”

He then inquired, "Anything else?"

Zhu Ping, who had been listening, chimed in, "Here's the plan: You head to the hotel first. Once we reach the residential area, we'll call you from the security booth. If you can, answer; if it gets too intense, just hang up."

"Alright then," Jie Fangcheng responded with a pleasant demeanor.

All eyes were on him, including Zhu Ping's. She nodded with an inscrutable expression, suggesting, "Shall we leave it at that for now? We'll search for some clues and keep in touch over the phone if anything comes up."

"Sounds good."

"Goodbye."

"Take care."

Jie Fangcheng waved, turning on his heel and departing.

He maintained his usual swagger, carrying a stick and striding broadly. His figure distorted under the scorching midday sun on the street, casting a shadow that resembled a cowboy from an old western film – evoking a sense of inexplicable eccentricity.

The group simply watched his retreating figure.

Guan Yingying remained silent, understanding Zhu Ping's sentiments.

A fellow player beside them questioned, "So we're just letting him go?"

Zhu Ping nodded.

"Seriously... you don't actually believe he'll call, do you?"

Zhu Ping shook her head, "He won't. But we can't keep him with us."

Guan Yingying's words had indeed reminded Zhu Ping of that.

No one could precisely decipher the man's intentions, but regardless of his true intentions, having this player with them felt like harboring a ticking time bomb.

"If he's lying to us, he's probably trying to sabotage us. Keeping him close would be a risk. If he's not lying..." Zhu Ping smirked.

How could that be possible?

Does he really see himself as some expert? If he truly was, why isn't he in a level five instance instead of loitering in a level three?

"Let's set him aside for now and head to Xin Xin Residential Complex."

The group nodded in agreement and proceeded towards the Xin Xin Residential Complex.

On the way, Ares asked, "Should we still call him then?"

"No."

Zhu Ping was firm, "He's too unpredictable on his own at the hotel. Let's proceed as if he's not part of the scenario."

Although Ares didn't quite understand the reasoning, seeing Zhu Ping's confidence made him nod thoughtfully.

Guan Yingying shot her a glance.

While others might not grasp why Zhu Ping discouraged reaching out to the hotel, Guan Yingying, quick-witted as she was, understood clearly.

That peculiar player named Jie Fangcheng, if he had ulterior motives, would be an adversary to the players.

But if his words were genuine, Zhu Ping's leadership position might be at stake.

In the game scenario, power commands respect. Zhu Ping's attitude towards this player had been dismissive, if not disdainful, mocking him over the call and giving him a cold reception face-to-face.

The more powerful a player, the bigger their ego. If Guan Yingying were in Zhu Ping's shoes, she wouldn't risk antagonizing someone who might have significant abilities and could retaliate.

"Let's move on."

The grand entrance to the Xin Xin Residential Complex was now clearly in sight.

Once inside, the players began their rapid search for clues.

If Jie Fangcheng had been there, he'd marvel at the vastness of the complex, presuming clues would be hard to find, and wish he could simply sit back.

But the players were seasoned in their search for clues.

Instead of searching every building and room, it was vital to determine a general direction first.

And everyone had seen the news on television during their breaks.

A murder had taken place right at the entrance of Xin Xin Residential Complex.

This was surely a crucial clue.

Everyone had a vivid memory of the victim's face. Players skilled in sketching had already drawn the victim's likeness. Using that portrait, they could swiftly retrieve information from the property management office.

"Found it! Building 11, Unit 2, Apartment 104. Qiao Qiang! He owns a community supermarket here!"

Within the property management office's bulletin board, several photos showcased proud homeowners.

Among them was Qiao Qiang.

In the photo, Qiao Qiang flashed a brilliant smile, holding a bundle of vegetables, exuding a genuine and simple charm.

Beneath the photo was a message from him.

“Xiao Qiang’s Supermarket is dedicated to serving every homeowner. We warmly welcome everyone to shop with us!”

A player mused while examining the photo, "He's a grocer, and he looks amiable and trustworthy in this picture. Why would someone murder him right at the complex entrance?"

Zhu Ping corrected him, "He wasn't murdered at the entrance. His body was found there."

Given the bustling activity near the entrance, it could likely be a secondary crime scene.

"But there’s a security booth at the entrance, with guards on duty. Who'd risk dumping a body in such a public space? Or perhaps there’s a specific reason for leaving the body right there?"

Pondering in the property management office wouldn't provide the answers they sought.

Zhu Ping quickly formulated a plan.

"We should split up and..."

As if someone hit the play button on a paused film, the surroundings suddenly filled with noises.

Under the noon sun, the once-deserted street was now bustling. The hum of vehicles, conversations between adults and children, and vendors calling out their wares merged into a cacophony. The abrupt change caught the players off guard.

Just then, the office door swung open.

Two property staff members clad in black work attire, munching on hand pies, stepped in. They looked baffled upon seeing the room full of people, “Hey? Are you homeowners from this complex? What brings you to the office?”

Regaining her composure, Zhu Ping quickly made light conversation while gesturing to the players behind her.

"Let’s go."

The group followed her out of the office.

Once outside, they observed the busy street, and Zhu Ping and her companions wore concerned expressions.

"What's going on?"

As they pondered, the people on the street suddenly vanished.

What in the world?

Before Zhu Ping could make sense of the situation, in a few seconds, the street became lively again.

？？

No matter how quick-witted Zhu Ping was, she felt momentarily befuddled, "What on earth is happening?"

Guan Yingying seemed to have a clue.

"Could it be... Jie Fangcheng making a call?"

“？？”

"Let's head to the security booth and see."

The group swiftly returned to the entrance and from a distance, they could hear the ringing of a phone from the security booth.

At noon, the booth was unattended.

Zhu Ping picked up the phone.

The familiar and somewhat irritating "Hello? Hello?" echoed from the other end.

"Hello? Anyone there?"