Chapter 57

Chapter 57

In some backward villages, it's not uncommon for residents to be superstitious.

What's unusual is the blind faith shown by the likes of Fengnian village residents and the Xue family servants; their unwavering belief in the supernatural, attributing every misfortune to spirits, without ever suspecting human foul play.

"Well, hauntings are indeed terrifying."

Min Yuandan, with his arms crossed, sighed in amazement. After clicking his tongue twice, he turned his gaze to the group, urging, "What are you standing around for? Hurry up and get ready. I'll tell you, if you mess up the lines today, the villagers will be so mad they might kill. I won't be able to save you then."

The phrase "so mad they might kill" sounded like a jest, especially coming from Min Yuandan, who was known for his sharp tongue and love for criticism.

However, once everyone stepped onto the stage and glanced down, they realized in hindsight: Min Yuandan might not have been joking at all. He might've been stating a grim fact.

Because today's audience, the villagers, were holding weapons in their hands—some with long knives, others with sharp spikes, and still others with axes and saws. All these were deadly instruments.

The villagers' glares, even colder than the previous day, held an air of anticipation—as if a single misstep or mistake in the lines from the actors on stage would send them rushing up, weapons ready to vent their pent-up rage.

But today's rehearsal had been moved up, and the sky was not yet fully dark.

Everyone, despite feeling uneasy by the villagers' expressions, didn't feel the same spine-chilling fear as the first night. They took extra care in their movements and lines, preferring to go slow and accurate rather than rush and make mistakes.

As a result, the first three acts went smoothly. During the fourth act, "The Flooding of Jinshan Temple", as Xie Yinxue, playing Bai Suzhen, was engaged in a fight scene with monks played by Chao Qinghe, Xu Lu, Liao Xinyang, and Xu Chen, they noticed that Yu Qinwen and Li Lumeng, who were also playing monks opposite them, suddenly had expressions of pure terror. It was as if they had seen something utterly horrifying.

Both looked as though they were about to scream instinctively. However, having matured over the days in the game, they quickly adjusted their reactions and turned their almost-screams into low shouts to match the rhythm of the play.

With that, the fourth act concluded without further incidents.

Today's performance had no hitches, so when it concluded, Village Chief Qingfeng and the other villagers showed their satisfaction. They even mentioned things like "This should appease them" and "This should prevent any mishaps." Each performer was rewarded with a bag of silver coins.

After the curtain call, however, Xu Lu pulled aside Li Lumeng and Yu Qinwen backstage, asking, "What happened to you two during the last act? Your sudden change in expression startled both Liao Xinyang and me."

"We saw…" Li Lumeng and Yu Qinwen hesitated, glancing at Xu Chen, "…a paper effigy of a child hanging behind Xu Chen."

This shocked Xu Chen, who quickly reached out to feel his neck and back. "Stop talking nonsense!" he exclaimed.

Recognizing the potential panic this could cause among the group, Yu Qinwen hurriedly tried to soothe the situation, "Maybe we were just too nervous and saw things."

"Right," Li Lumeng agreed, "It was probably just our imagination."

Unfortunately, judging from Xu Chen's expression, he wasn't reassured by their words.

Everyone else began to wonder. After all, if they had seen something terrifying and couldn't control their reactions, leading to a misstep in the performance, what would be the consequences?

Death.

Nobody could tell whether the incident between Xu Chen, Li Lumeng, and Yu Qinwen was an isolated event or if something similar might happen to others.

The group walked silently back to their lodgings.

As they walked, Li Lumeng suddenly whispered, "Someone's tapping my shoulder again."

"Don't look back," advised Li Hong, who was walking directly behind Li Lumeng. He didn't tell her whether there was anyone behind her, only mentioning, "I feel it too."

"As long as we don't look back, we should be fine, right?" Xu Lu said, having learned from the previous night, and kept her eyes fixed on her lantern, wary of looking elsewhere.

"We need to be careful when we get back, too."

On hearing this, Xie YinXue advised the group, "Be especially cautious while sleeping."

As soon as he finished speaking, Min YuanDan chimed in, "Xie YinXue is right."

"There are spirits causing disturbances in FengNian Village; it's potentially dangerous. For our safety, let's all stay together from now on and not sleep alone," Min YuanDan said, turning confidently to face the group. "There are plenty of rooms with two beds in the village houses. You all can decide how to redistribute yourselves."

Liu BuHua, hearing Min YuanDan, instinctively remarked, "Shouldn't we leave FengNian Village immediately for safety's sake?"

Min YuanDan rolled his eyes in annoyance. "We've been paid. How can we leave before completing our performance?"

Liao XinYang added sarcastically, "I fear we might earn money but won't live to spend it."

Min YuanDan clicked his tongue and said, "Don't worry. While I might not be the most generous boss, I won't withhold your wages. Even if you die, rest assured, I'll burn paper money for you in the afterlife."

Liao XinYang: "..."

Can't he offer something from the realm of the living instead?

There are thirteen participants in the game. As the scenario has unfolded, no one has died. If rooms are to be shared in pairs, the division becomes challenging. However, upon consulting Min YuanDan, he indicated that there were no strict rules about room occupancy; they could decide how many people wanted to stay in a single room.

Upon hearing they could reassign rooms, both Li LuMing and Yu QinWen seemed intrigued. Remembering the paper effigy they saw behind Xu Chen during their performance, they thought it might be safer for Duan Ying to share a room with them.

Before they could propose this, Xu Chen addressed Duan Ying, "Ah Ying, you should stay with Li LuMing and Yu QinWen tonight."

Duan Ying looked puzzled. "Why?"

Even though they had an argument earlier that day, and during their spooky encounter she suspected Xu Chen of pushing her, she spent the evening reflecting and concluded it unlikely. It wouldn't benefit Xu Chen in any way. On the first day of the game, Xie YinXue had set out three primary rules: one, participants couldn't harm each other; two, don't seek deals from the ferryman NPC to save one's life; and three, if they must, then turn to him, Xie YinXue.

So far, no one had needed to seek Xie YinXue's intervention.

Setting that aside, both she and Xu Chen knew that any harm between participants would result in repercussions. Therefore, it made no sense for Xu Chen to push her into the center of the dangerous spirits.

Maybe neither of them lied. Xu Chen didn't push her, and she didn't hurt him. Someone else was the "culprit."

All the way back, Duan Ying was considering how to apologize to Xu Chen. It never crossed her mind to stay away from him due to their disagreement. Yet, she didn't expect that Xu Chen might have had that very thought.

Xu Chen's justification sounded rather noble: "I think we need some time apart to cool down."

"Min YuanDan warned about possible dangers at night. As Duan Ying's boyfriend, shouldn't Xu Chen think about protecting her rather than wanting some 'time to cool down'?"

Is he genuinely seeking to clear his thoughts, or is he afraid she might become a liability in case something happens?

Duan Ying managed a wry smile and agreed, "Fine."

Seeing her acquiescence, Xu Chen immediately turned to his fellow alumnus, Li Hong, proposing, "Li Hong, how about we share a room?"

Li Hong scratched his head, diplomatically declining, "I've been rooming with Liu for the past two days, so I plan on continuing that arrangement. Sorry."

Xu Chen looked momentarily rigid, probably trapped in an awkward situation. He cautiously scanned the remaining participants; among the men, it seemed only Liao XinYang and Chao QingHe might agree.

However, since Liao XinYang already paired with Lu Ling, Xu Chen approached Chao QingHe, "Mr. Chao, shall we share a room?"

Chao QingHe adjusted his glasses, nodding, "Alright."

Bu JiuZhao, seeing everyone else paired off and only himself and Xie YinXue remaining, remarked, "It seems we're left to share a room."

"Yes," Xie YinXue replied with a smile, "It's still early. Fancy a late-night snack later? The grilled meat looks tempting."

Bu JiuZhao: "..."

He now understood. Among all the scenarios and participants, the reason Xie YinXue stood out and was the most memorable wasn't because of his good looks or his supernatural abilities, but because Xie YinXue enjoyed pushing his buttons.

The most vexing part was that trying to put Xie YinXue in his place would likely backfire on Bu JiuZhao.

Fortunately, Xie YinXue knew when to stop poking the bear. Otherwise, Bu JiuZhao might have risked the backlash just to give Xie YinXue a taste of his medicine.

The group returned to the village houses, unpacked, and settled into their designated rooms.

But upon entering their new room, Xie YinXue looked around to find only one bed.

The bed was roughly twice as wide as the one in his previous room, clearly designed for two. More importantly, this room was Bu JiuZhao's choice.

Xie YinXue raised an eyebrow, casually kicked off his shoes, and lounged on the bed. He leaned against the pillow, resting a hand against his forehead, glancing lazily at the slightly perplexed man standing in the middle of the room. In an indolent tone dripping with aristocratic flair, he remarked, "Three scenarios in, and I must admit, you've indeed caught my attention."

Bu JiuZhao: "...?"

The single bed in the room was unexpected for Bu JiuZhao. Yet, even more baffling were Xie YinXue's mysterious remarks.

Hearing Xie YinXue's words, Bu JiuZhao's brows furrowed deeper. Yet, the young man on the couch barely lifted his heavy-lidded eyes, idly playing with the silver-embroidered pear blossoms on his shoulder. "Tell me," he said, "Why do you deliberately cross paths with me time and again?"

Xie YinXue believed that their meetings were no coincidence. If it wasn't him orchestrating them, then it must be Bu JiuZhao.

Yet, Bu JiuZhao's motivations remained enigmatic. If he despised and wanted to kill him, why did he constantly offer hints in every scenario? That's hardly the behavior of someone who loathes another.

Think about what Bu JiuZhao has done: he cooks for him, compliments his wardrobe choices, and often gets a tad too touchy. Now, seizing the opportunity to share a room, he's specifically chosen a large single bed, ensuring they sleep side by side.

Xie YinXue might not have been in love before, but he wasn't naive. All of Bu JiuZhao's actions clearly indicated ulterior motives.

Especially the answer that Bu JiuZhao gave next further solidified Xie YinXue's suspicions—

"Because you smell so enticing."

Bu JiuZhao elaborated, "To me, good people have a nauseating stench, while the wicked are refreshingly aromatic. However, Mr. Xie, you are unlike any other."

The very first time he saw Xie YinXue at the Qin residence, he was struck by a scent emanating from the youth that was different from everyone else's.

It was a scent as crisp as winter snow, yet overwhelmingly dominant. At first, he mistook it for the blooming pear trees outside. The aroma ensnared him, seeping into every corner of his being. It took just one glance for Bu JiuZhao to be captivated by this pale, frail-looking young man.

That was the initial reason he pursued him.

But as time went on, Bu JiuZhao realized the youth was like the winter snow he loathed: frosty and bone-chilling. While seemingly fragile, he could strip away all warmth with an icy indifference, a cold-heartedness.

In an instant, Bu JiuZhao understood. If anyone could navigate the challenges of the Ten-Locked Longevity scenario, it would undoubtedly be Xie YinXue.

And he needed that person, he needed Xie Yin Xue.

This is why he ensured an encounter with Xie Yin Xue in every game and, when allowed by the rules of "Locked Immortality," hinted at clues for him — he needed Xie Yin Xue to break through "Locked Immortality" and achieve eternal life.

Of course, Bu Jiu Zhao couldn't share all these motivations. He only revealed why he initially noticed Xie Yin Xue.

Xie Yin Xue, pointing to himself, inquired slowly, "I... smell... good?"

Bu Jiu Zhao nodded, "Yes."

Xie Yin Xue's gaze towards Bu Jiu Zhao became more complex. After all, Bu Jiu Zhao was the first man he'd met who could utter such audacious words with such righteous conviction, without a hint of shame.

"I understand," Xie Yin Xue sighed softly, "But there can never be anything between us."

Bu Jiu Zhao: "..."

That wasn't his intention, but he couldn't reveal the truth. Opening his mouth to speak but hesitating, he eventually remained silent.

To Xie Yin Xue, Bu Jiu Zhao probably seemed inexperienced in courting someone. He used basic tactics: cooking delicious meals, aiding in cheating for the person he adored, sometimes being compliant, and sometimes deliberately provoking irritation. Maybe it was just frustrated affection.

Such a temperamental fellow.

Maybe it's his youth?

Finally willing to meet Bu Jiu Zhao's gaze, Xie Yin Xue's eyes wandered over him, as if appraising him from head to toe. Yet, he couldn't discern the man's exact age.

Deciding to be direct, Xie Yin Xue asked, "Bu Jiu Zhao, how old are you?"

Bu Jiu Zhao paused for a moment, then responded, "Old enough."

Xie Yin Xue: "?"

With a slight furrow of his brows, Xie Yin Xue felt the answer was odd. Re-framing his question for clarity, he asked again, "How many years have you lived?"

Bu Jiu Zhao's response was still evasive, "Several years."

Xie Yin Xue's gentle demeanor vanished as he widened his eyes, glaring at him, and coldly retorted, "Your answer is irrelevant and incomprehensible."

Bu Jiu Zhao chuckled in response, approaching the bed and gripping Xie Yin Xue's slender shoulder. With a firm push, he toppled him onto the bed, causing Xie Yin Xue to roll inward a few times.

Perhaps Xie Yin Xue hadn't expected such a move, or maybe the injuries he sustained during the day weakened him. Regardless, he was unable to resist.

By the time Xie Yin Xue steadied himself, his once neatly tied hair had come undone, strands sticking to his pale face. Bu Jiu Zhao looked at him as if he'd just despoiled a delicate pear blossom — perhaps this was the essence of ravishing beauty.

"I answered what you asked. If you don't understand, that's on you."

Bu Jiu Zhao retorted coldly, though a hint of amusement now lingered in his usually impassive eyes. His gaze dropped to Xie Yin Xue's lower body, cheekily remarking, "Or is it that you're too young to understand?"

"I might not be young, but I'm possessive by nature. I don't like sharing a bed with others. So, Mr. Bu, please find somewhere else to sleep."

Xie Yin Xue, in suppressed anger, laughed. He spoke gently and eloquently, but without hesitation, aimed a swift kick at the man.

However, Bu Jiu Zhao was ready, clutching a blanket in anticipation. As soon as Xie Yin Xue moved, Bu Jiu Zhao grasped his slender ankle, unraveled the blanket to cocoon Xie Yin Xue, and nudged him further in, making room for himself. "I too have a domineering nature and prefer sharing a bed with you. So, Mr. Xie, please indulge me."

With that, Bu Jiu Zhao closed his eyes, feigning sleep.

Xie Yin Xue emerged from the blanket, gazing at the man beside him, desiring nothing more than to smite him. But he couldn't strike the NPC again – doing so would be a double-edged sword, harming himself as much as the enemy.

In response, Xie Yin Xue swiftly formed a blade from his hairpin and split the bed in two. He chose the right side, leaving the left for Bu Jiu Zhao, as if a mere divide could separate them like a chasm.

With that, Xie Yin Xue wrapped himself in the blanket, turned his back to the man, and tried to sleep.

Despite the commotion, Bu Jiu Zhao didn't bat an eye.

What Xie Yin Xue didn't know was that after he turned away, Bu Jiu Zhao discreetly opened his eyes. He looked at the divide with disdain and silently mouthed: Childish.

Then, slyly, he stretched his leg over to Xie Yin Xue's side, as if they still shared a single bed — self-deceptive, perhaps.

Author's Note:

NPC: I've noticed you can be quite childish.

Mr. Xie: ?