AFPoFH ARC2 ☆ 21~25

四院病友交流论坛 

A Forum for Patients of Fourth Hospital

☆ 21 Yu Xiao received Two resumes late at night

Having polished off her meal, Yu Xiao spontaneously decided to browse through the mall, figuring she might as well utilise her points on something worthwhile. Glancing at her wrist for the time, she widened her eyes and burst out, "Quick, check this out!"

Zhou Xiao Zhen, still grappling with post-meal grogginess, and Zhao Lan, currently caught in the shower, inquired, "What's up?"

"Look at the time." Yu Xiao extended her wrist. "I distinctly remember having more than 29 days left on the clock before we kicked off the treatment. But we wasted some days at St. Elizabeth. Yet now, I still have over 29 days left.”

“No way…” Zhou Xiao Zhen quickly looked at her own wrist. “Me too. Time has stopped. What gives?"

After a moment of pondering, Yu Xiao proposed, “Maybe during the treatment, our clock pauses, or time works differently in the treatment zone.”

"That's nuts!" ZZhou Xiao Zhen was pumped. “So, if we keep getting treated non-stop, does that mean we’ll live forever?”

Pausing for effect, Yu Xiao shot back, "Do you really want to live forever in a place like that?"

Reflecting on their stay at St. Elizabeth, Zhou Xiao Zhen responded earnestly, "I'd rather die."

Yu Xiao tugged at her collar, fatigue setting in. Night was creeping in, and all she wanted was a nice shower and a comfy bed.

“Well, that’s good news, right?” Yu Xiao leaned against the bedside, talking nonchalantly. “No worries about the clock running out while we’re locked out of the store during treatment, and then we’re toast.”

"True," Zhou Xiao Zhen perked up instantly, brimming with enthusiasm. “So, when do we sign up for the next round?”

“…Let’s chill for a couple of days,” Yu Xiao smiled, amused. They were all fighting cancer, but she was so lively. “I really need some time to rest,” she moved a bit. “And I haven’t made the talismans we need for the next session.”

Zhou Xiao Zhen felt sorry for Yu Xiao’s trouble.. Smiley had indeed gone all out this time. Successfully breaking free from St. Elizabeth, she could be deemed a trendsetter. As the follower, Zhou Xiao Zhen decided to be nice and not push for the next session.

Feeling remorseful, she decided to share her favourite spicy snacks with Smiley.

While rummaging through her bag, Zhao Lan emerged from the bathroom, enveloped in fragrant steam. "Precious, what are you searching for?"

"Spicy snacks for Smiley," Zhou Xiao Zhen replied, her focus on the quest.

"But..." Zhao Lan appeared perplexed, casting a glance toward the innermost bed. "Smiley is already out like a light."

Zhou Xiao Zhen turned her head in disbelief, emitting a soft "Hmm?".

In the farthest bed, Yu Xiao lay quietly, with a high pillow under her head. Her face was calm, her breath was even, and she was in sync with the gentle sound of birds singing outside the window - a picture of perfect peace.

“…”

Zhou Xiao Zhen put her right hand on her flat chest. “I really need to get used to it.”

*

*

Having surrendered to the early embrace of sleep, Yu Xiao stirred in the velvety embrace of the night's profound darkness. In the room, Zhou Xiao Zhen and Zhao Lan slumbered peacefully, their rhythmic breaths a testament to their deep sleep.

Peering at her phone, Yu Xiao noted the time – a mere two in the morning. A sudden thirst overcame her, and she silently slipped out of bed, a pang of discomfort lingering for having skipped a shower before the sweet descent into slumber.

As she treaded toward the water dispenser, a peculiar sound disrupted the room's silence.

The silence of the room was interrupted by an eerie sound, like nails scratching at the door. Her spine stiffened, and with attentive ears, she tried to figure out the source of the noise.

"Drip, drip..."

The disconcerting rhythm persisted, weaving through the room. Could it be the ghost nurse, diligently executing her nocturnal rounds?

Ever since the night the ghost caught a lightning bolt, the place had settled into an eerie calm. A talisman against the supernatural dangled from the doorknob, ensuring peace and quiet. Yu Xiao had figured the roaming ghost had simply given up, passing by their ward like it was old news.

Cup in hand, she lingered in the shadows, the stillness undisturbed by any spectral spectacles. The talisman seemed effective, holding the ghostly patrols at bay.

Embracing newfound comfort, she savoured a sip of water and plucked a fresh set of clothes from the cabinet, wending her way to the bathroom.

Warm water cascaded from head to toe, and Yu Xiao sighed in bliss. Post a heavenly hot bath, as she geared up for a hair-drying session, a realisation struck – Misty and Precious were deep in dreamland, and the whirr of a hairdryer wasn't exactly a lullaby, making it a big no-no.

Thus, she bundled her wet locks in a towel, a task more vexing than expected. Fumbling in the dimness, the towel refused to cooperate. If only she had eyes on her back; the hair-wrangling wouldn't be such a struggle.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, a hand appeared, grabbing the edge of the towel and deftly securing her unruly hair.

"Thanks..." Yu Xiao exhaled, a burden lifted from her shoulders.

Yet, in the next heartbeat, her entire body tensed. Whirling around, she confronted a long hand extending from the showerhead, reaching out behind her.

"Bloody hell! (卧槽)" Yu Xiao shuddered. A sneaky ghost had managed to sneak into the bathroom, attempting to peek at her mid-bath!

Yu Xiao hurriedly dashed out of the bathroom, grabbing the protective charm from under her pillow before rushing back in. But to her surprise, the bathroom was empty, with only steam slowly dissipating in the air. The mysterious hand that had reached out seemed to have vanished.

"Gone so soon?" Yu Xiao pondered, sensing something off. Redirecting her gaze to the mirror, she made a startling discovery!

Facing the mirror, talisman in hand, Yu Xiao discovered a set of twisted characters freshly written on the reflective surface.

Name: Er Ya (二丫: “Second Girl/Branch”).

Gender: Female.

Former Position: Third Hospital's inpatient department; Current Position: Sixth Hospital's water room.

Yu Xiao stood in confusion, a question mark forming above her head. What did all of this mean? Why would a ghost's hand appear in the dead of night just to write this information on the mirror?

The name Er Ya only brought about more questions. What was her story? Was it loneliness that drove her to come here in the middle of the night?

Exiting the bathroom, her mind was filled with unsolved mysteries. Thankfully, she wasn't one to get stuck in trivialities; when she couldn't find a solution, she gracefully let go. After leaving the bathroom, she attached a talisman to the door to prevent any accidents while sleeping.

Outside, in the vastness, she heard the sound of rustling once again.

Crouching by the entrance, the light from her phone cut through the darkness through the gap under the door, uncertain of the ghostly custodian's persistence. Would it continue to cause disturbances all night long?

Were there no other areas it could disturb?

Pondering this, she heard the scratching sound cease.

She breathed a sigh of relief, believing that the ghostly presence had finally left. Perhaps, she thought, the wandering ghost had some rationale. But just as she started to feel a sense of calm, a faint rustling echoed from beyond the door.

There was a pause, and then a white object, either cloth or paper, appeared through the gap.

"..." Unable to speak, Yu Xiao stood there with her mouth open, her mind filled with confusion.

After the object was delivered, the outside fell into a tense silence. After hesitating, curiosity compelled Yu Xiao to take the mysterious offering.

Upon examination, she unfolded the fabric to reveal a white surface, its texture reminding her of a stiff lab coat. Flipping it over, she saw a blood-red stain.

Yu Xiao scrutinised the paper carefully, its surface marred by blood stains resembling an unholy symbol.

Name: Can't remember.

Gender: F

Previous Position: Guardian of the men's restroom at the Fifth Hospital, Currently working in the inpatient department at the Sixth Hospital.

"..."

Yu Xiao was momentarily speechless. She felt that something must have gone wrong somewhere. That's why the ghosts tonight were all so strange, each one eagerly introducing themselves to her.

Perplexed, she hesitated, and from the crack in the door, a strange sound echoed. It sounded like something pushing against the door, but whatever was trying to pass through was too large for the narrow gap.

Crouched in thought, Yu Xiao issued a threat, "Keep trying, and I will unleash a lightning storm upon you!"

Profound silence descended outside, leaving nothing but quietness behind.

*

*

The sun cast its golden hues across the room, gently rousing Zhou Xiao Zhen from her slumber. With a lazy stretch, she turned her gaze towards Yu Xiao. However, as her eyes met Yu Xiao's, she was taken aback and exclaimed, "What on earth did I just witness?"

The sudden outburst startled Zhao Lan awake, and she sat up with an air of alertness, asking, "What's going on? What's the matter?!"

Still surprised, Zhou Xiao Zhen gestured towards the already awake Yu Xiao. "Look at Smiley, up and about so early—it's quite astounding."

"..."

Unfazed by the comment, Yu Xiao sat cross-legged on the bed, her brow furrowed, clutching a piece of cloth in her hands.

Zhou Xiao Zhen couldn't contain her curiosity. "What's that red ghost symbol on there?" she asked, her eyes filled with interest. "Is it a new talisman you've created?"

Lost in thought, Yu Xiao took a moment before responding, "Last night, a ghost visited our ward."

"Damn!" Zhou Xiao Zhen exclaimed, jumping up. "Where's the ghost? Why didn't you wake us?"

Sensing that there was more to the story than just a ghost's visit, Zhao Lan asked, "Smiley, what's going on? We have talismans on the door. Ghosts shouldn't be able to come in during the rounds."

"The ghost didn't get in," Yu Xiao explained, raising the cloth, "but she slipped this in..."

As the story unfolded, Yu Xiao expressed her confusion, pondering, "What does this mean? Is it a hidden threat, a message like 'I will murder you, know my name'?"

"I think so too," Zhou Xiao Zhen added, her tone filled with agreement. "It's too audacious. Smiley, they're underestimating you, not taking you seriously at all."

Yu Xiao was seething with anger. "Fine, I'll dedicate my entire day to inscribing talismans. I'll smother the entire ward with these charms. Let's see how those troublemakers react then!"

Zhao Lan hesitated briefly before offering a different perspective. "Um, I have an alternative point of view."

"What?" snapped Yu Xiao.

Unfurling a piece of cloth, Zhao Lan began to explain, "The content on this cloth, as well as the content on the mirror, bears an uncanny resemblance to something I used to do frequently."

"What?" Yu Xiao scratched her head in confusion.

Zhao Lan elaborated, "Job hunting, sending out resumes."

...

Yu Xiao's mind buzzed. "Ghosts sending out resumes on my behalf?"

Zhou Xiao Zhen's mind echoed with the same astonishment. "Ghosts sending out resumes for Smiley?"

"Yes," Zhao Lan reminded them. "Don't forget, you're now the Dean of St. Elizabeth's."

...

Unable to resist, Yu Xiao found herself scratching her head. No wonder Ghost Er Ya had assisted her in tying her hair last night...

"Wow," Zhou Xiao Zhen remarked with envy, gazing at Yu Xiao. "Smiley is now a property owner, no longer in the same class as me."

Zhao Lan wore a puzzled expression. "Which class do you belong to?"

Zhou Xiao Zhe responded casually, rubbing her eyes and glancing at Yu Xiao. "I'm part of the working class. Smiley here, on the other hand, is pure bourgeoisie."

"..."

Yu Xiao's eye twitched as she threw a white cloth into the trash. Dealing with ghosts was not what she had planned for.

"Ding dong!"

At exactly eight in the morning, soft music filled the air, and the curtains in the ward gracefully opened. Outside the windows, birds chirped happily, flying around in joyful patterns, purposefully avoiding the ward.

The familiar voice of a woman echoed once again.

"A beautiful day begins now~ Here's the morning news from the hospital."

"Yesterday, a patient named 'Nickname Hassle' at the Sixth Hospital raised concerns that the rounds-checking ghost had violated hospital regulations.. After investigation, it was confirmed that the rounds-checking ghost, Cui Lan (翠兰: Green jade Orchid), had indeed engaged in improper conduct and has been referred to the Sixth Hospital's medical dispute office for resolution..."

☆ 22 You’re on Fire!

"...There is currently a vacant position in the inpatient department of the Sixth Hospital. We are actively seeking applications for a ward nurse. Gender, age, and professional background are not important as we eagerly search for the perfect candidate for this important role."

"Yesterday, the hospital received a report following a tip-off from staff regarding Mr. Zhang, an employee in the morgue. It was alleged that he had accepted bribes for personal gain, which is a serious violation of the hospital's commitment to fair treatment of every patient and maintaining a clean and honest atmosphere. As a result, Mr. Zhang has been dismissed and handed over to the hospital's medical dispute office for further action..."

"..."

"Yesterday morning, the First Treatment of the Sixth Hospital achieved a significant milestone. Thanks to the collective efforts of the medical staff and patients, three patients have successfully completed their treatment. The patient known as the 'Deaf Descendant' continues to lead the charts. Let us extend our warm congratulations to her..."

"...This patient demonstrated exceptional progress during her treatment, earning the prestigious titles of 'Saint Elizabeth, Dean Yu.' and 'Chainsaw Maniac.' Once again, congratulations to her..."

"Furthermore, the patient referred to as 'Braised Egg Girl 438' excelled in yesterday's treatment, earning the honourable title of 'Tiger's Devotee' . Let us congratulate her..."

"...The patient with the nickname 'Nickname Hassle' also excelled in yesterday's treatment, earning the title of 'Tyrant's Willing Accomplice in Cruelty.' Let us congratulate her..."

Zhao Lan: "..."

Zhou Xiao Zhen's mouth dropped open in surprise.

Yu Xiao's face twitched momentarily as she struggled to put her myriad of feelings into words. Finally, she managed to say, "Listen, even the news is praising us."

"Smiley, sis," Zhou Xiao Zhen's expression revealed a mix of emotions. "Honestly, I'm not an expert at comforting, but sometimes, silence helps louder."

Rendered speechless, Yu Xiao couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"Sigh," Zhao Lan's demeanour showed a combination of relief and sadness. "Luckily, we didn't use our real names for our nicknames; otherwise, I would be in quite a predicament."

"Misty, it's not as bad as it seems," Zhou Xiao Zhen reassured her. "You are still in your prime, not at the stage where your reputation is beyond saving."

Zhao Lan responded, "Thank you, that's oddly comforting."

Awkwardly coughing, Yu Xiao interjected, "In reality, titles and such hold little significance. Just like Misty pointed out, nobody truly knows who we are."

"Exactly," Zhou Xiao Zhen quickly brightened the mood. "Others haven't even given it a second thought. A title is a four-point reward, and one point can give you ten days. Collectively, it's like getting forty days for free. Where else can you find such a fantastic deal?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lan's complexion visibly improved.

Feeling slightly embarrassed by her conflicting emotions, she admitted, "I misunderstood; this is indeed a silver lining. The points awarded after each treatment stay the same, so the only way to widen the gap between us and other patients is to gather as many titles as possible. Whether the titles sound impressive or not is inconsequential."

"Absolutely," Yu Xiao grinned. "Remember when I was given the title Chainsaw Maniac? Did I protest? No."

"Huh? Smiley, you don't like the title?" Zhou Xiao Zhe, with a sparkle in her eyes, gazed at Yu Xiao enthusiastically. "I think it's incredibly cool!"

"..."

"Cough, I'm feeling a bit hungry." Yu Xiao smoothly changed the subject. "Let's grab some breakfast."

*

*

As the trio waited for food, little did they realise that the recent news was causing seismic waves in other wards. Countless patients couldn't hide their astonishment.

"Damn! Am I hearing this correctly? Saint Elizabeth, the same one I visited..."

"Good grief, do rookies have this level of badassery now?"

"I understand that some people are genuinely powerful, a natural fit for this kind of game, but this is becoming too extreme..."

*

*

In the dimly lit hospital room, Yu Xiao and her two companions, Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen, stood casually near the door. Engaged in light conversation, they eagerly awaited the arrival of the meal cart.

Taking in the surroundings, Yu Xiao couldn't help but voice a newfound concern. "I've been thinking," she pondered. "Even eating here costs money. What happens if someone is penniless? Do they go hungry?"

This thought hadn't crossed Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen's minds before, but now they realised the seriousness of the issue. Zhou Xiao Zhen, wearing a thoughtful expression, shook her head. "To die not from ghosts, but from starvation due to poverty... That's a truly tragic fate."

Zhao Lan, always practical, chimed in, "If we as newcomers notice this problem, then the experienced individuals from the Fourth Hospital probably already know what to do. Let's not dwell on it now. After we eat, we can check the Fourth Hospital forum for any information on this matter."

"Agreed," Yu Xiao confirmed. "In the meantime, I'll spend my spare time making more talismans. Who knows how many ghosts we might encounter next."

Their discussion was abruptly interrupted as the meal cart rolled in, accompanied by a voice from beyond the door. "Need a meal?"

"Yes," Zhou Xiao Zhen replied, adjusting her posture casually while holding a mahjong box. "Let's make things clear. We have tools like mahjong and talismans. If you're not a real delivery person, you better scram before it's too late."

"I'm deadly serious," a voice declared from beyond. "So, what do you feel like having for breakfast?"

Zhou Xiao Zhen responded, "Something light and refreshing would be perfect. Three bowls of plain congee, ten spring rolls, three salted duck eggs, a plate of pickled vegetables, a serving of braised duck wings, and half a roasted chicken. Oh, and do you two have any cravings?"

Yu Xiao wore a thoughtful expression. "Just go with that..."

"Alright then, I'm opening the door," Zhou Xiao Zhen announced as she swung the door open, creating a gap wide enough for the boxes filled with food.

Outside, darkness prevailed. A skeletal hand, bone-chillingly white, held a massive bag and extended it over.

Stunned by the strange sight, Zhou Xiao Zhen murmured, "Is this a real delivery person?"

Zhao Lan mused, "Who says a real delivery person has to be human?"

"Valid point," Zhou Xiao Zhen said, accepting the bag.

As Yu Xiao was about to scan the QR code, the voice outside chimed in, "Enjoy Your meal! If You have any feedback about this service, feel free to let us know~"

With that, the sound of a cart rolling away echoed from outside.

"..."

Yu Xiao wore a perplexed expression. "So, he's not interested in money?"

"Not only does he not want money," Zhou Xiao Zhen replied, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "but his service attitude is exceptionally good."

Both of them turned their gaze towards Zhao Lan. Wondering why, Zhao Lan thought, Why are they looking at me? I am just as bewildered as they are.

Trying to make sense of the situation, Zhao Lan offered some reassurance. "Well, it's not necessarily a bad thing. Free breakfast – let's just enjoy it."

"Agreed," Yu Xiao chimed in. The trio eagerly opened the bags and simultaneously exclaimed,

"Wow!"

"Oh my goodness!"

Yu Xiao held up a box of roast chicken. "Precious, did you order a whole roast chicken?"

"I only ordered half," Zhou Xiao Zhen also revealed a lunch box. "Are these three salted duck eggs? There must be at least eight of them."

"And check out the spring rolls," Zhao Lan exclaimed, lifting the lid of a box. "There are at least twenty of them, right?"

"This..." Yu Xiao was bewildered. "He not only refuses payment, but he's also incredibly generous with the food. Is there a conspiracy?"

"Rather than calling it a conspiracy, it seems more like he's trying to gain favour," Zhao Lan pondered, rubbing her chin, her eyes sparkling with insight. "When he wished us a pleasant meal, he used 'you' instead of 'you all,' suggesting he was addressing an individual."

"Oh," Zhou Xiao Zhen exclaimed with sudden understanding, "Smiley, he's trying to win you over."

Zhao Lan nodded in agreement, "That's right. I've mentioned before, it's not just the water ghost and the inspection ghost who are eyeing a change in employment."

Yu Xiao, her mouth dry and uncertain, found herself at the tender age of twenty with only two decades of existence in this world. She had yet to step into society and wasn't exceptionally beautiful. This was the first time someone was trying to gain her favor, which left her somewhat unsettled. The fact that the other party wasn't even human added to her unease.

It seemed that St. Elizabeth's Psychiatric Hospital had a distinguished reputation. Unfortunately, Yu Xiao had no desire to die; otherwise, pursuing a peaceful directorial role might have held a promising future.

Contemplating this, she couldn't help but sigh. Even if she were to leave the virtual realm one day and return to reality, the chances of attaining a director's position in her lifetime seemed bleak.

A sudden melancholy overcame her...

Despite being full after the meal, the trio hadn't managed to finish all the dishes.

With a full stomach, Yu Xiao prepared to draw talismans. Understanding that mental activities consumed substantial energy, she aimed to create talismans to aid digestion. Zhou Xiao Zhen, believing that sleep was the quickest path to digestion, chose to recline. Meanwhile, Zhao Lan, showing no inclination to waste time, delved into the forums of the Fourth Hospital.

Each of them had a purpose, and the future seemed promising for all.

Ever since Yu Xiao's fortune reached its peak, her skill in crafting talismans skyrocketed, rarely encountering failure. In less than thirty minutes, she had already made numerous "Thunder Striking Ghost Repelling Talismans." Despite the effectiveness of these talismans, she felt the need for a creative change.

"Smiley!" Zhao Lan, immersed in browsing the forum, suddenly exclaimed, "You're trending!"

Yu Xiao: "?"

Surprised, Zhou Xiao Zhen asked, "What's hot?"

"Smiley Hot! She've become famous!"" Zhao Lan said excitedly. "There are numerous posts about you on the forum."

"Ah?" Yu Xiao looked confused. "Let me take a look."

Zhou Xiao Zhen: "I want to see too!"

The trio gathered on a single bed, heads close together, eagerly reading the forum.

The first post Yu Xiao came across had the title: 【Regarding the Newcomer from the Sixth Institute, I Have Something to Share!】

【Post 1 OP: I've read several forum posts about the newcomer from the Sixth Institute, but let me emphasise that for those unfamiliar with St. Elizabeth, they can't understand the true horror of this situation.】

【Post 2: First, let me clarify that although I'm not one of the top ten experts on the leaderboard, I managed to secure a spot in the top twenty through my own efforts and have some experience with therapy dungeons. Today, I'm here to discuss St. Elizabeth, officially known as St. Elizabeth's Psychiatric Hospital. I entered this dungeon three months ago, and on that occasion, ten of us went in, but only three came out alive.】

【Post 3: The Top Players in the First Twenty Levels, No Doubt.】

【Post 4 =.=: Observing the Heavyweights!】

【Post 5 OP: Let me spill the beans about this level—it's a complete mess! An absolute disaster, and I mean it. This level has the most chaos I've ever experienced, especially thanks to that head doc, George. He's a top-tier jerk who messed with us right from the start. I still can't let that slide. If the rules allowed hitting the attending doctor, I'd have taken him down for sure. He's just a scum, a piece of trash @#￥％……&*】

【Post 6 JadeIsCool: OP, you're getting too worked up.】

【Post 7^-^: Big dog, chill out.】

【…】

【Post 19 OP: Apologies for getting carried away earlier. Let's get back on track. When we entered the level, George announced a test. Each patient had to share why they ended up at St. Elizabeth's. The first patient he picked was a player who thought this was a real mental hospital, so they spun a story about going crazy.

Turns out, that was dead wrong. The real deal is you end up in St. Elizabeth's when you're dead. We should've faked a cause of death, not a crazy story. Four players in a row fell for it and immediately revealed that they were human...】

☆ 23  Previous Experience

【Post 22:  Bloody hell, it's definitely a trap.】

【Post 21 FrostyIce: What happens next? What happens next?】

【Post 22 xxoo: OP, don't relax just yet.】

【Post 23 OP: When the real patient spoke up, we realised we were in trouble. However, the circumstances didn't allow for quick actions. Furthermore, the patients and medical staff at St. Elizabeth showed no reaction, so we decided to take advantage of the situation. Once all the patients had spoken, George left, and then we lined up for medication. Bloody hell, that was another major trap.

Initially, we were aware that we should not randomly take medication, but the problem was that at St. Elizabeth, it was compulsory. If you refused, six nurses would force you. Despite being in a large group, we couldn't cause trouble immediately upon our arrival on the first day. We needed to find clues and complete the dungeon task; otherwise, we would be at a disadvantage when leaving the dungeon. Furthermore, based on past experiences, the first day was usually not too dangerous, so we all took the meds.】

【Post 24 ^o^: I have a bad feeling about this.】

【Post 25 jay: Camping.】

【Post 26 OP: That night, we all slept soundly. However, the next morning, we woke up to discover that four people were missing. And those four were the ones who revealed themselves as humans yesterday. They were experienced players, disappearing so quietly. We were all terrified. At the same time, we knew the meds were indeed an issue; after taking them, we would sleep through the night without a clue.

We couldn't just sit around, waiting for our death, but fortunately, one of us had a tool to wake us up. I teamed up with another person to track down George. He shared the vital info about needing the dean's stamp on our discharge reports to get out of this mess. However, he conveniently forgot to mention where the elusive dean was hiding. No biggie. It was evident - we had to find the dean ourselves.】

Reading this, Yu Xiao and her gang exchanged significant glances. They had all encountered the mentioned pitfalls at St. Elizabeth, but thankfully, managed to avoid them.

"Phew, that was close!" Zhou Xiao Zhe breathed a sigh of relief. "It's fortunate, Smiley, that you're perceptive. If I had gone first, I'd probably let everyone know who I am the moment I opened my mouth."

Zhao Lan mused, "I get it.. If no one exposes the living, the operating room nurses adhere to the bed order. However, if someone is discovered, they are all taken away on the first night."

"It's a trap, alright," Yu Xiao thought, concurring with the OP's criticism of George.

Zhao Lan continued scrolling. Some replies acknowledged the trap, while others blamed the OP for being careless, criticised them for being timid, and questioned whether a top twenty contestant should display such skills on the leaderboard.

【Post 42 OP: Now that we have a clear goal, we got moving. We used some strategies to outsmart the nurse guarding the ward door and began our search. After a thorough search, we found nothing resembling the director's office. The only option we hadn't explored was the operating room. Even though it seemed unlikely that the director's office would be there, with no other clues to follow, we decided to explore the operating room together that night.

When the lights were off and everyone was supposed to be asleep, our makeshift alarms woke us up. Soon, we heard footsteps approaching, and three unfamiliar nurses sneaked in, capturing one of our team members. Naturally, we couldn't just stand by. All six of us immediately took action, using slick moves to neutralise the threat posed by the nurses. Only then did we uncover the mystery of our four missing friends from the previous night. At the same time, we realised that these three mysterious nurses were disappearing during the day in the operating room.

With that information, we headed straight for the operating room. Along the way, we stumbled upon a painting displaying all the staff members of St. Elizabeth Hospital. This gave us a clue that a doctor might be present in the operating room. However, we never could have imagined that the doctor would be wielding an axe. Just as we pushed the door, one of our group members was cleaved in half. Seriously, what kind of nightmare instance are we experiencing...】

【Post 43 Jade_Flower: Whoa, this situation is genuinely spine-chilling. But if you use your critical thinking skills, you might be able to avoid some of these traps with caution.】

【Post 44 Hehe_Da: The person up there is talking without having experienced it firsthand. Just imagine arriving at St. Elizabeth's for the first time, completely unaware of the horror stories. Would you magically know where the traps are? I think the OP's actions weren't too bad; it's just that the place itself is a total minefield.】

【Post 45。。: If I were in the same boat, I might not fare any better than the OP, but at least I've read their experience post. In case I find myself in this scenario, I'll have some know-how.】

【Post 46￥_￥: Don't forget, the dean of this instance has changed. Literally, replaced with a player.】

【Post 47 OP: Let me continue. Inside the operating room, there's a really scary ghost doctor. The moment we saw him, one of our group members dropped dead. The rest of us were terrified, but we managed to calm down and find a way to control the ghost doctor. Then, while we were in the operating room, we saw the four brothers who had disappeared the night before. Their skulls were cracked open and their brains were missing...

We searched the entire operating room, but we couldn't find any way out. So far, we've searched the whole hospital, but we still haven't found the dean's office. Meanwhile, we could hear horrifying sounds coming from outside the operating room, as if there were a lot of people running around. We had already been through two battles outside, and either got injured or exhausted, so we didn't dare to go out again.

It wasn't until the terrifying sounds stopped that we finally had the courage to step outside. We started with ten people, but now we're only five. None of us could sleep that night, and by dawn, I decided to go find George again. However, the ghost doctor from the operating room had managed to escape and was now wandering around in broad daylight, wielding an axe and hunting us down. We've never encountered a situation like this before; usually, the ghostly creatures only come out at night, so why are they active during the day?!

Luckily, I had a one-time-use item that can make us invisible to the ghosts for a while, but the problem is, it only works for four people, and we're a group of five...】

【Post 48 OP: The four of us woke up in the middle of the night, only to find a bunch of patients running down the hallway. At the same time, we stumbled upon a secret passage that led to other floors of the hospital. We followed those patients and eventually ended up in the director's office on the first floor.

Usually, the final boss is a real tough cookie, with weird demands or being extremely brutal. But we never expected the director of St. Elizabeth to be a lunatic, and a powerful one at that – basically a ghost with his own domain. As you know, usually only attending doctors have their own domain. In his domain, we were trapped and unfortunately, we lost another team member...

Thankfully, in a critical moment, we destroyed a special item that temporarily restrained the director. Then, on his desk, we found discharge reports and the director's seal. We stamped the reports and finally escaped from St. Elizabeth.

That pretty much sums up my experiences at St. Elizabeth. I had actually planned to bury these memories forever. But today's news, you've all heard it, I can't believe it, it's just too shocking...】

After the post, the entire thread fell silent for a while. Everyone behind their screens went quiet, creating a sombre atmosphere.

Finally, someone couldn't resist asking a burning question.

【The treatment at St. Elizabeth sounds like a living nightmare, more like a level from hell. Why send the new patients from the sixth institution?】

That's a valid question. Thinking back to their own newbie days, how comparatively easy was their first treatment? Although it frightened them at the time, looking back now, that treatment could be considered quite mild.

【Is it allocated based on strength?  The abilities of these newcomers are clearly extraordinary.】

【Nevertheless, isn't this difficulty level too extreme?】

【So how powerful is this newcomer? Not only did he complete the treatment, but he also acted as the director. Have you ever heard of a living person becoming a hospital director? And that director with a domain, was he defeated? How did it happen?】

【Yeah, when we were still newcomers, we were no different from fools. We didn't have any tools or talismans. How did this Dragon's Descendant manage to do it?】

(TN: reminder the phrase for "deaf" and "dragon" sound similar in Chinese so as they listening the news, they heard she is Dragon's Descendant not Deaf Descendant)

【...】

The discussion in the post was heated, with some questioning life, others discussing how the Dragon's Descendant accomplished it, and speculating whether the Dragon's Descendant was cheating...

Yu Xiao, Zhou Xiao Zhen, and Zhao Lan fell silent.

After a minute, Yu Xiao asked with suspicion, "Is it truly that difficult?"

Zhou Xiao Zhen slightly opened her mouth, contemplating for a while, "Based on what I read in the post... it does seem quite challenging."

Zhao Lan, seriously, rubbed her chin and said, "Actually, they didn't guess wrong. You really are cheating."

Yu Xiao, "..."

Yu Xiao hesitated before breaking the silence, "But... I always feel like we made it more complicated than necessary. Looking back, we didn't need to go all out."

"Oh?" Zhao Lan asked with curiosity, "Really? Got a better trick up your sleeve?"

"Actually, at that time, I had two options, but I was afraid of unexpected incidents. So, I chose for the three of us to split up," Yu Xiao explained, "We could have used talismans to deal with the three nurses. Then, the three of us could have pushed the overweight doctor downstairs. After that, Precious could use mahjong to control the doctor and the director. The remaining person could then stamp the document."

"...,"

"Exactly!" Zhou Xiao Zhen exclaimed, slapping her thigh, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Zhao Lan paused, wrestling with the idea that maybe the pig doctor and the Dean didn't have to meet such an unfortunate end.

"But," Zhou Xiao Zhen continued, "I still think the original plan was cooler. My Smiley became the director, and ghosts are coming to flatter us. We all got titles, earned points. Is there a better way than this?"

It might toe the line of decency, but Zhou Xiao Zhen couldn't help feeling a sense of accomplishment. Before Yu Xiao could say anything modest, Zhao Lan interjected, "Hold on, there's another post I found."

【Allow me to comment on the unfortunate experience of guy next door!】

【Post 1 OP: First off, gotta confess, I've been inside the replica of St. Elizabeth's. But trust me, it ain't as tough as folks make it out to be. The time we went in, there were four of us, and we all came out alive...】

☆ 24 The Flexible Moral Code of Adults

【The outline was about the same, and when the four of us entered, George asked us to participate in a medical test. The test was about sharing why we came to St. Elizabeth. George selected one of us to speak first.

The issue was, he chose the guy with some serious mental problems. Specifically, he had a tumour in his brain that affected his thoughts and personality. We all knew there could be some challenges, and just when we were getting anxious, he refused George. Yes, he flat-out declined.

George didn't pressure him to be the first speaker but instead picked someone else. Inspired by his example, the rest of us also declined. So, the first speaker was a ghost, and from its words, we deduced the correct answers.

Later, when we went to get our medication, there was a young girl ghost named Qiao Qiao who bribed the nurse for us. Even though we paid the price on the one hand, at least we didn't have to take the medication.

Once the three nurses took the patient from the first bed away at night, we quietly left the ward. Initially, our plan was to explore the operating room, and at that very moment, we encountered a group of strange patients running in the hallway. They paid no attention to us and were even able to walk through walls.

That's when we discovered another passage. So, we followed them all the way to the ground floor, where we found the office of the hospital director. Initially, we were unsure how to enter when the guy with the brain tumour boldly knocked on the door. I nearly wet myself.

And then, with a creak, the door swung open, revealing the Dean. It was truly terrifying, emitting an otherworldly energy. We were all desperate, but suddenly, the patient with the brain tumour produced the small item he had won in the mall's lottery: a pair of roller skates with the words "Give Me Roller Skates" written on them.

He strapped the roller skates onto the Dean, and the Dean just glided down the corridor wearing them. Seizing the opportunity, we quietly entered the Dean's office, located our discharge reports on the desk, and made our exit.】

【...】

【???】

【Is that all?】

【Really?】

【Is this the same instance?】

【It should be, considering everything else is unchanged except the process.】

【It's simply absurd, isn't it? What could the person next door possibly be nursing such a deep grudge for?】

Not only were the people from the Fourth Hospital taken aback, but even Yu Xiao's trio couldn't help but be amazed after witnessing the scene. 

"Smiley..." Zhao Lan's emotions were complex and difficult to describe. "It seems like it's even easier for someone else to pass the level."

Yu Xiao's mouth twitched. "Misty, honestly, was it really easy for us to pass the level?"

"Smiley, you have a brain tumour, and that person helping them clear the level probably has one too." Zhou Xiao Zhen ventured a bold speculation. "Could it be that having a brain tumour is a necessary condition for smoothly completing the instance?"

"..."

Zhao Lan intervened, "Precious, don't overthink it. I'm sure there are others without tumours who have successfully passed through. It doesn't seem like a necessary condition."

Yu Xiao was at a loss for words, "Are you guys really not jealous?"

"Huh? No, not at all," Zhao Lan replied with a bashful smile, "Having you in the ward makes it seem like whether we have tumours in our heads or not isn't that important anymore."

Zhou Xiao Zhen nodded eagerly, her eyes gleaming, "Yeah, yeah!"

Yu Xiao: "..."

After the OP shared his experience, the thread quickly changed direction. The initial fear and admiration for the Dragon's Descendant, who appeared god-like, shifted towards a discussion as to why two completely different styles emerged from the same situation.

Unfortunately, the OP was even given the nickname "Tragic Brother," and everyone expressed their sympathy for him.

【So, what's the reason behind these two completely different situations?】

【I believe it's luck.】

【I believe it's intelligence.】

【I believe... perhaps we shouldn't rub salt on the wound of our unfortunate Tragic Brother's misfortune.】

【Is that the point? Isn't the point that the dean is a ghost with domain, and that the descendant of the dragon defeated him! Brother Dragon, please accept my bow (请受我一拜)!】

【I think it has little to do with intelligence, somewhat with luck, but the most important factor is personality. Our unfortunate brother and his crew have enough experience, but as a result, they are excessively cautious. They dare not question the attending physician's words and dare not resort to unorthodox methods. It can only be said... it's fate.】

【I don't mind! Brother Dragon is still the boss!】

【Uh... actually, I don't think their nickname was Dragon's Descendant. It sounded slightly different...】

【Brother Dragon is formidable!】

【I wonder if Brother Zhu Ge (诸葛) has the strength to match Brother Dragon?】

(诸葛: Two-character surname, "Various Hemp Cloths")

【Brother Zhu Ge is strong, but compared to Brother Dragon...】

The following was merely a series of meaningless chatter and gossip. Yu Xiao raised her head, rubbing her weary eyes. She still needed to learn new talismans, but that had been postponed until now.

Zhou Xiao Zhen sighed, "I wonder how devastated that poor guy would be upon seeing this post?"

"It's Tragic Bro," Zhao Lan chimed in, twisting her neck. "He's just so pitiful. I don't know what to say. But based on this post, Saint Elizabeth's dungeon seems like an easy dungeon for beginners. It turned into a difficult mode mainly because of people."

"That's a relief," Yu Xiao softly sighed. "If every dungeon is this challenging, I might hesitate to apply for therapy."

"Don't be modest, Smiley," Zhou Xiao Zhen said, putting her arm around Yu Xiao's shoulder. "You just witnessed it; you're now the hero of the entire Fourth Hospital, really saving face for our Sixth Hospital!"

Yu Xiao: "..."

What's the point of saving face? With this energy, I might as well draw a few more talismans.

Yu Xiao grabbed her phone, opened her collection of step-by-step talisman-drawing tutorials, and started searching for new talismans. That's when she stumbled upon a【Healing Crisis Talisman】(疗危患符).  This talisman didn't fall under the category of offensive attack talismans; it was for healing. The original poster highly recommended it, claiming it was essential for home and travel.

The Healing Crisis Talisman, as its name implies, served as a charm for treating illnesses and injuries. The OP also mentioned that this talisman did not possess the power to resurrect the dead; it was not that extraordinary. Severe injuries could not be completely healed either. However, for minor ailments and injuries, using this talisman would result in immediate recovery, and it also provided some relief for major injuries and illnesses.

Yu Xiao's greatest desire in her entire life had been to live a few more years. With a talisman like this, she absolutely could not afford to miss it. So, she dedicated her time to diligently drawing talismans.

Zhou Xiao Zhen and Zhao Lan did not disturb her at all. In fact, halfway through the process, Zhou Xiao Zhen even brought her a glass of water. It wasn't until dinner time that Yu Xiao's talisman-drawing endeavour was interrupted by a knock on the door.

Since they had a filling breakfast, none of them had eaten lunch. By now, they were all hungry, and Precious took the initiative to stand up and said, "I'll go get the food!"

Zhao Lan gently advised, "Eat a little less; eating too much at night can lead to weight gain."

"Rest assured, am I the kind of person who lacks common sense?" Zhou Xiao Zhen walked towards the door and said, "This is where the Deaf Descendant lives, right? The one with Saint Elizabeth as the Dean. Just be sensible and hand over the food without causing a ruckus."

"......"

Zhou Xiao Zhen returned with a heavy bag, with an oddly shaped object on top. "This bag is quite burdensome to carry. I wonder what's inside."

The bag appeared plain and white, but its shape hinted at something irregular. Zhao Lan took charge and untaid the bag.

A delicious aroma filled the air as a towering stack of lunchboxes was revealed. At the top sat a pair of sunglasses, seemingly ordinary but with slightly worn lenses, giving off a budget-friendly vibe.

"Did the delivery person accidently lose them?" Zhou Xiao Zhen immediately questioned.

Yu Xiao picked up the sunglasses. "Do ghosts even wear sunglasses?"

Zhou Xiao Zhen chimed in, "Maybe it's just for a cool look?"

"Let's not speculate." Zhao Lan redirected their attention to the bag's contents. "There's a large piece of paper here that you all ignored. It's quite disrespectful, I must say."

Picking up the paper, Zhao Lan read aloud, "Name: Tie Niu (铁牛: “Iron Bull”). Gender: Male. Previous roles: First hospital canteen, Second hospital canteen, Third hospital canteen, Fourth hospital canteen, Fifth... He's worked at every hospital canteen. It seems like he's done with working in canteens and is searching for a new opportunity gig."

"Loads of work experience," Yu Xiao shook her head, "In a perfect world, maybe his efforts would have persuaded me. But alas, here I was, treading on shaky ground. If I pulled strings to land him a gig, and George had ratted me out, I would have been in hot water. The last place I wanted to end up was in the medical dispute office."

"What's next?" Zhao Lan kept reading, "X-ray specs, good for three peeks a day. When you put them on, you could peer through anything in your way."

"...What the hell?" Yu Xiao was taken aback.

Zhao Lan: "Whoa!"

Zhou Xiao Zhen: "Is this for real?"

Cutting to the chase, Yu Xiao felt a spark of interest. After all, who would complain about having too many props?

"This is flat-out bribery," Zhao Lan shook her head, "Even spirits aren't immune. Society is really going downhill."

"He's hustling to switch gigs; how can I turn him down?" Yu Xiao sighed.

Zhou Xiao Zhen was a bit puzzled, "But, Smiley, you just said you can't abuse your authority. Aren't you worried George will rat you out?"

Yu Xiao widened her eyes, "Abuse of authority? I'm just staying within my boundaries, lending a hand to a hardworking, straightforward, and upbeat... ghost."

Zhou Xiao Zhen was genuinely shocked, "So, is this what grown-up hypocrisy looks like?"

"Hey, you're off the mark, Precious," Zhao Lan asserted, her tone dead serious, "This falls under the flexible moral code of adults."

She then shifted her focus to Yu Xiao, a smirk playing on her lips, "Smiley, have you decided how to silence George? Do you have a plan?"

Yu Xiao grinned, oozing confidence as she pulled out her phone.

And then George hung up.

Undeterred, Yu Xiao redialed.

George hung up again.

Persistently, Yu Xiao dialled once more...

On the fifth try, George begrudgingly picked up, "Yes?"

"Why did you abandon me like that? Seriously, it hurt," Yu Xiao whined, irritation coating her words.

Silence stretched for a full three minutes. George's voice, cold and restrained, finally cut through, "Do you want something?"

"Yep," Yu Xiao replied, unfazed, "I have a ghost here who wants to work at St. Elizabeth's. Can you arrange it?"

"Do you even know what you're messing with?" George's voice remained icy, "Don't you want to live?"

"I believe," Yu Xiao earnestly analysed, "this thing isn't much of a problem, as long as you keep quiet, there won't be any issues."

George chuckled, "What if I get the itch to talk?"

"Ah, in that case, we'll address it at the medical dispute office," Yu Xiao retorted. "We can sit down face-to-face about your overly enthusiastic efforts in assisting me to off the former dean."

ARC2 ☆Shadows Over the Plague Village 

☆ 25 Mr Tieu was so happy that he lost his head.

On the other end of the call, a lingering silence filled the space as George abruptly ended the conversation.

Zhou Xiao Zhen and Zhao Lan stared at her, curiosity evident on their faces. "Well, spill it," Zhou Xiao Zhen urged.

"He's on board," Yu Xiao excitedly messaged George, sharing the  information about the Tie Niu.

"Tsk," Zhou Xiao Zhen shook her head, a complex expression playing across her features. "George, he's oddly endearing."

Zhao Lan couldn't quite understand the peculiar thoughts of these young people. "You can't find endearment in a ghost, can you?"

"You're missing the point, Misty," Zhou Xiao Zhen squinted, playfully raising her index finger. "Sometimes, the more endearing someone is, the more you want to tease them, to ruffle their feathers, relish in their moments of distress."

"..." Zhao Lan gaped, feeling as if a cog in her brain had gotten stuck, refusing to move.

She turned to Yu Xiao.  "Are you on the same wavelength?"

"How could I?" Yu Xiao vehemently disagreed. "Am I the kind of person with twisted principles?" 

(三观: Refers to one's outlook on values, worldview, and life philosophy.)

Zhou Xiao Zhen let out an exasperated pout, her lips twisted in frustration. "Misty Misty, Smiley Sister, says my values are all twisted…"

Yu Xiao carefully arranged the talismans she had previously sketched, creating a sizable stack. As she held the assortment of charms in her hand, she felt a surge of confidence and an added layer of security. The sudden influx of wealth practically begged for a bit of flaunting.

"A talisman in the mall sells for ten points. If I sell these charms for just five bucks each..." Yu Xiao contemplated a strategy to accumulate points without resorting to treatment instances. "Wouldn't I be swimming in cash?"

"Yeah!" Zhou Xiao Zhen's excitement resurfaced. "Smiley, your success rate in drawing talismans is almost one hundred percent, and the cost is practically nothing. Sell twenty in a day, and that's 100 points. One hundred points! How many rounds of instances would we had to tackle to get so many points?"

Both Zhou Xiao Zhen and Yu Xiao found themselves catching their breath.

"Ah..." Yu Xiao felt her cheeks flush as heat surged within her.  "I'm going to live forever!"

Hand in hand, Zhou Xiao Zhen and Yu Xiao savoured the moment. "Smiley, you're truly going to live forever!"

"Haha..." Yu Xiao revelled in ecstasy. "The three of us will be bound together eternally!"

Zhou Xiao Zhen happily leaped around. "Ah ah ah... Mom, Dad, I don't have to die!"

"Cough!" Zhao Lan, who had been observing with a cold gaze, finally interrupted. "While you all revel in joy, there are a few things I need to point out. Our mall is the Sixth Hospital Mall, exclusively for Sixth Hospital patients. In other words, Smiley, your customers are limited to Sixth Hospital patients."

"So what?" Zhou Xiao Zhen was confused. "There's still a decent number of patients at the Sixth Hospital, at least a couple of hundred."

"Yes, that's true." Zhao Lan sighed, rubbing her temples. "But even if you sell a talisman for a mere five points each, they can't afford it. Think about it carefully. Since the establishment of the Sixth Hospital until now, how many people have completed the initial treatment? Even if they have finished the first treatment, how many points do they have? Titles and reward points are still out of reach for them."

"..."

The sweet reverie shattered like glass, leaving Yu Xiao devoid of enthusiasm. She slumped against the bed, her spirits deflated, murmuring, "Let's figure out when we can dive back into the instance."

The group decided to sign up for a treatment that night and venture into the treatment instance at dawn. Lingering in the hospital room seemed pointless.

Having gone through numerous posts on the Fourth Hospital forum, Zhao Lan summarised her findings, saying, "The experiences shared are helpful, but there aren't many contributors. Our chances of making it into these instances aren't great."

"Wmmhy?" Zhou Xiao Zhen asked, munching on a spicy strip. "Why aren't more people sharing their experiences? We're all patients, shouldn't we help each other out?"

"Usually, yes," Zhao Lan explained. "But here, patients don't cooperate; it's more of a cutthroat competition."

"Muchh?"

Zhao Lan opened the leaderboard, clarifying, "The top ten receive functional cards as rewards. These cards can be exchanged for item cards, fitness boosts, luck charms – things that actually matter and could save you. Imagine this: you go through an instance and then share your experience in a post. The readers not only breeze through the instance but also earn titles, gain more points, outrank you, and might even obtain functional cards. Would you willingly throw yourself into that pit?"

"Ah..." Zhou Xiao Zhen struggled to find words.

Yu Xiao also fell into thoughtful silence. She wondered if she would be willing to take a similar path.

People are naturally selfish, especially when their lives are at stake.

"Hey, why the gloomy faces?" Zhao Lan reassured with a grin, patting the shoulders of the two sisters. "We're not at the stage of considering such things yet. Our forum rank hasn't even reached three; we can't even post there."

True enough. 

Yu Xiao smiled as well. "Let's save the deep thoughts for tomorrow's instance. I wonder how it compares to Saint Elizabeth. Will the difficulty level increase?"

Zhou Xiao Zhen defiantly clenched her fist, her confidence unwavering. "Even if they turn it up, I'm not scared. We're not the same as we used to be!"

Zhao Lan clicked through the backstage of the forum, a smirk playing on her lips. "Pretty brave, huh? Go ahead, sign up for the next round."

The familiar little skeleton flashed a grin, tossing a kiss with sharp-toothed charm.【 Thank you for your positive cooperation, chirp~.】

"It's about time. Let's get ready for dinner. Rest early tonight. Who knows if we'll be able to sleep tomorrow night?" Zhao Lan's voice dripped with seasoned wisdom.

Zhou Xiao Zhen nodded in agreement. "Yeah."

Yu Xiao scratched her head, puzzled. "Why won't we be able to sleep?"

"..." Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen exchanged glances, both remembering Yu Xiao's extraordinary talent for dozing off anytime, anywhere.

*

*

Zhou Xiao Zhen leaned against the door, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the delivery person.

Yu Xiao suddenly remembered and pulled out the sunglasses the delivery person had sweet-talked her into taking.

Zhao Lan eyed them with a spark of excitement. "Curious to see what's beyond those walls?"

"Yeah." Yu Xiao nodded. Since getting entangled in this damn game, Yu Xiao hadn't caught a glimpse of what lay outside. She wondered if it remained unchanged or had completely transformed, like the view beyond the window.

The ward lights burned brightly, and Yu Xiao, wearing the sunglasses, observed everything draped in a grey haze.

She waited, biding her time for the delivery person to arrive so she could catch a glimpse.

Zhou Xiao Zhen by the door announced, "They're here. I heard a sound."

Yu Xiao briefly closed her eyes, then opened them, witnessing a complete transformation of the scene before her.

On the first day, she and Zhou Xiao Zhen had swung the ward door wide open, greeted by impenetrable darkness. But this time, it was different. She saw.

Although a faint layer of black mist still hung in the air, it didn't hinder Yu Xiao's vision. Intrigued, she approached the door and revealed a corridor that exuded decay – peeling paint on dilapidated walls exposing a tangle of wires.

The architectural remnants hinted at a hospital, although not the original one she had entered. As Yu Xiao neared the door, a peculiar sight unfolded before her.

To the left of the door, there was a large pile of something moving.

Upon closer inspection, she saw that it was several entwined humanoids in unimaginable positions, writhing.

Two individuals with long hair, who seemed to have just been in a fight, sniffled as they rolled a cart away. The only figure left, a skeleton chef, got up, put on a chef's hat, adjusted his attire, and then wheeled a cart full of food.

Approaching the door, the skeleton politely knocked and asked in a magnetic voice, "Hungry?"

Yu Xiao blinked in surprise.

Zhou Xiao Zhen asked, "Do you know who lives in our ward?"

The skeleton nodded respectfully, "Yes, Her Excellency, the great Dean of Elizabeth, resides here."

"Hmph." Zhou Xiao Zhen arrogantly raised her eyebrows and declared, "Good. Tonight, we'd like to have..."

As she listed the dishes, the skeleton bent down and retrieved meals from the lower layer of the cart. Yu Xiao noticed that the bottom held regular food, while unmistakably, a human thigh lay on top.

Essentially, there were no impostors – each delivery person presented two meal options, allowing for a seamless switch between real and fake.

With the food packed, the skeleton knocked again. Zhou Xiao Zhen opened the door, and Yu Xiao said, "Tell Tie Niu that he can prepare to switch jobs."

"Huh?" Zhou Xiao Zhen was puzzled. "Is the one outside really Tie Niu? Why is it always him? Does the Sixth Hospital only have one delivery person?"

Yu Xiao thought that there were likely others, but Tie Niu scared them off.

Tie Niu, with his eerie white bones on display, handed over the bag. 

Zhou Xiao Zhen took it and added, "Tie Niu, ah, Her Excellency the Dean said that you can prepare to change jobs."

"Dong!"

"Gulu gulu..."

"?" Zhou Xiao Zhen raised an eyebrow. "What's that sound?"

Yu Xiao's mouth twitched. "Grab the food and shut the damn door. Brother Tie Niu is so excited his head is about to fall off."

Zhou Xiao Zhen: "..." Closed the door. 

Tie Niu hurriedly knelt on the ground to pick up his head, tremblingly placed the skull on his spine, then pushed the dining cart, swaying happily, and disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Zhao Lan curiously asked, "What does it look like outside?"

Zhou Xiao Zhen inquired, "What does Tie Niu look like?"

"Outside is very dilapidated, like a corridor in an abandoned hospital, with black mist pervading. Nothing else." Yu Xiao looked at Zhou Xiao Zhen again. "Tie Niu is very skinny, bone-thin from head to toe."

Zhou Xiao Zhen: "..."

Armed with last night's knowledge, the trio took it easy this night. They snoozed soundly and woke up the next morning feeling refreshed.

Zhao Lan splashed her face, perched on the bed in a patient's robe, and took a sip of water.

Last time, before entering the instance, she deliberately changed into an outing outfit, but after entering the instance, it automatically changed into a striped patient gown. So this time, she didn't bother.

Yu Xiao brewed a cup of milk, and Zhou Xiao Zhen munched on spicy strips. The three awaited the appointed hour.

"Ding dong!"

Sharp at eight o'clock.

Yu Xiao disappeared into the shadows, and when her eyes reopened, she stood in the wilderness.

Can't exactly call it wilderness, because not far ahead, squat houses dotted the landscape. Yu Xiao glanced at herself – dressed in a blue cloth gown from the 50s or 60s, wearing dusty shoes on a dirt road.

Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen stood beside her, dressed similarly. Alongside them, six others, four guys, and two girls.

All youngsters, dressed almost the same, scanning the surroundings just like them.

☆ | Next Chapter 

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