I’m A Little White Flower In An Escape Game ☆ 12

Arc 1: 《Mermaid Village》 Ch2-ch14

As soon as Gu San spoke, Ruan Bai's body tensed up. How did he know about this? She tried to play it cool, forcing a smile and laughing awkwardly. "Gu San, it's been a while, hasn't it? Last night was pretty intense. The wolf turned out to be Wang Wen Wen, and I even had an encounter with a mermaid--"

"--Confess and you'll receive a lighter sentence; resist, and you'll face the consequences," he interrupted, his tone unyielding.

"I'm sorry, boss, I was wrong!" Ruan Bai quickly cowered and reluctantly confessed. "I had no choice but to come up with a pathetic story to gain their trust."

Ruan Bai remembered the murderous look in Wang Wen Wen's eyes when she was in that basement. She would have been done if she had come up with something convincing.

Gu San glared at Ruan Bai from a position of superiority; his chin raised coldly. "Coming up with a story is one thing, but why must my name be dragged into it? It makes me look bad, doesn't it?"

Ruan Bai was at a loss for words. She had only wanted to provoke Wang Wen Wen at the time. But her intuition told her that revealing this fact would mean the end of her. She didn't want to lose her connection to Gu San, but she couldn't come up with a plausible explanation under his scrutinizing gaze.

Gu San's piercing gaze fixated on Ruan Bai for a prolonged moment. Suddenly, the corners of his mouth curled into a faint smile. "Alright, if you don't want to say it, forget it," he said with a meaningful tone, withdrawing his gaze. "However, many villagers now mistakenly believe that I have some sort of improper relationship with you. What should we do about it in the future?"

Ruan Bai remained silent, struggling to find the right words. This was the crux of the matter. Was she supposed to pretend to be in a relationship with this big shot, or would it be one of those ghost/animal set-ups with a sleazy man and a cheap woman? The thought alone was enough to make her blood boil.

As frustration mounted, Ruan Bai struggled to focus on the bones in her hand. Gu San, however, noticed her distress and ceased to tease her. "As for how we should act in front of the villagers, just be yourself. I'm not one to fret over such things," he said, turning to business. "Tell me what happened last night."

Ruan Bai breathed a sigh of relief at the change in topic. Without hesitation, she retrieved the remaining of Du Wen Shu's remains and placed them beside her. She described the previous night's events to Gu San, including the mermaid's request to bring Du Wen Shu's bones to her.

"But Gu San, I promised the villagers that I would leave the mermaid village," she whispered, "If I ever have to go back, I might need your help."

This was the most troublesome thing for her. The game's setting was confined to this village, and she could not leave without putting herself in harm's way. If she had to return, she needed a legitimate reason. At present, the only conceivable reason was somehow connected to Gu San.

Gu San grasped the gravity of the situation. After hearing Ruan Bai's words, he raised his eyebrows and gave her a fake smile, "I will certainly cooperate with you. No need to worry."

Ruan Bai remained silent, knowing that this issue would arise again.

Despite this, Gu San maintained a stern attitude regarding serious matters. After receiving information from Ruan Bai, he paused momentarily before uttering, "Don't bring Du Wen Shu's bones back just yet."

Perhaps concerned that Ruan Bai wouldn't comprehend, he explained, "Two players and one villager died last night. It's no surprise that those villagers won't sit idly by."

The villagers were aware of Du Wen Shu and the mermaid's past. With players unwilling to die for them and no other recourse, it was easy for them to use Du Wen Shu to subdue the mermaid.

If they discovered that Du Wen Shu's bones had been exhumed, it would be obvious that players were responsible. This would put players in danger of facing threats from NPCs and ghosts.

"But she asked me to bring the bones," Ruan Bai understood Gu San's meaning but couldn't help but question, "If she doesn't see the bones in my hands tonight, will she attack me?"

"She never promised not to harm you aither way tonight," Gu San pointed out.

Gu San spoke calmly, "In the game, remember never to trust the words of ghosts and monsters. Though they may honor their promises, they also love to play word games. If you believe them easily, you may not even know how you died."

Ruan Bai sensed a hint of weight in his tone.

It was true that she might not have survived the mermaid's grasp last night if Du Wen Shu's death hadn't been mentioned. But just because she claimed to be a colleague of Du Wen Shu, doesn't mean the vengeful ghost would show any mercy. The mermaid only wanted to use her, and Ruan Bai, being naive, believed the ghost's words.

After realizing her mistake, Ruan Bai obediently nodded and said, "Thank you, I understand."

Ruan Bai could tell that Gu San's advice was a precious player experience, and she was grateful for his generosity. Though she might not enter these games again, she appreciated his kindness.

"Don't mention it," Gu San shook his head. "As a newcomer, your performance impressed me. If you're willing, you can join our team after we're done here. As for Du Wen Shu's remains, since they've been dug up, we shouldn't waste them. Let's go. Next, we'll clear the game."

——— Translator's Notes ———

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