Mere moments after Chen Ge posted the video, his comment section erupted with fervor.
"Is that shadow leaning against the tub at 56 seconds a special effect? It looks like it's crawling straight out from under the bathtub!"
"The guy swinging those cleavers is the host himself? Someone nominate him for an Oscar already!"
"If that black shadow had held on just a second longer, we'd be mourning the host right now!"
"Holy hell! I tried holding my breath along with the video, but that thing popped up halfway and ruined me!"
"Get out while you can! This host only posts ghost videos! Run and don't look back!"
"I stared at my phone for the full minute, and now I'm certain I won't sleep tonight."
"After your last video, I swore off mirrors. Now, after this one, I'm never bathing alone again! Heartless host, take this virtual piledriver from me!"
Chen Ge grinned at the enthusiastic response, especially considering it was 4 a.m. The outpouring of "love" from his fans made the ordeal feel worthwhile. Before closing the app, he added an advertisement for his Haunted House. Fans swiftly replied, promising to visit with local delicacies in tow.
They're buying tickets to the Haunted House and bringing me local treats? Today's visitors are too kind.
Closing the app, Chen Ge felt a wave of relief. He stretched languidly, gathered the five ragdolls, and exited the Murder by Midnight scenario, clutching them close.
Night faded, and dawn broke over New Century Park. The sky outside the Haunted House began to glow. Chen Ge retrieved wooden planks from the Props Room and boarded up the entrance and trapdoor to the Murder by Midnight scenario. Until the mirror monster was dealt with, that area was off-limits.
At twenty RMB per ticket, Murder by Midnight can host seven visitors at once. A fifteen-minute run nets 140 RMB. Eight hours a day could bring in over 4,480 RMB.
The lost revenue stung, but Chen Ge wasn't swayed by greed. Safety comes first. New scenarios will bring more earnings later.
With the scenario sealed, he returned to the staff breakroom, placing the dolls by his bed before changing into running gear. The Trial Mission had reminded him that his occasional training had likely saved his life.
At 8:40 a.m., Xu Wan arrived for work. She was surprised to see Chen Ge jogging around the corner, sweat dripping from his brow. To her, her boss didn't seem the athletic type.
By 9 a.m., the Haunted House gates opened, marking the start of a new workday. Chen Ge and Xu Wan took their posts, ready to operate. Visitors trickled into the park, but the Haunted House entrance remained quiet, the least crowded spot in New Century Park.
"Boss, what were you doing in the Haunted House last night? There are water puddles everywhere," Xu Wan asked.
"Just mopping the floor," Chen Ge said casually, then added, "When you're playing a ghost, steer clear of mirrors."
"Why's that?"
Before he could explain, Uncle Xu, the park manager, approached them.
"Uncle Xu, what's wrong?" Chen Ge removed his ear-mic, noticing Uncle Xu's displeased expression.
"You're getting stranger by the day." Uncle Xu scrutinized him. "The canteen staff reported missing cleavers. I wondered who'd steal just two cleavers. After checking the surveillance, I've got one question: why were you sneaking into the canteen at night to take them instead of sleeping? Is running around waving cleavers that thrilling?"
Chen Ge realized he'd left the cleavers in the bathtub.
"I recently helped the police crack a case, right? One suspect's still at large, so I grabbed the cleavers for protection. Don't worry, I'll replace them tomorrow."
He wasn't sure if blades that had touched a ghost were safe for cooking, so returning them seemed risky.
"You're harder to figure out every day. Tell me straight, kid—are you mixed up in something illegal?"
"Illegal? With two cleavers? I'm not doing anything wrong, Uncle Xu, relax."
Uncle Xu, only half-convinced, was too busy with the park's opening to press further. He stepped closer, pulling a tightly wrapped plastic case from his pocket. "Here's 5,000 RMB. If you're in trouble, come to me."
"Uncle Xu, thank you. I'll pay you back this weekend."
"Just stop causing headaches—that's payment enough."
After Uncle Xu left, Chen Ge tucked the money into his shirt, leaning against the gate, pondering its use.
Five thousand could cover some cameras. But the Haunted House is maxed out on space. I'd need to expand for new scenarios. Renting the underground parking lot might work, but what's the cost?
Money troubles gnawed at him. The reward money's still missing. Should I nudge the police?
Glancing toward the police station, his eyes caught a peculiar visitor. The man, cap pulled low, wore a long-sleeved shirt, hands buried in his pockets. He drifted between attractions, seemingly undecided.
He looks familiar.
Thanks to Yin Yang Vision, Chen Ge's sight was sharper than most. The man likely didn't realize he'd been spotted.
Should I confront him?
A group of visitors approached the Haunted House, pulling Chen Ge into work. The suspicious man slipped his mind. As he and Xu Wan prepared for lunch, he spotted the man again, lingering near the Haunted House.
He avoided us all morning but shows up now, when we're heading to lunch. What's his game?
Chen Ge sent Xu Wan ahead and returned to the Haunted House. The man, noticing, turned and left the park without looking back.
Have I seen him before?
A twitching eyelid signaled trouble. Skipping lunch, Chen Ge headed to the park's security center. With the guard's permission, he reviewed the footage.
The man clearly dodged cameras. From arrival to departure, his hands stayed in his pockets. Even during a smoke break, he used one hand to light a cigarette, keeping it in his mouth. Most suspiciously, after paying for entry, he only rode the Ferris Wheel—three times in a row.