Chapter 6: Confrontation in the Apartment

The muffled sounds from the closed door resonated like a heavy object striking flesh, and Yanchuan could even faintly hear the cries of a child.
“Ahh…” The elderly man on the sofa suddenly opened his eyes, surveying Yanchuan with murky gaze and mumbling a series of unclear words.
The intense, unwavering gaze felt almost tangible as it pierced through the dim room, accompanied by an unexpectedly sharp tone that startled Yanchuan.
After a moment, he realized the old man was singing along with the radio.
Yanchuan held his lips tightly, glancing up at the number on the door of the apartment.
Five.
The apartments ahead were all closed, so Yanchuan descended the stairs to the first floor.
Counting, he found that the building had five or six levels, and most of the apartments were empty; some were still not renovated, with compacted cement piles and exposed, rusty rebar.
Low-income housing.
The environment was poor, the sound insulation was inadequate, and those living here likely were drawn in by the low prices.
Yanchuan took a look around and reached this conclusion.
So, what kind of people were the other contestants living here?
The first floor wasn’t divided into apartments but had a small shop instead. There was no owner, just someone part-time selling fresh vegetables and meats.
Yanchuan recalled the backdrop of the script; this was the place he would buy groceries and daily necessities for the show.
He contemplated and decided to buy some meat and instant food to cook for himself, as he didn’t know how long he would stay in the variety show—cooking was essential.
While checking out, he found himself behind a very tall young man.
He was genuinely tall, slim with a thin short sleeve that couldn’t cover his bulging muscles. Yanchuan only reached his shoulder and had to lift his head to see the man’s face.
The man wore a cap that obscured half of his distinct features, showing only the sharp contours of his lower face. He had a buzz cut, and beneath the green stubble was a tattoo that extended down to his ear.
His fierce appearance made it clear he wasn’t a good person.
Perhaps Yanchuan stared too long, as the young man turned to look at him with narrowed eyes.
Beneath the brim was a relaxed expression, with prominent features and a bronze complexion. There was a faint white scar at the corner of his eye that almost pierced his iris.
His sharp eyes slightly narrowed; the unusual amber color of his pupils looked predatory, as if he might pounce at any second.
Yanchuan averted his gaze, staring down at the dirty floor.
Indeed, it was a ferocious look—definitely the type of cool black-skinned guy who might have a questionable background.
To his surprise, the man didn’t look away and instead stepped closer, blocking Yanchuan’s path interest piqued.
“Excuse me, can you let me through?” Yanchuan said flatly, “I need to go back to my apartment.”
This obviously cold remark didn’t prompt the man to clear his way; in fact, he took a step forward, completely obstructing Yanchuan’s exit.
“You are…” the other leaned forward, asking with a hint of mischief, “the resident of Room Three, right?”
Yanchuan was forced to meet his pale eyes, unsure whether to nod or shake his head.