Yan Chuan’s gaze fell upon the poster on the cabinet.
It was a promotional flyer, the origin of which was unknown. The headline boldly proclaimed “Escape Variety Show Hotly Recruiting Contestants,” the font curving with dark red streaks that made it appear particularly jarring.
It was as glaring as blood and quite uncomfortable to behold.
Yan Chuan lowered his eyelids, his long, thick lashes concealing the thoughts that simmered beneath.
This hospital had excellent security; apart from doctors and nurses, no one could access the upper-level wards. Yet, they were able to place this promotional flyer in his cabinet.
Which entertainment company was behind this escape variety show? A reality show?
With a slight raise of his eyebrow, Yan Chuan picked up the flyer, feeling the nurse’s curious gaze on him.
“The escape variety show follows an elimination system; being voted off means certain death. Contestants must obtain identity cards to enter the terrifying variety performance, and successful performances earn points that can be exchanged for wishes.”
“Money, fame, lifespan—whatever you desire, the escape variety show can make it happen.”
The tempting conditions.
Could it fulfil everyone’s wishes? Could it make his body healthy again?
Yan Chuan carefully read the colourful flyer, flipping it over to see the registration method.
“Signing here signifies your participation in the escape variety show; withdrawal midway is prohibited, and the consequences are your own responsibility.”
To sign meant essentially selling oneself to this escape variety show, with no chance to withdraw.
What a binding clause.
Yan Chuan’s delicate fingers stroked that particular area; the texture felt rough and gritty under his touch.
This was the signature spot.
Under normal circumstances, such a promise of “fulfilling all wishes” could be easily dismissed as a scam. How could something so powerful truly exist, aimed only at deceiving others?
Yet now, as a patient diagnosed with a limited lifespan, he couldn’t help but be drawn to the promise.
Living a few more years, no longer residing in the cold, sterile hospital room—who wouldn’t want that?
A young person, beleaguered by illness—how could he not desire a healthy body?
Yan Chuan lowered his gaze, his long lashes falling like a delicate fan, casting a small shadow on the bridge of his nose.
One couldn’t deny that this flyer was well-designed; it managed to grab the audience’s attention at first glance.
Yan Chuan… indeed belonged to the audience of this inexplicable escape variety show.
Although the escape variety sounded frightening, it also hinted at a sliver of hope—at least better than waiting for death in a hospital.
After reading the entire flyer, Yan Chuan confirmed his thoughts.
Whether this “escape variety show” was real or fake, whether it was a gimmick or a ruse, trying it out couldn’t be wrong.
Though he didn’t know exactly what the escape variety show was, with the elements of horror and an elimination process, the danger level was undoubtedly high.
But wasn’t he also going to die just sitting idly in the hospital?
Yan Chuan placed the thin flyer back on the cabinet.
“Yes,” said the nurse, who had grown accustomed to life and death in the hospital, but still hesitated to relay the doctor’s diagnosis.
The patient in this room was young, yet surprisingly cooperative with treatment; they privately discussed why someone like him had to endure such suffering.
“I understand,” unexpectedly calm, Yan Chuan seemed unaffected by the diagnosis of a limited lifespan: “Thank you.”
The nurse nodded, her emotions complicated.
Yan Chuan looked perfectly natural: “Could I have a pen?”
A pen?
The nurse handed over her ballpoint pen with a puzzled expression.
Yan Chuan took the pen and, without hesitating, wrote his name in the designated signature area.
“Yan Chuan” appeared in elegant strokes.
The handwriting was graceful and strong, which is difficult to imagine coming from someone in frail health.
“Thank you.” He returned the pen and continued to observe the flyer that came from the escape variety show in the daylight.
Before the nurse’s astonished gaze, the thin paper suddenly floated into the air as if caught by an invisible wind, before spontaneously combusting into a pile of ashes.
The ashes fell dramatically like snowflakes onto the meticulously cleaned floor.
The nurse stared with wide eyes.
When had someone entered their hospital to distribute promotional flyers?
*****
[The escape variety show follows an elimination system, where points determine rankings and enough points are necessary to earn wish opportunities.]
[The show is divided into group and solo performances; contestants will receive identity cards before entering the terrifying show, and tasks will be assigned through scripts. Please remember your identity and complete the corresponding tasks.]
[Contestants must not reveal their true identity in front of NPCs.]
[Please note, dangers await contestants during the show’s recording, and dying within the show equates to death in real life; traces of contestants will be erased.]
[Contestants must not disclose any information about the escape variety show; failure to comply will be treated as a provocation, with consequences borne by the individual.]
[The escape variety show is displayed live for the audience’s enjoyment; viewers eagerly anticipate the contestants’ performances, so please enthral them with your superb skills.]
[Note: Each contestant’s opportunity to perform is nearly equal, and support from the audience can yield unexpected results.]
…
[Welcome, contestant number 43786 Yan Chuan.]
[Your target score: 100,000.]
[There are several households living in Apartment 13, with a harmonious and joyful neighbourhood. However, a murder occurred there one day, and it was not just one… What could possibly have gone wrong in Apartment 13?]
[Preparing to enter the group performance: Apartment 13.]
*****
After several repeats of the announcement, the cold, mechanical voice, originating from an unknown source, finally fell silent.
Yan Chuan’s mind went blank. When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer in the clean, spacious hospital ward but in a vast, empty white room.
Translator’s Notes:
I am going to add system announcements in brackets with italics and add the audience speech in just brackets. If anyone can give me a better way to do this let me know!!
I know this is late but, to distinguish it better put the audience comments still in brackets, but before the brackets put a dash. Just like you would with bullet points but with this ” – “.
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Thanks for the translation 🌻✨