“A ghost couple has entangled me in a horror script?”
…
Yan Chuan questioned him, and Shan Qi could only recall his experiences in the script, racking his brain to list the NPCs that left a lasting impression.
Shan Qi had cleared numerous scripts and often sought thrills, utilizing bold strategies that sometimes invited the ire of NPCs. He generally felt unconcerned about the consequences, yet as Yan Chuan listened, his expression grew increasingly strange, prompting Shan Qi to feel a bit uneasy.
“Is there a problem?” Shan Qi asked bluntly.
Yan Chuan shook his head.
“It’s nothing,” he pressed his lips together, the color on his lips deepening, “I was just wondering, is this special variety show going to allow the NPCs to take revenge?”
“If you provoked many NPCs in the script, wouldn’t that mean you’ll be held accountable when the time comes?”
Yan Chuan frowned even deeper.
“Provoked?” Shan Qi noticed the unusual term, instinctively repeating it.
Why did Yan Chuan use the word “provoked”?
Shan Qi sensed something was off.
He looked at Yan Chuan, who appeared carefree but had a meticulous mind, particularly on important matters.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken such good care of him, even gaining a bit of weight in the process.
Yan Chuan shook his head gently.
His explanation was perplexing.
“Because of some special identities I’ve taken on,” Yan Chuan deliberated, “sometimes they lead NPCs to have somewhat unrealistic thoughts.”
Unrealistic thoughts?
Shan Qi’s suspicion deepened.
However, it was clear Yan Chuan did not wish to elaborate further; he furrowed his brow, indicating that he had not yet finished his shower.
Only then did Shan Qi realize that Yan Chuan had been talking to him wrapped in a bath towel, without any clothes on. A glimpse caught the sight of his pale, smooth shoulder and slightly graceful curve, making Shan Qi blush unexpectedly and hastily move to leave.
Yan Chuan let out a sigh of relief.
Watching Shan Qi’s somewhat flustered retreat, he closed the door behind him.
He touched his cheek, which felt a bit warm.
If Shan Qi asked him why, he would certainly struggle to provide a reasonable answer.
After all, the roles he’d received were either someone’s cheating spouse or a cross-dressing streamer.
There was also one that was even harder to mention, a pretty little thief with many connections.
***
Sunday.
Shan Qi drove Yan Chuan to the location specified in the invitation.
They arrived early; the invitation stated to arrive promptly at ten o’clock in the morning, but they were there around nine.
Even so, many cars were already parked at the villa’s entrance.
Yan Chuan and Shan Qi exchanged a glance and stepped out of the car.
The people outside were also there to participate in this “special variety show.”
They ranged from people around their age to slightly older individuals, even including middle-aged folks with graying hair.
There were also lone college students radiating an air of confidence.
The number of participants was considerable, gathering in a spacious hall.
Small groups stood together, likely team members, engaged in conversation while stealthily observing their surroundings, whispering about something.
More people stood alone, quietly watching from the sidelines.
Yan Chuan linked his arm with Shan Qi’s as they entered.
They did not intend to be conspicuous and spoke in low voices once inside.
A gaze landed on them from behind, causing Yan Chuan to furrow his brows and glance over his shoulder.
However, he saw nothing familiar; all the contestants’ faces were extremely strange to him.
Yan Chuan turned back around.
The hall was spacious, furnished with about a dozen long tables. They were lined up with numbers, covered in lace tablecloths.
There were no attendants, only contestants with varied expressions.
If there was anything unusual, it was the spinning wheel displayed on the long table.
The pointer on the wheel remained still in its place.
No one dared to approach; most of the contestants stood in the corners, remaining vigilant.
A large screen was embedded in the center of the wall, continuously displaying messages like “Contestant XXX enters the villa.”
As the clock struck ten, the main door closed with a resonating sound.
With a “bang,” everyone heard the announcement from the screen.
“Contestants, please take your seats according to the random allocation results.”
“Contestants, please take your seats according to the random allocation results.”
…
The screen rolled through the allocation results, organizing the dozens of contestants into groups of six in front of the tables.
Yan Chuan spotted his number and, fortunate enough, was allocated to the same group as Shan Qi.
They were at table one.
After exchanging a glance with Shan Qi, Yan Chuan walked over to sit down at table one.
The table was also numbered, seats arranged according to the contestants’ entry order.
Unfortunately, Yan Chuan was the very first person.
He took a seat on the left side of the table.
Shan Qi was assigned directly across from him, at seat four, gazing over the long table at him.
All the contestants present had been through multiple scripts, and when the instructions were announced, they did not ask questions or cause a commotion, efficiently finding their places like trained individuals.
After all, no one knew what punishment awaited those who defied the orders.
During their first script experience, everyone had witnessed the consequences of disobedience.
Anyone who received an invitation letter wasn’t foolish; they all wanted to survive, so why would they challenge the escape variety show?
Soon, more individuals began to sit beside Yan Chuan.
The other four were all young men, tall and well-built.
The third person to find his way there was a handsome man with long hair and cold features. After offering a slight nod to Yan Chuan, he took a seat next to him at seat three.