Chapter 10

Translator: Lordbluefire

It was Lin Xiaoxiao who created a nightmare for Qing Chen.

This world was never just a mechanical civilization. It continued to this day, but there had always been more mysterious civilizations in existence.

And today, the reason Lin Xiaoxiao created this nightmare was completely based on Li Shutong’s instructions to assess what kind of person Qing Chen was.

With the nightmare named “Double Ghost Predicament”, Lin Xiaoxiao wanted to test Qing Chen’s courage and insight, as well as his ability to handle stress. But in the end, with Qing Chen’s unexpected response, Lin Xiaoxiao could no longer judge him.

He suddenly realized that when faced with impending danger, this young man would employ the most vicious and calmest attitude.

At this moment, Qing Chen didn’t look shaken at all, and neither did he have the brute bravery of a normal person when they were rising in resistance. Lin Xiaoxiao could just sum Qing Chen’s entire being in a word—calm.

However, Lin Xiaoxiao couldn’t figure something out. He had undoubtedly barred Qing Chen from picking up the dagger, so why could the latter suddenly break free from the nightmare’s restrictions?

One should understand that this was Lin Xiaoxiao’s home ground.

At this moment, Qing Chen knew that there was no need for him to kill the person upstairs anymore. He then spoke to the empty living room, “Lin Xiaoxiao?”

The nightmare remained, but Lin Xiaoxiao walked downstairs in his police uniform, grinning. “This is strange. You managed to keep your consciousness in this nightmare. The boss’s judgment isn’t wrong. You have many outstanding points.”

“Why did you do this? I don’t think I’ve offended you.” Qing Chen didn’t understand.

“Because the boss has his eyes on you, I want to know what kind of person you are. But it seems like the nightmare may not have much use against you,” explained Lin Xiaoxiao while he sat on the last step of the staircase.

“Is this your special ability?” asked Qing Chen.

“Yes.” Lin Xiaoxiao shrugged. “Just like you have your eidetic memory, I have mine too. This is nothing to hide.”

For a moment, Qing Chen thought that this world had just grown even more mysterious.

The coexistence of mechanics and occult didn’t scare him. Instead, he was increasingly intrigued.

And whatever was happening now might be the reason behind Li Shutong and his follower’s superior standing in this prison.

Qing Chen wanted to explore everything about it, and he desired it even more.

Lin Xiaoxiao watched Qing Chen while pondering without a word. He then took the initiative to ask, “Are you one of the Qing Clan Corporation’s people?”

Qing Chen didn’t answer this but turned the question around instead. “Did you give me special treatment because of the speculation over my identity? Why are the robot guards turning a blind eye to you guys?”

“Naturally, it’s because the boss is special enough. That’s why the robot guards don’t manage us.” Lin Xiaoxiao continued, “You don’t have to change the topic. Let’s go back to your identity. In the evening, I found the surveillance footage of your conversation with Lu Guangyi. He’s someone that the Qing Clan Corporation arranged, and he was eager to get in touch with you. That’s why I’m certain that you’re part of the Qing Clan Corporation.”

Qing Clan Corporation… Qing Chen committed these three words to memory.

On the contrary, he relaxed at this moment.

The person he was speaking to was someone who had direct access to the authorities in this prison. In comparison, Qing Chen was like a toddler who had just learned how to walk.

If that was the case, then there was no need to be overly anxious.

Because if someone continued to interact with him even after understanding the surrounding circumstances about him, then it meant that they had an appeal too.

Qing Chen sat on the tattered sofa and asked, “Since you guys have pinned me as someone from the Qing Clan Corporation, why did you still extend the olive branch?*”

“Our organization isn’t particular about family background. As long as someone shares the same principles, they can join.” Lin Xiaoxiao beamed as he continued, “Of course, they must be qualified first.”

Qing Chen was stumped for words. Everything the other person did, was it to test his eligibility to join them?

He had initially thought that they wanted to collaborate with the forces behind him instead.

“You want to recruit me?” Qing Chen was doubtful.

“Now, I said nothing about you being qualified. To be honest, I think you walk on a different path from us,” said Lin Xiaoxiao. “But as the boss said, you need all kinds of people in an organization. An eagle with foresight, a tiger that can suppress a mountain, a wolf that battles well; everyone has their use.”

“Then what role do you play in your organization?” Qing Chen asked.

Lin Xiaoxiao didn’t want to answer and feigned a mysterious smile on the spot. “Take a guess?”

Qing Chen replied after some thought, “The donkey of the production team?”

Lin Xiaoxiao: “???”

What the hell is this? Better off being a skiving fish!

It was at this moment that Lin Xiaoxiao realized, even when faced with an unknown nightmare and his own identity was unknown to this young man, the latter was completely relaxed and accomplished the task with ease.

This young man was only 17 years old.

Lin Xiaoxiao asked out of curiosity, “The Qing Clan sent Lu Guangyi in here and created such a large-scale affair, then they sent you in here as well. What are you people up to? Or rather, what are you looking for?”

Qing Chen thought inwardly, I don’t know what I’m doing here either, but I’m sure you won’t believe it…

This thing… You should ask Lu Guangyi instead.

Honestly speaking, Qing Chen wondered about it as well. Should he seek Lu Guangyi out to make certain of the antecedents and consequences?

But thinking back on Lu Guangyi’s chattering and boot-licking behavior gave him a headache.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to reveal it. I’ll figure it out eventually. Alright, rest early. You still have to play chess with the boss tomorrow morning,” said Lin Xiaoxiao.

The moment Lin Xiaoxiao’s last word sounded, Qing Chen’s vision went dark, and he was separated from the nightmare. After that, he slowly climbed up from his spot on the prison floor and lay on the ice-cold bed, with unknown thoughts running through his mind.

…

Return countdown: 20:59:21

Return countdown: 20:59:20

Early in the morning, Li Shutong sat by the dining table as per usual, quietly staring at an endgame.

It was not yet time for the prisoners to leave their prison cells, and the entire prison was silent.

Lin Xiaoxiao squatted on the chair and spoke up, “Boss, I used Double Ghost Predicament to test him last night, and guess what? He wanted to use a dagger to kill one off right away… His murderous nature is too strong.”

Ye Wan frowned. “I told you not to overdo it. An ordinary person would easily have a breakdown after entering Double Ghost Predicament.”

“Don’t worry.” Lin Xiaoxiao didn’t use a pleasant tone. “I didn’t continue right after the start. And you don’t know this, but that youngster could unexpectedly break free from the nightmare’s control. This was a little extraordinary.”

This time, even the cat who was relaxing with its eyes closed on the table found it strange and took a glance at Lin Xiaoxiao.

Ye Wan asked, “How did he do it?”

“I’m not sure.” Lin Xiaoxiao shook his head.

“It’s probably because his will was strong enough.” Li Shutong didn’t pursue the matter. After all, Qing Chen was not the only one who could break free from the nightmare’s restrictions.

Still in his squatting position, Lin Xiaoxiao said, “Boss, I still advise you to take careful consideration. This youngster Qing Chen’s murderous nature is very strong, and we don’t walk the same path.”

Li Shutong laughed suddenly. “For this job, so many of our colleagues have died. They have even trapped the three of us in this prison. You must understand, Xiaoxiao, that we cannot treat darkness gently. We must use fire.”

As he said this, Li Shutong’s expression dimmed a little. “Ye Wan, bring me the harmonica.”

When it was nearly time for meals, an uproar began gradually. The noises of the metal beasts behind alloy doors were like boiling water in the hotpot.

However, a melodious harmonica tune suddenly rang in the prison plaza, penetrating deeply into the heart.

The prisoners’ poundings against the door slowly stopped as all of them listened on quietly, as though someone had just watered a dried-out wasteland with spring water.

Footnote:

[1] Extend the olive branch: An olive branch is a symbol of peace and, in this case, it signifies that they intend to make peace