Chapter 8: The Return of Strange Tales

Chapter 8: The Return of Strange Tales

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation

“You say this house is dangerous, but isn’t it just a normal home?” With a bold and challenging demeanor as if seeking danger, Gao Ming only heightened the investigator’s worry.

“The former occupant of apartment 2507 took their own life. You shouldn’t stay here just because the rent is affordable,” the investigator cautioned, his face so disfigured it was unreadable. Yet, his urgent tone unmistakably conveyed a grave problem with apartment 2507.

“Why? Was Brother Zhao’s death not a mere accident but rather a homicide?”

“Don’t inquire about it!” Sweat beaded on the investigator’s scarred face as he gestured towards his own gruesome features. “If you don’t want to end up like this, leave at once!”

Clearly, the investigator knew something, which only further sparked Gao Ming’s interest. “You need to provide us with a reason.”

Being asked to move out abruptly is naturally disagreeable for anyone.

“Not just you, everyone on this floor needs to relocate temporarily until the cause of the oddity is determined.” Having encountered Gao Ming the night before, the disfigured investigator was aware of his skepticism. “You overcame the Rainy Night Killer, and I acknowledge your courage, but some perils are unseen! These entities are behind the numerous murders in the old city port region!”

“These entities are...” Gao Ming squinted his eyes. While most would be terrified by the investigator’s appearance, he found him fascinating.

“The more you know, the more they’re drawn to you. My actions and words are for your protection. I hope you’ll trust me.” The investigator implored earnestly, but Gao Ming and Xuan Wen were unconvinced. “You won’t believe it until you come face to face with your own coffin, will you?”

Gao Ming slowly bowed his head. It was uncertain if he would weep at the sight of a “coffin,” but he knew Xuan Wen wouldn’t, just as she wouldn’t in a capsule hotel.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation

“If you truly won’t leave, then heed my warning.” The investigator, unable to persuade them to depart, could only offer advice. “Replace anything used by the deceased. Avoid copying the deceased’s behavior or emotions, day or night.”

“I get replacing their items, but what do you mean by not mimicking the deceased?” Gao Ming was perplexed. “Does it imply that if we replicate their emotions or actions where they died, they will come back?”

The investigator neither confirmed nor denied; instead, he ascended the stairs, apparently to investigate further.

Zhao Xi had endured physically taxing jobs for years, which had taken a toll on his health. A leg injury the previous year resulted in his dismissal from the factory.

With no formal education, a physical disability, and deteriorating health, Zhao Xi struggled to find employment. Confined at home, he endured cold glares and reprimands from his sister-in-law and foster mother.

As an adopted child, Zhao Xi yearned for recognition and a sense of belonging more than anything. He craved authentic familial connections. Yet, he was met with disrespect from those around him. His phone seemed to be his only solace, understanding him more than his own family and the only outlet for his bottled-up emotions.

The cheerfulness, determination, and warmth he exhibited were largely a self-constructed mask to avoid feeling “abandoned” once again. However, the more he endeavored to maintain this façade, the deeper the internal agony he experienced.

Feeling hopeless, incapable of altering his circumstances, and perceiving himself as a burden, he eventually grew to despise himself.

As these negative emotions resurfaced, the temperature in the room perceptibly dropped.

Seated in the living room, Gao Ming felt transported back to the night Zhao Xi ended his life.

In the darkness, no light penetrated the heavy clouds. Although there was no rope around his neck, Gao Ming experienced an increasing struggle to breathe. He touched his neck, overwhelmed by a surge of repulsion from within.

The windows and doors seemed to offer no respite. He felt cornered, forgotten by the world, isolated and impotent.

Suffering from headaches, heart tremors, and a disordered mind, sleep eluded him. He desired only to keep his eyes open, relentlessly sifting through memories.

The reflection in the mirror began to warp. Shadows swelled throughout the room like a flood, imbuing his soul with remorse and fixation.

A familiar coldness crept up his spine. Gao Ming’s eyes snapped open to find all the candles in the living room snuffed out. The entire room 2507 was shrouded in darkness!

Peering into the mirror, Gao Ming saw his pupils shrink as the full-length mirror displayed an inverted, distorted world.

“Bang!”

Before Gao Ming could process, a thunderous noise erupted from below. He rushed to the balcony to see what had happened.

In the courtyard of Li Jing Apartments, by the entrance of building two, lay a contorted body with a broken neck, its lifeless eyes staring directly up at the balcony of apartment 2507.