Chapter 24: Resurrection

Chapter 24: Resurrection

The whole team was in a foul mood after Zhong Chengjians unexpected breakdown.

Zhong Chengjian had hacked the woman bodys to pieces to the point that her corpse was unrecognizable; lumps of tissue and flesh were messily littered about, and thick crimson blood spattered the kitchen floors.

Smeared in blood from head to toe, Zhong Chengjian covered his face with his trembling hands and howled miserably. He simply couldnt keep himself together; it was as if he couldnt take any more of this, as if he had already given up on himself.

The look on everyones faces was beyond complicated. An infuriated Tang Yaoyao stood near the pool of blood, looking as if she wanted to strangle somebody. With black lines marring her face, she scrubbed her arms hatefully in an attempt to clean the blood off her body.

Wu wu wu, what should I do? Zhong Chengjian choked out between his sobs. I didnt mean to kill her, I didnt mean to kill her. I was just so pissedit was just in the heat of the moment

Kill, kill, kill, snarled Zhang Xinghuo, incredibly annoyed. His already ruined mood grew even worse after hearing the other repeat the word kill way too many times for his liking. He spitefully added, In any case, this isnt the real world, and there are no police officers to arrest you here, so what the fuck are you crying about?

Right. Thats right. This isnt reality. Having been reminded of this by Zhang Xinghuo, Zhong Chengjian suddenly seemed to have become enlightened. His face broke into a wide grin, and he happily bobbed his head in agreement. As long as I leave this place, nobody will know that I killed someone.

Not a single person uttered a word upon hearing this. Tang Yaoyaos lips curled into a contemptuous sneer. No questions asked, every experienced person here held the same exact thought. It was certainly true that you would be free and alright once you left this hellhole, but thats also under the condition that you are able to leave it in the first place.

As the members talked amongst themselves, Lin Qiushi caught sight of two shadows flitting past the doorway. Although he wasnt able to see the shadows clearly, he was positive the figures belonged to the remaining two identical little girls.

Now what? Tang Yaoyao looked at the ghastly, chaotic ruins of what was supposed to be a kitchen, and her head began to ache. She pressed her fingers against her temples and grumbled, Look at this kitchen. I honestly dont want to go in there and clean this mess.

Just wait a bit. Ruan Nanzhu said. Perhaps itll be as clean as a sheet tomorrow.

Assuming he was merely joking around, the group didnt bother responding to him.

That afternoon, everyone locked themselves in their rooms. The filthy kitchen hadnt been cleaned, and the pungent smell even managed to spread to the living room, causing those sitting there to gag at the rancid stench. Without a second thought, everyone vacated the area, helplessly escaping to their rooms so that they didnt have to bear with this vile odor any longer.

When it was time for dinner, Lin Qiushi, who was sitting on the bed with his head down as he played with his mobile phone, smelled the aroma of food.

The scent was indescribably tantalizing, simply mouthwatering. The moment it hit Lin Qiushis nostrils, he couldnt help but drool. Swallowing hard, he wondered, What is this smell?

Someones cooking? A dejected Ruan Nanzhu was sprawled listlessly across the bed. He groaned in frustration, Ugh, Im fucking starving. Thats final, Im treating myself to the best meal when I get back.

Lin Qiushi: Should we go and have a look?

Ruan Nanzhu: Lets go.

Pretty much everyone could agree that they hadnt eaten a decent meal since arriving to this world. Whenever they saw an appetizing dish before them, they wouldnt dare move their chopsticks. In fact, they practically lived off of dry, tasteless bread every day. As Ruan Nanzhu put it, one became what they atethis dry bread was virtually sucking the life out of them; the more they ate this dry bread, the drier and more miserable they themselves became.

When the two of them stepped out of their room, they spotted the others leaving their rooms as well. It appeared as though the other members also came out because of the tempting aroma.

Whos cooking? Xu Xiaocheng gulped down her saliva. On one hand, she was starving to death, but on the other hand, she was terrified to death; her fear was holding her back, but her hunger and greed were urging her. It looks like someone is in the kitchen

Lets go take a look. Ruan Nanzhu suggested.

The group followed the enticing scent back into the repulsive kitchen that was supposed to be painted with thick blood. However, contrary to everyones expectations, that odious kitchen that was left in shambles, with strips of flesh, residues of ground tissue, and twisted limbs strewn across the blood-slathered floors, had undergone a total renovation; it was so immaculate that it gave them the impression that it was a brand-new kitchen instead. And at this very moment, there were two large pots on the stovetop, bubbling softly and exuding a rich aroma.

Lin Qiushi took a step forward, cautiously walked over to the pots, and took a peek inside, only to see a few pieces of meat occasionally floating in the boiling stew. He then bowed his head and carefully examined the floor. Upon scrutinizing the area, he found that the blood, which was supposed to be difficult to remove, had basically vanished, only leaving behind traces of black stains.

This scene only reminded him of what happened after the pitiful Zeng Ruguo died.

Nothing. Lin Qiushi murmured. The corpse is gone.

The faint Xu Xiaocheng stammered, N-Not even a few hours have passed yetjust how could it become so clean

This isnt the normal world. Ruan Nanzhu once again pointed out. You have to think unconventionally; you cant explain things here using common sense or any natural laws.

While they were standing in the kitchen talking to each other, the rest of the team came up to them. Tang Yaoyao sighed in relief when she saw that the kitchen was spotless. She muttered under her breath, Fortunately, the kitchen is clean; otherwise, what are we supposed to eat for the next few days? She then sauntered over to Lin Qiushis side, gazed at the pot, and praised, It smells delicious.

Lin Qiushi let out a dry chuckle. It might smell delicious, but you also dont have the guts to eat novelhall.com

Tang Yaoyao was rendered speechless.

Zhong Chengjian was also within the crowd, and his mental state was looking far from good. He constantly bumbled like an utter fool, spouting unintelligible things and issuing random noises. The jumbled words spilling out of his mouth were simply incoherent and nonsensical; only God knew what he was trying to say! It seemed as though if someone were to poke him slightly and feed him a bit more stimulation, he would surely become mad!

Then again, it wasnt easy to maintain ones sanity when trapped in a closed environment, where everyone was forced to endure various unimaginable and bizarre conditions.

In just a couple of days, everyones faces had become haggard and drawn. As the skies grew darker, the atmosphere became increasingly heavy, until all that was left was sense of foreboding and apprehension for the dreadful night that was approaching once again.

None of them had eaten well, they hadnt slept well, and they even had to face the threat of ghosts. It just couldnt be any worse!

Too many things happened during the day, and now, everyone was weary and exhausted. The same was true for Lin Qiushi. And so, he decided to wash up early and head back to his room to sleep. Upon finishing his business, he exited the bathroom and noticed Tang Yaoyao standing in one spot in the womens room. Lin Qiushi knitted his brows and wondered what in the world she was up to. After observing for a while, he eventually called out, Tang Yaoyao?

Huh? Whats up? Tang Yaoyao swiveled her head around at his voice.

Its rather late. Lin Qiushi pointed at the pitch-black night outside the window. Arent you going to go to bed?

In a bit. Tang Yaoyao replied. But I cant seem to wipe the blood off my body.

Lin Qiushi paused, What?

Raising her voice, Tang Yaoyao loudly repeated, I said I cant seem to wipe this blasted blood off my body!

It simply wouldnt disappear despite how hard one scrubbed it. Lin Qiushi instantly recalled what occurred the first day he arrived here, how Zeng Ruguo voiced something similar when he tried washing the blood off his body in the shower. Upon recollecting this, Lin Qiushi anxiously shouted, Dont try to wash it off anymore! Its late; just go back to your room as soon as possible!!!

Sensing the urgency and worry lacing Lin Qiushis voice, Tang Yaoyao immediately paused; her hand froze in its place, and she no longer tried rubbing the blood off her arm. Alright. You head back first, Ill be right out.

Lin Qiushi stressed, Make it fast.

Mhm. Tang Yaoyao hummed in reply.

In the Grimms fairy tale, Fitchers Bird, before the sorcerer would leave his home and depart for his journey, he would always give the sisters an egg to keep safe. And as long as they opened the door to the taboo room, the egg they held in their hands would inevitably fall to the ground and be stained with blood, never to be wiped clean. And so, when the sorcerer returned home, only to see the stains on the egg, he would make sure those sisters knew the consequences of their actions. He would subsequently butcher the sisters, hacking them to pieces, and toss their mangled corpses and flimsy limbs into the basement.

At long last, Lin Qiushi finally recognized the importance of the note he chanced upon in the first door. If he didnt know anything about this childrens fairy tale, he was afraid that hed be completely in the dark about this entire world and the circumstances surrounding it.

But now, the murky connection between the world of this door and that childrens fairy tale gradually floated above the waters surface, clearly reflecting the situation at hand.

Once Lin Qiushi noticed that the sound of rushing water ceased, meaning that Tang Yaoyao had closed the faucet, he returned to his room. The first sight that greeted him when he walked into the room was a bored Ruan Nanzhu, lethargically spread out on the bed and casually playing puzzle games on Lin Qiushis phone.

Lin Qiushi laid his body down right beside him and remarked, It looks like the blood on Tang Yaoyaos body cant be washed off.

Naturally, the blood staining the eggs cant be cleaned. Ruan Nanzhu didnt raise his head. Otherwise, whats the sorcerer supposed to look for once its clean? How would they able to find their marked targets without any sort of identification?

Lin Qiushi: Whos the sorcerer?

Ruan Nanzhu merely shook his head and didnt respond. Lin Qiushi narrowed his eyes; he simply couldnt figure out whether the other truly didnt know who the sorcerer was, or if he simply didnt want to reveal it.

Yeah. Lin Qiushi grunted. We all fell asleep. Thats too dangerous

What too dangerous? Ruan Nanzhu dismissed indifferently. We couldve died if we had slept in that coffin-like room, too. Besides the King of Hell swears by a three-hour shift, from eleven oclock in the night to one oclock in the morning. Its already a pain in the ass for him to be trying to drag people to hell during those three hours, so imagine how much of a struggle it would be for him to try to work on a five hour shift instead; hed probably die at that rate.

As if thats true. Lin Qiushis face revealed helplessness.

The twos hushed discussion eventually woke the others from their sleep, as well. Xu Xiaocheng had reacted similarly to Lin Qiushi the second she opened her eyes. Like Lin Qiushi, she thought that it was way too risky and dangerous to have fallen asleep while sitting on the sofa together.

Is there anything to eat? Just as he did yesterday, Zhang Xinghuo began to clamor that he was starving; the very first thing that came out of his mouth the moment he woke up had to do with his hunger and how he wanted to eat.

Ill go to the kitchen and check things out. Tang Yaoyao heaved herself up off the couch and headed towards the kitchen. After a while, her voice came from inside the kitchen, How about you guys come in here and have a look as well, yes?

Lin Qiushi thought that there was something strange about the way she spoke. Nevertheless, when he entered the kitchen, he finally realized why her tone when she called out to them was so strange.

Because on top of the wood board inside the kitchen was a freshly-prepared meal, seeming intended for those hoping to eat breakfast. Light porridge, baked bread that was hot out of the oven, and boiled eggs for everyone present. These dishes might not be anything fancy in the real world; in fact, one might as well say these dishes were remarkably simple. However, for those who have not eaten well for the past few days, these dishes were more than tempting and could even be considered delicacies.

Who made this? asked Lin Qiushi.

Ive no idea. Tang Yaoyao replied, just as clueless. It was already prepared when I walked in. Wait, Zhang Xinghuo, what in the world are you rushing

As they were chatting between themselves, Zhang Xinghuo had already made a beeline for the bowl. Without any hesitation, he clasped the bowl in his hands, brought it to his lips, and slurped on it noisily. When he finally downed the entire bowl, he brusquely wiped his mouth and responded, Im so hungry. I dont want to wait any longer.

It should be fine. In any case, Im hungry, as well. Ruan Nanzhu examined the meal and saw no problems with it. Lets eat.

Ruan Nanzhu had pretty much become the main pillar of the team. So, when he declared the dishes were safe to eat, no one hesitated to pick up their chopsticks and dig into the meal before them.

Truthfully speaking, Lin Qiushi was also quite hungry. He inhaled a large piece of bread and three bowls of porridge in just one breath, but he never touched the boiled eggs, as he couldnt seem to jump over that hurdle.

On the contrary, there seemed to be nothing that could stop Ruan Nanzhu from feasting; it was like a switch inside him had flipped. Bite after bite, he devoured the eggs, and before one knew it, he had already swallowed three in one shot. Afterwards, he gracefully wiped his mouth and expressed that he was full.

At last, their hunger had been satiated. Satisfaction and lethargy colored everyones faces a healthy shade.

That was so good. Im so full. Xu Xiaocheng stroked her bulging belly and giggled ecstatically, Ah, Im so happy! I havent eaten so much in such a long time. Though I wonderwho made this meal?

Well, whoever did it, did it. Tang Yaoyao continued, Luckily, because of this person, we ended up eating so much that She wanted to say that they managed to solve their hunger, as they were now full, but just then, the sentence she uttered died at her lips; her words abruptly got caught in her throat, and she involuntarily swallowed whatever she was going to say back down.

Because a figure slowly emerged in front of the crowd. It was a woman donning an apron, with tousled curls loosely scattered and cascading past her shoulders. Her features were quite ordinary, nothing overly special, but the kind smile on her face was striking. She noticed the group before her gape at her with looks of horror on their faces, but she merely turned her head, flashed them a wide grin, showing off her bright pearly whites, and chuckled softly, Oh my, what are you all looking at me like that for? Go on, eat. I cooked this specifically for you all. How is it? Is it tasty?

Xu Xiaocheng covered her mouth and bolted for the bathroom.

A grave, deathly silence hung in the atmosphere. Everyone held their breaths as they stared at the womanjust yesterday, the mother of the triplets had been hacked to death by Zhong Chengjian, yet as of this very moment, the woman who had been met with an unimaginably tragic death, where all her internal organs were spilling from the gaping holes in her body and her limbs were ripped apart to the extent that they could never be attached again, was standing right before them, seamlessly intact and uninjured; if that wasnt all, she even exposed a gentle smile as she sincerely asked them if the breakfast they ate was delicious.

Its no wonder Xu Xiaocheng immediately dashed for the toilet and spewed the meal shed just gorged herself on.

Whats the matter? Does it not suit your tastes? The woman couldnt seem to comprehend why the others were gawking at her that way, and she continued pestering them with questions.

It was delicious. Ruan Nanhzu was the first to finally open his mouth and speak. Thank you for the meal.

Im glad you enjoyed the meal. The woman smiled sweetly, her eyes curving into crescents. The children at home are such picky eaters, unlike you all, they only eat what they like. Once she finished saying this, she turned on her heels, and tittering gleefully, she exited the area, leaving behind a room full of individuals whose twisted expression looked as if theyd just been fed dog shit.

Lin Qiushi was quite calm, but Tang Yaoyao had begun spitting out the most unpleasant string of curse words. Judging from her unsettled and discomfited appearance, it was obvious that she was utterly repulsed by what she had just eaten.

Furthermore, this person had been brutally torn apart yesterday, but today, that same person had managed to prepare scrumptious meals for them. Naturally, everyone believed that the breakfast they just ate was a big deal, and not in a good way; it was one of the biggest problems theyd faced yet. Everyones initial reaction was to regurgitate what theyd just eaten, but unfortunately, they couldnt do so; yet, at the same time, they couldnt even swallow it all the way down, causing the food to be lodged in the most uncomfortable spots in their throats, where they couldnt spit it out or force it down.

Although the woman was faced with apprehensive and hostile gazes, she did not seem to mind. She slowly ambled back into the kitchen and asked, What would you all like to eat at noon? There is quite a lot of meat inside the refrigerator She picked up the knife and tenderly caressed the blade for a moment. She then paused and continued, I can cook you all even tastier food.

The knife in her hand was the same one Zhong Chengjian had used to attack her that day. At a closer look, one could see a few specks of black running along the blade.

No one breathed a sound, and they cautiously backed out of the kitchen.

Xu Xiaocheng soon returned to the living room where the rest of the group was seated. Her face was white, her lips colorless, and she seemed seconds away from fainting. Sitting on the sofa, she gasped for air and bawled melodramatically, I cant I cant do this anymore! Just kill me already

You shouldve gotten used to this by now. Ruan Nanzhu unsympathetically said. Just how many times have you vomited these days, ah? You vomited even more than a pregnant woman would.

Upon hearing his words, Xu Xiaocheng began sobbing even harder.

How is she alive? Tang Yaoyao just couldnt wrap her mind around this. Does this mean shes a ghost now?

She certainly isnt human; however, she also isnt a ghost. Ruan Nanzhu answered. He then supposed, Perhaps shes an indispensable NPC. It could be that shes particularly vital to this world; therefore, if she dies, shell only revive later on?

Tang Yaoyao gave a curt nod, Your hypothesis is quite novel.

But there is another issue now. Ruan Nanzhu continued. Does she still retain memories of her death whenever she is resurrected?

Tang Yaoyao: Im guessing no? If thats not the case, how can she act so nice in front of us?

Ruan Nanzhu: Maybe because the murder is already gone?

Tang Yaoyao pursed her lips.

There was indeed one less amongst them, and that was Zhong Chengjian, the one who had slaughtered the woman. Fortunately, Zhong Chengjian was long gone; otherwise, if he were to witness the womans resurrection, according to his state of mind, he would surely charge at the woman with the knife again and kill her for a second time.

On the brighter side, at least someone will help make breakfast for us now. Ruan Nanzhu said. I dont want to eat that dry bread anymore.

You dare eat what she cooks? Tang Yaoyao openly expressed her disapproval of Ruan Nanzhus audacious behavior.

Didnt you also eat today? Ruan Nanzhu mercilessly exposed the cold truth as it was. In fact, you even ate more than I did. Everyone here ate.

Tang Yaoyao:

Sitting right next to him, Xu Xiaocheng feebly raised her hand. I technically didnt eat anything though. I threw all of it up.

The others: Well, look at you! Now arent you an amazing one!

Authors Comment:

Ruan Nanzhu: I love eating eggs so much.

Lin Qiushi: Why do you always like to stare at me whenever youre eating eggs?

Ruan Nanzhu: Were all eggs right now! *wink*

Lin Qiushi: You You just Quit it!

Ive been plagiarized again; I truly hope to encounter this less in the future, as it honestly affects my mood. _(:)_