Chapter 25: Mistake

Chapter 25: Mistake

Once some things started and progressed, it was no longer possible to return to the beginning.

Xiao Yis demise only seemed to signal the prelude to ruin, ominously raising the curtains to show a macabre play of death. Zeng Ruguo and Zhong Chengjian had both died tragically in just two short days; however, the sickle of Death never ceased. On the day following the womans resurrection, a fourth victim appeared.

Except, it wasnt one of them who had died. It was one of the triplets, Xiao Shi.

This time, Xu Xiaocheng was the first to discover Xiao Shis corpse. As soon as she entered the bathroom, she screamed her head off and instantaneously bolted out, hysterically crying out, Another person died! Another person died!!!

Who died? asked Tang Yaoyao.

I dont know. It seemed to be one of the two little girls. Xu Xiaochengs eyes grew rounder with terror. Although she had caught sight of the corpse, her response was much calmer than before; at least her very first reaction wasnt to puke this time. I didnt have the guts to stare at it any longer. I just glanced at it really quickly, then immediately ran out of there.Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)

With that said, the group headed off towards the bathroom. The moment they walked inside, they stumbled upon the remnants of a corpse scattered on the ground.

Xiao Shis state wasnt looking any prettier than Xiao Yis, who had been hacked to death with a knife. All of her limbs and organs were haphazardly smeared across the floor, painting a hideous mess; one could practically imagine the brutality that took place, how much the body was beaten and crushed, based on the unrecognizable remains of a body splattering the bathroom.

Yet everyone remained relatively cool upon seeing the battered corpse this time. Lin Qiushi gave the gory scene a once-over and verified that Xiao Shi was as dead as can beshe couldnt possibly be any deader.

Ruan Nanzhu didnt utter a word the entire time; he stood in still silence.

Standing beside him, Lin Qiushi asked the other in a low whisper what he was thinking.

Nothing important. Ruan Nanzhu unconcernedly replied. Im just curious as to how the mother will react this time once she sees this scene.

Everyones faces turned ugly at the thought of the woman.

And yet, it was truly as the saying wentspeak of the devil and in he walks! Ruan Nanzhu had barely mentioned the woman, before she unexpectedly appeared right at the doorway to the bathroom! This time, she didnt weep outrageously. With an astonishingly calm bearing and an expression that couldnt be any more blank, she grasped a mop in one hand and a disposable bag in the other. She then lowered her head and quietly began to sweep up her daughters corpse, ever so slowly gathering the pieces of her childs body.

Not a single spoken word broke this pantomime; only the sticky, sloshing sounds of the wet mop being dragged across the thick blood could be heard. The woman skillfully bagged her daughters body parts, then silently lugged the full bag away.

I have a really bad feeling. Tang Yaoyaos complexion turned pale. What about you?

Same here. Zhang Xinghuo swallowed hard as he agreed. Can we all really live to the last day?

There were only two days left until the birthday party, but that day seemed like forever from now; after all, time crawled torturously slowly when one was feeling wretched.

No one could answer Zhang Xinghuos question. In such a world, no ones life was guaranteed, and the fact that they were still alive was already a blessing; at this point, they were purely relying on luck to survive.

That afternoon, Tang Yaoyao fell ill, and she returned to her room early to get some rest.

Lin Qiushi recalled what happened the day before, and he tactfully reminded her to be careful and take care.

Tang Yaoyao did not take Lin Qiushis words to heart. She merely nodded, and turning on her heels, strutted away. Xu Xiaocheng gazed at her retreating back and hesitantly parted her lips to say something, but eventually deciding against it, she closed her mouth and chose to remain silent.

Whats the matter? Lin Qiushi asked Xu Xiaocheng upon seeing her distraught appearance.

Nothing. Xu Xiaocheng shook her head. I just think it might be a bit safer for everyone to stick together.

Zhang Xinghuo said, It doesnt matter if its safe or unsafe. Even if everyone sticks together now, well have to be separated when night comes.

That was, indeed, the unfortunate truth. Lin Qiushi inwardly sighed.

With the grim atmosphere ruining everyones mood, no one had the heart to chat.

After eating a simple dinner, Ruan Nanzhu announced that he was tired. He then stood up from his seat and dragged Lin Qiushi along with him back to that coffin-like room.

Whats wrong? Lin Qiushi wondered. Why are you in such a hurry today?

Ruan Nanzhu pouted, This one just wants to stay with you for a while Cant I?

Lin Qiushi: Speak. Whats going on.

Ruan Nanzhu: I think I know where the door is.

Lin Qiushi raised his eyebrows in shock, You know where the door is?

Its only a guess though. Ruan Nanzhu said, I have to verify it first. Its going to be very dangerous, so you should just

Im going with you. Lin Qiushi already knew what Ruan Nanzhu was going to say, so he immediately interrupted him. Even though I probably cant be of much help, at least youll have one other person by your side; two people looking out for each other is still better than one. He pursed his lips, his voice became an octave lower, much graver. I know that Im weak right now, but if something happens to you

A faint smile played around Ruan Nanzhu lips, Ah, thats right, if anything bad happens to me, youd end up becoming a widower.

Lin Qiushi:

Ruan Nanzhu: And Im not kind enough to let you find another woman. Nope, I wont allow it.

Lin Qiushi exhaled deeply, Okay big boss, can we just stop messing around and leave already?

Ruan Nanzhu stretched his arm and patted Lin Qiushis buttocks, before saying, Alrighty, lets go.

Lin Qiushi: You seriously cant keep your misbehaving hands to yourself, can you?

A few minutes later, the two appeared on the roof. As before, a bulky, rusted lock, covered in unrecognizable stains, hung from the roof, and judging from the looks of it, it hadnt been used in quite a long time. However, Lin Qiushi noticed that there were some new marks on the lock that hadnt been there previously. It looked as if someone had opened it; in particular, near the area of the keyhole, there seemed to be some traces of rubbing.

Did someone come to the roof? Lin Qiushi instantly recalled the forbidden door that shouldnt have been opened in the fairy tale, and wondered aloud, Is this that door?

Perhaps. Ruan Nanzhu responded. Im not too sure though, so I plan to go up and check it out. You just stay down here and be on the lookout.

Lin Qiushi nodded.

Ruan Nanzhu removed his hair pin and began to unlock the lock. When it came to this field, Ruan Nanzhu was exceptionally skillful; quickly and effortlessly, he efficiently opened the lock.

With a sharp click, the lock soon fell to the ground. The iron door issued a slight creak as Ruan Nanzhu gradually pushed it open.

With the iron door now fully opened, the view on the rooftop was clearly exposed before the two individuals. Although it was pitch black outside, Lin Qiushi could vaguely identify the situation on the roof. Countless stuffed black bags were littered across the rooftop, and these bags seemed awfully familiar. As a matter of fact, Lin Qiushi had seen a similar disposable bag just this afternoonthe same type of bag was used by that woman to carry her daughters butchered corpse.

However, as of this very moment, there were hundreds of thousands of these disposable bags before his eyes.

Tch. Ruan Nanzhu softly clicked his tongue, then turned his head to look at Lin Qiushi. It seems like were in trouble.

Lin Qiushi: Huh?

Ruan Nanzhu explained, What if this door was never about the three sisters in the first place, but the eggs instead?

Before Lin Qiushi could respond, Ruan Nanzhu stepped onto the rooftop, But, I mean, since weve come all this way already

Lin Qiushi: Friend, do you think youre on a vacation or something? Did we come to this motherfucking place just so you can bring some souvenirs back with you?

Ruan Nanzhu walked out onto the rooftop and scanned his surroundings, looking left and right, as if he was searching for something.

Do you still remember the blood that was spilled at the door? asked Ruan Nanzhu. I initially believed that blood was used to ward off evil, somewhat like a protection, but now

Are you saying someone wanted them dead? Lin Qiushi suddenly came to a realization. Someone deliberately poured blood on their doorstep?

Mhm. Ruan Nanzhu gave a curt nod.

Could it be that this man died in place of Tang Yaoyao? Lin Qiushi supposed. Tang Yaoyaos body had been stained with blood, and yet she managed to live through the night peacefully. He had originally thought that Tang Yaoyao had escaped from calamity, but he certainly didnt expect to find another deceased individual on one of the lower floors of the building.

Ruan Nanzhu narrowed his eyes, Seems like it.

Lets go down and check out the first floor. Lin Qiushi thought of the elderly grandmother downstairs and wanted to observe the situation there.

Lets go. Ruan Nanzhu assented.

Thereafter, the three left the fourth floor and headed down to the first floor. They arrived at their destination, only to see that all of the doors to the rooms on the first floor were closed. And sure enough, it was as Ruan Nanzhu speculated. While the locked doors were nothing new, there was something different about the placefresh blood had been slathered near the doorway of one of the rooms, and the blood had yet to solidify, suggesting that it was spilled quite recently.

Ruan Nanzhu extended an arm and knocked hard on the door.

In all honestly, they did not expect the person inside to respond, but who couldve imagined that after a minute passed, the elderly lady actually opened the door for them. With a glum expression, she squinted her cloudy eyes and sized up the three individuals before her; and all the while, she kept mumbling something to herself.

Lin Qiushi didnt even need to hear her clearly to know that she must have been repeating that same monotonous sentence: I have already eaten.

Previously, he had not concerned himself with the elderly ladys mechanical repetition, but thinking of it, this one sentence was inexplicable creepy and disturbing, causing ones blood to run cold.

Why was she repeating this sentence to no end? Who was it that gave her something to eat? What exactly had she already eaten? Although this grandma was old and senile, she still possessed enough awareness to express her resistance.

Great grandmother, what exactly have you eaten? Lin Qiushi carefully inquired.

Once this question was directed at her, the elderly woman paused, remaining silent for about two second. She then parted her lips and hoarsely answered, I have already eatenI have eaten the cake.

Lin Qiushi:

Dont eat. Dont eat. Stressing this, the elderly woman soon began blabbering the same words. She raised her hand to shut the door, but Ruan Nanzhu speedily reached out and caught the iron door with his hand, holding it in place. With a warm smile and gentle tone, Ruan Nanzhu asked, Grandma, do you have any plans to attend this years birthday party?

Upon hearing the words birthday party, the elderly womans body started to quiver uncontrollably. A strange, chilling expression flashed within her hazy eyes, and after a brief moment, she replied, No. I wont go.

Ruan Nanzhu: Why wont you go?

The elderly woman said, Those whove attended still havent come back yet. I have to wait for them here. After she finished stating this, she reverted back to her repetitive ways, saying I have already eaten, like a tape stuck on repeat. No matter what Ruan Nanzhu asked, she no longer responded to any more questions; with the state she was in, it was impossible to obtain any more information.

Feeling helpless and frustrated, Ruan Nanzhu released his hold on the door, allowing the elderly lady to finally close it.

Nevertheless, although they only exchanged a few words with the old woman, in the brief period they managed to speak with her, their suspicions had been confirmed. There was a reason this building was unoccupied, and the reason apparently had something to do with the birthday party of those triplets who resided on the fourteenth floor.

So, anyone who participates in the birthday party doesnt survive? Lin Qiushi wrinkled his brows in perplexity. But our task in this world is to wait seven days, then celebrate the triplets birthday once those seven days are over. Isnt this contradictory?

Ruan Nanzhu stated, Its highly unlikely that the world behind the door will set up a completely hopeless situation, or a deadlock, if you will. Simply attending the birthday party may not necessarily be a condition for death.

Then what is it? Lin Qiushi frowned.

I dont know yet. Ruan Nanzhu uttered. We can only wait.

As they conversed with each other, they headed back up to the fourteenth floor.

When Lin Qiushi entered through the door, he came across Tang Yaoyao sitting on the sofa aloofly and Zhang Xinghuo sitting beside her with a sour expression on his face. Despite seeing the three arrive, the two did not greet them; in fact, they barely paid them any heed.

What happened? Xu Xiaocheng diffidently questioned.

Nothing. Tang Yaoyao unenthusiastically dismissed with the wave of her hand. Just a while ago, that little brat came to us to stir up some trouble.

She found you to stir up some trouble? repeated Ruan Nanzhu, doubtfully. What did she say?

She wouldnt stop nagging me to say her name. Tang Yaoyao puffed out through her gritted teeth. How the fuck am I supposed to know her name? All three girls look exactly the same! Who the hell knows which one of them died! This is just the worst. As she said this, she clicked her tongue multiple times in annoyance. Zhang Xinghuo even said not to get angry with a child. But that? Is that even a child? I say its just a little devil!

Zhang Xinghuo huffed in frustration, Can you stop with that attitude? Okay, lets say she is a little devil. You think shell let you live if you continue with this nasty attitude of yours?! Frankly speaking, that attitude will only result in you dying faster!

No one knows for sure who will be the very next to die! Tang Yaoyao roared furiously. I seriously cant comprehend what that turd-filled brain of yours is thinking. Dont tell me you could actually recognize them, huh?

Zhang Xinghuo fell into livid silence.

It seemed that ever since Tang Yaoyao had been stained with blood, her mood was all over the place, her state of mind unstable, especially right now; even the slightest pinch would cause her to erupt.

The last one is Xiao Tu. Ruan Nanzhu said calmly. Dont make the same mistake next time. This may be a condition of death. Speaking of which, we just went down and found that the young man living on the fourth floor had died.

Hopping off what Ruan Nanzhu announced, Lin Qiushi discussed the situation they stumbled upon on the fourth floor and also shared some information they obtained from the elderly woman.

Who couldve known that after listening to this information, Tang Yaoyaos temper grew even worse. She rose from the sofa and irascibly paced around the room like a trapped beast; her expression was incomparably fierce.

Whats the matter with you, Tang Yaoyao? asked Xu Xiaocheng upon seeing her erratic behavior.

Theres no need to worry about me. Tang Yaoyao spat. Im feeling extremelygreat!!! As she said this, she began to rub her arms vehemently.

The weather here was far from freezing. Everyone wore short sleeves and light jackets, and the same applied to Tang Yaoyao; she was wearing a simple t-shirt and a lightweight jacket on top. And yet, her movements were very exaggerated and extremely rough, as if she was doing everything in her power to warm herself up.

Not a single person breathed a word. Everyone felt that there was something odd with Tang Yaoyao.

At last, Xu Xiaocheng couldnt restrain herself; she opened her mouth and softly wondered, Tang Yaoyao, whats up with you hand

Feeling more than peeved, Tang Yaoyao blew up, Whats up with me?! What do you mean? Theres nothing up with me! Im fine! Im perfectly fine!!! After insisting that she was fine, she hoisted her sleeves up and continued to rub her arms violently.

The moment she rolled up her sleeves, Lin Qiushi caught sight of marks on her arm.

Traces of red splotched her arms, resembling splatters of blood. Tang Yaoyao began using her sharp nails to scratch at that area; it was as if there was this unbearable itch tormenting her.

Soon after, Lin Qiushi saw the crimson marks started to spread right before his eyes, gradually spreading from her arms to her shoulders. Everyones eyes widened with horror at this alarming sight. Tang Yaoyao, who was too absorbed with her arms, was oblivious to her surroundings, and therefore missed everyones expressions of shock. She never stopped scratching her arms, until she realized everyone was staring at her strangely.

Tang Yaoyao, whose face flushed a deep scarlet, glared at the rest and warily demanded, Why are you guys looking at me like that?

Authors Comment:

Ruan Nanzhu: Come now

Lin Qiushi: Where do you think youre touching?

Translators Comment:

Okay guys, so first, Xixi has released the 3rd Episode for Season 1 of the Radio Drama in case any of you havent realised, so check it out and do thank her for her hard work!!!

Also, Volume 1 for KoD has officially been published!!! I literally freaked the f*ck out when I saw this announcement on the authors weibo, to the point I ended up calling Sigma while she was at work because thats how excited I was. And yes, I just had to share the news with those who didnt already know. Now, Volume 1 apparently has a couple of new extra chapters (little spoiler for those who wanted to see more of Qiushi and his cat), and many things have been changed (not the plot of course, but the gore and the explicit scenes) so I probably wont actually translate using the physical copy. Nevertheless, the title cover on this site (and on the official site, jjwxc) has finally been changed to reflect the cover of the physical copy. There are a total of 4 volumes, meaning 3 more physical copies left to go!

The names of all volumes are, apparently, as follow: Volume 1: orKaleidoscope Qiushi|| Volume 2: orKaleidoscope Nanzhu|| Volume 3: orKaleidoscope Qianli|| Volume 4: or Kaleidoscope Yixie.