Chapter 45: Returning to Reality

Chapter 45: Returning to Reality

According to Ruan Nanzhu, the woman could not attack them directly, even if they had already been drawn into the world of the painting.

Given that the frame had been set up beneath the mirror before their eyes, it was reasonable to assume that everyone who came to the bathroom was framed by the object at some point. But what Lin Qiushi couldnt understand was why the woman ultimately chose to capture him of all people.

Look at him. Ruan Nanzhu offhandedly remarked. Its because hes just too cute.

Tan Zaozao raised her brows at the others statement, Then why didnt I get dragged in, too?

Ruan Nanzhu: You think youre cute?

Tan Zaozao: Ruan Nanzhu, I dare you to say something like that in the real world; youll get killed before you know it.

In all, there were quite a lot of hidden frames dispersed throughout this old castle. In fact, Ruan Nanzhu even discovered a few more after returning to their bedroom. One was hidden on the right-hand side of the mirror. Another was hidden within the bedstand. Ruan Nanzhu even found a hidden frame buried among the shadows of the ceiling. Seeing this, it wasnt the least bit surprising that he was also dragged into the painting. All of Yang Meishus clever, yet needless stunts were eclipsed by the mistress own. It appeared that the creature of this door was incredibly intelligent, her own cunning schemes not inferior to anyones in the slightest.

Once all of the frames in the room were retrieved, Ruan Nanzhu brutally smashed them to pieces without hesitation. After destroying the frames, he informed the others on the team of the matter, urging them to search and gather as many frames as they could.

That coming afternoon, Lin Qiushi didnt know if his eyes were merely playing tricks on him, but it seemed as though mistress was glaring daggers at Ruan Nanzhu when they went to have lunch; the look in her eyes was terribly bitter and resentful, as if she couldnt just wait to viciously tear his flesh apart and pick at his bones.

On the other hand, Ruan Nanzhu didnt seem to be aware of her scathing stare; or, perhaps, he simply couldnt care any less. As usual, he sat at the table, ever so calm and relaxed, and delightedly savoured the fine steak before him without any reservations.

Even if everyone searched for the frames within the castle, they still wouldnt have been able to find all of them by the time night fell. The next morning, another person was found missing, turned into a gorgeous portrait.

Ruan Nanzhu went over to take a look at the painting, then rummaged through the room a bit, before fishing out a flat picture frame from under the mans carpet. Lin Qiushi took the frame and heaved a sigh, Even this?

Setting the frame aside, he shook his head, Its hopeless guarding against something as this.

Indeed, it is rather futile. Wed better find the key to leave as soon as possible, replied Ruan Nanzhu. I get the feeling shes becoming more unrestrained by the minute.

Lin Qiushi nodded in agreement.

As always, Ruan Nanzhus intuition was on point. That night, the woman appeared outside of their window again.

In the eerie stillness of the drizzling night, the woman stood amidst of the desolate garden; silver sheets of rain cascaded from the dismal sky, pitilessly crashing down on her figure. She slightly lifted her head and flashed a malicious grin in the direction of the balcony, where Ruan Nanzhu was standing.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Ruan Nanzhu was smoking outside. He didnt say anything after meeting the womans eyes. He just coolly puffed out wisps of smoke, his expression, bored and indifferent. After a long moment of silence, he uttered, Shes outside.

Lin Qiushi walked over to his side, and looked at the night scenery.

There were those who cowered in fear upon seeing this woman, and there were others who ran like hell after laying eyes on her. And then, there was Ruan Nanzhu, a man so stubborn and unafraid, who simply challenged the womans glare with a bold, unconcerned stare of his own, until the woman finally disappeared.

Are you not afraid? Lin Qiushi turned to ask him.

Tendrils of smoke swirled up as Ruan Nanzhu deeply exhaled, Its all the same regardless whether ones afraid or not. He then offered a cigarette to Lin Qiushi.

It probably wouldnt hurt if he had one smoke; after all, he was currently inside the door world. With that in mind, Lin Qiushi accepted the cigarette, then turned his gaze to the starless midnight sky, What do we do next?

Ruan Nanzhu: We wait.

Why should we wait? What should we wait for? Ruan Nanzhu didnt bother clarifying, and Lin Qiushi didnt bother asking. After he extinguished the end of his cigarette, he and Ruan Nanzhu turned around and returned to their room.

Tan Zaozao was fast asleep on the floor, and her butt was sticking high up in the air. It was hard to believe that a girl like this inside the door world was, in reality, the cold queen of acting. The person before them could honestly pass off as an unmemorable mob character; there was nothing outstanding about her appearance, and her trade-mark aloof personality wasnt anywhere to be seen. If anything, the only remarkable thing about her was the fact that she loved to stick her butt up as she slept belly-down. Frankly speaking, her worm-like sleeping posture was unsightlyno, extremely ugly. Who knew how many of her fans would mourn if they saw their goddess like this; no doubt the oh-so-regal image she strove to create for herself for years would shatter in mere seconds.

Lin Qiushi conveniently covered her with a blanket, before climbing into bed and laying his body down beside Ruan Nanzhu.

You stand on a bridge admiring the sight; youre beheld by a viewer from a height. The bright moon bedecks your window agleam, as you adorn someone elses dream. Ruan Nanzhu asked, What are your thoughts on this poem?

Lin Qiushi pondered for a while, Were inside the castle, watching the paintings. Another person views both us and the paintings from a different perspective. The picture frames encase our windows. And we adorn anothers dream The hint on this piece of paper was easily understandable; they didnt have to think about it for too long, before coming to a conclusion. Nonetheless, he still wasnt exactly sure of the meaning behind the last sentence of the poem, the part referring to their adoring anothers dream. He didnt know whether the dream in this line was referring to the painting the woman captured them in, or something else.

I think the dream is referring to the painting upstairs. Ruan Nanzhu turned to his side and leaned forward, gazing at Lin Qiushi who was also laying on his side.

They were so close that they could distinctly feel the caress of the others warm breath.

Had anyone else inched nearer to him, to the point that their noses almost touched like now, Lin Qiushi wouldve felt awfully uncomfortable. But perhaps it was because he had shared the bed with Ruan Nanzhu countless times before, that he didnt find it the least bit strange or uncomfortable.

Are you talking about the banquet painting? wondered Lin Qiushi.

Ruan Nanzhu: Yeah.

Lin Qiushi blinked innocently, Should we go burn that painting then?

Ruan Nanzhu turned silent for about three seconds. Upon realizing Lin Qiushi was completely serious, he replied, Are you not afraid?

Lin Qiushi: Are you not here with me? Besides, if the mistress dream really is the completion of that painting, we shouldnt just wait around until she finishes it.

Ruan Nanzhu: She will never finish that painting.

Lin Qiushi was initially struck dumb by his statement, but he soon understood what Ruan Nanzhu was suggesting. Indeed, the mistress would never be able to finish that painting. There was a total of ten people in that art piece, which meant that she would have to drag all ten individuals into a frame and turn them into a painting. However, according to the laws of the door worlds, the entire team would not be annihilated, for there would always be one survivor. That being so, the mistress painting would also never be completed in the end, because one face will forever remain blank on the canvas.

Well take a look at it tomorrow. Ruan Nanzhu whispered. We cant stay in this world any longer. The situation will only become even more dangerous.

Lin Qiushi nodded.

Unsurprisingly, it was as Ruan Nanzhu had suspected. Another person from their team went missing the next morning. The others didnt react as exaggeratedly this time around, for they were long used to the situation by now.

In the end, the portrait of the man was collected by the steward. Lin Qiushi watched on as the steward walked up the stairs of the castle with the painting in hand.

Where is he taking that painting? Lin Qiushi was curious.

Ruan Nanzhu replied, Who knows. Lets follow him and have a look.

Thereupon, the two individuals tacitly put their knives and forks down, and left to follow the other. Utterly oblivious to what was going on, Tan Zaozao hurriedly chased after them with a bread roll still hanging from her mouth.

The steward made his way up to the sixth floor, opened the storeroom of unfinished paintings and strolled right inside. A while after, he walked back outside.

Lin Qiushi and the others quietly hid around the corner of the stairs. Once they saw the steward disappear from their line of sight, they made their move.

Should we go in and take a look? asked Lin Qiushi.

Ruan Nanzhu gave a brisk nod in return.

Putting his lock picking skills to the test once again, Ruan Nanzhu expertly opened the door to the unfinished exhibition room. Upon walking in for the second time, they made a new discovery.

Are these all freshly-painted? Tan Zaozao stared at the paintings in front of her in horror. As before, this room was arrayed with a myriad of canvases, but now, many of the originally-blank canvases had drawings on them. The framed paintings depicted a sombre woman in black, TheWoman of the Rain. The woman ominously stood by windows, corridors, staircases, and courtyards; her haunting presence dwelled within every part of this castle. Her figure even appeared in Xiao Sus portrait.

The vile sight of her conjured an ineffable sense of impurity and wickedness; it was as though her very being befouled all the paintings before Lin Qiushis eyes.

Ruan Nanzhu scanned the hundreds of paintings in the room, and sank deep into thought. He then gave a slight wave of his hand and prompted, Lets look for it.

Tan Zaozao, who was still dumbly nibbling on the bread roll in her hands, having yet to process the entire situation, bewilderingly blurted, What are we looking for?

Ruan Nanzhu seemed used to the sight of her like this. He casually sat himself down next to Tan Zaozao and said, Dont forget to transfer the rest.

Tan Zaozao exasperatedly snapped, As if I would forget. Dont get your panties in a bunch. Seriously, whats with the hurry? I just came out of there. Cut me some slack, and let me enjoy my life for two days, at least. She chugged her chilled beer and belched loudly, Fuck yeah. That hit the spot

Lin Qiushi was somewhat absent-minded as he stared at the so-called arrogant queen who had now dropped all pretenses before him. Still dazed, he quietly took a seat beside them, and began to eat.

Tan Zaozao and Ruan Nanzhu began discussing business. Most of their conversation revolved around them bargaining the price of the fourth door. After listening to their talks, Lin Qiushi realized that the price for Ruan Nanzhus services in the door worlds wasnt cheap at all. The first four doors cost no less than a million each, at a set price. And starting from the fifth door, higher prices were charged. As for how much the prices were increased by, it all depended on Ruan Nanzhus mood.

Cant I just get a tiny discount since we have such a great relationship with each other? Were practically family, you know? Tan Zaozao tried to haggle. Not to mention, Im also a VIP member?

Ruan Nanzhu coldly replied, Well then, dear sister, pay up.

Tan Zaozao: You scrooge. Thanks to this lousy miser always sitting on his high pedestal, placing himself above the common mortals and acting as if he didnt hold worldly desires, she naively assumed he was an enlightened grand master who was completely disinterested in mundane affairs of the world.

Ruan Nanzhu: Will you pay or not?

Miserably pulling out her mobile phone, Tan Zaozao prepared to transfer the money.

Ding. Lin Qiushi phone chimed once she finished transferring the funds. He took out his phone, only to find that an extra two hundred thousand yuan had been transferred into his account. His brows furrowed slightly, revealing his hesitance, Big brother Ruan

Ruan Nanzhu waved his hand dismissively, She gave it to, so you should take it without question. Thats the price of her life. Turning it down is the same as looking down on her.

Tan Zaozao: No, please. She would honestly rather be looked down upon

Every line of business had its own rules and etiquette, which both operators and the clients abided by. As a newcomer, he should not question these dealings, and simply go along with the flow. Thinking that, Lin Qiushi gratefully accepted the money in the end, utterly oblivious to Tan Zaozao silent tears.

Having just left the door world, the three of them were exhausted, especially Lin Qiushi who was caught by the woman before he escaped. Although he hadnt sustained any injuries, that horrific moment was still enough to leave him drained and traumatized.

The first to eat was also the first to leave. After stuffing her face full, Tan Zaozao bid Ruan Nanzhu and Lin Qiushi goodbye, leaving them behind at the table.

Tired? Ruan Nanzhu asked him.

A bit, answered Lin Qiushi.

Lets go back home then. Ruan Nanzhu said. Its getting late.

Lin Qiushi nodded.

And so, the two exited the hotpot restaurant. Despite the fact the sun had already set, the weather was still overly hot and humid. The incessant chirping of cicadas, and the blaring honking and whizzing of passing traffic surrounded them. The cacophony of sounds was irritatingly noisy, yet inexplicably reassuring, nonetheless. They didnt utter a word as they made their way back; from start to finish, the atmosphere between Lin Qiushi and Ruan Nanzhu was harmoniously silent. Only after they reached the villa, did Ruan Nanzhu finally open his mouth and say to Lin Qiushi, Rest well.

You, too. Lin Qiushi smiled.

With that, Ruan Nanzhu went upstairs. Lin Qiushi, on the other hand, sat in the living room for a while.

Upon catching sight of Lin Qiushi, Cheng Qianli, who had just returned home after taking Toast out for a walk, cheerfully greeted, Oh, welcome back!

Lin Qiushi: Im back.

No accidents this time, huh? wondered Cheng Qianli, as he stroked Toasts fluffy bottom.

Nothing big. Lin Qiushi replied, awfully calm.

Having perceived Lin Qiushi wasnt in the best of moods, Cheng Qianli tilted his head, Are you alright?

Alright? Lin Qiushi shook his head, Not really. It might be that Im just tired.

Cheng Qianli let out an, Oh, and didnt dwell on the matter any longer. He just repeatedly told Lin Qiushi to rest well and feel better.

Lin Qiushi asked, Have you seen Chestnut?

Nope, havent seen Chestnut. I dont know where he mightve gone; maybe Ruan Nanzhus room? Cheng Qianli said. Are you going to go there and check for yourself?

Lin Qiushi thought about it for a moment, before deciding to let it be.

After returning to his room and climbing under his covers, Lin Qiushi lay in bed for a long time, unable to fall asleep. Restless and lost in thought, he gazed at the ceiling overhead. In the end, he couldnt resist sending a message to Ruan Nanzhu: Are you asleep?

A while passed before Ruan Nanzhu returned his message: No, why?

Lin Qiushi: I have a question.

Ruan Nanzhu: Whats the matter?

Lin Qiushi stared at the screen of his phone, then conveyed what he had been wanting to say for a while into words: Did you put something in my pocket?

Ruan Nanzhu didnt respond.

Lin Qiushi: What is it? Is it something you cant tell me?

Ruan Nanzhu simply answered him with four words: Come to my room.

Lin Qiushi was quite happy. He tossed his phone aside and ran to Ruan Nanzhus room. As soon as he opened the door, he was met with the sight of a freshly-showered Ruan Nanzhu with a bath towel loosely hugging his tight waist. His damp hair clung to the nape of his neck, and shimmering beads of water slowly dripped from the tips of his hair, enticingly trailing down the perfectly-sculpted curves of his torso, from his prominent clavicle, to the strong muscles of his chiseled chest, down to the beautifully-defined v-line of his firm abdomen, before slipping underneath his towel and falling to the floor.

Sit. Ruan Nanzhu gestured with his chin.

Lin Qiushi sat on the sofa beside Ruan Nanzhu.

Ruan Nanzhu had originally wanted to light a cigarette, but he eventually put it away after glancing at Lin Qiushi. He then picked up another towel and wiped down his hair, Yes, I put something in you pocket.

Lin Qiushi frankly demanded, Then why did you lie to me?

Ruan Nanzhu: You would rather everything be done openly instead?

Lin Qiushi was baffled to say the least, Why wouldnt you do it openly? Was there anything shameful or shady about this, that you had to do secretly?

Ruan Nanzhu looked down at Lin Qiushi, a strange expression flitting across his face. Have you truly never thought of the possibility that I would want to harm you?

Lin Qiushi innocently shook his head, Ive never thought of it.

Ruan Nanzhu: Lin Qiushi, just why are you so cute.

Authors Comment:

Ruan Nanzhu: I like bullying earnest people. *Rubs hands excitedly*

Lin Qiushi: ?????

Lin Qiushi just entered his fourth door, but hes still inexperienced. You should not constantly compare him to our skilled boss. You all need to give him some more time.

1This is a line from a drama. The context: Some dude is getting tortured and he curses the guard for being a traitor, saying his entire family and pet turtle is dead because of the other. The guard then looks at the cremation urns neatly lined up and the bowl of turtle stew positioned right next to the familys ashes, and replies, What matters most is that the family sticks together. Which basically suggests, [We] live together, and [we] die together but in a more sarcastic/humourous manner. Tan Zaozaos pretty much like, Fuck it. I shouldnt sweat the detailseven if everyone dies, as long as were [dead] together, its fine, but more euphemistically.