CH 499

When the man in black started the story, no one minded it that much, they treated it as a story. But as the man continued, everyone’s focus was drawn to him. Certain things couldn’t be told at night because they might just turn into reality.

“My wife was looking at the mirror but she was not in the mirror. I was beside her, I still cannot describe the fear I had. At that moment, I was stunned. When I came to my senses, my wife had returned to normal. My wife was 5 years older than I was but she looked younger than me. In the past, I thought her face was beautiful but from that night onwards, the more I looked at her face, the more terrified I was.

“Normally, the longer you look at something, the more familiar it will become. But my wife’s face was the opposite. Fear tormented me and my wife noticed my anxiety. But she had no idea it came from her. Under my suggestion, we decided to go under the knife and return my wife her original face.

“I returned to the hospital and prepared everything myself but the surgery failed. Her face was injured and she had to wear a bandage every day. She started to act weirder and weirder. She kept shoving things under the bandage and locked herself up inside her room. By then I couldn’t care less how she looked like, I just wanted to be with her and spend a quiet life together. No matter what happened to her face, I would accompany her. When she was in pain, I tried my best to make her happy. I brought her to many places, to try new things but it only made her distance herself from me. About a week later, my wife removed the bandage on her face. Do you know what I saw?” The man’s fists gripped together. “I saw a broken face.

“I would never forget that moment. I was so afraid that I couldn’t even move. The woman seated before the mirror started to cry but her tears couldn’t even slide down her cheeks normally. Instead they flowed into her flesh. She suddenly grabbed to knife to charge at me. She left this scar on my face and ran out. When I saw her next, she was dead. Before she died, she ruined her face.

“Do you think it ended there? The real horror is only coming now. After my wife died, laughter kept coming out of the mirrors in my house. At midnight, a woman would appear in the mirrors. I went to see the doctors and they said I was hallucinating due to trauma. They gave me a lot of drugs. I cooperated fully with them but it was pointless. Once you saw that woman in the mirror, you’d be forever bound to her. There is no escape.” The pain was evident in the man’s eyes. “Until now, I can still see her.”

“Alright, everyone has heard the story.” CEO Lee clapped his hands. “That’s the general plot. I’ve sent out people to scout the major locales that he has mentioned in his stories. We will try to create it as close to 100 percent as possible. We’ll make the shoot at the places where the actual events transpired.” The adaptation for this movie was different from Twin Flowers, CEO Lee was not after the truth but the background and atmosphere of the real-life story.

“The story is not bad but the plot is still quite weak. The scriptwriters will have to work hard.” Director Zhang gave his opinion. It was clear that he was not that satisfied with this story. If not for the funds provided by CEO Lee, he probably would have rejected this movie.

“We’ve come up with the main framework but we need to fill in the details. So we’ll have to communicate more with this gentleman.” The 2 scriptwriters stood up to exchange numbers with the man in black. They had already taken out their phones but the man didn’t respond. “Brother, we’ll have to talk more in the future. We should exchange numbers for convenience.”

The man in black didn’t answer. He stood up. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me. You’ll regret it when she shows up for real.” Picking up the metal flash, the man looked at Xia Yilan, “And when that happens, none of you will escape.” Then he put his mask back on. He left, slapping away the hand of the scriptwriter who tried to stop him.

“Perhaps he is actually crazy.” The scriptwriter grumbled, “I’ve been in this business for decades and I’ve not met someone that strange.”

“If he is really crazy, then it’s perfect. We’ll write him into the plot and that will make our movie even more real.” A young actor who stood behind Xia Yilan joked to ease the tension in the room. But no one said anything in response.

“I need to use the bathroom.” Xia Yilan didn’t look too well. She grabbed her bag and ran out. After Xia Yilan left, Han Fei stood up with a smile. “I’ll go to take a look.” Han Fei walked out of the booth to find the man in black but the man had disappeared. “I wanted to have a talk with him but no matter, I’ve memorized his appearance, the police should be able to help me find him.” Everyone in the booth thought the man was making up stories but Han Fei thought the man told a bit of falsehood and reality. Immortal Pharma did want to create the perfect body and consciousness, both ends faced some problems.

‘At the plastic surgery hospital, the woman should represent beauty and body, the child in the white shoes the consciousness and personality, but what about the worker with the paint?’ There was 3 Pure Hatred at the hospital and Han Fei was slowly unveiling their secrets. Han Fei planned to return since he couldn’t find the man in black but when he reached the end of the corridor, he saw Xia Yilan standing facing the wall. She held her phone and stood at the corner. The woman was not on her phone and she kept mumbling something. She spoke low but fast. “Kill him, have to kill him, he knows I will die. He has seen the broken face, he knows my face…” The lips trembled and the cheeks shook. Xia Yilan suddenly turned around. There was no one behind her. She turned back and continued to mumble to herself.

Leaning against the wall, Han Fei silently slid back into the booth. CEO Lee was very confident in the movie. He made many promises. Director Zhang also started to discuss the script with the writers.

“Han Fei, come! Sit with me!” CEO Lee was passionate. “What do you think of this movie? If you are willing to be part of the cast, I’ve already prepared the contract, you’ll be the lead!”

“I am interested. But I’ll decide after the script is out.” Mainly Han Fei wanted to see the woman in the mirror. He felt like he’d be more likely to see her with these people. Plus if something happened, he’d have his colleagues to share the pressure. CEO Lee was happy after hearing that. He downed a few mouthfuls of wine.

“It’s getting late. If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave first.” Han Fei smiled. He told Director Zhang and departed. He pulled open the door and Xia Yilan was coming in. She was surprised to see Han Fei. “You’re leaving so soon? We still have other activities after this, why don’t you join us?”

“I have something else to do.” Han Fei was a very boring person, even the paparazzi had given up on him. The man either spent his time at work or stayed at home to play games. He never left home after 10.30 pm. Even high-schoolers had more fun than this man did.

“You’re too cautious. You should enjoy your youth when you still can.” Xia Yilan tried to brush against Han Fei as she walked through the door but Han Fei stepped back to allow her to past.

“My youth is already colorful enough.” After Xia Yilan entered the booth, Han Fei took his phone and left. He noticed the rot on Xia Yilan had gotten thicker. Han Fei left Bai Xiang Ge and was about to call Li Xue when he felt a sharp gaze on him. Han Fei looked around and spotted the man in black at the street corner. The man hadn’t left.

“Hello.”

“If you don’t want to die, don’t accept that movie.” The man in black lowered the rim of his cap. “I’m not kidding or making up stories.”

“Why are you only telling this to me?” Han Fei was more curious about that. Earlier, the man demanded that Han Fei sat beside him. He appeared to be afraid and Han Fei could calm him.

“No reason.” The man turned to leave.

“Do you need my help?” After Han Fei said that, the man stopped. “If you watch the law channel, you know that I’ve helped many people. You remind me of most people I’ve helped.” The man in black turned around. After a long hesitation, he left a number with Han Fei. “The name’s Ugly Scar. There are things I can’t say at night, I’ll tell you more in the morning.” As if worried that he might be spotted, the man turned and disappeared into the night.

“Things one can’t say at night? Unmentionables?” Han Fei shook his head. “There are only Pure Hatreds at the hospital. He doesn’t dare to say anything because he’s guilty.” Memorizing the man’s number, Han Fei took a cab home. There were 3 players still stuck in the cryptic world. Han Fei was worried about them so he entered the gaming hub before midnight. “Players that accidentally entered the cryptic world have to do with Immortal Pharma. Is this Fu Sheng’s doing too?”

Putting on the gaming helmet, Han Fei’s world turned red. When blood dripped, Han Fei opened her eyes. Broken furniture decorated the dark room. Han Fei exited the door and saw Weep and Ying Yue seated on the urn outside the door. Weep held a handful of black buttons, he seemed to have Ying Yue pick two. “Are you trying to help her find her eyes?” Han Fei touched Weep’s head. He thought the boy was very cute.

With Weep and Ying Yue, Han Fei found Feng Ziyu. As a former game tester, Feng Ziyu was very familiar with the game mechanics. He was the perfect NPC. He led the Ziggurat guards to interact with Ironman and Yan Tang.

After ensuring all 3 players were safe, Han Fei received good news and bad news. The good news from Mirror God. He had sensed traces of Big Sin and Bai Sinian on the rooftop of the mall. The duo was at Lost Theme Park and they wanted to come back; the bad news came from Mirror God too. He sensed an Unmentionable’s presence on Big Sin. He believed Big Sin was targeted by an Unmentionable.

“Thankfully, there’s only one.” Han Fei sighed in relief. To obtain reputation point to upgrade his altar, he allowed Big Sin to ruin other people’s altar. He knew this was a debt he had to pay eventually. Putting on the beast mask, Han Fei wanted to go check on the few players. Then he’d find a chance to send Auntie Lee away at midnight. The cryptic world was too dangerous for the middle-aged woman. At her age, she couldn’t suffer too many stimuli.

With Feng Ziyu’s guidance, Han Fei had a ‘chance encounter’ with the players. Han Fei switched on his masterful acting. He didn’t look like he had been offline for a whole morning. He looked tired. His tone and voice were more lethargic than before.

“Brother Youfu, we meet again!” The 3 players surrounded him.

“You haven’t found the way to leave?” Han Fei was surprised but he soon came to an understanding. “Then again, it’s hard to leave this place with your current ability.”

“We’ve found many keys but none of them is useful. We’ve tried all the doors in this building and we’re still stuck here.” Ironman sighed. He felt like he had brought shame to the professional players.

“Keys might not be keys, but keys are keys.” Han Fei said something that no one understood. The 3 players thought about it. “I just came back from the dangerous zone. After I finish the mission, I’ll go out again. You should stay here first. If I find extra keys, I’ll give you them to you.”

“How can you survive being at such an oppressive place for so long?” Yan Tang was very curious about Han Fei.

“Then would you prefer to stay inside your comfort zone for life?” Han Fei’s tired eyes glowed.

“I get it now.” Yan Tang looked at Han Fei with admiration. Yan Tang had no idea that Han Fei had gone offline to attend a meeting, saved a cat, got on trending, and had several scrumptious meals. If Han Fei could stay inside his comfort zone, he wouldn’t leave but he had no choice. Yan Tang got the wrong idea and thought great things about Han Fei.

“You guys better stay here, and I’ll venture out of the fog.” Han Fei was about to leave when the haggard-looking Auntie Lee walked towards him. “Sister Lee, what’s wrong?”

“I believe I heard my husband’s voice, can you bring me to go see him?” Auntie Lee seemed to know how hard her demand was so she gave Han Fei her number in real life. “I don’t know this game, I don’t have treasures and items, I can’t give you much in-game but if you bring me to go meet him, I’ll pay you in real life.” Han Fei was surprised that the auntie was rich. While he could empathize with her, it was too dangerous outside the fog. If one died in the cryptic world, one might die for real. “I’m not lying to you, my name in real life is Lee…”

“Wait.” Han Fei interrupted her. “Sister, you need to remember not to expose her information from real life when you are in-game.”

“I just want you to believe me, can you bring me to see him?” Auntie Lee looked at Han Fei with anticipation. She had been searching for her husband for 20 years already. She finally got a lead, so she was not going to give up so easily.

“Can you tell me, how did you hear his voice?” Han Fei was curious. The Ziggurat was covered in Soul Mist. If an outsider entered the zone, as the altar owner, Han Fei would sense it.

“It seems to be related to my talent. Ever since we separated from you yesterday night, I kept hearing his voice. It sounded close, he said he wanted to see me.” Auntie Lee’s talent was called Mourning. She could transmit her emotions and memory to the dead.

“Let me think about it.” Han Fei stared at Auntie Lee. The auntie’s husband once worked for Immortal Pharma, he was a doctor for the plastic surgery hospital. If he could bring Auntie Lee’s husband back into the fog, then perhaps Han Fei could find out more about the hospital.

“Okay, I’ll bring you with me. You have to listen to me. It’s very dangerous outside the fog. Once you die, you will lose everything.” After Han Fei said that, both Yan Tang and Ironman admired him further. As a professional player, Ironman understood how important one’s gaming account was. But Han Fei was willing to risk losing his account to help an auntie who was only level 3, he was too kind.

“It’s too dangerous for you to bring her alone. I’ll go with you.” Ironman volunteered. Yan Tang did the same. Han Fei wanted to reject them but then he thought about it. Yan Tang’s info couldn’t be assessed by Li Xue in real life so he should have a secret identity; Ironman’s father was a manager at Immortal Pharma. There was a reason he was pulled into the cryptic world. Furthermore, Han Fei felt like this was a chance to train the players. Only through training that the players could be his real assistance. It was easier for surface world players to level up. After they had higher attributes, they would evolve from low-level cannon fodder to high-level cannon fodder.

“Okay, I’ll bring you all with me. But it’s very dangerous outside the fog so I need to be prepared.” Han Fei told the 3 players to prepare too and they would meet after 3 hours.

During these 3 hours, Han Fei studied all the skill books Huang Yin left behind. He was different from the players from the surface world. He had too many skill points. Lockpicking, scuba-diving, sewing, explosives, gardening, Han Fei learned a little bit of everything. 3 hours later, Han Fei found the 3 players. Han Fei carried the urn and they walked towards the edge of the mist.

“The voice comes from this direction. I can hear it clearly now. My husband is asking for help.” Auntie Lee jogged and the rest followed. They ran past the beauty hotel.

“Wait!” Han Fei signaled them to stop. He stared at a bloody shoeprint at the junction, it was a child’s shoeprint. “It’s going to get more dangerous from here. Be prepared to run back into the mist.” Han Fei pulled Auntie Lee behind him. He pulled out Rest in Peace and walked in front with Xu Qin.

“We’re close. The voice is strong, it’s coming from the end of this street!” The auntie was excited. She believed she would see her husband soon.

“It’s crucial for us to not act recklessly.” Han Fei moved through the shadows. Before he approached the building, the landlord’s ring chilled. “The ring can sense the ghost from so far?” Han Fei slowed down. He looked at the building pointed out by the auntie. The building at the end of the street was a neighborhood clinic on the first floor of an apartment building. It was not that large but the chill from the landlord’s ring was intense. There was something scary hidden in that small clinic.

“The child’s shoeprints have disappeared. The white shoe didn’t come to this place so it shouldn’t be a Pure Hatred.” Han Fei slowly approached. When he was near the clinic, the system rang. “Notification for Player 0000! You’ve found a unique building—Mirror Clinic. Light up your first building at the plastic surgery hospital zone!”

“Mirror Clinic?” Han Fei slowly walked in and he understood why the clinic had that name. In the small clinic, there were many mirrors. Even though there was no one in the clinic, figures stood inside the mirrors. They all faced away from the mirrors. They were of varying sizes. ‘Everyone from this building is here?’

Han Fei was the first to enter the clinic. The atmosphere inside was oppressive. The mirrors blocked off all the paths. To walk through the clinic, one had to edge between the mirrors.

“The clinic uses mirrors in its treatment of patients?” Han Fei touched the surface of a mirror. It was cold. The system rang again.

“Notification for Player 0000! You’ve triggered Grade F Hidden Mission—Mirror Clinic.

“When you cry at the mirror, your reflection will smile, it likes to see you see. It keeps on coming up with ways to make you cry. It moves to your bed and reaches out its hands from inside the mirror.

“Mission Requirement: Find a smiling reflection of yourself in the mirror.”