19 I'm an Optimistic Person

 

Han Fei did not accept Zhan Yueyue’s gift. Even though his social anxiety was not as serious as before, he was still not that good at interpersonal relationships. Or rather, with the training under a certain game, his social ability was progressing down a different direction.

After returning home, Han Fei decided to go for a feast. Before this, he used to skimp on his meal so that one day he could save enough to purchase his own home. But after the experience in that Iyashikei game, his perspective on life changed. House? Money? How mundane such things were! Now he only wished to be able to enjoy the dawning sun every morning peacefully and savor the good things in life. ‘How come I never realized the food sold at the eatery downstairs tastes so good before?’

After cleaning the table, Han Fei studied the wall filled with the victims’ photo. “My monster roommate’s biggest wish is to find its killer but how am I supposed to deal with a crazed murderer on my own? I am just a barely-known actor and the enemy is a crazed murderer who has managed to escape police detection after killing 8 people! This shows that the killer is extremely clever, has a great sense of counter-surveillance and is good at disguises! If I get too close to the killer, won’t I end up being silenced first?”

Han Fei’s face paled. Detective series always looked so good and easy on tv but it was extremely dangerous to replicate in real life. “I will need cooperation from law enforcement but how can I do that without exposing the presence of the game? I also have to keep a low profile to prevent the murderer from coming after me. Now he is hiding in the dark and so am I. We’re both shrouded behind anonymity, but once the spotlight shines on me, it’s guaranteed that he’ll come after me to save his own skin.”

Han Fei gripped his fist in frustration. He knew his limit, he was only a minor mob with 5 points in stamina. “I can quit the game but not real life.” Han Fei stood up from the couch. “I need to do something about this.” Switching on the computer, Han Fei went online to order metallic pens, nunchucks, safety torches and electric tasers. Then he visited several relevant websites to purchase tons of literature on criminology, self-defence and survival. In this day and age, as long as one was willing to pay, knowledge would always be available. “I have been wasting my life away. I will have to invest more into myself from now on.”

He set up a schedule for physical training and mental exercises. Those who did not know Han Fei might get the impression that he was an optimistic and cheerful person. After the plan was in place, Han Fei threw himself into studies. He not only had to figure out the killer’s criminal workings, he had to learn how to rescue the victims from despair, this two homework would greatly improve his chance at survival. When it was almost midnight, Han Fei locked all the windows and doors before putting the gaming helmet on with hesitation.

“Last time, I logged out on the 3rd floor. I need to watch out for that kid. I have to rush up to the 4th floor the moment I log into the game!” The connection was secured. When midnight struck, blood enveloped Han Fei’s world.

“Welcome to Perfect Life where…” Before the robotic voice finished, Han Fei opened his eyes. In that moment, his face paled. The chill that came from his ring finger froze his entire body. Han Fei turned his head slightly and the door which was previously covered in talisman was left half ajar. A barely visible child was sitting right inside the room!

‘He is indeed waiting for me!’ Chilblains immediately crawled over his body. Han Fei thought he had experienced the worst the game had to offer but, in that moment, he realized he was still too naïve. The horror of this hellish game had far exceeded his expectation. ‘I still have not completed any mission and stayed for more than 3 hours, if I am dragged into the kid’s house…’ Han Fei did not even dare to imagine the possible consequences. He tried to nudge his body away from the door but once he did, the kid lifted his head. Han Fei’s back tingled as he felt the kid’s eyes on him. ‘If I run as fast as possible, I should be able to get to the 4th floor before he does, but I still need time to open the door.’ Han Fei was at the verge of despair but at that moment, the child suddenly stood up. While Han Fei was wrapped in confusion, the door behind him suddenly opened.

“Come in!” Han Fei felt a force pulling him into the house opposite from the kid. Hearing the familiar voice, Han Fei leaned into the pull. He only had one chance, he cooperated fully to mount a quick escape. From the corner of his eyes, he saw the child crawling after him. With just the breath of a hair, Han Fei managed to retreat into the safety of granny’s house.

Bang! The door slammed shut. The sound of nail scratching came from outside the door. Han Fei collapsed to the ground. His back was soaked in cold sweat.

“Are you alright?” Meng Si coughed several times as she helped Han Fei up from the ground.

“Granny, if not for you, I'd be dead by now! Thank you!” Han Fei said sincerely.

“Why would you suddenly appear on the 3rd floor?” Meng Si’s face was pale and her body appeared frailer than before.

“My house is haunted! And I’m here because I have some questions that I need to ask you.” Han Fei was not lying, his house was truly haunted.

“That will have to wait. I need to go check if the child is gone.” The old lady picked up the red candle from the dining table and placed it right next to the front door. The candle light flickered and it was then that Han Fei realized the lights in the house were off again. The old lady studied the dancing light and the shadows on the wall. After a long time, she said, “There is no sign of the child’s shadow, he did not follow you in here.”

“What is up with that child? He is so scary!” Han Fei slowly gave out a sigh.

Instead of answering, Meng Si picked up the candle and moved shakily back into the room.

“Granny, there was only a short period of time between me noticing the child and you opening the door, have you been staying by the front door? Or this is all a coincidence?” Han Fei had his suspicion. He knew the old lady was not a bad person but a little caution went a long way.

“I have been watching the house next door.” Meng Si admitted as she placed the red candle back on the table. She sighed and the wrinkles on her face deepened. “Chen Chen is gone. I suspect he has run to the opposite house.”

“Wait, Chen Chen is missing?” Han Fei was shocked.

“Aiz, why do you think I always keep Chen Chen locked up in his bedroom?” The old lady slumped weakly on the chair.

“Why?” Han Fei had indeed pondered that question before. During his first visit here, the old lady unlocked the bedroom door before she called her grandson out for dinner. Han Fei still remembered how strange he thought this behavior was.

“That is because Chen Chen always wants to go and play with that child who should not exist. I have noticed early on that Chen Chen keeps repeating this unfamiliar name. He also often sits alone next to the door covered in talisman. His lips would move as if talking to another child.”