The nerve-wracking Q&A session finally came to an end.
Now it was the Players’ turn to feel nervous.
Wen Di chuckled darkly to himself.
“Next up, I believe this is the part you’ve all been looking forward to. You must have heard the rumors about this inn—the inn that was burned in a fire yet remained completely intact. It’s all true.”
“And I’m sure you’re all curious about how the whole incident happened, right? How did that fire start?”
The hazy, blood-red room grew eerie under Wen Di’s deliberately lowered, soft voice, sending chills down their spines. It felt as though invisible eyes were fixed on them, waiting for them to step into some pre-set trap.
“With that sense of anticipation, let’s begin our next segment~ The Courage Test Challenge!”
“After my husband took over this inn, he found out through inquiries where the fire originated. Next, each of you will go alone to the place where the fire first started to see if it’s charred black… Don’t be afraid, you might even make some surprising discoveries~”
As soon as Wen Di finished speaking, Yao Nana protested, “Alone? You mean one person at a time? Can’t we go together?”
Wen Di shook his head. “Of course not. That wouldn’t be a Courage Test Challenge—it’d be a Coward’s Challenge.”
His expression and tone carried a smug, provocative edge, but Yao Nana no longer dared to shout at him. She never expected this little brat to have someone backing him up.
A ghost.
A Miser Ghost, no less.
Whether it was because she’d spoken ill of the ghost or the brat, it was clear he was extremely sensitive—not a single bad word was allowed.
After the failed dice-rolling experience, Wen Di finally came up with a new way to decide the order—writing the sequence on five small slips of paper and having people draw them. The number drawn would determine their turn.
The rules were simple: Wen Di would lead each person to the room, and the Player would enter alone, staying inside for fifteen minutes before coming out. Anyone who came out early would face punishment.
“What kind of punishment?” Liu Yajun asked nervously.
Upon hearing about punishment, Lu Jieyang’s ears turned red, and his mind wandered—if it were Wen Wen punishing him, he’d be more than willing.
But he kept those thoughts to himself, knowing better than to say them out loud.
“I can’t tell you just yet. After all, if you force yourselves to stay inside for fifteen minutes just to avoid punishment, that wouldn’t prove you’re very brave~”
After saying this, Wen Di took out a red lantern from under the side table in the corner, removed the lampshade, and lit it.
“Alright, first up—Shen Wangqing, follow me.”
Shen Wangqing crumpled the slip of paper and tossed it into a small trash bin nearby, then followed Wen Di out the door with a gentle expression.
In the hallway.
Shen Wangqing’s gaze involuntarily fell on the person in front of him, who stood a head shorter. Despite the black cloak, his figure was still slender and small.
The veins on Shen Wangqing’s hands bulged as he clenched them unconsciously—so fragile. If he were to grab that slender neck, pin him against the wall, and press between his legs, would he cry out in shame and anger, spilling all the clues?
Shen Wangqing suddenly chuckled at the thought. Imagining that deliberately cold, pretty face soaked in tears, those alluring lips trembling as they begged for mercy, made his heart itch with anticipation.
“What are you laughing at?” A light chuckle suddenly came from behind, leaving Wen Di somewhat puzzled as he turned to look at him.
Shen Wangqing met his gaze, a slight curve at the corner of his mouth. “Nothing.”
When they reached the door, Wen Di opened it. “Go in.”
Shen Wangqing stood still in place, his expression unusually downcast. “I’m the first one to go. To be honest, I’m a bit scared too. Wen Wen, could you make an exception and give me a hint?”
Wen Di was taken aback, flushing with embarrassment and annoyance. “Why are you calling me that too? Don’t call me that!”
Shen Wangqing sighed regretfully. “But I think this nickname is really cute, and it suits Wen Wen perfectly.”
Wen Di glared at him angrily. “Don’t!”
Shen Wangqing looked at his flustered face—hmm… even angry, he’s cute, like a little kitten. His expression is fierce, but it lacks any real threat. Just like a cat, he’d probably settle down if you rubbed his belly.
“Alright, Boss Wen, can you give me a hint then?” Shen Wangqing asked earnestly.
Wen Di snorted coldly and shook his head. “No.”
With that, he turned and walked away.
Leaving Shen Wangqing alone at the door, standing there as if afraid, before finally stepping inside.
Fifteen minutes later, Shen Wangqing returned to the red cottage completely unharmed.
Liu Yajun immediately rushed over. “How was it? Was there anything inside?”
Shen Wangqing slumped into a chair, looking weary, rubbing his forehead as if badly shaken. His voice was weak. “It was a bit scary…”
Hearing this, Liu Yajun’s heart filled with panic. If even a sly old fox like Shen Wangqing found it scary, then it must truly be terrifying!
“First, tell me what’s inside?” Liu Yajun urgently grabbed hold of Shen Wangqing.
Shen Wangqing lifted his head and smiled at Liu Yajun. “Why should I tell you? What will you give me in return?”
Liu Yajun froze, his temper flaring. “Damn it!”
He grabbed Shen Wangqing by the collar, ready to get rough, but stopped himself at the last moment—no, no, Shen Wangqing is a big shot, can’t hit him. He still needed to follow these people and find a way to clear the Instance.
It’s just scary, not deadly. What’s there to fear?
Thinking this, he let go. Meeting Shen Wangqing’s insincere smile, he fearfully retreated to the back.
The second to go was Fu Zhen.
Wen Di disliked Fu Zhen the most because Fu Zhen looked far too intimidating. Those pitch-black, frosty, and piercing eyes—once they locked onto you, it felt like a hawk targeting a chick, sending shivers down his spine and making him tremble.
As a minor boss in a horror Instance, he should be the one inspiring fear. Yet, here was a Player who made him feel afraid.
After escorting him to the door, Wen Di turned and walked away without a word.
But he was suddenly yanked back by the collar.
Wen Di’s neck went cold, and he yelped in fright. “What are you doing?”
Eyes as clear and pure as glass—clearly a pampered, well-behaved child raised at home, yet here he was, trying to play at being scary.
Not frightening at all. Just made you want to stuff this little ghost into your pocket and take him where he belonged.
Fu Zhen stared at him for a few seconds, only letting go when the little ghost began to tremble and his eyes turned red. He started to speak, “Don’t—”
Before he could even finish his sentence, the little ghost bolted, feet flying as if on wings.
“…”
Fu Zhen withdrew his gaze, his jaw tightening and veins bulging on his face.
“Damn it.”
Cursing under his breath, he entered the room.