The newly arrived travelers in the town were assigned to stay in the only inn. The innkeeper was a middle-aged man with a protruding belly, always holding a box of red ice cream, his smiling face radiating kindness and approachability.
However, no one would mistake his outward appearance for genuine goodness. In fact, the less monstrous someone seemed, the more terrifying they appeared to the townsfolk.
"Welcome, everyone, to Wubai Town. I am the mayor and also the principal of the school. You may simply call me Principal. There are many scenic spots in town for you to visit, though the most valuable—and the hardest to find—is yet to be discovered."
The principal's smile widened, the folds of his cheeks creasing deeply. "Now, someone must be wondering: if you grow tired of staying in town, how do you leave? It’s quite simple."
He produced a photograph. "In this town, there is a sea of white roses—the most beautiful place here. Legend has it that a beautiful lady lies in eternal slumber within that flower field. She passed away long ago, but divine mercy has preserved her body, leaving her as if merely asleep, resting among the never-fading blossoms."
"And it is said that inside her crystal coffin lies a golden key. The one who obtains this key can unlock the gate that leads out of Wubai Town."
The principal put the photo away, scooping up his ice cream with a spoon as he chuckled. "Of course, Wubai Town is known for its simple, honest customs, and everyone here follows good order. As the saying goes, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' So during your stay, please abide by the town’s rules."
The principal, being elderly, tired easily after speaking. He waved his hand, and a disheveled young man stepped forward.
Fang Min grinned. "No need to be nervous. The town’s rules aren’t too many."
Hands in his pockets, he recited them one by one.
"1. All lights in your room must be turned off by 10 PM.
2. If you see an open basement door, be sure to light a red candle.
3. Should you encounter a flower-carrying girl at the end of a hallway, do not meet her gaze for more than three seconds.
4. Mirrors reflect one’s other self—never look into one after midnight.
5. If you sleep too soundly and dream of a red door, do not open it.
6. On sunny days, make sure to take a walk outside. It would be a shame to miss the beautiful scenery, wouldn’t it? But if it rains, stay indoors.
7. If a black animal stares at you, don’t panic. Offer it a pack of meat, and it won’t attack.
8. Public places like the library, restaurants, shops, and the cinema close at 10 PM. If you find them open, do not enter.
9. If you pick up a wooden doll, do not attempt to speak to it.
10. Lastly, and most importantly—for the sake of our town’s children studying in peace—remember: do not approach the town’s only school."
The travelers’ expressions shifted uneasily. Memorizing so many rules was one thing, but more unsettling was how each rule carried an eerie undertone, stirring unease in their hearts. What would happen if they broke even one?
Fang Min beamed amiably. "I’m the town’s handyman—I do a bit of everything. If any of you need help, feel free to come to me."
Despite his casual demeanor, no one dared to approach him based on appearances alone.
Rooms were soon assigned.
Wen Sisi was placed in the second room on the second floor, with Jiang Du to her left and Ming Buchang to her right. Meanwhile, Wen Yaoyao was lodged on the third floor, next to Gu Moleng.
Wen Sisi immediately sought out Wen Yaoyao. "Yaoyao, let’s switch rooms. I want to be closer to Moleng."
Not long ago, Wen Sisi had gotten engaged to her boyfriend, Gu Moleng, and they were still in the honeymoon phase. In an unfamiliar place, she wanted to stay near the one she loved.
Wen Yaoyao timidly glanced at Ming Buchang nearby. Shy and introverted, she was afraid of being too close to such a frivolous man. Yet, faced with her sister’s request, she clenched the key in her hand before loosening her grip and handing it over. "Alright… I’ll switch with you."
But Gu Moleng spoke up. "Sisi, don’t pressure your sister."
Wen Sisi pouted. "How is this pressuring her?"
Gu Moleng said softly, "You know she’s not as bold as you. Being between two unfamiliar men would frighten her."
Wen Yaoyao overheard his words and lowered her head further, gripping the hem of her clothes.
Wen Sisi, spoiled and love-struck, was reluctant to relent.
Gu Moleng sighed. "Didn’t you promise me you’d try to be more mature?"
Wen Sisi finally gave in, pursing her lips. "Fine, I won’t switch with her."
"Thank you, Sisi." Wen Yaoyao’s voice was barely a whisper. Standing beside her vivacious sister, she seemed painfully meek.
Even though the room was rightfully hers, she still had to apologize—how easily she was pushed around!
"If you can’t switch with another girl, couldn’t the young lady switch with this gentleman instead?"
Everyone turned toward the speaker.
Fang Min, flipping through the ledger behind the counter, rested his chin on his hand and grinned lazily. "Don’t misunderstand. I just thought—since everyone agrees the other young lady needs looking after, wouldn’t it be easier if the sisters lived closer?"
"That’s right!" Wen Sisi brightened. "Moleng, let’s switch! Then Yaoyao and I can be neighbors!"
Gu Moleng glanced at Fang Min before nodding. "Alright."
He seemed like a considerate man.
But was he really?
Gu Moleng had noticed his fiancée’s sister was afraid of living near strange men—yet he had no issue with his own fiancée staying between two of them.
Fang Min lowered his head, idly flicking the abacus beads, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Outside, lightning split the night sky, thunder rumbling as rain began to pour without warning.
Heavy raindrops pelted the towering trees, their shadows stretching like monstrous claws, as if celebrating the arrival of new prey—now the town could liven up again.
Another flash of lightning illuminated the gaunt figure standing behind the glass window.
The yellow raincoat was oversized, draping over his tall, slender frame. His long black hair hung in disarray like tangled seaweed, strands plastered to his pale face.
Cold raindrops drifted in from the window, soaking into his clothes. Soon, his black hair was drenched, clumping together in dripping tendrils—truly resembling a vengeful water ghost.
The icy rain stirred the excitement in his veins. His hands, tipped with blackened nails, trembled as those nails grew longer, sharper. His lips curled into a wide grin, revealing the pointed tips of two fangs, while his eyes gleamed with an eerie darkness.
It was time to kill again.
The reflection of his yellow raincoat in the glass window was distorted, blurred by the downpour, adding a twisted quality to his silhouette.
Just as the scent of blood thickened around him, a girl leaped up from behind and smacked the top of his head. He staggered, nearly crashing into the window.
"I told you to close the window because it’s raining, and here you are putting on a show! You’re soaked—aren’t you cold?"
Hunching his shoulders, he lowered his head and shakily reached out to slide the window shut.
Just like that, the chilling atmosphere vanished without a trace.
