Qiao Liang was dragged by everyone else to the Haunted House Nightmare.
"Hurry! Whoever becomes paralyzed with fear is a loser!"
"Old Qiao, weren't you the best in Be Quiet? Quickly, you'll be the first to go in!"
"Look, it's even written on the flyer: Haunted House Nightmare is considered moderate horror. It's not the scariest item in this haunted house..."
Everyone tried to bluff Teacher Qiao into going in to experience the project.
Qiao Liang was slowly being convinced as well.
That's right, it's indeed written that the Haunted House Nightmare is considered moderate horror. What's more, it looked quite short. It shouldn't be that scary, right?
However, just as he prepared to walk forward, he saw a strong, muscular man walking out with his face looking as white as a sheet. In fact, he looked like he was going to pass out at any time.
The few girls who just exited were crying miserably. All of their make-up was messed up.
"That's so scary!"
"I'm traumatized... boohoo!"
"We even had to memorize the steps of the game. Why didn't they just kill me first?!" The few visitors who came out of that project had no plans to visit the Ultimate Horror. Instead, they either headed for the Golden Maze or for the Desperate Escape. It looked as if they did not want to spend another second in that place.
At that moment, Qiao Liang keenly realized that something was amiss.
That was horrifying! That was definitely not f*cking moderate horror!
However, on further thought, that made sense. To Boss Pei, Repent and be Saved was just a slightly more difficult game. One only needed to think a bit harder to figure out what 'moderate horror' meant to him.
This time, apart from Qiao Liang, some fans who had been eager before started to walk backward.
"Why don't we... go and line up for the Desperate Escape? If we get in line now, we can play it earlier."
"You're not already paralyzed with fear, are you? We haven't even walked in! It would be so shameful to tell others about it!"
"Hehe, if you don't court death, you wouldn't die. Why is that so hard to understand this truth?"
"The excuse that 'we're already here' is the world's biggest misconception! I'm not going to fall for that trick. Not every experience is worth going through..."
The group was getting divided.
When a group of friends who went to an amusement park together, a portion of the group would always back out at the entrance to the haunted house. To be precise, it would not only be because of their fear, but it would also be because they knew better than anyone else just how afraid they would become. "Hey... are you in line?" A voice asked.
As Qiao Liang and his group of fans hesitated, they hovered around the start of the line. As a result, the people who arrived subsequently had no idea if they were entering or not. Thus, they had no choice but to seek clarification.
Qiao Liang turned around to see an energetic lad with a crew cut, staring at them with a smile.
"Ah, sorry about that. Please go ahead first," said Qiao Liang and his fans as they made way for the visitors.
The energetic lad did not go inside immediately. Instead, he tentatively asked, "Are you... Teacher Qiao?"
Qiao Liang paused. Eh? I can still meet fans in such a place?
However, it seemed to make sense when he thought about it properly. Most of the first batch of visitors to Thriller Hostel were hardcore fans of Tengda. Since they were hardcore fans, it was normal for them to have watched the Products of the Gods series.
"That's right, that's right. I am Qiao Liang. Have you watched my videos?"
The energetic lad looked excited. "That's right! I have, and I liked them a lot! Your voice is very special. I just tried my luck, but I didn't think you would really be him! Let me introduce myself. My surname is Ruan, and my name is Ruan Guangjian. I worked on the art for Repent and be Saved."
Qiao Liang's eyes widened.
Ruan Guangjian?
He had not just worked on the art for Repent and be Saved, but he had also worked on the art for games like Ghost General, Game Designer, Be Quiet, and GOG!
He was Boss Pei's business partner and close friend.
Boss Pei's friends are my friends, right? "What an honor to meet you!" Both men shook hands affectionately, looking like they had waited a long time to meet each other. They had already heard of each other a long time ago. Now that they had met, they both realized that each lived up to his reputation!
Qiao Liang sized Ruan Guangjian up and discovered that he was younger than he had expected. What's more, he looked unassuming, and he looked nothing like a traditional artist. Yet, Ruan Guangjian could still sense the fact that this man had spent years immersed in the art industry.
On the other hand, Ruan Guangjian felt thatalthough Qiao Liang looked average, slightly plump, and like an ordinary geek; his eyes seemed to contain a lot of wisdom.
After exchanging a couple of pleasantries, Ruan Guangjian suggested, "I'm actually very cowardly myself. Before I came here, I had to fight with my own thoughts. Why don't we partner up and go in together?" Qiao Liang looked half doubtful. "Are you being serious?"
Ruan Guangjian nodded. "I am. I'm known for being afraid of haunted houses. Even Boss Pei knows that."
Confused, one of the fans asked, "Huh? If you're so cowardly, why do you still want to go in?"
Ruan Guangjian looked like he was facing death with equanimity. "True warriors have to take on the challenge! As a friend of Boss Pei's, I have to show him my support!"
Ruan Guangjian looked like a hero going into battle, prepared not to return alive.
Everyone carefully observed his expression and concluded that he did not seem to be lying. In fact, he looked very serious. That fearless spirit infected Qiao Liang and the other fans.
At once, Qiao Liang felt ashamed. Qiao Liang, Qiao Liang... don't you always call yourself a hardcore player? Don't you always claim to be the person who knows Boss Pei the best?
Look at him! He's a painter who dares to challenge himself by entering the haunted house. How can you be paralyzed with fear?
Where are the grit that you had when you completed Repent and be Saved and the courage that you had when you published another video in the Products of the Gods channel?
At that thought, Qiao Liang became impassioned. "Alright! Since that's the case, I will sacrifice my life to accompany you. Let's go and take on the challenge that Boss Pei has designed for us together!" For some reason, Ruan Guangjian's participation gave the entire group more confidence. Thus, everyone entered the Haunted House Nightmare's factory.
Qiao Liang walked right in front. As a hardcore gamer, he had to take the lead. The first thing that he saw was a lot of mysterious containers. As for what exactly they contained, he was not sure.
The staff seemed to have gotten used to visitors like them, who were chatting and laughing. They neither tried to discourage them or encourage them. Instead, they silently handed the details of the game to each person and then smiled knowingly.
That smile could make anyone's hair stand.
There was a resting area at the side. Confused, everyone brought their instructions there and sat down.
"Ah!"
A loud scream was heard, and a girl ran out from the exit at the back of a shipping container.
Everyone exchanged confused looks. Qiao Liang carefully read the instructions in his hand and realized that 'Haunted House Nightmare' had been split into multiple smaller projects. They included bathrooms, window sides, TV sets, stairs, ceilings, underneath beds, and the like.
There was a mission description for every small project. For example, in the bathroom, one had to lock the bathroom door, light up candles, blindfold themselves, wash their hands, and so on.
Those steps were not mandatory. Visitors could go in, do nothing, and then come back out. However, to get the admission ticket to Ultimate Horror, they had to follow the mission instructions and complete Haunted House Nightmare.
The more Qiao Liang read, the more afraid he became.
It was not because it was difficult to remember. In fact, although there were different items, they were all connected and ordered. He was sure that he would be able to recall the instructions easily once he saw the scene and the props.
Instead, he was mainly afraid because he did not think he would be able to follow through the steps!
He imagined holding a red candle in a pitch-black bathroom and then blindfolding himself in front of the mirror...
That was no less scary than traditional haunted houses!
He turned to look at the others. Obviously, the bravado that they had all felt earlier had all dissipated by now. Ruan Guangjian, in particular, was already trembling.
Seeing Ruan Guangjian panicking more than him, Qiao Liang settled down a bit more. He felt like a bad student getting ready for an examination. Seeing worse students than himself made him feel more secure.
There was no time limit for memorization. They were allowed to remain in the resting area and memorize the instructions for a long time. Then, they could queue to enter any small project once they were ready.
Qiao Liang felt like a student again. Specifically, he felt like he had been forced by his teacher to memorize ancient poems and like he would have to be tested on it in an hour.
However, the content that he had to memorize now was much more exciting.
From time to time, people would enter the containers to be challenged. However, whether they screamed or not, they would always come out looking like death.
Seven or eight people had gone in already, but not one of them had successfully cleared the project. What's more, from the look on their faces, Qiao Liang guessed that they would not try again.
Thus, more and more people from the resting area changed their minds. The harder they tried to memorize the instructions, the more terrified they felt. In the end, they decided to give up without making a single attempt.
Seeing fewer and fewer people in the resting area made Qiao Liang feel like darkness was engulfing him. However, just as he was feeling uncertain and considering backing out, Ruan Guangjian stood up. Like a ray of light, he cut through the dark clouds above Qiao Liang's head!
Qiao Liang was stunned. "Brother Ruan, you..."
Once again, Ruan Guangjian looked like he was facing death with equanimity. "If I don't enter hell, who would? Everyone, I'll go in first and find out more about our enemy!"
Everyone was elated, and Qiao Liang was even more so.
Great!
They had just been worrying about who would go in first!
Since Big Boss Ruan wanted to be the first to enter, they could listen to his narration about what was inside. Then, they could mentally prepare themselves.
If even the naturally timid Ruan Guangjian could survive it, everyone would feel confident about surviving it as well.
Qiao Liang patted Ruan Guangjian on the shoulder. "Go ahead, Brother Ruan. We'll wait for you to emerge victorious!"
Hardening his face, Ruan Guangjian entered the shipping container.
Qiao Liang and the others sat back down in the resting area and continued memorizing the instructions.
However, not long after they sat down, they heard high-pitched screams coming from inside the shipping container.
"Ah, ah, ah!"
Qiao Liang was scared stiff, and everyone exchanged confused looks. What did that mean? Had he failed? He had just gone in two minutes ago, but he's already dead?
The resting area was very quiet. No one spoke, but everyone's facial expressions said it all. They were paralyzed with fear!
This place looked very scary indeed!
Qiao Liang instinctively imagined the scenario based on the memories in his head. He expected to see Ruan Guangjian run out of the shipping container after enduring for a few more minutes.
Less than two minutes later, there was another scream.
Qiao Liang could not help but feel moved.
Brother Ruan was so afraid, and yet he's persevering. It's worth learning from his fearless attitude!
Nobody could focus on memorizing the instructions anymore. One by one, they looked up at the shipping container of terror, waiting to see how long more Ruan Guangjian would hang in there before he gave up.
Five minutes passed.
Ten minutes passed... Although the screams inside did not stop, Ruan Guangjian never emerged.
Qiao Liang was even more touched now.
Look at what it means to never give up! Look at what it means to challenge oneself! Look at what it means to be fearless!
Big Boss Ruan is an artist, and yet he can persevere despite all of his fears. What's more, it looks like he's going to win any time now. Qiao Liang, you claim to be a hardcore gamer, but you wouldn't even dare to enter!
Aren't you ashamed? Aren't you ashamed?!
After memorizing all the items and instructions, Qiao Liang resolved to walk the path of no return.
Although Ruan Guangjian had not emerged, there were many other small projects. Each one would take about the same time. What's more, visitors were free to choose which small projects to experience. They only had to complete a portion of them before they qualified for the next project, and so they would not collide.
The fans were stunned. "Old Qiao, aren't you waiting for him to come back out?" Now, it was Qiao Liang's turn to look death in the eyes. "I'm not. Brother Ruan has already entered the battlefield. How can I sit back and hesitate? I'm already behind him. If I have to wait for him to come back out before I dare to step in, shouldn't I feel ashamed? Wait for me to emerge victorious!"
With the help of the staff, Qiao Liang walked into another shipping container with his head held high.
However, less than two minutes after he entered, Ruan Guangjian emerged from the other side.
The staff immediately walked forward to congratulate him. "Congratulations! You're the first brave person to successfully make it through 'Haunted House Nightmare'! This is proof of your qualification to enter Ultimate Horror. Keep it well."
Staff had been designated to observe the surveillance cameras inside the shipping containers throughout the process. They had to verify what the visitors did. Once the visitors became so frightened that they gave up, the staff also had to be prepared to rescue them.
Of course, the staff was the first to know that Ruan Guangjian had successfully completed his mission.
Qiao Liang's fans' stared wide-eyed at Ruan Guangjian with disbelief written all over their faces.
He passed?
Did... did that show that there was nothing horrifying inside? One could emerge victorious as long as they persevered?
Everyone gathered around Ruan Guangjian, taking turns to ask about the situation inside.
Ruan Guangjian smiled. "Actually, if I think about it carefully, there's nothing scary inside. You would suffer setbacks sometimes, but you'll be able to overcome them. Once you do, the sense of achievement you'll feel would be incomparable!"
Everyone was in awe.
"Really?"
"Look at Brother Ruan's expression. He seems fine!"
"Has Old Qiao not screamed even once since he went in?"
"Does that mean that it's not that scary? Even someone as timid as Brother Ruan could persevere. We should be able to as well, right?"
"Wait, have you all changed your minds?"
"Just think about it. When Old Qiao emerges later, he would be so proud. He would surely mock and diss us in the group for being cowards! It's fine if it was especially scary, but what if it was not? We would never be able to wipe our slate clean again!"
In the end, the most hesitant person in the group turned to Ruan Guangjian. "Big Boss, do you think... I'll make it through?"
Ruan Guangjian patted his chest. "Don't worry! Even someone as timid as me could make it through. You definitely will as well!"
That line gave everyone great courage. One by one, they queued up and waited to experience it for themselves.
Chapter 576 This Person could not be Understood through Common Sense
An hour later...
Teacher Qiao's last fan turned pale and left the 'Haunted House Nightmare' project. He then looked at the resting area again.
Big Boss Ruan had a ruddy complexion, chatting and laughing and even wanted to do it again.
The others lay awkwardly on their chairs. Some of them raised their eyes to the skies; some were staring blankly as though they had lost their souls.
As for Qiao Liang... he was stuffing chocolate into his mouth piece by piece with a pale face.
A pale-faced brother next to him raised his hand weakly and stopped him. "Old Qiao, don't eat anymore. Any more and you'll get diabetes..."
Qiao Liang turned a deaf ear without any energy to speak.
Everyone saw the last fan who came out with weak knees. Everyone saw each other's state. One thing was certain no matter how stupid they were.
They were fooled big time!
Obviously, the only reason why the squad of fans, Teacher Qiao team, was annihilated was because of a spy who led everyone into the enemy's ambush! Big Boss Ruan still had the face to say that he was timid and was a scaredy-cat? How was he scared at all, other than letting out more screams?!
When everyone saw Ruan Guangjian screaming all the way but still managed to successfully clear the game, they thought it was probably not that scary after all.
Everyone was even more convinced after Qiao Liang entered without saying a word.
However, all of these were illusions!
It wasn't that Qiao Liang was unafraid. He was just so frightened, lying in the bathtub shaking without making a sound. When it came to the project under the bed, his legs turned to jelly, and he could not get out at all. The staff helped to bring him out.
His mind went blank, spinning dizzily after coming out; and he wildly stuffed chocolate into his mouth.
Ruan Guangjian was a little strange. "Eh? No one passed the customs? Then, no one can join me on the next project?"
Everyone: "..."
Could you have more shame?!
Especially Qiao Liang, who almost fainted from anger.
Boss Pei could stand such a person and be his friend? How broad-minded must Boss Pei be!
Ruan Guangjian's current state was like everyone was grieving because the exam was too difficult, but he came over with a 100-mark paper and said, 'Hey, the question this time is quite simple; why did everyone fail?'
Moreover, he did so with a very sincere tone that infuriated others even more! Of course, Qiao Liang was angry because of other reasons as well. He wondered... why was there such a big gap between everyone? Why could this person yell all the way and still pass this stage while I could only be dragged out by the staff because I was so scared?
However, Qiao Liang suddenly had a thought when looking at Ruan Guangjian's annoying 'superior student expression'.
'You might not be afraid of 'Haunted House Nightmare', but... what about 'Ultimate Horror'?'
It was written on the leaflet that the Haunted House Nightmare was on a 'medium' scary level. It was already so scary so the Ultimate Horror was directly marked with 'Don't go'; how scary would that be?
Qiao Liang was most certain about one point after playing so many games with Boss Pei: that was that Boss Pei usually meant the opposite of what he said. However, he fully believed it when Boss Pei said that this game was very difficult and abusive!
They must not be stubborn about it, or else they would definitely regret it.
Qiao Liang changed his expression as he thought of this. "Big Boss Ruan is too awesome! Hidden talent! You actually obtained the admission ticket for 'Ultimate Horror' so you'll definitely experience it, right?"
Ruan Guangjian was a little hesitant. "But... no one else obtained the admission ticket so no one would be able to come with me.
"What about I wait here, you try again, and we'll go after you obtain the admission ticket...?"
Qiao Liang waved his hand. "No, no, no! Really don't need it! I'm not feeling too well today. I'll be in Jingzhou these few days so I'll try again another day.
"More importantly, Brother Ruan, shouldn't you try to be the first person to pass the 'Ultimate Horror'?"
Ruan Guangjian hesitated. "But I'll be very scared if I were to go alone..."
Qiao Liang did not know what to say. "..."
As if I believe you!
You might talk about fear and scream around, and yet you could remember all the steps and execute them perfectly? You could still have color in your cheeks after exiting?
Qiao Liang laughed. "It's okay, I believe you can do it! Let's go, we'll cheer for you!"
Ruan Guangjian was moved. "Alright, I'll bet my life and try it out since Brother Qiao trusts me so!"
Everyone left the Haunted House Nightmare, passed by the Golden Maze, and marched towards the Ultimate Horror.
Qiao Liang was hit by the sunshine as he stepped outside, his cold hands and feet finally started warming up again. At the same time, his empty brain was finally able to recall the experience.
Qiao Liang realized that it was not that they were too weak; the Haunted House Nightmare was just too scary!
The other haunted houses were basically dark settings with periodic strange sounds and things popping out to scare one from time to time. They mainly relied on sudden unknown fears.
However, Haunted House Nightmare was completely different. It was more like an open strategy, psychological warfare!
The visibility was not low. Everything that was required to be done had been explained in advance so one could predict what was going to happen. However, that did not help to reduce the sense of fear at all!
An unsuitable analogy was that a general haunted house was like watching a horror movie. The sudden emergence of a bloody human head would give people a strong visual impact, and they would be scared at a certain moment. However, this fear would gradually dissipate after watching the movie.
The Haunted House Nightmare was akin to one being forced out of their house after watching a horror movie. One came to a strange place after walking under the dim streetlamp and moonlight.
There were no scary things that popped out suddenly-no ghosts, only silence. However, that person would continuously look behind them to confirm if any mysterious shadows were behind them.
The more they turned back, the more flustered they would become and the more they would want to run... yet they dared not. They would only collapse under this growing psychological pressure.
Qiao Liang calmed down and analyzed naturally as someone who liked to do that.
At the same time, he was more certain about something.
Ruan Guangjian was too terrible! He was able to persist in such a scary place and remember all the steps to clear the game. There was definitely something very wrong with this person!
They came to the entrance of Ultimate Horror, and Ruan Guangjian once again gave him a solemn expression. "Brother Qiao, here I go!" Qiao Liang was not deceived at all. "Okay, all the best, we'll support you!" He pretended to say in goodwill.
Everyone's squirmed faces returned to normal after Ruan Guangjian was allowed into that black hole of an entrance upon showing his admission ticket.
"How dare you look down on us! Big Boss Ruan, I'm great with my words! Say, how long do you think he can stay in there?" Qiao Liang snorted.
The fans exchanged glances with different expressions.
"Don't underestimate him. He managed to persevere previously even though he screamed continuously. This time, I guess it would take at least ten minutes."
"I don't believe it! It was marked as 'Don't go' on the leaflet, which is a level higher than the previous one. How can he come out in one piece? That would be looking down on Boss
Pei!"
"Come, let's make a bet. Whoever loses will treat the rest to a meal!"
They had nothing to do while standing outside the entrance anyway.
Qiao Liang began his analysis. "At present, most large haunted houses take more than half an hour to play. Any shorter would be unworthy of the fare.
"This place is so big; the entire process will probably take half an hour?
"In that case, let's bet on how long he would take before coming out!" "Less than twenty minutes or above twenty minutes, including clearing the game!"
The fans were also thinking hard to avoid being the one treating tonight.
"I believe in Boss Pei. Boss Pei's Ultimate Horror must be very scary so I'm guessing less than twenty minutes!"
"I also feel that it will be less than twenty minutes."
Most of the fans actually chose below twenty minutes. They then looked towards Qiao Liang and waited for his prediction.
Qiao Liang was silent for a while. "Of course, I also believe in Boss Pei. I also believe that 'Ultimate Horror' must be very scary. However, I think Ruan Guangjian is not someone that can be understood through common sense.
"Everyone underestimated him previously, which was why we had such a big lesson and did not make it through the Haunted House Nightmare.
"This time, I guess he will be able to persevere for more than twenty minutes and can even pass!"
Everyone took out their cell phones and looked at their timer while waiting for Ruan Guangjian to come out.
Ten minutes...
Fifteen minutes...
The more it continued, the more confident Qiao Liang was. He was looking at the rest as though they were all meal tickets.
It lasted for fifteen minutes, which meant Ruan Guangjian had gradually adapted to the level of terror within.
Wouldn't it be a piece of cake to continue persevering past twenty minutes? He looked at the increasingly anxious expressions of these 'meal tickets'. Qiao Liang's lips could not help but bend upwards, waiting to declare his victory the moment it passed twenty minutes.
However, the 'meal tickets' let out cheers when the timer reached seventeen minutes. "He's out, he's out!
"It's not twenty minutes yet!"
"Old Qiao's treat!"
Qiao Liang raised his head incredibly and saw Ruan Guangjian coming out calmly with a ruddy face. Indeed, it had only been seventeen minutes!
Qiao Liang shouted hurriedly seeing how these 'meal tickets' were about to celebrate. "Not so fast!"
"I chose more than twenty minutes and also for him to clear the game. Therefore, it is still my win if he cleared the game!"
The fans were instantly shocked.
"The f*ck? Old Qiao, you cheater! Playing around with words!"
"No can do, it is under twenty minutes!"
Qiao Liang laughed. "Twenty minutes were originally estimated based on the entire clearance requirement of thirty minutes. Put it bluntly, you bet that he cannot complete the game while I bet that he can.
"He passed very fast so obviously, I should have won the bet!"
The fans were speechless. Qiao Liang was very proud. He was absolutely right no matter whether he was analyzing problems or people!
This Ruan Guangjian could not be understood by common sense. See how steady his steps were and how ruddy his face was. How did it look like he was frightened? He obviously cleared it too fast!
These 'meal tickets' wanted to compete with me? Too naive!
A 'meal ticket' went up. "Big boss! Did you really pass it?"
Qiao Liang sneered in his heart. What futile resistance! They just could not afford to lose! Look at Ruan Guangjian's expression, what was there to doubt?
However, Ruan Guangjian smiled. "No, I only passed half of it."
Qiao Liang: "??"
The fans were ecstatic while Teacher Qiao was in a daze.
"W-why?" Qiao Liang could not accept this fact.
ve
Ruan Guangjian smiled. "Oh, I actually planned to clear it, but you can actually save your progress in this game! You can continue to play from where you left off when you come again next time!
"I can't bear to clear the game all at once so I want to save it to experience the most exciting part the next time." Qiao Liang: "???"
What the f*ck did you mean by 'save it'?!
You can't bear to finish the delicious food all at once and want to pack it up to enjoy later? Am I supposed to praise you for being economical?
Qiao Liang's analysis was right, but the answer was wrong.
The fans got it all wrong, but they got the right answer!
What kind of haunted house could save one's progress? It must be a rubbish haunted house!
Qiao Liang did not know whether to bear a grudge against Boss Pei or Ruan Guangjian. He only knew that his wallet would bleed out later.
Chapter 577 Theme Restaurant
The struggling Qiao Liang, the well-intentioned Ruan Guangjian, and the fans who were watching on fervently came to the theme restaurant in the Thriller Hostel.
Ruan Guangjian gave a reason that was difficult for Qiao Liang to refuse, but he still failed to make up his mind to challenge the 'Ultimate Horror'. Getting the admission ticket alone made him very desperate. On one side was filled with thirst for knowledge; the other side was filled with thirst for survival. Qiao Liang fell into a battle between heaven and man.
Therefore, everyone came first for lunch. They were all hungry especially after they were shocked at the Haunted House Nightmare.
However, Qiao Liang instinctively felt that something was wrong when he came to the entrance of the theme restaurant.
"Wait, where is the maid cafe? Why are we here?"
He had seen a healing maid cafe on the map of Thriller Hostel in between Ultimate Horror and Haunted House Nightmare. It was said that lovely young ladies would be there to serve you warm, hot drinks to comfort the frightened people.
However, for some reason, the fans actually walked to this 'lunatic asylum theme restaurant'. Qiao Liang felt something was wrong when he saw this sign with white letters and red background.
"The maid cafe is only to drink coffee. There is nothing much to eat there. That is why we are here to eat. Come on!"
Everyone brought Qiao Liang in with malicious intent. Ruan Guangjian followed behind, smiling silently.
There was an iron prison door stained with bloody handprints under the dim light with a huge red button on it. Reaching out and pressing it, the iron prison door would automatically open before one could enter the theme restaurant.
Qiao Liang almost sucked in cold air.
What the f*ck was with this theme restaurant? This was just another haunted house project, right!?
The lights inside were obviously much brighter than ordinary haunted houses, but the dark iron fence, the thick chain on the door, the surrounding arrangement, the bottle of bright red liquid that looked like plasma on the counter...
It seemed to remind them of the scene in the horror film.
Of course, strictly speaking, it could not be regarded as a prison theme, but a prison and hospital theme. Its setting was more biased towards the mental hospital in general movies and games.
There was a huge difference in the positioning of the two.
Many restaurants in China had prison themes as well, but they had all failed. There were two reasons: the first was the wrong location, and the second was the overall direction.
In real life, most people were not interested in horror themes. Who would go if a prison-themed restaurant was opened on the streets? However, if there was a prison-themed restaurant in a haunted house, then it would be fitting because those who came to a haunted house were generally young people who had strong psychological endurance to accept it all.
Another point was that it might be prison-themed, but it was different from prisons. The failed prison-themed restaurants in China were all built strictly in accordance with actual prisons and even made military green quilts. The upper and lower bunks, tables and chairs, and iron fences were all made of stainless steel. It felt like a very modern and real prison. That 100% recreated the experience of having a prison meal which was neither horrible nor comfortable, simply disgusting. However, the setting at this theme restaurant was completely different from the real prison. Its poisoning was closer to the mental hospital in horror movies and games. The layout was in the western style of the last century and felt more like a separate kind of horror and curiosity of a real prison image.
Eating inside would not feel as though one was in jail, but more like participating in the recording of a horror game. This sense of separation from reality made the players not resist from the bottom of their hearts and to reject this arrangement. On the contrary-after accepting this style, one would feel happy. Of course, different people accepted this style differently. For example, Qiao Liang was very resistant to it. "I understand everyone's curiosity very well, but... we just came out of the haunted house! Isn't it good for us to find a cozy restaurant with a comfortable dining environment?"
However, Qiao Liang's words hung in midair.
That was because he saw a hot girl in nurse uniform walking towards him with a string of black handcuffs on her left arm. The nurse uniform on the girl was the kind that frequently appeared in horror games and movies. It was in western style and even seemed to be stained with blood. It was red and white and yet body-hugging. It made Qiao Liang want to move his eyes downwards uncontrollably.
Without knowing what had happened, he stretched his hand out and let the girl handcuff himself.
After being handcuffed, Qiao Liang realized that the handcuffs were made of plastic. It was no wonder that the girl could have a few handles on her arm.
The shape of the handcuffs was not the shiny, stainless steel kind, but they were very suitable for the scene.
Moreover, this was just a toy that could be opened at will.
After handcuffing everyone, the nurse led everyone inside, according to prison cells looking for an empty table.
A fan asked with a smile. "Old Qiao, what did you just say? Change the venue?"
"Ahem, ahem." Qiao Liang gave a dry cough in a low voice. "No way, I have already been handcuffed."
Ruan Guangjian suddenly stopped as he walked. He looked at one of the prison cells through the iron fence. "Hello, everyone, what a coincidence!" Lin Wan, Ye Zhizhou, Chen Kangtuo, Hao Qiong, and the rest who were here for a meal were also surprised. "Big Boss Ruan? So coincidental, you're here, too?"
Ruan Guangjian smiled. "How can I not support the haunted house that Boss Pei opened?"
"Do you want to join us? We can just add more chairs." Lin Wan suggested.
Ruan Guangjian looked around and found that this room was big enough to include Teacher Qiao and the rest.
His mind had some quick thought and started scheming Ruan Guangjian leaned in closer to the iron fence and said in a low voice. "Everyone, cooperate with me later... let Teacher Qiao..." The nurse in front, who was walking halfway the group of 'prisoners', stopped and waited because she suddenly realized they were one person short. The others did not ask. Ruan Guangjian rejoined them after a minute. "Let's join that table. I know them."
Everyone was shocked and instinctively wanted to reject since they were all Big Boss Ruan's friends whom they didn't know. "They are the developers of the Be Quiet and Thriller Hostel project." Ruan Guangjian added.
Qiao Liang was taken aback but agreed readily. "Sure!"
Everyone came to the room where Lin Wan and the others were in and found their seats. Qiao Liang and the fans were very surprised after they introduced each other. They were almost half the important people in Tengda Games! The producer of Be Quiet, chief designer, artist, person-in-charge of the Thriller Hostel... they were all here!
Qiao Liang originally had a great prejudice against the designer of Thriller Hostel. He cursed the designer several times when he was in the Haunted House Nightmare. However, he became full of smiles and gave the Thriller Hostel high praises seeing Chen Kangtuo. He fully depicted what double-faced meant.
After commercial pleasantries were exchanged, the nurse started to bring all sorts of delicacies to the table.
No orders were accepted here. The waiter would decide the menu according to the customers' taboos. All items on the menu were very strange; for example, drinks that looked like blood bags.
Ruan Guangjian looked at Lin Wan after taking some small bites. Lin Wan gave everyone a look.
Everyone immediately understood. Lin Wan smiled and addressed everyone. "Has everyone experienced the Ultimate Horror?" Qiao Liang and the fans exchanged glances without a word.
Ruan Guangjian nodded. "Yes, I went. It was great! Have you tried it as well?"
Lin Wan took the piece of cake that looked like raw steak. She ate and replied. "Of course, we have all experienced it. However, we saved our progress at the last point because we are staff. The honor of completing the Thriller Hostel first has to be reserved for a true... hardcore player."
She did not look at Qiao Liang, but the pause in her sentence seemed to be hinting at something.
Qiao Liang had an incredulous look on his face. "Did... all of you... pass?" Saving at the last point was no different from passing the game. Qiao Liang's fans obviously did not buy it as well. Forget about the others, Lin Wan passed it even though she was a girl? Lin Wan guessed what Qiao Liang was thinking seeing his expression so she smiled slightly and took a bag of plasma from the side to drink from it. "Are you thinking that I'm exaggerating?" "Then... do you know about 'Smog Mountain' State Mental Hospital?" "We specially went to 'Smog Mountain' State Mental Hospital for five whole days to obtain materials for Be Quiet." Qiao Liang and the fans did not stand in awe because they were directly shocked. 'Smog Mountain' State Mental Hospital was touted to be the scariest haunted house on earth! This group of people actually played there for five entire days to collect the materials?
Were they humans?
They finally understood why these people could clear the stages so calmly. The Ultimate Horror would be a walk in the park even if it was on the same level as 'Smog Mountain' State Mental Hospital!
Qiao Liang suddenly felt very ashamed. He looked at the weak lady who could stay in 'Smog Mountain' State Mental Hospital for five whole days because of work!
Yet, he himself had no courage to even step into the Ultimate Horror...
How embarrassing! It was so embarrassing! Ruan Guangjian chose the perfect time to ask. "Then, is there any difference between Thriller Hostel and 'Smog Mountain' State Mental Hospital? "Both are outstanding, but I think the details of Thriller Hostel were done much better. It is easier to persevere. That's all because Chen Kangtuo managed everything well," Lin Wan said after some thought.
"No, this credit belongs to Boss Pei." Chen Kangtuo refuted by shaking his head.
Chapter 578: Boss Pei's Compassion
Upon hearing the words 'Boss Pei', everyone present sat upright.
Chen Kangtuo became immersed in his memories. "Boss Pei gave me a very unreasonable mission that day. He told me to keep going through the 'Thriller Hostel' project until I was very familiar with every single detail inside.
"For a couple of days in a row, I spent seven to eight hours in the Ultimate Horror. I scoured every single detail and thought about how visitors would feel about them.
"On top of that, Boss Pei set up special props within the Golden Maze to further divide the difficulty levels. Depending on which props the visitors enter with, they would obtain a different experience..."
Everyone listened intently, a look of genuine respect on their expressions.
On one hand, they really respected and worshiped Boss Pei. They had not expected Boss Pei to be able to bring his gaming concepts into the haunted house, to deliver a unique wandering experience to visitors.
On the other hand, they also respected and worshiped Chen Kangtuo. How could he experience the Ultimate Horror non-stop for close to a week? That made him an ultimate ruthless man!
Qiao Liang perked up and listened intently, not willing to miss any detail.
Obviously, this was critical information!
Why was the experience at the Thriller Hostel so special? It was because Boss Pei had injected his gaming concepts into the haunted house! One only had to think about it for a while to realize that there was a lot of content to talk about here.
However... the prerequisite for using that content was that one had to experience it firsthand. Thus, they were back to square one: did they really have to experience the 'Ultimate Horror'?
Qiao Liang instinctively rejected that thought. However, at the same time, his resolve was being shaken like never before.
That was because there were too many role models in front of him!
Before this, he had been playing with his fans, who were not much stronger than he was. Of course, Qiao Liang thought quite highly of himself.
However, he now knew that all of Tengda's employees had completed it. Even a lady like Director Lin had immersed herself in the experience of 'Smog Mountain' State Mental Hospital just to collect material. Chen Kangtuo had also practically lived in the Ultimate Horror to give visitors the best experience.
On the flip side, a self-proclaimed hardcore gamer like Qiao Liang did not dare to enter. In fact, he couldn't even obtain a qualification! If word got out, he would be so ashamed!
Qiao Liang had no choice but to sip his 'Blood Juice' and say nothing. In his head, a bitter war ensued.
Chen Kangtuo glanced at Lin Wan, who turned to look at Ruan Guangjian. All three of them seemed to be feeling the same thing.
How could Qiao Liang not have fallen for it yet?
Obviously, all of them had a common objective: they wanted Teacher Qiao to win this battle against himself by going to attempt the Ultimate Horror and then producing a publicity video for the Thriller Hostel.
Yet, they had not expected him to be so determined—or should one say 'paralyzed with fear'? They had already said all that they needed to, and yet he was not reacting in any way.
Just as Qiao Liang considered this very carefully, they heard a surprised voice from outside the window. "Eh? Brother Chen? These are..."
Chen Kangtuo looked up and then grinned.
Wasn't that Boss Li?
This restaurant was Boss Li's. He had come to walk around on its first day of operations to check out how it was doing. Coincidentally, he bumped into familiar faces.
At once, Chen Kangtuo introduced everyone.
Li Shi was overjoyed. "You're all friends of Boss Pei? Then, say no more—this meal is on me! Just eat as much as you want!
"Since you're all friends of Boss Pei, you should eat and play to your heart's content. Welcome to Jingzhou!"
Boss Li exchanged a couple of pleasantries with all of them and then asked one of the nurses to serve two more dishes. He was very hospitable indeed.
Everyone ate and talked at the same time, and no one mentioned the 'Ultimate Horror' again.
Five minutes later, Qiao Liang, who had been eating with his head bowed the entire time, suddenly slammed the table.
"Alright, I've decided! I will attempt the 'Ultimate Horror'!"
Ruan Guangjian, Lin Wan, and Chen Kangtuo looked very surprised.
Eh? What had made Qiao Liang change his mind?
Hadn't he been more concerned about remaining alive earlier?
Qiao Liang now seemed to be viewing death with equanimity as he said, "All of you have offered me so much encouragement and help. I think it's very important to gather more information as well.
"However, none of that made me set my resolve.
"Instead, one sentence from Boss Li made me realize something: I am a friend of Boss Pei! Everything that Boss Pei wants to say to me has been injected into the 'Ultimate Horror' in Thriller Hostel. Can I still call myself a friend of his if I refuse to go and read his message?
"That means I must go!"
Looking at Qiao Liang's resolute expression, everyone else could not help but feel moved. What had changed Teacher Qiao's mind in the end?
At a critical moment like that, it had still been Boss Pei!
None of them could accomplish it no matter how hard they tried. However, Boss Pei's personality and charm alone had done the trick!
...
In the afternoon...
Pei Qian was drinking coffee at Fish-Catching Internet Cafe while basking in the afternoon sun. He was receiving many messages at rapid speed on his cell phone, and most of them were congratulations from various people.
After all, Thriller Hostel had just opened for business, and Boss Pei was a man of many connections. He had expected to receive many congratulations.
In fact, he had been receiving countless messages since the morning. Since Pei Qian did not want to get distracted, he had no choice but to set his cell phone on silent mode and check it every once in a while.
When he finished his cup of coffee, he picked up his cell phone and checked his unread messages.
After opening all the meaningless congratulatory messages, Pei Qian sat upright. At once, he went into high alert. He had received many messages from the Management Trainee in Thriller Hostel. What's more, they had been sent one after another!
This was the first day of business for Thriller Hostel. It was natural for there to be many people.
However, there was no reason for the Management Trainee to send so many messages to report updates to Boss Pei.
Pei Qian quickly opened the chat and read the messages closely.
"Lin Wan, Ye Zhizhou, and other higher management from Shang Yang Games have arrived at Thriller Hostel and experienced all three projects."
"Lin Wan, Chen Kangtuo, and the others went to the mental-hospital-themed restaurant and bumped into Ruan Guangjian and Qiao Liang there."
"Ruan Guangjian whispered something to Lin Wan and Chen Kangtuo."
"Qiao Liang joined his fans' tables, and they're eating together now."
"Qiao Liang seems to have been scared by 'Haunted House Nightmare'. He hasn't gone to the 'Ultimate Horror' yet."
"Ruan Guangjian, Lin Wan, and the others are thinking of ways and means to tempt Qiao Liang into experiencing the 'Ultimate Horror'. They hope for him to publicize Thriller Hostel in a new channel."
"Li Shi agreed to waive their bill for that meal and that seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back."
"Qiao Liang is deeply moved by your friendship, Senior. He has decided to buy props from the Golden Maze before challenging himself at the 'Ultimate Horror'."
"We have arrived at the golden zone of the Golden Maze."
Obviously, the Management Trainee had joined the group for the meal and kept a close eye on them throughout. The last message had only been sent when Pei Qian decided to check his phone.
Pei Qian's mind immediately filled with question marks.
?
Teacher Qiao?
Ruan Guangjian?
It was not surprising that either of them had appeared at the Thriller Hostel, but the fact that they had appeared together and even eaten together was very strange!
Pei Qian could not be bothered to find out if they had bumped into each other or arranged to meet. Now, there was a problem far more urgent than that in front of him.
Qiao Liang was going to attempt the 'Ultimate Horror'! He was the second name on the list in Pei Qian's little notebook, and Pei Qian knew his destruction ability very well.
Pei Qian would not be that afraid if anyone else had gone to play at Thriller Hostel because no one else was that influential.
However, Qiao Liang was a famous UP Master with more than a million fans on Aili Island. If he published a video to praise Thriller Hostel, Pei Qian would be finished!
It was also for precisely that reason that Pei Qian had not informed him when Thriller Hostel opened for business.
Although he would have been happy to take revenge on Qiao Liang and see his enemy being frightened to death in Thriller Hostel, he had also had to think about his failed experience with Repent and be Saved. Pei Qian felt like whenever he tried to set Qiao Liang up, he always ended up losing out even more.
Thus, Pei Qian had intended for both of them to let each other off. I won't inform you about Thriller Hostel, and you won't do me any harm. Between both of us, one is in Jingzhou and the other is in Beijing. We can live our own lives.
He never would have thought that Qiao Liang, a UP Master in the gaming channel, would take the initiative to visit Thriller Hostel!
"No way, I have to stop him!"
An ominous feeling overwhelmed Pei Qian. All the estimates that he had done before this had been based on the condition that the initial popularity would not be sustained and would dissipate after a while.
However, if Thriller Hostel gets another wave of publicity during this time or even multiple waves of publicity, the consequences would fall outside of Pei Qian's expectations!
He stood up and prepared to instruct Little Sun, his driver, to send him to Thriller Hostel so that he could stop Teacher Qiao.
However, five seconds after he stood up, he sat down once more.
He knew that he could not show his face!
Too many people at Thriller Hostel knew who he was! If everyone addressed him as Boss Pei, would fans of Tengda become curious and take pictures of him?
Then, wouldn't his identity be exposed?
On further thought, he decided to give up. They were in an age of telecommunications, where people could send messages or make calls to resolve problems. Why would he have to personally make a trip down?
At that thought, Pei Qian dialed Qiao Liang's number.
...This Chapter is Updated by At the same time, in the golden zone of the Golden Maze...
Lin Wan, Chen Kangtuo, and the others were all there. Even Li Shi had followed them, intending to see how sales at the golden zone were doing.
Everyone had spent a lot of time wandering around the Golden Maze before they finally found the golden zone. Since it was their first time walking in, everyone gasped in amazement and wondered how Boss Pei came up with such a mystical idea and turned it into reality.
The maze-cum-shopping-mall provided everyone with an extremely novel shopping experience. They had to spend so much time and effort just finding the products; wouldn't it be a waste if they didn't purchase anything?
Ruan Guangjian held onto the headwear with the devil horns, refusing to let go.
Yet, Qiao Liang hesitated for a long time before he finally picked up the golden lantern. He had no other option. Although he had to go to the Ultimate Horror for the sake of his friendship with Boss Pei, he still wanted to come out of it alive.
The golden lantern could repel most of the beasts and ghosts in the 'Ultimate Horror'. One could say that it was the simplest mode. Considering his performance in the 'Haunted House Nightmare', he could only go with this difficulty level.
At that moment, Qiao Liang's view of Chen Kangtuo changed for the second time.
When Qiao Liang had visited the 'Haunted House Nightmare' and been scared half to death, he had already cursed the designer a thousand times in his heart.
When he had met and heard from Chen Kangtuo himself and learned that the latter had sacrificed so much for the sake of Thriller Hostel, he had felt respect.
Now, seeing the four props, and the golden lantern that offered the simplest mode in particular, Qiao Liang felt immensely grateful for Chen Kangtuo.
Anyone who can reduce my suffering would be considered family to me!
The golden lantern had been meant to be sold in the zone for handicraft and art pieces. It looked very beautiful and exquisite. Of course, it was also the most expensive of the four props.
However, to Qiao Liang, the price was very acceptable. After all, he was not just buying a little toy. Instead, he was buying a gaming experience!
It was like the Red Kilin in Ocean Stronghold, which was only expensive because it offered additional in-game experiences.
Qiao Liang picked up the golden lantern and prepared to make payment. However, at that moment, his cell phone rang.
"Eh? It's Boss Pei?"
Chapter 579: I, Teacher Qiao, am Not Weaker than Anyone!
Upon seeing that Boss Pei was calling him Qiao Liang was both surprised and happy. At that moment, his mind was filled with different thoughts.
How did Boss Pei know that I'm at the Thriller Hostel? Did someone inform Boss Pei in private?
Otherwise, did Boss Pei not know? Had he just thought about his good friend out of nowhere, and decided to invite me to visit Thriller Hostel?
Qiao Liang quickly accepted the call.
"Boss Pei!"
Neither man had said anything yet, but for some reason, Qiao Liang felt as happy as if he had just reunited with Boss Pei.
On the other end of the line, Pei Qian heard Qiao Liang's emotional voice and felt a chill run down his spine. One who was inexplicably solicitous would definitely be hiding evil intentions!
This Qiao Liang must be trying to stab me in the back. Why else would he address me so affectionately?!
Of course, to not agitate Teacher Qiao and cause the situation to backfire, Pei Qian tried hard to calm himself down and talk to him politely.
"Old Qiao, I heard that you've arrived at Thriller Hostel and that you're planning to experience 'Ultimate Horror'."
Pei Qian did not want to waste any time and end up causing miscommunication. Thus, he cut straight to the chase and addressed his main concern.
Qiao Liang paused and then felt inexplicably moved. As the saying went, a friend's sudden concern was the most touching thing on Earth.
If it had been someone else, Qiao Liang would not have thought much of it. He would have assumed that it was just a simple check-in. However, Boss Pei was a very busy man! He had a lot of work to deal with every single day!
In fact, he did not even have the time to visit Thriller Hostel on its opening day.
Even so, Boss Pei had been keeping an eye on Qiao Liang, so that he knew the latter was visiting Thriller Hostel and attempting the 'Ultimate Horror'. He had even thought about calling Qiao Liang.
A friendship like that was very moving!
Sounding even more emotional, Qiao Liang said, "Boss Pei, say no more. I understand! Everything has been expressed without words!"
Pei Qian: "?"
I haven't even said anything yet; how could you understand? Just answer my question honestly!
Has it become that difficult for humans to communicate with one another?!
How could you misunderstand me even though I cut straight to the chase? How did your imagination become so frightening?
Pei Qian cleared his throat, thinking that he had to speed things up or the conversation would spiral out of control.
"Old Qiao, I have to warn you very sincerely.
"Thriller Hostel was meant to torture visitors from the start. It's purely frightening; what kind of meaning could there be? I haven't included any riddles in the projects! I'm serious!
"Has Ruan Guangjian lied to you? He's so sadistic, and he loves acting afraid. In actual fact, his hobby is bluffing people into haunted houses and watching them get scared. Don't fall for his tricks!
"Just to prove yourself for one moment, you could end up hurting yourself and wasting your time. It's not worth it!"
Pei Qian tried hard to sound as sincere as possible.
Qiao Liang was even more moved now.
"Yes, Boss Pei! I realized that!"
He glanced at where Ruan Guangjian had been seated and then lowered his voice. "There's really a problem with Ruan Guangjian! He's too ruthless! Only someone as magnanimous as you can be friends with him, Boss Pei!"
Pei Qian: "?"
Since when did I become his friend? Don't spout nonsense!
What's more, I'm not magnanimous at all! I'm very petty!
Soon, Qiao Liang changed the topic. "Boss Pei, I appreciate your kind intentions, but I decided to experience 'Ultimate Horror' on my own. I wasn't bluffed into doing so!
"I believe that you—the creator of Game Designer and Repent and be Saved—would not disappoint me! Even if the 'Ultimate Horror' is terrifying, I want to give it a shot!"
Pei Qian: "?"
I'm finished; he's not listening to me at all.
Teacher Qiao was making things up in his own head!
Pei Qian was speechless. Do you think I wanted to waste effort trying to dissuade you? If you want to go at all costs, I wouldn't be bothered to try and dissuade you!
If your corpse could not stab me in the back by creating a publicity video about the contents of the 'Ultimate Horror', I wouldn't give a hoot about whether you survive or die!
Yet, it looked like Teacher Qiao was under a misconception. Trying to tell him how scary the project was now would only backfire.
Pei Qian decided to change tactics.
If the hard method wouldn't work, he had to try the soft one. Teacher Qiao was a loyal eater of his own words.
After some consideration, Pei Qian said, "Old Qiao, you need to be clear that you are just a UP Master. Your time is very valuable, and so is your health. Why don't you invest them in more meaningful things?"
Qiao Liang was stunned. "Such as...?"
Pei Qian pondered again and then said, "Such as trying a dish from the nameless restaurant and experiencing GOG in the Live E-Sports Museum? You could also walk around and enjoy the sights and sounds of Jingzhou!
"How about this? Come to Tengda's Headquarters at once. I can allow you to test out a portion of a game. How does that sound?
"If you insist on experiencing the 'Ultimate Horror'...
"You would lose all of these opportunities."
Pei Qian was playing his trump card and giving Teacher Qiao an ultimatum!
Do you want to wander around Jingzhou as a distinguished guest, with all expenses paid for, a meal at the nameless restaurant, and the opportunity to play games in Fish-Catching Internet Cafe 3.0 for free?
Or do you want to give all of those things up to be tortured at the 'Ultimate Horror'?
The better choice would be clear to any logical person, wouldn't it?
Pei Qian was also making a huge sacrifice by saying all of those things.
That was because he had never forgotten how influential Qiao Liang was as an UP Master. He would make any place that he stepped into extremely famous.
It was also for that reason that Pei Qian had not mentioned Deposit Fitness or the Sloth Apartments. Instead, he only talked about projects that had already become famous. Additional exposure would be harmless to them.
As for Struggle... Qiao Liang would definitely buy the game once it was released anyway. Pei Qian was sure that he likely would not be able to run from being stabbed in the back with the Products of the Gods series.
Now, he was only throwing it out as bait to lure Qiao Liang in earlier, so that he could save Thriller Hostel. All in all, he would still benefit.
On the other end of the line, Qiao Liang fell silent.
Boss Pei's words had resulted in a double blow to him.
Boss Pei had said there was no substance in the 'Ultimate Horror', and he had questioned if Qiao Liang could invest his time in more meaningful things as a UP Master. That was an attack on the logical basis, on which Qiao Liang was going to experience the 'Ultimate Horror'.
The whole host of special treatment had attacked his materialism.
Obviously, he was shaken!
On one side was a wretched haunted house, and on the other side were delicacies, a high-end internet cafe, and a new game. Even fools would know which side to choose!
Subconsciously, Qiao Liang gulped his saliva. After hesitating for several seconds, he said, "Well... alright, then, Boss Pei. I am open to listening to others' suggestions."
Pei Qian was overjoyed.
Hear, hear! Teacher Qiao was quite wise after all!
This would be a win-win situation for both of us. It's pretty good that we stopped hurting each other, right?
"Alright, I'll get someone to reserve a system unit for you at the Live E-Sports Museum. You have to come down!" Pei Qian happily hung up.
Qiao Liang hung up, looked at the golden lantern, and felt a hundred emotions all at once. He had spent so much time mentally preparing himself today, and yet it had all come to naught.
He was not going anymore!
Since Boss Pei—his friend had spoken—there was no reason for him to torture himself. Instead, he could play games at the internet cafe and try out Boss Pei's newest work.
Now that Qiao Liang had made up his mind, he moved to put the golden lantern back where he had taken it from.
This move alerted everyone else around him.
He had lowered his voice earlier, a while after he had started talking on the phone. Still, everyone had heard him addressing the other party as 'Boss Pei'.
Now, seeing Qiao Liang prepare to replace the golden lantern after hanging up, everyone was sure that he was about to beat a retreat!
Ruan Guangjian immediately stepped forward, concerned. He asked, "What's the matter? Are you going to attempt a higher difficulty? The headwear with the little red horns is over there."
Qiao Liang was so furious that he nearly burst into laughter.
Headwear with the little red horns? You seem to be the one with the red horns! You can't wait to see me die inside there, can you?
Look at Boss Pei. He intentionally called me to ask how I am out of concern for me.
How about you? You seem more afraid that I wouldn't die quickly enough!
You're both humans, but why are you so different?! It's a good thing that Boss Pei tore down your veil of hypocrisy for me!
Qiao Liang sniggered. "No, I won't. Boss Pei just called me to say that the 'Ultimate Horror' is nothing but a haunted house that contains no deeper meaning whatsoever. It has no link to his new game at all, and so there's no need for me to enter!
"On top of that, Boss Pei has also organized a series of activities for me. He said that they would all be gone if I enter the 'Ultimate Horror'.
"So, goodbye to all of you. I'm going to have fun with Boss Pei now!"
Everyone was shocked.
Finished!
Why did Boss Pei call Qiao Liang to ruin their plan on purpose?
Just look at Teacher Qiao; obviously, he had been persuaded. He did not look like he wanted to experience the 'Ultimate Horror' at all now!
They wanted to try and persuade him again, but they had no idea how.
Boss Pei had already called him to clarify things. He had even said that there was no deeper meaning in the project at all and that it was nothing but a haunted house.
Everything that they had said to Teacher Qiao before had been negated by Boss Pei's words!
"Ahem."
At that moment, Li Shi—who had been wandering around the entire time—walked over and cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.
"Brother Qiao, you seem to have made a grave mistake. Don't you... understand Boss Pei well enough?"
Qiao Liang was stunned, dissatisfaction written clearly on his face.
I don't understand Boss Pei well enough?
Quit messing around. I am the person who understands Boss Pei the most in this world.
Do you know the one who suggested that being misunderstood is any speaker's destiny? It was me!
Do you know the one who analyzed all of Boss Pei's game design concepts through the Products of the Gods series? It was also me!
How could you suggest that I don't understand Boss Pei well enough? That's the biggest joke I've heard thus far!
However, before Qiao Liang could retort, Li Shi continued speaking.
"Don't get me wrong. I know that you can understand and interpret Boss Pei's games better than anyone else, but... I don't think you interact with Boss Pei enough about everyday matters or work, right?
"You probably don't know much about the way he speaks or works, do you?"
Qiao Liang was stunned.
It seemed... true.
He and Boss Pei communicated more on a telepathic level. Boss Pei created games while he interpreted the riddles therein.
In reality, one lived in Beijing while the other lived in Jingzhou. They really had not interacted much, and he truly knew nothing about the way Boss Pei spoke or worked.
Looking at Qiao Liang's expression, Li Shi knew he was right.
He proudly said, "I have more understanding in this area! Boss Pei has one habit: he likes to 'test' people. Take us, investors, for example. As we invest in Boss Pei's projects, Boss Pei will try his best to dissuade us.
"Only those who stand their ground and refuse to budge would earn Boss Pei's trust!
"Think about it carefully. Do you really believe Boss Pei when he says this is nothing more than a haunted house? Do you really think it's possible that there's no deeper meaning to dig into this project?
"Boss Pei chases excellence, and he always takes the path less traveled. Even a simple shopping mall was turned into the Golden Maze! The 'Ultimate Horror' is meant to be the best project and the anchor of Thriller Hostel. How could it be nothing more than an ordinary haunted house?
"If the answers to the above questions are no, then you should reconsider your decision.
"If Boss Pei has invested so much effort and money into this place, why would he try to tell you not to experience it?
"This is obviously a test to see how strong-willed you are. He wants to see if you're capable of making it through the 'Ultimate Horror' and creating an exciting video!
"If you've been dissuaded... I can only say, with regret, that this is the end of the road.
"Think about what I said based on your understanding of Boss Pei. Consider it very carefully."
Qiao Liang was stunned. He had not expected there to be so many twists and turns hidden within. However, after seriously chewing on what Boss Li had just said, it seemed... logical.
That's right. Boss Pei's motives are a real question. Why would he offer such attractive terms just to stop me from entering the 'Ultimate Horror'?
That seemed quite illogical indeed!
Well, then... Boss Li's analysis was probably correct.
Boss Pei is really testing me! Does he think that, while I can interpret his games, I can't see through this haunted house in Thriller Hostel?
If I back out in the face of difficulty, would I lose the opportunity to interpret the 'Ultimate Horror' forever? Would I become like the investors who had been dissuaded and forever lost their chance to invest?
Qiao Liang had always prided himself on being the person who understood Boss Pei the most. Yet, he could not even guess the intentions behind Boss Pei's actions.
This really put him to shame.
After some more thought, Qiao Liang finally made up his mind. He picked up the golden lantern once again.
"I, Teacher Qiao, have never been weaker than anyone! I must be the one to solve the riddle that Boss Pei has set!"