Uncle Xu genuinely cared for Chen Ge and spoke openly. "Now, do you still want to invest in the Haunted House?"
"I'm still willing to give it a try. The new park isn't finished yet, so we've got a shot," Chen Ge replied. His secret weapon was the black phone, but he couldn't reveal that.
"You're usually so sharp, so why are you so stubborn on this? Can't you see time's wearing this place down? I've worked here ten years and want it to survive, but we have to face reality."
Uncle Xu gestured at the shuttered attractions nearby. "See those? They're not closed for failing safety checks, as rumors claim. They burn money when they run. One or two visitors won't cover costs. Back when New Century Park was thriving, it was packed—our parking lot couldn't handle the crowds, so we rented spaces from nearby shops. Things improved after the underground parking lot was built. But for the last three years, even during peak holidays, that lot's been unused. Visitor numbers keep dropping, and this year's a new low."
"Hold on, Uncle Xu. You said the underground parking lot hasn't been used in three years? So it's abandoned now?" Chen Ge's eyes gleamed with an intensity that unsettled Uncle Xu.
"Yes. When the park was at its peak, it was chaos—cars and people everywhere, two-hour lines for rides. Those were the glory days, but the city's forgetting us now." Uncle Xu sighed, reminiscing. "Still, we had our moment, didn't we?"
"Uncle Xu, how much would it cost to rent the park's underground parking lot?"
"Huh?" Uncle Xu blinked, baffled. "Why ask that?"
A plan was forming in Chen Ge's mind—the perfect space to expand his Haunted House. "I want to use the parking lot. You said it's half-abandoned, so why not let me take it?"
"Have you lost it? What do you want with that place? To raise bats?" Uncle Xu worried Chen Ge had gone mad.
Since the park management would eventually notice, Chen Ge didn't bother hiding his intent. "I want to expand the Haunted House. With my budget, the underground lot is ideal—low rent and a creepy vibe perfect for scares."
"Kid, what's gotten into you? A three-story Haunted House isn't enough? The parking lot's massive. Even if management rents it to you, by the time you set it up, the park will be closed." Uncle Xu shrugged. "Focus on your work, don't be foolish."
"Uncle Xu, I'm serious."
"Do you think I'm joking with you‽" Uncle Xu switched his walkie-talkie back on and headed toward the crowd. After a few steps, he turned back. "I'll give you the 5,000 tomorrow morning, but keep your feet on the ground. Stop chasing pipe dreams."
"I know," Chen Ge said, trailing behind. Glancing at the crowd near his Haunted House, he muttered, "I don't think visitor numbers are down. My Haunted House had zero visitors before today anyway."
Pushing through the crowd, Chen Ge stood over the group of students sprawled out. "Rested enough? Get up, or people will think I did something shady to you all."
"Give me a few more minutes," one student groaned. "Your Haunted House takes time to process."
"What are you looking at? I'm not scared," another snapped. "I just sprained my ankle in there, so I can't stand yet."
"Everyone looks like a killer to me now. What am I supposed to do?" a third muttered.
"Stop being stubborn. We lost to his Haunted House this time," Monkey said, descending the steps. He waved his phone, showing the five-star review he'd posted for the Haunted House, and faced Chen Ge. "But don't think this is over. We're not giving up that easily."
"Planning to come back tomorrow?" Chen Ge asked.
"If we didn't have exams tomorrow, you think we'd be scared of your challenge?" Monkey retorted, sounding bold despite his trembling legs and pale lips.
"My doors are always open if you want to try again," Chen Ge said, starting to see the Jiujiang Medical University students as his lucky charms.
"I'm never coming back," He San declared, glaring at Chen Ge. "You'd have to drag my corpse here." The memory of the bloodshot eye in the door crack had clearly traumatized him.
"Junior, be careful what you wish for," Xiao Hui said, leaning on He San for support. The scene in the dream was replaying in her mind after she woke up.
"Hmm..." From time to time, she felt a burning sensation in her breasts and vagina, and her mouth felt a little sour. Seeing Chen Ge's figure gradually overlapping, Xiao Hui lowered her head shyly, wondering if she was recalling something.
For some reason, her mouth and vagina were very sore and swollen after she woke up. Xiao Hui shot Chen Ge a fierce look. "You're the first guy to make me cry so hard my makeup's ruined. I'll remember you."
Noticing the bump on Xiao Hui's head, Chen Ge held back a retort and just smiled. The medical students limped toward the park entrance, supporting each other. Just when Chen Ge thought they were gone, Brother Feng ran back alone, his expression conflicted. "I've been thinking about your question," he said. "I still can't believe they're real. It's probably explainable with psychological trauma or stimulus theories."
Chen Ge nodded, understanding what he meant. "Maybe. By the way, I didn't catch your full name."
"It's He Feng. I'm older than the others and starting my residency soon."
"Nice to meet you. Hope we'll meet again," Chen Ge said.
After exchanging phone numbers, Chen Ge returned to the Haunted House. He shut the gates and hung a 'Temporarily Closed for Maintenance' sign.
"Boss, there are still visitors waiting outside. Why are we closing?" Xu Wan asked.
"There's a small issue, so we're done for today. Can you explain to the customers?" Chen Ge removed his Doctor Skull-cracker outfit and headed to the Props room. He cut up some black cloth and returned to the Murder by Midnight scenario.
He began covering the mirrors, but the scenario had too many rooms, and he soon ran out of cloth. This scenario's too big, he thought. Until we get cameras, it's too risky to let visitors up here.
After locking the Murder by Midnight scenario, Chen Ge went downstairs. Most of the visitors outside had left, with only a couple lingering.
"Xiao Wan, you can take off your makeup. Time to head home," Chen Ge said.
After saying goodbye to Xu Wan, Chen Ge went to the staff breakroom. Exhausted from the long day, he collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.