Chapter 30: Gu Yulan

Ji Linmo glanced at the packaging scattered on the floor, thinking he ought to intervene. Someone who had just regained consciousness shouldn’t gorge themselves, or they might harm their stomach.

He coughed, a deliberate sound, and when he opened his eyes again, he saw the boy scrambling on all fours, bolting back into the wardrobe. He looked for all the world like a little dog just brought home, fiercely territorial—startle him, and he’d whimper and scurry back to his cardboard kennel.

“How did things end up like this... He really does resemble a little dog, one of those that’s all bark and no bite, too,” Ji Linmo couldn’t help but smile. It felt as if he’d adopted a terribly timid pet, one that required gentle care.

In high spirits, he picked up the scattered trash, left a bottle of water with its cap loosened in front of the wardrobe, and spoke, “I’m heading out for a bit. Take care of the place for me. Here’s some water—drink if you’re thirsty.”

He knocked on the wardrobe, lifted the bag filled with various goods, and left.

—Qin Feng, eighteen years old, a second-year student in Class 2 at Yuren High School.

No family ties.

According to the records, he’d been abandoned at an orphanage from infancy and had never been adopted once in his eighteen years. But with outstanding grades, he’d been admitted to Yuren High School, and the orphanage continued supporting his education.

“So, when he was the Ghost Bride, that ruthless decisiveness—was it the personality imposed by the prop?” Ji Linmo subconsciously touched his arm as he walked down the corridor.

The memory was vivid: the Ghost Bride had broken his arm and choked him into unconsciousness. Some sub-scenario props have side effects, which can alter the user’s character or personality—anger, bloodthirst, arrogance...

These side effects typically vanish once the prop is removed. Yet there’s always a chance that, like a brand, the effects linger, staining the mind.

Generally, though, these changes fade with time.

“As expected, it must be the props...” Ji Linmo recalled the sub-scenario prop he’d seen before: “Ephemeral Bridal Gown.”

[Ephemeral Bridal Gown—Ruolan Community]

[Prop Quality: Intermediate (Class B Sub-scenario)]

[Prop Description: ‘A wedding scene strewn with corpses—once, that was proof of my love for you.’]

[Prop Effect: When worn, the current sub-scenario rewinds to a week prior and endlessly loops that week.]

[Negative Effect: This prop carries powerful side effects; upon wearing, ??? will occur. Handle with caution.]

Back then, the negative effects were marked as unknown. Qin Feng’s current loss of self was largely due to those side effects not yet fully dissipated. After all, the prop’s power was so great it could turn a player into an NPC.

“But even then, I was puzzled—what does it mean, for the Ghost Bride’s gown to ‘restore the sub-scenario to a week ago’?” Ji Linmo rubbed his chin, pondering. The literal meaning offered little clarity.

—The double happiness character, the videotape, the bloodstained wedding, the bridal gown that reverses time in the scenario.

The entire sub-scenario was becoming increasingly riddled with mystery—intricate and interwoven, each thread tied to the next.

“For now, I’ll just keep that boy hidden in the dormitory,” he mused. “There’s been no notification of an extra player in the scenario, and to avoid triggering any rules, it’s safest to conceal him here.”

Locking the door carefully, Ji Linmo proceeded toward his destination.

In his view, there was nothing remarkable about Qin Feng, yet so many influential people had gone to such lengths to find him and bring him back. Only one explanation remained:

—Illegitimate child.

This boy named Qin Feng was surely the hidden offspring of some powerful figure.

“No wonder... he’s so good-looking,” Ji Linmo shook his head and headed for the elevator.

His next destination was Room 202.

Room 202 was home to Old Master Ma and his beloved. This time, he intended to use the pretext of returning a ring to get a good look at their place.

“Speak up! Where did you put the ring?”

“Did you give it to some hussy? I knew it! Men are all unreliable! You think I’m too old for you! It’s those young girls you have your eye on!”

As soon as Ji Linmo stepped from the elevator and reached the door of Room 202, he heard the clash of pots and pans inside. He stood quietly by the door, listening as Old Master Ma’s booming voice came through the iron door.

“Old woman, I’m telling you, stop being unreasonable! I’ve told you again and again, it’s not what you think! Stop imagining things!”

Bang! There was a tremendous crash, as if something heavy had fallen.

“Imagining things? It’s clear you’ve got a new sweetheart! Heaven strike me down if I’m wrong! I can’t live another day like this! Get out! Go to your lover—this house doesn’t welcome you anymore!”

The iron door was shoved violently, then came the clatter of the lock.

“Fine, I’ll go! I won’t come back—” Old Master Ma threw open the door, his face twisted with anger, only to freeze in embarrassment.

There stood Ji Linmo, arms full of various foods, right at his doorstep.

“Er... You... How come you didn’t let me know you were coming?” Old Master Ma stammered. “I’m sorry, but I really can’t receive you right now.”

Ji Linmo glanced at the old man, whose hair was disheveled and cheeks flushed, as if he’d just been slapped. He lifted his bag.

“Sir, since I’m already here, I bought too much and thought I’d bring you some.”

Before he finished speaking, hurried footsteps echoed from inside the apartment. Someone was rushing over, clearly agitated.

“Who is it! See? I knew you were two-timing me and gave my ring to someone else! Today I’m going to see for myself who got it!”

Ji Linmo looked toward the doorway.

A woman appeared—dressed in a gaudy floral robe, hair in braids, with a rosy, striking face as radiant as a young maiden. Yet her posture was stooped, her mouth full of yellowed teeth, and she shuffled forward, trembling.

["Granny Ghost—Gu Yulan"]

[Level: Advanced Vengeful Spirit]

[Character Profile: Gu Yulan, resident of Room 202, lives with her husband Ma Jianguo, passionate about housework, and most enjoys dressing up and styling herself.]