Chen Ge scrolled further, the black phone's screen casting a cold glow on his face as more headlines bled into view. "Disappearance of the hospital director and patients. An anonymous letter claims that there are bodies left in the hospital." Another: "A changing bloody message, moaning from a closed room, who opened the locked doors at midnight?" The titles grew darker—"What have they seen to cause them to go crazy in one night? Who is the patient, and who is the doctor?"—until the last one chilled the air between them: "Screaming, cutting, sewing, the twisting of human nature, the hospital where the sun will never rise." Liu Dao's eyes darted across the screen, his confident facade cracking. His chest rose and fell unevenly, the polished smile frozen into something brittle. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper, the file in his hand suddenly feeling like dead weight.
Liu Dao had arrived armed with contingency plans—salary bumps, safer locations, scripted scares to ease Chen Ge's fears. He'd rehearsed negotiation tactics for every objection, but Chen Ge had flipped the script from the start. The Haunted House boss didn't flinch at danger; he dismissed their sets as too fake and countered with a place that reeked of real death from a mere online search. Is this guy unhinged? Liu Dao thought, his mind racing as sweat prickled his scalp. The Third Sick Hall wasn't a set—it was a graveyard of rumors, a place even urban explorers avoided. "Mr. Chen," he said, forcing calm into his voice, "our team might not have the guts for a place like this. If the scripts feel off, we can rewrite them—make them scarier, safer." His words tumbled out, grasping for control.
"It's alright," Chen Ge said, waving off the concern with a casual flick of his hand, the black phone still glowing with the hospital's horrors. Liu Dao's relief was short-lived. "Thank you for understanding—shall we tweak the script together?" he pressed, hope flickering. Chen Ge's eyes glinted with something unreadable. "I don't need a crew. I'll go in alone." The statement landed like a mallet blow. Liu Dao's face paled, cold sweat beading as he processed the words. "Have you misunderstood me?" he stammered, clutching the file. "You're planning to livestream alone in a place like this—at midnight?" The idea was suicidal, far beyond their staged haunts. Chen Ge's calm was unnerving, as if he'd walked those bloodied corridors before.
"Is there a problem?" Chen Ge asked, his tone almost amused, the question hanging in the damp morning air outside the Haunted House. Liu Dao's carefully prepared proposals—days of sleepless planning, market analyses, scripted jump scares—crumbled to dust. This wasn't a negotiation; it was a challenge to step into Chen Ge's world, where fear wasn't manufactured. "No, no problem," Liu Dao managed, his voice tight as he fumbled with the suitcase. "Take a look at the contract—any requests, just say it." He slid a temporary agreement across the booth's counter, its terms loose, a trial run to test the waters. Chen Ge would plug their studio in his livestream; they'd push for platform recommendations and exposure. A single stream to gauge the partnership, void after.
Chen Ge skimmed the contract, noting its cautious flexibility—smart business, minimizing risk. Liu Dao, sensing an opening, opened the suitcase wider while Chen Ge read. "Your streams are gold, but the gear's holding you back," he said, pulling out sleek equipment. "This is a GoPro carry-on, waterproof—built for skydiving, deep-sea dives. Here's an anti-slip chest bracket and arm camera for steady shots. Wireless earphones for real-time comms. We'll have pros handle retransmission; you'll monitor the stream on your phone." Each item gleamed with professional polish, a stark upgrade from Chen Ge's shaky setups. "Get familiar with it fast," Liu Dao urged. "Qin Guang's next stream is unannounced but within three days. We go head-to-head, same slot. This is our shot." The contract's temporary nature betrayed his nerves—win or lose, they'd reassess after one battle.
Chen Ge signed, the pen scratching softly, and accepted the suitcase, its weight a promise of sharper streams. Liu Dao extended a hand, his grip firm but clammy. "I'll ping you when Qin Guang's schedule drops. Be ready—and be careful." The warning felt hollow against Chen Ge's calm. Liu Dao strode off, disappearing into the park's morning crowd, leaving Chen Ge with the gear and a new mission. He hauled the suitcase to the staff breakroom, stashing it beside the mannequin boxes, then returned to the ticket booth. By 2 p.m., the sky darkened, heavy clouds unloading a sudden downpour. Rain lashed the park, scattering the few visitors and turning New Century Park into a ghost town, its colorful facades dull under the gray.
The Haunted House's visitor count was climbing, but the park's overall footfall was bleeding out. Chen Ge stared at the empty pathways, rain drumming on the booth's awning, a knot tightening in his chest. Not enough scenarios to carry the Haunted House alone. Jiujiang's lack of competition kept New Century Park afloat, but the futuristic park under construction would siphon visitors like a flood. If the park shuttered, his Haunted House—his lifeline, his parents' legacy—would crumble with it. "Boss, what's on your mind?" Xu Wan's voice broke his reverie. She stood beside him, umbrella shielding her uniform, her eyes soft with concern as rain pattered around them, the Third Sick Hall's shadow looming larger in Chen Ge's mind.
"No, it's not tiring at all. I really enjoy staying in the haunted house," Chen Ge replied. Xu Wan's voice soft and laced with a quiet enthusiasm that warmed Chen Ge's heart. The rain pounded heavily outside, a relentless drumbeat against the roof of the haunted house, driving most of the tourists away and leaving the sprawling, eerie attraction shrouded in a damp, misty silence. Xu Wan, clutching her umbrella, leaned against Chen Ge, her slender frame slightly weary from the day's work but radiating a subtle, inviting warmth. The air was thick with the scent of rain-soaked earth and the faint, musty aroma of the haunted house, creating an intimate cocoon around them. Her watery eyes, shimmering with a mix of fatigue and unspoken desire, met his, and Chen Ge's lips curved into a knowing smile. His large, calloused hand slid down to her shapely buttocks, gently kneading the soft, yielding flesh through her damp clothing, the touch sending a shiver through her. The dim light of the haunted house cast eerie shadows across the walls, amplifying the charged tension as their bodies pressed closer, the rain's rhythm a sensual backdrop to their growing intimacy.
"The rain is getting heavier. The remaining tourists probably won't come anymore," Chen Ge whispered, his voice low and husky with intent as he lifted Xu Wan effortlessly into his arms, her lightweight form molding perfectly against his muscular chest. He carried her toward the secluded rest area of the haunted house, the creaky floorboards groaning under his steps, the air growing thicker with anticipation. Just as they reached the door, Xu Wan's legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, her thighs gripping him tightly as her lips sought his in a fervent, demanding kiss. Her small, fragrant tongue was clumsy yet eager, exploring his mouth with a stiff, tentative passion that betrayed her inexperience. The taste of her was sweet, a heady mix of rain and desire, and Chen Ge responded with a fierce hunger, his tongue pressing against hers, hooking it and pulling it into his mouth with forceful suction. He savored the sweet saliva that flowed from her tongue, swallowing it greedily as the room pulsed with the heat of their connection, the rain's relentless patter outside amplifying the raw, unfiltered passion of their embrace.
Simultaneously, Chen Ge's hands gripped Xu Wan's buttocks, one in each palm, kneading them in slow, circular motions that sent waves of pleasure through her trembling body. His fingers occasionally squeezed and lifted, causing her soft, pliant form to rise and fall as if she were the one initiating their lovemaking, her movements a seductive dance against his hardening cock. The friction of her body against his erection, pressing firmly against her lower body, ignited a fire within him, and he could faintly feel the warm, copious fluid seeping from between her legs, soaking her panties and creating a slick, intimate barrier between them. The air was thick with the musky scent of her arousal, mingling with the damp, earthy aroma of the rain-soaked haunted house, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that enveloped them both. Xu Wan's dual stimulation—her mouth claimed by his relentless kiss and her body manipulated by his skilled hands—drove her wild, her fingers clutching his clothes as she burrowed deeper into his arms, her vulva grinding desperately against his cock through their clothing, the friction sending shivers of ecstasy through her.
Chen Ge carried Xu Wan into the lounge and collapsed onto the worn bed, the mattress creaking softly under their combined weight. One hand paused its kneading, sliding slowly down to hook his fingers into the waistband of her panties, pulling them down with deliberate care. Instantly, her snow-white buttocks were exposed, their smooth, flawless curves glowing faintly in the dim light of the room. As his hot hand covered the cool, naked flesh, the contrast in temperature sent a jolt through Xu Wan, momentarily pulling her from the haze of pleasure. The sensation of her bare skin against his palm, combined with the shocking realization of her exposed vulnerability, filled her with a potent mix of shame and arousal. The air was thick with the scent of her dripping arousal, the faint creaks of the haunted house amplifying the intimacy as she squirmed under his touch, her body trembling with the overwhelming exposure of her most private self to the man she loved.
The cool, naked sensation on Xu Wan's buttocks, coupled with the caress of Chen Ge's hot, possessive hands, sent a wave of shock and embarrassment crashing through her. Exposing her intimate backside to the person she adored was an unbearable vulnerability, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson as she grappled with the intensity of her emotions. Her legs clamped tightly together in a futile attempt to preserve her modesty, but the sticky, slick sensation within her vagina only heightened her shame, the evidence of her arousal undeniable. She longed to flee, to hide from the overwhelming exposure, but Chen Ge's hands gripped her pert buttocks even tighter, his fingers sinking into the soft, yielding flesh and creating a visually striking effect as her full curves sagged under his grasp. The air was thick with the heat of their proximity, the rain's relentless patter outside a sensual counterpoint to the raw, unfiltered passion unfolding in the lounge, as Xu Wan's body betrayed her protests with every quiver of desire.
"Smack, smack..." The sharp, resonant slaps echoed through the lounge as Chen Ge, unable to resist the temptation of Xu Wan's firm, elastic buttocks, delivered two hard, deliberate strikes to her beautiful, pert flesh. The sound was crisp, mingling with the rain's rhythm outside, and the impact sent a surge of intense pleasure coursing through her, her body arching involuntarily as she cried out in a mix of pain and ecstasy. "You're so bad... How could you hit me there... Mmm..." she moaned, her voice trembling with a seductive blend of protest and arousal. Her face flushed an even deeper red, a captivating, seductive look transforming her delicate features as the slapping in her most private area ignited a fire within her. The air was thick with the scent of her arousal, the faint creaks of the bed amplifying the intensity as Chen Ge's heart trembled with desire, her delicate, tender body a vision of beauty that drove him to the edge of control, his cock throbbing with the need to claim her fully.
"Not only will I hit you, brother will also fuck you!" Chen Ge growled, his voice thick with excitement and trembling with anticipation as he flipped Xu Wan over, positioning her with her buttocks raised invitingly toward him. With a swift, eager motion, he pulled her panties down completely, revealing a plump, round buttocks like a full moon, its firm, white flesh glowing in the dim light. The deep cleft between her cheeks and the pink, glistening flesh of her honeyed vulva—still dripping with lustful fluid—formed a pink valley that was the most stimulating sight he had ever beheld. The air was thick with the musky scent of her arousal, the rain's relentless patter outside a haunting backdrop to the raw, primal passion unfolding. Chen Ge's right hand caressed the two swollen labia, his touch sending shivers through her as his middle finger lightly tapped the entrance, the wetness of her honeypot allowing easy entry. Even after only a short distance, his finger felt the tight, pulsing pressure of her sensitive flesh, drawing a gasp from her lips.
Xu Wan's face burned with a deep, intoxicating blush as she knelt with her buttocks raised, her beloved's gaze fixed on her most private parts, exposing her vulnerability in a way that left her dizzy with shame and desire. Her murmured protests, uttered in a drunken stupor, were barely coherent, her eyes glazed with a hazy, intoxicated glow as she surrendered to the passion consuming her. Though she weakly resisted, her body betrayed her, her hips instinctively pushing back to meet Chen Ge's movements, craving his touch with a desperate need. "Ah... um..." she moaned, her lips parting to reveal the delicate flower bud within her glistening folds. Chen Ge's middle finger, like a nimble snake, probed the tender, clenched flesh inside, easily finding the source of her smoldering nectar—the tiny, still-closed crevice that pulsed with sensitivity. The air was thick with the wet, intimate sounds of his exploration, the rain's rhythm outside amplifying the surreal intensity as her honeypot gripped his finger tightly, writhing with slippery liquid under his varying pressure.
With a gentle yet commanding touch, Chen Ge parted Xu Wan's long, slender legs, his strong hands spreading them wide to reveal the glistening, pink folds of her vulva, already slick with arousal. His hot, throbbing penis pressed firmly against her tender flesh, the engorged glans grinding slowly against her sensitive entrance, coating itself in the warm, slippery fluid that seeped from her core. The air was thick with the musky scent of her desire, mingling with the damp, earthy aroma of the rain-soaked haunted house, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that enveloped them in the dimly lit lounge. Looking into Xu Wan's flushed, watery eyes with a tender intensity, he whispered, "Brother's going in!" His voice was a low, husky growl, laced with promise and passion. The faint creaks of the bed and the relentless patter of rain outside amplified the raw intimacy of the moment, as Xu Wan's breath hitched, her body trembling with anticipation. "Mmm... Boss... fuck me hard... I'll always be yours..." she moaned, her passionate confession sending a surge of desire through Chen Ge, igniting his need to claim her completely.
Hearing Xu Wan's fervent, lustful declaration, Chen Ge's restraint shattered, and he thrust his massive penis into her with a single, forceful motion, driving it all the way to the deepest depths of her tight, welcoming vagina. The slick, velvety walls gripped him tightly, enveloping his cock in a warm, pulsing embrace that sent waves of pleasure coursing through his body. The air was thick with the wet, rhythmic sounds of their union, the rain's relentless drumbeat outside a sensual counterpoint to the primal passion unfolding in the lounge. Xu Wan's delicate frame arched beneath him, her soft cries of ecstasy filling the room as her vaginal walls contracted around him, drawing him deeper into her honeyed core. The haunted house seemed to pulse with the energy of their connection, the faint creaks of the wooden floorboards amplifying the intensity as Chen Ge surrendered to the overwhelming sensation of her tight, slick flesh, each thrust a testament to the raw, unfiltered desire that bound them.
Repeatedly, Chen Ge withdrew his penis completely, the slick, glistening shaft emerging from her stretched vaginal opening, pulling strands of her warm, translucent fluid with it, splattering across her thighs and the bed below. With astonishing force, he thrust back in, each powerful penetration slamming against Xu Wan's soft, swollen clitoris, eliciting high-pitched cries of ecstasy that echoed through the lounge. The air was thick with the scent of her arousal, the musky sweetness of her love juice mingling with the damp aroma of the rain-soaked haunted house, creating a heady atmosphere that drove his desire to new heights. "Boss... ah... good... ahhh... so comfortable... so... ah... so stimulating... ahhhh..." Xu Wan's voice was a trembling wail, her words punctuated by gasps of pleasure as her body quivered beneath him. The sight of her delicate form, writhing in ecstasy, fueled Chen Ge's fervor, the rain's rhythm outside amplifying the surreal intensity of their forbidden dance in the haunted house.
Chen Ge's gaze dropped to Xu Wan's soft, trembling flesh, his eyes drinking in the sight of her large, unbound breasts swaying wildly with each thrust, like a ship caught in a violent storm. The erotic display of her rippling, pink-tipped mounds sent a surge of excitement through him, his cock throbbing harder within her tight, pulsing vagina. While maintaining his frenzied, relentless rhythm, he reached out with both hands, seizing her enormous breasts and mercilessly pinching and shaking the elastic, yielding flesh. No matter how roughly he ravaged them, the soft yet firm mounds always sprang back to their full, alluring shape, as if imbued with an indelible memory of their perfect form. The air was thick with the wet, slapping sounds of their bodies colliding, the rain's relentless patter outside a haunting backdrop to the raw, primal passion unfolding. Xu Wan's moans grew louder, her body arching into his touch, the haunted house seeming to pulse with the energy of their unbridled lust.
"So... so amazing... Boss, you're grabbing my... breasts... ah... so... so good... more... more, ah... it's hitting the spot... keep going... ah! I love being penetrated..." Xu Wan's voice was a sultry, desperate plea, her words dripping with lust as her hot, wet vagina clung tightly to Chen Ge's cock, the warm love juice flowing copiously down his shaft, coating him in her slick essence. Each time he pulled out, he could feel her vaginal walls reluctantly releasing him, a testament to her body's hunger; each time he thrust in hard, he felt her joy in her complete, passionate devotion. The air was thick with the scent of her arousal, the faint creaks of the bed amplifying the intensity as her firm, wet breasts swayed with every movement, her moans a symphony of previously unspoken desires. The haunted house seemed to hum with the heat of their connection, the rain's rhythm outside a sensual counterpoint to the raw, unfiltered passion that consumed them both.
"Boss... it's so big... it feels so good... ah... so good... ah!" Xu Wan's voice trembled with ecstasy, her seductive twisting of her waist meeting Chen Ge's powerful thrusts, her body moving in perfect sync with his. "Mmm, so big, so big... it feels so good, Boss, please go deeper, it's so itchy," she moaned, her words a provocative invitation that sent a jolt through him. Gripping her slender, wasp-like waist with both large hands, his fingers nearly encircling its delicate curve, Chen Ge plunged his enormous penis into her honeyed depths with unrelenting force. Each penetration caused her smooth, taut abdomen to bulge visibly, the intense stimulation eliciting ecstatic moans that filled the lounge with their haunting melody. The air was thick with the wet, rhythmic sounds of their union, the rain's relentless patter outside amplifying the surreal intensity as Xu Wan's body quivered beneath him, her pleasure a palpable force that drove him to new heights of desire.
Panting heavily, Chen Ge continued his relentless thrusting, his massive penis penetrating deep into Xu Wan's core, the tight, pulsing walls of her vagina gripping him with an exquisite intensity that threatened to unravel him. The overwhelming pleasure made Xu Wan's eyes glaze over, her delicate legs trembling weakly as her contracting vaginal walls gushed forth copious amounts of warm, translucent fluid, soaking their joined bodies. The air was thick with the musky scent of her arousal, the faint creaks of the haunted house a haunting backdrop to the raw, primal passion unfolding. Seeing her kneeling on the wooden floor like a female dog, her wasp-like waist supporting her plump, high-perched buttocks as she received his rough thrusting into her beautiful, slick hole, sent a surge of possessive desire through him. The sight of her fragrant body swaying, her unbound breasts surging wildly with each thrust, was a vision of pure, unfiltered eroticism that fueled his unrelenting rhythm.
"Ah... beautiful... beautiful... um... oh..." Xu Wan's moans were a soft, trembling wail, her body quivering with each powerful thrust as Chen Ge's strong buttocks drove forward again and again, plunging into her tenderest, smoothest, and softest flesh. The air was thick with the wet, slapping sounds of their bodies colliding, the rain's relentless patter outside amplifying the intensity as her large, unbound breasts swayed wildly, their pink tips bouncing with every tremor of her body. "Ah ah... I want... boss... ah... I can't take it anymore... ah ah... I'm coming... I can't hold back..." she cried, her voice rising in pitch as her body began to tremble and stiffen violently. Chen Ge's waist moved like a high-powered motor, relentlessly targeting the tenderest, smoothest core of her vagina, pushing her closer to the edge of ecstasy with every precise, forceful thrust.
An ever-increasing, overwhelming desire surged from Xu Wan's heart, her delicate body uncontrollably responding to Chen Ge's massive penis with a desperate, primal need. "Ah... ahhhhhh... oh... ah..." she moaned, her voice a violent, ecstatic groan as her tender, flower-like opening received the relentless penetration of his cock. Her delicate body convulsed violently, streams of warm, translucent fluid cascading onto his shaft, coating him in her slick essence. "Ah... I'm going to die... ah... ah... boss... ah... you... ah... you're too strong... you're killing me..." she wailed, her words a mix of pleasure and surrender as her body trembled beneath him. The air was thick with the scent of her climax, the faint creaks of the bed amplifying the surreal intensity as the haunted house seemed to pulse with the energy of their unbridled passion, her convulsions a testament to the overwhelming pleasure consuming her.
Obsessed with Xu Wan's exquisite body, Chen Ge refused to let her go even as she climaxed, his large penis pounding into her relentlessly, the slick, pulsing walls of her vagina gripping him with an intensity that drove him wild. Watching her snow-white body sway and writhe on the bed under his ravages, her delicate form a vision of pure, erotic beauty, excited him to the point of frenzy. "Mmm… oh oh… boss… ah… big meat stick boss… ah… fuck me to death… ah… so good… ah… I'm yours… ah… always yours… give… ah… give me my boss's big meat stick to fuck me… mmmmm… so comfortable… ah… I'm so happy… ah ah ah…" Xu Wan's voice was a desperate, lustful chant, her words fueling his desire as his thrusts grew even faster, the air thick with the wet, rhythmic sounds of their union, the rain's relentless patter outside a haunting counterpoint to their primal dance.
In the throes of this rapid, greedy defilement of his beautiful employee, Chen Ge's restraint finally shattered, and he ejaculated deep into Xu Wan's uterus with a guttural groan. Milky white semen spurted from his glans in powerful jets, scalding her sensitive flesh and causing her entire body to convulse violently with a second, overwhelming climax. "Boss… ah… good brother boss… big meat stick… ah… I'm ejaculating… all for my dear sister… ah… so hot… ah… my uterus is completely filled… woo… ah ah… so full… ah… so swollen…" she moaned, her voice trembling with ecstasy as the hot flood of his semen filled her, her body quivering with the intensity of the sensation. The air was thick with the scent of their shared climax, the faint creaks of the haunted house amplifying the surreal intimacy as their bodies trembled in unison, lost in the afterglow of their passionate union.
Breathing heavily and utterly relaxed, Chen Ge collapsed comfortably atop Xu Wan, his muscular frame enveloping her delicate, trembling body as he held her tightly, his lips brushing gently against hers in a tender, lingering kiss. The air was thick with the musky scent of their arousal, the rain's relentless patter outside a soothing backdrop to the quiet intimacy of the moment. Xu Wan, weak and spent from the intensity of their lovemaking, returned his kiss with a soft, affectionate fervor, her body still quivering with the remnants of her orgasm. The haunted house seemed to hum with the energy of their connection, the faint creaks of the bed a haunting reminder of the raw, unfiltered passion that had unfolded. Chen Ge's heart swelled with a mix of tenderness and satisfaction, his hands tracing soothing patterns along her sweat-slicked skin as they basked in the afterglow, their bodies entwined in a moment of pure, unspoken connection.
"Get some rest," Chen Ge murmured softly, his voice laced with care as he gazed at Xu Wan, her delicate features softened by the deep sleep that had claimed her in the wake of their intense encounter. He rose gently from the bed, careful not to disturb her, and retrieved a fresh quilt from a nearby cabinet, draping it over her trembling form to replace the old one, now soaked with the mingled evidence of their semen and her copious fluids. The air was thick with the lingering scent of their passion, the rain's relentless patter outside a soothing lullaby as the haunted house settled into a quiet, intimate silence. Chen Ge's eyes lingered on her sleeping form, her snow-white skin glowing faintly in the dim light, a vision of beauty that stirred both tenderness and lingering desire within him. The faint creaks of the building seemed to whisper approval, the lounge a sanctuary of their shared ecstasy as he watched over her, ensuring her comfort in the aftermath of their fervent union.
Chen Ge turned to Xu Wan, the rain drumming steadily on the Haunted House's awning, casting a gray veil over New Century Park. "Thank you for your work today," he said, his voice carrying over the downpour. "Head home now—I've got to finish the mannequins at the workshop." Xu Wan nodded, her umbrella blooming open as she glanced at the deserted pathways, concern flickering in her eyes for the park's fading pulse. She slipped away into the rain, her footsteps fading, leaving Chen Ge alone with the patter of water and the weight of tomorrow's opening. He locked the Haunted House, the click of the gate echoing, and shouldered his bag, the black phone and new livestream gear a quiet promise of the Third Sick Hall's horrors. The storm had chased away the last visitors, but Mu Yang High School's debut loomed, its twenty-four heads waiting for bodies.
After a quick cleanup—wiping counters, securing props—Chen Ge stepped into the rain, his umbrella a small shield against the deluge. The walk to the mannequin workshop was short, but the streets were slick, neon reflections shimmering in puddles. Before reaching the glass door, he spotted Boss Qian squatting by a roadside hawker stall, haggling with the cook over steaming bowls, his round face animated under a shared umbrella. "Why are you out here?" Chen Ge called, shaking water from his sleeves. Qian scrambled up, joints creaking, his grin undimmed by the weather. "Brother! Thought over the high-end doll gig? You'd revolutionize the industry—mark my words." The pitch was relentless, Qian's eyes gleaming with visions of profit.
"Not interested," Chen Ge said firmly, pushing through the workshop door, the bell jingling as warmth and the scent of curing silicone enveloped him. He shrugged off his coat, focusing on the headless mannequins lined up like silent sentinels, their clay forms ready for final touches. Qian trailed behind, undeterred. "Just think—king of adult sex dolls, your name on every order!" His voice echoed off the walls, but Chen Ge tuned him out, hands already kneading details into limbs, the Dollmaker's Talent flowing effortlessly. The rain hammered the roof, a rhythmic backdrop to the work, as Qian's sales talk faded into white noise.
By 9:30 p.m., the twenty-four mannequins stood complete, their bodies seamless, skin textured with veins and subtle imperfections that blurred the line between art and life. The workshop felt haunted, the figures' blank necks awaiting heads, creating a harrowing tableau under the harsh lights. Qian circled them, awe softening his greed. "They're so realistic—like art come alive," he murmured, reaching out but stopping short. Chen Ge wiped his hands, satisfaction settling in. "Leave them overnight; I'll grab them tomorrow morning," he said, patting Qian's shoulder. "Watch from a distance—don't touch." Qian nodded, a mix of respect and caution in his eyes, as Chen Ge grabbed his umbrella and stepped back into the storm, the door locking behind him with a final click.
The rain poured harder, streets emptying as shops shuttered, owners calling children home under glowing signs. Chen Ge trudged onward, umbrella tilted against the wind, mind turning to logistics. How to move twenty-four mannequins to the park? Uncle Xu's van was the answer—reliable, discreet. He'd call at dawn. The city's pulse slowed, neon bleeding into puddles, when a child's cry pierced the alley he passed. Peering in, he saw boys hurling rocks and bottles at a shadowed corner, one clutching a scratched finger, tears streaking his face as he scooped debris to throw. The lottery shop owner burst out, bellowing, "Jia Ming, Jia Bao—home, now!" A boy shouted back, "Dad, little brother got scratched by a stray cat!"
The man charged into the alley, Chen Ge following on instinct, rain dripping from his umbrella. The father scooped up the wailing boy, cooing consolation, but his eyes blazed. "Don't cry—Daddy'll get revenge. This cat?" He hefted a brick, hurling it at the corner. The impact drew a pained whimper. Chen Ge's leg shot out, blocking the brick, pain flaring in his calf as he positioned himself between the man and the target. In a broken cardboard box lay a white cat, fur matted with blood, claws bared in defiance. Its head bled, but it refused to abandon the box, guarding four still kittens inside—clean, untouched amid the chaos outside.
"Why won't it run?" Chen Ge murmured, stepping closer, the cat's eyes narrowing to slits, body arching in warning. It feared humans, every approach a threat after the boys' cruelty. The man snarled, grabbing a broom. "What's your problem? Move!" He shoved Chen Ge, aggravating the bruise. Something primal surged—Chen Ge seized the man's arm, twisting him down, palm pressing his face into the muddy ground. Yin Yang Vision activated, his pupils contracting to pinpricks, gaze cold as a grave. The man froze, chills racing through him, teeth chattering as fear overrode anger. "Chill—we can talk," he stammered, broom clattering away. "Cameras everywhere… not worth it for a stray. I'm gone."
Chen Ge released him, his eyes reverting as the man scrambled up, fleeing with his boys in tow, their footsteps splashing into the night. Silence returned to the alley, rain softening to a drizzle. Chen Ge approached the box slowly, the white cat tensing, ears flat, ready to strike. He knelt, movements deliberate, no sudden gestures to spook it. Instead, he angled his umbrella, shielding the box from the rain, creating a small sanctuary. The cat's gaze softened a fraction, wary but watchful, as Chen Ge's mind flashed to the young man's words—mirror entities feared cats. This wounded mother, fierce in her grief, might be more than a stray; she could be a key to the Third Sick Hall's secrets.