While observing Yu Xiao talk on the phone, Zhou Xiao Zhen noticed a change in her expression. She shot her a questioning look, silently trying to figure out the cause of her unease.

    Yu Xiao’s heart was racing irregularly; a miscalculation had thrown her off balance. She had always regarded the Dean as a formidable force, and as a result, she had taken steps to manipulate the medical staff, neutralising their combat potential and ensuring that they wouldn’t align with the Dean.

    Every talisman she’d hoarded was intended for the Dean. While they might not cause chaos, they could at least help her navigate the situation.

    Her initial strategy involved stalling the Dean, giving Zhao Lan the opportunity to infiltrate the Dean’s office. However, the Dean’s office door stubbornly resisted all attempts to open it.

    Through the phone, Zhao Lan urgently begged her to escape, warning that the Dean was en route. But where could Yu Xiao flee to? The Dean’s omnipresence covered every corner of the hospital. Adding to her fear was the return of her sporadic deafness, causing the surrounding sounds to fade until Zhou Xiao Zhen’s moving lips produced no audible words.

    Yu Xiao glanced at Zhou Xiao Zhen and gently shook her head.

    Upon seeing this, Zhou Xiao Zhen paused, then witnessed Yu Xiao lightly touching her ear.

    Dread washed over Zhou Xiao Zhen’s face. The realisation hit her—Smiley had lost her hearing again. Meanwhile, the deliberate footsteps echoed from outside—a composed and unhurried rhythm.

    Lighter than Dr. Fatties, slower than George’s, those were Dean’s footsteps.

    Zhou Xiao Zhen desperately wanted to warn Yu Xiao about the immediate danger lurking outside, but Yu Xiao remained oblivious and unable to hear. Suppressing her own movements, Zhou Xiao Zhen refrained from making any gestures, fearing that the ghost nurses would perceive Yu Xiao’s vulnerability and cease to obey.

    All Zhou Xiao Zhen could do was direct a horrified gaze towards the door, silently praying that Yu Xiao could sense the encroaching dread reflected in her expression.

    Understanding the unspoken message and sensing something more, as the nurses mirrored her terror, all fixated on the entrance.

    Recalling Zhao Lan’s description of the Dean’s terrifying nature, Yu Xiao comprehended the gravity of the situation. Although Zhao Lan sounded anxious on the phone, the fact that she had not suffered any physical harm indicated that she had successfully avoided the Dean’s attention. But how did she come to know about the Dean’s terrifying nature?

    She must have witnessed something. Combining the nurses’ fearful expressions with Zhao Lan’s information, Yu Xiao began to suspect. Her fingers hesitated over her phone’s contact list, hovering over a specific number.

    In the deserted corridor, the sound of footsteps echoed. A thin shadow stretched under the lamplight, appearing like a malevolent spirit entwined in an unseen struggle beneath the surface.

    In his office, George heard the sound and emitted a sinister chuckle. There was always someone trying to outsmart him. He didn’t need to speculate about what would happen next; he had witnessed such scenarios countless times. However, tonight was different. He yearned to witness the desperate downfall of the audacious woman who dared to challenge him.

    George stepped out into the hallway to hear better, with his eyes closed, had a sinister grin on his face as he felt the ominous presence approaching the front of the nurses’ station.

    Inside the station, Zhou Xiaozhen heard footsteps getting closer and then suddenly stopping. Fear was clearly visible on her face as she desperately tried to communicate with Yu Xiao through her eyes. Although Yu Xiao couldn’t hear, she understood that the most dangerous moment had arrived. Without any hesitation, she pressed her fingers down to make the call.

    George, lost in his own imaginary movie of Yu Xiao death, imagined having a fresh brain as a snack in this situation. But no worries – is anything perfect in the world of ghosts? This small imperfection didn’t need to bother him.

    Then, a familiar sound came from his own pocket…

    “Beep beep beep beep beep…”

    “…”

    George’s expression went blank for a moment – the first time he had felt confused since becoming the head doctor. Who on earth would call him at such a moment?!

    An extremely withered hand pressed against the door handle of the nurses’ station. Just as it was about to open the door, a sound echoed through the corridor.

    “Beep beep beep beep beep…”

    The dried-up hand hesitated for a moment, then released the handle.

    George fumbled for his phone, zeroing in on that unforgettable number. His once composed and handsome face crumbled, transforming into a look of distress.

    Honestly, if he could start over, he would strangle her on the first day ‘Deaf Descendant’ walked in—consequences be damned!

    As the sound of footsteps echoed, Zhou Xiao Zhen realised they were leaving. Overjoyed, she instinctively grabbed someone close and shook them vigorously, bursting with excitement yet hesitant to express it aloud.

    The nurses, though not needing to breathe, breathed a collective sigh of relief and embraced each other in celebration.

    After the exhilarating moment, Zhou Xiao Zhen felt something wet on her shoulder. She froze, realising she had been hugging a nurse with a disturbing look on her face, saliva dripping ominously.

    Swiftly, she pushed the nurse away and used the mahjong tiles as a threat.

    The frightened nurse, with a look of terror on her face, retreated to a corner, appearing wronged.

    Watching their animated reactions, Yu Xiao recognized her victory. The Dean wasn’t only attracted by the patients; he could be swayed by other factors.

    Upon seeing a tall, thin, almost skeletal figure appear around the corner, George’s eye twitched. He quickly entered the office and silenced his phone. Ready to reciprocate, he immediately dialled Yu Xiao’s number.

    “Sorry, the user you’re trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later…”

    “…”

    Frustrated, George threw his phone!

    In the nurse’s station, Zhou Xiao Zhen’s ears perked up, alerting her to the unmistakable sound of a door being forcefully broken open. Soon, a cacophony of chaotic noises followed, a discordant symphony of destruction that was initially difficult to comprehend. The crashing of breaking walls interrupted the chaos sporadically, adding to the raw, uncontrolled chaos.

    Her gaze shifted towards Yu Xiao, whose expression, though seemingly composed, revealed a hint of confusion beneath her serious exterior. Quickly, Zhou Xiao Zhen pulled out her phone, swiftly documenting the pandemonium unfolding outside the walls. She handed the electronic record to Yu Xiao.

    In an instant, Yu Xiao absorbed the unfolding drama. It was clear that the Dean and George were engaged in a heated struggle.

    Amidst the turmoil, Yu Xiao couldn’t help but admire George’s skill. Since her arrival, he had proven to be an invaluable ally.

    “What’s our plan here?” Zhou Xiao Zhen typed, her fingers dancing on the screen. “What should we do?”

    Yu Xiao considered for a moment, then replied, “Let’s go out.”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen: “What?”

    Other nurses: “?”

    Ignoring their confusion, Yu Xiao decisively pushed the door open.

    Collective gasps: “!!!”

    Undeterred, Yu Xiao stepped out, the open door amplifying the chaotic sounds. Alas, Yu Xiao remained deaf to the tumult. With a chainsaw in one hand and talismans in the other, she quietly advanced towards George’s besieged sanctuary.

    Not long after they left, Zhou Xiao Zhen reached out and took Yu Xiao’s hand. Yu Xiao understood the situation and crouched down in the corner, her eyes fixed on what lay ahead. sea??h thё N?vel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Despite Zhou Xiao Zhen’s fear, curiosity got the better of her and she peeked over Yu Xiao’s head. In that corner, there were nine heads lined up perfectly from bottom to top.

    On the other side of the corner, George’s once pristine white coat was torn to shreds and his once neatly combed hair was messy. His usually covered pale skin was exposed and marked with numerous wounds, resembling the bites of wild animals.

    Facing him was the dean, whose condition mirrored George’s misfortune. His white coat, barely recognizable now, bore the signs of a relentless attack, and a vacant sleeve sadly hung by his side. Upon closer inspection, his hand lay discarded on the ground.

    The doors and walls surrounding them showed the marks of a brutal confrontation, reduced to a pitiful state.

    The terrifying scene unfolding before them was both gruesome and deeply disturbing. Zhou Xiao Zhen, her face twisted in horror, couldn’t look away.

    In that terrifying moment, Yu Xiao’s calm voice broke the silence and revealed, “See that? George fought bravely with the dean on my behalf, showing how deeply he cared for me.”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen stood frozen in disbelief: This is the Smiley I know, always finding a way to tease George even in such dire circumstances. What an admirable role model!

    The nurses shared a collective gasp of astonishment: This is unbelievable. How could such a thing happen? It’s one thing for a patient to act aggressively, but for a senior doctor to recklessly support her? Aren’t we supposed to allow spirits to rest in peace? This is unbearable!

    In the heat of the battle, the confrontation reached its peak. Suddenly, the hospital Dean’s neck extended, and he sank his teeth into George’s shoulder with ruthless determination. George winced in pain, his face contorting. Showing no sign of weakness, he reciprocated by sinking his teeth into Dean’s head.

    “Crack!”

    The sharp sound reverberated as George snapped off Dean’s skull. Witnessing this, Yu Xiao couldn’t help but think that the Dean was done for. George has a tendency to feast on brains; surely he won’t let the Dean off the hook. Without his brain, survival would be impossible.

    Yet, reality hit her hard the next moment. From her vantage point, she could clearly see a cavity in the Dean’s head. Even with a missing piece of his skull, the Dean remained aggressive and undaunted. Yu Xiao scrutinised that mysterious void, deep and hollow, with nothing inside.

    Damn it, once again I miscalculated. The Dean doesn’t have a brain!

    As George fell behind, Yu Xiao finally understood the true significance of his earlier words.

    “…The Dean is not the type of person you can casually meet with…”

    Because encountering him was practically a death sentence. So naturally, not just anyone gets the opportunity to have a casual meeting with him and live!

    ‘Damn George, always setting traps, just waiting for me to fall right into them!’ Yu Xiao shot a glare at George.

    Crackle!

    George twisted the Dean’s head, completely turning it around 180 degrees. He was prepared to throw the Dean aside, and if he could, he would make Yu Xiao witness the bitter taste of true hopelessness!

    Just as he was about to push the Dean away, he spotted a familiar figure, someone who had made a lasting mark on him, hurrying from around the corner. Swiftly, the person reached him, bent down, and stuffed something into the hole in Dean’s head, then quickly ran away.

    Watching Yu Xiao disappear around the corner, George, puzzled, examined the hole in Dean’s head, and that’s when he noticed the yellow paper.

    “…”

    Yu Xiao sprinted back around the corner, signalling to Zhou Xiao Zhen, “Cover your ears!”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen dutifully covered her ears, and in the next moment, the world erupted.

    “Boom! Boom! BOOM!!!”

    One thunderous explosion followed another, shaking the entire St. Elizabeth’s. In that instant, it felt like hell for everyone on staff. Thunder roared incessantly, and amid the vast darkness, the blinding flashes seemed capable of scorching eyes.

    *

    *

    On the ground floor, Zhao Lan distinctly registered the tremors. She had seen the power of the Thunderstriking Talisman before, so she naturally knew that this was the result of Yu Xiao using several talismans at once.

    Is the situation above really this dire? Zhao Lan was filled with anxiety, but there was nothing she could do. She couldn’t even leave the first floor now. Smiley, Precious, please be safe!

    After a while, everything became silent, and Zhao Lan couldn’t hear any sound or sense any movement.

    It’s over, she thought.

    She didn’t dare to leave the utility room. Instead, she leaned against the door, taking deep breaths for a while. Then, she tremblingly pulled out her phone and called Yu Xiao.

    “Sorry, the number you have dialled is currently switched off…”

    A chill ran down her spine, but despair had not claimed her yet. Determined, she punched in Zhou Xiao Zhen’s number, clinging to a sliver of hope.

    “Sorry, the number you have dialled is currently switched off…”

    “…”

    Zhao Lan had endured the onslaught of incurable illness with stoic composure, but now her face was soaked in tears. Was she the sole survivor? The only one left standing?

    *

    *

    The smoke hung in the air, unwilling to dissipate. Yu Xiao took her hand away from her mouth, letting it pass through her tousled hair. Unknowingly, the dust that had settled there from the lingering smoke found its way into her nostrils. Thanks to the protective charm against thunder, her hearing had miraculously returned.

    “Ah, Achoo!” Yu Xiao sneezed loudly, feeling the weight of Zhou Xiao Zhen sprawled across her.

    Shoving Zhou Xiao Zhen aside, Yu Xiao cautiously approached the aftermath of the battlefield.

    The walls on either side bore the marks of fire, charred and burnt. The floor, too, was adorned with extensive patches of blackness, and within these burned areas lay two figures resembling humans.

    Yu Xiao first examined the condition of the dean. At this point, the dean’s head and neck were nowhere to be found, yet the body remained remarkably intact. Yu Xiao couldn’t help but marvel, “Impressive! Despite filling the brain with thunder charms, it only blew off the head. This dean’s body is truly resilient.”

    Seemingly motionless, the dean showed no signs of rising again. Yu Xiao then shifted her gaze to George, lying still on the scorched ground.

    George lay sprawled, his once-white coat torn and soot-covered. Yu Xiao approached, squatted beside him, and after a momentary pause, prodded him with her finger. “Hey, still kicking?”

    George’s body trembled slightly, emitting a soft “Hmm.”

    “Whoa,” Yu Xiao exclaimed, “Impressive, doc. You’re like a tank, taking hits and still standing strong.”

    With deliberate effort, George managed to raise himself up, although the icy nonchalance on his face had lost its initial refinement.

    Surveying the aftermath, Yu Xiao couldn’t help but notice George’s hair, now resembling a chaotic chicken coop, a fractured lens awkwardly perched on his glasses, a bruise imprint on his face, and his forehead painted pitch-black, as if life had just trampled all over him…

    Well it wasn’t far from the truth…

    George used his middle finger to straighten his glasses, only to find the headless dean sprawled before him.

    His stare pierced through the dean, as if trying to drill into his very essence. Breaking the silence after what felt like an eternity, he shifted his gaze from the lifeless figure to Yu Xiao.

    The intensity in his eyes wasn’t love; it was a reservoir of profound loathing.

    “Uh…” Confronted with that gaze, Yu Xiao felt an inexplicable pang of guilt. “I did it for your own good. Without my help, you would have been in grave danger.”

    George, unaffected by the need to breathe, took a deep breath, then he let out a scornful chuckle. “Looks like you’re planning on being my eternal companion, huh?”

    “Huh?” Yu Xiao was taken aback, quickly averting her eyes. “Well, you see, life doesn’t always follow our script. We’re from different worlds…”

    “Hmph, Ha!” George sneered at Yu Xiao, a wicked grin on his face. “You killed the dean, and now no one can enter the dean’s office. You’re trapped here, aren’t you?”

    “…”

    Silence hung in the air, pregnant with disbelief.

    “What do you mean? You can’t enter either?” Yu Xiao stuttered, struggling to accept the reality.

    George remained expressionless. “Only the dean can open the door to the dean’s office.”

    “…”

    “Seriously?” Zhou Xiao Zhen nervously interjected, her eyes darting between the two. “Smiley, what’s the plan? Are we stuck in this hellhole forever?”

    Desperate for a solution, Yu Xiao asked George with a glimmer of hope, “The dean is gone. Can’t you take on the role and open the door?”

    A cold smile played on George’s lips. “Nope.”

    “Um…”

    “We’re in deep shit,” Zhou Xiao Zhen wailed, tears streaming down her face. “Wah, wah, wah… there’s no turning back. Mom, Dad, goodbye forever. I’ll miss you so much…”

    Turning to George, Yu Xiao pressed, “There’s no other way, really?”

    George’s eyes shot daggers at Yu Xiao, a frosty stare that could chill a room.

    “Throw me another one of those glares, why don’t you?” Yu Xiao threatened, “I’m stuck here anyway, might as well go out with a bang. Don’t think I won’t report you?”

    At this point, George couldn’t have cared less. He struggled to his feet, adopting a tone that practically begged for a beating. “Report me? I wouldn’t even notice.”

    With those words hanging in the air, he turned, intending to make a swift exit back to his office. However, to his surprise, the office door had disappeared from its usual spot and now lay flat on his desk.

    “Does Saint Elizabeth’s only have one Dean?” Yu Xiao’s voice trailed behind him. George turned to find her staring at him. “How did this Dean manage to get the job?”

    George remained tight-lipped.

    Zhou Xiao Zhen, tears welling in her eyes, asked, “What… What’s happening, Smiley?”

    “Only the Dean can open that door,” Yu Xiao explained. “So, find us another Dean, and the door should open, right?”

    “That makes sense…” Zhou Xiao Zhen sighed. “But where on earth do we find another Dean?”

    “Promote one of the people over there to Dean status,” Yu Xiao gestured toward the group of nurses around the corner. “Or maybe we have an election. We just need a fresh face in the Dean’s chair!”

    Yu Xiao’s enthusiasm grew; she wiped her face and fixed her sparkling eyes on George. “Can you…?”

    George’s lips twitched as he spoke, “I’m the attending doctor here; there’s no way I can step into the Dean’s shoes.”

    Yu Xiao chuckled and replied, “Alright then, let’s throw an election into the mix.”

    George felt the need to clarify, “We’ve never done that at St. Elizabeth!”

    “Who should we choose as our lucky candidate?” Yu Xiao questioned, looking at the group of nurses.

    George snapped in response, “Did you not hear a word I just said?”

    Zhou Xiaozhen, expressing her concern, voiced, “What if they turn against us once they’re in charge? Shouldn’t we take control ourselves?”

    “Well, your reasoning makes sense,” reassured Yu Xiao, patting Zhou Xiaozhen on the shoulder. “We might as well give it a try.”

    George exploded with frustration, saying, “Did anyone catch a single word I said just now?”

    *

    *

    The patients lay in a deep slumber, oblivious to the world around them. However, when they woke up, they found themselves in an unusual situation in the hospital room.

    Yu Xiao and Zhou Xiao Zhen, who were supposed to be waking up alongside them, were now sitting on the bed. Behind them stood seven nurses, and there was another nurse crawling on the floor, apparently joining them. Many pairs of eyes stared intently at them.

    Qiao Qiao was overcome with fear. She had been at St. Elizabeth for over forty years, and this was the first time she had witnessed such a scene.

    “No medication today,” Yu Xiao declared, holding a chainsaw in her hand. “Everyone will cast their votes.”

    The patients, still in a daze, were herded into the cafeteria. On the walls, they noticed a few large words written in a dark red colour resembling blood.

    —St. Elizabeth Dean Election Assembly.

    All the patients and nurses gathered below, looking up at Yu Xiao with blank expressions. George stood in the corner, observing this seemingly absurd spectacle with indifference.

    Yu Xiao motioned to Zhou Xiao Zhen, who approached each individual, distributing paper and pens in a methodical manner.

    “What you have in your hands is a ballot. Make sure to write down the name of the person you believe should be the Dean,” Yu Xiao instructed, pulling out the chainsaw.

    She slammed the table loudly. “And that person is me, the Deaf Descendant! Hurry up, what’s taking so long?”

    Liu Cui, with frustration evident on her face, held the pen and paper, feeling perplexed. “How exactly do you write ‘dragon’?”

    “Tsk,” Yu Xiao sneered dismissively. “Precious, show her how it’s done.”

    Votes were quickly collected. Yu Xiao glanced at George, who was tucked away in the corner. “Are you going to count, or are you too busy holding grudges?”

    George avoided eye contact, sensing his position as the attending doctor crumbling with the director’s downfall. If that’s the case, why bother with rules? Could he put an end to that miserable woman?

    Lost in thought, he gazed at Yu Xiao’s delicate neck—so fragile. Would it break with a gentle twist?

    “Precious, come here,” Yu Xiao beckoned.

    Zhou Xiao Zhen stepped forward, grabbed a voting slip, and cleared her throat. “Ahem, let’s skip the nonsense. Time to count the votes. Fairness, justice… who cares? Let’s get on with it.”

    “One vote for the Deaf Descendant!”

    “Two votes for the Deaf Descendant!”

    “…”

    “Twenty votes for the Deaf Descendant. Hooray, the Deaf Descendant takes the crown!”

    “Thank you, everyone.” Yu Xiao pressed her palms together and bowed graciously. “I appreciate the trust and support.”

    The nurses and patients below clapped with little enthusiasm. Trust and support my ass, a complete fa?ade.

    George observed the farce with a detached gaze, knowing it was time to stop it. He walked towards Yu Xiao from behind, gradually extending his hands. In an instant, he felt a shift.

    At the same time, Yu Xiao also sensed the change in the air.

    After the applause, Zhou Xiao Zhen remarked, “Smiley, it seems this approach isn’t effective…”

    “No,” Yu Xiao met her gaze. “I sensed it.”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen asked, “What did you sense?”

    “I am already the dean,” Yu Xiao declared.

    “??!!” Zhou Xiao Zhen exclaimed.

    *

    *

    In the utility room on the first floor, Zhao Lan wept, waiting through the night. At this point, despair completely consumed her. Perhaps Smiley and Precious had already met their end. Consequently, she had nothing left to fear. What purpose did solitary survival serve? Soon, she would be discovered, meeting a gruesome fate, akin to Dr. Fat Pig.

    Pushing the door open, Zhao Lan left the utility room.

    Dr. Fat Pig’s remains still littered the corridor floor. Fear no longer gripped Zhao Lan; her heart resembled lifeless embers.

    Walking alone in the desolate corridor, she arrived at the hospital lobby. Glaring at the enormous portrait of the dean, she harboured a fierce resentment.

    Why? Why was the world so unjust? Smiley and Precious were so young; why did they have to die?

    Unfair!

    She quickly brushed away the tears with her sleeve. When she looked up again, she was surprised. The large LED screen’s images were changing.

    At first, it showed the dean wearing a white coat. After a flicker that suggested a technical glitch, the figure changed.

    Smiley?!

    Zhao Lan stood in shock. A quick blink confirmed it—now Yu Xiao was on the screen.

    Yu Xiao, wearing a white coat, had a friendly smile like a leader inspecting rural areas. She gently unfolded her hands, with a cluster of bold, red characters next to her.

    St. Elizabeth welcomes you!

    “…” Damn, Zhao Lan was speechless, her cognitive circuits crashing.

    *

    *

    Meanwhile, on the top floor, Yu Xiao felt a strong conviction that St. Elizabeth was seemingly under her control. With her desires, she could go to any floor.

    “Smiley, you’re not joking, are you?” Zhou Xiao Zhen looked at her in disbelief.

    “Do I seem like someone who would joke about this…” Yu Xiao eagerly turned to George, “Hurry up, tell me, is this real!”

    “…”

    George didn’t want to speak; he was overwhelmed by the audacity of what had just happened.

    “Hahaha…” Yu Xiao chortled, hands on hips, revelling in the victory. “Guess who’s the dean now? Me, me!”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen’s eyes filled with tears of joy. “Unbelievable! We can finally escape!”

    “Ah, right.” Yu Xiao shifted focus to Zhao Lan. “Misty is still stuck on the first floor.”

    *

    *

    Zhao Lan, recovering from the shocking painting, fought to compose herself. Suddenly, she heard calm footsteps approaching from behind.

    Swiftly turning, Zhao Lan found Yu Xiao with a smile. “Hey~”

    “Smiley?” Zhao Lan stammered. “Are you okay? How did you make it to the first floor? And what’s the deal with this portrait?”

    “I’m the dean now,” Yu Xiao grinned. “No need to be scared. You can leave this place.”

    “Really?” Zhao Lan felt like she was in a dream. “You’re actually the dean?”

    “Absolutely.” Yu Xiao gestured toward the glowing LED screen. “Why else would I be up there?”

    “Oh…” Zhao Lan’s emotions burst forth, and she erupted into tearful sobs, clutching onto Yu Xiao.

    Confused, Yu Xiao asked, “What’s wrong? Why all the tears?”

    “Smiley, you’re so pitiable,” Zhao Lan cried, tears flowing freely. “You’ve been so good to me. Even in death, you remember to help me. Sob, sob, sob. What about Precious? Did she die too?”

    Yu Xiao blinked, a touch bewildered. “Who said I’m dead?”

    With tears welling in her eyes, Zhao Lan said, “Weren’t you the one who kicked the bucket, took a detour to the afterlife, and then snagged the director’s chair?”

    “…Misty, your imagination is running wild.”

    It took Zhao Lan a while to process the fact that Yu Xiao wasn’t pushing up daisies.

    “Oh my goodness.” After the revelation, Zhao Lan remained in a daze for what felt like forever. “You can actually do something like this?”

    “I just gave it a try with an experimental mindset…” Yu Xiao turned the doorknob, and the director’s office door creaked open.

    The interior was modest, not much different from George’s workspace.

    A cluttered desk, covered in piles of files, took centre stage. Next to it, a trash can overflowed with discarded paperwork. Yu Xiao approached and found three discharge reports on the desk, each featuring a photo of the trio.

    Pointing to the corner of the desk, Zhao Lan commented, “That’s the director’s stamp, right?”

    “Yeah.” Yu Xiao picked up the stamp, pressed it onto the three reports, and then flashed a grin. “Time to head home~”

    Zhao Lan chuckled, “We can’t really call that ward a home, huh?”

    As Zhao Lan spoke, their surroundings blurred and darkness briefly enveloped them. When the haze lifted, the trio found themselves back in the familiar and comforting ward.

    Daylight streamed in through the drawn curtains, revealing a beautiful view of majestic mountains, crystal-clear waters, the cheerful melody of birds, and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.

    “Misty!” Zhou Xiao Zhen exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace Zhao Lan tightly, “I was so damn worried about you!”

    Zhao Lan affectionately patted Zhou Xiao Zhen’s bald head, “I was worried sick about all of you too.”

    “Guess what, Smiley is now the big shot hospital Dean,” Zhou Xiao Zhen shared the news, glancing quickly at Yu Xiao.

    Yu Xiao, engrossed in her phone, furrowed her brow, “Check your messages. Did you score points?”

    Back in the ward, Yu Xiao discovered four unread messages on her phone.

    【Cheers! You nailed that treatment. Now you’re a second-tier member of the Hospital 6 patient exchange forum.】

    【Your stellar performance deserves a reward: 3 base points and 3 bonus points for you!】

    【Hats off to the new ‘Saint Elizabeth, Dean Yu.’ Enjoy your 4 points. And for being a ‘Chainsaw Maniac,’ here’s another 4 points. Your total tally? A solid 21 points.】

    【Congratulations on being at the top of the points leaderboard. You have earned two functional cards. Please visit the forum to claim them.】

    Staring at the text message, Yu Xiao’s emotions churned like an unsettled storm. What in the world was ‘Chainsaw Maniac’?

    “Whoa! Holy shit!” Zhou Xiao Zhen burst out, her eyes wide with disbelief. “I’m rocking the second spot on the leaderboard! And they gave me another power card for it.”

    Zhao Lan mirrored the joy, a smile gracing her face. “I got a power card too, and now I’m holding steady in third place.”

    “Congrats,” Yu Xiao chimed in, her mind suddenly buzzing with a thought. “By the way, with your points skyrocketing, did you unlock any titles?”

    “Uhmm…”

    Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen shared an uncomfortable glance.

    “What’s up?” Yu Xiao asked curiously. “What titles did you earn? I’ve got a new one, and it’s almost too absurd to mention. I’m practically blushing.”

    “Really?” Zhao Lan sighed in relief. “Mine’s called… ‘Tyrant’s Willing Accomplice in Cruelty (助纣为虐).’”

    Yu Xiao: “?”

    “Huh?” Zhou Xiao Zhen lifted her phone, a grin spreading on her face. “Mine’s: ‘Tiger’s Devotee’. (为虎作伥)”

    (TN: Both titles play on words and refer to being a dumb follower to a bad, unruly person.)

    “…”

    None of them had good titles!

    Zhao Lan smiled wider as she quirked an eyebrow. “So, what’s your title, then?”

    “Hmm…” Yu Xiao pondered. “The first one was meh, but the second one’s the Chainsaw Maniac.”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen. “Totally fits you, Smiley.”

    Yu Xiao remained silent.

    “Let’s discuss the cards,” Zhou Xiao Zhen suggested, breaking the silence.

    Last time, Zhao Lan didn’t get any cards, so that’s her main concern. She jumped in. “Mine’s a Physical Fitness card.”

    After scrutinising it, Zhou Xiao Zhen looked up and declared, “I got an Upgrade card.”

    Yu Xiao, searching through the forum backend, chimed in. “I got another Luck card and a Physical Fitness card.”

    Letting out a sigh, she added, “Props cards aren’t just falling from the sky.”

    “Yeah,” Zhou Xiao Zhen shuffled her mahjong tiles. “Feeling randomly lucky now.”

    “Just having ability cards is a win,” Zhao Lan patted their shoulders. “Remember, it’s a treat for the elite on the leaderboard.”

    “You got that right!” Zhou Xiao Zhen perked up.

    Zhao Lan prodded, “I used the Physical Fitness card last round. Precious, fancy giving it a try this time?”

    “Probably not,” Zhou Xiao Zhen replied. “I thought about exchanging it with my Upgrade card, but it turns out the Upgrade only enhances props, and I’m the only owner in our trio.”

    “Misty, use it yourself,” Yu Xiao grinned, taking charge of their decision-making. “Precious has amazing mahjong skills, and her self-defence game is top-notch, even better than mine. We’re all newbies in this game; now is not the time for us to make compromises.”

    Zhao Lan thought it over. With her superior physical abilities, she could contribute much more to the team. Without hesitation, she decided to activate the physical fitness card herself.

    【Congrats! Your physical strength just received a 30-point boost. You’re now as strong as a bull.】

    Ecstatic, Zhao Lan exclaimed, “I did it! I got another achievement!”

    She crouched slightly, wrapping her left arm around Yu Xiao’s shoulder and her right arm around Zhou Xiao Zhen. With a swift lift, she hoisted them both onto her shoulders and started running around the ward.

    “Woooah~”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen felt like she was losing her mind. “Put me down… I’m gonna throw up.”

    “Whoops, my bad.” Zhao Lan reluctantly set them down, rubbing her hands in embarrassment. “I got a little carried away.”

    “I might throw up too… I understand you,” Yu Xiao weakly sprawled on the bed. “Nice one with the lift, but let’s not do that again.”

    Once she caught her breath, Zhou Xiao Zhen eagerly tore open the upgrade card.

    “Holy cow!” She jumped up. “Holy cow!”

    “Enough with the ‘Holy cow’ already,” Zhao Lan asked, “How is it?”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen’s flushed face lit up like a firefly on a summer night. “Check this out! My mahjong game just got a power-up! Now I can unleashed it twice in a row!”

    Even Yu Xiao and Zhao Lan couldn’t help but exclaim, “Holy cow!”

    Suppressing her bubbling excitement, Yu Xiao began flipping the cards.

    【Endurance card, do you want to use it?】

    【Your endurance increases by 30.】

    And then, there was no more “then”…

    Yu Xiao facepalmed. She’d just been yapping about how Misty’s basic endurance was on life support, but it turns out she wasn’t any better herself.

    【Luck card, do you want to use it?】

    Absolutely.

    【Bam! Your luck increases by 30. Congratulations, you’ve hit the jackpot of good luck.】

    “Smiley’s luck is skyrocketing!” Zhou Xiao Zhen cheered, excitement shining in her eyes. “I swear, I’m hitching my wagon to Big Sister Smiley’s thigh from now on. Just tagging along with Smiley seems to be levelling up our success rate like crazy.”

    “Yeah,” mused Zhao Lan, taking a moment to reflect before proposing, “Maybe Smiley should always use that luck card, no matter who gets it. We’re all in this mess together, and if Smiley’s luck improves, we all benefit.”

    Zhou Xiao Zhen eagerly raised her hand and added, “I’m totally on board with that!”

    Feeling a little uneasy, Yu Xiao quickly changed the subject, saying, “Now that we’re back, let’s have a proper meal. We’ve been stuck at St. Elizabeth, surviving on bread and fruit for days. I’m really craving some hot, mouth-watering dishes.”

    *

    *

    As the trio enjoyed their meal, the changes on the scoreboard caught the attention of the other patients in Ward Six.

    Suddenly, surprised voices echoed through the hospital rooms.

    “Whoa, the scoreboard has flipped! Someone took the risk and came out on top!”

    “Check this out… The Dragon/Deaf Descendant is still dominating!”

    “Is this dude just too darn impressive?”

    “How can you be sure it’s a dude? What if it’s a chick?”

    “Psh, you spewing nonsense. No gal would slap herself with such a darn ugly nickname…”

    Their success sparked hope for other patients in Ward Six. Some who sought the treatment returned, alive and well. Does that mean it’s not as terrifying as they thought?

    Looking at the clock ticking away, if there’s a chance at survival, why not take a gamble?

    Without even realising it, many accessed the back end of the Ward Six forum and eventually clicked the button.

    NEXT

    I think this arc captures the mood of this story best. Horror Survival Stories typically have three kinds of problem-solving methods how to finish an instance: Type A, where we investigate and the smarter ones survive; Type B, where we cling to life and hope to be the last ones standing until the plot resolves itself; Type C, where we think outside the box and the more outrageous the solution, the better.

    In this arc, Yu Xiao, who had realized the benefits of being the attending doctor’s girlfriend, now upgraded her scheme to become their wife. XD

    Comment below on what you think. What was the funniest part for you? For me, it was the scene with Luo Jin who spoke out of the blue just as quick-wittedly as Yu Xiao: As quiet as ever, Luo Jin pointed to himself and Liu Xun and said only three words, “Marry us both.”