【Unspeakable +1.】

    【What kind of twisted mind would come up with a title like ‘Red Apricot Climber’?】

    【Hey, don’t judge. If ‘Shit-Hole Destroyer’ is a perfectly respectable title then so is ‘Red Apricot Climber’.】

    【…】

    【You know, I’ve been around the block a few times in this hospital. I’ve dated all kinds of guys, but I’ve never gotten that title.】

    【Um…】

    【Do you think it’s because I only cheat with humans?】

    【What about Sister Dragon?】

    【Don’t tell me she’s hooked up with the Attending Doctor! Squeal.jpg】

    Yu Xiao choked on her soup, feeling a surge of irritation and disbelief. These people had no filter, no shame, no regard for the truth. How dare they accuse her of cheating? She was single as a pringle, thank you very much!

    She slammed her phone down, closing the post that had ruined her appetite. She needed something to distract her, something funny and harmless. She scrolled through the forum, looking for a catchy title.

    【How I seduced the Attending Doctor in the instance!】

    This one sounded promising. It had a humorous tone, a hint of adventure, a dash of romance. Yu Xiao clicked on it eagerly, hoping for a good laugh.

    【It all started when I saw the news report about the Attending Doctor Gu Someone being punished for his obsession with Sister Dragon. I felt a spark of inspiration. I decided to make him fall for me too, and use his love to clear the instance.

    And I had every reason to be confident. Just look at my gorgeous Dragon hair, my slender Dragon waist, my long Dragon legs. I heard that Sister Dragon was flat as a board, so I also had an edge in the chest department!】

    Yu Xiao: “…”

    Yu Xiao glanced down at her own body, feeling a pang of insecurity. She had never paid much attention to her appearance before. But now she wondered if she was Dragon enough… or too Dragon.

    【Squating!】

    【Lightly placing my delicate buttocks on this thread!】

    【Well, OP, did you pull it off?】

    【Sob sob… If I had pulled it off, you would have seen my glorious title on the headlines. And let me tell you, the doctor who treated me last time was a sight for sore eyes, just my type. I tried everything to make him notice me, showing off my stunning assets in front of him. I never missed a chance to catch his eye, even dropping hints that I was open to non-human partners, but…】

    【But?】

    【OP, you’re a legend, flirting with the doctor like that, wow!】

    【OP, spit it out!】

    【Don’t leave us hanging…】

    【I can’t stand his cold indifference! He barely glanced at me, he seemed more interested in the male patients than me. I think he’s not into women! Isn’t it true that the doctors at St. Elizabeth’s are all gay? I think all doctors are gay!】

    【Gu likes women? Don’t make me laugh.】

    【Eh? You know that doctor who’s been tearing up the dungeons today? That’s Gu too.】

    【No way. I’m a dude, and I tried to flirt with that doctor. He looked me over, but his eyes were cold and sharp, like he wanted to cut me open. I got out of there fast.】

    【Man, that guy is hardcore. He’s not just running the instances, he’s destroying them.】

    【He is pretty hot, though.】

    【He’s a dude.】

    【Do you have to be so blunt~~】

    【Don’t you dare use a tilde with me!!】

    What a bunch of shameless fools. Every hospital had its own vibe. The Fourth Hospital was like Luo Jin and Lu Xun, outwardly respectable but secretly twisted. The Sixth Hospital, on the other hand, was like its rank, lively and spirited.

    (6 (六, liù) is generally considered lucky because it sounds like the word for “flow” or “smooth” (流, liú). It’s often associated with smoothness, success, or positive outcomes.)

    “Tsk tsk tsk…” Zhou Xiao Zhen shook her head disapprovingly at her phone and clicked her tongue. “Have you seen the forum? They’re all delusional. They barely survived a few treatment instances, and now they think they can imitate Smiley’s charm and seduce the doctor. They nearly ended up getting themselves killed.”

    “Really?” Zhao Lan perked up. “The forum is getting more interesting by the day.”

    Yu Xiao said nothing.

    She couldn’t stand this post. She scrolled down to the next one.

    【A Guide to Sister Dragon’s Achievable Titles】

    【Sister Dragon holds numerous titles, many of which are incredibly valuable. Today, I will be sharing a few of these titles with you, along with some helpful tips on how to obtain them. I hope you all find this information useful and are able to acquire some noteworthy titles of your own!】

    【The first title: ‘Chainsaw Maniac’

    I have no clue how Sister Dragon got this title, but it must have something to do with the chainsaw. If you ever find a chainsaw in the instance, remember to use it a lot, or at least hold it in your hand. You never know what surprises you might get.】

    【The second title: ‘Shit-Hole Destroyer’

    Some people have tried this title before, but none of them succeeded. And the news has already ordered to ban this kind of behaviour, so forget about this one.】

    【The third title: Village Chief’s Wife.

    This title is not limited to the main wife, Zhuge and Monk also got the title of concubine, so the point of this title is to get married. You can tie the knot in the instance or something, preferably with someone who has a certain social status in the instance. I’m planning to give this a try, even though I’m a bloke.】

    【The fourth title: ‘Deadly Arse Assassin’

    You all know what Thousand Years Kill is, right? As far as I know, many people have tried it, but none of them succeeded. So I think the key to this title is not the last words, but the first two. It has to be Deadly! No Deadly Arse, no good!】

    【The fifth title: ‘Red Apricot Climber’

    You all have discussed this title before, I’ll just summarise and supplement it. First of all, the affair partner can’t be human, and secondly, you have to have a partner to cheat on. If you don’t have a partner and hook up with a ghost, that’s at most messing around, not apricot out of the wall, so single people don’t have to worry about this one…】

    Yu Xiao finished reading this serious analysis, and felt that the world was so absurd. These titles that would make her toes curl if she looked at them more, they could actually analyse them with a straight face, she really admired them.

    The people below replied very enthusiastically.

    【Thank you, OP! May fortune smile upon you!】

    【OP, you are amazing.】

    【Appreciated.】

    【May fortune smile upon you!】

    Yu Xiao felt a chill run down her spine as she read the messages. They were serious about this. She quickly closed the Fourth Hospital forum and hoped they wouldn’t do anything stupid.

    She joined her friends at the table, where they had finished their meal. Zhao Lan asked, “So, what’s on your agenda for today?”

    “Not much.” Zhou Xiao Zhen shrugged. “Just packing some talismans for the buyers and sending them by courier.”

    “I need to make some more talismans.” Yu Xiao said. She had sold a lot this time and her stock was running low.

    “Okay, I’m going to pamper myself with a scalp massage.” Zhao Lan said, beaming as she rubbed her head. “Have you seen how much my hair has grown?”

    “Let me see.” Zhou Xiao Zhen leaned over and gasped. “Wow, it has, it has!”

    Yu Xiao glanced at Zhao Lan’s hair, which barely covered her scalp, and wondered how they could notice any difference. She couldn’t see it at all.

    “I’m going to massage my scalp more often.” Zhao Lan said. “That way it will grow faster.”

    “Me too, me too!” Zhou Xiao Zhen squealed. “Let’s massage each other…”

    They were engrossed in their hair talk, when Yu Xiao suddenly recalled that in the instance, the morgue ghost had given her a strand of hair.

    She reached into her pocket and felt the hair. It was still there. Could she bring things back from the instance?

    She held the hair and examined it closely. The morgue ghost hated women, so he wouldn’t have given her the hair as a sign of affection. Then what was the purpose of this strand of hair?

    She was deep in thought, when a loud knock on the door startled her.

    “Bang bang bang!!!”

    “‘Deaf Descendant’! Courier!!”

    “What?” Yu Xiao was confused. She didn’t order anything. But she still got up and walked to the door, muttering under her breath: “Shut up, you’re making too much noise.”

    A snarl of irritation came from outside the door. “You’re the one who filed a complaint against me, aren’t you?”

    Yu Xiao froze for a moment, then felt a surge of anger. “Who else shares your attitude?!”

    The delivery guy replied, “Do you think I’m scared to withhold your package?!”

    “Go ahead, see if I care!” Yu Xiao snapped, placing her hands on her hips. “I have the Medical Disputes Office on speed dial!”

    “…Hmph!” The delivery guy spat. “Still want your package or not?!”

    Yu Xiao snatched the package from his hands, noticing that it was a thin envelope.

    As she closed the door, Yu Xiao spotted Zhou Xiao Zhen and Zhao Lan massaging each other’s scalps, trying to make their hair grow faster.

    “What’s in the package?”

    Yu Xiao shrugged, tearing open the envelope. “It’s… from the Health Bureau?”

    “What?!” They both gasped, abandoning their messages and rushing over to Yu Xiao to see the contents.

    Inside was a letter with an official seal on a fancy letterhead. Yu Xiao scanned the words, feeling her eyes widen.

    【Dear Yu Xiao,

    We are delighted to inform you that, following our inspection activities at the hospital, you have been recognized as an exceptional employee. Your outstanding work skills, professional dedication, and ability to foster collegial harmony have not gone unnoticed. With the unanimous approval of the Health Bureau leadership, we are pleased to appoint you as a first-level inspector of the Health Bureau. As a result, you will temporarily assume the role of the Dean of St. Elizabeth’s Psychiatric Hospital…】

    “…”

    “Wow,” Zhou Xiao Zhen exclaimed, rendered speechless by the news. “Smiley Sis, you’ve just climbed the ladder of success; you’re a big shot now.”

    Zhao Lan whispered to herself, lost in disbelief. “Is this for real… is this really happening…”

    Yu Xiao, more dumbfounded than anyone else, had expected a smooth inspection activity but never anticipated such a pleasant surprise.

    She stared at the letter for a long time, then made up her mind to call George.

    **

    George had been anxiously awaiting news. He didn’t want to leave Saint Elizabeth; he had become attached to the place. However, he couldn’t bear the sight of ‘Deaf Descendant’ any longer, so he devised a brilliant plan: he would sing her praises to the leaders of the Health Bureau, hoping they would promote her and get her out of his hair.

    George’s mind drifted to the promising opportunities that lay ahead as he eagerly awaited Yu Xiao’s call. He was confident that she would get the promotion.

    The phone suddenly rang, and George answered it with anticipation. “Hm?”

    “Thank you,” Yu Xiao’s voice came through softly and sincerely.

    George was taken aback. “Huh?”

    “For everything. For believing in me, for supporting me, for advocating for me,” Yu Xiao’s voice quivered with emotion. “They just informed me that I’ve been selected as the new inspector for the Health Bureau.”

    “Hm!” George congratulated her. “You deserve it, Yu Xiao. You’re going places.”

    “I hope so.” Yu Xiao’s tone changed, becoming more gentle and warm. “You know, George, you’re not such a bad ghost after all. You’ve been a true friend to me, and I appreciate that.”

    George felt a twitch in his mouth, and quickly switched the subject. “So, what about the hospital? Who’s going to be the new director?”

    “Oh, that. Well, I have some good news for you!” Yu Xiao exclaimed. “They asked me to stay on as the acting director of St. Elizabeth Hospital, so you don’t have to worry about anyone else coming in. We can still work together!”

    **

    “Beep beep beep…”

    “What?” Yu Xiao frowned at her phone. Why did it cut off? Did George’s phone run out of battery?

    She shrugged, feeling a warmth in her chest. This haunted hospital was not all doom and gloom, she realised. There was also friendship here, and maybe something more.

    For the rest of the day Yu Xiao was engrossed in her talismans, carefully tracing the intricate patterns with meticulous care. Tonight, she and her two companions had decided to register for the upcoming treatment. With nothing else to occupy them in the bleak ward, it seemed like the best option.

    She reminded herself that she had to be polite to the attending doctor. She had learned the hard way that offending them was a terrible idea. They had the power to make her life even more miserable than it already was.

    ARC5 ☆Doctor’s Sweet Dream

    **

    The next thing she knew, she was standing in a bright and modern hospital lobby, surrounded by six strangers. She blinked and looked around, trying to orient herself. She recognized the familiar sensation of being in an instance, but this one was different from the ones she had seen before. The hospital was new and clean, with no signs of decay or neglect. It looked like a place where people came to heal, not to die.

    She glanced at the others, who were also looking confused and curious. There were five women and two men. She was standing by an elevator, along with six other people.

    A young woman with a high ponytail broke the silence and waved at the group. “Hello everyone, my name is Tan Qiao Yin, I’m from the Fourth Hospital, nice to meet you all.”

    (谭乔尹

    谭 (Tán) is a surname derived from a place name in ancient China, meaning “a deep pool”.

    乔 (Qiáo) means “tall” or “lofty”.

    尹 (Yǐn) means “to rule” or “to govern”.

    Tan Qiao Yin could be interpreted as “a deep pool of lofty rulers” or “a tall governor from Tan”.)

    The short-haired girl with glasses beside her chimed in, “I’m with her, my name is Zhu Miao Miao.”

    (朱妙妙

    朱 (Zhū) is a surname that means “vermilion” or “red”, and was the surname of the emperors of the Ming dynasty.  Sёar?h the N?vel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    妙 (Miào) means “wonderful” or “marvellous”.

    Zhu Miao Miao is a reduplicated name, meaning the second character is repeated. This is often done to create a cute or catchy effect.

    Zhu Miao Miao could be interpreted as “a marvellous marvel of vermilion” or “a wonderful wonder from Zhu”.)

    They went around and introduced themselves. The two men were from the Fifth Hospital, Ma Shan and Kang Jun.

    (马山马 (Mǎ) means “horse” and is a common surname. 山 (Shān) means “mountain”. Ma Shan could be interpreted as “a horse mountain” or “a mountainous horse”.)(康俊康 (Kāng) means “health” or “well-being”. 俊 (Jùn) means “handsome” or “talented”.

    Kang Jun could be interpreted as “a healthy talent” or “a handsome well-being”.)

    No sooner had they exchanged names than a figure emerged from the right corridor. He was young, clad in a white coat, but nothing about him suggested a ghost doctor. His face was handsome, his smile dazzling, and he exuded a charisma that drew everyone’s eyes. He approached them with an assured gait.

    Yu Xiao’s heart skipped a beat. Could this be the attending doctor? He looked like he belonged on the silver screen.

    He flashed them a friendly smile. “Good morning, everyone. I’m delighted to see you here. I’m your attending doctor, Fan Xing. But you can call me Fan.”

    (繁星繁 (Fán) means “numerous” or “complex”. 星 (Xīng) means “star” or “celebrity”.

    Fan Xing could be interpreted as “numerous stars” or “a complex celebrity” or “Starlight”.)

    Yu Xiao mustered a smile in return. She had to make a good impression. She took a step forward and said, “Hello, Fan. I’m Yu Xiao.”

    He cocked his head and said, “Yu Xiao. Such a lovely name. Pleased to meet you.”

    The others looked on with a mix of envy and suspicion. They wondered if Yu Xiao was following the example of the top-ranked patient in the Sixth Hospital, who had charmed the attending doctor and earned his favour.

    With a hushed urgency, Fan Xing beckoned for the group to follow him. “Please, come with me. I have something important to share,” he said. He navigated through the winding hallways, their footsteps and his voice resonating in the quietness.

    “You know the reason you’re here,” he whispered over his shoulder. “You’re dying, slowly and painfully, from diseases that have no cure. But there is a glimmer of hope. A brilliant scientist, Dr. Qu, has created a wonder drug that can heal any affliction. But there’s a catch. She’s in a coma, and the drug can’t be made without her.”

    He halted at a door labelled ICU and swiped his card to open it. He gestured for the group to enter, his expression serious. Inside, they saw a woman lying on a bed, connected to beeping and blinking machines. She remained completely motionless, resembling someone who had already died.

    “This is Dr. Qu,” Fan Xing said, his voice cracking. “She was a genius, a visionary, a humanitarian. She devoted her life to finding a cure for all diseases. She succeeded, but at a terrible cost. Someone leaked her discovery to the world, and she became a target for those who wanted to exploit her or silence her. She was attacked, and barely survived. But her mind was damaged, and she fell into a deep sleep that no one can wake her from.”

    He looked at the group with a mix of sadness and determination. “The only way to save her, and yourselves, is to enter her dream and bring her back. The drug formula is locked in her subconscious, and only she can unlock it.”

    Yu Xiao piped up. “How do we enter her dream?”

    Fan Xing smiled faintly, glad to see some curiosity and courage among the patients. He explained, “Dr. Qu was working on a device that could connect people’s minds and allow them to share dreams. She was testing it on herself when she was attacked. We managed to salvage the device, and we can use it to link you to her.”

    Yu Xiao didn’t waver. She strode forward and said, “I’ll do it.”

    “Really?” Fan Xing looked at her with excitement. “Do you realise that entering someone’s dream is very risky?”

    “I don’t mind the risks. I want to live, and I want to help Dr. Qu. She’s more than a scientist, she’s a hero. She deserves to live, and so do the millions of people who depend on her drug. The world can do without me, but it can’t do without her.”

    Fan Xing’s eyes widened, and he grasped Yu Xiao’s hand. “You are amazing. You have a heart of gold and a will of steel. You are the perfect person to enter Dr. Qu’s dream and save her.”

    Yu Xiao squeezed his hand in return. “It’s the least I can do for you.”

    Their eyes locked, and a silent understanding passed between them.

    The others in the room: “…”

    They stared in disbelief at the scene before them. The Attending Doctor and the patient were holding hands like lovers. Was this really happening? Had the patient managed to charm the Attending Doctor with her irresistible charisma?

    “Good.” Fan Xing nodded approvingly. “This difficult mission is yours to accomplish. Take a seat on the chairs.”

    He gestured to the seven chairs that were arranged in a circle in the ward. He handed each of them a helmet that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie.

    After making sure they were all wearing the helmets properly, Fan Xing said: “Dreams are a reflection of human subconsciousness. They are influenced by what a person loves or fears the most. To help you locate Dr. Qu in the dream world, I’ll give you a clue.” He lifted a finger and smiled mysteriously.

    The seven people leaned forward, curious and anxious.

    Fan Xing: “Dr. Qu’s passion, apart from her work, is indulging in horror movies and horror stories.”

    The seven people: “…”

    Their faces turned pale, and a chill ran down their spines.

    “Alright.” Fan Xing clapped his hands cheerfully, “Let’s get started~”

    Yu Xiao plunged into the abyss of darkness. She felt her consciousness being torn away from her body, drifting aimlessly in the infinite blackness.

    She lost track of time, and gradually, she began to enjoy the sensation of nothingness, a calm that enveloped her in silence.

    Suddenly, she felt a sudden tug, a force that swept her along like a leaf in a storm.

    The wind…

    It howled in her ears, a wild and relentless sound.

    In the summer, the wind was a gentle breeze, a comforting sigh. It carried the warmth of the sun, the rustling of trees, and the enticing call of slumber.

    Yu Xiao blinked open her eyes, only to be greeted by a blur of colours and shapes rushing by at a dizzying speed.

    She found herself in a cool convertible, with a long-haired, muscular man sitting beside her. He drove with reckless abandon, his sunglasses concealing his eyes while his grin revealed his cocky attitude.

    Yu Xiao turned her head and realised she was not alone. Several other sports cars were chasing them, skillfully manoeuvring through the traffic. In one of the cars, she spotted Misty and Precious.

    “Ha ha!” the man with long hair and a muscular build laughed, giving Yu Xiao a lingering look. “Cupcake, you’re finally awake. We’re almost there.”

    Yu Xiao cringed at the pet name. She hugged herself and asked, “Where are we going?”

    “Aw, my Baby,” the driver cooed, “Did you forget? We’re going to the villa for a vacation!”