PTYS Chapter 64

“What’s happening? What are they doing?” Huang Junfeng frantically grabbed his hair, increasingly feeling the game was bizarre.

“Is this part of the game setting? Or do these NPCs have their own consciousness and thoughts, merely following basic rules within this instance?” Zhang Yangfeng was equally bewildered. The NPCs in the previous two instances were more like tools, reacting appropriately when certain conditions were met. But here, first there was Qu Muxi, who almost awakened, then the doll that acted independently, violating basic settings, and they could even be threatened by Shen Qingqiu. What does this imply?

“Moreover, when Qu Muxi and those eight children were being repaired, it was like a computer program automatically clearing bugs, downloading files, patches. Is there a reason to suspect that this so-called game world is not a paranormal space at all, but a complete program?”

Zhang Yangfeng had been contemplating this since the incident occurred and finally couldn’t hold it in any longer.

His words left everyone silent, which only confirmed their thoughts.

Not only him, but Xiao Muyu, a programmer, had also considered this idea right after entering the game, although it seemed utterly absurd. It wasn’t about the impossibility of constructing such a complete and eerie world, but the fact that they were all real, living people. Who could have such incredible power to pull millions of unrelated people from all over the place into such a system, allowing them to be brutally slaughtered?

This is utterly insane, devoid of humanity, and such a thing couldn’t be accomplished by one person. Xiao Muyu couldn’t imagine a world where such an organization existed without the government or society stepping in.

“But this is too ridiculous. We did experience something, I remember everything clearly. According to what it says, as long as we clear the game, we can come back to life. How can a program achieve this? Even with advanced technology, reversing life and death is impossible. Even if it were possible, why design such a program to put us through this hellish mode and then revive us? What’s the point?” Huang Junfeng couldn’t comprehend or accept this speculation.

“Indeed, but appearing here is already outrageous, and at least in this instance, we can’t be swayed by such vague guesses. Let’s think it over once we’re out.” Xiao Muyu kept a mental note of everything, from her inexplicable appearance here to the eerie sense of déjà vu she felt. Playing this game was not just about survival; she needed an answer.

After speaking, Xiao Muyu glanced at her panel; time was passing much faster than she expected.

“In an hour, our task will begin,” she reminded Yang Rui, then looked at the tightly closed door behind them as dusk approached. “Let’s rest first. The doll matter is settled, and the previous game is over. But with one day and one night remaining, we don’t know what might happen. Let’s conserve our energy.”

Xiao Muyu looked around at her companions; five out of eight had survived, proving it was not just luck but also strength.

“By the way, which dolls correspond to each of you?”

Huang Junfeng felt a shiver at the thought but couldn’t suppress his curiosity to figure it out.

Shen Qingqiu frowned, remembering the doll that always watched her. “Number Two,” she said calmly.

Yang Rui nodded, confirming her suspicion. Shen Qingqiu’s corresponding doll had been obvious; it couldn’t stop observing her. Especially when Number Five caused trouble, breaking Shen Qingqiu’s right hand, Shen Qingqiu retaliated, and while other dolls showed fear, Number Two seemed satisfied.

Xiao Mei needed a substitute with extraordinary combat skills. During Shen Qingqiu’s moments of brilliance, Number Two’s constant attention revealed its significance.

“This really is something,” Huang Junfeng said, unsurprised.

“There’s another point. Number Two’s hair is the most intricate. You might have noticed that the female dolls’ hair had been altered. It’s normal for little girls to style doll hair, so Yang Rui, the most obvious clue about your doll, Number Eight, is probably the bow on its braid, right?” Xiao Muyu asked Yang Rui.

“Yes, I figured it out early on. My doll’s clues were quite obvious,” Yang Rui replied.

Xiao Mei loved beauty, and all the knots on her clothes were decorated with bows. When the cabinet was opened, the clothes inside were also adorned with bows.

“Number Two’s hair is intricately braided, which shows skilled hands. The children are all young, with the girls around six or seven years old, making it hard for them to create such detailed hairstyles.

“The oldest, Xiao Mei, is thirteen, but she has a disability in her right hand, making it difficult for her to braid such a delicate hairstyle. This implies that someone might be helping her, and it wouldn’t arouse jealousy among the other children.”

Xiao Muyu added. Although this information wasn’t direct evidence, it provided her with a direction. So from the beginning, she observed Number Two closely and clearly noticed its different behavior towards Shen Qingqiu. Before the game started, she wrote the number ‘2’ in Shen Qingqiu’s palm, indicating that Shen Qingqiu had also noticed some signs earlier.

“I remember Xiao Yan’s wish was to become a tall and steady person. Honestly, I identified him through elimination, which was risky.

“I know A Rui’s doll, Number Two is Miss Shen, Number Six is Jia Wenlong. As for Number Five, it was very enthusiastic, greeting everyone. Rather than trying to scare people, it seemed to show its sociable and talkative nature, so I guess it belongs to you, Huang Junfeng.

“Number One’s lips issue was a risky guess, but there was nothing linking it to Xiao Yan or myself.

“In Xiao Muyu’s game, we clearly saw the dolls circling around. If you looked closely, you’d notice that all of them were floating, except Number Three, which touched the ground. I think it’s Hou Liang’s. Finally, between Number Four and Number One, Number Four is actually taller than the other dolls, especially noticeable when enlarged.”

Zhang Yangfeng finished speaking and lowered his head slightly, his expression heavy and eyes filled with struggle. After a moment, he said softly, “I didn’t dare to remind others, but if I had mentioned that Number Three corresponds to Hou Liang, Liu Pei and he wouldn’t have made the wrong choice.”

This time, both Liu Pei and Hou Liang got confused by Number Three, Number One, and Number Four, failing to figure out the connections.

Xiao Muyu and Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but glance at Zhang Yangfeng. His meticulous thoughts were impressive. While others were struggling to find their own connections, he considered everyone else’s.

To be honest, distinguishing between Number Four and Number One was incredibly confusing. Without his clear deductions of others’ connections, there might have been three deaths instead of just one.

Huang Junfeng was stunned, murmuring, “Brother, you’re amazing.”

He had been scared to death just now, but had to choose one from several. The only supporting reason was Number Five’s talkativeness.

Xiao Muyu had also figured things out. Apart from not seeing Number Three’s behavior in the game, she was clear about the rest.

“Curiosity satisfied, let’s go back,” Xiao Muyu said, heading towards the room, but glanced back at Shen Qingqiu.

Shen Qingqiu looked incredibly cool, with her jacket tied around her eyes and her right hand restrained, leaving only her left hand free. Her long hair was a bit messy from the fight, making her look wild, like a rose with thorns.

She followed Xiao Muyu unhurriedly, not looking back as she said, “Good luck.”

The words lacked sincerity, sounding more like a tease, leaving Yang Rui speechless. It was directed at her.

“A Rui, what about your question?” Zhang Yangfeng asked worriedly.

Yang Rui took a deep breath, glanced at him, shrugged, and said, “Wish me luck.”

She then directly opened her panel, selected an answer with her eyes closed, and submitted it.

Zhang Yangfeng saw a green circle appear above her head and clenched his fist tightly.

Not just her, Shen Qingqiu also casually selected an answer as if ordering takeout. When she closed the door to her room, Xiao Muyu saw a green circle above her head too.

Her heart inexplicably tightened. Xiao Muyu couldn’t help but say, “You…”

Shen Qingqiu smiled at her, raised a finger to her lips, and blinked, signaling Xiao Muyu to be quiet.

Xiao Muyu kept her eyes on Shen Qingqiu’s head. When a big red check mark appeared, she took a deep breath, realizing she had been holding her breath.

Shen Qingqiu smiled, urging Xiao Muyu, “Alright, you can choose now.”

Xiao Muyu glared at her, but her hand froze when she opened the panel. She couldn’t help but glance at Shen Qingqiu.

She suddenly realized that Shen Qingqiu was testing the answer for her. Given their mutual understanding, Shen Qingqiu must have known who she suspected as the killer. So, she…

At that moment, Shen Qingqiu was already sitting on the bed, looking quite pale. Now that she had relaxed, her weakness showed.

After all, being forcibly broken by someone, the pain would have ordinary people rolling on the ground.

Xiao Muyu couldn’t sit still. She selected her answer and ignored her own result, walking to Shen Qingqiu.

At the same time, a message appeared on all three panels: “Congratulations to players Yang Rui, Shen Qingqiu, and Xiao Muyu for successfully identifying the killer.”

The killer was indeed Qu Muxi and Xiao Mei.

Xiao Muyu didn’t pause, bending down to untie Shen Qingqiu’s clothes.

Shen Qingqiu glanced at her, pursed her lips but said nothing.

As the jacket loosened, Shen Qingqiu’s body heat radiated out, and Xiao Muyu felt the dampness of her clothes. Shen Qingqiu’s clothes were soaked with sweat, and cold sweat beaded on her forehead.

Xiao Muyu’s heart sank, feeling a dull ache. When she carefully lifted Shen Qingqiu’s arm, Shen Qingqiu bit her lip and turned her head, neck tense with pain.

“Bear with it,” Xiao Muyu said softly, unusually gentle.

She knelt beside Shen Qingqiu, carefully examining her arm. Xiao Wu had forcibly twisted and broken Shen Qingqiu’s right hand, causing an internal rotation dislocation of her forearm and upper arm, which had started to swell. This was far worse than the previous joint dislocation and looked serious.

Xiao Muyu gently touched the broken bone area, noticing the protruding ulna. There was no way to fix it here, but if not repositioned, the pain would continue to torment Shen Qingqiu.

“Do you trust me?” Xiao Muyu suddenly asked, her right hand gently holding Shen Qingqiu’s elbow joint.

Shen Qingqiu understood what she meant and turned her head to smile. “What do you think?”

Xiao Muyu looked at her with a neutral expression and said, “Of course you trust me. You’re a sly old fox, after all. You should know who to trust. The only problem is how to make others trust you.”

Shen Qingqiu laughed, looking down at Xiao Muyu, studying her eyebrows and eyes. Despite the cold sweat and pale face, there was no sign of her previous weakness.

“That hurts my feelings. Don’t I deserve your trust? And even if I’m a fox, you shouldn’t use ‘sly old’ to describe me. It’s so unpleasant.”

Xiao Muyu glanced at her hand, then quietly grasped Shen Qingqiu’s right wrist with her left hand, continuing to look at her. “Then what should I call you, this fox? Seductive? Or a maneater?”

“Nonsense, obviously, I’m elegant and… oof!” Before she could finish, Xiao Muyu pressed down with her right hand while pulling and pushing with her left. Shen Qingqiu’s body went limp with pain, letting out a muffled groan as she collapsed against Xiao Muyu, her teeth chattering.

Her sweat-drenched body pressed against Xiao Muyu, warm and damp, yet carrying a faint orchid-like fragrance instead of an unpleasant smell.

Hearing the sound of her chattering teeth, Xiao Muyu couldn’t help but feel a pang of softness in her heart. She gently patted Shen Qingqiu’s back, helping her up.

Shen Qingqiu panted, her voice weak and laced with reproach. “You hurt me.”

Shen Qingqiu’s voice naturally carried a sweet and alluring tone, even more so when she was breathless. Xiao Muyu felt a tingling in her ears and a general discomfort throughout her body. She responded in a low, firm voice, “Talk properly.”

Shen Qingqiu noticed her ears were red and innocently said, “How am I not talking properly? I’m just speaking the truth.”

Xiao Muyu ignored her. This type of fracture needed to be immobilized. She stood up and looked around the room, then walked back to Shen Qingqiu and extended her hand. “Knife.”

Shen Qingqiu squinted and handed her a dagger, watching as Xiao Muyu dismantled a cabinet and used the wood to immobilize her arm. This time, Shen Qingqiu’s right hand was thoroughly secured, completely immobilized.

As Xiao Muyu was treating her, Shen Qingqiu remembered a question she had been meaning to ask out of curiosity. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask. When we saved Lao Sang, you used the timer function on the stopwatch. How was I still able to move?”

Xiao Muyu’s expression subtly changed and she replied blandly, “We’re teammates, what do you think?”

“So it really is like that,” Shen Qingqiu murmured, just wanting to confirm. It seemed the item was quite user-friendly.

While Shen Qingqiu was muttering, Xiao Muyu stood up and opened the door.

“Are you going out?” Shen Qingqiu asked, sitting up straight.

“Going to check on Lao Sang,” Xiao Muyu replied, stopping Shen Qingqiu, who was trying to get up. “You need to rest. I’ll be back soon.”

Shen Qingqiu just stared at her silently, and Xiao Muyu returned her gaze. Finally, she sighed and said, “Alright, you can come too. Let’s notify the others to watch the show together.”

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Author’s Note:

Xiao Shen: Even if I’m a fox, I’m an elegant one.

Xiao Xiao: You’re just being flirty.

Xiao Shen: You’re too harsh, you hurt me.

Xiao Xiao: …

Xiao Shen thinks: Who says you can’t have a romance in a game? Isn’t this turning out great?