PTYS Chapter 8

The soup was unpalatable, and the bread was dry and hard, making it difficult for everyone to eat. Those who were used to a more refined diet found it particularly unbearable. The young girl from the couple was especially struggling and refused to eat any more.

The old woman, despite her frail appearance, ate quickly. She didn’t care if the others finished their meals and got up, saying, “I’m done. I’m old and can’t stay up late. I’m going to rest now. You should eat well so you can sleep soundly.”

After saying this, she shakily walked towards her room, which was the locked bedroom on the second floor.

A solitary old woman locking her own room all the time seemed inconvenient and unnecessary.

Half an hour later, some still hadn’t finished eating. The girl named Sweet complained to her boyfriend, “This is terrible. I can’t swallow it. I’ll just eat a little, and I don’t want the rest.”

Her boyfriend, equally sympathetic, said, “Alright, if you don’t like it, we won’t eat it.”

Others, including an older man with glasses and Xu Ran, also left their food unfinished.

Liu Wei reminded them that it was best to heed the old woman’s advice and finish eating, but apart from Xu Ran, who forced himself to finish, the other five didn’t listen. Five of the thirteen plates had leftover food.

Xiao Muyue glanced at the two plates with the most leftovers, noting that some people really didn’t want to eat.

“There are twelve of us and six rooms, so we might need to share. Decide among yourselves how to arrange it.”

“We’ll share a room. We already chose the first room on the left side of the second floor,” Sweet hurriedly said, fearing they’d be separated.

“There are five women and seven men, so this works best. Chen Xi and Chen Dong, you two will share a room. I’ll share with Xu Ran, and Cui and You, you share a room. Leopard and Old Liao, is that okay?”

Xiao Muyue frowned slightly. It was assumed she would share a room with Shen Qingqiu, but she didn’t mind. Eventually, everyone chose rooms, leaving the room next to the old woman’s for Shen Qingqiu and Xiao Muyue.

Their room was L-shaped. Xiao Muyue’s room was to the right of the old woman’s room, Cui Xiaoxuan’s was to the left, and the couple’s room was at the end of the hallway.

While the old woman rested, they searched the first floor thoroughly but found nothing significant. Unable to go outside, they each returned to their rooms.

“Miss Shen, Miss Xiao, if you need anything tonight, call us. It’s best if we watch out for each other,” Cui Xiaoxuan suggested wisely.

Xiao Muyue glanced at You Qiaolian and nodded. Before closing the door, she added, “Get a good rest, but don’t sleep too deeply.”

Cui Xiaoxuan smiled, “You too. Good night.”

Once the door was closed, the noises from next door became faint. Xiao Muyue was relieved that the rooms were fairly soundproof.

“This place even has lamps; that’s rare,” Shen Qingqiu remarked, shaking her head at the dim lamp by the bed.

Xiao Muyue didn’t reply, focusing on the single bed in the room.

Shen Qingqiu leaned against the cabinet, her demeanor less aloof than before. “Don’t stare at it; there’s only one bed. I hope you don’t mind sharing.”

Xiao Muyue glanced at her, “We’re both women; it’s fine. I’m just not used to sharing a bed.”

Shen Qingqiu smiled slightly, “Did you notice anything earlier when you spoke to that girl?”

Xiao Muyue continued arranging the bed, “It was just a casual remark. We all searched together; if there was anything, everyone should know.”

Shen Qingqiu looked out the window, shaking her head, “Not necessarily. Strangers thrown into a deadly game like this won’t reveal everything. I think you might have noticed something.”

Xiao Muyue glanced at her, “You must have seen it too, right? After all, you’re not new to this.”

Shen Qingqiu studied her, noticing the bloodstains on her clothes and her disheveled appearance. Xiao Muyue had delicate, well-defined features, but her expression was often cold.

“Yes, I have some experience. Newcomers tend to panic. If no one guides them, they might not survive the first day. It’s beneficial to have experienced players mixed in.”

“Seems like these newbies are unlucky,” Xiao Muyue remarked bluntly, remembering how Shen Qingqiu had saved her.

Shen Qingqiu laughed softly, “You do hold grudges, but you’re right. Especially you, who’s been misled several times.”

She then frowned, “Honestly, this is the worst beginner instance I’ve seen.”

Chen Xi and Chen Dong didn’t offer any help during the first conversation. Xiao Muyue silently agreed.

“I know you’re upset. To show my goodwill, I’ll tell you what I noticed. Someone among us is behaving oddly. A newbie surviving the first threat and learning about the scoring system shouldn’t stay silent.”

“Oh, you mean Chen Dong and Chen Xi?” Xiao Muyue pretended not to understand.

“Chen Dong and Chen Xi are wary of us and experienced enough to be quiet. But a newbie saying nothing at all is suspicious,” Shen Qingqiu continued, analyzing without revealing too much.

“Also, did you notice the paintings in the hall?”

Shen Qingqiu seemed sincere, so Xiao Muyue decided to listen. Understanding the game’s logic was crucial.

“There are eleven paintings, some by Leonardo da Vinci.”

Xiao Muyue recognized some of the famous works like the Mona Lisa and da Vinci’s self-portrait.

“Not some; all eleven paintings are by da Vinci. Mona Lisa, da Vinci’s self-portrait, The Adoration of the Magi, Bacchus, Lady with an Ermine, Baptism of Christ…”

Shen Qingqiu listed all eleven paintings, surprising Xiao Muyue.

Recognizing all of da Vinci’s works in such a setting was impressive.

Shen Qingqiu noticed her expression, “Don’t misunderstand; I’m not showing off.”

Xiao Muyue almost rolled her eyes. Shen Qingqiu lowered her voice, “After listing these eleven, did you notice anything missing?”

Xiao Muyue pondered, “The Last Supper is missing, right?”

Shen Qingqiu smiled approvingly, “Exactly. Da Vinci’s famous works are well-known. The absence of The Last Supper isn’t a coincidence.”

“Also, twelve disciples, twelve chairs. Tonight, there was one chair missing, and there are eleven paintings. The missing one should be above the dining table.”

As Shen Qingqiu explained, Xiao Muyue realized their seating arrangement resembled The Last Supper, sending chills down her spine.

“Is this the last supper?” she asked instinctively.

Shen Qingqiu’s smile faded, “For some, it might be.”

Her low voice added to the eerie feeling.

Seeing Xiao Muyue silent, Shen Qingqiu leaned closer, “Aren’t you curious about the locked rooms?”

Xiao Muyue remained noncommittal, watching the dim streetlight outside. Shadows where the murderous human skins lurked.

“Curious, but it’s not worth risking our lives on the first night. Neither of us can afford to lose five points,” Xiao Muyue said, heading to the small adjacent room with the clothes provided by the system.

Shen Qingqiu laughed genuinely, acknowledging Xiao Muyue’s grudge over the stolen charm. After considering something, she quietly left the room.