Chapter 2, Telling Stories at Night

"Is it the Canadian incident you mentioned?" Zhu Min saw Song Xin give her a glance and quickly took over the conversation, "Let me explain this."

"Hehe, make sure to close the door properly." Qian Heming was the first to react, "This is the mountains, full of ghosts and monsters, be careful!"

One cannot help but wonder if it is the vengeful spirits seeking retribution, for the discovery of this matter is indeed quite strange. Qian Heming approached and sat down at a low table beside Linglong, saying, "That year, there was heavy rain in their area, which resulted in a moderate flash flood. Strangely, among so many houses, none were washed away, yet their newly built house collapsed. Such a sturdy house, and yet it fell completely, revealing the corpses beneath it. Those who witnessed that scene were all terrified. That year, there was heavy rain in their area, which resulted in a moderate flash flood. Strangely, among so many houses, none were washed away, yet their newly built house collapsed. Such a sturdy house, and yet it fell completely, revealing the corpses beneath it. The couple was quite deranged; after killing people, they did not dispose of the bodies immediately, but instead stored them in a place. Once they had accumulated four corpses, they would dig a deep pit, neatly lay them side by side inside, pour a layer of cement over them, and then gather another batch. Once they had enough, they would stack them on top, pour another layer of cement, and continue this process until they had stacked four layers, as if they had built four floors underground, with each floor housing four dead bodies. As for the guest rooms above ground, they were the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors, meaning that those staying in this establishment were sleeping above corpses, especially on the first floor, where it was equivalent to sleeping right above the dead! Ah, you should also pay attention to your floor; if something knocks on the floorboards in the middle of the night, it could be that kind of sound—"

"Indeed. " Zhou Liwen continued, "Later, her parents became increasingly suspicious, so they dug deeper in the area where the little girl often played in the dirt. And guess what? They actually discovered a child's skeleton buried beneath! Upon examination, it turned out to be the remains of a five-year-old girl who had died several decades ago. What do you think? Why did the little ghost seek out that girl? Was it to find someone to take revenge for her, or was she looking for a substitute?"

"There must be something strange, right?" Song Xin asked, pretending not to know.

Outside the door, it is pitch black and utterly empty

As Qian Heming's voice echoed, with a loud "bang," the door suddenly swung open, seemingly pushed open forcefully from the outside, startling all five people in the room, who turned to look outside in unison

The owners of that shop, a couple, are greedy and twisted. They cannot stand to see anyone else being even slightly wealthier or happier than themselves. Therefore, whenever they spot someone among the tourists who appears to have a bit of money, they resort to greed-driven violence, killing to silence them. As a result, those who travel there often disappear without a trace. However, their methods are particularly sophisticated, leaving no clues behind, and the bodies are never found. Qian Heming cast a meaningful glance at Linglong, as if to suggest she should be cautious: "This couple has also opened up a piece of land next to their house, seemingly intending to expand their inn. However, they dug a very deep foundation and poured layers of cement, as if they wanted to build something sturdier. Gradually, this small building was indeed completed and has hosted many guests from out of town. It seems that those who were murdered may never have their grievances avenged. But—can you guess how this matter was discovered, Xiao Cheng? You take a guess."

"I really mind! Why are you four still here? Let me enjoy the tranquility of this spring night in the mountain village alone!" Linglong thought to herself, but on the surface, she merely smiled silently.

This is difficult to say. Qian Heming, seemingly knowledgeable, rubbed his brow and said, "In my opinion, after all these years, to specifically look for a little girl must mean they are seeking a substitute. If that couple hadn't realized it early, their daughter might have been possessed. However, it must be said that having a corpse buried beneath one's feet is never a good thing. Over time, the resentment can turn into harmful intentions, and those who lie above them will inevitably encounter misfortune." As he spoke, he intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Linglong's bed, hinting at something.

"Let's talk about it tomorrow. Aren't we supposed to get up early to climb the mountain? It's better to rest early; I'm tired too." Linglong did not want to endure any more mental pressure from them, and her tone involuntarily carried a hint of weakness. She lived alone in a small, isolated cottage in the countryside, and if this continued, she would really be unable to sleep.

"It's sleepwalking," Zhu Min nodded. "The problem is that the little girl has never had a sleepwalking issue; why did she suddenly fall ill? However, this couple is well-educated and knows not to interrupt her at this moment, so they just followed their daughter. They saw the little girl slowly walk into the garden, shovel some soil on the ground, and then slowly turn around to go back upstairs to sleep soundly. The couple thought the little girl was just too tired from playing during the day and was still thinking about planting flowers in the garden, so they paid no attention. They saw the little girl slowly walk into the garden, shovel some soil on the ground, and then slowly turn around to go back upstairs to sleep soundly. The couple thought the little girl was just too tired from playing during the day and was still thinking about planting flowers in the garden, so they paid no attention. Little did they know that from that day on, the little girl would sleepwalk every night at midnight, always going to the garden to shovel some soil before leaving. The couple felt something was wrong and took their daughter to see a doctor, but the doctor was also at a loss. As for the little girl, as long as she stayed elsewhere, she would not have this issue, but once she returned home, it would inevitably happen."

I can't guess, so it's better if you, old Qian, say it. Linglong made an effort to control her voice to appear calmer, but the tone and voice of Qian Heming, combined with the wrinkled horse-like face illuminated by the lights, were indeed a bit frightening at this moment

Isn't it just sleepwalking? Linglong was distracted from her attention to what Zhu Min had said.

Speaking of these supernatural phenomena – if they come for you, closing the door is of no use! Zhou Liwen also regained her composure, saying, "I believe that matters of the soul are merely a form of energy; when you think about it, it generates a brainwave that summons them, especially for those living alone in old houses." Seeing that Linglong had no intention of closing the door, she had no choice but to step forward and shut it.

It is the mountain wind! After a moment of astonishment, Linglong murmured, yet she was not certain in her heart. In such weather, could the mountain wind be that strong? Although she had just left the door slightly ajar to facilitate her escape from this group of violent individuals, the wooden door was very sturdy and would not open easily.

I feel that the energy of this house is not good, which reminds me of a story. Qian Heming interjected, "Xiao Cheng, do you want to hear it?"

Linglong has not yet responded, when Zhou Liwen and Zhu Min eagerly interjected: "Listen, listen, we love hearing stories the most. Please tell us, since we can't sleep anyway, chatting casually is fine, and Sister Cheng won't mind, right?"

Did I scare you? she added.

"Did you hear? It's really interesting," Zhu Min feigned innocence and acted coyly, then without waiting for Ling Long's agreement, she began to speak. "It’s about a Canadian family that bought a house in the countryside. The environment and the price were quite good, and the whole family happily moved in. Just a few nights ago, everything was peaceful, but one night, while the couple was watching television downstairs, they saw their five-year-old daughter coming down from upstairs, looking completely off. It was the kind of look where her eyes were fixed and unblinking, staring straight ahead, and her body was stiff as she walked down." As she spoke, she stood up to mimic the way she described.

It turned out that this time the plan was to tell a horror story to scare her, so that she, staying alone, would be unable to sleep in fear. This tactic was both foolish and cruel, yet it precisely hit her weakness. She was someone who easily accepted psychological suggestions; after watching a horror movie, she would immediately have nightmares that night. In an instant, she wanted to refuse, even to plead for mercy, but upon seeing Song Xin's mocking and provocative gaze, she stubbornly held back her words and listened as Qian He continued.

To some extent, Song Xin's objective was achieved; this ridiculous psychological torment and book trick were quite effective. Although Qian Heming's professional skills were lacking, he truly had a knack for storytelling, his speech rising and falling, sometimes tense and sometimes relaxed, causing her heart to uncontrollably contract. They must have heard this story before; now they were just waiting to see her make a fool of herself, to satisfy their sadistic pleasure. However, this was ultimately a horror story. Although they were psychologically prepared, the sudden mountain wind and the loud sound of the door opening created an unexpected shock effect, startling everyone. No one noticed Linglong's predicament, which inadvertently allowed her to experience the joy of revenge.

Alright, then I will share a story. However, this story is a bit frightening. Xiao Cheng, if you can't sleep because you're scared, don't blame me!" Qian Heming chuckled a couple of times.

There was no light in the room, so the shopkeeper brought in an emergency light. After charging, it was very bright, but the area it illuminated was small, which made Song Xin's face, struggling to suppress her anger, appear somewhat half-lit and half-dark, causing Linglong to feel inexplicably tense. She had never feared Song Xin's power and status before, yet at this moment, she felt a bit uneasy.

I have also heard that it is a hotel in a tourist destination, and coincidentally, it is also a privately run farmhouse by local farmers. However, that establishment is a black shop. " He lowered his voice suddenly when he mentioned the last two words, deliberately creating a chilling atmosphere

"I’m sorry, I didn’t close the door properly," she tried to convince herself, smiling as she spoke, while feeling somewhat annoyed. Regardless of why the door had opened, it was true that she had been startled.