Chapter 143, Chapter Forty-Four: The Lost Manor

"You came to see me in such disheveled clothes, you must have discovered something."

After taking Li Yufei back to her residence, Song Xiaona poured her a glass of water and said, "Tell me about it."

Li Yufei avoided eye contact, unsure how to speak for a long time.

“I’m sorry…” After a long pause, she lowered her head, “I told you before…” “I asked you to tell me what you discovered.”

Li Yufei paused, glancing at her timidly.

Song Xiaona chuckled, "I'm going to keep your pathetic state for a while. Time is too tight now. Cheng Yuzhou will come looking for you as soon as he finds out you're missing. I don't want to accept your confession so hastily."

Li Yufei instinctively wanted to curse her, but when she opened her mouth, she choked up and couldn't say a word.

"Song Xiaona".

"Um?"

"Did I often misunderstand you before...?" she said.

Song Xiaona was taken aback.

Li Yufei looked up as she galloped along on horseback, her fox-like eyes reddened by the wind. She asked her softly, "Am I often being played by him?"

Song Xiaona remained silent.

Li Yufei is the biggest obstacle; she must stand on my side, and I absolutely cannot let her reconcile with Cheng Yuzhou.

After a moment, she said ambiguously, "It's not too late for you to realize this now."

Li Yufei pursed her lips: "Am I stupid...?"

"Isn't it too late for you to realize this now?" This eliminates any ambiguity.

Li Yufei felt resentment.

Song Xiaona interrupted her emotional speech: "Stop wasting any more time, quickly report the situation on your end."

Li Yufei held the cup, humming and mumbling as she recounted her story. Then, she put the cup down and began to curse loudly.

After listening to this emotionally charged speech, Song Xiaona couldn't help but sigh that her advice to Li Yufei over the years hadn't been entirely ineffective.

If she hadn't repeatedly instilled in Li Yufei the fact that Cheng Yuzhou could brainwash people, Li Yufei would never have thought of brainwashing when she saw those lines.

"So what are your thoughts now?" Song Xiaona asked calmly. "Our needs may be different. I need to determine your goals first."

Li Yufei came to Song Xiaona's place on a whim. All she wanted was to see her and apologize to her; she hadn't thought about anything else yet.

"Of course I want to know what Cheng Yuzhou is up to, and how much he has lied to me."

Song Xiaona hit the nail on the head: "But you know that it's unrealistic to get the truth from him anymore, or rather, we simply can't tell whether what he's saying is true or not. That's why you didn't question him and chose to come to me."

Li Yufei nodded hesitantly.

That's right.

"To put it bluntly, your demands are basically unattainable," Song Xiaona said. "Alright, we'll talk about your goals later. Listen to mine first."

"I only have one thing to say: leave."

Li Yufei glanced at her and said, "Isn't yours even harder to achieve than mine?"

"Before that, let me ask you something: do you have that box with you?" Song Xiaona asked.

"Of course not, why would I carry that with me?"

Song Xiaona was disappointed, but not surprised at all. Undeterred, she asked again, "Where did you put it? It's not in Cheng Yuzhou's bedroom, is it?"

"Oh, how did you know?" Li Yufei asked in surprise. "I put it in the cabinet next to the bed."

Song Xiaona sighed and rubbed her forehead.

Now it's completely out of reach.

"What?" Li Yufei frowned. "What's the purpose of that box? What do you need it for?"

Song Xiaona rubbed her temples, looking troubled, and explained to her, "In my opinion, killing Cheng Yuzhou is the safest way."

Li Yufei's expression changed slightly. She hesitated, then muttered, "But he... he can't be killed."

"That's why I need that box."

Li Yufei asked, puzzled, "What's the use of that?"

"In the original legend, Psyche died after opening the box containing the beauty of the Queen of the Underworld."

"In the Covenant, Eros, having endured three trials, was exhausted and didn't want Psyche to see him in such a wretched state. So he opened the box, hoping to obtain some of the beauty of the Queen of the Underworld, but ended up dying as well."

"Eros was a true god; in the earliest myths, he was even one of the three primordial gods, yet he still died after opening the box of Hades."

Song Xiaona narrowed her eyes. "In other words, the power in that box is enough to kill a god."

"Besides, the card Cheng Yuzhou was holding was Eros."

Not only with the cards, but throughout the entire ghost story, Cheng Yuzhou was embodying the role of Eros.

Song Xiaona was certain that the box would cause Cheng Yuzhou considerable harm.

Li Yufei understood. She stared blankly at Song Xiaona, her feelings of approval for Song Xiaona and reluctance towards Cheng Yuzhou flashing back and forth, torn between hesitation and confusion.

Seeing this hesitation and hearing Li Yufei's evasive way of speaking, Song Xiaona knew that she couldn't bring herself to do it.

No matter how much Li Yufei hated or was angry with Cheng Yuzhou, she wouldn't kill him—a normal person who has lived in a society governed by the rule of law for thirty years would usually find it difficult to kill someone they know by hand.

Li Yufei is, and so is Cheng Yuzhou.

"This was my original plan, and I was 99% confident it would succeed. But if you're not willing, I have another method. While this second method won't harm Cheng Yuzhou, it would be risky for you."

"What method?" Li Yufei asked immediately.

"I want you to leave here and cross the barrier."

"Why?" Li Yufei opened her eyes wide. "Are you punishing Cheng Yuzhou with my death?"

"No way, it's not that I'm afraid of dying. I'm definitely responsible for this situation, but... wouldn't it be more direct and effective for Cheng Yuzhou to die? Strictly speaking, I'm the kind of viewer who doesn't approve of punishing the male lead by having the female lead die."

"..." It seems she's really angry this time, even having thoughts of wanting Cheng Yuzhou to die.

"Li Yufei, what kind of person do you think Cheng Yuzhou is?" Song Xiaona asked.

"Huh?" This question caught Li Yufei off guard.

"To put it more bluntly, do you think he's a ruthless serial killer?"

Li Yufei pursed her lips and remained silent.

Before today, she would have definitely refuted him without hesitation; but now, she has no intention of vouching for Cheng Yuzhou at all.

“I don’t know,” she said coldly, crossing her arms. “My brain isn’t even really mine anymore; I can’t think.”

"Do you remember that Cheng Yuzhou promised you there wouldn't be any irreversible sacrifices?" Song Xiaona said. "You guessed back then that the dead could be resurrected, but three years have passed, and there hasn't been any information about resurrection."

“I asked him too. He always told me not to worry…” Li Yufei paused.

Without Song Xiaona saying anything, she instantly realized it herself—

Why did she believe Cheng Yuzhou so easily?

This is a matter of life and death, and there has been no clue for three years. Why did Cheng Yuzhou just brush her off and then stop asking?

"Bastard!" she gritted her teeth, slamming her fist on the table. "He lied to me again!"

"Cheng Yuzhou may indeed not be lying about this."

Li Yufei said resentfully, "Why did you speak up for him?"

“I’m just analyzing this rationally; he has no reason to lie to you,” Song Xiaona reminded her. “According to you, he easily erased your and Wang An’an’s memories of your ex-boyfriend, which means he is fully capable of making you completely forget or accept the fact that he’s dead.”

“Death here is different from outside. When a person dies, their belongings also disappear. This is unnecessary unless those items are still useful—their owners want to continue using them, so they must return to their owners.”

Li Yufei tilted her head and blinked blankly.

“Cheng Yuzhou repeatedly used the metaphor of ‘game’ to describe this place. In the recording you gave me, he also asked you to treat this as a game,” Song Xiaona said. “Many details make me guess that this place is indeed a large-scale game, and death is one of the ways to exit the game and return to reality.”

She spoke a little too fast, and after a moment of processing, Li Yufei asked in confusion, "But these are all just speculations."

"Well, that's why I don't want to go in that direction."

So she spent three years delaying her experiment on Li Yufei.

"I still hope you can consider the first option: use the Queen of the Underworld's box to kill Cheng Yuzhou. This method, regardless of success or failure, will not be irreversible."

"Wait, wait a minute, so if we want to leave, besides killing Cheng Yuzhou, we have to kill ourselves?" Li Yufei was shocked. "Even if we're willing to commit suicide, what about the others? Will they believe us?"

“This is what I meant by ‘risky for you.’” Song Xiaona looked at her. “It’s not ‘us’ who’s going to commit suicide, it’s just you.”

"I?"

"This is a strange tale that Cheng Yuzhou built so that he could stay with you forever. Everyone he imprisoned here is the fuel that keeps the strange tale running. If you are not here, then there is no point in keeping us here."

Song Xiaona concluded, "Cheng Yuzhou cannot leave the ghost stories. As long as you step out of the barrier and leave this place, everything will be over."

Li Yufei stared at her blankly.

Too much information flooded her mind in one day, leaving her somewhat confused.

Is it really as Song Xiaona said?

Cheng Yuzhou created such a huge place and dragged so many people into it, just to see her?

What exactly did he brainwash her and the people here with?

What is he thinking?

Li Yufei couldn't figure out Cheng Yuzhou's thoughts, so she ignored him and focused on figuring out her own first:

What are her thoughts on Cheng Yuzhou?

have no idea.

Li Yufei was plunged into a deeper confusion than when they first met.

Song Xiaona saw through her struggle and confusion clearly, and coldly reminded her: "I understand that you can't bear to kill him, but you shouldn't still be protecting him at this point, and still be willing to sacrifice the lives of hundreds of us to fulfill your great love with him, right?"

"I..." The heavy, salty taste choked Li Yufei's mouth and nose. She gritted her teeth, "Of course I won't!"

She hated Cheng Yuzhou for deceiving her. On this day, she had assumed the worst about Cheng Yuzhou and arbitrarily overturned all her understanding of him.

Cheng Yuzhou's entire being was a facade, a smile masking a knife. He was despicable and utterly wicked. He didn't love her at all; everything he did was an act. He toyed with her, mocked her. Their relationship was all just her wishful thinking! It was all a lie!

After her emotional outburst, Li Yufei blacked out and crossed out all her memories of Cheng Yuzhou, forcefully denying everything between them.

But when Song Xiaona said, "As long as you step out of the barrier and leave this place, everything will be over," Li Yufei couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal.

Despite her burning anger and hatred, deep down Li Yufei still clearly understood that Song Xiaona was right—

They all knew that Song Xiaona's conclusion was based on the premise that Cheng Yuzhou deeply loved her.

Only if Cheng Yuzhou truly loved her would he abandon this strange tale because of her departure.

Cheng Yuzhou could not leave the manor. The moment she stepped out of the barrier, she was completely separated from him by death, never to see him again.

At that point, everything here will no longer be necessary, and he will naturally let the others go home.

"Li Yufei, what kind of person do you think Cheng Yuzhou is?"

"Is he a ruthless serial killer?"

How could he possibly be a heartless, insane killer...?

Cheng Yuzhou was nothing more than a bastard who was abused by his father but never retaliated or resisted, and whose good temper was so good it drove her crazy.

He's an idiot who makes so much money, but his biggest hobby is reading romance novels;

He was a spineless coward who blushed and became shy just by looking at her.

...Oh my god, the more I think about it, the more he really seems like a serial killer from a crime drama.

Perhaps Cheng Yuzhou really would kill someone, but she couldn't just close her eyes and overturn all his feelings for her.

Li Yufei lowered her eyes and looked at the ring on the ring finger of her left hand.

That was truly an expensive diamond. It was carefully selected and meticulously polished. Whether in the outside world or in strange tales, it was always crystal clear and dazzling.

And it is precisely this that sets the stage for this strange tale, the source of nightmares for nearly a thousand people.

She and it should bear this responsibility.

Li Yufei looked at Song Xiaona: "Okay, I promise you, I'll leave the barrier now."

Song Xiaona scrutinized Li Yufei with a cautious gaze, her eyes resolute and clear.

In any case, this was not a look of mind control. Once Li Yufei made up her mind, she would no longer hesitate.

"Are you really determined?" Song Xiaona unconsciously raised her eyebrows.

"Of course. I would never betray you."

“This is a major event that concerns the fate of all of us. I’m still worried that you might soften your heart and side with Cheng Yuzhou.”

"I told you I wouldn't!" Li Yufei said regretfully. "I can be impulsive sometimes, but I'm not this clueless."

Song Xiaona looked at the ring on her hand, "Then give me the ring."

Li Yufei paused: "Huh?"

Song Xiaona raised an eyebrow and scoffed: "Reluctant to part with it?"

"I...I didn't!" Li Yufei shoved the ring into her hand. "Is that enough? That's proof of my resolve!"

Holding the dazzling diamond ring, Song Xiaona said with satisfaction, "Hmm, I'm relieved now."

"Then I'm leaving." Li Yufei turned to leave, but Song Xiaona stopped her. "Wait a minute, it's not the right time yet."

"Why? If we don't hurry, he'll be here soon."

“If you disappear without his knowledge, he will definitely search the manor first, then target those of us who last saw you, and torment us repeatedly,” Song Xiaona said. “You must leave the ghost story in front of him, in his presence, only then will he give up completely.”

"Can I really leave in front of him?" Li Yufei wondered.

"Therefore, the location should be chosen in front of the barrier, preferably one that can be stepped out of the barrier in one step."

“This isn’t enough to guarantee safety. We need to add another layer of protection,” Song Xiaona said. “You can see the color of a soul and judge whether a person has been brainwashed, right? In a little while, we’ll pick out those who haven’t been brainwashed by Cheng Yuzhou, or whose brainwashing was only mild, and form an action team to help you stop Cheng Yuzhou if necessary and buy you time.”

“He seems to have more than just the ability to brainwash people,” Li Yufei worried, “he also seems to have supernatural powers.”

Song Xiaona frowned: "Ghost power?"

"Yes, he used a special power to change the layout of the room, similar to the ability to create things out of thin air."

“That must be his ability to create this strange tale,” Song Xiaona pondered. “In that case, the place where you meet Cheng Yuzhou must be close enough to the barrier, and the distance between you should be as large as possible. If anything changes, you must not hesitate and rush out of the barrier immediately.”

"Are you still going to arrange to meet him?"

“If we don’t make an appointment with him, how can we let him see you step out of the barrier?” Song Xiaona crossed her arms. “Besides, didn’t you want to ask him some questions? If you leave this time, you’ll never have the chance to find out the truth again. I don’t care if you regret it, but I’m worried that he might find us again and start another strange tale—in short, there are some things we still need to figure out.”

"But he can brainwash people, how am I supposed to figure it out?"

“The transmission of power requires a medium. Based on my observations over the years, Cheng Yuzhou probably doesn’t yet have the ability to brainwash people remotely,” Song Xiaona said. “My suggestion is to blindfold yourself and rule out visual communication as a means of transmission.”

"Next is what I mentioned: forming an action team."

"There must be a third party, unknown to Cheng Yuzhou, secretly observing to ensure that you are not brainwashed by him."

"If your behavior becomes abnormal, I will have the team members lying in wait for you to forcibly remove you from the barrier. Is that alright?"

If Cheng Yuzhou didn't know there was someone hiding nearby, then this was indeed a good way to prevent brainwashing.

“Okay,” Li Yufei agreed.

"It can hide so many people, and it's close enough to the barrier..." Song Xiaona pondered. "I know a place. Before that—your phone keeps flashing, go reply to Cheng Yuzhou's message first."

"I don't expect you to arouse his suspicion, but you absolutely cannot let him touch you or take you back before the agreed time. You should know how to compose this message, right?"

Li Yufei pouted.

I felt guilty towards Song Xiaona, but on the other hand, Song Xiaona's constant bossy attitude was really annoying.

"Okay, that's settled for now. I'll call everyone over in a bit, and you can stay in the room and watch. Tell me who doesn't have lines on their soul, and I'll go assemble a team."

Having finalized their plan, the two split up and took action.

As dusk fell and the last rays of sunlight sank behind the western mountains, Li Yufei grew increasingly uneasy.

She gazed out the window at the bustling manor.

Years later, the manor has undergone tremendous changes.

When she first arrived here, it was just her and Cheng Yuzhou.

Cheng Yuzhou must have been happy that day, but she couldn't remember his expression at all, only his light and gentle voice.

He showed her the magnificent building and excitedly told her that this was where they would get married.

He observed her expression and, perhaps noticing her resistance, did not linger there for long, leaving hastily without even seeing many places.

Upon first stepping into this extravagant manor, Li Yufei was awestruck, but no matter how magnificent or luxurious the building was, in her eyes it was nothing more than a prison, the end result of her being sold to Cheng Yuzhou by her parents.

When I returned, there were tourists, but the place felt even more deserted and desolate.

An indescribable loneliness echoed here, causing Li Yufei to shed tears without realizing it.

Over three years, she and Cheng Yuzhou watched as this place became more and more lively and prosperous.

Just as she was happily accepting the prospect of spending the rest of her life there, the truth was suddenly revealed before her eyes.

She's leaving.

She never cared about the lives of others, as long as she was comfortable. But if her current happiness was built on the suffering of hundreds or thousands of people, how could she be truly at ease?

Li Yufei held her ring finger, which had lost its ring, and silently said goodbye in her heart.

Cheng Yuzhou, she's leaving.

She didn't get to see him one last time nine years ago, but tonight, she will say goodbye to him properly.

There was a knock on the door. Li Yufei looked up and met Song Xiaona's eyes at the door.

Song Xiaona held a piece of opaque ribbon in her hand. "Let's go, it's time. I'll blindfold you with the ribbon in a bit, and let's pray that Cheng Yuzhou's brainwashing is done through visual means."