As soon as these pieces of information were came out, Bai Lixin immediately thought of someone.
It was a person who had briefly appeared during the first game, the young man who had caused a scene at the construction site and ultimately hanged himself.
Bai Lixin’s eyes darkened, then he heard the little girl next to him complaining in a childish tone, “The tickets for this train trip were sold out half a month ago. The task issuer told me it was essential to board the train, or I would fail for not participating in the game on time.”
“I had no choice but to sneak onto the train. If I hadn’t met you halfway, I would probably have been taken away, just like that man earlier.”
“Did the task issuer appear again after you boarded the train?” Bai Lixin asked.
“No,” Zhou Guang shook his head, “It’s also possible that they’ll only appear after we pass the ticket check. By the way, God Xin, what were your previous games?”
In the following time, Bai Lixin and Zhou Guang shared details about their respective earlier tasks.
After arriving in this world, Zhou Guang entered an orphanage, then was taken from the orphanage to a family. Like Bai Lixin, his various games seemed unrelated, but there were intricate connections among them. As for why he was now a little girl, it was based on a photo of a missing girl he had seen in the orphanage.
Zhou Guang had learned from previous games that the little girl was adopted. However, after being adopted, she lost contact shortly afterward. Yet, the orphanage didn’t pay much attention to it.
After all, many adopting families are cautious. Once they adopt a child from the orphanage, they quickly severe the child’s ties with the institution, allowing the child to integrate into their life as quickly as possible.
Zhou Guang hadn’t paid much attention initially, but when he heard some details about the girl from the NPC in the orphanage, it caught his interest.
The girl was adopted when she was over ten years old by a successful couple. They were well-dressed, provided comprehensive documentation.
According to common sense, the younger the adopted child, the better. In general knowledge, once a child reaches a certain age, it will be difficult to establish an intimate relationship.
But the couple ultimately chose the little girl.
When he asked, “Why did the couple choose this little girl?” the answer given by the orphanage staff was, “Because the couple felt that this girl was compatible and she was very sensible.”
After listening to Bai Lixin’s story, Zhou Guang couldn’t help but sigh, “I never thought there would be such beastly fathers and oblivious mothers.”
Bai Lixin chuckled, “Come with me; I’ll take you to the first-class carriage. You’ve already caught the attention of the ticket inspector, and they’ll probably come after you again.”
Zhou Guang nodded repeatedly, delighted, “Okay.”
Ten minutes later, Zhou Guang felt he had celebrated too early.
Who did he see in Bai Lixin’s carriage?
The big boss! The super fierce, super protective, and super disdainful-of-others big boss!
Zhou Guang: “…”
Suddenly, playing hide-and-seek with the ticket inspector seemed quite interesting.
Dijia was resting, leaning on the sofa and massaging his forehead. The moment Zhou Guang entered, he felt what it meant to go from heaven to hell.
The aisle was somewhat narrow, and when entering A-1D, Bai Lixin supported Zhou Guang’s shoulder, pushing him in.
The man, who was originally looking at Bai Lixin with a smile, narrowed his eyes the moment he saw Zhou Guang and instantly became alert. “Who is this man?” His eyes moved away from Bai Lixin’s hand on the man’s shoulder and nailed onto Zhou Guang’s face.
‘How come he went out for a few hours and brought someone back? The young man is so naïve; could he have been deceived?’
‘Also, why were their actions so intimate?
Bai Lixin actually had his hand on the man’s shoulder? He never even put his hand on my shoulder!’
Zhou Guang and Bai Lixin looked at each other in astonishment, and Zhou Guang suddenly stiffened in place.
The big boss was indeed a big boss. Even God Xin couldn’t see his true body, but the big boss could see it at a glance.
Bai Lixin recovered from his brief surprise and patted Zhou Guang’s shoulder, smiling, “This is a very close friend of mine, named Zhou Guang. We haven’t seen each other for a while, and unexpectedly, we meet here. Zhou Guang, this is my family, Dijia”
Upon hearing the word “family,” Dijia’s cold expression relaxed a bit, and his tone became more polite, “Hello.”
Zhou Guang was a bit stunned, “Hello.”
After speaking, he glared at Bai Lixin.
‘Why didn’t you tell me the big boss was with you? If I knew, I would never have come in!’
Bai Lixin smiled awkwardly.
‘I forgot.’
These people have a natural fear of Dijia.
It was not a fear of monsters but an instinctive dread of unknown powerful forces.
Like a memory engraved in the DNA of the food chain, it’s the fear of the lower end of the food chain for the upper end.
Though the big boss wouldn’t harm him, Zhou Guang didn’t want to stay in such a confined space with him. Because the big boss made even the air feel oppressive and thin, and subsequent conversations become somewhat distracted.
After a two-hour journey, the train had left X City, and the scenery outside had gradually turned into vast farmland.
Zhou Guang was sitting on pins and needles, and finally couldn’t stand it anymore and winked at Bai Lixin.
Seeing this, Bai Lixin stood up and accompanied Zhou Guang out of the carriage under Dijia’s inquisitive gaze.
“God Xin,” Zhou Guang smiled awkwardly, “I won’t stick around with you guys.”
Being straightforward, he spoke the truth, “I’m really afraid of the big boss. I can’t handle it. Actually, I’m quite agile, and avoiding those security officers isn’t too difficult with all the props I have.”
“Also, our two tasks should be different. I still need to complete my task.”
Bai Lixin: “Alright, I’ll ask Dijia later and see if we can get an extra ticket. Our private chat still can’t be used for now. I’ll be in this carriage, if you need anything, just come here.”
Zhou Guang nodded and walked towards other carriages, “I know, I won’t be polite with you. See you later!”
After leaving this remark, Zhou Guang hurried away, as if there was a dog chasing him.
After Zhou Guang entered the fourth carriage, Bai Lixin returned to A-1. Upon entering, he saw Dijia staring at him with a dark look.
That look didn’t last long, as it soon shifted to his usual warmth. “Your friend left?”
Bai Lixin: “Yes, he left. Are you hungry? Want to grab something to eat?”
Dijia checked the time, “Yeah, I’m hungry. Let’s go, to the dining area.”
…
In the dining area, Bai Lixin met Li Qiuzhi again.
Li Qiuzhi was sitting by the window, constantly taking pictures with his camera.
Sometimes capturing exquisite dishes, sometimes photographing the tables and chairs, appearing quite busy. Bai Lixin sat in the seat next to Li Qiuzhi and said hello.
Li Qiuzhi, who was originally engrossed in his work, lifted his head in confusion upon hearing his name. When he saw Bai Lixin’s face, a hint of surprise and panic flashed in his eyes, then he quickly composed himself, “What a coincidence, Bai Lixin.”
Bai Lixin smiled calmly, “Did I startle you again? Do I really look like that friend of yours? Was he your best friend? Seeing my face, you should feel nostalgic, so why are you afraid?”
Li Qiuzhi forced a awkward smile, “You wouldn’t want to know the reason.”
Bai Lixin held his chin and stared at him meaningfully, “How would I know if you don’t tell me? Tell me, I’m really interested in this person who looks so much like me. After all, we’re strangers, but still friends on this train, and after getting off, we probably won’t meet again in the vast sea of people. Don’t you want to confide?”
With that, Bai Lixin tapped the seat next to him.
Li Qiuzhi hesitated for two seconds but was ultimately moved by Bai Lixin’s last sentence. He sat down beside him and began, “He… is not just my friend, but my boyfriend.”
Bai Lixin was momentarily stunned, and opposite him, Dijia snorted softly, “A cliché pickup line.”
Once the floodgates opened, there was no intention of closing them. Dijia’s comment didn’t stop Li Qiuzhi from continuing, “We made vows of eternal love. We said we’d stay together for a lifetime and even walk into the grave together. If one of us died prematurely, we vowed to drag the other into the afterlife.”
Bai Lixin was once again surprised, “So passionate?”
“We were just… young and naïve and hadn’t experienced society, always feeling the world revolved around us. At that time, we really liked each other, love makes people selfish and blind. I would rather die than hand the other over to someone else.” Li Qiuzhi sighed, “But I broke my promise first.”
“I’m two years older than him. During my internship, I fell in love with someone else and broke up with him.”
“He was persistent at that time, which gave me a headache, and made my then lover very uneasy. It was not what I wanted to see. I didn’t want our beautiful memories to be overshadowed by his hysterical face.”
“It’s my fault for betraying him. To avoid him, I changed my phone number, moved, and escaped thoroughly.”
“After that, I had a peaceful period.”
A waiter approached and asked what they needed. Bai Lixin ordered a coffee and also ordered for Dijia’s favorite black tea.
Seeing the steaming black tea brought to him by the waiter, Dijia’s eyes darkened.
The brief conversation was interrupted, and no one spoke for a while.
After a simple meal, Bai Lixin suggested returning to the compartment for further discussion.
Li Qiuzhi nodded tiredly and did not refuse.
Clearly, this matter had weighed on him for a long time; he needed an outlet. And Bai Lixin’s appearance happened to become that outlet.
The three entered Li Qiuzhi’s compartment.
Bai Lixin quickly scanned the room and noticed a professional recording device facing out of the window. Various instruments, equipment, and photos were scattered on the floor.
After finding a place to sit, Bai Lixin casually chatted for a few moments, then steered the conversation back to the topic they hadn’t finished earlier. “Wasn’t it better that he was nolonger bothering you? Why did you end up helping him with the burial?”
Li Qiuzhi sighed, “Because the police came looking for me.”
“He only had his grandparents and they also went missing.”
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘Sure enough, it was really the young man who had hanged himself in the unfinished building!’
Li Qiuzhi didn’t notice Bai Lixin’s strange look and continued, “He was found dead in an unfinished building, he hanged himself. The police discovered a suicide note on him. Inside the note was a notarized will, and he left all his inheritance to me. My identity information was on the notarized will. Since the police couldn’t contact any other relatives, they traced my phone number through the public security system.”
“Did you come back because of his inheritance?” Bai Lixin’s eyes were clear, and his burning gaze fell on Li Qiuzhi’s eyes.
For a brief moment, Li Qiuzhi seemed flustered, then his eyes evaded Bai Lixin’s gaze, and he shook his head, “No, it’s not!”
“Actually, after I broke up with him so decisively back then, I regretted it a bit. Our relationship was harmonious when we were in love. When he suddenly died, I couldn’t be so heartless. I felt I should send him off properly.”
“And he didn’t have much inheritance. The money from the demolition of his house was gone. He was a student at the time and didn’t have much money.”
Bai Lixin summed up, “So you’re quite remarkable, breaking up but still doing this for him.”
Li Qiuzhi forced a smile, “It’s my debt to him.”
Bai Lixin: “After all that explanation, you still haven’t said why you get nervous when you see me.”
“I’m getting to that, don’t worry,” Li Qiuzhi cleared his throat, “I saw his body in the morgue. Have you ever seen someone who hanged themselves? Hanging must be the most painful way to die. His face still appears in my dreams. Because his neck was compressed by that small rope, his complexion turned purple, eyes bulging, and the swollen tongue couldn’t fit into his mouth.”
“I took only one glance and couldn’t bear to look any longer. Then I helped pay for the funeral and various expenses, and took care of his funeral affairs.”
Dijia suddenly spoke, “Where did you bury him?”
Li Qiuzhi paused, his gaze wandering outside the window, “Buried him in a cemetery.”
Dijia dragged his tone, “Oh, a cemetery plot costs over thirty thousand yuan. With funeral expenses, it’s probably around forty to fifty thousand. Did you foot the bill?”
Li Qiuzhi said perfunctorily, “Yes, as I said, I felt guilty towards him.”
Bai Lixin asked, “So, you get scared when you see me because you saw the gruesome state of his body?”
Li Qiuzhi: “Yes, that’s the reason.”
Bai Lixin and Dijia exchanged a glance. They could sense that Li Qiuzhi was still hiding something. However, since Li Qiuzhi didn’t intend to continue, Bai Lixin had to stop probing, “I see, my condolences.”
Li Qiuzhi leaned on the sofa with some dejection: “Thank you for listening to me. It feels much better to get it off my chest. I’ve kept these things to myself for a long time, and I can’t talk to the people around me. People’s words are terrible; I’m afraid they’ll look at me with strange eyes.”
“I’m a bit tired now, I want to rest for a while on my own.”
Since the host had finished entertaining guests, there was no need for them to stay any longer.
Before leaving, Bai Lixin turned to Li Qiuzhi, who was leaning on the sofa, and asked, “Forgive me for asking, are you currently single or in a relationship?”
Li Qiuzhi opened his drowsy eyes, glanced at Bai Lixin, then shook his head, “I’m single now, it’s been three years. I haven’t moved on from his death; every time I’m about to enter a new relationship, I think of him.”
“How did you two end up together? Were you both originally gay?”
Li Qiuzhi shook his head, “No, he was straight. I turned him. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. You guys can go. He seemed so open-minded, I thought he could handle it like me. Being gay, unable to marry, just stay together if you have feelings, separate if you don’t – it’s all normal. I didn’t expect him to be so persistent. If I knew he couldn’t handle it back then, I wouldn’t have flirted with him. Ah, there’s no cure for regret; it’s too late to say anything.”
Li Qiuzhi once again made it clear that he wanted to end the conversation. Seeing this, Bai Lixin had no choice but to stop and, along with Dijia, left.
Back in the room, Dijia said nonchalantly, “It’s possible.”
Bai Lixin was confused, blinking and asking, “What?”
Dijia replied, “Gays can get married. Same-sex marriage is legal; many foreign countries recognize it. Their marriages are no different from conventional ones, involving loyalty, shared property, and the commitment of responsibility and love.”
“There’s no ‘can’ or ‘can’t.’ It’s just a matter of whether you want to or not.”
“That guy just now, I don’t like him. He’s a loser, he can’t even keep his promises. He has no self-control and no restraint. Plus, he always finds appropriate reasons to justify himself. A coward.”
“There must be something else between him and that boyfriend.”
Dijia frowned, “I strongly dislike him. I’m not restricting your friendships, but stay away from him.”
Bai Lixin chuckled, “I don’t like him either. I never thought of being friends with him. Don’t be so worked up.”
Dijia wrinkled his nose, “I’m not worked up. I’m just stating facts. I’m afraid he might deceive you.”
Bai Lixin wanted to laugh but restrained himself and nodded seriously.
…
Time flowed like sand through fingers, and before they knew it, it was dark outside.
The first day was coming to an end, and the little black furry monster hadn’t appeared yet.
The little black furry monster only informed him that the fifth game would take place on this train but didn’t disclose the game’s content.
So, was it the same as before? Where he triggers the plot first to get the task?
The train moved systematically. As it approached midnight, a scream suddenly woke the sleeping Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin abruptly opened his eyes and found himself alone; Dijia wasn’t beside him.
The scream wasn’t too far; it seemed to come from the next room. Bai Lixin realized something might be wrong and hastily threw on a coat before pushing the door open and stepping out.
Some people were already coming out into the corridor. Some compartment doors were open, with curious faces peering out, while others directly approached the A-3 room where the scream originated.
Bai Lixin walked over. The door to A-3 was open, and the lights were on. Li Qiuzhi sat on the sofa, face pale, staring at the coffee table in front of him with a horrified expression.
“Guest, are you okay? Why did you scream just now? Did you see something?” A uniformed staff member walked in to inquire about the situation, trying not to disturb the sleeping passengers. Some vented their dissatisfaction, while others nervously monitored the developments.
After all, they all lived in the first-class compartment. If someone could break into A-3, their safety might be at risk.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the first-class compartment tensed.
Bai Lixin glanced at the coffee table in front of Li Qiuzhi. There was a tie on it. The tie had a neat knot, with an expensive diamond tie clip attached.
Was this what frightened Li Qiuzhi?
Li Qiuzhi blankly lifted his head, and as soon as he saw Bai Lixin, his face instantly changed. He stood up with a fierce expression, pointing at Bai Lixin and yelling, “You! What’s your relationship with Zhao Ming?! Was it you?! Did you sneak into my room while I was sleeping and put this tie in there?!”
“You persistent ghost, how long are you going to haunt me?!”
The staff immediately stepped forward to restrain Li Qiuzhi, and Li Qiuzhi struggled while pointing at Bai Lixin, sternly accusing, “It’s him, it’s definitely him! He broke into my personal space, I’ll sue him for illegal entry!”
The inexplicable gazes of the crowd shifted between Bai Lixin and the now frantic Li Qiuzhi.
“Guest, please calm down!” The staff member wasn’t one to be trifled with, “You can eat carelessly, but words can’t be said recklessly. Any accusation without evidence may constitute defamation. If someone breaks into your room, we will definitely catch the culprit. Please calm down!”
After continuous reassurance, Li Qiuzhi finally calmed down a bit. He panted heavily, pointing at the tie on the coffee table, “I didn’t have this when I was sleeping. It’s not mine. Someone broke into my room and placed this thing on my desk.”
The staff member picked up the high-quality purple tie and asked, “Besides this addition, did you lose any property?”
Li Qiuzhi shook his head dully, “I don’t think so, haven’t found checked yet.”
