Chapter 65: The Best Start At This Moment
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
In the perpetual cycle of despair, a glimmer of hope emerged, resembling a crack forcibly created in the unyielding lock of destiny. This was the work of Gao Ming, who had endured an uncountable number of deaths to reach this point.
Gao Ming clasped the hand of a lifeless body lying before him. On its palm was a black mark, ominous and curse-like in appearance. Unlike before, memories flooded back to him, this time remaining intact in his mind. Sensing the urgency of the moment, Gao Ming quickly readied himself to depart from this grim scene.
As he made his way out, the sound of footsteps echoed abruptly behind him. Gao Ming’s body stiffened, a visceral reaction as though he was trapped in the grip of a ferocious predator. A familiar voice reached his ears, one he recognized with a mix of fear and recognition.
“I’ve been waiting for you for a long time,” the voice declared ominously. “You boarded a car you shouldn’t have, and came to a place you shouldn’t have.”This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.
It was the voice of that man – the same man whose voice haunted Gao Ming. His pupils constricted in a mix of recognition and dread. He remembered this voice as belonging to the person who had ended his life multiple times when he had entered the tunnel earlier.
“You’ve become intertwined with something I cannot separate you from now,” the voice continued, its tone laced with a sinister calm. “You were meant to die, but I’m here to offer you a chance at survival.”
Gao Ming felt an overwhelming pressure as if an invisible force was pinning him to the ground, rendering him powerless against the presence of this ominous voice. He didn’t dare raise his head, fearing that any change in his behavior might reveal how he differed from his past iterations.
“The script of everyone’s life is pre-written from birth, and fate governs all,” the voice intoned. “Nature’s cycle is perpetual, each thing in its ordained place.”
“But now, chaos reigns. Ghosts wander freely, abnormalities occur with increasing frequency, and the malice in human hearts threatens to engulf the city. The games you designed, inspired by real cases and urban legends, may soon manifest into reality, born from the depths of your decaying memories. You have a choice: lead people through your games to diminish the resentment, or sacrifice them to strengthen the legends. Each choice carries its own cost and reward.”
“This chaos is a gift of fate to you. Grasp it tightly. Prevent the uncontrolled legends from surfacing.”
As the voice finished speaking, the oppressive pressure began to recede, and a hand gently pressed down on Gao Ming’s head.
“From now on, your name is Gao Ming,” the voice declared.
Gao Ming was startled. The voice had just informed him of his own name. But deep down, he knew every word from this unknowable figure was a deception.
“Everyone’s script is set from birth, fate dictates everything,” he pondered silently. “Maybe this is how the world has always worked, but does its constancy make it right?”
“Died once?” Xuan Wen murmured, her voice a mix of incredulity and shock.
“I don’t fully understand why that photo appears in your world, but I’m determined to uncover the truth,” Gao Ming declared firmly.
After a moment of intense internal conflict, Xuan Wen lowered the knife. “I can help you escape this place, take you back home. But I need you to promise me one thing.”
“One promise?” Gao Ming quizzed, his mind racing back to previous departures from the tunnel. Each time, he recalled making a promise to Xuan Wen, but the specifics always eluded his memory.
Xuan Wen’s expression was complex, reflecting an inner turmoil. “I’ve developed an uncontrollable affection for you, and maintaining a clear mind’s becoming increasingly difficult. I find myself inexplicably drawn to your presence, always aware of where you are. Yet, believe me, this isn’t something I want.” She handed her raincoat to Gao Ming, her eyes conveying a mix of frustration and resignation. “This distorted form of love is growing stronger with each passing moment. So, I need you to make a promise to me: no matter what I do, you must never let yourself develop feelings for me. Don’t fall in love with me, and don’t ever try to manipulate me using these emotions!”
“Is that really what you want me to promise?” Gao Ming asked, trying to grasp the depth of her request.
“If you agree, put on the raincoat, and I’ll take you home. If not...” Xuan Wen’s voice trailed off. Her past experiences, ones that no one else knew, had shaped her desire not to have her destiny entangled with anyone else.
As they spoke, a gust of stormy wind whistled into the tunnel, carrying with it the chilling echoes of the night and a sense of returning to past memories.
Gao Ming nodded solemnly. “I promise you. But you should know, my brain is damaged. I often lose my memory.” His voice was tinged with a hint of sadness, acknowledging his own limitations.
“Then I’ll remind you,” Xuan Wen said with a hint of resolve, lifting Gao Ming in her arms.
“Thank you,” Gao Ming expressed his gratitude, his voice soft.
“You’re welcome,” Xuan Wen replied, her tone neutral.
“Thank you, Xuan Wen.” Gao Ming’s second thanks held a different weight, filled with gratitude towards the Xuan Wen who had made a significant choice back at the Sishui Apartment.
“It doesn’t matter,” Xuan Wen responded, her voice carrying a hint of emotional detachment.
Gao Ming repeated, “Thank you...”
Xuan Wen’s patience seemed to wane slightly as she interjected, “Are you done yet???” Though slightly exasperated, her words couldn’t fully mask the complex emotions brewing beneath her stoic exterior.
