---

I nearly choked on my milk.

Lu Guanlan gracefully stood up, and as he was about to leave, he added, “You should practice more yoga when you have time.”

I grabbed a tissue box and threw it at the door. “Lu Guanlan, you jerk!”

---

5

“Don’t get mad.
Other people get mad, but I won’t. Getting mad will just make you sick.
If I get mad and die, who would be happy? Plus, it’s exhausting.”

I muttered these lines to myself the whole ride. But as soon as I got out of the car, I bumped straight into Lu Guanlan.

“…”

Outside, we always avoided suspicion and pretended not to know each other.

Lu Guanlan gave me a casual glance, slightly raised an eyebrow, and walked off surrounded by his assistant and the staff welcoming him.

Strutting around like a big deal, in a suit, slicked-back hair, and big sunglasses. And he wasn’t even talking.

Man, the best cosmetic surgery for men did wonders for him.

Lu Guanlan was already striking, with the physique of a model and the face of a sculpted god. His fans, who had come to support him, were screaming, completely dazzled by his looks.

I frowned and moved away, asking the staff, “Why is he here?”

The staff had hearts in their eyes. “Lu Guanlan requested to join, so we added a mysterious guest for this episode. This is his first variety show appearance!”

“You just added someone like that? What about your principles?”

“Should we swap you out then?”

“…”

Fine.

What could I do? I didn’t have any leverage.

The cameramen set up, and as soon as we entered the escape room, the live broadcast began.

I headed straight for the scariest room.

People like me, variety show regulars, are hired to create reactions. The more terrified I get—crying, rolling on the floor—the more entertained the audience will be.

Thinking about the string of zeros on my paycheck, I steeled myself.

The place was pitch black, with ghostly shadows everywhere. The surround sound played creepy effects, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The escape room had a ghost wedding theme, and every red candle gave off a strong sense of Chinese horror.

I swallowed hard.

Suddenly, I missed Lu Guanlan. The system required us to hold hands for an hour every day, and we hadn’t done it yet today.

That jerk is already here, so why didn’t he just come find me and finish the task?

Does he not know how to manage his time?

Shaking, I muttered to myself as I nervously pushed open the first door.

And my luck was terrible.

A grotesque, long-haired ghost bride stuck her face right up against mine.

“Ahhh—!”

My heart stopped. I dropped the paper lantern I was holding and bolted.

The NPC chased after me, saying in a creepy voice, “Hey handsome, you’re so cute. Stay and be my groom~”

“No, no, no, I’m hideous! Go find someone else!
Do you know Lu Guanlan? He’s the emperor actor! Super handsome!
Go find him!”

I ran for my life.

Finally shaking off the ghost bride, I found myself at a dead end.

The NPC’s creepy laughter echoed through the escape room, getting closer and closer, louder and louder.

Her long hair and icy fingers brushed the back of my neck.

She reached out and rested a hand on my shoulder, blowing softly in my ear—”Got you~”

“Ahhhhhh!!!”

I screamed, collapsing to the floor, clutching my head with my eyes shut tight.

“Help!
Lu Guanlan!
Lu Guanlan!!!”

Suddenly, the NPC was lifted away, and strong arms scooped me up from the ground. He kicked open the nearest door.

That familiar minty scent filled the air as a hand gently patted my back.

“Don’t be scared. I’m here.”

---

6

It took me at least ten minutes to calm down. The room had hidden more NPCs, but they’d already been “asked” to leave by Lu Guanlan. Feeling half-dead, I let out a long breath and stretched my sore muscles.

Then I realized I was still clinging to Lu Guanlan, crumpling his tailored suit into a mess.

He was holding me like a child, sitting me on his lap, and gently patting my back.

“…”

I felt conflicted.

If it was just a grown man crying out of fear, that would be fine, kind of funny even. But a grown man clinging to another grown man, crying and needing comfort? That was way too embarrassing!

“Sorry, sorry.”

I laughed awkwardly, released him, and scooted as far away as possible, trying to act like I didn’t know him in front of the camera.

“Teacher Lu, you’re here too? What a coincidence.”

“Hmm, I’ve been following you the whole time.”

“…”

I wiped away some sweat and pretended to be curious, looking around to change the subject. “This place looks festive. Where are we?”

“A wedding room.”

“…”

I couldn’t continue the conversation.

I got up, stamped my feet, and mustered the courage to head out and solve more puzzles.

Lu Guanlan got up and followed me.

Outside, it was dark again, with eerie shadows of ghosts cast on the walls by the lighting.

I couldn’t help but flinch. Someone took my hand. Lu Guanlan casually laced his fingers with mine.

I turned to look at him.

“Daily hand-holding task,” he said indifferently.

Impressive that he still remembered.

I didn’t resist.

After all, it was so dark here, no one would notice, right?

Two other guests ran by, chased by NPCs, screaming.

“Why do they get to hold hands?!”

“Quick, let’s hold hands too, for courage!”

“Two grown men holding hands? Gross! Get lost!”

“…”

The slap in the face came too quickly.

I tried shaking my wrist, but Lu Guanlan just gripped tighter.

He covered the microphone with his hand and whispered, “Once the task starts, quitting halfway reduces your life points.

“Is holding my hand really worse than death?”

I pursed my lips, hesitated for a while, and then started prying his fingers open, one by one.

Lu Guanlan’s expression immediately darkened. “Is it because they said it was disgusting?”

I stayed silent.

He furrowed his brow tightly. “It’s been ten years. Why do you still care so much about what others think?”

I sighed, throwing up my hands. “It’s part of my job, alright? If my reputation gets ruined, how am I supposed to get work? What am I going to live on, air?
Big-time actor, it’s been so long. Let the past go. Listen to me: living a normal life is much better. Marrying and having kids—that’s the right path.”

Lu Guanlan stared at me in disbelief. “Do you really think that?”

I nodded. “I do.”

“Fine, fine. Very well.”

He laughed coldly, backing away, the dim red light of the room casting shadows over his face.

Lu Guanlan’s eyes were bloodshot. “Then I wish you the best of luck achieving that dream!”

---

7

The dark, eerie hallway suddenly felt even more terrifying as I stood there, alone.