Chapter 36: Shen Ji's Extra Story (Part One)

Mingde College had sent off generation after generation of graduates, each considered lucky in their own right. As the years passed, the legends that lingered behind only grew more enticing.

“These are the campus legends I’ve uncovered—I swear, no other freshman has done such thorough research!” the boy declared, brandishing a thick stack of documents, his excitement palpable.

His name was Gu Xiaoi. Though the name hardly sounded masculine, it was indeed his, given by his father at birth as a declaration of love for his mother. From a young age, Gu Xiaoi had been popular with girls, thanks to his good looks, but his name did, admittedly, lower his perceived sophistication. He’d once considered changing it, but after being firmly opposed by his parents, he’d abandoned the idea.

This was Gu Xiaoi’s first year at Mingde, and he was eager to take his newly acquainted friends on an adventure.

A boy leafed through his research. “The Cursed Child, the Fortune-Telling Spirit Chopsticks… The Wishing Art Room?”

Gu Xiaoi’s eyes lit up. “Isn’t that the most amazing one? The Wishing Art Room! Everyone wants to go there. They say someone actually found it once, and their wish really came true!”

One friend sounded skeptical. “Is it really that magical?”

On the other side, a girl flipped through the documents. “The Girl Who Never Graduates—what’s this legend about?”

Gu Xiaoi jumped at the chance to explain. “No one knows when it started, but the story goes that there’s a girl at this school who never graduates. She’s a mysterious presence. After her classmates graduate, they forget her name and face entirely. She doesn’t even show up in the graduation photos.”

The girl stroked her chin, intrigued. “There are stories like that?”

Gu Xiaoi, brimming with enthusiasm, declared, “Friends! Let’s go exploring tonight! At midnight, we’ll meet at the abandoned multi-purpose building and look for the legendary art room!”

His male friend seemed uneasy. “Are you sure this is safe?”

This was Zhao Xiaohu, Gu Xiaoi’s roommate. Despite the “tiger” in his name, he was timid and easily frightened.

The third member of their little group, a pretty girl with a bold spirit, laughed. “We’ve nothing better to do tonight. Why not go on an adventure to pass the time?”

Seeing that even the girl was unafraid, Zhao Xiaohu forced himself to stand tall and muster some courage. “Alright, I’m in.”

Gu Xiaoi grinned. “Then we’ll meet tonight in front of the building!”

He returned to his dorm to prepare. A flashlight was essential, but so were garlic and a peach wood sword—items his parents had insisted he bring to school, as if they were convinced supernatural events were inevitable on campus. Not only had they packed him all sorts of protective things, but they’d also sternly warned him to curb his curiosity.

But curiosity is a part of human nature, impossible to suppress.

Zhao Xiaohu, meanwhile, had quietly gathered plenty of information himself. “I’ve heard a lot of people have gone missing at this school. Some say they’ve seen flames in the abandoned building, and even charred human shapes. Others talk about a ghostly figure roaming the halls—if you can’t answer its questions, you’ll die… Do you think we’ll be alright?”

Gu Xiaoi patted him on the shoulder. “Relax! We’re just exploring, not actually going to make a wish to some ghost. As long as we don’t seek out supernatural help, there’s no need to fear the consequences.”

Indeed, Gu Xiaoi was content with his life. He fought for what he wanted and had no intention of turning to spirits for help.

Zhao Xiaohu thought to himself, but if we really did find the legendary art room, who could resist making a wish?

That evening, their class was taught by Professor Xuanyuan. The girls in the incoming class were unwilling to skip, since the teacher was so handsome, while the boys dared not skip, as Professor Xuanyuan’s stern aura was intimidating.

Thus, it wasn’t until after evening classes that Gu Xiaoi and Zhao Xiaohu, equipped for their adventure, hurried to the appointed building. Their new female friend was already waiting.

She eyed Gu Xiaoi’s bulging backpack with exaggerated surprise. “Wow, you really came prepared! But do you really think any of that will ward off ghosts?”

Gu Xiaoi shook his head. “It’s just for self-defense—I’ve no intention of driving away spirits. If ghosts do exist, this is their place. I’m just a visitor, not looking to take over.”

His words were oddly charming.

The girl glanced at her phone. “It’s getting late. Shall we go in?”

Gu Xiaoi, as the only boy, felt it was his duty to lead. Flashlight in hand, he took the front. As he entered, he noticed the vibrant roses blooming around the building—oddly well-kept for a place abandoned for years.

Someone had clearly tended the flowers, their blossoms strikingly beautiful.

Once inside, the chill in the air seemed to deepen.

Zhao Xiaohu, nervous as ever, swallowed hard.

The three of them climbed to the fourth floor, heading to the end of the corridor, but found no sign of the legendary art room. Gu Xiaoi was disappointed; Zhao Xiaohu, relieved.

Then Zhao Xiaohu tugged Gu Xiaoi’s sleeve. “Hey… where’s that girl?”

Gu Xiaoi turned around. She was gone. He opened his mouth to call for her—only to realize he didn’t even know her name. He looked at Zhao Xiaohu, anxious. “What was her name?”

Zhao Xiaohu was stunned. “I don’t know! Wasn’t she your new friend?”

Gu Xiaoi was equally taken aback. “I thought she was yours!”

An indescribable eeriness crept over them. Neither had known the girl before—so when had she joined them?

Thinking back, it seemed strange that neither had questioned the presence of such a beautiful stranger among them.

A sudden draft wafted through. Zhao Xiaohu thought he glimpsed a shadowy figure. Already on edge, he let out a cry and bolted.

Gu Xiaoi called after him, “Zhao Xiaohu!”

But Zhao Xiaohu had already dashed down the stairs. On the second floor, his legs gave out and he tumbled onto the corridor, dazed.

At the same moment, a burnt, acrid smell filled his nose.