Chapter 8: Watching the Film (Please vote for recommendations!)
“Damn it, open the door, open the door!” Zhang Xiaofan crashed into the door, but the door, which usually wasn’t sturdy at all, now seemed welded shut like a massive iron gate, utterly immovable.
A chilling laughter echoed behind him. Zhang Xiaofan felt a sudden coldness at his back and, struggling to turn his head, said, “Every wrong has its culprit, every debt its debtor. I’ve never done anything truly bad in my life, so don’t come after me, alright?”
“Hmph, coward.” The girl turned her head.
Zhang Xiaofan was stunned. He glanced quickly and saw the ancient beauty regarding him with leisure. Her eyes were large and sparkling, carrying a special charm.
“Are you a human or a ghost?” Zhang Xiaofan asked with curiosity. Mostly, he had only seen ugly ghosts; even the prettiest one before, Liu Yu, had a tongue over a meter long lolling out.
He suddenly felt this beauty looked familiar. After a moment’s thought, he pointed at her in shock and exclaimed, “You… you… Magic Mirror!”
“Demon Queen, not Magic Mirror,” the beauty replied coldly as she stood up.
As she spoke, a pleasant scent wafted from her, and Zhang Xiaofan couldn’t help but breathe it in, inwardly marveling at how fragrant this ghost was.
But then, his expression changed dramatically. “Demon Queen, you can actually come out of the ancient mirror now?”
“That’s right. Here, I’ve regained some strength, so I can come out, but I can’t stray too far from the ancient mirror,” she replied, smoothing her hair. “You really are cowardly. After all, you’ve killed those corpse puppets I controlled. I was only trying to scare you just now; how could you be so frightened?”
Zhang Xiaofan replied awkwardly, “I’m just not used to it yet. Besides, some ghosts are so frightening and disgusting that I get scared. But with someone as beautiful as you, I’m not afraid at all.”
He was speaking the truth. The Demon Queen curled her lips at his words, then suddenly lowered her head and asked, “Like this?”
He looked up, only to see her previously lovely face transformed into a mass of rotting flesh, empty eye sockets staring straight at him.
“Damn, sister, don’t scare me!” Zhang Xiaofan retreated in terror to the doorway.
“Ha, look at you, all scared,” the Demon Queen returned to her original appearance and suddenly grew serious. “Someone died in your class just now?”
“How did you know?”
“You carry the aura of the dead—three people, I’d say,” she said.
“Yes,” Zhang Xiaofan sighed and proceeded to explain what had happened.
“If you’ve regained some strength, can you deal with that Red Envelope Group?” he asked.
“Not necessarily. Besides, it’s difficult for me to fully recover my powers; otherwise, why would I seek your help?” the Demon Queen replied.
“Ah…” Zhang Xiaofan sighed, never expecting that even someone as formidable as the Demon Queen couldn’t take on the Red Envelope Group.
“But honestly, playing with that Red Envelope Group isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I’ve seen that Underworld Mall—there are many treasures there. Work hard, try to buy some powerful secret items to bolster your strength,” she advised.
“But too many people are dying,” he protested.
“That’s just survival of the fittest.” The Demon Queen suddenly beckoned Zhang Xiaofan over. “Come here.”
“What for?” Zhang Xiaofan looked at her exquisite face and blushed; he really couldn’t resist beautiful women.
The Demon Queen pointed at the Crayon Shin-chan cartoon on the screen. “Your world is so interesting. There are so many things I’ve never seen before. How do the little people in this thing move? Are they spirits?”
Zhang Xiaofan was speechless, so he explained the principle of animation. Yet his explanation left the Demon Queen even more confused. She shook her head, saying, “Forget it, it’s too complicated. But these little people are so cute. Are there any other good shows?”
This was the perfect chance to please the Demon Queen, and Zhang Xiaofan wouldn’t let it slip. He promptly opened up some movies he’d downloaded before.
“Look, these are all great films—action, martial arts, fantasy…”
“Hmm, **Yui Hatano**, what does this mean? Is it a movie?” the Demon Queen asked, curiosity piqued as she grabbed the mouse to click.
“No, no, that’s not…” Zhang Xiaofan hurried to snatch the mouse away. These were movies he’d downloaded during lonely nights and kept as treasures; he never expected the Demon Queen to stumble upon them.
But the Demon Queen’s eyes widened. “You won’t let me watch—are you hiding something secret in there?”
With that, she unleashed an invisible force to restrain Zhang Xiaofan and clicked in. Instantly, the computer screen filled with scenes of passion and confusion.
“Oh… ah… ah…”
Seeing these sultry scenes, the Demon Queen’s already pale face turned even paler. She said angrily, “This kind of video… this kind of video…”
“It’s not what you think!” Zhang Xiaofan was frantic; he never expected the Demon Queen to discover his stash. He braced for her scolding.
“Really entertaining!” The Demon Queen curled her lips and said to Zhang Xiaofan, “Not bad, it’s my first time seeing this kind of film. The man and woman are fighting, right? This woman is really impressive—she handles three men with ease. Xiaofan, you should learn from her.”
What?
Zhang Xiaofan was completely dumbfounded.
Could it be the Demon Queen didn’t understand what the people were actually doing? Heavens, could she be so naïve? She was supposed to be a ruthless killer!
He remembered his first encounter with her—she had already killed several people.
Watching her now, engrossed in the film, Zhang Xiaofan was utterly bewildered.
Suddenly, the Demon Queen looked at him and asked, “Why are you still standing there? Aren’t you going to school?”
Originally, Zhang Xiaofan had come in to rest for a bit, but seeing the Demon Queen there, he lost all desire for that. “I’ll go now. But if you’re watching, make sure to turn off the computer if someone else comes in.”
“I know, I know,” she replied impatiently. Suddenly she said, “Also, don’t hide me in the box anymore. Let me sleep on the bed.”
Zhang Xiaofan was so amused by the Demon Queen that he nodded helplessly and walked out.
Once outside, he received a message from Su Qianqian.
Su Qianqian: Xiaofan, what are you doing? I saw Lin Rou leave with you just now. You weren’t with her, were you…?
Zhang Xiaofan: Don’t guess wildly. Lin Rou keeps pestering me. I just told her clearly that it’s not possible.
Su Qianqian: Mm, I knew you were the best.
Zhang Xiaofan: Hehe, shouldn’t you praise me? Maybe reward me by letting me roll in bed with you.
After watching movies with the Demon Queen, he was feeling restless.
Su Qianqian: Get lost, I knew you weren’t a good guy. (angry face)
Seeing Su Qianqian’s angry message, Zhang Xiaofan was quite pleased and typed: I’ll be waiting.
Indeed, banter with a beautiful girl was the best cure for a bad mood. Quickly, Zhang Xiaofan cast aside his earlier troubles and was about to head to the classroom when another message popped up.
Bao Lei: Zhang Xiaofan, who’s in your dormitory?
Zhang Xiaofan’s expression changed—he hadn’t expected the deceased Bao Lei to message him. He replied cautiously: What’s the matter? Are you scared?
Bao Lei: I fear no one, not even ghosts.
Zhang Xiaofan: Then what are you saying? I warn you, stop now, or you’ll regret it.
Bao Lei: You’re threatening me.
Zhang Xiaofan: So what?
Bao Lei: Very good. Since that’s the case, after school I’ll play a game that will excite you.
Ding!
Bao Lei: @Everyone, classmates, pay attention. After school today, no one is allowed to leave. Anyone who disobeys, dies!