Chapter 35: Entering the Ghost Dormitory at Night

After greeting the three of them, Zhang Xiaofan began to outline the precautions for entering the old staff dormitory. The gist was simple: once inside, they must not act independently and had to stay together at all times.

Whether it was a "life card" or a "death card," every one of them had to be found. Even if a death card appeared useless, it still carried the immense power of a level-five evil spirit's strike, so it had to be kept on one's person for protection.

"Did you all get that? Also, as far as I know, that old dormitory is definitely haunted, so we need to prepare some magical artifacts for self-defense," Zhang Xiaofan said.

"Don't worry, we've already bought them," Zhou Jian replied with a nod. He was quite strong and tended to stick close to Zhang Yanyan.

Gu Saling grabbed a dagger from the ground and tucked it into her waistband.

"These are talismans I’ve drawn over the past few days to ward off ghosts. Keep them; they might come in handy." Su Qianqian handed one to each person.

"Alright, everyone should also pick up some medicinal pills; they might be useful if anyone gets injured," Zhang Xiaofan reminded them again. He opened his phone and suddenly thought of Chen Jing.

It would be good if he could win Chen Jing over; that way, Song Feng would lose his advantage.

With that in mind, he sent a message: "Chen Jing, what do you think about the life-and-death card game tonight? How about we form an alliance?"

Chen Jing responded quickly: "Sure, but let me ask you—there are only five life cards. If I join your group, that makes six people. Who are you planning to let die?"

Zhang Xiaofan was taken aback. He hadn't expected Chen Jing to be so sharp. He replied, "We'll see. I haven't decided yet."

Chen Jing: "Ha, then I'll 'see' as well. At the very least, even though Song Feng is a bad person, they won't lay a hand on me this time."

Zhang Xiaofan: "Fine. I just hope you remember what Song Feng has done to you in the past."

Chen Jing: "Don't worry, I remember all of that quite clearly."

"Chen Jing, who are you chatting with?" inside a hotel outside the school, Song Feng asked.

"It's nothing. A friend asked me out for dinner, and I told her I was busy," Chen Jing replied indifferently.

Song Feng didn't think much of it. He was currently with Ma Shiyou, Xu Daqing, Meng Fei, and others, a pile of machetes laid out before them.

Song Feng said, "These are weapons I had a friend bring over. This time, out of the ten of us, only five can survive. You all know Zhang Xiaofan's group; those five will definitely be allied, so we must also stick together strictly."

"Don't worry, Brother Song. We'll wipe them out this time. As for that Su Qianqian, we'll kill her after we're done with her," Xu Daqing said coldly.

Song Feng laughed heartily. "Good thinking. That Su Qianqian is too unappreciative. I've asked her out several times, and she never gives me any face. This time, I’m going to make her pay."

The men burst into laughter. Chen Jing watched them with a faint smile, a strange glint flashing in her eyes.

At eleven o'clock that night, Zhang Xiaofan’s group of five and Lin Rou arrived early at the entrance of the old dormitory. Moments later, Song Feng and his four companions walked over.

All five of them had machetes tucked into their belts, with daggers sheathed at their sides. Song Feng called out coldly, "Brother Xiaofan, do try to go easy on us later."

"Song Feng, you guys are pretty well-equipped yourselves. I think it’s more like you should be the ones going easy on us," Zhang Xiaofan replied with a grin, shouldering his heavy blade.

"Tch, same to you!" After saying this, Song Feng suddenly drew his machete. Seeing this, Xu Xiaolong and the others also drew their weapons.

"Song Feng, are you looking to start a fight right now?" Gu Saling scolded.

"Song Feng, we aren't afraid of you," Zhou Jian shouted.

"Haha... look how scared you all are. I was just checking if my blade was sharp." Song Feng stroked the weapon and then led his group toward the dormitory entrance.

Zhang Xiaofan whispered, "He was just trying to provoke you guys. Don't get too worked up. We are no worse than them; what is there to be afraid of?"

Zhou Jian nodded and said, "Right, don't be nervous."

Lin Rou didn't go in. She stood at the entrance and called out, "Qianqian, I'll be waiting for you. Zhang Xiaofan, you'd better protect her well."

Zhang Xiaofan gave a wry smile. "Don't worry."

After entering, Zhang Xiaofan said to Su Qianqian, "I'm actually a little jealous now."

Su Qianqian whispered, "What are you jealous of? Didn't you say you didn't like Lin Rou?"

Zhang Xiaofan replied speechlessly, "Times change..."

Su Qianqian gave him a huffy look, then her expression dimmed. "Actually, she's quite good. If I die, you'll still have her."

Zhang Xiaofan gripped her hand tightly. "What nonsense are you spouting? I told you, I will protect you."

Su Qianqian nodded silently, but added, "If only I were as capable as Lin Rou, then I wouldn't be such a burden to you."

"What are you saying? If you say that again, I'm going to tickle you!" Zhang Xiaofan suddenly tickled her ribs, laughing. Fortunately, they were behind the others, so no one noticed.

"Alright, alright, spare me!" Su Qianqian couldn't handle the attack and quickly begged for mercy. Seeing that her mood had improved, Zhang Xiaofan felt relieved; he was truly worried about her overthinking things.

After entering, Song Feng and his group began to organize their gear. In addition to machetes, they had brought many paper talismans—equipment similar to Zhang Xiaofan’s. Once finished, they stood ready. The men then cast undisguised, greedy looks at Su Qianqian.

"Su Qianqian, if you're scared, why don't you stick with me later?" Xu Daqing said with a lecherous grin.

"Su Qianqian is Brother Xiaofan’s girlfriend now; how could she ever look at me?" Ma Shiyou dragged out the word "brother" when saying "Brother Xiaofan," the mocking tone obvious.

This blatant provocation made Zhang Xiaofan feel uneasy. He immediately reached for his machete, but Su Qianqian grabbed his hand and shook her head. Zhang Xiaofan stopped, whispering, "Don't worry, I'll make them regret this once we're inside."

Time ticked by. Zhang Xiaofan checked the group chat, where students were discussing the game. Hu Xiaotian and Jiang Jiewei sent him private messages, telling him to stay safe and good luck.

Just then, Bao Lei finally sent a message.

Bao Lei: "Time is up. Students, you are all very punctual—it seems you are quite fond of this activity. Let me announce the rules of the game.

The old staff dormitory has five floors, and the layout of each floor is identical.

Right now, I have written your names somewhere on these five floors. You must find your own name within half an hour and stand still on the spot. Others are not allowed to erase your name; otherwise, they will be punished. Only after you have found your name can you begin searching for the life-and-death cards.

Any student who fails to find their name within half an hour will face the death penalty.

Alright, the first phase of the life-and-death card game begins now!"