“Miss Zuo,” Shi Liaozhi’s gaze on Zuo Qing was so sharp that it felt like he wanted to pierce through her, “I hope you can give us an explanation.”
Zuo Qing glanced at him. “I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Don’t you?” Shi Liaozhi demanded, “Then, let me ask you. What is this painting on the wall?” After the three of them returned to the room, Shi Liaozhi, who was drying his clothes, suddenly noticed a painting on the wall facing his bed. The painting was that of a dancing woman. The woman was graceful, and her steps were light. She had on a red dance costume. She was an absolute beauty. However, at that moment, Shi Liaozhi only felt fear. He was reminded of the painting You Qi mentioned and the woman… in the painting.
The ghost who rode on Qin Jian’s back and snapped his spine!
He tried to retrace everything based on what had happened recently. Soon, a hypothesis that was horrifying but close to the truth formed in his mind. The appearance of this painting was a bad omen.
Based on what You Qi said, he had seen this painting before. In other words, this painting had once appeared in his room. The result was that both Qin Jian and Tang Shirou, who were part of his group, died. That was the undeniable truth.
“Mr. Shi,” Chen Qiang’s voice was calm. “Settle down. Arguing is not going to resolve anything. Even if this painting does bring us danger, I believe it’s not immediate. There’s a chance to stop it.” Chen Qing resumed, “Therefore, let’s sit down and talk about it.”
Shi Liaozhi turned to Chen Qiang. The newbie adapted to this situation too well. In just two days, the initial fear had already been replaced by acceptable. Also, the calmness he exuded couldn’t be faked.
“Yes.” Chen Qiang nodded. “When You Qi brought up the painting, Mr Shi subconsciously showed your fear.” Then, he added in consolation, “I don’t mean anything by that. That is a normal human reaction, especially considering the ghost has already killed some of us.
“However, did you notice that the group from the other room didn’t react at all? Namely, Chen Xiaoming, Jiang Fugui and Hao Shuai.” Chen Qiang turned to Zuo Qing, who was frowning, “Therefore, I believe they, too, have seen this painting before. However, I don’t think it was in An Xuan’s room,” He continued, “Miss Zuo said that Chen Xiaomeng’s group has always stuck together. I believe in Miss Zuo.”
Shi Liaozhi said, “Do you mean this painting has once appeared in Chen Xiaomeng’s room?”
“Then, why are they perfectly fine?”
“I don’t know why.” Chen Qiang offered, “But that is the truth, so there has to be a reason behind it.” He acted very humble even though he was the one who controlled the entire conversation.
The way Shi Liaozhi looked at Chen Qiang changed. Then, he sighed, “Just say what’s on your mind. In this case, we’re in the same boat.” Shi Liaozhi shifted about because he felt uncomfortable.
The location of the painting was quite interesting. In terms of colours, it had perfectly melted into the walls. A simple bonsai tree was placed before the painting. It helped lend an artistic air to the beauty in the painting. This was why no one noticed the painting when they first returned to their room. The thing that caught Shi Liaozhi’s attention about this painting… was a feeling.
A strange feeling of being watched.
He sat on the bed and felt discomfited. Due to his career, he had always trusted his instinct. At first, he thought it was Zuo Qing or Chen Qiang who were eyeing him. Eventually, he looked around and found the painting!
The beauty’s eyes were staring right at his face. That was why he was so brash earlier. He was scared… He was worried that he’d be next.
He turned to Zuo Qing. Like a reformed man, he bowed. “I’m sorry, Miss Zuo. I was too anxious earlier.”
Chen Qiang smiled. It was as he expected. Shi Liaozhi’s rudeness and levity were just a front. He was a man who knew how to read the big picture.
“I was at fault too.” Zuo Qing frowned. “You’re not wrong. An Xuan did approach me. I… I have some…” Zuo Qing changed her words, “An Xuan is not simple. I suspect his origin.”
“His origin?” Shi Liaozhi tried to control his emotions, “Do you mean…”
“Wait.” Chen Qiang suddenly interrupted them. Shi Liaozhi and Zuo Qing looked at him with confusion. Chen Qiang seemed to be able to glance out through the wall. “Did… you hear anything?” He whispered. From the other two’s expressions, they didn’t hear anything.
“No.” Zuo Qing whispered back, “What’s wrong?”
“I think… I heard drum beats.”
Shi Liaozhi’s scalp was numbed. It was not a good thing to hear the drum. That was right after… this strange painting appeared in their room. The next victim would probably be among them, and he had a feeling it would be him…
Shi Liaozhi narrowed his eyes. He heard it too.
Wasn’t the game over?
Qin Jian had already died.
So… at least for that day, they should be safe.
Then, a slippery and strange sound came from outside the door.
It was not too far and not too close.
It sounded like something wet stepping on the pebbled path. The thing was large and heavy. Accompanying the sound of sloshing water was the sound of something heavy being dragged.
It came from the direction of the lake.