There's definitely something wrong with this murder mystery game

The next morning.

The two proceeded with a normal commute, boarded the high-speed train without any problems, and arrived at their destination.

No surprises occurred.

As it turns out, the world wouldn't fundamentally alter its nature because of one Ghost Train incident. Last time was simply an accident, and there wouldn't be a bizarre rule like "strange events happen every time you go out".

Luo Kai was now off in some other district and the two of them had never communicated in Script Space, except for the three question marks Luo Kai left in the message bar.

This business trip required stops at several locations; there was no help for it, since small studios can only seek collaborations by making personal visits.

Their first stop went smoothly, nothing happened at their second destination either, and by the third stop, they had arrived in Jiangzhou. Once they finished their work there, they could prepare to return, just in time for Mystery City's opening.

Jiangzhou was in the midst of the rainy season, with heavy moisture in the air. Pei Sheng, who was always coddled, got heated up easily and turned sulky, but still had to muster up the energy to socialize.

Fortunately, Jiangzhou's diet is mostly light, emphasizing aquatic products, which kept his heatiness from worsening.

It was just the weather that was foul, which in turn affected his mood.

"Why did it have to rain every day we're here? My head feels like it's full of water," Pei Sheng complained.

"Good that you know that," Xu Shuo replied with a meaningful glance.

"..." Pei Sheng.

"Let's go out and eat something light. We'll head back tomorrow morning," Xu Shuo said, checking the time.

"I want herbal tea!"

"No."

Since they were already here, they couldn't miss out on the local delicacies. After finishing their business, they still had half a day to spend, so they booked a private room in a well-known local restaurant.

Jiangzhou's architectural style tends towards the ancient charm, and the restaurant's private rooms were elegantly simple, very fitting for quietly enjoying delicacies.

If only there weren't someone blustering nearby.

Commenting on the taste after every bite of food or taking out his phone to edit pictures and post to his Moments, Pei Sheng was naturally restless, acting as if he had ADHD.

Xu Shuo, on the other hand, ate as if he were alone, amidst the noise. At the same time, he was texting Xu Xi on the other end of the phone, telling her that the work was going well and that he would be back tomorrow.

For some reason, during this trip, Xu Xi seemed to be paying even more attention than before.

Could it be...

the pressure from the college entrance exams was too great?

He also didn't know what local specialties Jiangzhou had that would make good souvenirs to send to her school.

"Do you know what the speciality here is? I'm thinking of taking some back with me," he asked Pei Sheng, who was taking selfies across the table.

The guy often browsed short videos and had looked up travel blogs before coming here, so he should be fairly knowledgeable, right?

"Specialty?"

Pei Sheng replied almost without thinking: "Jinhua Ham?"

Xu Shuo: "..."

Indeed, why did he ask this waterlogged brain?

Seeing the obscure look in the young man's eyes, Pei Sheng slammed the table and stood up angrily, "Are you looking down on Jinhua Ham? Let me tell you, it's different from those hams you find on certain online platforms and supermarkets, Jinhua Ham here is a geographical indication product!"

Xu Shuo took a sip of water: "Is that so."

To salvage his own brain, Pei Sheng laid down his chopsticks, angrily pulled out his phone, and looked up the travel blog he had seen before.

Indeed, Jinhua Ham here wasn't your everyday ham sausage; it was a whole pig's leg that had been hung up and carefully cured.

Xu Shuo looked at the picture and figured even if he sent it to the school, Xu Xi probably wouldn't find a way to eat it, as dorms can't use high-power electrical appliances.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Having her hug and gnaw on it till it's finished...

What a beautiful scene that would be.

After introducing the local specialties, Pei Sheng quickly had a lightbulb moment, "Are you getting a gift for little Xi? You could go for some trinkets, like jade jewelry or something."

Xu Shuo critiqued, "Looks nice but isn't practical, can't eat it, and it breaks with a single drop."

Pei Sheng's mouth twitched.

At the same time, he couldn't help but internally mock that this guy just didn't understand romance. Little girls love precisely these kinds of delicate and attractive items. If he wouldn't give them, Pei Sheng would, and they could even serve as a token of love between childhood sweethearts…

With this thought in mind, Pei Sheng's lips already curved into an anticipatory smile.

Xu Shuo glanced at him and immediately texted Xu Xi to ask if there was anything she wanted.

[I don't need anything.]

Then better go with food, it'll be eaten clean anyway.

Just then, a commotion suddenly erupted outside, and it was chaos with no one knowing what they were fussing about.

The soundproofing of these private rooms wasn't actually very good. The quiet environment depended entirely on the patrons' self-restraint. This sudden uproar must mean something had happened.

Pei Sheng was checking out the souvenirs and became curious upon hearing the noise. He glanced at the screen, looking like he was itching to go out and watch the drama unfold.

But soon enough, their screen door was pushed open by a waiter, who looked quite tense.

"What's going on?" Xu Shuo asked.

"I'm sorry, there's been a little problem," the waiter said, glancing constantly towards the table as he spoke. "Sir, we need to take this bowl of fish soup away for inspection. If you feel unwell later, please let us know immediately!"

Pei Sheng smacked his lips, "I've nearly finished it, and now you're telling me there's an issue."

The waiter awkwardly said, "It's not necessarily a problem, just a precaution. We will check the fish soup ordered by all customers today. We're very sorry and will provide compensation later!"

Xu Shuo waved him off, not looking to give him a hard time.

Once the waiter took the nearly finished fish soup away, Pei Sheng, still curious, excused himself and followed to see what the fuss was about outside.

There was definitely no problem here since they'd already eaten most of it; if there was something wrong with the food, it would have shown by now.

No telling what was actually happening outside. Stay updated via empire

Xu Shuo was curious too but couldn't be bothered to move.

He believed that Pei Sheng would blab all about it upon his return, so there was no need for him to make the trip. Thus, he picked up his chopsticks to continue eating.

Meanwhile, Xu Shuo opened the Player's Handbook and contemplated the invitation information.

…

Outside, it was bustling with activity – from arguing and crying to the sound of police sirens. The constant hustle of hurried footsteps never ceased.

By the time Xu Shuo had cleaned up the entire table of dishes, a fully satisfied Pei Sheng returned from eating melons.

However, seeing the situation on the table, he exploded, "You freakin' didn't leave any for me! I only had a couple of bites of that fish in vinegar, and you didn't even leave me the tail!"

"Just order another one," Xu Shuo said.

Pei Sheng was about to continue his rant but choked, the frustration making it difficult to breathe, and finally he said dryly, "Do you know what just happened outside?"

Xu Shuo obligingly shook his head.

That spurred Pei Sheng to recount the entire incident energetically, complete with gestures. He was as detailed as could be, as dramatic as the twists and turns permitted, almost as if he had experienced it himself. The tale was truly rich in plot!

In conclusion, he exclaimed, "Having an affair is really risky; if you're not careful, it might cost your life."

"Indeed," Xu Shuo agreed, while meaningfully glancing at him.

Upon noticing the particular look from the other, Pei Sheng immediately defended himself, "What are you looking at me for? I call that spreading love!"

Xu Shuo smiled, "Nice, invite me for a meal sometime."

Initially, Pei Sheng didn't get it...