Horror Game Designer

Chapter 75: How Do You Want to Live?

Gao Ming carefully picked up the old photograph, and shadows seemed to curl mysteriously around his hand as he did.

The picture was a black-and-white image of Teacher Yao, an upright figure from Gao Ming’s memories. Normally, the photo was unremarkable, indistinguishable from any other. But now, it was strikingly different, marred by numerous cracks.

The photo was starkly divided by its black and white hues. On the left side, Teacher Yao looked frail and tormented. His face, etched with deep lines of suffering, conveyed a sense of numbness and despair as if he was on the brink of death.

In stark contrast, the right side of the photo, shrouded in shadows, depicted a strong, upright figure with piercing crimson eyes and an intense, authoritative gaze. This figure seemed to possess a power and presence even greater than that of his younger self.

Turning the photo over, Gao Ming noticed that the childlike handwriting on the back had also changed. It now read: “Commemorative Photo: Tonight, we embrace rebirth together. We will leave behind illness, pain, despair, and death to become our new selves.” This was unlike any commemorative photo Gao Ming had ever seen. His own memories of death were usually of the moments just before his own demise, each memory painfully reliving the process of dying.

“This photo must be stored properly,” Gao Ming thought to himself.

As the shadows began to fade, Gao Ming realized he had tasks to attend to. He chose not to take Zhao Xi and An An with him as he exited the shadow world. Considering the recent disappearances in Building 2, it was likely that investigators would soon arrive, and Zhao Xi and An An weren’t prepared to face such intense scrutiny.

“I plan to make the Lishan district a bastion against major disasters. More people will be drawn here in the future. You two should start planning for the community’s future. And remember, never leave the Li Jing Apartments,” he instructed them.

Gao Ming then left the shadow world alone, meticulously covering up any signs of his presence. He stealthily returned to his own unit, ensuring that no one noticed him.

“I’ll delay facing the Investigation Bureau as long as I can. I’m not ready for a direct confrontation yet,” he mused.

Finally, Gao Ming lay down on his sofa and, for the first time in several days, allowed himself to drift into a deep, restful sleep.

…

At the crack of dawn, around six in the morning, Gao Ming was jolted awake by a series of noises emanating from the bedroom. Curious, he opened the door and was greeted by the sight of Wan Qiu awkwardly attempting push-ups. Wan Qiu had taken to following a grueling training schedule designed by Yan Hua, which he had prominently displayed on his headboard.

It was evident that Wan Qiu was no ordinary child. With his unique ability to perceive ghosts, remarkable self-discipline, and a history of enduring severe hardships, it was hardly surprising that he had the potential to become an incredibly formidable figure, possibly even a super criminal.

Gao Ming chose not to interrupt Wan Qiu’s morning routine. Instead, he quietly joined the child in his physical exercises.

Physical strength was an area where Gao Ming felt he was lacking. He recalled his recent encounter with Situ An, where he had relied solely on brute force. He knew that if he had been up against Qing Ge, the outcome would have been drastically different; Qing Ge’s prowess was such that Gao Ming might have been easily overpowered and defeated.

“That Qing Ge can’t be left alive. He consumed flesh early on but wasn’t influenced by the Flesh Immortal till the end. His will is too strong to be human.” He remembered how Qing Ge had managed to fight his way out when Situ An was dragged into the shadow world by Xuan Wen, a testament to Qing Ge’s formidable strength and resolve.

“Killing Qing Ge is like pulling out one of Situ An’s fangs, breaking one of his arms…” Gao Ming thought, considering his strategic moves ahead. He felt energized, his Heart of Mortality continuously fueling him, making him stronger with each passing moment.

As he worked out, Gao Ming started to relish this newfound strength and vitality. He felt his body growing more robust with every heartbeat.

“Everything must be fought for by oneself,” he mused, adhering strictly to Yan Hua’s rigorous training regime until eight in the morning. After completing the intense workout, Gao Ming prepared breakfast for both of them. He then arranged for a taxi, turning to Wan Qiu, “Wan Qiu, it’s raining outside. Are you sure you want to see the ocean?”

Wan Qiu’s response was a determined “Yes!”

“Put on your raincoat, and let’s go.”

Gao Ming, who didn’t have the luxury of affording a private beach, decided to take Wan Qiu to the southern harbor district near the old city area. This place was close to the sea and provided them with an adequate view.

They ventured across an abandoned pier, ignored the warning barriers, and stood defiantly in the heavy rain, facing the vast, turbulent ocean. Dark clouds loomed overhead, the rain impaired their sight, and the churning sea water threw up massive waves as if threatening to destroy everything in its path.

“Afraid?” Gao Ming asked, securing Wan Qiu’s raincoat hood.

“No, not afraid,” replied Wan Qiu, his voice muffled against the backdrop of the stormy sea.

“If you’re not afraid, then shout out everything that’s been weighing on your heart! Tell the surging waves, tell the rain that pelts you, tell the sea before you, that you fear nothing!” Gao Ming encouraged him, vigilant and ready to pull him back at a moment’s notice if a wave got too close.

“I…” Wan Qiu stammered, clenching his fists, his face drenched by the rain, struggling to keep his eyes open.

“You can do it,” Gao Ming reassured him. He had met Wan Qiu once before, where he initially perceived the child as a mere shadowy figure. To quickly earn his trust, Gao Ming even recited lines that the killer, remembered by Wan Qiu, had once spoken to him.

As Wan Qiu tried to open his eyes against the rain, his vision was filled with a gray, tumultuous world where the sea and sky seemed to converge, as if they were all ganging up against him.

Taking an involuntary step backward, Wan Qiu bumped into Gao Ming’s arm, seeking stability amidst the chaos of the storm.

“You’ve already made many significant changes in your life. You’ve successfully evaded the Charity Association’s pursuit and been there for Nannan and Xianxian, cooking for them and caring for them. In their eyes, you are more than just a brother; you’re the most reliable and trustworthy person they have.” Gao Ming reassured Wan Qiu, patting his shoulder and taking a step forward, “Remember, you’re not alone anymore.”

“Keeping pain locked away in your heart unexpressed can be incredibly damaging, even leading to madness. Sometimes, it’s essential to just let it all out.” Motivated by his own advice, Gao Ming stepped forward again, raising his voice against the backdrop of the stormy sea and gray sky: “To hell with fate! I will take control of my own life!”

His voice was lost in the roar of the storm. After yelling, Gao Ming felt a bit self-conscious, but he couldn’t deny the thrill of it.

“Life is a one-time journey. How do you want to live yours?”

Turning back to Wan Qiu, Gao Ming saw him following in his footsteps, attempting to find his own voice.

Suddenly, a massive wave crashed onto the shore. Gao Ming’s reflexes kicked in, and he quickly pulled Wan Qiu back to safety. However, the boy still swallowed a mouthful of seawater and collapsed onto the concrete ground. Both of them were left with a bitter taste in their mouths and appeared somewhat disheveled.

Struggling to his feet, Wan Qiu looked at Gao Ming’s drenched figure and smiled.

“This is the first time I’ve seen you smile,” Gao Ming noted, signaling Wan Qiu to move further away from the coast.

“It’s, well, it’s normal. We’ve only known each other for a day,” Wan Qiu replied, trying to engage more in the conversation.

“You’ve only known me for a day, but I…” Gao Ming started, then shook his head, changing the subject. “Next time, let’s choose a sunny day to see the sea.”

“Okay, okay.”

Having fulfilled another of Wan Qiu’s desires, Gao Ming checked the time and began leading Wan Qiu towards the Eastern District. He vividly remembered that soon the news would break about Hanhai being selected as an exemplar of a civilized city, and Situ An, representing the Hanhai Charity Association, was scheduled for a public interview that afternoon.

This event was significant in Gao Ming’s memory; it was the only public appearance Situ An would make before he took over as head of the Eastern District Investigation Bureau. If the opportunity presented itself, Gao Ming was determined to take decisive action.

“There will be all major radio stations and over a hundred spectators. Acting under so many watchful eyes is indeed risky.”

Gao Ming mused on his advantages: “I have two primary strengths. First, the element of surprise, and second, my ability to hide in the shadows.”

“Once I make my move, I must be prepared to become an enemy of the entire city.”

The dark deeds of Situ An were unknown to most, and even if they were, it wasn’t Gao Ming’s role to act. However, Gao Ming had personal reasons for wanting to take down Situ An. He planned to trap Situ An in his mutated heart chamber, ensuring that even if he returned from the tunnel, Situ An would no longer exist in reality.

“Fame and power are his biggest shields. Targeting him would inevitably draw the ire of other powerful figures in Hanhai against me.”

Walking through the rain, Gao Ming’s expression betrayed no concern: “But that doesn’t matter. In the future I’ve foreseen, all sorts of ghost stories will spiral out of control in four weeks! So, whatever actions I take, as long as I can hold out for four weeks, that will be enough.”

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