The white candle had worked at the convenience store for a long time, thus he had met many different kinds of ghosts and monsters but none of them could even hold a candle against Han Fei (pun intended). Seeing the smile that bloomed on Han Fei’s face then, fear coursed through his body. He could not begin to fathom what the man was thinking. He did not sense any joy from that smile but a kind of indescribable, perverted amusement. The man before him was like a devil dancing around the graves of its captives, waving around a bloody knife. Humanity’s complication was evident in the man. He showed fear and anxiety but he was also getting used to and mastering them with astonishing speed. The candle slowly moved his eyes away.
Han Fei noticed the candle had suddenly gone so quiet. He did not think much of it. Perhaps the candle grew more fearful of Han Fei after he found out Han Fei was capable of killing the previous boss. Looking out the window, Han Fei thought back to the map left behind by the previous manager. ‘The Happiness Neighborhood is located at quite a reclusive location, all of the dangerous nearby buildings have been pointed out by the manager. Compared to other parts of the city, the block that we’re at is relatively safe. I need to be appreciative of that. From how I see it, there are currently 2 ways that can help me get to the ‘exit’.
‘One is to improve myself and then cut my way forcibly through the city. With a simple goal, there’s less chance of attracting attention.
‘Two is to expand my influence towards the exit. Clear out all the buildings along the way and claim them as my own!
‘Each of the method has its own pros and cons but there is nothing preventing me from applying both methods at the same time either.’ Han Fei stood behind the window and focused his gaze at Yi Ming Private Academy. ‘Every soul in this world possesses their own reason for being here. They are often only concerned about their own desire, that is the weakness I can take advantage of. If I gather more friends along the way, I can win with the number’s advantage.’ Han Fei drew out a straight line on the window. ‘Happiness Neighbourhood, Yi Ming Convenience Store, Yi Ming Private Academy, after these three places are connected, it’ll form a safe travel path. The forces within these three places can enhance and support each other, allowing me to expand my exploration further.’
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Perfect Life was supposed to be an Iyashikei game but Han Fei appeared to have devised his own unique way of playing it. He stood quietly beside the window. At around 4 am, he finally saw the person he was waiting for. The wounded single-eyed worker carried a tattered paper doll as he shuffled back into the convenience store. ‘Where’s the bride? Did she perish in the fight or is she trapped at the Ziggurat?’
He stuffed the white candle into his pocket and Han Fei ran out from Apartment 1. While no one was around, the man who was still in the store uniform made a beeline towards Yi Ming Convenience Store. The bell above the door rang. The single-eyed worker was still carrying the paper doll as he stood numbly inside the store. The racks were toppled over and the merchandise were scattered all over the floor. Even the store’s glass door was shattered. Hearing Han Fei’s footsteps, the single-eyed worker slowly turned around. His remaining eye filled with confusion. “Were we robbed?”
“Not only that, our boss has been killed.” What Han Fei said stunned the young man to his core. Eventually spirit slowly returned to the single eye and he rushed into the warehouse. The shelf was shoved to the side and paper dolls with a lack of expression tumbled to the ground. The young man stepped over the dolls and when he saw the gap behind the last shelf, he was dumbfounded. “Where’s the boss’ coffin?”
“It was ruined when the boss died.” Han Fei signaled for the single-eyed young man to follow him. They exited the backdoor and came into the dark alley. “Dear seniors, the boss who has been maltreating you is now dead. Its curse on you should be neutralized already, you can try to exit the wall now.”
The souls did not dare to leave just on Han Fei’s words. In their weakened state, if the curse was triggered, they’d die for real. The alley became silent. Eventually, an old lady tried to walk out from the wall. She emerged unscathed. Several seconds later, the back alley came ‘alive’. Even though they were just Animated Regrets, there were so many of them and once gathered, they would emit a surprising amount of resentment.
“From today onwards, no one will hinder your freedom anymore.” Han Fei gave the former employees their freedom but most of them stayed. They were too weak to protect themselves, if they left, they’d be consumed by nearby ghosts immediately. Considering that, Han Fei added, “We met thanks to this convenience store, if you really have nowhere else to go, you can continue to stay here and help me run this shop. No one will bully you and everyone will be treated equally. The shop will be a home for us unfortunate employees who were tricked by the paper doll.”
Opening his arms, Han Fei told the gathered souls, “You can leave any moment you wish, no one will stop you. But should you feel tired from all the wandering, you can come back anytime. As long as I am still here, the store will always be open for you. Every single one of you has helped build the shop up after all.”
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The Animated Regrets who lost their power had nowhere to go, the cryptical world was filled with pain and despair, staying with Han Fei at least brought them some warmth.
Han Fei gave his speech and turned back into the store. The Animated Regrets chose to follow him without much hesitation. The paper doll used curse and torment to control his workers but Han Fei chose to place his faith in them. Then again, without the paper doll’s harsh treatment, Han Fei’s kindness would not have been so amplified in contrast. The combination of all these Animated Regrets was not a force to be trifled with. They were also experienced workers who could help Han Fei with business management.
Han Fei turned to the single-eyed worker. “To be honest, I’m not doing all these for my own sake. I ran into a very cute boy, he asked that I help him find his older brother.”
The mention of the word older brother caused complicated emotion to cross the young man’s murky eye. “His name was Firefly Ying, he and his mother live just right next door.” Han Fei used Soul-Depth Touch to tap the young man on his shoulder. “They’re still waiting for you, don’t let them worry too much. Also, I hope that you’ll return to help me manage this place.”
From the young man, Han Fei sensed excitement, pain and love for his family. “This used to be a literal shop that devours, it is filled with gore and filth. But I aim to turn this place around, to provide actual warmth and guidance for our customers.”
The single-eyed young man stared at Han Fei for a long time before he nodded. “I will stay.” When he said that, the robotic voice echoed in Han Fei’s mind. “Notification for Player 0000! Your friendliness level with Drake Ying increases by 10 points! He has also decided to become your employee.
“Drake Ying (Lingering Spirit at the convenience store): He was once a customer, a merchandise, and a worker. He bears much pain and torment.”
Han Fei knew the young man was powerful but he did not expect him to be a lingering spirit. This went to highlight the scalding pain the young man must have gone through. ‘Lingering Spirits range from weak to strong also, Drake should be on the weaker side but no matter, after he has enough ‘food’, he’ll get stronger.’
Han Fei then had a business meeting with all of his employees on how to proceed with the business. The bride was scammed by the paper doll boss so she might come back to seek revenge. For the sake of safety, Han Fei decided to close for a few days. He reminded the workers that should the bride appear, they shouldn’t hesitate to escape to Happiness Neighbourhood. After the meeting ended, Han Fei rushed back to Apartment 1. He found Wei Youfu in Room 1044 and updated him about his latest acquisition as well as the status with the bride before he logged off the game.
Blood draped over the world. His mind wavered.
“That was one hell of a long night…”