[QT] The Villains Are All My Reserve Food - Chapter 75

Chapter 75: Ghost King 15

It’s no exaggeration to say that Su Tang was so terrified he nearly died on the spot.

Anyone who suddenly saw their body turn transparent would struggle to remain calm, let alone Su Tang, who was already deathly afraid of ghosts.

When Su Tang realized he could see the road ahead through his arm, his heart completely shattered.

How could this be happening?!

Am I dead?

Have I become… a ghost?!

The thought sent a violent shiver through him.

Holy shit! A ghost! I’m a ghost!

Su Tang crouched on the ground, curled into a pitiful little ball, too afraid to even look at himself.

Xie Yu knelt beside him, gently wrapping his arms around him in a comforting embrace.

Su Tang jerked violently, his teary eyes lifting as he buried himself in Xie Yu’s arms, his voice thick with sobs. “What do I do? I think I’ve become a ghost…”

Xie Yu hadn’t expected him to be so terrified. He stroked Su Tang’s back with tender concern, saying, “It’s okay. Everyone here is a ghost.”

…This did absolutely nothing to comfort him.

Su Tang immediately began crying even harder, his body trembling uncontrollably.

Xie Yu realized he had said the wrong thing. A flicker of helplessness crossed his eyes, unsure how to proceed. But if asked whether he regretted it, he would undoubtedly say no. Given the chance to do it again, he would make the same choice. If Su Tang was afraid, he would find a way to help him, but he absolutely couldn’t accept Su Tang leaving.

Su Tang couldn’t understand why things had suddenly turned out this way. Recalling the incident at the market when his hand had turned transparent, he blurted out, “Could it be that I’m not turning into a ghost at all, but disappearing? Because I don’t belong to this world?”

The moment Xie Yu heard the word “disappearing,” his heart clenched. His expression turned cold as he snapped, “You won’t disappear. Don’t say such things.”

Su Tang trembled as he replied, “But my body is becoming transparent! If I’m not turning into a ghost, then I must be disappearing. But I haven’t died—how could I suddenly become a ghost?”

Despite his fear-induced shivering, Su Tang was desperately trying to think clearly, which only made the situation seem even stranger.

Xie Yu felt a sudden pang of guilt under Su Tang’s gaze. Though he didn’t regret his actions, he dreaded Su Tang learning the truth and becoming so angry that he would refuse to speak to him. After a moment’s hesitation, he said, “Maybe this world can only accommodate ghosts. If you stay, you must become one too. But don’t worry, Tangtang, you’ll just be an NPC.”

Tears welled in Su Tang’s eyes as he choked out, “I don’t want to, but I’m just so scared!”

Xie Yu pulled him into his arms, cradling him like a child and murmuring soothing words. Su Tang buried his face in Xie Yu’s shoulder, his hands instinctively reaching to wrap around Xie Yu’s neck. But his hands were transparent, passing right through Xie Yu’s flesh!

Su Tang let out a whimper, like a wounded cub, trembling even more violently.

“Waaah… I don’t want to be a ghost! I’d rather just disappear…”

Compared to the horror of becoming a ghost, even the prospect of vanishing seemed almost comforting. Lost in his fear and grief, Su Tang blurted out these words without fully realizing what he was saying.

Xie Yu heard every word clearly. His face darkened instantly, and he tightened his grip on Su Tang as if he had truly witnessed Su Tang’s disappearance. Panic surged through him, his hands tightening like unbreakable chains, desperate to crush Su Tang into his very bones, ensuring he could never leave.

Su Tang’s partial ghost transformation wasn’t complete; he still retained basic human pain sensitivity. He immediately felt the crushing force around his waist and involuntarily hissed in pain.

Xie Yu instantly loosened his grip, but he still held Su Tang firmly, immobilizing him and making escape impossible.

Xie Yu struggled to suppress the malice in his eyes, determined not to show Su Tang a look that would frighten him. He pursed his lips slightly, his expression softening into tenderness as he spoke slowly, “Tangtang, please don’t say things like that again. It would break my heart.”

Su Tang’s eyelashes trembled as he finally realized what he had just said. Overwhelmed with guilt and regret, he sobbed, “I’m sorry.”

Xie Yu shook his head, then pressed a kiss to Su Tang’s lips, transferring a wisp of Yin energy. He murmured, “You’ve only just become a ghost. You’re still adjusting. Soon you’ll be able to control it yourself. See?”

He reached out and took Su Tang’s hand. The touch felt real; his hand didn’t pass through Su Tang’s.

Su Tang couldn’t resist pressing his fingers against Xie Yu’s palm. Tears still clung to the corners of his eyes, but he finally managed a shaky breath and a small smile. “I can touch you.”

Now that his body had returned to normal, Su Tang stopped crying, and the fear in his heart gradually subsided. He then noticed he was still sitting on Xie Yu’s arm, feeling a little embarrassed. He wanted to hop down and walk on his own.

But Xie Yu held him tightly, refusing to let go. After a few futile struggles, Su Tang turned to Xie Yu, patted his shoulder, and tried to ask him to release him.

Before he could speak, Xie Yu said, “We’re almost there, Tangtang. Don’t move around so much.”

It almost made him feel like he was being unreasonable.

Su Tang sighed helplessly.

They returned to the Divine Temple, where Xie Yu seemed to have something to attend to. When Su Tang asked, he learned that Xie Yu was going to seek revenge. According to the rules, he had to go alone. If Xie Yu wanted to bring Su Tang along, he would have to negotiate with the World Consciousness.

Su Tang couldn’t shake the feeling that it wouldn’t be that simple. Worried about what price Xie Yu might have to pay, he grabbed Xie Yu’s arm and said, “Maybe I shouldn’t go.”

Xie Yu’s expression turned cold. “Why not?”

Su Tang paused, realizing that Xie Yu would never agree if he told the truth. He quickly came up with a more plausible excuse. “I’m afraid I’ll see too many ghosts in the real world.”

Xie Yu patted his head. “Don’t worry. I’ll be with you. They won’t dare approach you. Besides, you’re surrounded by ghosts here too.”

Su Tang: “……” He had to admit, Xie Yu had a point. In that case, being by Xie Yu’s side was probably the safest place to be. His excuse had been terrible.

Su Tang wanted to say more, but Xie Yu had already adopted an unyielding stance, immediately challenging the World Consciousness.

Su Tang couldn’t see the World Consciousness or hear their conversation. Before long, Xie Yu obtained the necessary passage. He led Su Tang through the Void Gate and into the real world.

He didn’t know that Xie Yu needed no price at all. As the Ghost King, his Yin energy was overwhelming, making his relationship with the horror world more of a partnership. Xie Yu had directly threatened the World Consciousness, declaring that if Su Tang wasn’t allowed to accompany him, he would slaughter every player who entered his world, ensuring none would ever leave.

The World Consciousness was furious but had to admit that Xie Yu was indeed an exceptional world boss. After weighing the options, it broke its own rules and granted Xie Yu’s request. Otherwise, it genuinely feared Xie Yu would lose control. With the Ghost King’s power, he could breach the Ancient Town World and wreak havoc in other instances.

Before transmigrating, Su Tang and Xie Yu had already changed into clothing appropriate for the real world. At Su Tang’s insistence, he wore a printed T-shirt and jeans this time, radiating youthful energy like a student heading to class.

They were here for Xie Yu’s revenge, and Su Tang was here to help, intending to follow the plan obediently. He would do whatever Xie Yu asked, whether it meant stuffing enemies into burlap sacks for a beating or tossing them into the sea to feed the fish.

However, when Su Tang asked what he should do, Xie Yu simply told him to stay by his side.

Su Tang, dissatisfied, stared intently at the back of Xie Yu’s head.

As soon as they returned to the real world, Su Tang followed Xie Yu to countless places: acquiring a grand villa and office building, purchasing luxury cars at auctions… In the blink of an eye, they had become immensely wealthy.

The more Su Tang observed, the more bewildered he became. He couldn’t understand what Xie Yu was doing. Moreover, all these possessions were merely temporary loans using Xie Yu’s Ghost King powers; they would have to be returned soon. What was the point of acquiring them?

Xie Yu then procured all the necessary documentation for a publicly listed corporation, transforming himself into Chairman Xie, the owner of vast fortunes.

As they walked, an expensive luxury car waited at the entrance with a chauffeur ready to open the door for them.

Su Tang looked puzzled. Xie Yu gently touched his lower back and said, “Get in the car first.”

But Su Tang suddenly shuddered violently, his ears flushing crimson. He glared at Xie Yu fiercely, threatening, “Don’t touch my waist!”

Xie Yu paused, then chuckled, his voice deepening. “Tangtang, how will you cope being so sensitive?”

As Xie Yu spoke, he took two steps forward, pressing even closer to Su Tang. Though it appeared he was merely helping him into the car, he leaned in close to Su Tang’s ear and whispered in a husky, suggestive tone, “…I’ll find it even harder to resist.”

Su Tang’s face flushed crimson. After getting into the car, he practically clung to the door, putting as much distance as possible between himself and Xie Yu, while still glaring at him warily.

Xie Yu didn’t seem to mind, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. He made no move to pull Su Tang closer.

Su Tang resembled a stray cat being offered food—the treat was right in front of him, yet he remained cautious, stealing glances as if checking for a trap. Finally, he hesitantly crept closer.

Su Tang was genuinely curious about Xie Yu’s intentions, but this was clearly a conversation the driver shouldn’t overhear. He edged closer bit by bit, completely unaware that he was behaving like prey willingly walking into a predator’s jaws.

Even as Su Tang continued to dawdle, Xie Yu seemed to lose patience. He reached out and yanked Su Tang closer, simultaneously pressing the button to raise the partition, completely isolating the driver from the back seat. No one could see what was happening in the rear compartment.

Caught off guard by Xie Yu’s sudden pull, Su Tang instantly tumbled into his arms, as if throwing himself into an embrace.

Realizing what had happened, Su Tang immediately tried to scramble up and create some distance, but he not only failed but was forcefully pulled onto Xie Yu’s lap.

As Su Tang struggled, Xie Yu patted his lower back and said, “The partition is soundproof. The driver can’t see or hear anything.”

Su Tang’s face flushed crimson. So what?! Wouldn’t that just make it even more obvious to the driver that they were doing something indecent in the back?!

Xie Yu stroked him soothingly. “Tangtang, didn’t you want to ask me something? Go ahead, I’ll answer everything.”

Su Tang’s attention immediately shifted. He stared intently at Xie Yu and asked curiously, “You’ve prepared so much… how exactly are you planning to take revenge? Are you just going to kill them outright?”

Xie Yu held Su Tang close, resting his chin on his shoulder and gently nuzzling him, as if being affectionate. He replied slowly, “Of course I won’t let them die so easily. I want them to watch themselves climb to the heavens, higher and higher, only to have everything they cherish snatched away in an instant, plunging them into utter collapse and despair… that would be satisfying.”

The calm, deep voice, elegant and melodious, sounded as if it were narrating a beautiful story, utterly incongruous with such a cruel and sinister plan.

Yet Su Tang, hearing it, felt no fear. On the contrary, he found Xie Yu’s vengeful scheme even more satisfying. A quick death would never bring the catharsis of revenge; they deserved to repay their crimes tenfold, a hundredfold.

Thinking this, Su Tang felt even more sympathy for Xie Yu. What horrors had he endured in life to harbor such immense hatred? The Zhou Peng family was truly vile and detestable!

Forgetting all embarrassment, Su Tang reached out to embrace Xie Yu, wanting to comfort him.

Xie Yu relished Su Tang’s concern and sympathy. Being comforted like this made him feel clearly that Su Tang held him dear, as the most important person in his heart.

But as Su Tang held him, his body suddenly turned transparent again.

Su Tang’s arms, which had been wrapped around Xie Yu’s neck, abruptly passed right through him, his limbs becoming like wisps of air, unable to touch anything.

How could such a sight not scare someone to death in an instant?!

Su Tang gasped, his whole body shuddering, and his eyes welled up with tears once more.

Su Tang desperately tried to hold back, refusing to be frightened by his own cowardice.

Hold it in. Don’t cry.

…I can’t hold it in anymore! Waaah!

Su Tang finally burst into tears, silently weeping without making a sound.

Xie Yu immediately leaned in to kiss him, transferring another mouthful of Yin energy. Then, he gently kissed Su Tang’s face, slowly licking away his tears until he reached the corner of his eye. He touched it softly, as if kissing a fragile porcelain doll, afraid to apply even the slightest pressure.

Su Tang trembled slightly, gradually calming down. Feeling embarrassed, he wiped his eyes, pretending nothing had happened, and tried to climb out of Xie Yu’s arms.

But Xie Yu held him close, suddenly pointing out the window. “Tangtang, do you want to go to the amusement park?”

Su Tang paused, glancing outside with confusion.

As a child, he had longed to visit amusement parks, but due to his circumstances, he rarely got the chance. As he grew older, that longing faded. When he finally went once with money he earned from part-time jobs, he didn’t find it particularly enjoyable.

So when Xie Yu asked, Su Tang felt only confusion, with no real desire to go.

But Xie Yu seemed eager to go. He lowered his gaze slightly and said, “I’ve never been to an amusement park before.”

Su Tang’s heart clenched at this. He immediately replied, “Then let’s go right now! Just the two of us!”

Xie Yu’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. He instructed the driver to stop the car, and he and Su Tang held hands as they went to buy tickets and enter the park.

Amusement parks always draw crowds of children and young people. Weekends are especially packed, and even weekdays aren’t exactly deserted. Today, being a Sunday, the park was a sea of people, buzzing with noise and excitement.

To ride any attraction, Su Tang and Xie Yu had to wait in long lines. They spent over two hours queuing for just two rides, which lasted a total of ten minutes.

Their patience began to wear thin.

The rides themselves were fun, but the endless waiting was unbearable. The constant jostling and crowds made the experience thoroughly unpleasant.

Xie Yu frowned slightly, clearly feeling the same way.

He had only wanted a date with Tangtang, but this turned out to be a disaster, offering little romance or enjoyment. Suppressing his irritation, he scanned the area, searching for attractions with shorter lines.

Xie Yu, already the Ghost King, wore a cold expression that made him appear even more sinister. Sensitive children who saw him burst into tears, clinging to their parents’ legs and crying, “That big brother is so scary!” The parents, deeply embarrassed, quickly apologized and hurried their children away.

Before they knew it, a vacuum-like space had formed around Su Tang and Xie Yu.

Su Tang was torn between laughter and exasperation. Just as he was about to say something to comfort Xie Yu, Xie Yu suddenly grabbed his hand and said, “Tangtang, let’s go to the haunted house.”

Su Tang: “……!!!” Comfort him? Screw that! Xie Yu, go eat shit!

Xie Yu persisted, “Tangtang, there’s no line for the haunted house, and you’ve seen plenty of real ghosts. Why would you be afraid of staff in costumes? I’ll hold your hand the whole time. If you’re really scared, just close your eyes.”

Su Tang was afraid of ghosts, yet he couldn’t resist watching horror movies, so his reactions to scares were often amplified by his imagination. In the past, when he’d gone to amusement parks with friends who were afraid of ghosts, they’d skipped the haunted house, and Su Tang hadn’t dared to go alone. But this time, with the Ghost King Xie Yu by his side, he figured he’d be fine.

They’re just staff in costumes anyway, Su Tang thought. I’m a real ghost myself!

Thus, the stubborn Su Tang, chest puffed out and head held high, strode toward the haunted house with Xie Yu.

Even before they entered, a bone-chilling cold seeped out, accompanied by eerie background music punctuated by the occasional terrified screams of visitors. The entrance to the haunted house was a grotesque demon’s maw, its blood-red jaws gaping wide to swallow each entering visitor.

Su Tang couldn’t help but shiver.

Xie Yu grasped Su Tang’s hand and said gently, “Don’t be afraid.”

The staff member at the entrance smiled politely. “Enjoy your visit.”

Perhaps because it was a haunted house, even the staff member’s friendly face seemed to radiate an eerie aura, as if gloating over Su Tang’s impending terror.

Su Tang forced a calm expression, though his calves trembled uncontrollably as he and Xie Yu stepped into the haunted house.

Inside, the narrow corridors were dimly lit by flickering lights on the walls. Chilling drafts swept through the darkness, raising goosebumps on their backs.

Su Tang gripped Xie Yu’s hand tightly, his head swiveling nervously, half-expecting a ghost to leap out from any corner or a mechanical severed hand to spring from the walls…

Su Tang’s excessive vigilance had inadvertently made him notice every detail of the haunted house’s setup, missing nothing—including the mirror on the wall.

As he approached, the mirror reflected a female ghost with disheveled hair!

Terrified, Su Tang immediately swung his fist at the mirror, nearly shattering it.

Xie Yu didn’t care about damaging the haunted house props, but Su Tang wasn’t a full ghost yet; he could still feel pain and get hurt. Worried about Su Tang cutting himself on the broken glass, Xie Yu grabbed his fist, pulled him into his arms, and continued forward.

Soon, they arrived at another pitch-black room. Inside stood an old hospital bed and a rusty shelf filled with glass jars containing severed hands, eyeballs, and other gruesome specimens. Dark red bloodstains splattered the walls. The hyperrealistic setup created the illusion that the air reeked of blood and formaldehyde.

To make matters worse, a ghost suddenly materialized behind them.

The staff member, dressed in tattered white hospital garb, wore grotesque purple-white makeup, their hair hanging loose. Their fingers curled unnaturally forward as they twisted their body and lurched toward Su Tang.

Su Tang’s scalp tingled with terror. He flailed his hands wildly, screaming, “Don’t come any closer! Don’t come any closer! Get away! Get away!!!”

But the staff member was incredibly dedicated, seemingly relishing the sight of terrified tourists and taking great pride in their reactions. Instead of backing down, he sped up, chasing after Su Tang with his pale hand outstretched, almost touching him.

Su Tang jolted in terror, his heart nearly stopping, his soul practically fleeing his body.

Before he even realized what was happening, his body turned transparent again, his feet lifting off the ground as he floated upward like a feather.

The staff member ghost: “…!!!”

Holy shit! A ghost! A real ghost!

The fake ghost froze for a split second before turning and sprinting away in terror. In his panic, he crashed headfirst into a wall, then scrambled to his feet and fled as fast as he could.

Su Tang watched the staff member’s sudden retreat, utterly bewildered. He had no idea what had just happened.

After a moment of stunned silence, he instinctively glanced behind him, expecting to see some terrifying ghost looming over his shoulder. But there was nothing there—just empty space.

This is so weird…

Su Tang lowered his head to think, only then realizing he wasn’t standing on the ground. He was floating, and his legs had turned transparent, making it look like he had no legs at all!

Holy shit! I’m a ghost!

Startled, Su Tang’s ghostly power deflated like a punctured balloon, and he plummeted back to the ground. He whirled around and, just like the staff member, bolted away in terror as if he’d seen a ghost. Even though the ghost was himself, running was futile, but Su Tang’s instincts took over, and he couldn’t stop himself.

Overwhelmed by fear and panic, he didn’t watch where he was going. As he rounded a corner, his left foot tripped over his right, and he crashed to the ground with a thud.

Su Tang… QAQ

It hurts!

Waaah!

Behind him, Xie Yu, whom Su Tang had completely forgotten about while fleeing from the staff member, strode forward with long strides. He couldn’t help the wry smile that tugged at his lips as he bent down to scoop up the terrified little ghost from the ground. Cupping Su Tang under the arms, Xie Yu lifted him up and settled him on his hip like a child, chuckling softly as he soothed him.

“Tangtang, don’t be scared,” Xie Yu murmured. “That fake ghost was terrified of you and already ran away.”

Su Tang whimpered softly, his voice muffled and pitiful. “I’m going to scare myself to death… I’m too terrifying…”

Xie Yu finally couldn’t hold back his laughter.

This ghost is so utterly humiliated.

Terrified of himself like this.

But… he’s just too adorable.