Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 62

Chapter 62

After these words were spoken, the corridor fell into complete silence.

The overhead lights flickered on and off, gradually dimming, making the red light emanating from the left door even more conspicuous.

Jiang Yan, who stood closest to the door, instinctively grabbed Duan Xu’s forearm beside her. Her body stiffened as she forced herself to remain calm, taking two steps backward.

Xue Yifan breathed rapidly, his heart pounding wildly. He tried to distract himself by muttering: What ghost? What hide-and-seek? Who wants to play hide-and-seek with you? Only a ghost would play hide-and-seek with you!!

Having somewhat adapted to the program team’s style, Gu Hongye’s initial panic quickly subsided. Her gaze instinctively sought out Chen Shu, asking for his opinion: Class President, what do you think this means?

Chen Shu surveyed their surroundings.

This was different from the corridor they had entered earlier.

It was a long hallway, with certainly more than just this one room on either side.

But after they entered, the lights behind them had dimmed, and they had already moved some distance away. The illumination provided by the first Escape Room was now almost negligible.

Clearly, the program team didn’t intend for them to rely on external conditions to understand the layout of this second Escape Room.

At the moment, the limited lighting only illuminated a few areas.

Specifically, the area in front of this door.

The clues they had gathered so far were twofold: first, the voice prompt announcing roll call has begun, and second, the puzzle on the door that matched the killer’s modus operandi. Combining these, it was highly likely that the second round required them to split up.

Solo mission! Gu Hongye blurted out after hearing his analysis.

Xue Yifan’s legs immediately went weak.

The others exchanged uneasy glances.

A solo mission.

It wasn’t entirely unexpected for an escape room challenge to include such a task—they had mentally prepared for it.

But the program team had designed the Escape Room to be so terrifying that they weren’t emotionally prepared.

Even when sticking together, they were already scared out of their wits—let alone splitting up.

Just kill me now! Xue Yifan reiterated, emphasizing desperately, I beg you, let me die quickly!!

Chen Shu said, Don’t worry. You might just get your wish soon.

Everyone was startled!

Gu Hongye took a cautious step back: What do you mean, Class President? Are you revealing yourself?

Flashlight. Chen Shu motioned for Su Yue to shine the light back on the words on the door. ‘Husband leads, wife follows.’ Can’t you see it?

Su Yue ventured a guess: Does that mean the killer is male? Mi Shi is in this room!

Jiang Yan’s face turned pale, and she took another step back.

I don’t think so, Duan Xu said. As the Class President just pointed out, we only have two clues here. These four words on the door are the puzzle for splitting up. The answer should be one of the six of us.

Xue Yifan closed his eyes and frantically prayed: Please don’t let it be me, please don’t let it be me!

Look how scared you are—you’ve lost your mind, Gu Hongye mocked mercilessly. The Class President already said you might get your wish. That means it’s definitely you!

Xue Yifan’s face instantly turned green.

He instinctively reached out.

But as he moved to hug Chen Shu, he found that Chen Shu had suddenly taken a step forward, causing him to miss. So he changed direction and tightly hugged Jiang Yan beside him, wailing miserably: I won’t go! I’d rather die than go!!

Gu Hongye laughed gleefully: The first round is up to you, ex-boyfriend.

But the puzzle ‘husband leads, wife follows’ doesn’t refer to just one person, right? Duan Xu added. I’m guessing it might be two people. What do you think, Class President?

Chen Shu said, Mm.

Su Yue cautiously asked, Then who is the second person?

… Gu Hongye had already figured it out, her smile freezing on her face.

Among the six people present, only she and Xue Yifan’s characters had previously been in a romantic relationship. Moreover, it was Xue Yifan’s character who initiated the bullying back then, while she cooperated in the isolation—fitting the riddle’s description of husband leads, wife follows.

Xue Yifan quickly realized this too and immediately released Jiang Yan, walking over to Gu Hongye’s side.

He straightened his clothes and smirked mischievously, Looks like the first challenge can’t do without you either, ex-girlfriend.

Gu Hongye swiftly composed herself, We’ll have to face it sooner or later anyway. If you’re so capable, don’t be scared.

Xue Yifan: …

He wasn’t that capable, so he chose to shut up.

With the riddle solved, Jiang Yan—temporarily safe—grew curious, What would happen if it wasn’t the ex-boyfriend and the class belle who went in?

Chen Shu said, If you’re sure you want to know, I can test it out.

… Recalling the production team’s merciless nature, Jiang Yan awkwardly replied, Never mind then…

Gu Hongye took a deep breath and walked toward the door.

Xue Yifan clung to the doorframe, Are we really going in?

There’s a time limit. Let’s get this over with quickly. After saying this, Gu Hongye took another deep breath and pushed the door open.

Creak—

The door swung wide open.

Inside was a classroom.

The lights were on, but they emitted a red glow.

The desks and chairs in the classroom were neatly arranged, with various mannequins standing or sitting by the windows and desks, playing the roles of classmates.

But just like the homeroom teacher mannequin, none of them had faces.

Everything inside was bathed in a blood-like hue.

The sight nearly made Xue Yifan stop breathing.

Gu Hongye grabbed him firmly and stepped across the threshold.

Bang!

The door swung shut on its own, sealing tightly without any wind.

Pounding sounds immediately came from inside the door.

Xue Yifan roared, Class president! Class president! P.E. monitor! Are you still there?

Jiang Yan replied, We’re here.

But the door panel blocked their view.

Except for the participants and the audience, no one could see what was happening inside.

Before long, the lights suddenly went out.

An abrupt class bell rang.

Ding dong, ding dong.

Students, class is starting. Please return to the classroom quickly and prepare for lessons.

Su Yue paced anxiously, What do we do? What do we do? We can’t enter the classroom!

Jiang Yan said, This is a solo mission for the class belle and her ex-boyfriend. It’s probably targeting them.

As soon as he finished speaking,

the lights came back on.

Less than a second later, terrified screams from Xue Yifan and Gu Hongye came from inside the door.

Ahhhhhhh—!!!

Su Yue clutched the flashlight tightly, Even the class belle is scared! What’s happening in there?

Jiang Yan leaned against the wall, his posture deceptively upright, So what should we do now? Just wait here for them to come out?

The duration of the solo mission was uncertain.

Chen Shu looked toward the depths of the hallway, We can keep moving forward.

The other three followed his gaze but saw only darkness.

Su Yue said nervously, But it’s so dark over there!

Chen Shu replied, You have a flashlight.

Duan Xu agreed with Chen Shu’s suggestion, Why don’t we go take a look first? If things seem wrong, we can always retreat.

Su Yue and Jiang Yan exchanged glances, then gritted their teeth and nodded.

Alright!

Class president, you should hold this. Su Yue handed the flashlight to Chen Shu, then quickly slipped behind him.

Chen Shu then took the lead forward.

After just a few steps, Xue Yifan’s unrestrained screams could still be heard from behind.

The three people behind instinctively drew closer together.

Before long, they arrived at the second door.

Chen Shu first swept his flashlight over the door.

There were also four characters written on it.

Be steeped in evil and refuse to repent. After reading it, Jiang Yan noticed Chen Shu scanning the sign on the door. Sports equipment room?

Su Yue said, No need to guess. This must be your task—you’re the sports committee member after all. And given how ruthless you were to Mi Shi, this ‘be steeped in evil and refuse to repent’ perfectly describes a scumbag like you!

Jiang Yan humbly accepted: Yes, I’m terrible.

Su Yue patted her chest in relief: Great, the second one isn’t me.

… Only then did Jiang Yan react. Coupled with Xue Yifan’s mournful wails not far away, his legs grew weak.

While they were talking, Chen Shu took a step closer.

Duan Xu followed: Did you find something?

Chen Shu said, This door has a lock.

Duan Xu glanced back: So our individual tasks are actually about finding the keys to the next doors?

Chen Shu said, Should be.

Both fearful and expectant, Su Yue asked, Shall we check further ahead?

Mm. Chen Shu turned and headed toward the next door.

The third door was labeled Aid and abet the tyrant with a Library sign—based on the meaning, it would likely be Duan Xu’s individual task. The fourth room was the Main Office with the words Profit is one’s only motive—undoubtedly Chen Shu’s challenge.

When they reached the fifth door, Su Yue let out a soft exclamation.

This is a public restroom—and there’s no door!

The flashlight beam passed through the doorframe, shining directly onto a mirror.

Four large characters were written on the mirror: Ungrateful and devoid of conscience.

Jiang Yan looked at Su Yue.

Su Yue rubbed her nose: I used to be very timid and cowardly. Mi Shi helped me a lot. Before she committed suicide, she left me a suicide note explaining her reasons and where she hid the evidence. But I didn’t report it to the police. I was indeed ungrateful. I failed Mi Shi!

As she spoke, she theatrically wiped the corner of her eye. Just as she was about to sob, Xue Yifan’s sudden howl startled her into a shriek: Ah—!

Snapping back to reality, she quickly changed the subject: Well, since there’s no door here, can we go in and take a look first?

Jiang Yan emphasized: This is your task. You can go in and check by yourself.

Uh. Su Yue hesitated. Never mind then.

Seeing her give up, Chen Shu continued toward the end of the corridor.

Su Yue sighed: Another door. Doors everywhere.

Chen Shu said, Let’s head back.

Everyone agreed and returned with him to the first door.

The waiting time felt prolonged in the dim, uncertain atmosphere.

However, after observing for a while, Su Yue noticed the production crew was fully focused on the rooms. Those in the corridor seemed to be in a safe zone with no surprises, so she invited everyone to sit down.

At this point, most cameras were likely focused on the two active participants. This was a rare break for the guests during their six consecutive hours of work.

By the time Gu Hongye and Xue Yifan finally found the key and were freed, both were pale as ghosts.

Especially Xue Yifan, who emerged leaning weakly against the wall.

Seeing the others, he waved a hand, gasping for breath: Inside… it’s not… not a place for humans…

Inside the room, the faceless dolls that had been standing or sitting earlier were now properly seated at their desks, like attentive students listening to a lecture. Only six seats remained empty, representing the six of them.

Except for Gu Hongye and Xue Yifan, the other four dolls were suspended in front of the blackboard, rotating and swaying under the red light.

Su Yue accidentally caught a glimpse and screamed in terror, quickly shutting the door.

Duan Xu asked, Did you find the key?

Gu Hongye raised her hand, signaling, Here it is.

Xue Yifan bent over, supporting himself on his legs. Hurry, let’s go to the next place. Just standing here gives me chills down my spine.

Su Yue’s tone was sour. You should be grateful. At least you have someone with you.

Jiang Yan, stumbling awkwardly in the darkness, shot Xue Yifan an envious look upon hearing this.

Gu Hongye asked, Where is the next location?

Su Yue replied, I know! I’ll lead the way!

She turned on her flashlight, and Xue Yifan hurried to her side.

Seeing this, Gu Hongye understood. You’ve already seen the next task? Who’s next?

Su Yue said, The class sports committee member.

Xue Yifan looked sympathetically at Jiang Yan and patted his shoulder. Good luck.

As they spoke, they arrived at the second door.

Gu Hongye handed the key to Jiang Yan. Here.

Jiang Yan reached out to take it.

At that very moment—

A soft laugh flickered through the hallway once more.

Just once.

The light in front of the first door went out.

The flashlight beam sputtered twice with a zzzt before extinguishing completely.

In the pitch-black corridor, a faint red glow suddenly flickered.

Not far ahead, a creak sounded.

Amid several sharp intakes of breath, the distinct sound of a door opening and closing once could be heard.

Then came the sound of something being dragged across the floor.

The noise grew closer.

In the dim red light, only a shadowy mass was barely visible.

Xue Yifan’s legs turned to jelly again. What is that?! What is that?!

No one answered him.

Everyone was too busy being terrified.

Chen Shu stood to the side, waiting for the scene to pass.

Suddenly—

Su Yue heard a soft crack, and the flashlight regained half its brightness, shining directly on the shadow.

It was a doll.

To be precise, two dolls.

One doll was dragging another by its long, floor-length hair, sliding slowly forward.

Ahhhhhhh!!! Aaaaaaaah——!!!

Su Yue’s hand trembled as she screamed, and the light illuminated the doll’s face.

Where there had been no features, a large, bloodstained smile was now drawn.

Ahhhhhhh!!! Xue Yifan flailed his arms and legs at the air. Ahhh don’t come closer, don’t come closer!!!

A chorus of screams joined his in a chaotic symphony, scattering and fleeing blindly in the dark.

They all ended up hiding behind Chen Shu.

Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the door to the sports equipment room opened, and the doll slowly slid inside.

As the door closed, the lights came back on.

Only a long, dragged bloodstain remained on the floor.

But these childish scares no longer fazed them—the truly terrifying things were inside the room.

Gu Hongye and the others silently took a step back.

Xue Yifan looked at Jiang Yan with even more sympathy. Brother, brace yourself.