Horror Game Designer Novel

Chapter 709: I'll be Waiting

“I’ve seen similar taboo films on the internet. The original videos sell for an excellent price. It has a huge market.” Jia Youzhi agreed with Ding Xiang. “This is a way to earn quick money, but going to the taboo zone is very dangerous. Most people cannot leave the place alive. Only those desperate will attempt this.”

“Are we not desperate enough?” Wu Wei held the camera and extended her hand to Gao Ming, “Give me back my bus card.” Gao Ming smacked Wu Wei’s hand away and thought to himself. There was nothing much about the taboo zone in Lee Sansi’s memory. He only knew that many gruesome cases had occurred in the zones.

“Director Lee, isn’t it your wish to make a movie? If we make the taboo zone our setting, your movie will be so popular, and we can pay off our debt.” Ding Xiang joined the persuasion. “Some taboo zones used to be rich people's areas. There are a lot of saves, antiques and riches waiting to be discovered.” Ding Xiang was a clever woman. She knew how to get Gao Ming’s attention. Lee Sansi’s understanding of this city was very surface-level. The taboo zones might contain this city’s real secrets.

“One person, one camera, one chance. If you can come back alive…”

“Wait.” Gao Ming looked at the three. “One person? Am I going alone?”

“Not everyone can enter the taboo zone. You have to bribe the night police. We tried to pool our money, and we only managed to scrounge up enough money for one person.” Jia Youzhi carried some coins and jewellery. “All of us trust you. You’re the best candidate.”

“That’s so nice of you.” Gao Ming swiped the stuff into his pocket.

“Does that mean you agree?” Wu Wei hesitated. She was still too kind.

“What’s the other choice? Do you wish to be sent to Zhu Chuan instead?” Gao Ming was furious. “The three of you better pray that I can return safely, or you’ll be made into samples tomorrow.” Gao Ming walked away. He walked to the dining zone and noticed the boxed meal that the three subordinates had reserved for him. Gao Ming checked his phone after he had finished his meal. His heart quivered. There were four buildings on Third Street that were deemed taboo zones: Gan Shui Alley No. 784; Wan Sheng Rou Lin Skyscraper, Floor 19; Zhu Chuan Medicine’s old address; Eye Nose Mouth Five Facial Features Church Lobby.

Gan Shui Alley used to be a normal area until the appearance of Taboo Zone No. 784. A lot of rich people abandoned the district, and it became the largest gathering site for refugees in the city. Every taboo zone had its own story. Wan Sheng Rou Lin’s 19th Floor was dyed red overnight. No one knew the details. This marked the start of the fall of Wan Sheng. However, the taboo zones didn’t mean bad things. Zhu Chuan got their rise because they managed to get something from the taboo zones. After confirming all the locations, Gao Ming summoned his three ‘generals’.“After I leave, no matter who comes to find me, tell them I’ve gone to Zhu Chuan Medicine’s old address. For the sake of your safety, you can try to hint to them that I’ve found something in the taboo zone.” Gao Ming owed the old man money at the night police station. When the man went to the post station and failed to find the bribe, he would come after Gao Ming. This was a great chance to deal with him. The old man stood in Black Crow’s way, so he had to be eliminated. Compared to the old man, Gao Ming believed Black Crow was more suitable to be the station’s owner.

“Director Lee, are you really going to those places?” Wu Wei was worried. Before she could say anything else, she was yanked back by Ding Xiang.

“Don’t be a busybody. If you’re so worried, you can go with him. You can wait for him outside the zone.”

“You’re such a venomous woman.”

“How am I venomous?” Ding Xiang shoved Wu Wei back. “I just don’t want the four of us to end up in Formalin. How is that wrong? I took out all of my jewellery to swap for a chance to bribe the night police. If you’re not willing, give me back my stuff!”

“Stop arguing! All of you will stay back and guard this place.” After checking all the equipment, Gao Ming closed his eyes to rest. When it was almost time, he took his backpack and left the studio.

“Director Lee, wait for me!” Wu Wei, in full black sports attire, ran after Gao Ming with the camera.

“Are you coming with?” Gao Ming was shocked. He thought he couldn’t rely on anyone, but Wu Wei surprised him.

“If death is inevitable, I want to fight it. Plus, you can carry the camera on your own.” Wu Wei was taller than Gao Ming. “I admit I have misjudged you. I think you’re a wastrel who doesn’t know what’s best for him, but your actions in the past few days have changed my perspective.”

“So, we both thought the worst of each other.” Gao Ming shook his head. “Come along if you want to. However, I’ll run the moment we’re in danger.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll run faster than you.”

“You’re so fucking reliable.”

Gao Ming and Wu Wei came to the station. The sun fell. The people on the street visibly decreased. There were signs of blood and fighting everywhere. The tension between Wan Sheng and Zhu Chuan intensified. The days of stability were over. Those who roamed the streets sensed that instantly.

“Director Lee, I heard Wan Sheng is negotiating with Zhu Chuan. Wan Sheng’s boss wants to use his daughter’s death as a bargaining chip.”

“Is the man so callous?” Gao Ming didn’t think much of it. He had handed the key evidence to Black Crow. The night police would definitely disrupt this negotiation.

After the conversation with Black Crow, Gao Ming knew that the night police were different from the other gangs. They were highly invasive and had their own rules. Similar to the cleaners, they were unique to this dark city.

“We’ll just wait for the show to start.”

On the bus to Zhu Chuan Medicine’s old address, the bus driver glared at Wu Wei and Gao Ming. The driver usually wouldn’t stop at that destination. Gao Ming’s phone rang at 5.30 pm. The old man’s jolly voice came through, “I’m at the post office. The drawer is empty. It’s just enough to fit a man’s head.”

“You should put your head in it,” Gao Ming replied. The other end became deadly silent.

Eventually, the old man answered, “I’ll find you tonight. You can’t escape.”

“I’ll be waiting for you.”