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Chapter 23 – Brainless and Unhappy

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Author:
Why Does It Cost Money To Change Your Name
Original Source:
SFACG
Translator:
Ainsel
English Source:
Re:Library

There was no longer a red filter in the corridor, and the smell of decay and burnt odor in the air had disappeared. All that remained was the strong smell of disinfectant, which seemed to have seeped into the walls and was difficult to dissipate.

The fifth floor corridor had voice-activated lights, but they were dim. It was unclear whether it was due to aging wiring, but these lights would occasionally flicker, making the already eerie corridor even more terrifying and providing no sense of security.

Yet, in such an environment, Zhao Mingyue was giggling foolishly around Bai Yu, completely ignoring the horrifying surroundings.

Compared to before, the current corridor was child’s play, so naturally, Zhao Mingyue was not afraid.

She put away her magic staff and rubbed her hands together. “Bai Yu, Sister Bai, ddon’t you think so? Although you are no longer among the living, you can still choose to enjoy life, to live happily. My mother once told me that life is so short, no matter how you live it, it’s important to learn to live happily and find joy in hardship.”

“This isn’t toxic positivity, you know. I’ve always believed in this saying over the years because I think that being passive won’t solve any problems. If I maintain an optimistic spirit, at least my soul will be strong and won’t be easily defeated.”

“I don’t know what it’s like to become a ghost, but I think it must not feel good. Not to mention anything else, you must feel very lonely.”

“But starting from today, no, from yesterday, we are friends. If you are willing to listen to me and give it a try, I will definitely make you happy!”

Zhao Mingyue had this kind of personality. She was a bit careless, and although her life was difficult and she had no family or friends, she still lived happily. In Bai Yu’s eyes, her happiness is foolish, but she had to admit that the girl had a good attitude.

Just like she said, foolish happiness makes her self strong.

Frowning every day won’t change anything. Because of the mindset, life will only get worse, and as life gets worse, it will make one feel even worse, creating a vicious cycle.

After participating in the Scum Game, she no longer trusted anyone. She believed that everyone who approached her had ulterior motives, and in fact, that was true. Of the ten people who contacted her, nine wanted to kill her, and the other one wanted to use her.

Over time, the most important skill she learned was to always be cautious and not trust anyone.

However, at this moment, Bai Yu really couldn’t see any other thoughts in Zhao Mingyue. Her eyes were clean, and that purity was even somewhat incomprehensible to her.

So it was very contradictory. She subconsciously maintained a basic vigilance towards Zhao Mingyue, while her subconscious told her that this girl was serious.

Bai Yu has always trusted her subconscious, which has saved her many times.

She also wondered if Zhao Mingyue was trying to get close to her because she saw her extraordinary strength, but then she thought that if Mingyue really had such ulterior motives, her acting skills would be too good, reaching a terrifying level where even her eyes could “deceive.”

Zhao Mingyue, feeling a little apprehensive, stared into Bai Yu’s eyes as she spoke. She knew Bai Yu’s personality was rather cold, and her sudden outburst might cause Bai Yu’s displeasure.

But she had to speak out. Precisely because Bai Yu was cold-hearted, she had to try to reach into her heart. Only by doing so could she slowly change her and make her happier.

She had already suffered enough in her life. Her sister, who had depended on her, was brutally murdered, and now she had become a ghost. Wasn’t that a kind of torture?

“I…” Bai Yu began to speak, and Zhao Mingyue’s eyes lit up. This little expression made Bai Yu feel quite helpless towards the girl. “I’ll give it a try.”

“Oh, great!” Zhao Mingyue wanted to grab Bai Yu’s hand, and instead of passing through her body, she actually touched it. It was a strange sensation, like touching a “solidified” mist, delicate and soft, as if it would crumble with a little force.

At the same time, the icy coldness from Bai Yu made Zhao Mingyue shiver, it was a feeling even colder than touching ice.

“It’s very cold, isn’t it? That’s how a ghost’s body is, so I suggest you let go of my hand. As for bathing, it’s better to do it separately.”

Bai Yu was somewhat helpless. It wasn’t that she was careless and let down her guard. She would bet on her many years of experience in killing that this girl was definitely not cunning, but simply naive, honest, and a little clever.

Sure enough, when Zhao Mingyue heard this, she held on even tighter. “No, it’s summer, so it’s actually quite comfortable.”

“Sigh, whatever you want.”

When they reached the fourth floor, the man in the raincoat had disappeared, but the female ghost that was behind him remained. The female ghost had died in this building, so she wouldn’t have let the man in the raincoat bring her back. She could only find relief here by finding a living person to replace her.

Feeling Zhao Mingyue’s presence, the female ghost stood up. Just as she turned her head, she saw Bai Yu beside Zhao Mingyue and froze for a moment, before disappearing instantly.

Zhao Mingyue didn’t notice her. She looked around to make sure no one was in the corridor, then returned to her room. She shone her flashlight to check that the hair in the keyhole was still there, indicating that no one had entered the room.

She opened the door, entered the room, and turned on the light. She glanced at the time, which showed it was 1:30 in the morning.

Unknowingly, so much time had passed, and the task was not yet over. Zhao Mingyue put her backpack on the sofa and yawned. “I’m so sleepy. Can I sleep after taking a bath? It won’t affect the task, right?”

“It won’t.”

“That’s good. Let’s go, let’s take a bath together, Miss Bai Yu.” Zhao Mingyue approached again.

She suddenly reached out and tucked a strand of hair that had fallen beside Bai Yu’s cheek behind her ear, speaking softly, “Maybe soaking in a hot bath will help alleviate some of the cold.”

Just by touching Bai Yu earlier, she had felt how cold she was. Bai Yu’s own feelings must be much worse.

“It’s always worth a try. By the way, do you need to change clothes? You should be able to wear mine.”

“No need. I can handle the clothes myself.” Bai Yu shook her head.

“Alright, then. Wait here for me. I’ll go run the hot water. My bathtub is big enough.”

In the bathroom, Zhao Mingyue couldn’t help but think of the female ghost’s corpse on the fifth floor when she saw the large bathtub.

“If there’s a chance, I’ll let Bai Yu help her find peace.. It’s too torturous like that.”

As the hot water ran, Zhao Mingyue went back to the bedroom to get her change of clothes. She came to the living room and waved to Bai Yu, who was standing by the window. “Let’s go, the water is ready.”



 

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