Chapter 70: The Ringing Bell
Inside Liang Xiaoyu’s streaming room, chaos reigned.
“I have a bold idea after seeing basic hypnosis,” someone commented.
“Are you thinking of hypnotizing your dog to eat the neighbor’s poop?” replied another.
“That’s disgusting. I think it’s more suited for, you know…,” a third chimed in.
“You’re all fearless when it comes to getting banned. I think it would be perfect for interrogating criminals,” someone suggested.
“I think it’s more suitable for committing a crime,” another added.
“Foreseeing the future is the most broken ability. With it, I could run red lights without worry, right?”
“Streamer, can basic healing cure hemorrhoids?”
“I want basic healing. No more fear of period pain!”
…
Liang Xiaoyu couldn’t help but laugh and cry at these comments.
She cleared her throat and said, “Now, I’ll tell you the most crucial thing.”
“The ticket to enter the haunted house is one million.”
Glancing at the stream, she saw most viewers were already accustomed to the extravagant prices at Fantasy Park; few found the ticket expensive.
“As for the other abilities…” Liang Xiaoyu paused, then continued, “Basic hypnosis is five hundred million, basic foresight is one billion, and basic healing is eight hundred million.”
After saying this, she stuck out her tongue.
“These are really expensive,” she couldn’t help but remark.
Though her family wasn’t short of money, coming up with such enormous sums at once—her father might not be pleased.
It seemed only the government could casually produce such amounts; after all, for the state, it was just a string of numbers.
No need to even start the printing press.
Other viewers in the stream evidently shared her thoughts.
“So expensive!”
“This is pushing ordinary people to the brink.”
“If this keeps up, prices will collapse sooner or later.”
“I heard the government set up a special fund, issuing currency specifically for spending in Fantasy Park, with little impact on the outside world.”
“I know what you mean—not only Rabbit Country, but Eagle Country and others are involved too. The distribution ratio hasn’t been agreed upon, so there are protests abroad every day.”
“The protests are because the big corporations control the quotas, and ordinary people can’t get in, right?”
“I work in human-animal insurance. Our company just launched a superhuman loan service—if anyone’s lucky next time, contact me for details. My number is 10010-404.”
…
Reading the comments, Liang Xiaoyu felt a surge of emotion.
She knew well that although Fantasy Park had only appeared recently, its impact on the outside world was immense.
Not to mention the rise in martial arts training among the populace, even the capital markets had been shaken.
Any company with ties to Fantasy Park—even if their name or product only contained words like “fantasy” or “supernatural”—would be wildly popular.
Capital had a keen nose and had already launched numerous Fantasy Park-related businesses.
With her permission, Red Bull had posted a screenshot of her replenishing her energy upon arrival at Fantasy Park on their official website.
More than one person had approached her, hoping she would endorse their products.
Not only her—some companies had their eyes on Dragon Maiden, Bumblebee, Jazz, and even Kong.
If Liang Xiaoyu hadn’t firmly refused, they might have come after “Mr. Joe” as well.
Liang Xiaoyu was rather vexed.
Among these people was her own father!
The old capitalist hinted at her taking a photo with Dragon Maiden and his company’s product—even a candid shot would do!
He promised to donate everything to her when she inherited the family business!
Letting out a soft sigh, Liang Xiaoyu ignored these viewers.
“Enough about that,” she said, “these abilities may be expensive, but I’ll definitely try them so everyone can see the effects.”
She flashed a toothy grin at the camera and continued, “I’ve said all I needed to say. Now, I’m ready to go in.”
Finishing the bottle of soda in one gulp, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and said, “One last warning: if you’re faint-hearted, stop watching now. Beware of nightmares tonight.”
Taking a deep breath, reminding herself “No one dies here,” she clicked Pay.
A million was deducted. The mist before her parted slightly, revealing an entrance just wide enough for one person.
Liang Xiaoyu’s heart was pounding.
“What’s there to be afraid of? Sadako is just a cutie,” she said, clenching her fists and recalling comics and web novels like “Encountering Sadako,” quietly cheering herself on.
After a two-second pause, she walked in resolutely.
As soon as she entered, the mischievous old man with leaves on his head sneaked over, scratching his head at the mist.
He wanted to go in, but was scared.
…
Once she passed through the entrance, the mist cleared.
She found herself in a courtyard with classical charm.
It was not large, paved with blue stone bricks.
In the center stood two trees.
Both were cherry blossoms.
Though summer raged outside, here the cherry blossoms bloomed in full.
Liang Xiaoyu could even smell their faint fragrance.
“This place has a lovely atmosphere,” she said with a smile.
The blooming cherry blossoms didn’t surprise her.
Fantasy Park was always like this.
Even the peach trees in the fitness square were still in full bloom.
The stream’s viewers excitedly discussed the place.
Most urged Liang Xiaoyu to hurry inside and check out the rooms.
She ignored them.
Go inside?
Go find ghosts?
She wasn’t so foolish.
Better to linger outside and acclimatize before meeting the legendary monster.
Liang Xiaoyu commented on the environment, then walked toward the two cherry trees.
Between them was a vine chair.
Approaching quickly, she examined it for a while. Finding nothing unusual, she sat down.
Crossing her legs, she remarked to the viewers, “I think this vine chair should be replaced with a swing. It would fit the surroundings better.”
“But this place… how should I put it, it’s utterly silent,” she said. “A bit of spooky sound effects would make it more atmospheric.”
Just as she spoke, her phone suddenly rang.
Liang Xiaoyu froze.
She wasn’t unfamiliar with “Ring,” and knew what a phone ringing meant.
Had the ghost come for her?
A chill ran through her.
She hesitated, unsure whether to answer.
She knew the viewers, always eager for drama, were urging her to pick up, but she glanced at the comments anyway.
“I called you and you didn’t answer. Don’t you care about me at all?”
“Darling, answer my call.”
“Being emotionally tied to someone can be annoying, but also sweet.”
“Still not answering? So disobedient!”
Seeing these absurd comments, Liang Xiaoyu nearly burst out laughing.
“You people…” she said, helplessly, “All the suspense I worked up, you ruined it.”
“Never mind, I’m here to scout the way for you all,” she went on. “I’ll put it on speaker so we can all hear what she says. If you’re scared, don’t listen.”
With that, she took out her personal phone.
An unfamiliar number.
She answered and put it on speaker.
Liang Xiaoyu’s left hand clenched gently, pretending to be calm. “Hello?”