Qiao Liang was dragged by the crowd to the entrance of the “Haunted House Nightmare” project.

“Hurry up, only cowards back down!”

“Old Qiao, weren’t you dominating in ‘BE QUIET’? Come on, you go in first!”

“Look, it says right here on the brochure that the horror level of Haunted House Nightmare is moderate, it’s not the scariest one…”

Everyone was trying to persuade him, wanting to send Qiao Laoshi in to experience it firsthand.

Qiao Liang was gradually persuaded.

Yeah, the brochure did say “moderate horror level,” and the process was quite short, so it shouldn’t be that scary, right?

However, just as he was about to step forward, he saw a muscular man with a deathly pale face walking out from the exit, looking like he might collapse at any moment.

Several young women who had just come out were crying a storm, their makeup all smeared by tears.

“It’s too terrifying!”

“I’m going to have psychological trauma woo-woo-woo!”

“They even made us memorize game steps, they might as well kill me outright!”

None of the visitors coming out had any intention of going to “Ultimate Horror.” They either went to the Golden Maze or returned to “Desperate Escape,” seemingly not wanting to stay here a second longer.

Qiao Liang keenly sensed something was wrong.

This was deadly!

This wasn’t “moderate horror level”!

Thinking about it, for Mr. Pei, a game with “higher difficulty” would be something like “Turn Back to Shore,” so what level would “moderate horror” be? Just imagining it, one could tell.

This time, not just Qiao Liang, but even the previously eager fans began to have second thoughts.

“Why don’t we… go back to queue for ‘Desperate Escape’? We might get to play sooner if we line up now.”

“We can’t chicken out at the entrance, can we? That would be too embarrassing!”

“Hehe, if you don’t court death, you won’t die. Why can’t people understand this simple principle?”

“‘Since we’re already here’ is the most incorrect thought in the world! Let’s not be fooled, not every experience needs to be tried…”

The small team was divided.

Just like when friends visit an amusement park together, there will always be some who hesitate at the entrance of a haunted house. To be precise, this isn’t just about being scared, but also about having a clear understanding of exactly how scared they might get.

“Excuse me… are you all in line?” a voice asked.

Qiao Liang’s group was hesitating, shuffling back and forth at the entrance, so those coming later weren’t sure if they were going in, hence the question.

Qiao Liang turned around and saw a young man with a buzz cut smiling at them.

“Ah, sorry, please go ahead,” Qiao Liang and his fans quickly made way.

The buzz-cut young man didn’t immediately walk in but tentatively asked, “Are you… Qiao Laoshi?”

Qiao Liang was surprised. Hmm, he could meet a fan here?

But thinking about it, it made sense. Most of the first batch of visitors to Thrillseeker Lodge were Tenda’s die-hard fans. Since they were die-hard fans, it would be normal for them to have seen the “Masterpiece” video series.

“Yes, yes, I’m Qiao Liang. Have you watched my videos too?”

The young man was delighted: “Yes, I have, and I like them! Your voice is very distinctive. I just asked on a whim and didn’t expect it to be you! Let me introduce myself, my surname is Ruan, Ruan Guangjian. I’m the artist for ‘Turn Back to Shore.'”

Qiao Liang’s eyes widened instantly.

Ruan Guangjian?

He wasn’t just the artist for “Turn Back to Shore,” but also the art designer for “Ghost General,” “Game Producer,” “BE QUIET,” GOG, and all these games!

He was Mr. Pei’s partner and close friend.

Mr. Pei’s friend was surely his friend, too, right?

“Pleased to meet you!”

The two shook hands warmly, feeling like long-lost friends.

They had heard of each other for a long time, and now, meeting in person, their reputations were indeed well-deserved!

Qiao Liang looked Ruan Guangjian up and down, finding him even younger than imagined, without the traditional artistic vibe, unassuming, but still exuding the qualities of someone long immersed in the artistic field.

Ruan Guangjian thought that although Qiao Liang looked somewhat pudgy and ordinary, a bit like a typical shut-in, his eyes seemed to shine with wisdom.

After exchanging pleasantries, Ruan Guangjian suggested, “Actually, I’m also very timid and did a lot of mental preparation before coming. Why don’t we go in together?”

Qiao Liang was skeptical: “Really?”

Ruan Guangjian nodded: “Really, my fear of haunted houses is well-known, even Mr. Pei knows about it.”

A fan asked in confusion: “Huh? If you’re so afraid, why still go?”

Ruan Guangjian wore a resigned expression: “A true warrior faces challenges head-on! As Mr. Pei’s friend, of course, I should support him!”

It had the air of a hero departing never to return.

Everyone observed and found that his expression didn’t seem to be lying, but was very serious.

This fearless spirit infected Qiao Liang and the other fans.

Qiao Liang suddenly felt ashamed.

Qiao Liang, oh Qiao Liang, haven’t you always claimed to be a hardcore gamer? Haven’t you always claimed to understand Mr. Pei the best?

Look at him, just an artist, daring to enter the haunted house to challenge himself, while you’re cowering?

Where did the courage go that made you persist with “Turn Back to Shore” and eventually complete the “Masterpiece” video series?

Thinking of this, Qiao Liang couldn’t help but feel inspired: “Good! If that’s the case, I’ll accompany you in this dangerous venture. Let’s face the challenge Mr. Pei has set for us together!”

For some reason, Ruan Guangjian’s joining suddenly boosted the team’s confidence, and everyone entered the warehouse housing the “Haunted House Nightmare” project.

Qiao Liang walked at the front, his identity as a hardcore gamer making him take the lead.

The first thing they saw was many mysterious shipping containers, though they couldn’t tell what was inside.

The staff seemed used to such cheerful visitors, neither discouraging nor encouraging them, just silently handing out detailed instructions to each person, then giving a meaningful smile.

That smile made people feel uneasy.

There was a rest area nearby, and everyone sat down there, looking confused as they held the instructions.

“Ahhhh!!!”

A piercing scream came from the exit behind the containers, followed by a girl escaping in panic.

Everyone exchanged glances.

Qiao Liang carefully examined the instructions in his hand and found that “Haunted House Nightmare” was divided into many small projects, including the bathroom, the window, TV, stairs, ceiling, under the bed, and so on.

Each small project had a “task description,” like for the “bathroom,” one needed to lock the bathroom door, light candles, blindfold oneself, wash hands, etc.

These weren’t mandatory; visitors could enter and leave without doing anything. But to get the entry ticket for “Ultimate Horror,” they had to complete “Haunted House Nightmare” according to these instructions.

Qiao Liang felt increasingly dismayed as he read.

It wasn’t because it was hard to remember; although there were many items, they were related and sequential. Seeing the props in the scene would remind him.

He felt dismayed mainly because he didn’t think he could do any of this!

Imagine being in a pitch-black bathroom, holding a red candle, then blindfolding yourself in front of a mirror…

The horror level was no less than that of a traditional haunted house!

Looking at the others, it was clear that their previous courage had been thrown to the winds, especially Ruan Guangjian, whose hands were already trembling slightly.

Seeing Ruan Guangjian more panicked than himself, Qiao Liang became a bit calmer.

It was like before an exam, where a poor student feels somewhat safer seeing someone worse off than themselves.

Memorization wasn’t time-limited; they could recite in the rest area as long as they wanted. Whenever they felt ready, they could queue up to enter.

Qiao Liang felt like he was back in his student days, like when the teacher asked them to memorize ancient poems and would check in an hour.

Except this time, the experience would be much more intense.

From time to time, people would enter the challenge, but whether they screamed inside or not, they all came out looking half-dead. Seven or eight people went in consecutively, and not a single one succeeded. Moreover, it seemed no one wanted to try a second time.

As a result, many people in the rest area backed out, feeling increasingly terrified as they memorized, until they finally gave up without even trying.

As the rest area emptied, Qiao Liang felt as if a dark shadow was looming over him.

However, just as he was wavering and about to retreat, Ruan Guangjian stood up.

Like a beam of light, he broke through the clouds hanging over everyone’s heads!

Qiao Liang was startled: “Brother Ruan, you…”

Ruan Guangjian wore a resigned expression: “If I don’t enter hell, who will? Everyone, I’ll go first to scout the enemy!”

The group was overjoyed, and Qiao Liang was especially delighted.

That’s great!

They had been wondering who would go in first!

Since Master Ruan wanted to go first, everyone could hear about what it was like inside and prepare mentally.

If naturally timid Ruan Guangjian could persist, then everyone should be able to manage.

Qiao Liang patted Ruan Guangjian’s shoulder: “Go, Brother Ruan, we await news of your triumphant return!”

With a resigned expression, Ruan Guangjian entered the container.

Qiao Liang and the others returned to the rest area to continue memorizing.

However, they had barely sat down when they heard a high-pitched scream from the container.

“Aaaaahhh!!!”

Qiao Liang jumped in shock, and everyone exchanged glances.

What did that mean? Defeated already?

Barely two minutes in and already giving up?

The rest area was quiet, no one speaking, but the expressions on their faces said it all.

They were scared!

This place must be terrifying!

Qiao Liang had already unconsciously started to imagine the scenes from memory, feeling that Ruan Guangjian probably wouldn’t last a few minutes before exiting the container.

Less than two minutes later, another scream.

Qiao Liang couldn’t help but feel moved.

Brother Ruan was so scared yet persisted. This fearless spirit was worth learning from!

Everyone lost focus on memorizing and looked up at the terrifying container, wondering how long Ruan Guangjian would persist before giving up.

Five minutes passed.

Ten minutes passed…

Although screams continued to come from inside, Ruan Guangjian never appeared.

Qiao Liang was thoroughly moved.

Look, that’s what never giving up means! That’s what conquering oneself means! That’s what fearlessness means!

Think about it: Master Ruan was just an artist, continuing to persist despite being so afraid, and he was about to see the light of victory. Qiao Liang, you claim to be a hardcore gamer, yet you don’t even dare to enter!

Don’t you feel ashamed? Don’t you feel embarrassed?

After mentally rehearsing all the items once more, Qiao Liang resolutely stood up and walked towards that point of no return.

Although Ruan Guangjian hadn’t come out yet, there were many small projects inside, each with a similar experience time, and with selectable routes, completing a portion of the projects would count as passing, so they wouldn’t run into each other.

A fan was stunned: “Old Qiao, aren’t you going to wait for him to come out?”

Qiao Liang wore a resigned expression: “No waiting. Brother Ruan has already gone to the battlefield; how can I hesitate behind? I’m already one step behind him. If I wait for him to come out before I dare go in, wouldn’t that be even more shameful? Wait for news of my victory!”

Guided by the staff, Qiao Liang strode in with his head held high.

Less than two minutes after he entered, Ruan Guangjian emerged from the other side.

The staff immediately went to greet him: “Congratulations! You are the first brave warrior to complete ‘Haunted House Nightmare’! Here is your entry credential for ‘Ultimate Horror.’ Please keep it safe.”

During the challenge, there were dedicated staff members watching the situation inside from the monitoring room, confirming visitors’ actions. Once a visitor gave up out of fear, they would immediately go in to rescue them.

Ruan Guangjian’s successful completion was naturally known to the staff immediately.

Qiao Liang’s fans all widened their eyes in disbelief.

Completed it?

Did this… mean it wasn’t that scary, and persistence was the key to victory?

Everyone immediately surrounded him, all asking about the situation inside.

Ruan Guangjian smiled: “Actually, thinking back, it wasn’t that scary. Although you’ll face some setbacks, they can all be overcome. The sense of achievement after overcoming them is incomparable!”

Everyone was filled with respect.

“Really?”

“Looking at Brother Ruan’s expression, it seems indeed not that bad.”

“Old Qiao has been in there until now and hasn’t screamed once, right?”

“That means it’s not that scary? If even Brother Ruan, who’s so timid, can persist and complete it, we should be able to as well, right?”

“Wait, you’ve all changed your minds already?”

“Think about it, when Old Qiao comes out later, who knows how he’ll brag. He’ll mock us for being cowards in the group chat! If it’s extremely terrifying, that’s one thing, but what if it’s not that scary? Won’t we ever be able to wash away this shame in the group?”

Finally, the most hesitant fan among them looked at Ruan Guangjian: “Master, do you think I… could persist?”

Ruan Guangjian thumped his chest: “Don’t worry, if someone as timid as me can persist, you’ll be fine!”

These words gave everyone great courage, and they lined up one by one, waiting to go in and experience it.