Part 2

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Hi! This is a super short update huhu I was busy at school lately, so I couldn't write a lot. I need to review the lessons so I won't fail in the quiz. But rest assured, I will update more often once I got a free time. Always take care of yourselves! Ilysm!

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Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian had just returned to their new home after a leisurely coffee break, but both couldn’t shake the slight unease from what they had overheard earlier. Some neighborhood teens had been talking about a strange sighting at the house—a figure or a woman in white, seen in one of the windows. 

At first, they tried to laugh it off, joking about how silly it is. 

But even as they laughed, they couldn’t fully dismiss the chill that crept up their spines. 

What if there was really some truth to it?

Back in the house, which was still sparsely furnished because they had only just moved in, Sheng Wang felt an unshakable sense of unease. 

He sat down on the sofa, trying to appear calm, but couldn’t ignore the prickling at the back of his neck. He glanced over at Jiang Tian, who looked a little more relaxed but still thoughtful as he stood near the sofa, watching him carefully.

“Maybe we should call someone,” Sheng Wang suggested, breaking the silence.

Jiang Tian nodded, his usual calm demeanor seemed unaffected by the strange circumstances but Sheng Wang knew better than to trust his Ge's pretentious act. “I’ll call Old Zhao,” he replied.

Zhao Xi, affectionately known as Old Zhao, had been their high school teacher. He had always been close with his students and was someone they could rely on for advice or a helping hand. 

Naturally, he was one of the first people they thought to reach out to when something strange or unsettling happened. They both trusted his judgment and figured he’d offer some perspective.

Meanwhile, Sheng Wang reached for his phone, scrolling through his contacts until he found Crab’s number. 

Crab, whose real name was Pang Xie, was an old classmate from high school before he had transferred out. 

It was a lucky coincidence that Crab was visiting town on a short vacation right now. If there was anyone who would jump at the chance to check out a “haunted” house, it was Crab.

“Hey, Crab,” Sheng Wang greeted when his friend picked up. “Are you busy?” he asked hesitantly, not wanting to disrupt any plans Crab might have.

There was a pause, then Crab replied, “Not really. What’s up?”

“Can you come over? There’s this... weird rumor going around about a ghost or a lady in white in the house Jiang Tian and I just bought,” Sheng Wang began, his voice hesitant. “We could use some—”

Before Sheng Wang could even finish, Crab interrupted, his voice already filled with excitement. “Really? I’m in!” he exclaimed without a second thought.

Sheng Wang chuckled, amused at Crab’s quick response. Typical Crab, always ready to dive into anything strange or mysterious without hesitation. Sheng Wang sent him the address through WeChat, shaking his head at how easy it was to get his old friend on board.

Not long after, the doorbell rang. 

Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian exchanged a look before opening the door to find Old Zhao standing there, accompanied by Lin Beiting. They both greeted Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian with warm smiles as they stepped inside, bringing an instant comforting presence to the otherwise tense atmosphere.

“So, is it true that you boys bought a haunted house?” Zhao Xi teased, giving them a playful smile. Beiting could only shake his head at what Old Zhao asked. 

Sheng Wang chuckled, trying to push away his nervous thoughts. “It’s not haunted... right?” he replied, attempting to sound lighthearted. “Probably just rumors started by bored kids around the neighborhood.”

Zhao Xi shook his head thoughtfully, his expression more serious now. “Well, strange things often start as rumors,” he said, his tone almost mysterious. “But who knows? There might be something to it.”

Jiang Tian and Sheng Wang motioned for Zhao Xi and Lin Beiting to join them in the living room, where everyone settled into the couches. 

Zhao Xi started sharing a story he’d heard on the way there, adding pauses for dramatic effect. Lin Beiting listened with a smile, occasionally joining in with his own comments, adding to the casual yet curious atmosphere as they all settled in to discuss the rumor.

A few minutes later, Crab finally arrived, looking more like a tourist than someone about to investigate a ghost rumor. He seemed completely unfazed, even excited by the thought of exploring the mystery. Without hesitation, he made himself comfortable on the couch, greeting everyone warmly before diving into the conversation.

As the group talked about the strange rumor circulating the neighborhood, Crab’s casual attitude added a bit of lightness, helping everyone feel a little more at ease. 

They continued exchanging stories and speculations, each sharing what they’d heard or remembered about the supposed lady in white.

But just as Sheng Wang was beginning to feel a little more relaxed—thinking maybe the rumor was nothing more than idle gossip—a sudden knock on the door broke the moment. 

The sound startled everyone, making them exchange glances with wide eyes.

In the midst of talking about ghosts, the unexpected knock had an oddly unsettling effect, making them all freeze for a second. 

None of them moved, each waiting for someone else to get up and answer. 

The tension in the air was thick, as if everyone was silently wondering if this was somehow connected to the mysterious rumor… until a familiar voice called from the other side of the door, “It’s me!”

Everyone sighed in relief, recognizing the voice of none other than their old friend, Song Sirui. 

The realization lifted the tension, and a few nervous chuckles escaped as they realized they’d all been spooked by a simple knock.

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