Chasing You (Arc 8+)

Showstopper (XXVIII)

A/N: Here is the last update for the day. Thank you reading, commenting, and voting!

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During the time the ghosts spent coming out of the mansion, the judges had already made a decision. So after Jiang Man finished the introductions, he gave a brief explanation. "These special seven guests have already taken into consideration everything that they have seen and felt as they traversed through the mansion. Ultimately, a final decision will be given on who they thought portrayed their role the best."

Turning to Da Feiji, he let him take over. He smiled benignly as he swept his gaze over them, "We have to admit that the House of Horrors lives up to its name. Going through the exhibits, we were astounded by the variety of ideas used to immerse the guests as they made their way. All of us experienced something different every time we came upon a location and that was spectacular, as it kept everything refreshing. It wasn't something dull and boring with the same thing being repeated over and over again.

And although we enjoyed everything that we saw, there was one contestant that stood out amongst the group. Us, judges feel that they highly deserve to be praised for their ingenious ideas and how simple, but yet horrifying and fascinating their set up was. Not only were we all able to gain different experiences, but we were all engrossed in it as if it was reality. This was the most important aspect for us, judges, as we feel that it is not only important to interact and get a reaction out of the guests, but also be able to fully submerge oneself within the role and also have the guests absorbed in it as well."

Da Feiji clasps his hands together as his eyes let out a mirthful light. He truly was stunned when he experienced the exhilaration he thought he would no longer be able to feel in his life. Seeing horror films of different variety and reading horror novels, his brain had grown numb to being 'afraid'. And yet, today, he felt that same profound feeling that made his blood rush a long time ago.

His eyes narrowed into crescents as he gestures over to the winner, "We all believe that He Xiao has earned the right as the winner of the mini-challenge. Albeit he is a newcomer and had only started his career, he was the one that enraptured all of our attention. We all broke out in goosebumps and chills when we encountered him. The feeling he gave was very surreal, we all became lost in it. Even forgetting that this was merely just a show."

Applauses reverberated through the air after Da Feiji finished his mini salutatory. He Xiao graciously bowed and controlled the emotions on his face, neither showing too much pride in winning or blowing over the fact that it was expected of his victory.

He kept a smile on his face but felt puzzled inwardly. He Xiao didn't want to win and only wanted to stay in the show to be able to complete his task of getting rid of Xiao Nongzang. He even asked his silly system if his actions would clash with the male lead. But Bao Bao had assured him that the male protagonist's halo was very strong in this world, there was no need to worry about anything and he could put as much effort as he pleased. As the world's favorite, Xiao Rui had his golden fingers and also was a natural global magnet to attract villainous and ill things.

Or so, Bao Bao had assumed...

It was true that Xiao Rui's protagonist halo in this world was the strongest that they had ever seen so far, as this was a AAA difficulty world and his golden finger was not to be trifled with. But he had forgotten about one important thing; his child was essentially a golden finger himself with all of his learned skills and items. Not only was he not a natural inhabitant of this world, but his level of experience was also much grander than what was normal. He would naturally aggro these egregious elements just as the male lead would.

So, even if He Xiao's mini protagonist halo was reduced due to the world's consciousness, it wasn't able to diminish or fully suppress his aura. He was a 'mini protagonist' himself; only second to the raid boss' halo.

After the congratulatory words, Jiang Man gave an announcement, "This concludes the events for the day. As for the winner's prize for this mini-challenge, it will be given tomorrow along with the main challenge. As for what that is... You will have to wait and see. I can only say that you must get as much rest as you need and mentally prepare yourself."

This meant that the events tomorrow would remain a secret. Bao Bao who was hiding behind his lover pouted. These tv shows really like putting everyone on edge with their cliffhangers. He also hadn't hacked the system so he doesn't know what the show has in store for them.

Jiang Man laughed as he surveyed their expressions. "You have half an hour to talk with your acquaintances that were invited to participate and to remove your costume and makeup before we leave back to the dormitory. You... Could also go back looking as you are."

As if his words were the commandments from God, everyone dispersed not long after. Many of the other guests were the idols' managers, the other small portion were the higher-ups. This caused some awkwardness to linger in the atmosphere as some of the idols had scared their own higher up.

When He Xiao met up with his son and lover, Tai Lichun was already gone. The reason for his absence was obvious as his system wasn't present at the scene. The poor elf was very scared of everyone there and was taken away, to make sure he wouldn't faint and have his soul float away. Even if his host was a peerless beauty, he was still very frightened.

He Xiao still had the trails of blood on his face and his dress was wet, sticking closely to his lean body. Mo Wang's gaze deepened as he ogled his lover. He also noticed that there were other eyes on him and quickly pulled him to change clothes.

Lin Jun Kai was marvelling on how amazing his mother was as they walked. His eyes were almost like beacons as he cupped his face. But the more he harped on, the darker his face became. There was one commonality with the father and son, their possessiveness.

He soon thought about how other people would see He Xiao's magnificence and felt happy because he could show it off as this was his mother, but he also felt conflicted because that would mean that he would have to fend off more pests. He found that He Xiao was a dunce, unaware of his own beauty. It was like it didn't matter if he was as beautiful and striking as an angel or he was butt ugly like potholes in the streets waiting for you to smash your wheel into it. He would have just carried on like normal.

It was just that... These cannon fodders were very, very, very pretty and his mother's natural temperament added with that was devastating.

His beautiful face lit up with many different types of expression. Just how many pests would loom nearby wanting to take a bite at his mother? One could just see the strenuous effort he's having to go through as he thinks about this particular problem and how to deal with it.

Lin Jun Kai grunted in discontent. He gently pulled on He Xiao's finger, "Mommy~ You'll only have eyes for Xiao Jun and daddy, right?"

Lin Jun Kai's voice was delicate, almost a whisper as if imploring him to assuage his insecurities with his response. He Xiao, whose finger was abruptly taken, paused his movements. He was a little lost to why his adorable son would suddenly ask this question, but nevertheless, he answered sincerely. "En. My eyes always will only be for you two... And Bao Bao. I swear on the heavens for this, Xiao Jun."

Tai Lichun didn't even need to be mentioned, he was already lumped together with Bao Bao at this point. It was only that it didn't mean that both of his eyes would be on this 'step-father' of his. One would be enough, or perhaps half of one.

The administrator who was just been spoken almost sneezed but stopped himself, otherwise it would break his cold CEO image. He covered his mouth, using the side of his forefinger to block his nostrils. His eyes darting around. Was it just his imagination?

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The author has something to say:

I have a couple chapters edited from the very first arc of this book. The story has changed... in a drastic manner? Kind of. I'll leave the link here that will take you to Patreon where you can read the first few chapters. Please let me know what you think! Have a wonderful rest of your day.

https://www.patreon.com/Yuiyui 

**The three 'experimental' chapters are free and you don't have to be a patreon member to read.