In addition to a few tables and counters in the rest area, there was also a circle of claw machines nearby. Seeing them, Qin Guanglin couldn't help but suggest, "Do you like those? I'll grab one for you."
"Don't bother. You can't catch them," she replied with a sidelong glance.
"What's so hard about it?" Qin Guanglin felt indignant. Though he'd never tried before, he was confident—just aim and control the claw, simple enough.
"There's nothing in there I like anyway," she said, shaking her head. Then, as if recalling something, a mischievous smile crept onto her face.
Qin Guanglin scratched his head, puzzled. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing." He Fang stood up, tossing her empty yogurt box into the trash. "Let's go; keep walking."
"Oh." Qin Guanglin took a last sip of his drink and followed her out of the mushroom-shaped rest area.
After a few steps, they turned a corner, and Qin Guanglin noticed a large willow tree draped with a sign reading **Haunted City** next to a castle-like building. "Hey, is that a haunted house?"
"Looks like it," she said, eyeing it casually.
"Let's try it out," he suggested, feeling a surge of excitement. After resting, he was eager for something thrilling.
"It's scary. Let's do something else," she hesitated, clearly uneasy.
"Scared, huh?" Qin Guanglin grinned. Her hesitation was a first; she's been fearless with every other ride.
"Of course, it's normal to feel scared—it's dark and creepy in there," she replied, still reluctant.
"That's the fun of it! Let's go." Qin Guanglin seized the opportunity, pulling her toward the haunted house.
Reluctantly, she followed in small steps, muttering, "Fine, I'll go in, but you'd better not scare me on purpose or wander off. If you do, I'll be mad."
"Relax; I'll hold onto you the whole time," Qin Guanglin promised as they reached the entrance.
A hefty worker in a demon mask appeared at a window by the entrance. "Two tickets? Come here."
Qin Guanglin felt a slight pang of apprehension when he saw the eerie decor, but her small hand gripping his tightly gave him courage. Oddly, he found himself enjoying her dependence on him.
"What's that smell?" she asked, wrinkling her nose.
Sniffing the air, he noticed it too. "It's a bit weird. Let's just head inside."
"Rotting corpses!" the masked worker declared cheerfully. "Enter here. If you can find the way out, you'll exit over there. Otherwise... hehehe!"
"Not finding the way out—how's that even possible?" Qin Guanglin dismissed the comment, turning to her. "Come on, follow me."
She clung to him even tighter, her free hand gripping his shirt hem as they slowly entered.
"There won't be people dressed up to scare us, will there?" he asked the worker, pausing at the threshold.
The man chuckled sinisterly. "There might be. There might not. Go on and find out."
Qin Guanglin rolled his eyes, taking her hand firmly. "Ignore him; let's go."
As they stepped inside, the world plunged into near-complete darkness. Dim purple lights barely illuminated the path, and ghostly music filled the air, accompanied by the occasional cold breeze.
"Haunted houses like this are the most basic kind," Qin Guanglin said, trying to sound knowledgeable. "They rely on darkness and sudden movements to scare you. Just remember, everything is fake, and you'll be fine."
Why not press close to him, clearly nervous, which made him stand taller and puff out his chest? The faint anxiety he'd felt earlier was gone, replaced by a strange sense of triumph.
A high-pitched cackle echoed from the right as a small, disheveled figure popped out of a wine jar.
"Ah!" she yelled, trembling as she clung to him.
Qin Guanglin flinched but quickly recovered, patting her back reassuringly. "It's fake, just fake. Don't be scared. Let's keep moving."
She buried her face against his shoulder, gripping him tightly and refusing to look around.
Is she really this scared? Qin Guanglin wondered, secretly amused. His own fear faded entirely, replaced by a surprising surge of confidence.
As they continued, various dummies and animatronics jumped out with startling sound effects. Qin Guanglin soon grew tired of the repetitive scares and found himself eager to leave. The dark, confined space was oppressive, and he longed for the bright openness outside.
The clanking of chains suddenly sounded from behind. He glanced back and saw a tall, shadowy figure wielding what looked like a massive axe. The figure began to close the distance with deliberate, menacing steps.
"Run!" Qin Guanglin urged, pulling her along.
She glanced back, screamed, and clung to him even more desperately.
The axe-wielding figure picked up its pace, the chains rattling ominously.
"Come on, faster!" Qin Guanglin said, his voice tense as he dragged her forward.
When she stumbled, he bent down and swept her up into his arms. "Hold tight!" he said, running as fast as he could.
Despite his stamina from college workouts, the chase was exhausting. Sweat dripped down his back as they navigated the winding corridors, the eerie sound effects and sudden scares growing increasingly aggravating.
When they reached a corner, Qin Guanglin darted into a dark alcove, pressing himself and her against the wall. He held his breath, listening intently for the pursuer.
The rattling chains drew closer, then stopped. The haunted house fell silent, heightening the tension.
"Is it gone?" she whispered softly.
"Not yet," he replied, still on edge.
In the faint light, she tilted her head up toward him. Before he could react, her lips brushed his—a fleeting, gentle kiss.
Caught off guard, Qin Guanglin froze.
"Was it soft?" she asked, her breath warm against his ear.
"What?" His mind blanked, still processing what had just happened.
She shifted slightly, and he realized his hand was still under her, supporting her.