Chapter 10: The "Little Accident" at the Carousel
The derelict carousel stood eerily in the sunlight, its peeling paint exposing rotting wood. The wind stirred, causing the metal to creak and groan, sending shivers down the spine. Chen Jing held up her flashlight, aiming it toward the camera with a professional smile that only barely concealed her unease.
"Everyone, here it is—the legendary haunted carousel," she announced, sweeping the light across the warped seats and toppled horses. "They say this thing spins on its own at night, accompanied by the laughter of children. Classic haunted landmark. Don't forget to take screenshots!"
The livestream chat lit up like fireworks:
"Miss Chen, ride one of the horses!"
"Where's the handsome assistant? Get him on!"
"Even in broad daylight, this place is creepy AF."
Chen Jing shot a glance over her shoulder at Lucifer, who stood with his arms crossed, his aloof expression unchanging. "The audience is demanding your presence. Don't you think you should thank me for boosting your popularity?"
Lucifer's cold gaze flickered toward her. "The trivial whims of mortals are none of my concern."
"Tch, always the high-and-mighty act," Chen Jing muttered before turning back to the camera. "Everyone, meet my icy assistant. He comes with a full-on brooding aura, so don't expect much conversation. That's what we call mystique in this business."
The chat instantly erupted:
"Mystique = Handsome Guy's OP skill!"
"Cool and brooding assistant? I'm swooning!"
"Chen Jing, no way this guy's just your assistant. Stop lying!"
Suppressing a laugh, Chen Jing quipped, "You guys stop it. He really is just an assistant!"
As she crouched down to inspect the base of the carousel with her flashlight, something caught her eye—odd symbols carved into the wood. She waved at Lucifer. "Hey, come here. These markings look like your Hell mumbo jumbo. Any idea what they are?"
Lucifer strode over, crouching to scrutinize the symbols. His expression darkened. "These are remnants of an ancient summoning ritual. Crude but unmistakably used."
"Really?" Chen Jing took out her phone to get a close-up. "Audience, you're witnessing a bona fide discovery here! Feel free to send gifts; I'm risking my life for this footage!"
Smugly entertaining her audience, she shifted her position slightly—only to lose her footing on the uneven ground.
"Ah—!" she shrieked as she fell backward.
Lucifer moved swiftly, grabbing her arm to steady her. However, his strength caused her to lose her balance entirely, and she ended up crashing into his chest.
For a moment, they were frozen in place, their faces so close that Chen Jing could feel his breath. Her cheeks flushed as she stammered, "Why… why so rough?"
"You couldn't even stay on your feet, yet you blame me?" Lucifer's brow furrowed, his voice cold but tinged with an odd undertone. He released her and stepped back. "Next time you fall, don't expect me to help."
"Who needs your help!" Chen Jing quickly composed herself, smoothing her clothes as she turned away to hide her reddening face. "That was just… an accident!"
The chat exploded in excitement:
"OMG, he caught her! Romance alert!"
"The brooding assistant saves the day!"
"Miss Chen is blushing! I'm shipping it!"
Chen Jing shot a glare at the comments, gritting her teeth. "Stop it! There was no hug! No romance! Say it again, and I'm ending the stream!"
Lucifer, unfazed, glanced at the camera and remarked coldly, "Why do mortals obsess over meaningless physical contact?"
"Shut up!" Chen Jing barked, clearly mortified.
Once she'd regained her composure, she turned the flashlight back to the symbols, grumbling, "What even is this stuff? Looks like random scribbles."
Lucifer leaned down, his fingers brushing over the carvings. Suddenly, the carousel emitted a low groan, and the decayed horses began to rotate slowly.
"It's moving!" Chen Jing exclaimed, stepping back.
The chat went wild:
"Holy crap, it's haunted for real!"
"Miss Chen, run!"
"Where's the assistant? Protect her!"
Lucifer stood, his expression calm. "This is no supernatural event—just a hidden mechanism triggered by the symbols. However, it's incomplete."
"What? After all that, you're telling me it's just a dud?" Chen Jing threw her hands up, spinning toward the camera. "Audience, you heard him. My assistant is officially useless!"
The chat roared with laughter:
"LOL, cold but accurate."
"Miss Chen, make him do something!"
"Come back at night for the real deal!"
Chen Jing sighed dramatically, packing up her gear. "So, what's next? Are you seriously suggesting we come back tonight?"
Lucifer's gaze drifted to the shadows at the edge of the park. After a pause, he replied, "The night… is the only way to uncover the truth."
"Oh?" Chen Jing smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You're not afraid of the dark, are you? Come on, admit it—the King of Hell is scared of ghosts!"
Lucifer's expression faltered for the briefest moment before he scoffed. "The King of Hell fears nothing. The night simply offers strategic advantages."
"Sure, sure," Chen Jing teased, laughing until tears streamed down her face. "Don't worry, I'll protect you!"
"Enough," Lucifer snapped, though his tone lacked its usual menace.
As they exited the park, Chen Jing turned to her livestream audience with a grin. "Alright, folks, that's it for now! Our icy assistant says the real action happens at night, so stay tuned!"
The chat erupted again:
"Nighttime stream! We're ready!"
"Miss Chen, don't forget your assistant!"
"Assistant, don't wimp out on us!"
Laughing, Chen Jing said, "Relax, I've got this. If I chicken out tonight, I'll even sing a song as punishment!"
The comments instantly lit up:
"Song threat! Beware!"
"Flag planted. Let's see if she eats her words!"
"The assistant better back her up!"
Shutting off the stream, Chen Jing tucked her phone away with a sigh of relief. She glanced at Lucifer, who was staring into the distance, seemingly lost in thought.
"Hey, King of Hell," she called, cocking her head. "What's on your mind now? Some deep philosophical musing about life and death?"
Lucifer's gaze sharpened as he turned to her. "I was considering the threats we might face tonight."
Chen Jing grinned, leaning closer. "You're not nervous, are you? Don't worry, I've got a flashlight and my viewers. You'll be fine."
Lucifer's jaw tightened. "The threats in the dark are not to be taken lightly. However… I will ensure our survival."
"Good to know." Chen Jing patted his shoulder with a smirk. "Don't worry, big guy. I'll be there to hold your hand if you get scared."
Lucifer huffed in irritation but said nothing, his eyes fixed on the darkening horizon as they left the park.