281 - I Don’t Want to Be Turned Into the Female Protagonist by the System

Chapter 281: Hidden Motives Su Qi watched as the young bartender looked at her in surprise after what she'd just said, so she quickly clarified, "I'm actually 18 years old!" This revelation was quite shocking for the staff, considering that the previous day, Wang Yun had done Su Qi's makeup to look so youthful, she resembled a little girl. One person even blurted out unintentionally, "A legal loli?" The moment it left his lips, he realized how inappropriate it was and bowed to Su Qi in apology afterward. Su Qi didn't mind much since, compared to the myriad incidents in the entertainment world, this was barely a ripple in the pond. After explaining that she was indeed adult enough, Su Qi noticed that many of the staff still appeared somewhat formal around her. To ease their concerns and enhance her own gaming experience, she said, "Don't hold back; I'm ready!" Witnessing this spirited declaration from someone who looked like a little loli with her hands akimbo, the staff's morale took a noticeable upswing. After all, this adorable little girl was asking for it! What's more exhilarating than scaring a sweet-looking girl who's acting tough, right? Revitalized, the staff were soon cracking their knuckles, eager to showcase their best tricks and give this fearless girl a memorable lesson. Meanwhile, Wang Yun, after paying the 1000-yuan entry fee, discreetly slipped the bartender 300 yuan, saying, "Could you please scare my sister a bit more? Maybe even get her to cling to me. You see, she rarely does." Perceiving Wang Yun's desire to bond with her sister, the bartender understood completely. She also had a younger sibling at home and adored comforting her crying little sister with a hug. She responded with an okay gesture to Wang Yun. Simultaneously, Wang Zijin wasn't idle either. By chance, she noticed an acquaintance—a guy named Lin Fan, a student from Su University. Due to his financial circumstances, he had always worked diligently while studying, and Wang Zijin had even helped him get a dishwashing job in the school canteen. Unexpectedly, even just after school vacation started, she found him working part-time here! "Hello, President!" Lin Fan was genuinely thankful to Wang Zijin. After all, she had helped him secure a decent part-time job and apply for a scholarship. Moreover, being so beautiful and widely acknowledged as the campus belle, she had a flattering presence. If not for his feelings of inadequacy concerning their difference in family background, Lin Fan might have pursued her. But seeing Wang Zijin in her glamorous attire, he decided against it. Wang Zijin, however, was unaware of Lin Fan's inner thoughts. She truly didn't care much about family backgrounds, considering her position as the student council president wasn't about social climbing. Observing Lin Fan's slight unease, Wang Zijin didn't pay it much mind. As student council president, she was used to interacting with many people. More importantly, she had something significant planned. Thinking it over, Wang Zijin said, "Lin Fan, could you do something for me?" After hearing Wang Zijin's request, Lin Fan glanced at the introduction screen for the asylum-themed attraction and nodded. Per the president's suggestion, during their experience, they would ensure the president's sister had a room to herself—a simple enough request. In haunted houses, it was common even for couples to get separated, let alone a few girls; just a little intentional guidance was needed. On the side, An Ning had long noticed her friend's subtle maneuvers. After all, they had known each other for so long, but she chose not to expose it as she had her own plans. Scaring her own beloved? That's a task she'd like to handle personally. At that moment, Su Qi was earnestly going over the game rules, thinking, wasn't this straightforward? Just follow the clues across ten rooms to find the right exit to escape, with some traps and jump scares along the way! Though, she thought, for the 250 yuan ticket price, it was quite steep! Inside, Su Qi felt a pang of financial sting, causing her sweet little face to tighten with concern. Seeing her like this, many staff members observing surreptitiously felt invigorated, thinking, they'd definitely make her cry later! The young bartender received signals that the staff were in position and asked the four of them, "Are you all ready?" All four nodded simultaneously. After all, their preparations were done. The bartender then restarted the spooky background music, saying, "Then I wish you four a pleasant game!" The large venue doors opened, leading them into a narrow corridor. Hearing the sporadic heartbeat-like sounds in the air, Su Qi thought the haunted house's atmosphere was quite effective, making her feel a tad nervous. As the group was about to enter the first room, they heard a 'creak' behind them as if the door they'd just come through was slowly closing. The sound caught Su Qi’s attention. As she looked back at the doorway, she suddenly glimpsed a shadowy face flash by, the visage both defiant and grotesque, vanishing just as quickly. Though she knew it was fake, an inexplicable tension gripped Su Qi, and she involuntarily tightened her grip on the hands of her companions. Wang Zijin and An Ning were also feeling some tension, and when they felt their partner grip their hands tighter, they could feel their own nervousness transform into excitement. After all, soft and fragrant Su Qi rarely initiated touch with them, usually only showing affection while pleading for something, and always within certain parameters. But who wouldn’t want their partner to be a little more forward at times? Especially when Su Qi was so adorably tender today. "Little one, are you scared?" Even Wang Yun, noticing Su Qi's change, had to admit the haunted house's ambiance was somewhat chilling. The appearance of that face earlier had even managed to cause her a hint of fear. Keep in mind, when Wang Yun was the vice president in college, she participated in planning and designing haunted houses. Back then, she loved seeking thrills in such places, and it took something very special to startle her. Now, she was increasingly looking forward to this haunted house experience. Su Qi, being asked this, couldn't let herself be underestimated. She let go of her companions' hands and strode ahead to lead the group, trying to demonstrate her fearlessness with her actions. The young bartender silently watched the surveillance screen, thinking this little girl was indeed too cute! With a package of tissues ready in hand, she was prepared to wipe away the little girl's tears later. “Creak—” An old wooden door with a chilly aura was pushed open by Su Qi's small hand. She didn't stride in hastily, having learned from her experience with two earlier haunted houses where rushing often led to something sudden appearing before her. She was definitely going to be startled! However, after waiting five seconds, nothing suspicious happened! Feeling the gaze of the three girls behind her, Su Qi had no choice but to muster the courage and step into the room. Upon entering, she felt a sticky sensation beneath her feet. Looking down instinctively, she noticed dim, yellowish light illuminating a patchy, uneven floor with puddles of water. The entire room exuded an abandoned, desolate vibe. Suddenly, a raspy voice echoed from the front, "Welcome, young ones!" Hearing this, not only Su Qi but also the three behind her widened their eyes! Because the old man in a black gown sitting in a wheelchair had appeared so unexpectedly, as if out of nowhere! Even though she hadn't encountered a single ghost yet, Su Qi felt a shiver of horror creeping into the atmosphere. Just then, Su Qi felt a hand grab hers! Looking instinctively, she found her wife, Zijin, holding her hand. In this dimly lit little room, only a single flickering, dim bulb provided light. Due to the weak illumination, Su Qi couldn't discern the expression on her wife Zijin’s face, but from her demeanor, she could tell Zijin was somewhat scared! This triggered Su Qi's protective instincts. Her petite figure shielded Wang Zijin as she boldly declared, "Zijin, you stay behind me. I'll protect you!" Before Su Qi could finish her sentence, the old man interrupted. Friendly Reminder: If your bookshelf and reading logs are lost, try visiting novel543.com and reopening your bookshelf! Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter Contact Us