novelraw Chapter 130: The Big Red Flower in Any Form
Chapter 130: The Big Red Flower in Any Form
The woman who resembled a pale, emotionless statue glanced at him and said in an unpleasant voice, "Teacher Yan certainly knows a lot."
[Writer] smiled but didn't take up the conversation thread.
"However, if Teacher Yan wants one, I can demonstrate for you right now."
The word 'demonstrate' felt somewhat strange.
Xiao Gui'an sensed something was off.
In his view, Teacher Xu directly picked up the silver needle from the lectern, then inserted it into the flesh of her own hand.
She slowly traced it across, fine blood marks appearing on her pale hand. When she finished 'drawing', a crooked, roughly recognizable red flower pattern appeared as a wound before Xiao Gui'an.
Seeing this, [Writer]'s originally gentle eyes suddenly deepened.
"This is truly..."
The dark-haired young man spoke calmly but didn't complete his sentence, leaving some indescribable meaning hanging.He still didn't know what punishment would follow if tasks weren't completed.
It was probably far more terrifying than carving flowers on the back of one's hand.
Losing an entire hand wasn't out of the question.
One of the explicitly stated punishments in the rules was being sent to the 'Punishment Room', which was undoubtedly even worse.
"At least this way, the reward can last longer."
Teacher Xu didn't seem to find anything wrong with this approach, merely stating it matter-of-factly.
If the Big Red Flower were actually a sticker or some physical object that players had to obtain through their own exploration, could it be stolen?
From another perspective, Teacher Xu's method might actually protect the rights of players who obtained the Big Red Flower.
Compared to possibly suffering more terrifying punishments, enduring temporary pain might buy longer-term safety.
Xiao Gui'an fell silent.
"Of course, if Teacher Yan prefers sticker-like forms, you can ask Teacher Luo or the Acting Director."
Before [Writer] arrived, the orphanage only had three teachers. The 'Teacher Luo' Teacher Xu referred to was probably yesterday's ghostly old woman.
"'Big Red Flower' is just a formality. After obtaining the Acting Director's permission, Teacher Yan can choose whatever form..."
The pale-faced woman continued speaking but abruptly stopped when she glimpsed something from the corner of her eye.
Her gaze had landed outside the window. It was unclear what Teacher Xu had just seen.
[Writer] reacted instantly, immediately looking up. Beyond the closed windows lay desolate floral arrangements.
Several dead trees leaned against the wall corners, their dried bark devoid of life's vitality.
Only rough textures and brown bark remained as several black crows happened to take flight, just disappearing from his view.
The easygoing dark-haired man narrowed his eyes slightly, seeming to consider something, then withdrew his gaze and smiled. "So that's how it is, I understand."
He didn't offer thanks or directly acknowledge the ghost's guidance before him—perhaps this was the best way to protect Teacher Xu.
Who knew if other prying eyes watched here?
[Writer]'s gaze lightly swept across the clock hanging on the wall, so subtle it went completely unnoticed.
Their conversation on the platform, while not particularly loud, was heard by almost everyone in the extremely quiet classroom.
Xu Zisheng was among those who had consciously turned their heads and pricked up their ears to listen carefully, his knitting movements slowing noticeably.
When [Writer] finished speaking, he glanced up briefly at the Writer, then as he withdrew his gaze, his eyes happened to meet two other pairs of eyes mid-air.
Both groups had formed some suspicions about each other's identities.
The same went for last night's events.
In that lightning-fast moment, they conducted silent mental communication through their intersecting gazes, then each lowered their heads without revealing anything, busying themselves with their tasks.
Xu Zisheng lowered his head, thinking.
Perhaps he should properly discuss matters with these two individuals, revealing some currently held information as exchange—they'd probably gained something too.
Most importantly, he couldn't let them discover his identity as the 'Final Cursed Child'.
These two individuals, suspected to be official personnel, possessed considerable strength. Working together, they could probably clear this instance more effectively.
This eerie instance's level seemed somewhat too high—going solo would likely be too difficult.
Cheng He and Yang Qianqian's thoughts aligned quite closely with Xu Zisheng's.
Moreover, they realized this individual called 'Xiao Wu' might even have some connection with [Writer].
Perhaps they could extract more advantageous clues from him later.
After they finished knitting a scarf together, to better complete the task and obtain another Big Red Flower, they needed to finish a second scarf within the remaining time.
This primarily tested individual capability—seeing who could meet the task requirements before the class-ending bell rang.
Teacher Xu was quite different from other ghosts.
This point had already registered in Xu Zisheng's mind.
That's why Yang Qianqian sought more interaction with Teacher Xu—her handicraft work had been quite good these past two days.
Gaining more opportunities to stay close to her, hoping to uncover useful information from her.
Because [Writer] helped today, the remaining players all completed their respective tasks within the allotted time.
The third morning's classes featured [Writer] first, followed by Teacher Xu's relatively easier-to-complete requirements.
Without excessive obstacles, they barely finished today's handicraft work as the final bell rang.
As long as they didn't make major mistakes going forward, they had secured another day's survival in this terrifying place.
"Ring—"
Yang Qianqian obtained the second Big Red Flower again today.
Looking at the nearly finished scarf in his hands, Xu Zisheng mentally clicked his tongue, then maintained his composure as Teacher Xu carved the bloody pattern on the back of his hand.
The morning classes had all concluded, followed by lunchtime and brief free activity period. After lunch, they would face their second major cleaning session.
[Writer] followed the main group, moving closer to Xu Zisheng.
He gently picked up the limping Xiao Yong as usual, supporting him with one arm while his other hand rested slightly at his side, slender and bony fingers hanging loosely.
"Teacher Yan..." The thin boy looked up at the young man before him, his eyes showing traces of dependence and longing. He glanced twice at the birthmarked boy being carried, then mumbled, "Can I hold your hand while walking?"
"Of course you can."
Actually, at this point, [Writer] would have agreed to any orphan's request.
The others simply watched, missing this golden opportunity.
Clearly, they hadn't expected Xu Zisheng to be so bold.
The chance to seek the Writer's protection had been snatched away.
Xu Zisheng successfully held [Writer]'s hand.
Of course, the Cursed Child never did anything without purpose.
Using the cover of [Writer]'s palm, he began lightly tapping Morse code into the other's hand.
Although unsure whether Mr. Yan understood Morse code, [Writer] already represented near-complete reliability in his mind, so he assumed the other would understand.
Feeling the completely different sensation transmitted through his palm, Xiao Gui'an didn't immediately comprehend.
Only when the rhythm seemed unusual did he realize Xu Zisheng was using their hand-holding opportunity to transmit information.
Xiao Gui'an: ???
The Proxy System slowly came online at this moment, proving quite reliable as it haltingly translated Xu Zisheng's transmitted messages sentence by sentence for Xiao Gui'an.
Essentially, Xu Zisheng reorganized last night's collected information, raised several suspicious points, then conveyed to [Writer] his intention to contact the two suspected official personnel.
After the other finished transmitting all messages, [Writer] smiled lightly, slightly tightened his grip on the thin boy's hand, lowered his gaze slightly, and gave him an 'I understand everything' look.
While concealed, he provided Xu Zisheng with additional information.
About the painting he saw in the corridor when visiting the Acting Director's office.
And that one hint.
[Young Friend Xu, perhaps that child has always missed its friend—is him, and is her]
This was the information [Writer] transmitted to Xu Zisheng.
Xu Zisheng could even imagine [Writer]'s leisurely, mysterious attitude when saying these words—somewhat carefree, yet somewhat caring.
His eyes seemed to contain everything, yet appeared to hold nothing.
[Writer]'s attitude had always been quite casual. Regarding what this instance truly was, he probably never cared.
Having drifted through the 『Void Realm』 for so long, he happened upon the orphanage as a resting place, so he entered it.
Whatever secrets lay inside, he might fully understand.
Even if he didn't, given [Writer]'s Hierarchical Status, he probably wouldn't be interested anyway.
He seemed more like an outsider observer, acting according to his whims—intervening when he felt like it, calmly and objectively examining everything when uninterested.
Giving him hints was probably due to their previous connection, wanting to see how far he could go, what stance he would take to clear this instance, bringing him more surprises.
Regardless of what the gentleman truly thought, Xu Zisheng remained grateful for these revelations.
Holding [Writer]'s hand, the faint warmth transmitted from the other's palm made it easy to momentarily believe [Writer] was still alive.
If the gentleman were truly alive, perhaps they could have become good friends.
What a pity—
This would forever remain impossible.