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The front door was locked tight and the back door had swung open on its own. It was a classic setup for a horror story, and it worked perfectly. Hu Tao's heart hammered against her ribs like a frantic bird. She gripped the handle of the door in front of her and twisted it with all her might, but it refused to budge. The game was forcing her to turn around and face whatever had just entered the hallway behind her.
Hu Tao felt a wave of bitter grievance wash over her. She was the majestic Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, known throughout Liyue for being the most daring soul in the harbor, yet here she was, getting spooked by a flickering light and a draft of cold air. She told herself that as long as she had a weapon in her hand to fight back, she would be completely fearless. But in this digital world, she was defenseless.
For the sake of her reputation, she knew she couldn't stand there forever. With a heavy sigh of reluctance, she slowly began to pivot her feet. She moved her perspective inch by inch along the wall, bracing herself for a jump scare. To her immense relief, no ghost appeared directly behind her.
However, the bathroom door was now standing slightly ajar, inviting her to look inside. The dark crack in the doorway faced the corner of the corridor, and she watched as several more cockroaches scurried out from the shadows within. Her heart felt like a drum being beaten in a fast rhythm as she forced her character to approach. The onlookers in the cafe held their collective breath, their eyes glued to the monitor.
Finally, Hu Tao reached the bathroom door. She leaned in, trying to peer through the narrow gap into the pitch-black interior. She kept whispering words of encouragement to herself, slowly moving her head closer and closer to the opening.
Suddenly, a pale, gaunt face lunged out from the darkness of the crack. The door slammed shut with a deafening bang right in her face.
That was the final straw. Hu Tao let out a genuine shriek of terror and leaped straight up from the sofa. Her jump was so high and fueled by so much adrenaline that she landed squarely on Li Mo's shoulders, her legs locking tightly around his neck in a panic. She ripped the virtual headset off her face, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and fury.
Grandpa Zhongli! Smash this place! Smash this broken internet cafe to pieces right now!
She was absolutely mortified. The game had actually managed to embarrass her in front of a crowd. To save face, she decided the entire establishment had to go. Zhongli, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward to calm her down.
Now, now, Director, please stay calm. There is no need for such drastic measures. That game was truly unsettling; even we were frightened just watching it.
Hu Tao looked down at the group of onlookers and saw that they all looked pale and shaken. Seeing that they were just as scared as she was made her feel a little better, and her anger began to subside into a pout. Li Mo, still acting as a human chair, gave her leg a gentle pat.
I hate to break up the moment, Director, but don't you think it's time to come down?
Hu Tao looked down, finally realizing she was perched on Li Mo's shoulders. Her face turned a bright shade of crimson as she scrambled off him and smoothed out her clothes.
Cough... well, anyway! This shop of yours... the Hall Master finds it quite interesting. Just try not to scare anyone to death, or you'll be giving me too much business to handle!
Trying to hide her lingering embarrassment, she beat a hasty retreat, signaling for Zhongli to follow her. Li Mo watched them go, realizing only after they disappeared around the corner that she hadn't actually paid her fee. Still, considering she was his landlord and had only played for ten minutes, he decided to let it slide. Besides, he couldn't complain too much about the brief, fragrant encounter on his shoulders.
Liyue never lacked wealthy people, nor did it lack people with more curiosity than common sense. Even though the crowd had been terrified by Hu Tao's experience, the novelty of the technology was too tempting to resist. Many people stepped forward, waving their Mora pouches.
Hey, give me an hour! I want to try that horror game too!
I'm not afraid! A hundred Mora is a small price to pay to see something from another world!
I'll skip the scary one, let me try that digging game. I'm a man of great perseverance, I can handle it!
The guests swarmed the counter, and Li Mo happily collected their money one by one. Business was booming far better than he had expected, though he quickly realized twenty machines wouldn't be enough for long. Those who couldn't get a seat hovered around, buying snacks and drinks from the counter while they waited their turn.
Most importantly, the emotional points were rolling in. The system didn't care if a person was playing or just watching; as long as they felt strong emotions, Li Mo gained points. Hu Tao had provided a massive burst of points during her scare, while Zhongli had provided almost nothing, his steady, rock-like personality proving difficult to shake.
Meanwhile, Hu Tao and Zhongli made their way back to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. As soon as they were behind closed doors, Hu Tao turned to her consultant.
Zhongli, you felt it too, didn't you? There's something strange about that shop. My elemental power completely vanished the moment I sat down.
Zhongli took a deep breath, his expression unusually serious. It was not just you, Director. I found myself unable to tap into any elemental energy as well. Even the natural strength of my body was suppressed, leaving me no stronger than a common mortal.
Hu Tao's jaw dropped. She knew, even if they didn't speak it aloud, exactly who Zhongli really was. If the oldest and most powerful of the Seven, the Lord of Rock himself, was being suppressed by a simple internet cafe, then Li Mo was far more dangerous than he looked.
She stayed silent for a long time, processing the shock, before finally blurting out, "Darn it! If I had known that place was so special, I would have moved our headquarters right into that storefront!"
Zhongli could only blink in surprise. "Wait, what?"