Ch. 21The Red Iron Gate

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu receives a call from Qin Liu, who asks him to leave the house, but he refuses.
  • Qin Liu, angry at Liu Haoyu's offerings of garter stockings, decides to scare him into leaving.
  • Liu Haoyu has a dream where he chases a woman in a red wedding dress to a rusty, blood-stained iron gate, behind which trapped spirits beg to be let out.

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu: Despite Qin Liu's request, he decides to stay in the house, curious about the ghost and having no other place to live. He has a terrifying dream that leaves him sweating and anxious.
  • Qin Liu: She's initially angry at Liu Haoyu's offerings but decides not to harm him. She tries to scare him by entering his dream, causing him to have a nightmare.

Significant Themes

  • The tension between Liu Haoyu and Qin Liu, with Liu Haoyu's curiosity and Qin Liu's desire to protect her home and herself.
  • The theme of trapped spirits, as seen in Liu Haoyu's dream, suggesting a dark history or presence in the house.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Qin Liu: Their interaction is primarily through Liu Haoyu's dream, with Qin Liu trying to scare Liu Haoyu and Liu Haoyu unknowingly interacting with Qin Liu in his dream.

Ch. 22The Third Killer

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu has a vivid dream about a rusty iron gate, which he believes could be the entrance to the basement.
  • He searches the haunted house for the gate but finds nothing.
  • Liu Haoyu decides to go to the city center police station to give a statement and deliver the last strand of black hair to the third prisoner.
  • He overhears a conversation about the internet celebrity Liu Xiaoxiao's gruesome murder and the mysterious deaths of her killers in custody.
  • Officer Li Rongjun tells Liu Haoyu about the deaths of the two murderers in the detention center and the unsolved case of the third murderer's family.

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu becomes more determined to find the truth about the haunted house and the Fierce Ghost.
  • Officer Li Rongjun shows trust in Liu Haoyu by sharing confidential information about the case.

Significant Themes

  • The supernatural and its influence on the living.
  • The consequences of one's actions and the inability to escape them.
  • The struggle between truth and disbelief.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu interacts with Officer Li Rongjun, who shares confidential information about the case.
  • Liu Haoyu overhears a conversation between two men discussing the Liu Xiaoxiao case and the strange deaths of her killers.

Ch. 23The Contaminated Red Jade

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu and Li Rongjun discuss the recent Fierce Ghost cases, with Li Rongjun suspecting Liu Haoyu knows more than he's letting on.
  • Liu Haoyu consults the Black Book, which warns him about the danger in the haunted house and the red-clothed Fierce Ghost.
  • Liu Haoyu visits Elder Deng's shop and learns that his Red Jade has been polluted by a powerful Fierce Ghost's resentment.
  • Deng Xiaolin, Liu Haoyu's friend, is upset after being scolded for her encounter with a ghost at the reservoir. Liu Haoyu comforts her.

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu remains determined to investigate the haunted house despite the Black Book's warnings.
  • Deng Xiaolin is shown to be more sensitive to supernatural entities, as she sees a red shadow behind Liu Haoyu.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of facing one's fears is reinforced as Liu Haoyu decides to continue investigating the haunted house.
  • The power dynamics between Fierce Ghosts and humans are explored, with the red-clothed Fierce Ghost's strength being emphasized.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Li Rongjun have a tense exchange, with Li Rongjun suspecting Liu Haoyu's involvement in the cases.
  • Liu Haoyu comforts Deng Xiaolin, showing his caring nature towards his friends.
  • Liu Haoyu and Elder Deng discuss the polluted Red Jade, with Elder Deng providing valuable information about Fierce Ghosts.

Ch. 24Afraid She Came to Exorcise Herself

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu and Deng Xiaolin encounter a ghost, likely Qin Liu, who follows them unnoticed.
  • Liu Haoyu realizes Qin Liu has been following him through the Red Jade.
  • Qin Liu escapes into the city and discovers she's in a world identical to her previous life.
  • Deng Xiaolin wants to visit Liu Haoyu's haunted house, and he agrees, hoping she can help find Qin Liu or the basement's location.
  • Qin Liu returns to Red Jade and sees Deng Xiaolin preparing to exorcise her, causing her to retreat.

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu: Realizes Qin Liu has been following him and considers using Deng Xiaolin's abilities to find her.
  • Deng Xiaolin: Shows excitement and curiosity about ghosts, revealing her ability to see them. She's determined to visit Liu Haoyu's haunted house.
  • Qin Liu: Discovers she's in a world similar to her previous life and decides to find her sister. She's cautious about Liu Haoyu and retreats when she sees Deng Xiaolin preparing to exorcise her.

Significant Themes

  • The dangers of women engaging in ghost hunting and exorcism.
  • The power of the Red Jade and its restrictions.
  • Qin Liu's desire to find her sister and her fear of Liu Haoyu.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Deng Xiaolin: They interact cautiously, with Liu Haoyu shielding Deng Xiaolin from the ghost and eventually agreeing to take her to his haunted house.
  • Qin Liu and Liu Haoyu: Qin Liu follows Liu Haoyu unnoticed, and he realizes her presence but doesn't confront her yet.
  • Qin Liu and Deng Xiaolin: Qin Liu sees Deng Xiaolin preparing to exorcise her and retreats, showing her fear of being discovered.

Ch. 25A Little Fright Never Hurt Anyone

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu brings Deng Xiaolin to the haunted house, planning to use her to scare off the ghost, Qin Liu.
  • Deng Xiaolin wakes up in the middle of the night, feeling cold and alone in the room.
  • She sees a figure swaying outside the window but finds nothing when she checks.
  • She hears a dripping sound and feels something cold on her back, panicking.
  • She swings her Peach Wood Sword, seemingly hitting nothing, and the cold sensation disappears.
  • A hanged figure appears in the room, which turns out to be Deng Xiaolin herself.

Character Developments

  • Deng Xiaolin: Initially excited about staying in the haunted house, she becomes terrified when faced with supernatural occurrences. Her courage is tested, and she learns to confront her fears.
  • Liu Haoyu: He remains calm and collected, using Deng Xiaolin as a means to an end, showing no fear himself.

Significant Themes

  • Courage and Fear: Deng Xiaolin's journey from excitement to terror explores the theme of courage in the face of fear.
  • Manipulation: Liu Haoyu manipulates Deng Xiaolin's situation to achieve his goals, raising questions about his methods and the potential consequences.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Deng Xiaolin: Liu Haoyu remains distant and unconcerned about Deng Xiaolin's well-being, using her to scare off the ghost. Deng Xiaolin, on the other hand, seeks his protection but is left to face her fears alone.

Ch. 26Tricked!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Deng Xiaolin encounters a terrifying ghost and tries to escape but finds the door locked with hair.
  • She faints after feeling something on her head and seeing blood.
  • Qin Liu, the ghost, appears and tries to control Deng Xiaolin to take her to Jiangliu City.
  • Deng Xiaolin breaks free from Qin Liu's control when she touches the door, revealing it's covered in talismans.
  • Liu Haoyu, who was seemingly asleep, greets Qin Liu, indicating he's aware of her presence.

Character Developments

  • Deng Xiaolin: Shows extreme fear and faints upon encountering the ghost, but later regains some composure.
  • Qin Liu: Reveals her intention to find her sister and return to Jiangliu City. Her ghostly powers are shown when she controls Deng Xiaolin.
  • Liu Haoyu: Demonstrates his awareness of Qin Liu's presence and his ability to set traps using talismans.

Significant Themes

  • Fear and its consequences (Deng Xiaolin's reaction to the ghost).
  • Control and manipulation (Qin Liu's use of mental control on Deng Xiaolin).
  • Awareness and deception (Liu Haoyu's trap and his greeting to Qin Liu).

Character Interactions

  • Deng Xiaolin and Qin Liu: Qin Liu tries to control Deng Xiaolin, but Deng Xiaolin breaks free from her influence.
  • Liu Haoyu and Qin Liu: Liu Haoyu greets Qin Liu, indicating he's aware of her presence and has set a trap for her.

Ch. 27Suspicious of Ghost Life

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu senses Qin Liu, a Fierce Ghost, in Deng Xiaolin's house.
  • Qin Liu communicates with Liu Haoyu, revealing she wants to go to Jiangliu City.
  • Liu Haoyu warns Qin Liu that staying in the haunted house will make her go mad and become a mindless killer.
  • Qin Liu asks about the garter and white stockings Liu Haoyu gave her, misunderstanding his intentions.
  • Liu Haoyu expresses his curiosity about Qin Liu's appearance in white stockings, causing her to flee in fright.

Character Developments

  • Qin Liu: Reveals she retains a clear consciousness and communicates with Liu Haoyu. She expresses a desire to go to Jiangliu City but is secretive about her past. She becomes frightened and flees after Liu Haoyu's unusual request.
  • Liu Haoyu: Shows curiosity about Qin Liu's appearance and expresses his admiration for white stockings. He tries to reason with Qin Liu but ultimately scares her off with his unusual request.

Significant Themes

  • Communication and Understanding: The chapter explores the difficulties in communicating and understanding between the living and the dead, as well as between individuals with different perspectives.
  • Fear and Misunderstanding: Qin Liu's fear of Liu Haoyu's intentions and her misunderstanding of his words lead to her fleeing, highlighting how fear and misunderstanding can drive actions.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Qin Liu: Their interaction is marked by curiosity, misunderstanding, and fear. Liu Haoyu tries to reason with Qin Liu, but his unusual request causes her to flee.

Ch. 28This Also Counts as Cohabitation

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu tries to give Qin Liu stockings but realizes she can't wear them, so he burns them as an offering.
  • Deng Xiaolin reveals she also dreamt of being hanged, which surprises Liu Haoyu.
  • Liu Haoyu and Deng Xiaolin search the haunted house for a blood-red iron door at midnight.
  • They chase after Qin Liu's red shadow but lose her. Liu Haoyu discovers they're in a strange wilderness, with a tomb exit behind them.

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu shows understanding and consideration towards Qin Liu's situation, trying to help her despite her being a ghost.
  • Deng Xiaolin shows bravery and determination to help Liu Haoyu, despite her initial fear of ghosts.
  • Liu Haoyu remains calm and collected even in the face of the unknown and dangerous situation in the haunted house.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of communication and understanding between the living and the dead is explored as Liu Haoyu tries to connect with Qin Liu.
  • The power of determination and courage is shown through Deng Xiaolin's willingness to help Liu Haoyu despite her fears.
  • The theme of the unknown and the supernatural is prevalent as Liu Haoyu and Deng Xiaolin encounter strange phenomena in the haunted house.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Deng Xiaolin work together to search the haunted house, with Liu Haoyu providing guidance and protection, and Deng Xiaolin using her spiritual sight.
  • Liu Haoyu's calm and collected demeanor helps reassure Deng Xiaolin, while his flippant remarks sometimes annoy her.
  • Liu Haoyu's interaction with Qin Liu is limited to chasing after her red shadow, showing his determination to communicate with her.

Ch. 29Burial Mound of Qin Liu

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu and Deng Xiaolin are teleported to a hill 60 kilometers away from Liu Haoyu's house after exploring the haunted house.
  • They find an old cenotaph with no names, just an entrance to a tomb.
  • Liu Haoyu decides to explore the tomb despite Deng Xiaolin's fear.
  • Inside the tomb passage, they find scattered porcelain pieces, indicating the owner was wealthy.
  • They reach the tomb chamber, finding only a memorial tablet with the inscription "Tomb of Qin Liu."

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu: Shows determination and curiosity, willing to explore the tomb despite potential danger.
  • Deng Xiaolin: Initially scared, but gains courage after being with Liu Haoyu, showing a mix of fear and curiosity.

Significant Themes

  • The supernatural: The teleportation and the existence of the haunted house and Qin Liu as a ghost reinforce the supernatural theme.
  • Exploration vs. fear: Liu Haoyu's desire to explore contrasts with Deng Xiaolin's fear, highlighting the theme of overcoming fear to uncover truth.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Deng Xiaolin: They support each other, with Liu Haoyu reassuring Deng Xiaolin and Deng Xiaolin accompanying Liu Haoyu despite her fear. Their interaction shows a growing bond and trust.

Ch. 30More Unknowns

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu and Deng Xiaolin discover Qin Liu's tomb, which is desolate and untended.
  • They find Qin Liu's spirit tablet with her birth and death dates, indicating she lived only ten years.
  • Liu Haoyu offers food and incense at the altar as a token of respect.
  • They leave the tomb and try to hitch a ride back to the city. A driver in an old-model car offers them a ride, but he seems strange.
  • The driver takes a wrong turn, and the car's environment becomes eerie. Deng Xiaolin's phone shows the driver died ten years ago.

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu demonstrates respect for the deceased by offering food and incense, showing his compassionate side.
  • Deng Xiaolin shows courage in facing the eerie situation, despite being scared.

Significant Themes

  • The unknown: The chapter explores the theme of the unknown, with Liu Haoyu encountering more questions than answers about Qin Liu's background.
  • Death and the afterlife: The discovery of Qin Liu's tomb and the encounter with the deceased driver highlight the theme of death and what happens after.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Deng Xiaolin work together to navigate the strange situation, with Liu Haoyu trying to protect Deng Xiaolin and both of them trying to figure out what's happening.
  • Liu Haoyu shows concern for Deng Xiaolin's safety, asking her to check the driver's license plate while he keeps an eye on the driver.

Ch. 31Robbery

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Deng Xiaolin and Liu Haoyu encounter a ghost in the form of a driver, who was killed ten years ago in the same car.
  • The ghost, a Fierce Ghost, tries to attack them but backs down when Liu Haoyu threatens him with ghost-hunting tools.
  • Liu Haoyu "robs" the ghost's car, claiming it as his own.
  • They drive back, and Liu Haoyu decides to get the car fixed and pick up his motorcycle.

Character Developments

  • Deng Xiaolin: Shows fear and panic when encountering the ghost but remains with Liu Haoyu.
  • Liu Haoyu: Demonstrates courage and knowledge about ghosts, successfully dealing with the Fierce Ghost. He also shows a self-deprecating side, reflecting on his lonely lifestyle.

Significant Themes

  • Ghost Hunting: Liu Haoyu's profession as a ghost hunter is central to the chapter, showcasing his skills and the dangers of his job.
  • Loneliness: Liu Haoyu's internal monologue highlights his feelings of isolation and the challenges of his profession.

Character Interactions

  • Deng Xiaolin & Liu Haoyu: They work together to face the ghost, with Liu Haoyu protecting Deng Xiaolin. Their dynamic shows trust and mutual support.
  • Liu Haoyu & the Fierce Ghost: Liu Haoyu outsmarts the ghost, showing his expertise and the ghost's fear of his tools.

Ch. 32A Promise to a Ghost

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu's car stalls and is beyond repair, so he sends it to the junkyard.
  • On his way to the haunted house, Liu Haoyu encounters a white-clad Fierce Ghost, Liu Xiaoxiao, who was killed by another Fierce Ghost.
  • Liu Haoyu promises to help Liu Xiaoxiao find her killer and take her to see her parents if she refrains from harming others.

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu shows empathy and understanding towards Liu Xiaoxiao, demonstrating his willingness to help the deceased find closure.
  • Liu Xiaoxiao, initially driven by intense hatred, shows a glimmer of her former self by expressing her desire to see her parents.

Significant Themes

  • The cycle of life and death, and the inability to change the past.
  • The struggle between resentment and acceptance in the afterlife.
  • The power of empathy and understanding in helping the deceased find peace.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu interacts with Liu Xiaoxiao, negotiating a deal to help her find her killer in exchange for her not harming others.
  • Liu Haoyu's interaction with Liu Xiaoxiao highlights his understanding of the Fierce Ghosts' state, showing that they retain some consciousness but not much.

Ch. 33One Last Look

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Qin Liu, a ghost, tentatively eats half an apple given by Liu Haoyu, a ghost exorcist, and finds it surprisingly delicious, sparking thoughts of his potential goodness.
  • Liu Haoyu returns to the haunted house, sets up a defensive formation, and falls asleep. He dreams of a red figure leading him to his old, luxurious mansion, now shrouded in black mist with eerie, blood-red eyes.
  • In the dream, Liu Haoyu follows the red figure to his old bedroom, where he sees a young woman (possibly Qin Liu) undressing and putting on garter stockings.

Character Developments

  • Qin Liu: She begins to see Liu Haoyu in a new light, considering him potentially good despite his perverted actions. She decides to try communicating with him.
  • Liu Haoyu: He remains calm and composed even when faced with a mysterious, alluring scene in his dream, demonstrating his self-control and professionalism as a ghost exorcist.

Significant Themes

  • Perception of goodness: Qin Liu's view of Liu Haoyu changes as she experiences a simple act of kindness (giving her an apple), suggesting that even small gestures can influence one's perception of another's character.
  • The duality of dreams: Liu Haoyu's dream serves as a metaphor for his inner thoughts and fears, reflecting his curiosity about Qin Liu's true nature and the mysteries surrounding the haunted house.

Character Interactions

  • Qin Liu and Liu Haoyu: Their relationship begins to shift from antagonistic to potentially cooperative, with Qin Liu considering communication and Liu Haoyu showing her kindness.
  • Liu Haoyu and the red figure: Their interaction in the dream remains cryptic, but the red figure seems to be guiding Liu Haoyu towards understanding something related to Qin Liu or the haunted house.

Ch. 34What, This Exists Too?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu discovers Qin Liu's bedroom in his dream, but can't see her clearly.
  • He wakes up in Qin Liu's room, realizing he's been sleeping on her bed.
  • Qin Liu reveals herself, but Liu Haoyu can't see her clearly due to her veil and his limited spiritual sight.
  • Liu Haoyu asks Qin Liu about the basement entrance, but she seems unaware of it.

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu demonstrates self-control and calmness in the face of Qin Liu's allure, showing growth as a ghost exorcist.
  • Qin Liu shows a more vulnerable and confused side, suggesting she's not as malicious as initially thought.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle between desire and self-control, represented by Liu Haoyu's reaction to Qin Liu's appearance.
  • The influence of resentment on spirits, highlighting the urgency of finding the basement's entrance.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Qin Liu engage in a conversation, with Liu Haoyu trying to reason with Qin Liu and Qin Liu attempting to persuade Liu Haoyu to leave.
  • Their interaction shows a shift from hostility to a more civil, if tense, exchange.

Ch. 35Buyout

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu tries to find out about the basement from Qin Liu, but she knows nothing.
  • Liu Haoyu reveals that the high resentment in the house will cause Qin Liu to lose her sanity within a year.
  • Qin Liu reveals she's been a ghost for several years and hasn't lost her sanity yet, questioning Liu Haoyu's intentions.
  • Liu Haoyu offers Qin Liu snacks from the 21st century to gain her cooperation.
  • Liu Haoyu proposes a deal: Qin Liu helps him investigate the basement, and in return, he'll help her with one thing or take her to eat more delicious food.

Character Developments

  • Qin Liu: Realizes the severity of her situation, becomes more cooperative with Liu Haoyu.
  • Liu Haoyu: Shows understanding of ghostly matters and uses snacks as a tactic to win Qin Liu's cooperation.

Significant Themes

  • The power of temptation and bribery (snacks) to gain cooperation.
  • The urgency of the situation due to the increasing resentment in the house.
  • Qin Liu's desire to leave the house and see her sister.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Qin Liu: Liu Haoyu tries to gain Qin Liu's trust and cooperation through offerings of food and a deal. Qin Liu, despite her initial suspicion, agrees to the deal due to her desire to leave the house.

Ch. 36That Wasn't My Offering?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Qin Liu agrees to help Liu Haoyu in exchange for him taking her to Jiangquan City.
  • Liu Haoyu discovers Qin Liu can't be seen due to his low spiritual vision.
  • Liu Haoyu heads to the haunted house on his motorcycle during a full moon night.

Character Developments

  • Qin Liu shows curiosity and greed when she sees Liu Haoyu eating snacks, revealing her playful side.
  • Liu Haoyu demonstrates his nonchalance and calmness when facing potential ghost encounters.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of cooperation and mutual benefit is introduced as Liu Haoyu and Qin Liu form a temporary alliance.
  • The contrast between the lively, snack-loving Liu Haoyu and the serious, ghost-hunting Liu Haoyu highlights his dual nature.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Qin Liu's interaction is playful and lighthearted, with Qin Liu showing a mix of curiosity, greed, and embarrassment.
  • Liu Haoyu's calm and collected demeanor contrasts with Qin Liu's more emotional responses.

Ch. 37Night-Watching Old Man

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu investigates a red house, known for its eerie aura and recent inhabitant's death.
  • He discovers graffiti on the house wall, including phrases hinting at a missing sister and domestic abuse.
  • An old man, the night watchman, warns Liu Haoyu about the house's haunting and the family's tragic fate.
  • Liu Haoyu climbs to the house's top floor, finding a foul smell and signs of a long-abandoned room.

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu: Shows curiosity, bravery, and caution in investigating the haunted house. He uses hell money to bribe the old man for information and demonstrates practical skills like climbing and using a gas mask.
  • The Old Man (Night Watchman): Initially hostile, he reveals information about the family after being bribed. His demeanor softens, showing a mix of anger, concern, and resignation.

Significant Themes

  • Supernatural: The house is presented as genuinely haunted, with signs of ghostly presence and eerie phenomena.
  • Domestic Abuse: The graffiti suggests a history of domestic violence within the family.
  • Greed and Corruption: The old man's change of attitude upon receiving hell money hints at the corrupting influence of money.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and the Old Man: Their interaction shows Liu Haoyu's persuasive skills and the old man's initial hostility turning to reluctant cooperation.
  • Liu Haoyu and the House: Liu Haoyu's exploration of the house reveals its dark history and current state of decay and haunting.

Ch. 38The Killer You Mentioned...

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Liu Haoyu, a five-star citizen, enters the haunted house where the Zhu family was murdered, carrying a fire axe and wearing a gas mask.
  • He finds the house abandoned and in disarray, with signs of struggle in the bedroom.
  • He discovers fresh footprints on the stairs, indicating that two people are still inside the house.
  • On the second floor, he encounters two university students, Sima Cai and Wang Qiang, who broke into the house for thrills and are now terrified.
  • The students beg Liu Haoyu to take them out, but he intimidates them, claiming to be investigating the murder.

Character Developments

  • Liu Haoyu: Initially portrayed as a normal citizen, he is later revealed to be suspicious and potentially dangerous, as he intimidates the students with his axe and gas mask.
  • Sima Cai and Wang Qiang: The students go from seeking thrills to being genuinely terrified, first by the haunted house and then by Liu Haoyu's appearance.

Significant Themes

  • Fear and Suspicion: The students' fear of the haunted house turns into fear of Liu Haoyu, highlighting how fear can lead to suspicion and paranoia.
  • Appearance vs. Reality: Liu Haoyu's appearance—wearing a gas mask and carrying an axe—contrasts with his claim to be a "five-star good citizen," challenging the idea of what is truly good or innocent.

Character Interactions

  • Liu Haoyu and Qin Liu: Qin Liu, a little ghost, interacts briefly with Liu Haoyu, commenting on his appearance and questioning his intentions.
  • Liu Haoyu and the Students: Liu Haoyu intimidates the students, playing on their fear to control the situation. The students, in turn, are too terrified to question his true intentions.

Ch. 39Where Are You?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Qin Liu explores the haunted civilian house while Liu Haoyu argues with two people.
  • She finds an old diary belonging to the house's older brother, detailing his family's abuse and his sister's death from tuberculosis.
  • The diary's final entries reveal the brother's mental instability and mention a Ouija board, with the last page containing moving, blood-red text asking Qin Liu's identity.

Character Developments

  • Qin Liu: Becomes more courageous due to the familiar resentment in the house. She's curious, empathetic, and brave enough to explore despite the haunted nature of the house. Her discovery of the diary and its contents unsettles her.
  • The Older Brother: Initially appears as a caring sibling who cherishes his sister. However, his diary reveals his growing resentment and mental instability due to his family's abuse and his sister's death.

Significant Themes

  • Resentment and its consequences: The house's resentment, the brother's resentment towards his abusive father, and Qin Liu's initial timidity all contribute to the story's eerie atmosphere.
  • The power of writing: The diary serves as a record of the brother's experiences and a catalyst for Qin Liu's curiosity and fear.
  • The impact of abuse: The brother's diary illustrates the devastating effects of domestic violence on him and his family.

Character Interactions

  • Qin Liu and Liu Haoyu: Qin Liu waits for Liu Haoyu while exploring the house, showing a level of trust and dependence on him. However, she doesn't disturb him, indicating her understanding of his responsibilities.
  • Qin Liu and the Older Brother (through his diary): Qin Liu's interaction with the brother is indirect, through his diary. She sympathizes with him and becomes increasingly unsettled as she learns about his experiences.

Ch. 40We're All From the Same Hometown!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Qin Liu searches for Liu Haoyu and encounters a frightened dark shadow that leads her to a basement door.
  • Liu Haoyu, accompanied by two college students (Sima Cai and another), investigates the haunted house. They encounter a ghostly figure in the kitchen, which Liu Haoyu dispels.
  • Liu Haoyu forcefully opens the main door, revealing it was just a broken lock, and sends the two students away.

Character Developments

  • Qin Liu: Overcomes her fear, chases the dark shadow, and discovers a basement door. She shows courage and determination.
  • Liu Haoyu: Demonstrates his ghost-catching skills, remains calm and composed in the face of supernatural events, and reveals he can see ghosts.
  • Sima Cai and the other student: Initially terrified, they reluctantly assist Liu Haoyu. After witnessing his prowess, they flee the house in relief.

Significant Themes

  • Facing fears: Qin Liu and the students confront their fears, with Qin Liu deciding to face the dark shadow instead of running away.
  • Supernatural vs. rational: Liu Haoyu adheres to a rational view, dismissing the students' claims of ghosts, yet ultimately reveals he can see and interact with supernatural entities.

Character Interactions

  • Qin Liu and the dark shadow: Qin Liu chases the shadow, leading her to the basement door. The shadow seems afraid of Qin Liu, despite Qin Liu being a ghost herself.
  • Liu Haoyu and the students: Liu Haoyu forces the students to guide him, revealing their encounter with a ghost. He protects them from the ghost in the kitchen and eventually sends them away.
  • Qin Liu and Liu Haoyu: Qin Liu's actions mirror Liu Haoyu's advice to face fears, showing her growth and understanding of his methods.
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