Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Chen Ge explores the third floor of Ping An Apartment, finding four ragdolls hidden in the trash.
2. He discovers love letters and a threatening note inside the dolls, suggesting a past relationship gone awry.
3. The Landlord, the woman from the first floor, the Tattooed Man, and the Short Fat Man gather on the third floor at night, planning to dig up something.
4. They uncover a concrete wall with a female corpse embedded in it, facing away from them.

Character Developments

1. Chen Ge demonstrates his keen observation skills and curiosity, leading him to uncover crucial evidence.
2. The Landlord shows assertiveness and a willingness to take charge, pressuring the other tenants to follow his plan.
3. The Short Fat Man reveals his cowardice and reluctance to participate in the group's plan, hinting at a guilty conscience.

Significant Themes

1. The past's influence on the present, as evidenced by the dolls and the hidden corpse.
2. The consequences of hidden secrets and guilt, illustrated by the tenants' behavior and the corpse's presence.
3. The power dynamics within the group of tenants, with the Landlord taking the lead and the others following reluctantly.

Character Interactions

1. Chen Ge remains hidden, observing the tenants' interactions without their knowledge.
2. The Landlord, the woman from the first floor, the Tattooed Man, and the Short Fat Man work together to uncover the corpse, revealing their shared secret and tension within their group.
3. The Short Fat Man's reluctance to participate highlights the differing attitudes among the tenants regarding their shared secret.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge discovers a corpse hidden in the wall of the Apartment Building.
• The tenants, led by the Landlord, dig up the corpse and plan to bury it.
• Chen Ge hides to avoid being discovered. He later tries to leave the building but finds the main door locked.
• Chen Ge returns to the second floor to escape through the window but discovers that someone has been in his room.
• Chen Ge decides to break into the room at the far right of the second floor to create a distraction and escape.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge demonstrates courage and quick thinking in the face of danger.
• The tenants, particularly the Landlord, are revealed to be criminals with no regard for human life.
• Chen Ge's determination to escape increases as he realizes the tenants' true nature.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Survival: Chen Ge's fear is palpable, but it also drives him to act quickly and decisively to survive.
• Desperation: Chen Ge's situation becomes increasingly desperate as he realizes he's trapped in the building with dangerous tenants.
• The Corruption of Power: The Landlord, who has power over the other tenants, uses it to commit illegal acts.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the tenants only through their actions and voices, as he hides to avoid detection.
• The Landlord and the Tattooed Man interact, showing their criminal collaboration.
• Chen Ge's actions indirectly cause the Landlord and the Tattooed Man to confront him, leading to a tense standoff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge escapes from Ping An Apartment, chased by the landlord and his accomplices.
• He hides in the woods and discovers a wooden hut belonging to a forest ranger.
• Inside the hut, Chen Ge finds women's clothes matching the size of the corpse in the wall and a phone with a drafted message "Save me."

Character Developments

• Chen Ge demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination to survive, even in high-stakes situations.
• The landlord and his accomplices are revealed to be more dangerous and unhinged than initially thought, willing to kill to cover up their crimes.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: Chen Ge's refusal to give up despite the dire circumstances he faces.
• Mystery and Suspense: The discovery of the women's clothes and the phone adds layers to the case, deepening the mystery surrounding the apartment building.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge vs. Landlord and Accomplices: Chen Ge outsmarts and outruns his pursuers, highlighting his quick thinking and agility.
• Chen Ge's Encounter with Wang Qi: Chen Ge avoids Wang Qi, demonstrating his caution and wariness towards others in the apartment building.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge discovers that the text messages sent to Wang Qi are from his deceased fiancée's phone, suggesting the murderer is using it to torment Wang Qi.
• Chen Ge deduces that Wang Qi is the killer, living in the wooden house near the apartment building.
• Wang Qi attacks Chen Ge with an axe in the wooden house, leading to a chase through the woods.
• Chen Ge escapes and encounters police cars responding to his earlier call.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows bravery and quick thinking, facing the killer directly and escaping.
• Wang Qi's mental state is revealed to be severely unstable, with a possible second personality.

Significant Themes

• The theme of obsession and its consequences is further explored through Wang Qi's character.
• The struggle between good and evil is highlighted as Chen Ge faces the killer.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and Wang Qi's interaction reveals Wang Qi's true nature and leads to a confrontation.
• Chen Ge's encounter with the police highlights his relief and trust in authorities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge assists police in identifying killers (Wang Qi, Zhang Peng, Feng Chunlei) involved in a suspected murder case at Ping An Apartment.
• Police apprehend Wang Qi and other tenants; Zhang Peng remains at large.
• Chen Ge learns about rewards for his assistance and a bounty offered by the Old Man in the apartment building.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge demonstrates bravery and resourcefulness in assisting the police, showing growth as a character.
• Captain Li, the deputy director of the West City Police Station, is revealed to have helped Chen Ge in the past, showing a caring side.

Significant Themes

• The theme of justice and the importance of witness testimony is reinforced as Chen Ge's information helps apprehend criminals.
• The theme of rewards and recognition for good deeds is introduced.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with Captain Li, showing a friendly and respectful relationship.
• Chen Ge interacts with the young police officer, displaying a playful and friendly demeanor.
• Chen Ge's interactions with the police highlight his cooperation and willingness to help, earning him respect and gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge discovers a hidden item, Wang Qi's Missing Person Notice, in the Black Phone, which he finds unsettling.
• He returns to New Century Park and finds his livestream had stopped. He learns that he's gone viral, with people thinking he's dead.
• Chen Ge wakes up to find Xu Wan in his room, showing him a news clip where he's pixelated but recognizable, reporting a breakthrough in the Ping An Apartment case.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows resilience and determination in facing the strange and frightening events.
• Xu Wan demonstrates concern and support for Chen Ge, taking initiative to help him.

Significant Themes

• The theme of facing and overcoming fear is prevalent, as Chen Ge continues to explore the Haunted House's scenarios despite the risks.
• The power of social media and its impact on Chen Ge's life is introduced, with his livestream gaining attention and making him a local celebrity.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with He Shan over the phone, showing appreciation for his support.
• Chen Ge and Xu Wan have a conversation about the news clip, with Xu Wan showing concern for Chen Ge's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge explores the new scenario, finding it realistic and perfect for escape-style games.
• He accepts a Normal difficulty daily task to improve the Haunted House's scares.
• He receives a reward for completing the task: Skull-Crushing Doctor's Uniform.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows his dedication to improving his Haunted House, accepting a daily task to enhance the experience for tourists.
• He demonstrates his resourcefulness and adaptability by using the new prop to enhance an existing scenario.

Significant Themes

• The importance of preparation and planning in creating a successful Haunted House experience.
• The use of misdirection and unexpected scares to maximize fear.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with tourists, answering their questions about his livestream.
• He communicates with Xu Wan while she's acting in the Haunted House.
• He receives a warning call from He Shan about potential retaliation from his seniors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge receives a call from He Shan warning him about his seniors' plan to film a funny video inside his Haunted House.
• Seven forensic students from Han Jiang Forensic Academy arrive at New Century Park to experience the Haunted House.
• Chen Ge allows all seven of them to enter the Midnight Escape theme together, despite the usual three-person limit.
• He Shan and the others are surprised by the differences between the actual scenario and what they had agreed upon.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge: Shows strategic thinking by allowing the forensic students to enter together, knowing they can help test the new scenario. He also uses psychological manipulation to heighten their fear by mentioning the unsolved perpetrator from the Ping An Apartment case.
• He Shan: Shows growth in courage as he enters the Haunted House despite his previous traumatic experience. He also demonstrates leadership by trying to guide his peers through the scenario.

Significant Themes

• Fear vs. Courage: The forensic students face their fears as they enter the Haunted House, trying to maintain their composure and courage.
• Reality vs. Illusion: Chen Ge blurs the line between reality and illusion by mentioning the unsolved case, making the virtual scenario feel more real and terrifying.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and the forensic students: Chen Ge manipulates the students' expectations and fears, while the students try to maintain their bravado in front of him.
• The forensic students among themselves: They rely on each other for support and encouragement, trying to maintain their excitement and determination as they enter the Haunted House.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge creates a new horror scene, Midnight Escape, and tests it on a group of medical students from Han Jiang Forensic Medical College.
• Chen Ge and Xu Wan, dressed as a terrifying doctor, enter the scene to scare the students.
• The students, initially brave, start to feel uneasy and decide to split into two groups to search the rooms faster.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge: Shows his dedication to creating immersive horror experiences, even participating in the scene himself.
• Xu Wan: Transforms into a frightening doctor, demonstrating her commitment to her role.
• He Shan: Shows concern for his friends' safety, warning them about Chen Ge's unpredictable nature.
• Monkey, Feng Ge, and Hui Jie: Initially confident, they start to feel uneasy and suggest splitting up to search faster.

Significant Themes

• Fear of the unknown and the power of immersion in creating horror.
• The transformation of characters when faced with fear.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and Xu Wan: Work together to create a terrifying experience for the students.
• He Shan, Monkey, Feng Ge, and Hui Jie: Interact with each other, expressing their fears and making decisions together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group enters the Haunted House, initially unimpressed by its lack of immediate scares.
• They find a charred ragdoll filled with notes saying "You are all going to die!" and torn diary pages hinting at a hidden presence.
• He Shan warns the group about the sound of chains following them, but they dismiss his concerns.
• Lao Zhao tries to record a video, only to realize there are eight people present, despite only seven having entered.

Character Developments

• He Shan: Maintains a high level of vigilance but struggles to be taken seriously by the group.
• Lao Zhao: Initially dismissive of He Shan's warnings, he becomes terrified after realizing an extra person is present.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Suspicion: The group's initial lack of fear turns to suspicion and unease as strange occurrences pile up.
• Trust and Isolation: He Shan feels isolated due to his unheeded warnings, while Lao Zhao's realization of the extra person causes a shift in the group's dynamics.

Character Interactions

• He Shan vs. The Group: He Shan tries to warn the group but is repeatedly ignored, causing tension.
• Lao Zhao's Realization: Lao Zhao's discovery of the extra person in the video creates a moment of shared fear and uncertainty among the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers there's an extra person among them in the Midnight Escape scenario.
• A monster, a doctor with a stitched-together face and a chain, attacks the group.
• Xiao Hui, terrified, follows a figure to the first floor and hides in a closet with an unknown person.
• Xiao Hui discovers the unknown person is not part of their group and screams in terror.
• Chen Ge intervenes, removes Xiao Hui from the scenario, and plans to ambush another group member.

Character Developments

• Xiao Hui's fear and panic are emphasized as she flees from the monster and hides in the closet.
• Chen Ge's role as the scenario creator and controller is solidified as he interacts with Xu Wan and intervenes in the scenario.

Significant Themes

• Fear and panic: Xiao Hui's actions and reactions highlight the theme of fear and how it can lead to irrational behavior.
• Trust and betrayal: The presence of an unknown person in the group raises questions about trust and potential betrayal.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Hui and the unknown person in the closet: Their interaction reveals Xiao Hui's fear and the unknown person's mysterious identity.
• Chen Ge and Xu Wan: Their communication demonstrates Chen Ge's control over the scenario and Xu Wan's role in assisting him.
• Chen Ge and the remaining group members: Chen Ge's actions suggest he is manipulating the scenario to create fear and tension for the remaining group members.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Monkey hides on the second-floor staircase, observing the movements around him.
• He realizes that the monster and the extra eighth person are working together to scare and scatter the group.
• He finds a ragdoll in the stairwell and becomes uneasy.
• He tries to contact the others but finds Feng Ge's phone on the third floor.
• Shi Ling calls him, saying she's locked in a room on the third floor with two dolls.
• Monkey finds another doll in the third-floor corridor.

Character Developments

• Monkey demonstrates his intelligence and analytical skills but also reveals his timidity.
• Shi Ling shows fear and urgency, hinting at her distressing situation.

Significant Themes

• Fear and its psychological effects (e.g., Monkey's hallucinations, Shi Ling's distress).
• The power of suggestion and manipulation (e.g., the monster and the eighth person working together).

Character Interactions

• Monkey and Shi Ling: Monkey tries to reassure Shi Ling and plans to rescue her.
• Monkey and the dolls: Monkey's unease and fear grow as he encounters more dolls.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Monkey, separated from his group, encounters two dolls in the Haunted House, which scare him into a cramp.
• Chen Ge and Xiao Wan rescue Monkey and Shi Ling from the Midnight Escape scenario.
• Chen Ge discovers a hidden task triggered by the Black Phone, related to the Ping An Apartment massacre victims.
• Chen Ge retrieves Wang Qi's Missing Person Notice and enters the room where Shi Ling was held, finding the smallest doll sprawled at the doorway.

Character Developments

• Monkey: Becomes terrified and loses his composure in the Haunted House, highlighting his vulnerability.
• Chen Ge: Shows empathy and courage in rescuing the visitors, and demonstrates curiosity and initiative in pursuing the hidden task.

Significant Themes

• Fear and vulnerability: Explored through Monkey's experience and the visitors' reactions to the Haunted House.
• The power of the Black Phone: Introduces the concept of hidden tasks and the potential influence of the phone on the scenarios.
• Unresolved resentment: The victims of Ping An Apartment still have lingering issues that need to be addressed.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and Monkey: Chen Ge helps Monkey despite his initial reluctance, showing professionalism and kindness.
• Chen Ge and the dolls: Chen Ge interacts with the dolls, treating them with respect and curiosity, suggesting a connection between them and the victims.
• Monkey and Shi Ling: They support each other over the phone, highlighting their friendship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge interacts with four ragdolls, believed to be victims of the Ping An Apartment mass murder.
• He shows them a video of the culprit's arrest to reassure them, but they react negatively.
• Chen Ge uses Wang Qi's Missing Person Notice to calm them, and they absorb the image on it.
• The Black Phone rewards Chen Ge with a unique hidden mission completion and the goodwill of the Ping An Apartment Victim Remnants, who will maintain the Midnight Escape scenario.
• Chen Ge realizes he can use ghosts to help maintain his haunted house.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge shows empathy and understanding towards the victim remnants, demonstrating his willingness to help them.
• He also shows determination in completing the trial missions to gain control over the horror scenarios.

Significant Themes

• The theme of communication and understanding between the living and the dead is explored.
• The idea of using ghosts as employees in the haunted house is introduced, highlighting Chen Ge's innovative thinking.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the four ragdolls, trying to communicate and reassure them.
• He also interacts with the Black Phone, learning more about the ghost world and his mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Shan and Lao Zhao hide on the second floor, debating whether to leave their hiding spot.
• He Shan sees a doll moving in the corridor, which vanishes when he looks again.
• Chen Ge, disguised as the Skull-Crushing Doctor, enters the Haunted House to find the intruders.
• He Shan sees an eyeball through the door crack, and the door opens to reveal Chen Ge.
• Feng Ge screams from the third floor, and Chen Ge rushes to find him in a state of panic.

Character Developments

• He Shan: Initially hesitant and scared, he becomes more determined after seeing the eyeball.
• Lao Zhao: Despite his initial bravado, he is terrified when he sees the woman in the wall.
• Chen Ge: He remains calm and in control, effectively scaring the intruders.
• Feng Ge: He is highly frightened by an unknown encounter on the third floor.

Significant Themes

• Fear and its manifestations (e.g., hallucinations, panic).
• The power dynamic between the Haunted House's creator (Chen Ge) and its visitors.
• The psychological impact of being trapped and hunted.

Character Interactions

• He Shan and Lao Zhao: Their dynamic shifts from Lao Zhao leading He Shan to both being terrified and helpless.
• Chen Ge and the intruders: Chen Ge's presence and actions instill fear in the intruders.
• Chen Ge and Feng Ge: Chen Ge finds Feng Ge in a highly frightened state, but their interaction is brief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Ge, a college student, enters the Haunted House and is chased by a staff member.
• He hides in a room and encounters a malevolent presence in the bathroom mirror.
• The mirror shatters after Feng Ge smashes it in fear.
• Chen Ge discovers Feng Ge and learns about his experience with the mirror.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge: Shows concern for his customers' safety and understanding of the supernatural entities in his Haunted House.
• Feng Ge: Initially brave, but becomes terrified after encountering the mirror entity. Shows resilience by not fainting like He Shan.

Significant Themes

• The malevolence of the mirror entity and its threat to the Haunted House's safety and reputation.
• The struggle between the will and the body, as experienced by Feng Ge.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and Feng Ge: Chen Ge questions Feng Ge about his experience, showing empathy and understanding. Feng Ge is initially scared of Chen Ge but eventually thanks him for saving him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge discovers Feng Ge's strong willpower and considers recruiting him to help with supernatural incidents.
• The Haunted House meets the expansion criteria with over a hundred monthly visitors and a sixty percent positive rating.
• Students from the Forensic Medical College are severely affected after exiting the Haunted House.
• Chen Ge requests a loan from Uncle Xu to install more surveillance cameras in the Haunted House.

Character Developments

• Feng Ge shows resilience and determination in the face of the supernatural, catching Chen Ge's attention.
• Chen Ge demonstrates his resolve to improve the Haunted House despite knowing the park's dire situation.
• Uncle Xu reveals his concerns about the park's future and the Haunted House's prospects.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between traditional attractions and modern, technologically advanced theme parks.
• The importance of willpower and determination in facing adversity, as shown by Feng Ge.
• Chen Ge's commitment to improving the Haunted House despite the challenges and uncertainties.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and Feng Ge: Chen Ge admires Feng Ge's strength and considers recruiting him as an ally.
• Chen Ge and Uncle Xu: Uncle Xu expresses his concerns about the park's future and Chen Ge's safety, while Chen Ge seeks his help to improve the Haunted House.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Uncle Xu expresses his concerns about the park's declining popularity and advises Chen Ge to stop investing in the Haunted House.
• Chen Ge learns about the abandoned underground parking garage and plans to rent it for expanding his Haunted House.
• Uncle Xu offers to give Chen Ge 5,000 yuan the next morning, assuming it will deter him from pursuing the garage idea.
• Medical students from Han Jiang Forensic Academy visit the Haunted House and are terrified by their experiences, but they leave with mixed feelings, some vowing to return.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge remains determined to expand his Haunted House despite the park's struggles, driven by his secret advantage—the Black Phone.
• Uncle Xu shows genuine care for Chen Ge's future but underestimates his resolve and creativity.
• The medical students face their fears and encounter the supernatural, leading to a mix of reactions upon exiting the Haunted House.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination in the face of adversity (Chen Ge's resolve to expand his Haunted House).
• The impact of fear and the supernatural on individuals (medical students' reactions to their experiences).
• The consequences of neglect and abandonment (the unused underground parking garage).

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge and Uncle Xu have a candid conversation about the park's future and Chen Ge's plans for the Haunted House.
• Chen Ge interacts with the medical students, taunting them playfully while also showing respect for their bravery in facing their fears.
• Feng Ge, one of the medical students, shares his thoughts on the strange occurrences in the Haunted House with Chen Ge and exchanges contact information with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A strange sawing sound wakes Chen Ge up at 1:10 AM in the Haunted House.
• He investigates the source of the sound and encounters a black figure resembling He Feng in the Midnight Escape scenario.
• The figure, later identified as the Mirror Monster, escapes into a mirror when Chen Ge enters the room.
• Chen Ge finds four damaged ragdolls and mirror shards in the room.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge demonstrates bravery and calmness in facing the unknown and the supernatural.
• He shows concern for his family, as seen in his care for the ragdolls representing them.

Significant Themes

• The power of lingering thoughts and supernatural entities.
• The psychological aspect of horror and fear.
• The theme of facing and overcoming one's fears.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the Mirror Monster, though it flees before any direct confrontation.
• Chen Ge's thoughts and actions reveal his determination to protect his family and resolve the issue with the Mirror Monster.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ge's forum post about the Mirror Monster gains attention, but most replies are unhelpful.
• He decides to attempt a Nightmare-level task on the Black Phone to gain a powerful reward to combat the monster.
• The mirror monster starts scratching the door of the Midnight Escape scenario, prompting Chen Ge to smash all mirrors on the third floor.

Character Developments

• Chen Ge becomes more determined and proactive in dealing with the mirror monster threat, showing his resolve to protect his Haunted House.
• He demonstrates a willingness to take risks by accepting a Nightmare-level task on the Black Phone.

Significant Themes

• The theme of facing and overcoming fear is reinforced as Chen Ge actively confronts the mirror monster.
• The theme of equivalent exchange is highlighted as Chen Ge considers the risks and rewards of accepting a Nightmare-level task.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ge interacts with the forum community, seeking help but finding little useful information.
• He has a silent, tense interaction with the mirror monster, which is growing more aggressive and powerful.