With Gao Ming chasing them, the tourists outdid themselves. They had probably burned through a lifetime's supply of adrenaline.
Once the pounding on the door stopped, several tourists collapsed straight onto the floor. The terrifying scene had seared itself into their minds, and even the slightest recollection made them shudder. This went far beyond having nightmares. They probably would not forget this thrilling afternoon even years later.
Clutching Gao Ming's arm with both hands, Donggua returned to the junction feeling a little afraid of him. The sight of him crawling through the darkness, unerringly gripping the handrail, had struck her hard. But how could a haunted-house actor be afraid of a visitor? Donggua also could not let Gao Ming get "too far" from her, worried that he might get hurt as a visitor. Caught between those two emotions, she simply clung to him for dear life. It felt a little like Stockholm syndrome.
"Let go. We should head to the Dean's Office." Gao Ming shook Donggua off, bent down to gather the patients' belongings from the floor, and returned the Black-and-White Posthumous Photo props to their box, his expression serious and grave.
"Those are just props. If they upset you, please don't take it to heart." Donggua no longer worried about ruining the atmosphere. She only feared that Gao Ming would get too immersed and do something drastic again.
Having scared off the other tourists, Gao Ming walked alone toward the end of the corridor in his bloodstained white coat.
"Wait for me." Donggua jogged after him, abandoning even her contorted, crawling persona.
Using the Head Nurse's key that Donggua had found on the classroom door, Gao Ming easily opened the door to the Dean's Office. A sinister chill poured out. The room seemed to have its own cooling system.