But after several minutes, the elevator remained unresponsive.
Lin Xiaoman began to feel uneasy. The person beside her could barely stand, clearly terrified but trying hard to hide it.
“It’s all my fault,” she blamed herself.
“It has nothing to do with you,” he replied.
“No, I brought you here. I’m the reason you’re like this.”
“You didn’t know the elevator would malfunction, or that I would react like this,” Ji Zhixian’s voice was gentle, making her even more uneasy.
She knew it would turn out like this, yet she still did it.
“It’s my fault,” she was extremely remorseful, wanting to share the truth.
“If you feel guilty,” Ji Zhixian was in discomfort, speaking intermittently, “just hold my hand. I’ll feel better.”
“Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Lin Xiaoman quickly grabbed his hand. “How are you now? Are you feeling any better?”
Ji Zhixian slowly opened his eyes. The concerned expression of the girl before him was genuine, her scent at the tip of his nose, her palm… He felt less uncomfortable.
This isn’t so bad. It would be nice if we could stay like this forever.
Suddenly, the elevator doors opened.
★ Chapter 60: Threat
The two emerged from the elevator.
Lin Xiaoman scoffed, her voice steady. “I’m not scared at all. Just a little… cautious.”
They took a few more steps, and unexpected sounds echoed around them, making Lin Xiaoman shiver slightly. Ji Zhixian noticed her reaction but chose to play along.
“See, you’re already losing your nerve,” he teased.
“Not at all! You’re the one who’s acting brave,” she shot back, trying to maintain her composure.
Suddenly, a loud noise made Lin Xiaoman jump, and she instinctively squeezed Ji Zhixian’s arm.
“Okay, maybe I am a little tense,” she admitted, laughter tinged with nervousness spilling from her lips.
They continued deeper into the haunted house, the tension easing as they shared soft jokes to mask their unease. The atmosphere, while spooky, brought them closer together, filling the air with lighthearted interactions amidst the darkness.
Eventually, they stumbled upon a room filled with startling props. Lin Xiaoman gasped at one particularly ghastly figure. Ji Zhixian laughed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
“See? You’re glad you came,” he said, smiling down at her.
“Maybe,” she conceded, enjoying the moment despite the eerie surroundings.
