Zhao Xiaorou actually went for a second playthrough just for that NPC, all because of one sentence Diao Zhiyu said—
Nowadays, the most popular part-time job for drama school boys is working in Live Action Role Playing Games. The hourly rate is higher than acting in plays, the popularity is real, and they even receive gifts. Some have long stopped treating Live Action Role Playing as just a temporary means to make a living. Breaking into the entertainment industry is tough and the waters run deep—it’s more practical to work in immersive theaters. High popularity can easily earn you an annual salary.
So, taking advantage of the dim lighting in the escape room, Zhao Xiaorou successfully waited for the guy playing the role of "Ryosuke Nishikido" lying in the morgue. She slipped him a note, promising a 30% salary increase during the interview and hoping he would consider coming to work at her escape room.
Though Zhao Xiaorou was bold, she was also meticulous—she didn’t offer double the hourly rate. In her words: "If you give men special treatment, they won’t feel grateful—they’ll just think they’re charming."
"Tell them they have many shortcomings and room to grow, but that their future is full of potential. That’s enough. For young employees, don’t give them money—give them a Shenzhen specialty."
"Shenzhen specialty?"
"The empty promises bosses make."
Ever since her breakup with Gong Huaicong, it seemed like more malicious people had appeared around her, as if anyone could attack her.
At first, she paid no mind, ignoring the online comments. But when it started happening in real life, she began firing back with sharp words.
The four of them drove to check on the escape room’s renovation. Zhao Xiaorou, sitting in the back seat, had been joking around until she read a message and her face fell. She picked up her phone and sent a voice reply: "Take your money back. I don’t need your concern. My nose cost 100,000, my eyes 35,000, fillers 120,000—what’s the meaning of 520? Leftover change from my hydrafacial?"
People who didn’t recognize Zhao Xiaorou might show less malice, but they’d still extend admiring olive branches to a pretty face.
One night, after having dinner with a client, she went to a bar for a drink. A man from the next table suddenly came over to hit on her: "Let me be your sugar daddy."
He’d picked the wrong moment.
"You? How much do you make a month?"
"I earn 300,000 a year."
"Oh..." Zhao Xiaorou held back a laugh, trying not to sound too harsh. "I made 500,000 this month. And you want to be my sugar daddy?"
She was always full of energy...
It was only at REGARD that she truly found quiet. Helping Li Ai handwrite the menu, she’d sketch wobbly patterns with a black pen and write the Chinese and English names for the coffees.
The names she gave the coffees were girly, just like her face. Brown sugar SOE with cinnamon was called "Spicy Brown Sugar Big Sister," mulled wine with South American pour-over became "The Mulled Wine-Loving Peruvian Gentleman," Earl Grey latte with a foreign twist was named "Dr. Louis Turns Little White," and tipsy eggnog coffee was "The Drunken Eggnog Knight."
Add in osmanthus lemon pound cake, affogato, and English scones—finishing a whole page with one pen took her all afternoon.
She’d sit in the corner without speaking, occasionally lifting her pen to sketch a few lines, or stand by the door basking in the sunlight, spacing out as if recharging.
Li Ai never initiated conversation either, as if intentionally giving her all the time she needed to clear her mind. He’d chat with customers, play the guitar, and occasionally glance at Zhao Xiaorou stepping on leaves outside—a still life amidst the flowing crowd.
Her phone screen kept lighting up, and the pen vibrated off the paper onto the table. Li Ai quietly walked over, secured the pen, and glanced at the half-finished menu with a soft smile. It was like their unspoken understanding.This was the afternoon scene Hu Xiu could observe from her seat at the bar counter—something suspended between air and light that could only be described as blank and tedious.
For them, this was exceedingly rare. After all, their lives operated at such a frenetic, overloaded pace that even fragmented moments of leisure felt snatched from the jaws of busyness.
The three of them enjoyed their respective tranquility within the same space. Li Ai seemed to possess a natural calmness, the kind that made anyone near him settle into a state of peace.
Yet Hu Xiu couldn’t help but feel restless. Diao Zhiyu was at an audition in the suburbs. Before leaving that morning, he had sent a message saying he was a bit nervous. The story was set in a small southwestern town against the backdrop of a murder case, where the victim’s daughter rediscovers herself. The role he landed was that of a small-town youth—somewhat explosive and stubborn, who, in the series, would commit suicide out of fear after assaulting a police officer. It was indeed a fitting role for him, and Hu Xiu was extremely anxious—
A faint sensation surfaced, reminiscent of the heartbreak Qin Xiaoyi felt while watching the Rongcheng Iron Gate after scattering roses under the lights.
She quietly comforted herself: since her boyfriend was an actor, she had to accept this reality. He was someone who stood under the spotlight, admired by many; he couldn’t remain in the darkness just for one person.
The door opened, and Zhao Xiaorou walked in. Hu Xiu lifted her gaze and then withdrew it, feeling somewhat dejected.
The translation materials in her hands were the only thing she could grasp onto—tomorrow’s meeting was looming.
She had heard that Boston University would also be streaming this meeting live. Though their professional fields differed, Pei Zhen would only need to pay a little attention to notice her.
Staring at the content before her, which had gone from unfamiliar to slightly recognizable, Hu Xiu found it rather dull. Anything outside her area of expertise, even after translation, would mostly be forgotten—just like an actor’s lines.
Working as a translator in a hospital wouldn’t turn her into a renowned expert in any specialized field. She was moved wherever there was a need—a merciless translation tool, forever relegated to administrative positions within the hospital. Pursuing a Ph.D. in medicine was nearly impossible to complete; everything felt hollow.
Although most things in society were hollow, she didn’t like the feeling of being just another piece in the puzzle.
Perhaps this wasn’t the life she wanted either.
A text from her father came through: "Dingding, are you free for dinner tonight?"
Of course, she couldn’t let him disrupt her state for tomorrow. After a moment’s thought, she replied, "No, I have a big meeting tomorrow. Is something up?"
"Xiao Pei has gone to the U.S. Have you been in touch with him?"
"No..."
Her phone rang directly: "Why aren’t you maintaining a good relationship with him? A man like Dr. Pei is impossible to find even with a lantern. Are you out of your mind?"
"Why... should I maintain a relationship?"
"Three months! Feelings need nurturing. What if he meets another woman during his three months in the U.S.?
Proximity breeds opportunity—that’s how he took a liking to you back then. Otherwise, do you think your average looks would have caught his attention in the hospital?"
Hu Xiu didn’t argue, only patiently continued, "Why is Pei Zhen impossible to find even with a lantern?"
"Do I need to spell it out? How many young, accomplished associate professors are there in the hospital? He’s thirty-two, on an exchange program in the U.S., with such high research achievements, and he’s willing to marry you. No matter what he sees in you, you should seize the opportunity.
That man who broke off the engagement with you before was far less qualified—even a manager at a credit card center didn’t want you. Don’t you understand your own worth in the market?"Seeing Hu Xiu remain silent, he seemed to grow even more energized: "That young Qian I introduced you to before is about to have a child now. He ended up choosing a Shanghai woman too—she has a car and an apartment. Even with his wife pregnant, he still works tirelessly. And yet he thought your conditions were mediocre and your manners lacking.
I should have let you run wild when you were little. All those piano and dance lessons were useless—your ambitions don’t match your capabilities. All you ever think about is dating handsome guys. Do you even have a heart?"
Hu Xiu stood outside the shop. Next door, a designer boutique had placed a two-meter-tall Christmas tree bound with fluorescent orange chains, its colors glaringly bright.
The voice on the phone persisted: "Say something! Go on, what are you thinking? How dare you talk back to me? What gives you the right?"
She took a deep breath. She couldn’t stutter in what came next.
"Shanghai is full of beautiful, accomplished girls. Any student I teach now is more talented than you.
What are you so proud of? Hanging out with that good-for-nothing actor—you think you’ve grown wings?"
"No matter how exceptional Pei Zhen is, he’s still just a man. He’s not worth me fawning over. I have a job, my own ideas, and plans. I’ve never factored him into my life. He may soar in the sky while I run on the ground, but that doesn’t make him superior to me.
Qian Jinxin is just a snob—incompetent and money-obsessed. He found a Shanghai woman because he didn’t want to work hard. He accused me of being improper—why should I listen to him?
My ex-boyfriend left me because you drove Mom away. The problem wasn’t with me. You’re petty and vindictive, holding a grudge for ten whole years, and you actually take pride in using it to suppress Mom and me. You’re the disgrace in this family.
Take good care of your teacher, Dad. After all, in your eyes, I’m not even as important as her. If there were a ‘Moral Integrity for Men’ class, you’d be the first one who should attend.
This is the last time I’ll answer your calls. I can’t repay your nurturing kindness, and I’ll never live up to your fervent expectations. If you really want to channel your leftover paternal affection, go to the U.S. after your teacher passes away and be a nanny for her son."
After hanging up, her phone kept vibrating incessantly. When she pushed the door open, Zhao Xiaorou applauded her: "Teacher Hu, you’re amazing."
"I’ve held it in for too long..." Her hands were still trembling.
"You should’ve let it out long ago. Right?" Zhao Xiaorou glanced at Li Ai. Grinning as he ground coffee beans, Li Ai said, "I never imagined Teacher Hu would have a day like this."
Hu Xiu, still shaken, grew even more sorrowful. The phone’s vibrations seemed to pierce her heart—it had been so long since she’d seen her mother.
After being driven away by her father, her mother had actually gone two years without contacting her. Where had she moved to? Who was she with? Was she doing well now? Had she ever thought of her? There was no way to know.
Her father’s messages bombarded the screen like rapid gunfire: "How could you speak to your father like that?"
"Did that actor brat corrupt you? How disrespectful! I’m your father!"
"Hu Xiu, I advise you to answer my call within three minutes, or don’t blame me for coming to your office."
Hu Xiu replied coldly: "Going to smash up my office? Go ahead. At worst, I’ll quit—it’s just an administrative job anyway."
"No! This is the most stable position you can find! Answer the phone!"
Half an hour later, Hu Xiu finally responded: "Send me Mom’s current address. You’re the one who did wrong—you must know where she is."
"She’s a whore!"She didn't reply, but sent an address fifteen minutes later. Hu Xiu's expression darkened. Her mother had moved to a city with low housing prices, hiding in corners she couldn't find. Memories of her mother were hazy and chaotic, reduced to fragmented pieces: her fiddling with an antique sewing machine in the sunset, cutting colorful fabric for a cheongsam, leaning on the balcony smoking.
Her father's messages kept popping up. Hu Xiu blocked him, deciding not to engage further. This method worked well—at least for a while, she wouldn't be emotionally affected by him, letting the hurt swell like soaked beans. Let him stew in neglect and self-doubt for a bit—this was probably how emotional manipulation worked.
She didn't feel great either. Restlessly fast-forwarding through documents before closing them, her notes became messy. A glance at the calendar reminded her: ten days until New Year. If her mother was alone up north, would she miss her?
"Diao Zhiyu's audition is taking forever." Zhao Xiaorou checked her watch. "Can we still grab dinner together before the Escape Room today? I want to hear his story for my next vlog material."
As she spoke, Diao Zhiyu pushed the door open and greeted them. February in Shanghai wasn't cold, but he entered panting, having hurried back to REGARD.
They sat in the restaurant as dishes arrived one after another. Diao Zhiyu didn't mention the audition, eating with gloomy determination. Zhao Xiaorou nearly pressed her head against the table: "Diao Zhiyu, failing an audition isn't shameful. Say something."
"Got the notification on my way back. I passed."
A look of utter disbelief crossed Zhao Xiaorou's face. "Damn, why so mysterious?"
Hu Xiu appeared calm, silently pouring orange juice to drink. Under Zhao Xiaorou's intense stare, Diao Zhiyu finally spoke after finishing his bowl: "The director is quite famous in the industry for art films lately. The producer wasn't friendly—earlier minor actors acted humble, saying they'd obey arrangements to learn. The producer slammed the table and snapped, 'Do you think this major production is your training ground?'"
"What did you say?"
"They wanted me to sign with the crew first, then adjust the Role. I said if it wasn't this specific Role, forget it. Nothing else in the script suits me or interests me."
"Badass. So they confirmed you for the lead?"
"Not certain. I'm completely new—could be replaced anytime before filming wraps and editing completes."
Despite his words, the slight upturn of his lips betrayed his excitement at being recognized.
Li Ai clinked glasses with him. "Sounds like you got the Role anyway. Quality over quantity—probably your personality won the director over. Matches the protagonist's charm."
"Him? He'll blow up. That clean, aloof face photographs so well, with those beautiful eyes. Hard not to get discovered when girls love that type."
Among all the acting students each year, there are probably fewer than ten like Diao Zhiyu. If he signed with an agency for idol dramas, he'd easily land lead or secondary lead Roles."
"Not really. I don't like those either. Can't play by those rules—saccharine puppet shows aren't interesting."
Diao Zhiyu turned to Hu Xiu. "We have the meeting tomorrow morning. Maybe skip the Escape Room tonight?"
"It's fine, I'm not tired." Her mind was too chaotic—better to change the scenery.
He cupped her face, studying it seriously, squishing and releasing it. "If something's bothering you, talk to me."While picking up the dropped chopsticks, Zhao Xiaorou suddenly pointed at the neighboring table and raised her voice: "You! If you want to take photos of me, do it openly. Don't sneak around and point fingers—what's the point? I own my actions, but what kind of man secretly takes pictures and gossips behind people's backs?"
Her scolding drew attention from nearby tables. Still fuming, Zhao Xiaorou continued: "No matter who you send gossip to, just screenshot me alone. Don't drag my friends into this."
"I've memorized your face. If you spread nonsense with my friends' photos, I'll sue you for privacy violation."
Li Ai held her hand, signaling her to calm down: "It's not a big deal, don't let it bother you."
After glaring for a long moment, Zhao Xiaorou finally retracted her gaze, her voice returning to normal volume: "I just can't stand it. Why isn't online gossip enough? Do people have to amuse themselves at my expense in real life too? Where are the boundaries?"
"Whatever, since you're all here today, I have something to say too."
Hu Xiu looked at Li Ai, seemingly anticipating Zhao Xiaorou's expression after the reconciliation. Li Ai cleared his throat: "About the previous lawsuit, I—"
Both Zhao Xiaorou and Diao Zhiyu's phones rang simultaneously. They answered their respective calls, their expressions shifting—one darkening, the other brightening.
After hanging up, Zhao Xiaorou announced that the Escape Room location was finalized. She wouldn't be returning home for the New Year, opting to oversee the rush renovation instead.
Diao Zhiyu exhaled: "A friend is joining us for the Escape Room. You've probably met him before."
"I'm fine with that." Zhao Xiaorou, now in better spirits, asked: "What did Li Ai want to say?"
"Nothing..." Li Ai smiled: "Let's head to the Escape Room first."
Volunteering for the passenger seat, Zhao Xiaorou seemed to have shaken off her bad mood—her ability to process negativity was becoming increasingly refined.
The accumulated negativity left Hu Xiu listless. Diao Zhiyu pulled her head into his embrace, making her want to cry.
Curious, Zhao Xiaorou asked: "Diao Zhiyu, what friend suddenly decided to join our Escape Room game? And you said we've met him?"
"Remember that session before your divorce? There was a couple with you. Later, his girlfriend married the male player Hu Xiu brought. He ended up alone, added me on WeChat, and often pestered me. He's a bit... hard to figure out."
"Which time? Before my divorce, that must've been... Wang Guangming's game. Damn, Hu Xiu! Then the man we're about to meet—his ex-girlfriend married Qian Jinxin, right?!"
As the car parked, a young man approached—175cm tall with a buzz cut, flashing neat white teeth. He appeared motivated, honest, and utterly ordinary, yet exuded an inexplicable eagerness: "Hello, we meet again. I'm Ma Liang."
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