The Haunted Journey - The Terrifying Architecture (Day Three)

Previous chapter, we left off with me being terrified by human-faced crab and deciding to head to the beach to clear my mind. Little did I know that I would be swept into blood-red seawater—no, it wasn't just seawater; it was composed entirely of blood. How could I possibly escape? Let's find out in this chapter.



The massive waves crashed down like the claws of a demon, dragging me into the water over and over again. I couldn't remember how many times I had been pulled under and then struggled back to the shore, only to be dragged back into the sea and repeat the cycle. I was already delirious from the endless repetition, but the salty taste in my mouth kept reminding me that if I didn't fight back, I would surely drown. I thrashed in the water, again and again, until I suddenly came to my senses on the blood-red bed in my apartment. Outside the window, warm sunlight streamed in, signaling a beautiful day.



I raised my hand to shield my eyes from the blinding light, feeling dazed. When had I returned here? Wasn't I just struggling in the blood-red sea? Could it all have just been a dream? But the salty taste in my mouth and the patches of dark and light stains on my nightgown told me that maybe it was all real. Maybe I should leave this eerie place. However, the itinerary on the bedside table clearly stated that today's destination was the Bizarre Buildings and Gardens in Beidaihe.



Exhausted, I leaned back in the taxi, listening to the chatty local driver describe the Bizarre Buildings and Gardens. It was said that the place featured unique performances and strange little buildings, making it a popular spot. Judging by the entrance, it did seem impressive—except for the large crowds.



I followed the flow of people and entered the performance area in a daze, just in time for a show. I found a high vantage point and listened to the incomprehensible shouts. I heard that the performers were descendants of the Chiyou tribe, dressed in leather, with painted faces and dark skin, and supposedly possessing strange abilities, like being immune to fire and knives. Of course, everyone knew it was fake, but it was still entertaining.



For some reason, though, I had this strange feeling that all the young performers were staring at me. Their eyes seemed filled with a mix of fear and excitement, as if there was some kind of beast on my face. But they were clearly performing, and with the cheers around me, I thought maybe it was all just my imagination—until one of the performers threw down his fire stick and roared straight at me. Maybe I should leave. I fled the performance area before it was even over and headed to the strange buildings. They should be better.



As soon as I entered, I was surrounded by vast expanses of mirrors, reflecting me from every angle. My face displayed a mix of surprise and smiles, but then I thought I saw something eerie in one of the mirrors. Upon closer inspection, I realized that while I wasn't smiling, the reflection of me in the mirror was. It was a grotesque smile, with a wide mouth curving unnaturally. I didn't dare stay and immediately rushed out of that area. Ahead were bamboo houses, narrow paths, and various unique experience zones, with tourists taking photos everywhere. I, however, wandered aimlessly like a headless fly because every area was filled with mirrors, and the reflections of me were terrifying. My mouth was stretched to the earlobes, and blood dripped from my eyes, nostrils, mouth, and ears, staining my white dress red. But I couldn't escape. No matter where I went—up to the rooftops or down into the underground—I was surrounded by mirrors and grotesque images.



Look! Why does that person look so eerie? He's clearly crying, but why do the tourists think he's smiling? His protruding forehead is bright red, as if it's bleeding! Look! The skull in that small space is also smiling, so grotesquely. Why doesn't anyone else see it! Look! The people in those mirrors aren't really you. They're blood-weeping ghosts. Why, why, why doesn't anyone else see it!



"Ah!"



To be continued...