Chapter 38 Her Boyfriend Could Slap a Whiny Brat Dead with One Hand (1)

On a winding mountain road, the bus moved steadily, inching forward at a measured pace. The driver wore an impassive expression; even if someone tried to engage him in conversation, he wouldn’t utter a single word. As for the passengers, none bore the relaxed air of tourists out for pleasure—if anything, each face was etched with a tension more pronounced than the last.

Inside the bus was a notice of rules for passengers:

No one is allowed to disembark before arrival.
No shouting or loud noises on the bus.
Maintain a one-meter distance from the driver.
Upon arrival, disembark in an orderly queue.
Do not litter; be a civilized traveler.

The fifth rule, unlike the others, was handwritten, its casual tone standing apart from the rigid printed directives that preceded it.

Their destination was a place called Arctic Town—a settlement absent from any map, existing only in whispered urban legends. Rumor had it that the town was home to a rose manor, the most mysterious place within its borders. Only by finding it could one hope to survive.

Yes, survive.

Some of the more timid passengers had already begun to weep quietly, unable to comprehend why they had been chosen to appear here. Originally, there had been fifteen people on the bus; now, only thirteen remained.

Just over an hour ago, they had all awoken, confused and disoriented. One man had immediately demanded the driver stop the bus. Receiving no response, he approached in anger—only to instantly burst apart, swelling and exploding like a balloon.

A woman had screamed at the sight, and, in the next instant, she too had burst like an over-inflated balloon.

Those still alive shrank into their seats, trembling. It was a young man who quietly reminded everyone of the posted rules: do not approach the driver, do not make loud noises. Terrified, they pressed hands over their mouths, desperate not to break a single rule, lest they become the next casualty.

The scent of blood hung in the air; those seated nearby were spattered with the remains of the dead.

At the front of the bus, a little girl with twin pigtails emerged, carrying a trash bin. She looked seven or eight years old, her hair neatly done, the little flowers on her hair ties charmingly cute. With practiced ease, she tidied up the bus, and if she spotted blood on someone, she’d kindly offer them a handkerchief.

One passenger, lulled by her innocent appearance, relaxed a little and nearly asked her a question. But the moment he caught sight of her wide, unnerving smile, his heart quailed and he thought better of it.

A strange, oppressive silence fell over the bus. No one dared speak.

But, unlike the others, a young woman in the last row stood out. She was pretty and charming, the sort of soft, alluring type men found irresistible. If she pouted, not just men but perhaps even ghosts would be swayed.

The young man who had earlier warned the others of the rules had noticed her. No other woman on the bus could compare to her beauty—it was impossible not to notice her. He reached out a hand and introduced himself in a low voice, “Hello, I’m Jiang Xun.”

Jiang Xun was young and handsome. From his calm demeanor during the earlier chaos, he seemed reliable—a quality that easily inspired trust.

The girl reached out with her soft hand and replied sweetly, “Hello, I’m Tian Susu.”

Across the aisle, another young woman shot Tian Susu a fierce glare. Her name was Yin Huanmian.

Today was supposed to be the day Yin Huanmian and her boyfriend, Cha Lan, announced their engagement. But things had taken a turn: Cha Lan had been instantly smitten with Tian Susu at the party. Consumed by jealousy, he could no longer suppress his long-hidden feelings—he pulled Tian Susu aside to confess to her. Unfortunately, Yin Huanmian witnessed it all.

Ignoring his fiancée, Cha Lan hurried to the back of the bus when he saw Jiang Xun speaking to Tian Susu, squeezing in beside her and whispering, “Susu, don’t be scared. I’ll protect you.”

Now it wasn’t just Yin Huanmian; several other women cast peculiar glances toward the back. This Tian Susu truly was a heartbreaker—before they’d even arrived at their destination, men were already vying to shield her.

Tian Susu was long accustomed to the hostile looks from women. It wasn’t her fault men liked her. She answered Cha Lan in a disgruntled tone, “You already have a girlfriend. Don’t come so close to me.”

Her soft, delicate voice melted his heart. He edged Jiang Xun away and gazed at her with obsession. “Susu, I told you, you’re the only one in my heart. I don’t want to marry anyone else. If you’ll be with me, I’ll defy my family and any orders from my elders.”

Yin Huanmian let out a bitter laugh.

But Tian Susu had little interest in conversing with anyone. Since she had awakened, a system had appeared in her mind, and now she was busy talking to it.

System Brother, is the place we’re heading to really that dangerous?

For others, yes, it is dangerous. But for you, my little princess, there isn’t a soul in this world who could bear to harm you.

But… I’m still a little scared…

The system chuckled. What’s there to fear? All you have to do is act cute and coquettish—be it human or monster, everyone will bow before you.

Tian Susu blushed, embarrassed. Her smile, soft and sweet, made her all the more endearing.

The men on the bus squirmed, unable to resist her charm.

At that moment, the little girl at the front piped up, “We’re almost there!”

Don’t be afraid, the system assured her. When we arrive, I’ll tell you what to do. As long as you win over the key NPC, all dangers in Arctic Town will vanish.

Alright, I’ll listen to you, System Brother.

Rest easy. I’ll take care of everything.

Tian Susu glanced around at the others on the bus. They would never guess that although she had arrived here just like them, she now had the system on her side. As for her so-called good friend Yin Huanmian…

Tian Susu pouted in annoyance. Yin Huanmian claimed to be her friend, but not long ago had blamed her for calling Cha Lan “Brother.” They had grown up together; she’d always called him that—what was wrong with it? Today, when Cha Lan confessed, Tian Susu had been just as shocked. If Yin Huanmian couldn’t keep her boyfriend in check, it wasn’t fair to blame someone else. Tian Susu decided she would no longer consider Yin Huanmian her friend.

Hmph!

The bus passed through a bank of mist and entered a small town, coming to a stop in a deserted open space.

The little girl cheered, the doors opened, and she dashed out eagerly.