The moment the bus plunged into the blood mist, the sound of heels clicking against the ground vanished, and the Smiling Man's expression froze completely.
The situation was spiraling out of control, heading in a direction that not even the ghosts could have predicted.
Rainwater slid down the windows, and when the mist touched the bus, it transformed into fine blood-red filaments that clung to the vehicle's outer shell. The battered old bus was slowly being dyed crimson.
"There are still some differences between this place and the world beyond the door. The buildings in the fog haven't completely turned blood-red yet—there's probably still a process of erosion needed." As the one directing events, Chen Ge remained the calmest of all. His fingers rested just outside his pocket. The instant the bus had rammed into the blood mist, his black phone had vibrated several times in rapid succession.
The situation was uncertain, and unexpected changes could occur at any moment. He decided not to take out the phone to check for now, preferring to wait until they reached somewhere safe.
Following Chen Ge's earlier instructions, Tang Jun drove toward the residential complex where Fan Cong's home was located. But as more and more blood mist adhered to the vehicle, the bus's speed began to drop.
Even with Tang Jun flooring the accelerator, there was nothing he could do to change it.
"What the hell is going on?" Every passenger on the bus demanded an explanation, and Tang Jun's pressure mounted. He had followed Chen Ge's orders, but now all the passengers' fury was directed squarely at him.
Gripping the steering wheel tight, Tang Jun was terrified that Chen Ge would abandon him. Risking the wrath of the terrifying Smiling Man and the Red High Heels just to save a ghost who could drive—that was obviously not worth it.
The bus was slowing down more and more, and this was anything but good news for Tang Jun. He hadn't completed the task the boss had given him, and on top of that he had to endure the passengers' rage. He was failing on every front.
He didn't know Chen Ge's plan and had never asked. In his heart, saying he had no regrets would be a lie.
"Where exactly are you taking us?" The middle-aged man's face was grim. He broke free from Chen Ge's grip and stamped on the brake pedal again. This time, Chen Ge did not try to stop him.
The bus had already slowed significantly. Blocking the man again at this point would serve little purpose.
"Stop the car!" The middle-aged man slammed his foot on the brake and lunged for the steering wheel with both hands. Out of pure driver's instinct, Tang Jun gritted his teeth and shoved the middle-aged man away with all his strength.
The steering wheel spun, and the hearse veered off the road, hurtling toward the guardrail on one side.
"Watch out!" Chen Ge shouted, taking the middle-aged man's place.
With his back to all the passengers, he signaled Tang Jun through the door—leave now, immediately.
Tang Jun understood what Chen Ge meant. He decided to trust him one last time.
The moment Chen Ge reached out and seized the steering wheel, Tang Jun flung the door open and jumped out.
"He's trying to run!" Chen Ge's voice boaned louder than anyone else's. He slammed on the brake and, without waiting for the bus to come to a complete stop, rushed out with his backpack in hand: "Stop right there!"
He shouted at the top of his lungs and charged out right after.