In truth,
Chen Ge figured there was a slight misunderstanding between him and everyone else, but time was tight, and he wasn't about to waste any explaining.
"The Skull Crusher won't get through the park's security, so I'll just go to the hospital instead." Chen Ge turned his attention to those who had been victims before. "When I visited the first time, Virtual Future Land assigned actors to follow me around. They experienced that terror firsthand. They should be able to relate to me."
People were at their most vulnerable when they were sick. Chen Ge planned to go to the hospital tomorrow and have a good talk with those actors who had been scared into fainting—provided they had woken up from their comas.
"Worrying isn't going to change anything. I might as well get a good night's sleep and make the most of the present."
He set an alarm and drifted into a deep sleep.
The next morning at eight, after freshening up, Chen Ge summoned Old Bai and Doctor Wei. "I'm leaving the haunted house's operations to you two. I have some things to take care of during the day."
"Xiao Chen, is something on your mind?" Doctor Wei could tell at a glance that Chen Ge was different from usual. "I heard Zhang Yi mention something about the Underworld Fetus coming soon. Are you worried about it?"
"A little, but it's nothing major." A smile returned to Chen Ge's face. "You two just focus on running things smoothly. I'll handle everything else."
"You can actually rely on us, you know. After all, this place is home to all of us."
"Mm, don't worry." Chen Ge sent Doctor Wei and Old Bai back to their respective scenarios. He stepped out of the haunted house and opened the barricade.
It was peak season for the park, and the staff had already arrived early.
"Do your makeup first. I might be out of the haunted house during the day for the next few days, so keep your eyes peeled."
"Boss, don't you usually only go out at night? Why the switch to daytime?"
"There are some things I need to take care of. It should all be wrapped up within nine days. Once it's done, I'll stay with everyone and get some proper rest." Chen Ge went into the makeup room and carefully applied makeup to each of the employees, more meticulous than usual.
"I'm counting on you all."
The competition between New Century Land and Virtual Future Land had reached a critical stage, and the staff had been preparing for this day for a long time. Chen Ge wasn't about to add to their burden.
He said hello to Uncle Xu, and before the park opened, Chen Ge walked out with his heavy backpack in hand.
He flagged down a taxi. After getting in, the smile on his face slowly faded.
"Where to?"
"The city bureau's Criminal Investigation Division."
……
Chen Ge arrived at the entrance of the city bureau. He glanced at the guard, then at the backpack in his hand, and after a brief deliberation, decided not to go in right away. Instead, he dialed Li Zheng's number.
"Brother Zheng, it's me."
"Chen Ge? What's going on?"
"I'm at the entrance of the city bureau. Could you come and get me? There are some things I need to figure out."
"You're the first person in my career who's ever dared to speak to a detective like that. Hold on, I'll be right there."
The call ended. Ten minutes later, Li Zheng appeared at the entrance.
"What's this about?"
"Can we talk inside?"
"Outsiders aren't allowed in just like that." Li Zheng looked at Chen Ge and shook his head slightly. "Forget it. Come with me."