Chapter11: Return to the Abandoned House

　　"Ah...!" Professor Li winced in pain as his grip loosened, and I swiftly snatched the hallucinogen from his hand, tearing off the plastic cap and plunging it into my thigh with force. With a firm press of my thumb, the concoction surged through the syringe and into my veins!

　　My swift actions caught everyone off guard, leaving them unable to react in time. Plus, I was closest to Professor Li, directly across from him. Before they could intervene, the needle was already embedded in my own leg!

　　"Xia Ning, what in the world are you doing?!" The teacher pulled me back into my seat, her eyes now teary and red, tears cascading down her cheeks.

　　"Have you lost your mind?" Professor Li snapped, his grip tight around his wrist in anger.

　　"Why on earth would you do such a thing, young lady?" The middle-aged police officer sighed halfway through his sentence, his expression a mixture of resignation and heartache as he looked at me.

　　And Wei Junliang, his eyes brimming with tears, could only watch in shock and sorrow."I feel like I have to do this, or else I won't be able to find peace. Does anyone else have anything to add?" I said as I started to feel a bit dizzy.

　　The train car fell silent instantly. Then, Professor Li sat up straight, clutching his wrist. "There's no turning back now. We have to trust you. You've got to find a way back, even if you can't find your classmates. Find that exit!"

　　"Can I find the culprit in the hallucination?" I adjusted myself for comfort, feeling the teacher's trembling grip on my hand and hearing her muffled sobs.

　　Professor Li's expression turned serious as he listened to me. "Absolutely do not go after that culprit. I'm certain he's just a madman. He might not be a threat in reality, but in the hallucination, he's the stuff of nightmares!"

　　His words gave me a jolt, intensifying my wariness of the culprit. Not go after him? He'd kill us all, and I wouldn't be able to rest until he faced justice!

　　Suddenly, Wei Junliang stood up, unstrapping the gun from his waist and placing it in my hand. "Take it. Even if you black out, I won't take it back. Hopefully, it'll bring you luck and help you find your way out in that world!"

　　My thoughts were starting to feel a bit fuzzy."There's one more thing. In that dream world, you can reach out for help! Remember, during the day, seek out allies!" Professor Li's voice trembled with urgency as he looked directly at me.

　　A wave of fatigue washed over me, turning my mind to mush. I struggled to keep my eyes open, yearning to grasp every word they uttered.

　　"In the dream world during daylight, you can call me for aid. My number is 13936385567!" Wei Junliang's voice was filled with excitement.

　　He must've wanted to ensure I heard him clearly in my foggy state, but I couldn't fight off the weariness any longer. Even his phone number sounded distant as I closed my eyes.

　　And then, everything faded into darkness....

　　...

　　As my awareness slowly returned, I found myself lying in bed, surrounded by darkness. Then, a gentle knocking echoed through the room.

　　"Xia Ning, wake up! Mom's made something delicious for you. Come out and taste it. But shh, let's keep it quiet so Dad doesn't hear!" My mom's voice drifted softly through the door, followed by the fading sound of her footsteps.

　　I gradually opened my eyes, realizing I was in my own room at home. The room was dimly lit, and I glanced at the clock on the wall—it was exactly twelve-thirty!

　　Despite the dimness, I could still make out the familiar features of my room.

　　There was a cozy bedside table with a vase-shaped lamp casting a warm glow. Beneath it sat a cherished family photo in a simple brown frame.

　　A cream-colored wardrobe stood against one wall, and the rose-patterned curtain on the balcony fluttered gently, a reminder of my online bargain from last year.

　　Opposite the bed, a charming two-tiered desk overflowed with books. A pink sofa chair invited relaxation, with my childhood teddy bear nestled upon it.

　　How did I end up back home? Was this reality, or was I still trapped in the hallucination? I felt a mix of confusion and unease.

　　As I started to sit up, my hand brushed against something heavy. I retrieved it and was surprised to find a handgun!

　　But this unexpected discovery jolted me back to reality. I must still be in the hallucination. And this gun, a gift from Wei Junliang before I slipped into a haze, had somehow accompanied me here. If that was the case, why not think outside the box and bring something even more substantial into the hallucination, like a tank?But then again, it all seemed too far-fetched. I mean, seriously, thinking about finding a tank? And hadn't I been in an ambulance before? How did I end up here? There were still so many unanswered questions swirling around in my head.

　　I twisted the little knob on the gun to release the magazine and was surprised to find it fully loaded—fifteen rounds in total. I tried to mimic the way I'd seen police officers handle their weapons, flicking off the safety and feeling that satisfying click as the bullet chambered.

　　As I closed the safety, a sense of relief washed over me. With this gun in hand, at least I felt a bit safer. But then, I hesitated, remembering my mom's words from earlier. Even though this was all just a hallucination, I couldn't shake the craving for my mom's cooking.

　　I carefully placed the gun under the covers on the bed and gingerly got up, realizing I was still wearing the same skirt and hadn't even taken off my shoes!

　　I tried to wrap my head around the concept of this hallucination, but it felt like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.I stood before the door, considering flipping the light switch. But then I remembered Mom's secretive manner earlier, so I left it untouched. Upon opening the door, I found the living room shrouded in darkness, with a fruit platter untouched on the coffee table by the sofa.

　　Making my way around the corner towards the kitchen, I noticed the absence of light there too. Only the silhouette of my mom, her figure slightly plumper, chopping away vigorously caught my eye.

　　Approaching her from behind, I greeted her with a smile. "Mom, whipping up something tasty for me this late? What's cooking?" I inquired cheerfully.

　　There was no response from Mom. As I peered over her shoulder, I recoiled in shock. What Mom was preparing wasn't food at all. Instead, she was slicing her own fingers! The cutting board bore evidence of three severed digits, each coated in a chilling layer of blood!!!As I gazed at Mom's profile, a shiver ran down my spine!

　　Slowly, Mom turned to meet my gaze. Her face was frozen in an eerie expression, her lips pulled back into a disturbing grin as she locked eyes with me.

　　"Xia Ning..." she said, drawing out each syllable with an unsettling tone.

　　"Let me whip up another dish for you..." With those words, she shockingly used her hand, with only two bloody fingers remaining, to grip her extended tongue. Meanwhile, her other hand reached for the kitchen knife and sliced it off!!!

　　"Ahh...!!" I couldn't hold back the terror any longer and let out a bloodcurdling scream, turning on my heels and sprinting towards my room!With a resounding thud, I swiftly shut the door and secured it with the lock!

　　Climbing onto the bed, I reached for the gun, my hands trembling as I flicked off the safety and aimed it towards the door, my breaths coming in ragged gasps.

　　"It's okay, it's okay... it's just a hallucination, just a hallucination!" I whispered to myself, trying to find some solace.

　　But no matter how hard I tried to convince myself, I couldn't shake off the fear and uncertainty. That figure outside, it looked like my mom, but it couldn't be!

　　"Calm down, Xia Ning... just breathe," I muttered, trying to steady my nerves.

　　"Xia Ning... Open the door, sweetheart. Mom's bringing you some food," the voice outside pleaded, but there was something off about it, something unsettling.

　　Unable to find my voice, I clutched the gun tighter, my heart pounding in my chest as I stared at the door.

　　At the same time, a surge of anger and hatred welled up inside me, directed at the twisted individual behind all of this. How dare he manipulate my family like this, turning them into pawns in his sick game!

　　Unforgivable!!!

　　The knocking on the door persisted, each sound reverberating through the room, a chilling reminder of the danger lurking outside.

　　"Xia Ning... Come on, sweetheart. Your mom made your favorite dish. You should come out and eat," my dad's voice came through the door, but it sounded strained, almost inhuman.