Lost in the Otherworld

"Alright, you've convinced me," Qingling finally conceded.

Gao Yang exhaled in relief. *Phew, I managed to muddle through.*

…

That evening, when Gao Yang returned home, everything appeared as usual. His parents gave him a scolding for staying out late again, but they hadn't noticed anything else amiss.

He dealt with their complaints and retreated to his bedroom, locking the door behind him. Lying down on his bed, he closed his eyes.

**Beep—**

**Entering system…**

**You've gained 71 Luck Points.**

—Wait, wasn’t it supposed to be 1 Luck Point per hour?

—At most, it’s only been 50 hours since the last login.

**Your Luck skill has upgraded to Level 2.**

**From now on, the danger level during your survival time will affect the growth rate of Luck Points.**

**Previously, you endured 20 minutes of extremely perilous survival time, granting a 60x increase in Luck Points.**

—That must’ve been during Aunt He's attack. Fortune really does favor the bold!

—All points to Luck, please.

**Once distributed, Luck Points cannot be reassigned. Confirm?**

—Confirm! Hurry up!

**Congratulations! Luck has surpassed 100, and you've gained random permanent attribute boosts: Strength +9, Stamina +10, Agility +10, Spirit +20, Charm +3.**

**Strength: 27 | Stamina: 28**

**Power: 17 | Agility: 27**

**Spirit: 37 | Charm: 19**

**Luck: 101**

—Hmm, didn’t seem like much of a win this time. I may have lost a bit.

—What’s the point of Spirit, anyway?

**Spirit increases the output and defense of mental abilities. It also enhances perception, making it easier to detect danger and hostility.**

—Got it.

—By the way, can I unlock the hidden panel?

**Sorry, not enough Luck.**

—How much do I need?

**You currently do not have access to that information.**

—Alright, I’ll save up slowly.

**One hour ago, a new skill appeared in the Temple of Talents. You have one free chance to gain insight. Use it?**

—Wait, what’s the Temple of Talents? Where is it?

**You currently do not have access to that information.**

—Alright, use the insight.

**Insight in progress…**

**Insight failed.**

—Heh, as expected.

**Another insight attempt requires 30 Luck Points.**

—Why didn’t you mention that earlier? I just spent everything! Forget it, I'll try again tomorrow.

**Session ended. System hidden.**

**Beep—**

…

The next morning, a light rain fell.

Gao Yang walked through the damp, crowded streets, umbrella in hand, watching the dazed office workers waiting for traffic lights, cramming into buses and subway stations. He couldn’t help but muse—*These beasts are truly dedicated. People used to joke about being "corporate slaves," but it turns out it’s all too real.*

At school, during the morning self-study, the homeroom teacher walked in. "Gao Yang, Qingling, the police are here. They want to see you in the office about Li Weiwei’s case."

Though only a few days had passed since Li Weiwei's death, the teacher’s face had already lost any trace of sorrow or pity, replaced by cold indifference, perhaps even impatience.

Gao Yang and Qingling rose and made their way to the office.

Officer Huang was sitting inside, smoking, and there were no other teachers present.

"Is the last issue resolved?" Qingling asked.

"Rest assured, no traces were left behind," Officer Huang replied, flicking his cigarette ash. "Fat Jun told me the reason behind your failure."

"We can try again," Qingling said, "This time, we’ll succeed for sure."

Officer Huang didn’t seem convinced. He put out his cigarette in the ashtray and, with a long sigh, began speaking, "I’ve known my wife since high school. She was my first love, and we’ve been together for many years. I always thought I understood her well—at least, her *human* side."

He stood up and surveyed the room, confirming again that they were alone, before lowering his voice. "But lately, something about her hasn’t been right. I started thinking she might have figured something out, that she was beginning to suspect me. Although I’ve never tested her, I always believed she was a Lost One. But if she’s doubting me, then she definitely couldn’t be a Lost One.

"For weeks, I’ve been tormented by fear and paranoia, until I finally reached a point where I wanted her dead. It was only by chance that I crossed paths with you, leading to this operation."

Officer Huang scrubbed his hands over his face, exhaling heavily. "Thank God it didn’t work. If I’d succeeded, I’d have been living in hell for the rest of my life."

"Has the plan changed?" Gao Yang asked.

"Yes, it has," Officer Huang said, standing. "Last night, I discovered I had misunderstood my wife. She’s been acting strange because she was hiding something from me. She confessed everything last night, and to be honest, I was utterly shocked."

"What was it?"

"My wife," Officer Huang’s gaze darkened as he looked at Gao Yang and Qingling, "is pregnant."