Haunted House Shadows

A rugged SUV was making its way through the mountains.

They had set out at dawn and, after several hours on the road, the excitement in the car had gradually faded to fatigue. Aside from napping and snacking, there was little to do but scroll through their phones. The unchanging scenery of winding mountain roads and endless trees grew monotonous, lulling everyone toward drowsiness. A thin mist clung to the slopes, slowing their progress further.

Guo Zhengxiang was at the wheel. Truth be told, driving these mountain routes made him sleepy, and after so many hours, his eyelids were growing heavy.

“What’s wrong, Guo Zhengxiang? Are we there yet?” Feeling the car come to a stop, Cui Kaixuan put down his phone and glanced out the window. Ahead, a narrow winding road disappeared into endless fog.

A bit of life returned to the car’s interior.

“Wow, I must’ve dozed off. Where are we now?” Fei Xin rubbed her eyes, the mist outside making her think her vision was blurred, so she rubbed again.

Guo Zhengxiang took a sip of water and checked the navigation, “Just over fifty kilometers to go. I’m getting a little drowsy myself—I need a break.” As he spoke, he leaned back in his seat and massaged his temples.

“Tao Tao, give Guo Zhengxiang a hand with his eyes, will you? A girl’s touch is softer—double the effect!” Gao Yi grinned.

Sitting up front, Guo Zhengxiang chuckled. Soon, a pair of delicate, soft hands pressed gently on his temples, kneading with a soothing touch that made him sigh in relief.

“Keep going, Tao Tao, don’t stop—G