Why is my journey to the world of anime a strange tale of rules?

The three exclamation marks drawn on Takami's hand at the end were drawn with considerable force, as if to cut his hand open, which was enough to show how angry the quiet Shijo Maki was at this moment.

Sorry, actually I was worried that you might only have one hand left. I'm actually quite scared right now.

Gao Hai, who almost burst out laughing, then wrote on Zhenfei's hand.

[Hmph, no matter what, you're just an ordinary person from a humble background. It's only natural that you'd be afraid at a time like this.]

Even without seeing her expression, Takahashi could imagine that Shijo Maki was looking arrogant with her head slightly raised.

Even at a time like this, he still insists on maintaining this arrogant attitude. Doesn't he get tired?

While Gao Hai was thinking this, Zhen Fei continued writing.

Don't worry, I'll protect you. After all, I'm a genius of the Shijou family, and I won't back down in the face of any rules or supernatural tales.

[And I can tell you're actually pretty good. Although you're not usually that quick-witted, you react very quickly in critical situations. You might actually be stronger than me and your great-aunt, um, of course, provided you work out more. Right now, your physique isn't exactly strong.]

Anyway, don't be scared! I'm a girl and I wasn't scared at all, so you can't be any less scared than me. Of course, if you're really scared and want a hug, that's perfectly fine—it's a special treat I'm giving you!

As she finished writing, the girl gently patted Gao Hai's hand, and then placed her small hand over Gao Hai's hand.

Her hands were much smaller than Gao Hai's, with a soft touch. She slipped her fingers through the gaps between Gao Hai's fingers, bringing a touch of warmth and excitement in the darkness.

Gao Hai did not speak or make any move.

It's a little embarrassing to admit, but faced with such gentle comfort from a genuinely beautiful girl, even though it was dark and he couldn't see her face, his heart started racing. He couldn't help but want to shake his legs, scratch his cheeks, and rub his hair, but his body was too stiff to move.

As someone who has viewed over 10TB of high-quality content and is recognized by my friends as a connoisseur, how could I possibly feel so ashamed when faced with the gentleness of a real anime girl?

At this moment, Gao Hai sat there stiffly, lost in thought.

To be honest, even if Zhenfei had really turned into a monster by now, it was just to lower his guard, and Gao Hai felt it was worth it. Anyway, the door to the outside was broken and couldn't be opened, so he couldn't escape even if he wanted to. He might as well enjoy himself before he died.

However, these chaotic little thoughts were quickly disrupted by other noises.

step-step-

Footsteps.

The only sound that could be heard in the hallway outside the door was footsteps from just one wall away.

Someone's here?!

Gao Hai sat up in surprise, and then heard more footsteps, which mingled together, clearly indicating that there was more than one person.

Tuk Tuk——

Then came a knock on the door.

Gao Hai immediately thought of the strange knocking incident he had encountered a few hours earlier, with the same unhurried knocking sound.

And along with the knocking, a calm voice rang out.

"Mr. Gao, Shijou-kun, are you inside? We're here to rescue you."

It's Kaguya Shinomiya's voice.

Chapter 18: Don't trust someone you've broken up with once.

The voice of Kaguya Shinomiya.

It sounded perfectly normal, with a calm voice that didn't reveal any problem at all.

The only thing that shouldn't have been a voice appearing so quietly at this time.

Gao Hai and Zhen Fei both widened their eyes at the same time.

[Is there something wrong with this door? Hmm, sure enough, the lock is jammed. No wonder you've been staying inside.]

Step back a little, I'll figure out how to open the door.

The sounds outside the door continued.

No matter how you listened to it, it was definitely Kaguya's voice, mixed with the sounds of Green and Sun Dajun's discussion.

The four people who separated earlier seem to be outside the door now.

how come……

At this moment, Gao Hai could hardly contain his shock.

He had come to understand what it meant to hear Kaguya's voice here.

Do not respond!

Without the slightest hesitation, Gao Hai immediately pulled out the earplugs he had taken from the supply box earlier from his pocket.

Under no circumstances should you respond or listen to what's going on outside.

As long as you can't hear anything, there's still hope; as long as there's no interaction, there's still a chance to survive!

and so--

Boom!

With a heavy thud, the living room door was kicked open.

Holding a torch she made herself from wooden strips and scraps of cloth, Kaguya Shinomiya stopped and walked into the house.

Are you alright? After you disappeared, the door to room 208 opened, and we sensed something was wrong inside, so we decided to risk coming out to look for you. As a result, the corridor completely warped at night, and we don't know why this happened.

Kaguya Shinomiya spoke with a worried expression, and Sun Dajun stepped forward from behind, apologizing to Takahashi and Shijo Maki with a look of remorse.

I'm so sorry, I... I always thought you were kidnappers or something, until I saw what happened here, I realized you were actually good people. I'm so sorry, I'm really sorry.

As Sun Dajun spoke, his face was filled with an expression of near collapse.

Maeda Miwa also stepped forward and carefully apologized, even sobbing softly a few times.

Standing not far away, Green shook his head and muttered something like, "Why didn't you do this sooner?" However, he still seemed somewhat disappointed. Clearly, looking at Sun Dajun and Maeda Miwa like they were two dogs had given this man a considerable sense of satisfaction.

Takami and Shijo Maki were still standing in the same spot.

What they were seeing was once again beyond their comprehension.

Why did you go straight into the house?

Even the ghost story about knocking on the door never actually appeared in front of them.

But this time, why did these people just walk in? And these people looked perfectly normal, with no apparent problems.

Are you alright? Did you encounter any danger here?

Kaguya looked at Takami and Shijo Maki and asked seriously.

I can't see any problems.

No, there shouldn't be any problem at all.

"I thought... you'd become one of those ghost stories about knocking on doors."

Gao Hai spoke somewhat stiffly, but his voice quickly became smooth, as if he were speaking normally.

"How could that be? I am the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family; I won't fail so easily. By the way, all the wall clocks disappeared after nightfall. It seems the night here operates under a different set of rules. We'd better get back to our rooms as soon as possible to ensure our safety."

Kaguya Shinomiya spoke in a serious tone, gesturing for Takami and Maki to follow her, then turned and began to walk outside.

"Grandma, and everyone else, are you all really alright...?"

Consort Zhen asked blankly, her feet already following behind unconsciously.

Is there something that has been forgotten?

Take a step forward.

Takami and Shijo Maki walked beside Kaguya, out of the living room, and into the dilapidated corridor outside the door.

Wait, did I forget something?

Gao Hai lowered his head and looked at the black watch on his left wrist.

Mingming and Mingming have finally reunited safely.

Although this apartment is so fraught with danger.

But with so many people gathered together, they should be able to overcome the difficulties and live well here.

He still has many questions to figure out.

With Kaguya and everyone else's help, we'll definitely be able to figure it out.

Gao Hai raised his head and looked at Kaguya walking ahead.

However, he still felt as if he had forgotten something.

The questions that should not be forgotten, the questions that should have been asked immediately upon meeting Kaguya.

What is it?

"Miss Shinomiya..."

Gao Hai slowly opened his mouth and began to speak with some difficulty.

What is it?

"Um, Mr. Gao, what's wrong?"

Kaguya Shinomiya turned around and looked at Takami calmly, asking him a question.

What was I going to say?

Gao Hai stared intently at the girl holding the torch in front of him.

He opened his mouth, but couldn't make a sound. It was as if something was stuck in his throat, as if his thoughts had turned into a lump of solidified grease, completely losing the power to function.

I should ask a question.

Gao Hai thought to himself.

I should be asking a question.

What was the question again?

The more I think about it, the more confused I become.

The words are right on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't say them.