[Note: This chapter contains elements that may be unsettling or distressing to some readers. It includes themes of manipulation, stalking, betrayal, and violence. Reader discretion is advised. If you find yourself uncomfortable with such themes, it is recommended to proceed with caution or refrain from reading further. Please prioritize your well-being and mental health while engaging with this content.]
The Forest's Unheard Despair
'Aah, we're finally done! Only fifteen minutes till closing, and we can clock out', said the barista wearing glasses enthusiastically while stretching his arms to the young part-timer.
'But what if a customer comes in since there's still some time left?', she replied innocently, confusion evident in her tone.
'Don't say that!', exclaimed the two baristas and three waiters simultaneously.
'But why...', Before the part-timer could complete her sentence, they all heard a clear sound, filling them with despair as they looked at her with resentment.
Ding. It was the sound of the bell jingling as the door opened.
They all looked over with gloomy expressions, seeing a tired-looking man in a suit entering. His looks would've been on par with any model if not for the dark bags under his eyes, his nest like black hair, and his overall sloppy appearance, a sign of an overtime worker which was a sight they were all familiar with..
He made his way to the counter and said politely, 'Please make me a cup of hot cappuccino.'
One of the staff members called out, 'Sir, I apologize for the inconvenience, but we stop service after 9:30pm, and it is currently 9:47pm. I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask you to leave'.
He protested in a pleading tone, 'But the sign says you close at 10pm, so there should still be some time. Can't you just make and exception and brew a single cup, please? It won't even take that long.'
The staff member continued neutrally, 'Sir, we've already cleaned up. If we oblige you, we'll have to work overtime, and the owner is against that.'
'But...' The man continued when he was interrupted by the sound of the door opening.
A beautiful woman walked in with grace evident in every step and gesture. Her fair skin and hazel almond-shaped eyes gave her a sophisticated and mysterious look. Flowing long hair, a natural light brown, provided a subtle contrast, highlighting the green tones in her eyes adding depth to her appearance. She wore a cream-colored full-sleeved long dress, accentuating her elegance, while beige low-heeled sandals created a flattering silhouette.
'Is there a problem?', she asked gently, though her tone and posture clearly conveyed her authority, showing her to be a strong woman.
'Ah, owner! This man...'
Before the staff could explain, the man quickly interjected, 'I came for a cup of coffee, but it seems I was late.'
'Yes, that's correct, since there's less than ten minutes left until my staff clocks out', she said.
'Can't you make an exception as the owner? All the other cafes in the area are closed. Just this once, please', he pleaded.
'Why should I? Who are you to me that I'd make my staff work overtime for your convenience?' , she questioned coldly.
He paused, looking at her with a tired expression, and continued, 'I suddenly had to work overtime because of a problem in a project, and I haven't slept properly in two days. I really need some caffeine; otherwise, I don't think I can go on.'
She blankly looked at him and said in a cold voice, 'So, how is that my problem?'
He looked at her, shoulders slumped in exhaustion, staring at her like a wet sick puppy.
Despite her cold demeanor, she was actually quite soft-hearted. Even though she could clearly tell that he was acting like that on purpose, her heart melted, reminding her of herself when she was a struggling teenager, just having left the orphanage as she came of age.
She heaved a deep sigh and said in an irritated voice,' Okay, fine.' She then turned to her staff and said gently, with a kind smile, 'You guys can leave; I'll lock up after giving him his coffee.'
Then, she turned back to him and said, 'You'll be ok being served at the counter, right? You can sit in the greenhouse when you come here on time.'
He replied in an amused voice, shaking his head while looking down, 'Oh, what a pity! I'm at a greenhouse cafe but can't enjoy the view.'
She noticed that the man, who looked close to a zombie and on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion just a moment ago, was nowhere to be seen.
'You're welcome to leave and come back another day if that'll be a problem', she said flatly.
He hurriedly added, 'No, no, I was just kidding. I'm perfectly ok here, it's great, amazing. Even the counter here is beautiful.'
She rolled her eyes and said in a polite and formal manner, 'Then please take a seat and tell me your order.'
He quickly sat down and repeated his order before continuing as soon as she started working, 'Besides, who needs a greenhouse for a beautiful view, when I've got this one.'
She raised her eyebrows as she looked at him, saying, 'Excuse me?'
He added, 'I meant the interior, since that's my job.' Then he continued with a smirk, 'Why, what did you think?'
Before she could reply he said with an exaggerated expression of disbelief, ' No way, you didn't think I was talking about you, did you? What sort of man do you think I am?'
She looked at him and threatened with an expressionless face, 'Are you sure you want to annoy the person who's going to be making you a drink after hours?'
The corners of his lips raised briefly before he brought them down and said in a serious expression, 'I apologize, great miss. Please don't get annoyed and secretly get rid of me. I'm not worth you dirtying those beautiful hands.'
She noticed that his whole demeanor had changed.
She just looked at him and said, 'Not tired anymore?'
'Aiyo~ so, so tired', he quickly added, after realizing his mistake but seeming carefree nonetheless.
She decided to just ignore him and continue working. He also stopped talking. She served him his coffee, getting ready to start cleaning up, when she heard him say, 'Honestly, though I've seen you here before through the window passing by. And I'm serious here, each time my gaze couldn't help lingering and staying on you. But you have all sorts of pests flying around you, so I decided to make a move, and I've noticed you come here just before closing everyday to lock up so it was perfect timing to talk alone.'
She looked at him and said, disgusted, 'Are you a stalker?'
He hurriedly denied, 'No, that's not it, that's not what I meant...' He stopped as he saw her smiling.
'I know, what, you can joke but I can't?', she said.
He amusedly looked at her . Then she continued, 'So, was today really a coincidence or do you have other intentions?'
He smiled and said, 'Guess.'
She added, 'Still stalkerish though.'
'Hey!', he exclaimed in a wronged manner, then continued, 'So since you've already caught on to me, I'll ask you properly. Can I court you?'
She looked at him with a smile, 'Guess'.
'Touché', he said, then continued 'then first let me formally introduce myself'. He stood up, extending his hand.' My name is Gu Weilun, aged 28. I was brought up by a single mother who unfortunately passed away in an accident ten years ago and have no other family. I'm currently working as an interior designer at my own firm. I earn a fairly decent amount and own my own car and house, which I got from my inheritance.
Stolen novel; please report.
[Gu (顾): Surname, meaning "to look after" or "to take care of"; Wei (伟): Given name, meaning "great" or "magnificent"; Lun (伦): Given name, meaning "ethics" or "morals". "Gu Weilun" could symbolize someone who is great or magnificent in upholding ethics or moral principles while looking after others. It reflects characteristics of being responsible, morally upright, and capable.]
She jokingly replied, 'Showing off much?'. Then took his hand and said, 'I'm Lin Zhiren'.
[Lin (林) - meaning "forest" or "woods", representing a connection to nature. Zhiren (志仁) - "Zhi" (志) means "ambition" or "aspiration", which can symbolize a strong connection to one's goals and values, and "Ren" (仁) means "benevolence" or "kindness", often associated with being in harmony with nature and others. "Lin Zhiren" would suggest someone with a strong connection to the earth and nature, driven by ambition and kindness.]
He complimented, 'It really suits you. Is that why your cafe's name is Forest?'
She nodded and continued, 'I'm 26 years old, my parents died in an accident when I was two and had no other relative so I grew up in an orphanage. I had to leave it when I came of age and worked a bunch of jobs to live and saved up enough to start this cafe. It gradually grew, and I make a decent amount as well. I live on the top floor and own a car.'
She finished her introduction and went back to work, acting as though this conversation had never happened. He quietly sat there drinking, while looking at her working. Then, after finishing, he went to help her. She tried to refuse, but he insisted until she finally gave in. They locked up and said goodbye then parted ways.
Two Months Later...
'The regular, please', said Gu Weilun with a smile. The part-timer made her way to the counter to give the barista his order when her co-worker stopped her, 'Wait, give his order to the owner.'
The part-time looked at him with a confused expression and asked, 'Why would I give the order to the owner.'
Her co-worker patiently explained, 'Ah, you don't know because you're new. Well, let me tell you, dear junior, our boss and that regular have been in the talking phase for a while now.
He first came to the cafe near closing time and pleaded for us to make him a cup, but we'd already cleaned up so the owner accepted him and said she'd take care of it. Ever since that day, he's been coming here everyday at lunch and requesting for the owner to make him his drink since he fell in love with "the coffee", if you know what I mean~ '
'Oh, I see, that's so cute', said the part-timer excitedly, 'I'll call her right now.'
Lin Zhiren came rushing down as soon as she got the call and went to make the coffee, then personally went to serve it.
He looked at her and said with a gentle smile, 'Aren't these the clothes you wore the first time we talked?'
She said with an impressed smile, 'You have a good memory.'
They laughed at the same time, and she sat down in the seat in front of him as always, where they talked about random stuff until the end of his lunch break. Before leaving he asked her, 'I have to work overtime again today, so can I come after hours?'
'Why are you asking when you always do that anyways?', she replied while rolling her eyes.
He smiled and said, 'You should wear a sweater, it's October now so the weathers getting chilly.' Then he left.
After 10pm...
He arrived at the cafe and said without sitting down,' Can I have two to go?'
'You won't even sit. Are you very busy today?' , she said in a disappointed tone.
He explained, 'It's not that. You see, I would like to ask a beautiful barista here to go with me on a walk to Cunjin Bridge Park while drinking coffee. The weather calls for it after all. I wonder if she'll say yes though.'
She smiled and said, 'You'll have to wait for her to get a sweater, since a dear customer asked her to.'
'Oh, he seems to be quite the considerate person' , he joked.
She made the coffee and gave him the cups as she went to get a light sweater, then they left.
At the bridge...
They stood together as he handed her the coffee, enjoying the night air. It may have been the atmosphere or maybe he had successfully managed to get her to open her heart to him, but she decided to accept his courting and ask to make things official.
Because of her past experiences, she's always been apprehensive about getting to close to people or letting them in, being particularly cautious about who she interacts with. But the sincerity this man has showed her in the short time they've known each other, gave her a courage she's never had before, along with these foreign feelings which she's had for a while now.
She downed her coffee, strengthened her resolve, then turned to him and said, 'Gu Weilun...'.
She stopped as she suddenly felt dizzy and unsteady. She held on to the railing with one hand and tried to stabilize herself to no avail, everything was blurry and spinning, the world around her gradually becoming dark as she lost her footing but was caught by the man in front of her.
She heard him say something but couldn't make out the words. Her head was muddled as she struggled to hold on to her consciousness. She made one last attempt to ask for help as she struggled to look up but what she saw shocked her, though muddled head wasn't able to make sense of what was happening or what she was feeling as her consciousness slipped away with the last image and thought being,
'He was smiling.'
She woke up after an unknown period of time. Her body felt heavy as she unsteadily sat up on the ground. She was in a cage. She tried to stand up when she discovered her right leg was chained. Every thing around her was dark and she was alone. One heartbreaking realization came knocking to her doorstep, which could get rid of her confusion, but she was apprehensive about opening the door.
She wanted to stay in denial but her rationality held her together, as she recalled the final image she'd seen before passing out.
'I may have been betrayed.'
That thought arrived making her feel like a knife had pierced her heart but she held herself together, thinking, 'I don't have confirmation yet. Lets not think like that.'
She stayed there alone for what seemed like forever when she heard the sound of the door opening as the lights turned on. The sudden brightness caused her to squint as she adjusted to the light, afraid to open her eyes.
But she couldn't avoid this forever.
She slowly opened her eyes, and the sight before her confirmed her fears. It was really him. He betrayed her.
She took a deep breath and weakly asked, holding back a storm, 'Gu Weilun, why...?'
He just smiled widely and said, 'Why not? Isn't it fun?'
'Are you sick?! Does this situation seem funny to you?, she shouted.
He said excitedly, 'Of course not! This isn't funny...it's perfect~ My prey finally stepped on my trap. I'd already told you that I'd been watching you, but it wasn't because I was mesmerized, but because women like you, self-made strong women who think they're all that. Yes, they're the perfect prey. As you gradually break down their walls and have them open up to you, only to crush them. YES~ THIS EXPRESSION...it's ecstasy. Like some rare delicacy, I slowly cook it over a low flame and savor the taste afterwards. It unlike any other.'
She said, horrified, 'You're crazy...'
She looked at him with a twisted expression, displaying all sorts of emotions: hurt, confusion, sadness, heart break, anger, anguish, horror, fear; all sorts of emotions were brewing inside her. She didn't know what to do, and she didn't know what to feel.
She asked him with a trembling voice, 'What are you going to do to me?'
He looked at her and smiled as he'd always done and talked with gentle voice while what he said horrified her, 'Hmm...what I'll do? Well, I'll savor these expressions, your misery and betrayal until I'm satisfied. Until I'm bored, I'll keep you alive, then I'll just kill you and eat you after.'
She asked horrified, unable to believe what she'd heard that this man can utter such terrifying words, 'You'll what?'
'What, are you hard of hearing now? I'll kill and eat you what's so shocking. You're my delicacy, my prey, I'll prepare you how I like and devour you. It's the easiest way to get rid of the body after all. While outside I'll act all heartbroken till then, and once I'm done with you, I'll "move on" and find my next prey.'
He finished his exposition and left, leaving her utterly bewildered.
Over the next few days, he did exactly as he said. He would come a few times a day. Sometimes to deliver her meal, or just talk to her like he used to, other times he'd just stare at her, occasionally saying something to get a reaction out of her, and would leave after he was satisfied, using his key to lock the door.
Gradually she found herself looking forward to his arrival and happiness in his company. That realization terrified her. This man was a psychopath who played with her feelings for his own pleasure, keeping her like livestock, and planning to cannibalize her.
But being stuck in this darkness, all alone, trapped like a bird in a cage, she was unable to take flight, reduced to a state of complete dependence on her captor regardless of her wishes. She couldn't tell how long she'd been here, as there wasn't any concept of day and night in this place devoid of light.
She craved interaction before she started to lose her sanity in this isolations where it was uncertain whether she would live the next moment or ever see the light again. In this situation, driven by desperation, his presence had become her only solace. She was forced to view him as her everything here, her world. His arrival bringing in the only light she could grasp, even if from afar.
She was aware that she was experiencing something like Stockholm syndrome, and she was afraid. She held on to the last string of remaining reason and thought, 'I can't let this go on. I've come too far in life to end up like this. I have to escape, even if it kills me because then I'll at least die as myself, as a person with dignity.'
From then on, she started looking for any chance she could find, but to no avail.
One day, he was following his usual routine when he suddenly said, 'I thought I'd finally tamed you, but now it seems you've still got some fight left in you, seeing as I can still see the fire of rebellion and hope that you can escape left in your eyes.'
She immediately backed away in alert. He raised his hands and said, 'Don't worry, I won't do anything to you, yet. It just means it's not time.'
He he stood up to lock the cage again, but as he was putting the keys in his pocket, they fell on the carpet. He didn't notice, and she pretended to not either as he continued, 'You should let go of any hope of ever leaving this place. Though I don't think I need to say it, as it seems you're already close to your breaking point, considering the way you sometimes look at me is like a dog to its owner.'
'That'll never happen, and if I think it will, I'll kill myself before I reach that point', she said in indignation.
'As you wish', he smiled ominously then left.
As soon as the sound of his footsteps faded away, she dove down and reached out with her arm between the bars to get the key. After multiple attempts, she finally succeeded and opened the cage.
She made her way to the door, cautiously opening it to look outside. The light stung her eyes as she squinted until they adjusted to scan the surrounding. The coast was clear. She walked out to find it seemed to be a simple cabin in the woods. She hurriedly made her way out for fear that he'd come back.
She felt the cold and refreshing night wind on her face and the grass beneath her bare feet. 'It seems I was in there for a long time; winter is almost over.' It was a foreign feeling to be out. Yes, the feeling of freedom. She could almost grasp it. She just needed to get back to civilization, and she'd be safe.
She walked forward when suddenly I felt a hot, searing pain on my leg. He had come back and shot me while using a silencer. 'No, I almost escaped, not like this', she thought as she crawled on the ground dragging her bloody leg behind her to put some distance between them, but it was of no use.
He calmly strode forward with a smile on his face, slowly moving step by step. Then he said, 'What, did you actually think I dropped the keys by accident? It seem our young boss has become somewhat slow in these past months.'
When she heard him, she was overcome with dread and despair. She had fallen into his trap, but there was something she didn't understand as she voiced out her confusion, 'Why?'
'Don't you get it, dear? Imagine, your prey just tasted the sweet freedom and relief, feeling hope only to discover it had walked into a trap. That...that despair is the sweetest delight. How did it feel? When you thought you were safe, that you could go home, feeling the ecstasy of hope only to be dragged back into hell?' , he said flashing his teeth as he stood above her, his eyes filled with excitement and bloodlust.
He continued, 'Well, now it seems our time together must come to an end. It was fun while it lasted, but I've started to feel bored'.' He grabbed her by her injured leg and started dragging her back towards the cabin.
She felt a burst of pain but desperately flailed, 'Wait, please...' He stopped, let go and went inside. She almost dared to hope when he returned with a large carving knife. She was horrified as she pleaded, 'Please...', then, he smiled gently at her, like all those times in the past and brought the knife down.
She gasped, it hurt but no sound would come out, her eyes wide open. As she felt warm blood flowing out. He pulled out causing blood to splash on their faces and gush out. It was a searing pain, she'd never felt before. Then he stabbed again, and again, and again...
He was smiling as if he was enjoying this.
She stopped feeling anything at some point as if her brain was blocking it all to protect her. But she could feel her life flashing before her eyes. The warm blood continued to flow out as her body slowly started to turn cold. She was close to letting go but still tried to hold on with a thought, 'Help me. Please, someone...anyone help.'
Suddenly, everything went dark and he disappeared. She was alone. He was nowhere in sight, and the torture ended. She thought that perhaps she'd already crossed over the Yellow River.
Then, she saw that one spot had a tiny light coming from it, which gradually grew larger until it became like a floating door without a door knob. It slowly opened and a figure stepped out of it. But it didn't seem human. It looked like a humanoid black snake, but with wings. Wait, was that a dragon? But it was wearing a formal black 3-piece suit with a white dress shirt, black tie, and black boots.
There were silver chains hanging around its neck, to its wings diagonally, and the belt. He didn't carry any other weapons.
'Am I dead or hallucinating?', she thought out loud.
She didn't try getting up as she couldn't, but thought its gotta be because of her injuries, which didn't make sense if she's dead, so its probably a hallucination.
The dragon straightened its tie and cuffs before opening its stout with its head lowered. It sounded like a young man's voice, saying gently, 'Oh no, you poor thing. I apologize, I was a little late in arriving to world1497 so the plot progressed to this point already. By the way, You aren't dead, though you were close, and you aren't hallucinating either. This is all real. I'm am what they're calling a collector to you and you're selected as the perfect person to be 'player 3' to the team.'
'Will I live?', she interjected, asking seriously, clinging on to this mysterious ray of hope.
She thought, 'It seems dangerous, but I'll take what she can get. I'm dying anyway so it doesn't matter.'
The collector replied, 'Well that'll depend on you, but for now, yes, you'll live.'
'Then I'm ready, please take me, or I guess collect me to wherever you want. Just save me', she said.
'Huh, this is easier than I thought, no futile resistance at all, that's great. I'll give the others this idea to collect them on the brink of death from now on', he said, then continued,
'Anyway, I don't need to explain anything else, you won't get it anyway. You'll find out the details eventually if you live long enough, so let's not waste any more time and get going'.
Then, a shadow surrounded her as she floated towards the door with him, showing no resistance as she disappeared into the unknown nothingness.
The darkness faded as everything went back to normal, the surroundings illuminated by the moonlight.
Gu Weilun stood there with a clean knife in hand alone, wondering why he was there.
Her existence, like the others, had also disappeared from her world.
To be continued...
----------------------------------------
Player 1 & 2: When will we make an appearance again?
Author: Just wait until I'm done introducing everyone.
----------------------------------------