Super Thrilling Live Broadcast

r the interview.” I couldn’t quite make out the three people in front of me.
They could be the cold-blooded killers who murdered Xia Qing’s brother.
So in the face of such ruthless murderers, I had to remain calm.

“I accidentally saw your company’s advertisement and became very interested in your unique platform.
In the age of the Internet, I firmly believe that only innovation and differentiation can lead to success.
That’s why I want to join you.” To strengthen my persuasion, I improvised and placed the crumpled business card on the black lacquer table.

“Interested?” The three masked people looked at each other, and I couldn’t tell if it was just my imagination, but their paper masks seemed to reveal a chilling smile.

“It’s quite a coincidence that you were able to find your way here, but being a host for the underworld show is not something that a living person can handle.” The masked man crossed his hands under his chin.
“May I ask you a few questions?”

“Of course, you can.” I remained calm.
A few years ago, I was expelled from the police academy, and I had almost gone to every HR department of major companies in Jiangcheng with a fake resume.
I had gained enough experience to handle the interviewers and their commonly asked questions, and I had already found template answers online.

With enigmatic confidence, I nodded with a smile, “Please go ahead and ask.”

“Name?”

“Gao Jian.”

“Do you have any relevant work experience? For example, have you ever live streamed on other platforms before?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t have any similar experience, but I have strong communication and adaptability skills.
Based on my personality, I am very suitable to be a live streamer and can work as a host.” Being honest about my weaknesses and emphasizing my strengths was one of the interview skills I had honed.

“You’re right, but the hosts of the Underworld Show are different from those on other platforms.
We not only need to communicate with our audience but also to protect ourselves and survive…”

“Survive?” When the interviewer said this, I realized that things were starting to get out of my control.

“That’s right, it’s simple, just stay alive.” The person in the middle stroked the mask on his face, making the paper mask show a creepy expression.
“There are countless legends hidden in our city—the 13-level staircase in the abandoned village school, the last bus ride taken by the dead, the ghostly faces on the surveillance footage in the early hours of the morning, the little girl in red who lingers at the door… There are too many of these legends, are they all fictional?”

“Probably…?” If I had been asked this question before coming here, I would have confidently said, “Yes, they’re all made up.”

“Wait, are you saying that the hosts of the underworld show have to go to those places every day to discover spirits and find materias?!”

“You’re quick on the uptake.
I quite like you,” the cackling laughter sounded almost inhuman.
“Active in the shadows of midnight, hitting the most terrifying horror in this city.
Don’t you find it exciting?”

“Live streaming scenes of ghost stories—that’s quite sensational.
Maybe it can satisfy the psychological needs of a wide variety people.” I was just responding to the three people in front of me without really meaning it.
In fact, I was already having second thoughts.

To be honest, I don’t dislike watching horror and supernatural movies, but it would be a completely different story if you asked me to be the protagonist of a horror movie myself.

Just the mere thought of having to dig up coffins in the dead of the night, to pry open the doors of haunted houses while possibly being chased by a bunch of ghosts and spirits, made me feel very uncomfortable.

“Ghost stories? No, no, it seems you still haven’t figured it out,” the masked man said, propping his chin on his hands.
His eyes, hidden behind the paper mask, pierced through me like a sword.
“The truth is always more terrifying than stories.
I assure you, the deepest despair you will ever experience begins the moment you discover the truth.”

“What do you mean?”

“The answer lies in this city.
You will become a witness to another world, to witness the true thrill,” the masked man’s words were devoid of any humor.
His tone was flat, dull, and very restrained.

“This doesn’t seem like an act…” I now have about 90% confidence that this underworld stage is not a prank or variety show, and I seem to have gotten myself into big trouble.
My body leaned back as I began to consider retreating.

But the masked man seemed to know what I was thinking, yet I didn’t see him make any move, as the door behind me creaked and slowly closed on its own, “Don’t be nervous, your interview has only just begun.”