Chapter 299: A Sinister Game

April 22nd, Evening.

Tao Yueyue was growing increasingly fond of her neighbor, Gu You. While Chen Shi cared deeply for her and didn’t treat her like a child, he was still a man and lacked a certain sensitivity. Lin Dongxue felt like a caring older sister, and Yueyue enjoyed spending time with her. Lin Dongxue had a soft glow about her, but perhaps because she was too radiant, there were some topics Yueyue felt reluctant to bring up with her.

Only with Gu You did she feel an almost magical connection. In Gu You’s presence, Yueyue felt comfortable revealing her deepest secrets. Their conversations were always pleasant and enlightening.

This early afternoon, Gu You brought strawberries with cream, and they chatted while enjoying the treat. Yueyue recounted how she had recently “handled” a girl she disliked at school, leaving the girl humiliated.

As she recounted the event, a smug smile played on Yueyue’s lips.

“Sister Gu, do you think I’m dark-hearted?” Yueyue asked.

“Yueyue, do you believe in born criminals?” Gu You responded.

“Are you implying that I am one?”

“In the 19th century, based on the anatomical study of criminals, theories of criminal phrenology and genetic criminology were proposed. Some still believe that criminal genes can be inherited, that some people are born criminals. However, environment shapes a person too. Such individuals might become outstanding politicians, athletes, or writers, or they might fall into crime.”

“Politicians, writers, and criminals are the same inside?” Although Yueyue didn’t fully understand, the idea intrigued her. People always yearn to understand themselves.

“They all possess an inherent defiance, a desire to challenge order and break rules. What determines their path is their environment and education. Subconsciously, distinguished politicians and fallen criminals are the same.”

“Perhaps I am like that inside, but I don’t want to be a criminal. Uncle Chen would be heartbroken.”

Gu You smiled and took out a small paper packet. “I want to play a fun game with you. Put this powder into Uncle Chen’s water. If he drinks it without noticing, I’ll give you a reward!”

“Why?”

“This game is called ‘Crime Simulation.’ Do you want to try feeling like a poisoner? Of course, it’s just a game and won’t break any laws. This is just salt.” Gu You poured a tiny bit onto her palm and licked it, “Salt is salty. Since it’s ‘poison,’ you need to think about how to mask or hide its taste. This mindset is just like a real poisoner’s.”

“Are there any rules?” Yueyue took the packet.

“Don’t get caught. Don’t tell anyone. This is our little secret.”

Yueyue looked at the packet and said, “Okay, I’ll do it!”

Yueyue successfully completed her first task. On the weekend, she visited Gu You’s home again. The place was tidy and welcoming.

Two cups of tea were on the table. Gu You sat elegantly on the sofa and asked, “How was your first ‘poisoning’ experience?”

“Too easy, it didn’t feel like much. Probably because I don’t dislike Uncle Chen.”

“Everything starts gradually. Do you want to experience real crime?”

Yueyue bit her finger, hesitating. She wasn’t sure if this woman had a hidden, sinister agenda. She had learned early on that bad people don’t wear their intentions on their faces.

Gu You placed a gentle hand on Yueyue’s head and said warmly, “This is just a personal hobby of mine—crime simulation. It’s a game that mimics real crimes, letting you release your inner darkness. I’ve always believed that our inner selves need proper release to stay healthy. This game is like a pressure valve for your subconscious. As a game, it has rules: first, break the law minimally; second, never get caught; third, no personal emotions involved. You don’t have to play, but I believe crime simulation is much more beneficial than bullying classmates at school.”

“Uncle Chen says that when a bad person tries to persuade you, they’ll only talk about the benefits, never the downsides.”

“If I wanted to persuade you, I wouldn’t mention the risks. We’ll sneak into people’s homes, pretending to ‘murder,’ ‘kidnap,’ or ‘steal.’ But if we get caught, trespassing alone can get us detained.”

Yueyue hesitated. The game sounded so interesting, touching the part of her that wanted to break rules. She couldn’t help but tremble with excitement.

“I’ll think about it!”

April turned into May, and the school gave three days off. On April 30th evening, Yueyue finished all her homework.

On May 1st, Gu You, who ran a psychology clinic, was busier than usual. It wasn’t until the evening that she saw Gu You. Despite a tiring day of consultations, Gu You welcomed her little visitor warmly.

“Have you made up your mind?”

“Sister Gu, why do you play such games, pranking others at the risk of breaking the law?”

“I’m a psychological counselor, which basically means a paid garbage bin. Every day, I listen to people’s troubles and empathize with them. Over time, I know my mind will have issues if I don’t release my own filth. I could play BDSM, sleep with men, but I’m asexual and detest interacting with people. My subconscious is like a complex sewer system that needs regular cleaning to prevent the filth from spilling out and tainting the beautiful house in my heart. Our minds are picky. If it wants something salty, it’ll get mad at sugar. It never says what it truly wants, so you have to guess. You need to acknowledge its desires and provide substitutes to prevent it from destroying everything.”

“What do you want?”

“I want to commit crimes. I want to kill people and destroy the world’s order!” A fierce light flashed in Gu You’s eyes, then softened. “But I know society won’t allow that, so I play this game as a substitute.”

Yueyue’s heart pounded. Gu You’s blunt declaration of her desires resonated with her own. She knew her mind was a dark, turbulent current.

“Where do we start?”

“Crime is an art. You need to learn first!” Gu You smiled. “Follow me.”

In the bedroom, Gu You took out a drawer and placed it on the table. The contents amazed Yueyue. It was a lock fixed to a wooden board, cut open and sealed with glass to show the intricate mechanism inside.

Gu You pulled out two picks. “To be a good criminal, you must first be able to enter and exit rooms freely. Picking locks is the first step.” She inserted the picks into the lock, quickly aligning all the pins, and turned it open.

Yueyue was in awe. Gu You handed her the picks, “If you can achieve half my speed, you’ll pass. I’ll teach you step by step.”

Yueyue’s heart raced. Looking at Gu You’s smiling face, she felt as if she had found a door to a secret realm.