Highway 2

The host's voice was warm, and his tempo was steady, devoid of any emotional cadence, as if he were reading from a script he had long since memorized.

“Yefu City, located in the heart of ■■■■, is a beautiful city with a long history.”

A harsh burst of static crackled, masking the name of the location the host had just spoken.

“With its picturesque scenery and rich cultural heritage, this place boasts unique natural landscapes and local customs, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing getaway.”

“Lush vegetation, babbling brooks, and unique local delicacies await you. Every scenic spot harbors the gentleness and grandeur of Yefu City, and every flavor carries its warmth and life, allowing you to appreciate both the gifts of nature and the depth of history on your journey.”

The host switched to a standard, official tourism promotional tone.

If Bai Ci had to be honest, if she were still in the real world and heard a tourism promotion like this, she wouldn't have the slightest desire to visit.

It was entirely made of pleasant-sounding platitudes, completely obscuring whatever monsters and demons might actually lurk within the scenic area.

In reality, such tourist traps would at most scam you out of your money. But in an unlimited flow instance, a beautiful-sounding place like this would scam you out of your life.

“To ensure our beloved tourists have an even better travel experience and fully appreciate the unique charm of Yefu City, toll fees have been completely waived for the entire length of the Yefu City Expressway.”

“But please note, dear tourists, that to qualify for free passage, you must complete the stamp tasks at the four gas stations along the way and collect four stamp marks.”

“Only with a complete stamp record will you be able to smoothly exit the expressway and leave Yefu District.”

Bai Ci sat up straight. She looked around but couldn't find any pen or paper, so she had to rely on her memory to take notes. As a result, she listened with rapt attention.

The direction of her task had finally been revealed. As for whether it was true or false, she could verify that later.

“The Stamp Books were distributed to all tourists when you first entered the expressway.”

“If you cannot find your Stamp Book at the moment, please check the passenger seat or the back seat. We are confident you will find it there.”

“Please keep your Stamp Book safe. If it is lost or damaged, you will be unable to complete the stamp tasks. If you attempt to exit the expressway under these circumstances, the toll station will charge you a fee.”

“Please believe me when I say that it is an exorbitant fee that none of you can afford to pay. Our beloved tourists must take this seriously.”

Bai Ci had already found the red-covered Stamp Book before the radio broadcast even started, and she was currently holding it in her hand.

An unaffordable, exorbitant fee?

Out of professional habit, Bai Ci quickly realized that this exorbitant fee was highly likely to be her life.

In other words, if she left without collecting all the stamps, she would die.

That was, of course, assuming everything the radio host said was true.

“In addition, I have a few tips to share with our dear tourists.”

“First, there will be no staff members at the gas stations.”

“To further enhance our tourists' service experience and alleviate staffing pressures, all gas stations along Yefu City's expressways utilize a self-service system.”

“This system is entirely automated. You can complete the stamping, refueling, and other related operations on your own.”

“Do not trust anyone who claims to be a staff member. They are not employees of the gas station, but are likely members of a criminal group that has recently been operating in Yefu City. They impersonate staff to win tourists' trust and commit crimes such as theft and robbery.”

It sounded quite logical, seemingly just reminding tourists to stay safe.

But this narrative style...

Bai Ci gave a wry smile. Wasn't this exactly like the rules-based horror stories that had been so popular for a while?

When rules-based horror became a hit, her shop had also brought in some of those scripts. As the shop's star DM, she had read them all.

In well-written scripts, the rules blended seamlessly into the real world, looking just like normal, friendly tips. Only upon closer inspection would a subtle sense of dread begin to seep through.

Taking the script that left the deepest impression on her as an example, the setting was a girls' dormitory on campus, and the rules were hidden within a message sent by an older female student.

Something like: “The vent on the bathroom ceiling always leaks. Don't look up when washing your hair, or the water will get in your eyes and make you uncomfortable.”

As for the poorly written ones, they practically screamed that there was something supernatural going on, and the way to bypass the rules was always some cheap wordplay, like “if you can't drink water, then drink juice.”

As for the ones that explicitly stated there was one false rule among them, they were neither good nor bad; it all depended on how the author developed the premise.

On the other end of the radio, the host's voice continued.

“For your own safety, I advise you to ignore anyone who approaches you. Do not engage in any communication with them to avoid drawing their attention and bringing unnecessary danger upon yourselves.”

“In addition, these criminals may disguise themselves as other tourists to approach and deceive you.”

“Once again, I remind all tourists: during your journey, listen less, look less, and mind your own business. Ignore everything and everyone unrelated to the stamp tasks.”

“Focus on completing your stamp tasks and exiting the expressway safely. That is the primary goal of your journey.”

“Second, all tourists must strictly abide by expressway traffic regulations.”

“Driving in reverse is strictly prohibited along the entire expressway. Unless it is a special emergency, do not stop your vehicle mid-journey.”

“If any accidents occur due to a violation of traffic regulations, relevant authorities—such as the Yefu City Traffic Management Bureau, Public Security Bureau, and Culture and Tourism Bureau—will bear no responsibility. Tourists must bear the consequences themselves.”

“That is all the advice you will receive at the starting point of the Yefu City Expressway. Our beloved tourists, please enjoy this unique journey.”

“I am Beiguan, the host of the Yefu District Traffic and Tourism Radio. It is my pleasure to accompany you through the upcoming hours.”

As the host's voice faded, a piece of soothing light music began to play from the car speakers. The melody was soft and the tempo slow, attempting to ease the tension in one's heart.

But the reality was that being alone on an expressway at midnight was not something light music could soothe.

How was this any different from playing light music in a funeral parlor?

The car continued to glide smoothly forward in autopilot mode, its headlights illuminating the road ahead. The surroundings remained dead silent, with no sign of other vehicles or roadside buildings.

The light music lasted for about two minutes. After it reached its end, a brief period of absolute silence fell over the radio.

The moment the music vanished, Bai Ci suddenly heard a sound coming from outside the car—one that had no business being on an expressway.

First came a sound resembling the grinding of minced meat, sticky and squelchy, followed immediately by a buzzing sound like an electric saw running at high speed.