Lutie Xiong is dead. I killed him.

When not faced with a life-or-death crisis, a person may never know what they are capable of.

I once heard that people stranded and trapped in snowy mountains would kill each other for the scarce food, just to survive a few more days.

They would even eat the bodies of their companions!

If they were deemed innocent, then I, too, am only guilty of wanting to stay alive. What crime is there in that?

I threw away the knife, wiped the blood off my hands, and walked towards the restaurant's entrance.

The plastic surgery man watched me silently, without trying to stop me.

I won the bet. There has to be a winner.

As long as he is dead, I will be the only passenger, the sole victor.

My footsteps became lighter, quickening my pace.

I arrived at the door of the inn, and indeed, the door was already open.

Gazing at the night outside, I walked out without hesitation.

As long as I leave this place, no one will ever know what I did here!

I boarded the bus, beginning my journey back home.

I've been away from home for too long, and I yearn for the warmth of my dog's bed.

When I stood at my doorstep, I finally breathed a sigh of relief—no one was chasing after me.

It seems that the prize for winning is freedom.

So be it. I am satisfied with this prize!

With a joyful heart, I took out my keys and opened the door.

The moment I pushed the door open, I anticipated my pet dog rushing towards me.

However, what greeted my eyes was not the home I expected.

Instead, it was the lobby of the Rules Inn.

In front of the reception desk, Plastic Man stood upright, silently gazing at me!

I grabbed my hair, nearly driven to madness.

Why am I back here? Didn't I win? Didn't I successfully leave the Rules Inn?

Didn't I escape from this hell?

Why?

"Guest, the ultimate prize is the opportunity to return to the Rules Inn once again. Congratulations on claiming the grand prize!"

Plastic Man remained expressionless, bowing slightly.

The door to the inn slowly closed behind me...

From anger to confusion... until acceptance.

I remembered—I killed someone too!

I went to find my girlfriend, Cheng Wei, hoping to surprise her. But she came to see me secretly and told me never to see her again.

She said that being with me was just a momentary impulse.

Because her vanity had been satisfied.

Who made me confess my love to her in front of the entire school during a performance?

At that time, she was like a princess whom I held high, and she couldn't refuse.

But she didn't love me.

She loved a man who matched her social status.

So, consumed by anger, I strangled her!

Turns out, I am also a

criminal!

No criminal can leave the Rules Inn!

(The End)