Chapter 3

The "lady" was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting him to ask that, but she quickly put on a smile and replied, "It seems so for now, because this community is actually quite old, and since it's in a remote area and the rainy season is coming soon, the neighbors have been moving out one after another recently."

"In fact, if it weren't for my husband's inability to move, we would have..."

The "lady's" voice trailed off, but she quickly pulled herself together.

"During these days, please make yourself at home. I've already cleaned the rooms on the first and second floors, so feel free to choose any of them."

"Just one thing to keep in mind," the "lady" suddenly became serious, and her tone turned stern. "Absolutely, absolutely do not go to the third floor, or else..."

She paused, not finishing her sentence.

"In any case, everyone, do not be curious about the third floor. It's a rule!"

Seeing everyone nod, the "lady" smiled again.

"Since you all understand, I can leave with peace of mind. I'll leave my husband in your care!"

"Ma'am, where are your children?" Jeffrey, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.

"Oh, thank you for the reminder. They must still be playing!"

The "lady" clapped her hands towards the staircase, "Kids! Time to go!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the sound of footsteps came from the stairs.

One, two, three... Charles couldn't count them all, he just knew a group of children came running down, chattering.

Everyone's eyes widened as they watched the group of children run out.

The "lady" stood at the door, greeting each one.

Suddenly, Charles felt something hugging his leg. He looked down and saw a curly-haired little boy.

"Smells so good," the little boy murmured.

"What?" Charles was about to squat down to ask when the "lady" pulled the boy away.

"Hurry up, your brothers and sisters are waiting for you!"

The "lady" smiled apologetically at Charles while covering the boy's mouth and dragging him out the door.

That was the last child.

Charles felt something was very wrong. He stood by the window, watching the "lady" put the children into the car one by one. Just before getting into the car, the curly-haired boy suddenly turned and looked at him.

Charles was rooted to the spot, unable to move.

Because the boy gave him the same strange, creepy smile as the "lady."

He even smacked his lips, as if savoring some unforgettable taste.

What was he savoring?

And what did he mean by "smells so good"?

Charles wasn't wearing any cologne, so what could have smelled so good to the boy?

"You find it strange too, don't you?" The bearded Jeffrey appeared beside him at some point.

"A group of children, a huge husband, and this quiet community."

"It's terrible."

Charles suddenly remembered the question Jeffrey was interrupted by the "lady" earlier. He asked, "When you said this house doesn't look lived in, what did you mean?"

"The soil in the front yard is full of insect eggs. In a normally inhabited house, especially one with such neatly trimmed lawns, the soil wouldn't have so many insect eggs."

Charles thought for a moment, wanting to ask more, but then closed his mouth.

He was a cautious person, not getting too close to strangers unless absolutely necessary.

"Let's go to the living room," Jeffrey seemed to understand his thoughts and didn't continue the topic.

He patted Charles on the shoulder and turned to leave.

Charles turned and saw people gathering in the living room.

He lowered his head, sighed, and walked over.

Before leaving, he glanced out the window again. The car was nowhere to be seen.

After a brief round of introductions, everyone began discussing how to take care of the patient.

"Excuse me, may I ask, how did you all end up on the boat?"

The speaker was Piper, the short woman with red-framed glasses.