I, Wu Xie, received a job offer from the “Bronze Gate Group” in Yucun.
Position: Rules Tester. Reporting location: Seven Star King Lu Palace.
Failure to report on time? The consequence is “termination.”
So I, Wu Xie, the Poker-Face, and Pangzi were transported back to the old place in our slippers.
Rules in bloody letters ran down the walls:
“Do not recall Third Uncle’s face. Each time you do, he ages by one year.”
“Do not thank Zhang Qiling. Each time you do, he forgets you for one day.”
I tore up the rulebook and flicked my lighter. “I’m damn well skipping this shift.”
Later, during the KPI review at the Heavenly Palace in the Clouds, I revised my performance report right in front of the King of Ten Thousand Slaves:
“This month’s KPI: infuriate the boss (1/1), complete.”
Zhang Qiling helpfully handed me his black-gold ancient blade to use as a letter opener.
Down below, Pangzi was frying corpse beetles with a Luoyang shovel. The aroma filled the air.
Later still, HR at the Bronze Gate sent a warning:
“Three employees have repeatedly committed violent violations. Stop damaging company property (i.e. ancient tombs) immediately.”
I smiled and tapped out an automatic reply:
“Sure, we’re on our way to demolish headquarters (the Bronze Gate).”
Zhang Qiling silently polished his blade, while Pangzi started packing explosives.
When the Iron Triangle chose to collectively slack off in a rules-based horror story.
At last, this heartless company was getting the “rewards” it deserved.
[Reading Guide]
A blend of rules-based horror and The Grave Robbers' Chronicles, with a light, comedic tone and nothing but sweetness, no angst.
The Wu Xie–Zhang Qiling and Hei Hua romances simmer beneath the surface, while Pangzi provides running commentary throughout.
