Supernatural Tale Game Designer

"Happy birthday!" The living room was bathed in warm light, with a soft yellow tablecloth creating a cozy atmosphere. Dad and Mom entered with a cake in hand, their faces beaming with smiles. Despite a busy day, they never brought any work-related stress home, and they looked anything but tired.

Drawing aside the kitchen curtain, Gao Ming emerged carrying freshly cooked dishes. He didn't exchange words with his parents and sat alone at the dining table.

"This child..." Dad shook his head in amusement, took off his raincoat and rubber shoes, then placed slippers by Mom's feet. Dad, dressed impeccably in a suit, was tall and handsome, while Mom, in a white shirt and jeans, exuded a gentle yet competent aura. She complimented Gao Ming's cooking skills and then tossed her dirty clothes into the bathroom.

The sound of running water echoed as Mom washed her hands, leaving a few dark red stains in the sink.

"Today is your birthday, no matter how busy we are at work, we'll always make sure to come back and celebrate with you."

Gao Ming seemed to ignore his parents' words, keeping his head down as he listened intently to the news on the television.

"Rainy night serial killer strikes again! Third homicide in the old city area!"

"The police have identified the suspect! We urge all citizens not to panic, lock your doors and windows, and avoid going out late at night!"

The rain battered the windowpanes, the howling wind outside contrasting sharply with the warmth and aroma of the food inside.

"Why do you keep watching these news?" Dad picked up the remote control, sounding a bit concerned. "Some media thrive on creating anxiety and highlighting misfortune."

Gao Ming remained silent, discreetly shifting his gaze to take in the warm surroundings.

Soundproofing layers covered all the walls, coated with sound-absorbing paint. As long as there wasn't any intense wrestling, the neighbors would have no idea of what was happening inside this room.

The living room featured a new air-cooled refrigerator, which relied on fans to circulate air for cooling. It prevented meat from spoiling quickly and eliminated any odors.

The kitchen was stocked with a large number of plastic bags, just big enough to fit fist-sized chunks of meat, making them easy to transport. Under the counter, there was a heating agent that, when mixed with water, accelerated the decomposition of meat. So, did they hide some meat in the fridge while disposing of the rest separately?

Behind the bathroom door was a plastic leak-proof film, enough to cover the entire bathroom. It was clear that the 'meat' was processed here.

Of course, the meat that needed processing in the bathroom was undoubtedly not the regular kind.

Just by looking at the clean and tidy floor, unsettling scenes started to play in Gao Ming's mind. The room's overall decoration style was warm and inviting, but his hands were trembling slightly.

"Come on, let's have cake; your dad and I went out in the pouring rain to get it." After Mom washed her hands, she unwrapped the cake, carefully placing eighteen candles on it.

"Eighteen candles..." Gao Ming was twenty-six years old this year, and the number of candles was off.

"Make a wish?" Dad lit the candles, and Mom turned off the lights.

Darkness enveloped the living room, with the flickering flames casting shadows on Dad and Mom's faces. They stared at Gao Ming in the darkness, their smiles identical.

They were truly and completely identical, down to the curve of their upturned lips.

Gao Ming felt his parents drawing closer, their bodies seeming to transform in the shadows where the firelight couldn't reach.

"I wish that Mom and Dad will always be with me." Since his parents had returned home, this was the first time Gao Ming had spoken. He loved his parents very much, and they loved him too, coming back to see him every night no matter how busy they were.

The lights came back on, and Gao Ming's back was drenched in cold sweat. He removed the candles one by one, wiped them clean, and placed them in an iron box that already contained many candles.

"Wishes won't come true if you say them out loud; next time, just silently make your wish in your heart." Dad, seemingly hungry, devoured his food, while Mom watched Gao Ming affectionately, using chopsticks to pick out dishes for him.