Weird Rules: Start by playing God in Bikini Bottom!

Chapter 23 Mall Rules

SpongeBob immediately trotted after her: "Hey Jane! We're sure to buy lots of great things tonight!"

Jiang Xiu lagged behind, his steps heavy, his face filled with a desperate premonition of the next few hours.

He touched the Echo Shell and Resonance Acorn in his pocket, then looked at Zhenzhen's blurry and hurried figure in the thick fog ahead, and further away at the flickering lights of the shopping mall, which seemed like the panting of a giant beast.

"Christmas Midnight Horror Sale..."

He repeated the name in a low voice, feeling a chill creep up his spine.

This is definitely not your average shopping trip.

Zhenzhen's shopping list, the shopping mall's midnight rules, and everything that might be lurking in the thick fog... will all become new survival challenges.

He must be on his toes, dealing with the troublesome Pearl while remaining vigilant against any unsettling occurrences, and ensuring that his Squidward-like behavior remains undetected. His arduous journey, a journey fraught with peril, has officially begun.

The other surviving chosen ones, upon returning to the Krusty Krab, also received the mandatory task of "accompanying Zhenzhen shopping."

Those athletes who were already mentally exhausted and physically damaged were almost on the verge of collapse when they heard about this arrangement.

But with the Krabs owner's threats and pincers right in front of them, they had no choice.

Thus, a similar scene was playing out simultaneously on the gray fog streets of multiple instances of Bikini Bottom.

The spoiled whale girl walked in front, followed by an exhausted and fearful Squidward and an excited SpongeBob.

Together they headed towards the "Coral Shopping Center," the only place in the silent midnight darkness to glow with an eerie light. Everyone knew that this "shopping" trip was likely far more dangerous and unpredictable than any daytime food delivery.

The hearts of the viewers in the Dragon Kingdom's live stream were once again in suspense:

"Going shopping with Zhenzhen...that's scarier than fighting a monster, isn't it?"

"Midnight Horror Clearance Sale... This name is just weird!"

"Jiang Xiu just got back and is already setting off again, working non-stop!"

"The other players are in even worse shape, can they hold on?"

"I wonder what the rules are for shopping malls..."

Thick fog blankets the night, neon lights flicker, and the deathly silence of Christmas Eve is shattered by the impending shopping spree. But what terrifying undercurrents simmer beneath this revelry remains unknown to anyone.

Following Zhenzhen through the thick fog, the flashing neon lights drew closer and closer, gradually outlining the silhouette of a massive building—the Coral Shopping Center.

Unlike the desolate and dilapidated parts of Bikini Bottom, this place was brightly lit, with shadowy figures behind huge glass curtain walls, extravagant Christmas promotional posters plastered everywhere, and loud music faintly emanating from it.

However, against the backdrop of gray fog and silence, this liveliness appears particularly fake and unsettling, like a grand yet bizarre shadow play.

Zhenzhen rushed to the revolving door at the entrance. The door opened automatically, and a warm breeze mixed with cheap perfume, fried food, and a faint smell of rust rushed in.

She turned around and urged, "Hurry up! What are you dawdling for!"

Jiang Xiu and SpongeBob followed them inside.

The shopping center is spacious and lined with shops, decorated far more extravagantly than the Krusty Krab, with glittering ribbons, spinning Christmas trees, and promotional dolls dressed as Santa Claus but with indistinct faces.

There were quite a few customers, mostly various marine creatures, but they moved slowly, rarely spoke, and their eyes swept blankly over the dazzling array of goods. Only the occasional long queue in front of the cashier showed some vitality.

The background music was loud, but it couldn't mask a deep sense of disharmony.

Upon entering the lobby, Jiang Xiu's keen eyes immediately spotted a prominent notice posted on the pillar inside the entrance, as well as several crudely printed flyers scattered on the service counter next to it.

The titles of the notices and flyers were written in striking red font:

[Coral Shopping Center - Christmas Midnight Horror Sale Special Rules]

All customers and accompanying persons are required to read and comply with this guide to ensure you have a "pleasant" and "safe" shopping evening.

Zhenzhen was clearly uninterested in this and went straight to the nearest jewelry counter.

SpongeBob curiously peered closer at the notice, but was quickly called away by Jane's shout: "SpongeBob! Come here and help me look at this necklace!"

Jiang Xiu didn't follow immediately; he needed to quickly obtain information.

He approached the pillar and carefully read the main notice:

1. This center will be open until 3:00 AM tonight. At 3:00 AM sharp, all lights will be turned off. Please leave the building before then. You will be responsible for any consequences of remaining in the dark.

2. All items are included in the "Horror Discount," and the discount amount is subject to the product label. Please do not argue with the cashier about the price; the cashier is always right.

3. The fitting rooms are for "trying on" only. Please do not stay in the rooms for longer than the time suggested on the label (usually 5 minutes). If you exceed the time limit, do not respond to any calls or knocks coming from inside the fitting rooms, and immediately seek assistance from staff in red uniforms (if they are still there).

4. The "Special Christmas Set Meals" in the dining area are available in limited quantities. If you see customers taking the same set meal multiple times, please do not remind them or imitate this practice.

5. The children's play area is closed tonight. If you hear laughter or music coming from inside, please go around it and inform any security guards in blue uniforms you encounter.

6. The auction of rare items will be held at midnight in the central hall on the third floor. Participation is by special invitation only. Unauthorized personnel are not permitted to approach.

7. Please keep your belongings and companions safe while shopping. If you get separated from your companions, please go to the service desk on the first floor to make an announcement. However, please be cautious about the content of the "Lost and Found" announcement.

8. Most importantly: Enjoy shopping! Enjoy discounts! Your satisfaction is our greatest pursuit!

Meanwhile, the leaflets scattered on the service counter seemed to supplement certain rules or provide guidance for specific areas, and the handwriting was even more illegible:

[Additional Tip for Clothing Section]: Be careful of mirrors. If your reflection in the mirror is making different movements than you, please close your eyes for ten seconds before opening them again. If the situation persists, please break the mirror (this center will not provide compensation).

[Electronic Goods Section Warning]: Do not try out the demo headphones or VR devices. You may hear/see "channels" that do not belong to this center.

[Underground Parking Garage Notice (If You Are Going There)]: Your vehicle may not be in its original location. If you spot a red Turtle car with its left turn signal flashing, please do not approach and notify security. No assistance is needed.

[Regarding "Accompanying Personnel" (specifically referring to those not acting as customers)]: Your responsibility is to assist and provide protection. Please do not shop independently or loiter for extended periods. Always pay attention to the needs and emotions of your "primary customer." Her "satisfaction" directly impacts your "evaluation."

The last item, "accompanying personnel," sent a chill down Jiang Xiu's spine.