The Unstable Bloodthirsty Ghost in Red: Lina’s Curse

"Human, you seem quite interested in me, don't you?"The smooth voice of the alluring nurse snapped Luca back to reality.Right in front of him, less than half a meter away, stood a tall, graceful woman in a nurse's uniform, holding a sharp surgical knife that she was spinning deftly between her pale fingers.The air around him grew colder.Killer intent!Danger!Luca's sharp instincts kicked in, and he immediately realized the situation.His earlier "fiery" gaze had clearly caused this nurse to misunderstand him, and it seemed like her patience had worn thin.When Luca didn't answer her, the cold surgical blade slowly rose, moving toward his cheek.Luca broke into a cold sweat, his mind, however, clearer than ever before.Insightful Eye!The unique skill triggered instantly.Before his eyes, data only he could see materialized:

[Third Hospital Nurse: Lina][Species: Yin Soul][Affection: Murderous Intent](Your provocative stare has erased any favorable impression she might have had for you)[Strength: Red-hooded Ghost](Who would have guessed that a simple nurse could be a fearsome Red-hooded Ghost?)[Likes: Researching medicine, aspiring to become a revered doctor in the horror world, and highly respects skilled physicians.][Weakness: Her long, shapely legs, her pride and joy, are also her most vulnerable area (different attacks have different effects).][Current Status: Experiencing the rare, once-a-year special condition for female ghosts, causing irritability and mood swings (it's not a major issue, but conventional "medicine" won't solve it). Solution: Yin Mian Spring Water mixed with ten-year-old Ghost Flowers, brewed over a low flame to a sweet, temperate taste to alleviate the symptoms.]

Luca barely had time to admire the power of his legendary ability, or the strange hints he was receiving from the data. The cold blade was already pressed against his cheek, sending a shiver down his spine."The looks in your eyes suggest you don't want to answer my question," the nurse's smooth, silky voice was chilling.The other players, some already closing their eyes, braced for Luca's impending doom.But then, something no one expected happened.Luca, with surprising boldness, reached out and grabbed the arm holding the knife, stopping it inches from his face.The ice-cold, smooth skin beneath his fingers felt unnervingly soft. His first thought was: It would feel so comfortable in summer.For a moment, the nurse seemed taken aback by his audacity, giving Luca a brief window of opportunity.Taking advantage of this moment, Luca shifted his hand into a diagnostic position, just like a traditional Chinese doctor checking a pulse."Beautiful lady, no one could fail to be interested in someone as perfect as you. I'm certainly no exception."He buttered her up first, hoping to appeal to her vanity.As expected, the Insightful Eye data showed a subtle shift in Lina's mood: from "murderous intent" to "hostile."Even the smallest change confirmed Luca's belief: A compliment always works, no matter the situation."If that's your final wish, then you can move on."Lina's expression remained as cold as ever, the ghostly aura around her heightening the fear of the others."No, it's not just that. As a physician with professional ethics, I'm more concerned about your condition, madam."Luca continued smoothly, his voice sincere as he explained, "I apologize for my bold stare, it seems to have caused some misunderstanding.""This is my first time in the horror world, and I'm just so fascinated by the symptoms of non-human beings."He gave the hospital a wistful look. "I'm grateful that my first stop here is Third Hospital. It's practically a dream come true!""And here, I can continue to contribute as a doctor, as I always have!"Despite the still-present cold steel against his face, Luca felt a shift in the atmosphere.Lina's gaze softened slightly.Her hostility hadn't turned into full trust yet, but at least there was a small change."Oh? You're a doctor?" She fixed her gaze on him, as if trying to detect any deceit."Of course!" Luca, his confidence never wavering, answered promptly."Do you know what happens to those who lie to me?" Lina's voice grew even colder."I don't know, but I never lie." Luca gave her an honest, trustworthy look."Good!" Lina's lips curled into a smile, so seductive it almost made one forget she was a ghost."Well, since you're a doctor and mentioned my condition, let's hear it. Tell me, what's wrong with me? Think carefully, because if you're wrong, it won't matter whether you lied or not, Third Hospital doesn't need any quacks."Lina's tongue flicked across her sharp fangs as her smile grew wider, but a deadly intent lurked behind it."No need to think." Luca confidently loosened his grip on her arm, shifting his tone, "Your little problem is already clear through pulse diagnosis.""But…" he hesitated, gazing at her with a knowing look, "Are you sure you want me to say it out loud?"Lina's face shifted, a subtle flush of color briefly appearing before it vanished.She knew exactly what her condition was; after all, every year around this time, the symptoms always left her feeling irritable and helpless.Ghost doctors could treat all manner of grievous injuries—missing limbs, body parts, even heads—but when it came to conditions like hers… they were completely unhelpful."Go wait outside the hospital for me," Lina ordered the other players.Luca watched as the others obeyed and moved off to a safe distance.Once they were far enough to ensure they couldn't overhear, Lina's gaze shifted, signaling Luca it was time to speak."Cough," Luca cleared his throat. "Irregular menstruation, though to be more accurate, it's 'annual menstrual imbalance.'"Lina's deathly pale face briefly flushed with color.She wasn't surprised by his accurate diagnosis, but hastily asked, "Do you know how to treat it?"Without realizing it, Lina's tone softened.Just as the Eye of Insight had revealed, she was a nurse who respected medical knowledge and held doctors in high regard.Luca smiled inwardly, seeing the affection meter shift from "hostile" to "neutral."Now that he had a better grasp of Lina's behavior, he didn't reveal his full answer right away.Based on the experiences of players who survived the horror game and returned to the real world, ghosts weren't always mindless killers.Sometimes, they were willing to make deals, giving humans special rewards outside of the game's tasks.Luca could sense that opportunity in Lina's case.