While in Hollywood, I used Taoist magic to quell American terrorism.

"video tape?"

Cao Kun was very sensitive to this word and immediately thought of that special videotape in a horror movie.

Cao Kun asked, "What kind of videotape?"

Fleischer: "The videotape was strange, bizarre, and terrifying. There were lots of bugs, and a woman was combing her hair. It was completely illogical and disjointed."

However, after watching the videotape, I received a phone call.

There was only a strange series of bubble sounds on the phone, and then the call was disconnected.

At first, I didn't take it seriously, but a few days later, a friend of mine who had watched that videotape suddenly died...

Cao Kun continued, "Was the death gruesome, with a face full of terror, and cardiac arrest?"

Fleischer looked surprised: "How did you know?"

Now, Cao Kun didn't need to ask any more questions.

The answer is obvious: what Flescia was watching was Sadako's videotape.

Oh, this is in the US, so it must be the American version of "The Ring," where it's not Sadako, but Samora.

But whether it's Sadako or Samora, the outcome is the same.

They were all cursed after watching that videotape.

If seven days pass, death is certain.

Moreover, both Sadako and Samora have one skill: causing people's hearts to stop.

This is almost unsolvable.

Cao Kun, curious about something, asked, "Why did you watch that videotape? Did you know it was dangerous?"

Fleischer's expression darkened: "I...I..."

Cao Kun sensed something: "Were you forced to watch?"

Fleischer: "No, it was my videotape that was switched and replaced with this one."

Cao Kun realized what was happening: "Were you bullied at acting school?"

Fleischer kept her head down and didn't say anything.

Cao Kun already knew; he had guessed the truth.

Bullying is rampant in schools in Country M.

Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many school shootings in the US every year.

Most of those who attend performing arts schools are children from wealthy families.

These young people, who have no worries about food and clothing, like to seek a sense of superiority when they get together.

It's perfectly normal for people from poor families, who are of a different race, to be bullied and harassed.

Of course, it's also possible that someone knows a way to resolve this.

In other words, copy this videotape so that another person can watch it.

Fleischer, that's the person.

But this does not contradict being bullied.

Cao Kun: "After this matter is over, you can give me a few names, and I'll help you resolve it."

Fleischer shook her head and said, "Thank you, Master Cao, but no need. Right now, I just want to resolve my own issues."

I've heard you're very skilled, but your fees are quite high. I don't have much money right now, so could I pay in installments?

Cao Kun laughed. Another one offering installment payments.

The previous installment was for Rachel.

He gets $25 a month.

Cao Kun asked, "How much money do you have right now?"

Fleischer took her wallet out of her bag.

She pulled out all the cash: "Here is $524.38."

"There's still over $2100 in this card."

She took out $100 from her cash: "I'll keep $100; you can have the rest."

Don't worry, I will definitely pay you back the rest. I also have a part-time job as a waiter, which helps me earn some money.

"After I graduate, I'll get a role and earn a lot of money, then I can pay you back."

What she was thinking was quite simple.

But in Hollywood, without a background or connections, her height was a disadvantage, even though her looks were passable.

Ethnicity offers no advantage either.

With these conditions, it's incredibly difficult to make it big in Hollywood.

Unless you hit the jackpot.

Cao Kun reached out and took the $100 from her hand.

Fleischer thought Cao Kun wanted it all, so she quickly said, "It's okay, I can give it all to you."

Cao Kun took the $100, but pushed the rest of the money to Fleischer: "I'll only take this $100. You can take the rest back yourself."

Fleischer was stunned and asked blankly, "But doesn't everyone say you're very expensive? That you cost a full $10?"

Cao Kun: "You've already paid for the rest in another way."

"What…" Flecia didn't understand, her already somewhat dazed face showing a blank expression: "What other way?"

Cao Kun: "Don't worry about it. Now, I'll take this $100 from you and then I'll help you."

"But...but..."

"No buts," Cao Kun said. "Now tell me, when did you watch that video?"

Fleischer looked at the $100 in Cao Kun's hand, then at the cash and cards in her other hand, and still felt a sense of unreality.

The next moment, her eyes reddened instantly, and tears silently streamed down her face. She buried her face in her knees and burst into tears.

Cao Kun did not stop her from crying, but took another bottle of water and placed it next to her.

After a long while, Flecia finally stopped crying, looked up and asked, "Why...why? No one has ever been this kind to me except my parents."

Cao Kun handed her a tissue: "Kindness should not be betrayed."

Flecia was dumbfounded again; she still didn't understand, and she became very dazed again.

Cao Kun: "Let's begin, if you want to live."

Fleischer took the tissue, wiped away her tears, and finally said, "I watched that videotape three days ago."

Last night, my friend died, and I was terrified.

I know she also watched that videotape, but before me.

At first, I didn't think it was because of that videotape, until I checked my emails and saw what she had sent me.

I only found out then that watching that videotape would kill me.

Cao Kun: "What did she say in the email?"

Fleischer: "She mentioned the curse on that videotape, saying that if you watched it, you would die in seven days."

If she dies, then the curse is real.

Cao Kun nodded.

Actually, these things are not important to him.

All you need to know is when Flesia will die.

Cao Kun: "Three days ago, specifically on which day and at what time?"

Without hesitation, Frecia replied, "September 17th, around 10 PM."

Cao Kun: "Today is September 21st, which means around 10 PM on the 24th, that will be your death day."

Fleischer nodded honestly, "Yes."

Cao Kun: "You are safe until then. You can come back to see me on the morning of the 24th."

"Will I really be alright during this time?" Flecia asked, as if to confirm.

"Yes."

Cao Kun was quite certain of this.

These are the rules, and they won't change.

"Didn't your friend also tell you it was 7 days? Do the math yourself, isn't it exactly seven days since your friend died?"

Fleischer silently calculated for a moment: "Yes."

Cao Kun: "That's settled then. Come find me on the morning of the 24th."

Fleischer replied somewhat blankly, "Oh, okay."

Fleischer stood up: "Master Cao, I'll be going now."

"Go ahead," Cao Kun said with a smile and a wave.

"Goodbye, Master Cao." Flecia waved politely and gratefully to Cao Kun, then left the Wenxin Hall and walked slowly away down the street, her figure appearing somewhat frail.

This was the first time Cao Kun had ever encountered a guest who left on foot, despite having received so many guests.