"Of course, I'll choose someone to be thrown off the bus."
From the ceiling, nameplates descend, dangling before her. Lina eyes them with amused curiosity, gently nudging each tag as if playing with fate. The passengers watch in alarm, their breaths held. The computer chimes in:
"Select an attendant and pull the nameplate down firmly."
Her smile curves cruelly as she steps toward the plate labeled "Tom." He instantly realizes the danger, rushing forward, desperately grabbing her hand before she can pull it. His voice turns syrupy, an uncharacteristic sweetness coating his words.
*"Lina, you know how much I love you, right? I've given you everything - luxuries, indulgences. Look at the other plates! Any one of them would be grateful if you pulled theirs instead!"
However, her grip tightens. Inside, Tom's mind boils with curses, though he forces a charming smile, continuing to beg.
"This is ridiculous. We've been together for years. I've given you everything, haven't I?"
"Where is your wedding ring?" Lina interrupts coldly.
He freezes. His bare finger feels heavier than ever. Realization slams into him - he has no answer. He had removed it long ago, likely tossed it somewhere with no intention of finding it again. Wearing the ring had been too bothersome, interfering with his affairs, preventing him from charming other women with his wealth. His eyes flick toward the younger passengers, masking his discomfort behind a forced grin.
"It's at home. But come now, does wearing a ring really matter? Love isn't measured in jewelry. Besides, I have enough money to buy you as many rings as you want. Focus on the real issue. Look! These kids are watching us!"
He reaches for her wrist, attempting to loosen her hold on the tag. But her grip does not falter - only tightens. The metal plate quivers under the strain, its cord fraying slightly. She has had enough. For years, she had played her part - an obedient wife. She had smiled when required, obeyed to maintain her comfort, and turned a blind eye to his infidelities. Now, she refuses to be his pawn anymore. Her rage spills forth, the pent-up resentment exploding into words.
"You only care about yourself! Did you really think I wouldn't notice you threw your ring into the trash along with your used condoms at the company?"
She pulls out an identical gold ring and tosses it onto the floor. The passengers stare in shock, the air thick with revelation. Her anger burns unchecked, spilling every vile truth she has kept bottled up.
"You humiliate me in front of others, yet when I retaliate, suddenly it's disgraceful? You're not some honorable man! Let me tell you something - every single woman you ever took to a bar, a hotel, a secret rendezvous - they were all working for me."*
The words crash through space like a tidal wave. Tom again stiffens, struck silent. He cannot process it - the sheer betrayal, the inescapable horror that he has been watched, monitored, reported on - all along. Her voice rises, raw, unfiltered.
"They reported everything to me. Every disgusting detail of your betrayal. I am done! I want you to taste death!"
She rips his nameplate down, flinging it onto the floor. Fury overtakes him. He lunges, his hands closing around her throat. Instinctively, passengers begin to rise - but an electric barrier surges forth, forcing them back. Lyly, filled with indignation, attempts to intervene - but unwittingly fuels the fire. She raises her phone, recording the scene, her voice sharp.
"Go ahead, kill him! Once this video reaches the police, you'll spend your life rotting in prison!"
Tom hesitates. His grip loosens slightly, pushing Lina back toward the bus doors. She gasps, coughing violently, her skin flushed deep red. He turns his glare on Lyly, scoffing.
"You think you can call the police in this place? This is self-defense. She's trying to kill me!"
"Self-defense?! Look at yourself! You're choking her to death!"
"It's none of your business. Once I'm done with her, you're next."
"So scared!"
The bus doors begin a countdown. As the timer hits zero, they slide open. Tom does not hesitate. He kicks Lina in the stomach - sending her tumbling out onto the ground. His voice drips with malice.
*"I was done with you long ago. I found younger, prettier replacements - but you just wouldn't disappear."*
She crumples onto the pavement, curling in pain, her body too weak to stand. Her vision blurs, yet she sees him - his victorious smirk, his wicked satisfaction. She hates him. She despites him. She wants him to suffer the painas she has been enduring since she fell into this hell marriage. Her heart pounds violently, her pulse beating erratically.
Her skin cracks, veins bulge, her body contorts as she gasps. She reaches out - toward him - toward salvation - toward vengeance. Then, she stops breathing. Her lifeless form collapses, her eyes frozen wide in their final glare. The bus doors shut. Inside, everyone sits motionless, realization sinking in. This game is real. Lina is dead. The Platinum Pass dissolves into nothingness. The computer announces its next message, its tone monotone and indifferent, as if nothing had just happened.
"Now, I reveal a hidden rule. The holder of the Platinum Pass has the authority to decide the fate of the other players as long as they ensure their own survival until the selected target is expelled from the bus."
The screen flickers, displaying Lina's full profile:
"Name: Lina
Age: 43
Former position: Secretary at the Supreme People's Court
At 25, she was assaulted and forced into marriage.
Medical history: Fractured arm. Leg bone fissures. Numerous bruises due to domestic abuse. Severe burns from cigarette butts. Multiple abortions
Criminal record: Bribery and corruption. Human trafficking - organizing illegal transport of young women across borders
Current status: Dead"
A wave of shock sweeps through the passengers, their jaws slack with disbelief. The screen shifts, replacing her name with Tom's, his information now taking her place. For a moment, he simply stares at the screen. Then, a slow and twisted smirk creeps across his face.
"For all the crimes she committed, death is exactly what she deserved."
Lyly bristles at his words, her eyes narrowing in pure disgust.
"Hey, she is legally your wife."
"Until now, she is not my wife anymore."
"Such an irresponsible husband! You humiliated her, kicked her off this bus, and sent her to her death. Away thou rag!"
He falters slightly, his gaze darting around as if searching for an escape from her accusation. Bitterly, he scoffs, turning away, adjusting his jacket.
"Cut the theatrics, will you? Do you always meddle in others' business? Put yourself in my shoes. If you were me, wouldn't you have done the same? You have no idea what real survival is."
Karen tugs at Lyly's sleeve, murmuring quietly.
"Talking to someone like him is useless. Let it go."
Lyly exhales sharply, forcing herself to drop the subject, ignoring the pathetic excuse for a man beside her. At the back, Pearl sits frozen, her hands tightly clasped, her skin pale. She turns to Tate, her voice soft with unease.
"I think I'm starting to feel scared now."
He glances at her, noting the way her entire body trembles uncontrollably.
"I don't think it's just a little fear - you're shaking all over."
She doesn't even realize how badly her nerves have overtaken her. Regret fills her chest. Seeing this, Tate says nothing more, only placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
*"Don't worry. I'm here. As long as we stay together, nothing will happen to us."*
The bus doors emit a soft hiss, releasing a mist infused with disinfectant. The screen switches to an aerial view of the Supreme Court, displaying the incoming location.
"The sterilization process is complete. The bus will arrive at the Supreme People's Court in a few minutes."