Yu Xiao, a terminal stage cancer patient with an incurable condition, had reached a point where she had accepted her fate. Living each day with indifference, she had already made peace with the idea of departing from this world.
One day, her phone automatically downloaded an app called ‘Four Hospital Patients’ Discussion Forum’.
“Four Hospital? Isn’t that the local psychiatric hospital?”
Curious, she tapped into the app. The top post read: 【Guide for the Morgue】
Yu Xiao:???
Second post: 【Cataloguing the Ghosts I’ve Encountered Over the Years】
Yu Xiao: No wonder it’s a forum from a psychiatric hospital.
【Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Sealing Master!】 This one seems quite intriguing!
———— That night, terror descended, and the hospital was engulfed in a crimson hue. Unnameable horrors lurked outside the wards, murmuring by the rooms, “Let’s see who’s been naughty now?”
————
During rounds that night, the inspection ghost lifted Yu Xiao’s blanket and stumbled upon the talismans by her pillow. The ghost was amazed to find high-level symbols.
The inspection ghost cried, “Why would advanced seals appear at a beginner’s level?!”



Characters are diverse and engaging, including both protagonists and antagonists. Relationships and dynamics are portrayed effectively, even if some minor characters could have had more significant roles. The character development is commendable, with recurring appearances throughout the story.
The translation by Inky Dragon Translations earns a perfect score for me. Though there are occasional errors, the error rate is minimal considering the text volume. It's evident that the translator put considerable effort into providing context, explaining names, and localizing language to enhance the storytelling experience. The inclusion of visuals and formatting adjustments further immerse readers in the narrative.
Overall, I greatly appreciate Inky Dragon Translations for bringing this novel to English readers. It's a gem worth picking up, and I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a read.
One aspect that would have added interest would be more guidance on how other players tackled these challenges, considering the existence of a forum. While it may not directly impact the MC's journey, it would provide an intriguing perspective for readers. The ending is bittersweet, which sets it apart from typical horror novels, though some might find it slightly abrupt. The author's reliance on brute force solutions is a minor criticism.
Despite the character's temperamental flaws, which might deter some readers, I personally appreciate the refreshing dynamic she brings to the story. Overall, the novel offers engaging scenarios and a satisfactory, albeit slightly rushed, conclusion.
1. British Slang Usage: In a Chinese setting, it's confusing to see characters using terms like "blimey" and "bugger." Additionally, referring to girls as "gals" might make sense historically in the West, but it feels out of place in a Chinese context.
2. Unexplained Nicknames: Characters like Yu Xiao (Smiley), Zhao Lan (Misty), and Zhou Xiao Zhen (Precious) are given English nicknames without any background explanation. It's difficult to keep track of who's who, especially since the origin of these names seems to be mistranslated, as "Xiao" in Chinese can mean "smile" or "precious."
3. Elaborate Prose: The writing style can be overly flowery and grandiose, which personally I find less appealing. The text is heavy on descriptions, adverbs, and adjectives, making it less straightforward.
Examples:
- Zhao Lan confidently states, "Don't worry about sales," exuding a social finesse.
- Xie Meng Meng grins and suggests a partnership, but Yu Xiao rejects it petulantly, causing tension with Liu Fei's group.
While the author employs a rich vocabulary, it can become overwhelming and detracts from the storytelling experience.
As another reviewer has pointed out, this novel is a hidden treasure. The characters are exceptionally well-developed, particularly the female lead, whose strong and fiercely vengeful, male-coded personality stands out. Her friends are no less unique, adding depth to the dynamic between the trio, making their interactions both enjoyable and compelling. The hospital's concept is ingeniously crafted, further enriching the narrative.
The story revolves around three terminally ill patients who find themselves in a mysterious, horror-infused hospital, where they must confront eerie healing procedures and encounter ghostly doctors and bizarre treatments. The blend of humor and horror in these encounters keeps the reader engaged, especially with the use of "forums" and "daily morning announcements" that consistently elicit laughter.
I found the world-building and witty dialogue, particularly the humorous exchanges between the protagonist and her fellow patients, highly entertaining. Even minor characters shine, showcasing a rarity in horror stories – strong, supportive female friendships. Although the romantic subplot is minimal at first, the protagonist's "romantic" relationship with her detractors forms an unconventional harem, adding an interesting twist.
If you're looking for a horror-comedy with unconventional characters, "Forth Hospital Exchange Forum" is definitely worth exploring. Although the ghostly elements become less menacing later on, the combination of mystery, wit, and fun maintains a captivating hold. Each encounter is creatively executed and well-written, making it a book I couldn't help but devour!
In terms of characters, most relationships revolve around friendship, occasional affection through props, or dislike due to the MC's actions. Each character had their distinct roles, but I couldn't help feeling同情 for the three-headed dog security guard left behind when the hospital director changed. The plot was fantastic, and I'm on the lookout for more novels like this to entertain myself over the weekend.
It's unfortunate that despite the MC's charming moments, there's no romance tag. A subplot for the singing ghost in the morgue would have been fitting. I also wish the MC could open up to Nightmare, as he seems genuinely caring and attentive towards her.
Though I felt the ending was abrupt, overall, I'm quite satisfied with the conclusion.