The Terror of Option Chapter 1051 1051: 199 LOTM

…Ma'am Da really has a sense of humor… It's a good thing that my broadband company doesn't charge based on data usage… I control the twitch in the corner of my lips and turn to look out the window.

She's here again… A female ghost watching A Chinese Ghost Story. It feels weird…

Since she doesn't show any malice and had pointed out the problem of the cult, while I lack the ability to fend off ghosts—Assassins aren't capable of doing such things—I ask after so consideration, "Do you want to continue watching?"

I watched this movie a long ti ago. There's no need for to rewatch it.

Besides, I still have to go to the airport to pick up the VIP tomorrow; I can't stay up all night.

If I'm late or sothing goes wrong, I'll definitely have my salary deducted or maybe even get fired!

Thankfully, I haven't taken any housing loans, or bought things on credit. I don't have any credit card paynts and promissory notes to pay. Otherwise, I would've rejected Madam Da just now and looked for soone cheaper.

The female ghost on the glass window turns her head and looks at .

"Will it affect your sleep?"

"Just wear headphones. Don't worry about the light," I answer frankly.

The female ghost nods and suddenly disappears from the window.

Then, her figure appears on the screen, almost rging with the movie scene.

At the sa ti, the sound of the computer speaker mutes, and the light on the screen dims.

Impressive. As expected of a female ghost… I don't know why, but I feel that my fear of ghosts is decreasing.

Thinking back to when I was young, I was often scared out of my wits by horror movies; yet, I couldn't help but secretly watch them, feeling both pain and happiness.

I get up, switch off the light in the room, climb into bed, pull the duvet over , and drape it over my chest.

I close my eyes as I prepare to sleep. Vaguely, I feel like I've forgotten sothing.

A minute later, I snap awake. I open my mouth and say, "Goodnight."

As a successor of socialism, I have to be polite even when facing female ghosts.

A few seconds later, an ethereal voice reverberates in my ears.

"Goodnight."

With this done, I begin to sleep with ease. Not long after, I fall into a deep sleep.

When I wake up, I realize that the sky is already bright. Sunlight passes through the curtains, scattering across my bed.

Out of habit, I laze in bed for a few minutes, and slowly I beco conscious. I sit up slowly.

Turning my head instinctively, I see that the monitor screen has been switched off. However, the computer hasn't switched off. It's still blinking red.

"…Did she leave after she was done watching?" I gradually recover my mories from last night, like I've experienced a clear dream.

Shaking my head, I pick up my cell phone to check the ti.

F*ck!

I scramble up and dash to the bathroom.

I'm almost late!

If I were to ss things up, CEO Huang will skin alive!

He only treats pretty girls kindly!

At that mont, there's no Assassin, cult, female ghost, or dium to interfere with my thoughts.

For humans, living takes the utmost priority.

And the most important thing needed to live is to have money.

After five minutes, I finish washing up and changing my clothes. I rush downstairs.

Here, I have to thank my two roommates. They always sleep late and wake up late. They don't clash with the ti when I need to use the bathroom. They don't delay my getting to work.

Peng Deng had said before that the person he rented an apartnt with in another city would always take hour-long baths in the morning, making him either have to wake up early or bring his toothbrush and towel to the office.

I suddenly feel regret when I reach the staircase. I'm an assassin. I could've jumped from the sixth floor.

This could've saved plenty of ti!

However, there must be a lot of pedestrians outside at this point. If I dare go up the windowsill, they would probably call the cops. That would only waste more ti.

Without another thought, I jump down the more than tens steps at a ti, allowing to quickly reach the ground floor.

During this process, I even had the ti to unlock my phone and hire a car to send to the airport.

I can make a claim for transportation expenses since it's for business!

My luck isn't bad. Very soon, soone takes my request. Furthermore, he's nearby. After I rush out of the compound, a white peer-to-peer ridesharing car stops in front of in less than a minute.

Perfect!

As I heave a sigh of relief, I pull the door open and climb in.

"Airport."

"Okay." The driver is wearing a mask and has no habit of striking up a conversation.

This is what I like.

Just like I like having a mute for my haircuts.

I glance at my phone again. After confirming that I still have ti even if I encounter a traffic jam, I call the chauffeur and confirm that he's on his way to the airport.

This driver isn't part of our company. He's from the local office branch that the foreign VIP is part of.

In other words, there's no need for to pick up Mr. Zaratulstra as his own employee will be responsible for it. However, CEO Huang still sent to receive him to show his sincerity.

After making sure that everything is fine, I start using my phone.

In the process, I see a joke post:

"Why is the person I'm seeing suddenly ignoring ?

"She insisted on going to my house to watch a movie yesterday. I still had to wake up early for work, so I got her to sit by the bed and watch it alone…"

Heh… I mock this guy and check the replies.

About an hour later, the car arrives at the airport.

Thankfully, I'm still early… I breathe a sigh of relief and give the driver a five-star rating.

Then, I open the flight schedule and confirm the arrival ti.

"…NH6567 landed at the alternate airport, Ning Bei Airport, due to an engine malfunction…"

Holy sh*t, is this for real? I quickly call the other party's chauffeur.

"Hey, there's a problem with the flight. It was redirected to Ning Bei."

"I'll imdiately give Mr. Zaratulstra a call and confirm if he will imdiately make a dostic transfer or if he will co by high-speed rail. Or whether we should wait for tomorrow," the chauffeur says rather calmly.

"Okay, where are you? I'll co and et you first." I'm having a headache just thinking that I might have to wait at the airport for a few more hours.

After asking for the location of the car park, I walk all the way there and find the chauffeur.

This driver is a foreigner with black hair and blue eyes. He had a mustache that isn't too thick, and he looks rather handso.

"Hello? How do I address you?" I ask as I approach.

Previously, Old Ai only gave a number and a Chinese na. Now, I would like to call him by his actual na.

The driver nods and says, "Mr. Zaratulstra has already bought a ticket that will fly off in an hour. He will be here very soon. Please inform CEO Huang about the developnts."

"Okay." I stifle my inner groan.

This ans that I might have to stay at the airport until noon.

The chauffeur continues, "My na is Rosago.

"I'm a staff mber from the MISTER Company."

"Your Chinese is very good. Which country are you from?" I casually complint as I comfort myself.

"France," Rosago smiles and replies.

-x-X-x-

"France is great." I had plans of politely complinting his country, but perhaps because I'm used to lampooning, I almost blurt out: "Great at surrendering."

"Cough..." I cough dryly and say no more, lest he finds Chinese-styled sense of humor unacceptable.

After chatting for a while, I point in the direction of the airport.

"Mr. Zaratulstra will take a few more hours before he arrives. Shall we head inside and have sothing to drink?"

"Wine?" Rosago looks at .

"No. I an coffee, tea, cola, and so on. Don't drink and drive." I'm surprised that his first reaction towards the suggestion is wine.

You're a professional chauffeur!

Aren't you a little too rash?

The foreigner, Rosago, clearly didn't understand my humor. After thinking for a few seconds, he says, "Sorry, I woke up too early today and am still a little sleepy. I'll be sleeping in the car for a while."

"Okay." I secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

Although I'm not against social interactions, and I'm even willing to be on good terms with people from a partnered company, I still feel a little uncomfortable thinking about having to spend a few hours with a stranger I'm not familiar with.

Even if the other party were a beauty, this feeling wouldn't be any less.

Yes, that's the case for . Perhaps he shares the sa thoughts. That's probably why he chose to sleep in the car.

Returning from the parking lot to the airport, I randomly find an empty seat and sit down, not putting what I said about drinking sothing into practice.

It all costs money!

Based on my understanding of CEO Huang, he's quite generous. But at the sa ti, as the big boss, he wouldn't pay attention to the reimbursents of a re employee. These sorts of trivial matters are usually handled by the finance departnt that follows a particular procedure.

Therefore, if I waited until noon at the airport, I would definitely be able to claim the expenses for lunch, but I would have to bear the expenses for coffee, cola, tea, snacks, etc. Those are unnecessary expenses.

Of course, if I could get Comrade Rosago to join for the al, then I would be able to claim such expenses—client entertainnt!

For this reason, when I invited him earlier, I was actually quite sincere. At least half of it was true.

After sitting for a while and using my phone, I suddenly realize a serious issue:

I hadn't had breakfast yet!

I had left in a hurry this morning!

As I listen to the rumbling of my stomach and feel my thirst and hunger, I decide to find sothing to eat.

Food at the airport is expensive. Shall I look for KFC or McDonalds, or get so random slice of bread? I stand up and head to the side of the lobby.

When I see the first shop that looks like it sells local delights, I turn in and look for food that's cost-efficient.

My phone buzzes as I approach the frozen foods section.

"Hello, Mr. Rosago. What's the matter?" I glance at the caller ID.

Rosago's voice cos from the other end of the line:

"Ning Bei is undergoing a thunderstorm. All flights are canceled.

"Mr. Zaratulstra will switch to using the high-speed railway."

Isn't this fellow too unlucky... I'm amused yet helpless.

"Then shall we wait at the railway station?"

There's definitely more than enough ti because the high-speed railway station is just below the airport.

Even if Mr. Zaratul couldn't buy a ticket to stop at this station, it would take a maximum of 90 minutes from the airport to the municipal high-speed railway station. It takes less ti than the ti it takes from Ning Bei to this city.

"Wait a little longer. I'll wait for confirmation," Rosago replies calmly.

As we speak, I see the door to the ice cabinet push open. A small, fair, fat hand reaches in and picks up a Baxy-branded white peach oolong-flavored ice cream.

I trace this hand and see a child that looks around one year old.

I have no clue regarding its gender. Sitting in a pram, its face is chubby and it cannot stop chirping. It's really adorable.

Such a young child eating ice cream? The parents are so irresponsible! I gaze up at the adult pushing the pram, and find a gentle, beautiful woman.

I have no intention of stopping them. It's none of my business.

As long as they don't abuse the child, all I'll do is lampoon.

However, is letting a one-year-old eat ice cream a form of abuse?

Anyways, the child appears quite happy.

After hanging up the phone, I consider the possibility that we have to rush over to the high-speed railway station at any ti. I simply make a choice, getting so packaged pastries and bottled water before paying for it at the cashier.

Just as I find a place to sit down and quickly finish breakfast, Rosago calls again.

"The tickets for today's high-speed railway have been sold out. Mr. Zaratulstra will have to stay there and co tomorrow."

He sure is filled with bad luck... That's good too. I can head back directly. I don't have to wait until noon or head to the railway station... I tersely acknowledge.

"Then let's head back first?"

"Yes, we'll co again tomorrow," Rosago says imdiately. "Co to the parking lot. I'll send you back. I'm returning to the city anyway."

"...Sure," I reply with a smile.

It's not that I'm saving money and being greedy. After all, I can also claim my travel expenses for my trip back.

However, there's nothing wrong with having good relations with the employees of a partnered company at work.

Even if I don't end up getting an additional order, it gives another outlet for job-hopping in the future.

The only problem is how I'll get along with him later.

It can be quite awkward if two unfamiliar people were to get together.

Let's just talk about work. It's only about an hour anyway... I console myself. I leave the airport and find Rosago and his rcedes.

I get into the car and buckle my seatbelt. Before I can say anything, Rosago turns his head to give a glance.

"Sit tight."

Huh? I feel lost for a mont.

The next second, the car starts and speeds off.

Hey, hey, hey, hey. This is still a parking lot. You're driving too fast! Ah!

After a series of bends, the car slows down and exits the parking lot through the gantry.

Then, the rcedes continues to race. It swerves left and right on the road, taking up any empty spots. Not only is he on the verge of exceeding the speed limit, but he also shows no signs of stopping.

On several occasions, I imagined that there would be a car accident, but with Rosago's control, the car nimbly avoids danger.

"This—aren't you driving too fast?" I ask, coming back to my senses and gulping.

"Don't worry. I used to be a racer," Rosago says as he looks ahead, his eyes bright.

But isn't it too fast? This is a city road, not a race track... I lampoon nervously.

I don't dare to say another word, afraid that Master Rosago would be distracted and might end up hitting a guardrail or harming the innocent.

At this mont, I recall my ability as an Assassin. I decide that if anything were to go wrong, I would jump out of the car to seek refuge or forcefully control Rosago to stop the vehicle.

40 minutes later, the racing car stops outside the building where my company is located.

"...Thank you. Thank you." My face is a little pale as I unbuckle the seat belt.

If it weren't for my abilities as an Assassin and my outstanding balance, I definitely would've gotten carsick and puked all over the ground.

"You're welco. See you tomorrow." Rosago waves with a smile.

"..." I exhale and bid the racer farewell.

Entering the building, I glance subconsciously at the spot where the vending machine had appeared. It's empty.

Fortunately... I head upstairs and press the "up" button.

As I wait, I lower my head and straighten my clothes.

Suddenly, a pair of long legs wearing leather boots walk over.

-x-X-x-

I raise my head subconsciously and glance to the side.This instantly makes feel a little uncomfortable.

This isn't because the other party is a gorgeous beauty, but because she's CEO Huang's daughter.

Miss Bernie Huang!

This lady's eyebrows are straight, her nose high, and she wears a pair of blue-tint colored contacts. Together with her slightly curled hair that she dyed a chestnut color, she has a level of beauty belonging to foreigners.

Seeing her look at , I instinctively open my mouth to greet her.

Miss Huang?

No, that might bring about negative connotations...

My lady, Miss Huang?

It's too exaggerated, just like a brainless idol drama...

Madam Huang?

This clearly doesn't suit a young girl. She'll get angry...

Teacher Huang?

She's still a student...

As my thoughts run through my mind, the young lady, Miss Bernie Huang, nods at .

"Hello."

"Hello," I respond reflexively, using an honorific greeting.

"Is my dad in the office?" Miss Huang asks softly.

"Oh, sorry. I don't know. I just ca back from so work outside. I haven't stepped into the office yet," I answer honestly.

Miss Huang nods slightly and doesn't say anything else because the lift we're waiting for has already reached the first floor.

As the lift moves up, I try my best to find a topic to prevent the situation from being awkward, but I don't dare to strike up a random conversation.

CEO Huang treasures his daughter very much. If I were to offend her by saying sothing wrong, I might be fired today!

"Zhou..." At this mont, Miss Huang turns to look at and says hesitantly, as if she's trying to recall my na.

"Zhou Mingrui." I hurriedly say my na.

Although Miss Huang often cos to the office to help her mother check on her father, I believe that she definitely doesn't know a re employee like . To be able to have a slight impression of my surna ans that her mory is beyond imagination.

"Mr. Zhou, I have sothing I need your help on." Miss Huang asks politely.

"No problem. As long as I can do it!" I reply without hesitation.

As long as Miss Huang is satisfied, a promotion and a pay raise would not be too far away.

As we speak, we exit the elevator and enter the company.

"Help translate a batch of docunts for ." Bernie Huang walks in her leather boots as she says.

"Translate... What language is it?" I ask hurriedly.

"Cursive script," Miss Huang replies simply.

Cursive script... I haven't learned that before... Just as I'm about to answer, Miss Huang suddenly picks up her pace.

We have already arrived outside CEO Huang's office.

This lady doesn't give CEO Huang any face at all. She walks past the female secretary that is stationed outside, nimbly reaching out her hand and pushing open the door gently.

Let's hope that CEO Huang isn't spreading his love early in the morning... I silently pray in my heart before taking an indiscernible step to the side in case I get embroiled in CEO Huang's family matters.

Of course, I'm not that nervous either. After all, CEO Huang is experienced. If he were to do any sordid deeds in the office, he would definitely lock the door from the inside.

As expected, there's no one in the office.

"CEO Huang is at a eting." The female secretary stands up nervously and tells Miss Huang.

"I'll wait for him inside." Miss Huang nods and walks into the room.

One step later, she turns her head and says, "Mr. Zhou, please co in."

"Alright." I walk over and quickly say, "I don't have much knowledge about cursive script."

"Take a look first." Miss Huang stops by the door and says.

When I enter, she casually closes the door.

Then, she flips her sling bag and takes out a stack of paper.

"Try and see if you can read it. If possible, read it to ."

"Okay." I take the stack of papers from her.

"..." My whole body turns stiff from that cursory look.

If I'm not wrong, the cursive script on the paper is from CEO Huang!

I've seen the comnts he had written on docunts on several occasions!

Th-this is CEO Huang's diary? Damn, don't tell he writes down every affair? Which decent person writes a diary! I can't help but sweat.

If I read it, I offend CEO Huang.

If I don't read it, I offend Miss Huang.

What does it an to be in a dilemma? This is what it ans to be in a dilemma!

Wait, I don't know cursive script. Haha, I can't read it! Although I can barely make out what CEO Huang has written, I really don't know any cursive script! I imdiately open my mouth.

"M-Miss Huang, I can't..."

Before I finish, the office door is pushed open.

Thud!

CEO Huang rushes in and he scans the both of us with his widened eyes.

He retracts his gaze from the gap between and Miss Huang, and he smiles.

"Bebe, why didn't you give a call? I could've gone down to bring you up."

"I'm already of age." Miss Huang glances at from the corner of her eye. "I'm just making a request to Mr. Zhou for his help."

I Imdiately understand her intention. Secretly, I pull the docunts behind my back.

"Call him Uncle Zhou!" CEO Huang smiles as he emphasizes. Then, he turns his head to look at . "You may leave. I'll holler if there's anything."

"Okay." I use this opportunity to leave the office and return to my seat, where I hide the papers.

Before I can switch on the computer, Rozanne leans in and says with a suppressed voice, "You're finished."

"Ah?" I stare blankly.

"Don't you know that CEO Huang dotes on his daughter to the point of having an obsession? He hates seeing other n get close to his daughter the most. During Miss Huang's past few visits, the n who took the initiative to offer their help have either 'quit' or transferred to a branch company at a Tier 3 city," Rozanne said with a chuckle.

"...It can't be. I was just in proximity to her. I mainly did so because I wanted to please CEO Huang." I grit my teeth from hearing that.

"Tsk, don't you know what kind of man CEO Huang is? In his eyes, all n are the sa as him. If one has money, they'll definitely be playing around, loving everyone they see—no, making love to everyone they see. If one doesn't have money, then they'll seduce the rich and beautiful lady, take up the post of CEO, and elevate themselves to the peak point of life. Therefore, in the eyes of n like you, Miss Huang is the most tempting of prey," Rozanne said half-jokingly.

"It's just that... It's just that Miss Huang asked for help. I wasn't playing around at all!" I feel wronged.

"You really weren't playing around?" Rozanne casually asks.

"Of course." I imdiately raise my fingers in an oath. "Think about it. To develop and maintain a relationship, you'll need about two to three hours a day, right? If it's two relationships, it'll take four to five hours. There are seven hours for sleep every night, an hour's nap in the afternoon, nine hours of work, and three als which add up to an hour. That's already 18 hours, leaving only six hours left in a day. If I were playing around and tried to two-ti, I wouldn't have the ti to play gas, watch videos, or read novels! How tiring, how boring!"

"Makes sense..." Rozanne slowly nods before saying with a smile, "Right now, you need a book on ti managent."

Before I can answer, she continues, "But how does CEO Huang manage to 'N-ti' so many won?"

"He's different. If it's just one partner, then he might take one hour out of his two-to three-day schedule to maintain the relationship," I answer thoughtfully.

Rozanne tersely acknowledges.

"That's right. CEO Huang is different from us. He's handso and rich..."

"Sigh." Rozanne and I sigh at the sa ti.

Rozanne, who's quite the gossipmonger, suddenly shrinks back.

"Old Ai is here, I'll be returning to my seat first."

Just as Rozanne leaves, CEO Huang's person-in-charge, the corporate office's Director Ai appears and stops in front of .

He's already old. His hair is completely white, and his face is pale.

"Send everything you need to claim today to finance. You don't have to receive Mr. Zaratulstra anymore," Old Ai says to as I hurriedly stand up.

...No way... They're firing already? I'm going to get a month's severance pay? I'm montarily stunned.

Old Ai passes a docunt and continues,

"Liaise with the mbers involved in this project. It's a project the company is working on with the police."

Oh... The turn of events is too sudden that I don't know how to respond.

Realizing that I don't have to ride with Rosago tomorrow, I have the baffling feeling that it might not be a bad idea.

-x-X-x-

After finding the project team and gaining an understanding of the situation, I spend quite a bit of ti organizing the information. I also leave the company at three in the afternoon, preparing myself to head towards the city's police station to visit the staff in charge.

After leaving my company's building, I take out my phone, open my ride-sharing app, and submit my destination.

Since it's not the evening rush hour, I get a driver in just a few seconds.

He's in the vicinity, one minute... I glance at the notification and am very pleased that I don't need to wait too long.

One minute passes quickly, but as I look left and right, I don't see the license plate that I rember.

Suspecting that I've misrembered, I hurriedly unlock my phone to confirm the situation.

At this mont, I heard the chiming of a bicycle bell.

Uh... I subconsciously look up and see a green-orange bicycle.

Sitting on the bicycle is a young man wearing a dark baseball cap and a thin black coat.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

The bicycle stops in front of as the man extends his right foot to support the bicycle against the ground.

His forehead is wide and his face is thin. His short black hair is slightly curled, and his eyes are darker than an ordinary person's—close to pure black.

His biggest characteristic was that, like a cosplayer, he wore a crystal monocle on his right eye.

Holding the bicycle's handle with one hand, the man adjusts his monocle with the other. He smiles at and says, "You were the one who requested a ride?"

...

I did, but I requested a car, not a bicycle...

I open my mouth, unsure if I should answer.

At that mont, I even underwent existential questions: Who I am. Where am I? Where am I going?

"You're going to the police station, right?" The young man with the monocle didn't care that I didn't respond as he asked with a smile.

...No way? Is there really an option for getting a bicycle? And I selected it sohow? I slowly nod.

At this mont, there are only two clear thoughts in my mind:

Should I take a photo or video to post on my Monts?

Should I call the custor service to complain?

At that mont, the young man wearing the monocle points to the side of the building and says, "Wait another minute, my car is parked there."

As he speaks, he takes out his phone and waves it.

"Huh?" I still don't understand what's happening.

The young man presses the edge of his monocle and smiles.

"I did sothing in the nearby alley just now. I couldn't drive through, and the distance to walk here was a little far, so I rented a shared bike.

"I'm sorry, please wait a minute or two."

Since the other party has already said so and I'm not in a rush. I politely reply, "It's fine."

The young man imdiately puts away his phone and rode his bicycle to the side of the building.

Soon, a white car drives over and stops in front of .

"Alright, you can board it now." The car window rolls down, revealing the face with the monocle.

Just as I'm about to open the car door, I suddenly realize a problem:

The car displayed on the app is black!

Uh... I'm just about to walk to the back to look at the car plate when the driver waves his phone at across the passenger seat.

"I have two cars.

"I'm driving this car today, but I bound my account to the other one.

"Look, my phone is right."

With that, he calls .

Seeing that the number displayed isn't a problem, and considering how I've encountered similar situations before, I'm relieved. I open the car door and get in.

It's broad daylight in a bustling city. What is there to be afraid of?

However, the reviewing and verifications undertaken by the platform are really problematic.

When I get into the car, the driver with a monocle looks ahead as he picks up a cigarette box and hands it back.

"Want a cigarette?"

"Isn't smoking banned?" I blurt.

"As long as I don't mind it." The thin driver smiles through the rearview mirror.

"I don't smoke." I instinctively shake my head.

The driver holds the steering wheel with one hand, not really paying attention to the situation on the road.

"It's good that you don't smoke. I don't smoke either. Smoking causes one to have a ghastly appearance."

"Then why do you have cigarettes..." I follow up quickly.

As the car drives down the road, the driver uses his empty hand to touch the monocle on his right eye.

"There will always be so friends you need to et despite you being unwilling to et."

"That's true." I nod.

At this mont, I recall Vice President Wu from the company next door. Although he smokes, his appearance is definitely not ghastly. However, there's no need to say it out loud. I'm not soone who gets into debates with others in a professional manner.

"You don't look like a rideshare driver." I glance at the obviously expensive cigarettes, and glance around the luxurious interior of the car.

"Heh heh," the driver replies with a smile. "Is my performance that obvious?"

"You don't look like you make a living from ridesharing. You look like you co from a rich family." I give a random reason.

Either way, I can't tell.

"Heh heh, being born with a silver spoon doesn't bar from making a living from ridesharing. It allows to experience a completely different life from my past, and being able to see all kinds of unique people is a form of entertainnt. Don't you find it interesting?" the driver says with a smile.

How philosophical... I nod and casually say, "That may be the case, but I think you occasionally only take a few ride orders and are usually busy with other things."

"Yes, I went to your building to investigate." The driver looks at the rearview mirror again, and his smile makes feel a little strange.

"Investigate..." I'm at a loss.

"It's about an evil cult. They like to use vending machines to harm others." The corner of the driver's lips curls up.

...

If it wasn't for the fact that I already knew about it, I would've lost my composure!

"You're a private detective? Do you know a detective nad Sherlock Moriarty? This might be his nickna." I suddenly have an idea.

The driver raises his hand to pinch the edge of his monocle and chuckles.

"Of course. We're old friends."

I don't know if it's my imagination, but I feel like he emphasized the words "old friend."

"D-did you, or any of you find anything?" I try my best to act like a bystander.

The driver half-turns his head to glance at and says with an obvious smile, "Guess."

That's such a punchable smile... I rein in my emotions.

"I guess so."

"Then it's as you say," the driver says with an expression of "I know a lot, but I won't tell you."

"..." As I think about what to say, he suddenly straightens his back and looks ahead.

Then, he pushes the monocle on his right eye.

Suddenly, countless fragnts appear in my mind.

Overlapping roads, tunnels, mixed colors, different signboards, pedestrians, cars that swept backwards rapidly...

They simultaneously explode in my mind at the sa ti, making feel like I'm suffering from motion sickness.

"We're here." The driver's voice enters my ears the next second.

I get out of the car in a daze and squat down at the side of the road, feeling like I might vomit at any mont.

I recover after a while, but the ridesharing car has already left.

Thinking back, I suddenly shudder.

The driver resembled the emoji that The Star had ntioned:

-x-X-x-

No way... Is the driver related to the monocle incident that The Star ntioned? He's been corrupted, or is he the source of corruption? Wait, why did I use the word "corruption"... At that mont, I feel like my heart stopped beating for two seconds.

I forget my stupor as I quickly check my belongings.

My phone is still here!

My keys are still here!

My travel card is still here!

My seven yuan change is still here!

My shoes are still here, my pants are still here, my clothes are still here, and my body is still here!

Phew... I didn't lose anything. Nothing happened... I heave a sigh of relief. I feel as though I was just overthinking things.

People just love to scare themselves.

Since I've already taken out my phone, I take a look at the ti.

3:25 p.m.

That driver drove really fast—five to six minutes earlier than the estimated ti on the app. No wonder I got motion sickness... I gain a new understanding of the situation.

So that's what happened!

However, I keep having the feeling as though I wasn't in the car for more than fifteen minutes, and that we didn't exchange many words.

Maybe it was due to the motion sickness I experienced towards the end of my journey, probably... I raise my head, get my bearings, and head for the eye-catching police station.

It's a compound with several buildings inside. Two fully ard police officers stand guard at the entrance.

At this mont, I suddenly think of a problem. I connect it to a question from my prior inspection of my personal belongings.

I didn't bring a paper notebook or pen!

Of course, this isn't a result of my negligence. It's just that I'm used to using my cell phone to record matters. If it were sothing grander in scale, or in a more professional setting, I would bring a notebook computer. I haven't used a paper notebook in the last two years.

Uh, in a work environnt like a police station, the leaders in charge of matters definitely can't stand the situation of soone holding a cell phone and tapping on it during business exchanges. That's not polite at all! When dealing with them, it's better to be more conservative and traditional. Hmm, I'll first find a stationery shop, buy a pen, buy a notebook, and then go in. Heh heh, in a business environnt, putting on an act is also a skill... I imdiately look around to find my target.

At tis like this, I'll always praise my habit of leaving so buffer ti. This gives enough ti to not be in a rush, and allows to be calm.

The leader in charge of the project and I agreed to et at 4:00 p.m., so I have 35 minutes of spare ti.

Normally speaking, taking a taxi from the company to this place would take about 20 minutes. With the series of actions like going downstairs, waiting for the ride, and entering the compound, the total ti required is about 35 minutes. I set off at 3:00 p.m., giving myself plenty of buffer ti to arrive at the scheduled ti of 3.45 p.m., but considering the possibility of traffic jams, registrations, inspections, and unknown accidents, I ultimately scheduled the appointnt to be at 4:00 p.m.

To my surprise, the driver with the monocle drove so fast that I arrived ahead of ti.

I don't find any stationery stores despite looking around. I hurriedly take out my phone and use the map app to search for a nearby store.

The nearest stationery store is two kiloters away... Get a rideshare to go over? Just as I'm hesitating, I suddenly see a small shop on the opposite side of the road.

"Star Dream Provisions Store."

Provisions store... maybe there's stationery... I'll go take a look first. There's no need to get a rideshare... Heh, Star Dream. It feels like a celebrity managent agency... I quickly make up my mind and quicken my pace. Taking advantage of the flashing green light, I cross the pedestrian crossing.

Soon, I arrive at the Star Dream Provisions Store.

The restaurant is very cramped, and the lighting isn't good. It's rather dim inside, giving the feeling of going from afternoon to evening instantly.

Lining both sides of the store are shelves that are about 1.8 ters tall. The items placed on the shelves are dazzling, but they all look rather strange.

The cashier is right at the back where a woman in a black dress sits at the back. She has her back against two wooden cabinets and is facing a tablet computer. She's playing with her phone.

There's an ancient serial drama playing on the tablet computer, adding a bit of life to the dark shop. However, it's obvious that the cashier is only listening to the sounds with zero concern about the content.

This store's design is illogical, and the boss isn't ticulous. If I were a thief, I could take a few items and turn around to leave. She wouldn't be able to discover it at all... I lampoon silently before walking to the cashier and rap the wooden counter thrice.

"Hello, do you have a notebook and pen? I'm referring to a paper notebook."

The woman in a black dress looks up and replies with a smile,

"Yes, we do. Over there."

Her voice is very gentle, calming down instantly. Her looks are pretty good. Even the dark environnt can't mask her beauty.

Without taking another look, I trace the shop owner's finger and look towards the corner of the third rack of the shelf on the right.

There is sothing that appears to be a notebook there, but its design is very strange, as if it's made of brass pages.

"This is a notebook?" I reach for the brass book.

It feels cold to the touch, as if it's made of tal. However, there is indeed paper inside.

"Yes." The shop owner in a black dress says with a calm smile, "My shop's the is 'mystery.' All the products in this area have this characteristic."

Product differentiation strategy... This phrase flashes across my mind.

At the sa ti, I survey my surroundings and see an antique quill, a silver mirror with black eyeballs on both sides, and a few dice of different shapes—too many to count.

Mirror... I subconsciously pick up the mirror with my other hand.

I want to confirm my current condition. I can't look terrible just because of my motion sickness and have it affect the business exchange later.

The mirror quickly reflects my face:

Black hair, brown eyes, deep facial features, hard lines...

Damn, when did I beco so handso? I can't believe that I'm the one in the mirror!

After being stunned for two seconds, I quickly put down the brass notebook, take out my phone, and use the screen to examine myself.

This is very normal. It's still my original appearance... I turn my head to look at the mirror again. I'm still very handso in the mirror.

"...What's going on with this mirror?" I can't help but ask.

The woman in the black dress smiles.

"This is a smart mirror."

"Ah, I understand." I suddenly understand.

It's a smart mirror with its own beautifying features, filters, and Photoshop effects!

To put it simply, it's actually a special tablet that's directly connected to TikTok and BeautyCam apps.

With this in mind, I lose interest and imdiately place the mirror back in its original position.

For so reason, I feel like the mirror is a little sticky. I use a lot of strength to retract my hand.

"How much is this notebook? And this quill." I don't waste any ti. I pick up the brass notebook again and ask for the price.

The boss in a black dress purses her lips and chuckles.

"Ten million."

Pfft... I almost spit on her face.

"The two of these are antiques," the boss added.

"... Is there anything that isn't an antique? Sothing more normal?" I take a deep breath and ask directly.

"Yes." The woman in the black dress points behind .

I turn around and see a black, ordinary notebook.

I pick it up and flip through it. I'm certain that the surface of the notebook is made of hard paper. The paper inside is an imitation of goatskin. One of the pages is painted with The Fool, who's wearing gorgeous clothes and dazzling head accessories.

With The Fool as my online nickna, how can I not recognize The Fool?

"How much is it?" I ask casually.

"30 yuan," the boss replies with a good attitude.

"It's a little expensive. What about this pen?" I casually pick up another dark red, classic fountain pen.

"25 yuan. If you buy both of them, you can have them for 50 yuan," the boss in the black dress says with a smile.

I hesitate for a few seconds and feel that 50 yuan isn't an unacceptable price compared to traveling two kiloters by taxi—not only is it a waste of ti, but the transport cost would be around 20 yuan. Including the cost of the notebook and pen, it would be about 30 to 40 yuan.

"Okay." I take out my phone and complete the transaction.

After leaving the Star Dream Provisions Store and returning to the police station, I register at the guard house.

During this process, a police car drives out.

"Is there an ergency mission?" the policeman on duty asks.

While waiting for the barrier to rise, the driver replies indifferently,

"Damn it, a car thief appeared. He stole two sedan cars!"

-x-X-x-

Stole two sedan cars in a row... This is probably a cri syndicate. How can one person drive two cars? I can't help but mutter inwardly.

This is the cultivation I've gone through as a fan of courtroom dramas and detective series, as well as being a loyal reader of cri deduction novels.

Of course, I don't say it out loud. I believe that people with standard intelligence can co to a similar conclusion.

When the guard on duty calls to confirm my identity, I take out my phone and check the ti.

There's more than enough ti... I let out a sigh of relief as I unhurriedly circle around the pond in the middle of the courtyard and enter the building facing the main entrance.

After I run through the possible exchange in my mind, I knock on the door of the target's office three minutes early.

"Please co in." A llow voice sounds from inside.

"O-Officer Deng..." As soon as I push open the door and enter, I realize that the officer sitting behind the desk is the one who had co to check on my residence permit!

I always imagined that he's a police officer at the police station, but I never expected him to have an office at the Municipal Public Security Bureau. He even has the room to himself!

"You are?" Officer Deng raises his hand to comb his receding hairline and asks with a puzzled look, "Do we know each other?"

"Last night, you checked on my residence permit and reminded of a mysterious cult. Later, we t again in Lawson. I even reported a woman suspected to be a mber of the cult." I begin to suspect that the person in front of is Officer Deng's biological brother, but I still give the details.

Officer Deng is enlightened.

"Zhou-Zhou Mingrui, right?

"I'm face-blind, and I don't have a good mory. It was night, so I couldn't see clearly."

I don't need you to tell that your mory isn't good or how you have face-blindness. I can tell... I politely smile.

"Today, I'm representing the Intis Group to take over the previous project."

"Yes, we agreed to et at four." Officer Deng points at the chair opposite his desk.

I imdiately approach it and plan on placing the black notebook that I just bought on the table. I will then flip it to the middle—I can't let Officer Deng notice that I just bought it and have never written on it.

Officer Deng glances at the notebook and frowns slightly.

Following that, he picks up the phone and dials an internal departnt number.

"Hey, the Intis Group is here. Co over for a eting."

After a simple briefing, he puts down the phone and smiles at .

"This is an international collaboration project. We can't decide on our own. Yes, the other party's representative will be here soon."

"I'm aware of that." I've read the relevant docunts in the morning and know what's going on.

Of course, even if I'm lazy and didn't read it, I'll still have given such an answer. I can't let the partner I'm working with find out that I'm skiving and not doing my job well.

Not long after I sit down, I hear Officer Deng's office door open.

I stand up politely and look back. I see an old man in a long black robe.

His hair is white, and the wrinkles at the edge of his eyes and mouth are deeply recessed. His dark red eyes appear slightly turbid.

A red moon pendant hangs on his chest. He looks like a priest from a cathedral.

A foreign priest... I nod with a smile, fully displaying my courtesy.

For so reason, I find this old man a little familiar, just like the first ti I t Officer Deng.

Strange... Recently, I've been feeling sad for so inexplicable reason. Is this the after-effect of the Assassin beverage? I silently inhale and control my emotions.

At that mont, Officer Deng introduces, "Old Neil, an Interpol representative, a clergyman."

"Hello, Mr. Neil." I quickly greet him.

Old Neil doesn't speak. He sizes up and chuckles.

"Lad, have you been troubled by ghosts recently?"

...You can tell? I'm shocked. I don't know if I should admit it or hide it from a stranger.

"Don't lie. My eyes are very sharp." Old Neil smiles and points at his eyes.

"A little..." I mutter.

"Haha." Old Neil imdiately laughs. "You're still too young. You confessed the mont I called you out. Actually, I'm not that sure. Yes, I'm a priest. I have the ability to expel wraiths and shadows. Do you need my help?"

...Is it okay to discuss such feudal superstitions in front of a police officer? I open my mouth, speechless.

Old Neil walks to Officer Deng's table and very naturally picks up the coffee can on it.

"Don't worry. I don't charge much. If you're still a believer of the Goddess, I can even do it for free."

I wasn't a believer of the Goddess in the past, but I am now! At this mont, my heart is palpitating.

I hesitate for two seconds before sighing.

"But, I've already found a helper."

"Who is it? There aren't many people with such abilities. Most of them are cheats." Old Neil skillfully brews his coffee and asks casually.

"...Daly, do you know her?" I ask hesitantly.

"Daly... Ah, then that's fine." Old Neil retracts his smile and asks, "Are you the representative of the Intis Group? Let's begin."

At the sa ti, Officer Deng shakes his head with a smile, looking helpless.

"You know Madam Daly?" I ask.

Old Neil sighs and points at Officer Deng.

"His fiancée."

"Oh, oh..." Everyone knows each other! I can't help but sigh.

This boosts my confidence in Madam Daly.

I stop chatting and begin communicating with Officer Deng and Old Neil about the project, taking note of their requests.

An hour passes.

"Yawn." Old Neil stretches his back. "It's finally over. These old bones of mine really can't withstand the tornt of such etings. I no longer have the energy."

With that said, he stands up and smiles at and Officer Deng.

"It's ti for to retire.

"It's ti for to leave. I'll go to a faraway village. I'll grow so flowers, feed the chickens, and play the piano for my wife. I don't have to worry about things here anymore."

Officer Deng stands up as well. As he sends Old Neil out, he smiles and says, "Let's go together."

As I watch them leave, I suddenly feel speechless.

-x-X-x-

It's not even 5:30, and I can get off work normally again! I've already composed myself by the ti when I walk out of the police station, feeling happy that I don't have to work overti today.

Before I left in the afternoon, I communicated with the administration departnt and was told that I didn't need to return to the company. After all, we didn't know how long the eting would take.

What if Officer Deng got to stay for dinner, sing so karaoke, and enjoy a spa, right?

Although the probability of this happening is low, even if it wouldn't happen to , I still have to be prepared.

The distance from the old estate where my rented apartnt is to the police station is shorter than it is from my company, but I still chose to take public transport, because the company doesn't reimburse the transportation fees for returning ho.

tro line 3,600 ters... Bus 72, 150 ters... I take out my phone and search for a route ho.

After careful consideration, I choose to take the bus.

The weather is hot in the sumr, so it's best if I can minimize the steps taken.

As I wait at the bus stop for the bus, I can't help but doubt my life.

I'm already a real, powerful, and extraordinary assassin. Why do I have to live like a slave of society?

But I can't get any money without work.

Assassins also need to save money to buy a house, food, and clothes!

Sigh, at tis like this, it should be like a ga. Give an assassin manager and help gather missions. After confirming how evil my target is, I'll shave my head and flash through the crowd. No, being bald is too ugly. Forget it...

What can I do?

Record videos of extre sports?

I still have to practice and learn. I've never paid attention to it before...

Actually, I can consider joining the police academy. As an assassin, I'm capable of capturing thieves and scamrs. I won't disappoint with my abilities. The only problem is that I've heard that a policeman's inco isn't too high.

Perhaps it's better after the probation period?

As I seriously consider the future, I board the bus. I hold the handle and notebook with one hand, and I pull out my phone with the other.

I'm a refined person. I definitely won't blast out any sounds in public. I don't have wireless earphones, so I can only browse Weibo and HUPU, an online sports community website.

As the bus drives, it suddenly stops. The driver's voice sounds from the speaker.

"Get off the bus. There's a malfunction. Wait for the next one."

The passengers curse as they get out of the bus. I'm among them as I sigh at my bad luck today.

There's only one stop left. There's no need to wait. I'll just walk back. I open the map app and confirm my current location.

If I knew this would happen, I might as well have taken the subway!

I follow the GPS—walking straight, taking a bend, crossing the street—to the old estate I live in.

At this mont, I see a five or six-year-old girl jump out from the roadside, and an SUV is speeding over.

"..." I'm stunned at first, but then I realize that I'm an assassin, an expert that surpasses ordinary people.

Without any hesitation, I run towards the girl.

Seeing that I might not make it in ti, I exert strength into my legs and kick out, relying on my assassin's ability to unleash all of my strength in one strike to pounce forward.

During this process, I feel like a sharp arrow that had been shot from a bow.

In the blink of an eye, I lunge for the little girl and hug her.

Then, I straighten my back and quickly adjust my body structure, making myself as light as a feather.

The SUV finally stops. I take a few steps to the side and steady myself.

To be honest, I was hit, but because I made myself seemingly weightless, I didn't suffer any damage.

"Are you alright?" The SUV driver gets out of the car and frantically asks.

His face is drenched in sweat.

"I'm fine. It was a close one." I put down the dazed little girl and pat her shoulder.

She has long, jet-black hair which makes her qualified to be a model in a shampoo comrcial.

"That's good, that's good." The SUV driver is relieved to see that I didn't dirty or injure myself.

At this mont, a middle-aged man rushes out from the side of the road.

When he sees that the little girl is fine, he's obviously relieved.

His skin is bronze in color and he has soft facial features. He has a pair of eyes that are closer in color to brown. They appear to have been through a lot.

"Thank you, thank you. Are you okay?" he asks, concerned.

"No, my luck isn't bad. I just happened to avoid the collision," I reply with a smile, inexplicably in a good mood.

I've finally used the ability belonging to an assassin.

The SUV driver points at his license plate.

"Contact if you have any problems. I still have sothing to do, so I'll be leaving first."

The middle-aged man nods before saying to ,

"Why don't you co to my shop to have a drink to calm yourself down?"

For so reason, I feel a sense of closeness with him. And since it's free, I don't reject him.

"Okay."

As I speak, I pick up the black notebook.

After leaving the road and passing through the non-motorcar lane, I see this gentleman's shop.

This is a thed bookstore. It's renovated to look like a coffee shop. The other door leads to a nearby park with a wooden swing hanging on it.

"Don't wander around in the future. It's very dangerous. Co on, thank Uncle." The bookstore owner pulls the little girl over.

"Call Brother. Don't make sound so old," I joke.

"Thank you, Brother." The little girl follows his instructions.

Without waiting for my reply, she cleverly says, "Then my father is your elder!"

Damn, did I just get taken advantage of... I can only smile helplessly.

The bookstore owner imdiately asks, "What would you like to drink?"

"A cold beverage would do." I'm not a picky eater.

"Okay." The bookstore owner points at the surrounding bookshelves and says, "You can also pick a book to read."

"Okay." As he mixes the cold beverage, I curiously walk to the bookshelf to see what's on it.

Groselle's Travels

Book of Secrets

Roselle and his 100 Mistresses

The Self-Cultivation of Evil Gods

How to Make the Believers Offer Money

What kind of books are these? I'm stunned as I read them. Finally, I choose the seemingly normal Groselle's Travels.

Just as I find a seat and sit down, the bookstore owner walks over with a glass.

The drink is brownish-red in color, and there's quite a few pieces of ice in it. After drinking it in one gulp, it's slightly sour and sweet. It's cold and very refreshing. Great for the sumr.

"Not bad," I praise.

The boss doesn't say anything else and returns to the cashier.

I then leisurely lean back in my chair and flip through Groselle's Travels. From ti to ti, I take a mouthful of the cold beverage, feeling very pleased.

After a while, the girl runs to the back door and shouts, "Daddy, Daddy, I want to sit on the swing."

The bookstore owner sighs and walks over with a smile.

I smile and take another sip of my drink. I can't help but sigh.

An afternoon like this is really nice...

-x-X-x-

Having had half a day to spare, I stay in the bookstore until it's almost seven.

During this ti, I can't refuse the owner's repeated offers. I reluctantly take a small slice of lemon cake, a set of pasta with minced at, and two grilled sausages that had been battered and fried with spicy chicken powder.

I don't need dinner... I rub my belly and decide to take a walk ho.

This helps with digestion.

The only problem is that the weather is hot and stuffy. If I walk in this weather for a while, I'll definitely sweat.

However, ever since I entered society, I've always had the habit of taking a shower everyday. And today, I'm also preparing to wash so clothes, so I'm not too averse to sweating.

To my surprise, perhaps because of the Assassin beverage, I managed to passively lose weight. I don't even have a tummy. Furthermore, I'm good at using the shadows to hide myself. When I return to my rented apartnt, I've only sweated a fifth of what I expected.

That dium lady, Madam Daly, will be here at nine. There's still about two hours left. With more than enough ti, I decide to use the fan after my shower, and to play so gas.

As for using the air conditioner, the weather isn't too hot. Besides, after becoming an Assassin, I feel that I have a strong tolerance for heat and stuffy conditions.

To be honest, this cannot be considered unbearable. It's just that I don't really feel that hot and stuffy.

When I enter the bathroom, I glance at the mirror and suddenly think of a question:

That female ghost was introduced by Detective Sherlock Moriarty to protect and investigate that mysterious cult. She hasn't shown any intention of harming . Should I remind her that I've found a dium, so she should hide in advance?

She doesn't have any ill intentions. She's very friendly. Besides, my reason for dealing with that mysterious cult is reasonably convincing... She must've sensed Madam Daly's power last night. Even if I don't tell her, she should be able to guess what will happen next... I think for a mont and make up my mind.

However, a new problem rears its head:

How should I warn her?

I don't even know where she is or how I should contact her!

Looking around, I can't find any clues. It seems like I'm the only person in the room.

Uh, yes, there's only one person, but who knows if there are any ghosts.

Perhaps she's hiding sowhere and I can just talk to the air? It's rather silly talking to myself... I recall last night and cast my gaze back at the mirror.

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I whisper, "I've hired a dium. She'll be here at nine."

As soon as I finish speaking, the mirror in front of turns dark, as if the surrounding light had been sucked in.

The pale female ghost wearing a small bonnet and a retro dress appears in the mirror and nods gently.

"Thank you."

In a second, her image disappears and the mirror returns to normal.

I heave a sigh of relief and hang up my clothes before I start to take a shower.

As I shower, I suddenly freeze.

Since the female ghost has already left, why am I spending so much money to hire a dium?

The female ghost clearly has no ill intentions, and she's even secretly protecting . Why would I spend so much money to hire a dium?

That's 20,000 yuan, with a maximum of 50,000!

Wouldn't that be a waste of money?

While taking pity on my wallet, I feel the need to think of a way to cancel the contract.

Anyways, it's still early. As long as Madam Daly doesn't live in the suburbs, she probably hasn't set off yet.

But I can't be sure that the female ghost doesn't have any ill intentions... In my hesitation, I wipe myself dry and put on my clothes.

After careful consideration, I decided to use the strategy of delaying things to hold back on the exorcism assignnt.

During this process, if I discover sothing amiss, I'll imdiately get Madam Daly to co over!

Sigh, it's really embarrassing to break a contract... I return to my room, pick up my phone, and send a ssage to SleepingWithCorpses.

"Madam Daly, the ghost that is haunting seems to have left."

This is the truth, but I didn't explain why.

"Indeed..." After more than ten seconds, Madam Daly replies, "Could it be that the restrictions I did last night scared her away? Or maybe you were too much of a pervert and scared her away. Didn't I ask you to watch 'A Chinese Ghost Story' and learn how to interact with female ghosts?"

I feel that it's more likely that 'A Chinese Ghost Story' will make the female ghost shy... I didn't dare reply as I cautiously say,

"I don't know.

"How about this? Don't co over today. I'll keep an eye out for a few more days. If the female ghost really doesn't appear again, then forget it. If there's any problem, I'll let you know again. How about that?"

After so hesitation, I add, "I can reimburse you for your preparations. No, I an pay a reasonable fee."

"Let's do this for now. I thought I could catch a female ghost and play with it. 😔" Madam Daly sends an emoji.

Hearing this, I relax. I feel like I've earned a huge sum of money.

After settling this matter, I happily play gas.

At eleven o'clock, I decided to go downstairs to buy so delicious food to reward myself as I didn't spend any money for dinner and didn't have to pay for the exorcism.

"Eggplants, I have to have roasted eggplants..." I mutter as I rush out of the estate.

Before I can choose the barbecue stall, I see those punks again.

Among them, the hooligan nicknad "Dani" is seriously handing out flyers.

His dyed, charred-yellow hair, eyebrows, and his introduction of the description of tutoring class form a strong contrast.

This tutoring class is interesting... I glance around and see an acquaintance sitting at the barbecue stall on the right.

Miss Bernie Huang!

How is a rich young lady like her eating at a roadside barbecue stall? Does CEO Huang know? I casually size up Miss Huang's companion.

If it was a guy, hehe, that would be amazing gossip!

Uh, a girl wearing black-frad glasses. She's not too old, about the sa age as Miss Huang... I feel full of regret and was about to retract my gaze.

At this mont, Miss Huang raises her head and looks over.

At this mont, our eyes et.

She imdiately stands up and walks towards .

This is a little awkward... However, there's nothing to feel awkward about. I live nearby, so what's wrong with coming out to eat so barbecue? I stand my ground and wait for Miss Huang and her friend to co over.

Miss Huang stops in front of and tersely acknowledges my presence.

"I have sothing I need your help with."

The girl in black-frad glasses beside her asks curiously, "Father, who is he?"

Pfft... What kind of address is that? The relationship between youngsters nowadays is so complicated... I'm actually at a loss as to how to respond. I can only force the corners of my mouth to curl up as I express my doubts with a smile.

"We had a bet in our dorm. Whoever lost had to address the winner as father," Miss Bernie Huang explains.

She points at the girl beside her.

"Her family runs a tutoring class.

"I would like you to register for the Dream Tutoring Classes and sit in for their classes.

"I'll pay for it. I'll also pay you a fee for the work you do later."

Register for the tutoring class... I can't help but turn my head to look at the hooligans who are seriously handing out flyers.

-x-X-x-

"Why don't you sign up for it yourself?" I don't really want to get involved in Miss Huang's matters.

On the one hand, CEO Huang is both a playboy, but he also has a daughter complex. His thoughts go astray the mont he sees any man getting close to Miss Huang. Alarm bells would go off in his head and he would overreact. Considering how it's a rather good source of inco for , I don't want to lose my job over this. Yes, although I've been working overti for quite a while, I'm still paid enough for overti work. CEO Huang has always been generous in terms of remuneration.

On the other hand, attending a tutoring class is so troubleso. If I have the ti, wouldn't it be better to spend my ti on sothing else?

Of course, if it's just to scout for information, and I don't have to spend my own money, then I can do anything I like while attending the class as long as it doesn't affect the students around .

Miss Bernie Huang points at the girl in black-frad glasses and says, "Her family's company and this company are competitors, and they know each other. Regardless of whether it's her or her staff at the tutoring center, they definitely won't be able to sign up for it."

"You can..." I discover a blind spot.

Miss Huang shakes her head.

"I can't either."

"The boss and part-ti lecturer of this tutoring center knows ."

"You're kidding?" I subconsciously ask.

Miss Huang glances at the group of hooligans who are handing out flyers and says, "She's Uncle Ai's granddaughter."

Director Ai? I laugh.

"This is friendly fire—conflicts arising between people on the sa side."

Without waiting for Miss Huang and her "daughter" to speak, I sincerely give a suggestion:

"To be honest, why do you need soone to attend their tutoring classes?

"You can all work together.

"Everyone can establish an indirect relationship. You invest in , and I'll invest in you. Wouldn't a rger be better?

"Only by becoming larger and stronger will you be able to fight against other tutoring center chains!"

With that said, I silently apologize.

Sorry, I've been reading more business reports recently.

"I'll consider that. However, we have to first grasp the style and quality of their tutoring classes before we can talk about anything else," Miss Huang replies in a business-like manner.

This is the result of an in-ho upbringing... I sigh inwardly and casually say,

"Then you can find a random passerby."

"They aren't trustworthy. I still have to do background checks. It's too expensive to find a professional company. The cost is too high," Miss Huang answers the questions that I haven't even thought of.

She continues, "You don't need to attend the classes often. You just need to attend four to five lessons. After that, it will be up to your own preferences."

Four to five lessons, which ans one or two weekends. I'll treat it as overti... I hesitate for a mont before saying, "I'll ask."

Miss Huang and the girl in black-frad glasses imdiately replies, "Thank you."

I then walk towards the group of hooligans and stop in front of the guy whose hair and eyebrows are dyed a charred-yellow.

Dani... This definitely isn't a proper nickna. It's best that I don't address him like that, lest we fight on the spot... Although I'm already an Assassin and am unparalleled, there's no need for that... I cough lightly and say, "What are the fees like for the tutoring classes?"

The hooligan with the yellowish eyebrows looks at with a happy expression and says, "It depends on the situation. For example, what kind of class you'll be taking? Is it an evening class, weekend class, or classes during the dayti? All of them have different prices.

"Also, what do you primarily want to learn? Foreign languages, mathematics, Chinese, history? Or everything? And what level are you at?"

Of course, it has to be weekend classes. I usually don't have ti. I'm dead tired after work every day. I just want to have so fun... Considering how I had to receive a foreign VIP previously, I reply, "Weekend class, foreign languages, more verbal in style, adult standards. It's best to be more business-oriented."

"Sure, no problem." The hooligan nicknad "Dani" turns over the flyer in his hand and hands it to . "Weekend business English classes, 8,888 yuan a sester..."

He rambles on.

"I'll consider it." I take the flyer and say, "When can I sign up?"

"The registration period is currently underway. There are discounts for registering now. It only costs 6,666... The location is the address on the flyer. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the morning," Dani" introduces in detail.

"Is that so..." I look around and casually ask, "This is the first ti I've seen people handing out flyers at night. Don't you guys have ti to rest?"

"We have to wait for the barbecue anyway, so we're just handing out flyers while we wait. Moreover, the foot traffic is the highest here at night," "Dani" explains indifferently.

"I see." I ask, "What's your na? Do I need to ntion your na when signing up?"

I would like to confirm if they get any commissions from successfully recruiting students when handing out flyers.

"No need. There's no need." Dani shakes his head in a slight daze.

"You don't get any commissions? All you do is hand out flyers?" I press in puzzlent.

Isn't this too professional?

Besides, as a hooligan, what isn't better than handing out flyers?

Upon hearing my words, Dani is taken aback. He smiles and says, "My main job is being a tutor at the tutoring center.

"I teach foreign languages."

"..." At this mont, I feel that this tutoring center is a little unreliable.

It was at this ti that their barbecue was done. The other hooligans stop handing out flyers and walk towards the stall.

Dani panics.

"Sh*t!

"Wait for ."

As he runs to the barbecue stall, he turns around and says to , "My surna is Da.

"Call Teacher Da!"

The accent of the foreign language sounds quite authentic... I shake my head and return to another barbecue stall to find Miss Huang and her dormitory daughter.

"I'll go take a look this weekend," I say simply.

"How much is it?" the girl in black-frad glasses asks.

"They claim that there's a discount. 6,666." I don't hide anything.

Miss Huang nods.

"Perhaps there are other small expenses. I'll give you a total of twenty thousand. The rest will be considered your hire fee."

No, I don't need that much... I originally wanted to modestly decline, but Miss Huang offered just too much.

"Okay," I exhale.

"Add on WeChat, I'll transfer it to you." Miss Huang takes out her phone.

Just as I'm about to "Scan" her QR code, I suddenly think of a problem.

"Why don't you transfer it to her, and then she'll transfer it to ?"

The "she" refers to Miss Huang's dormitory daughter.

"Huh?" Miss Huang is a little confused.

"If CEO Huang finds out that you transferred money to privately, it would be a little troubleso..." I say after so deliberation.

When that happens, not only will I lose my job, I might even get run over by CEO Huang's car.

"Alright." Miss Huang tilts her head and says to the girl in black-frad glasses, "Catie, add him and transfer 20,000 to him."

The girl obviously knows that Miss Bernie Huang has astonishing wealth and isn't worried that she would default on any debts.

She takes out her phone and adds on WeChat.

Catie Huang... The na sounds like that of a family mber... I glance at the girl's WeChat na and mutter to myself.

After collecting the money, I point to the side.

"I'll be buying so barbecue."

"Shall we eat together?" Miss Huang invites.

"No, no need." I'm very timid.

At this mont, Catie Huang—the student in black-frad glasses, takes out two bags of snacks.

"Thank you for your help. This is a specialty of my tutoring center."

"What are these?" I glance at the two bags of snacks.

"Dried mushrooms. It's not worth much. It's made by a biology teacher under our employ. His family farms mushrooms," Catie Huang explains.

"Alright then, thank you." Since it isn't anything valuable, I accept it without qualms.

However, the black things in the snack bag gives the nagging feeling that they're poisonous.

-x-X-x-

"Looks delicious," I politely say after retracting my gaze from the dried mushrooms.Then, I bid farewell to Bernie Huang and Cattie Huang and go to the barbecue stall that I frequently dine at.

It still isn't the ti when the nightwalkers are most active. The small tables placed on the streets are a lot emptier. I easily occupy one of them and shout at the boss:

"I'd like to place my order!"

The boss focuses on grilling the skewers, completely unperturbed. The lady boss walks over with a small notebook and a ballpoint pen.

Without exchanging pleasantries or any small talk, I directly say, "Ten sticks of pork belly, ten sticks of pork ribs, five sticks of chicken skin, one set of chives, and one eggplant."

The beef kebabs and lamb skewers at this barbecue stall aren't very good, so I didn't order them.

Of course, the amount of food I ordered has already exceeded my initial expectations, but it doesn't matter. Not only did I save tens of thousands of dollars from the exorcism today, but I even earned more than 10,000 yuan from Miss Huang.

I have to treat myself!

As a normal person, after ordering so many at dishes, I should always have so vegetarian dishes. I need to balance my diet with so greens. As for eggplants, I don't view them as vegetables. They transcend the concept of vegetables and at dishes, and are unique existences in the barbecue world.

Sigh, Miss Huang is really generous. If I wasn't worried that CEO Huang would overreact, I would really like to add her on WeChat and ask her to trouble more often. If there are any commissions, then just hand them to . Of course, I can't take on things that are illegal and matters that go below the neck... I watch as the lady boss returns to the grill and repeats what I had just ordered.

Looking around, I notice that the other tables are occupied by groups of twos or threes. There are also people like who eat barbecue alone, but they choose to have it "to go," so as to eat it at ho.

Hmm, it's good to have more people. That will allow us to eat a greater variety of food. We can even have a few drinks... I ponder for a while and feel that I should get soone to join .

Then, I suddenly think of a suitable candidate:

Peng Deng!

My childhood friend Peng Deng who lives nearby!

Without hesitation, I take out my phone and send him a WeChat ssage:

"Co out for barbecue!"

With my understanding of this fellow, he definitely won't let go of the opportunity to rip off.

However, Peng Deng doesn't reply to my ssage.

He's in a ranked ga? I randomly guess the reason for this and start thinking about who else I could invite.

In this city, I don't only have Peng Deng as a friend, but the rest of them live quite far away. It doesn't seem like a good idea to get soone to take a taxi all the way here to eat barbecue at around eleven in the evening. After all, I don't have anything to discuss with them, and I didn't make an appointnt beforehand.

It might be better to just eat by myself... I stand up and prepare to go to the nearby FamilyMart, Lawson, or a local mini-mart to buy so drinks.

How can I not have cold drinks with barbecue?

A few years ago, when the roadside stalls weren't under strict supervision, there was usually a mobile ice box placed beside these barbecue stalls. Then, they would lay so cables to siphon off electricity from sowhere to sell iced beer and various cold beverages. Not only was it convenient for custors, but they could also earn so extra money.

Unfortunately, it's difficult for such situations to happen now, unless it's a barbecue shop with a shop front.

Looking around, I decide to head to the nearest local mini-mart.

"Boss, help watch my seat. I'm going to buy so drinks." I inform the lady boss, worried that there wouldn't be a place to sit when I return later.

"Okay." The lady boss isn't worried that I would run away. My order is still being roasted. Even if I don't want it anymore, there will still be many people who can have it.

When I'm almost at the entrance of the mini-mart, my phone vibrates.

Taking it out, I see that Peng Deng has finally replied:

"Don't you have a nightlife?"

"Do you?" I respond reflexively.

"Of course. My girlfriend is at my place here today," Peng Deng replies quickly.

Following that, he sends another ssage:

"Eating supper isn't good for your health. Take it easy!"

"Bring your girlfriend along." I emphasize, "I'm treating!"

"Ah, okay, we'll be right there." Peng Deng never needs to use transitional words in his speech.

"Hurry up. Also, what do you want to drink?" I ask.

Peng Deng doesn't reply imdiately. He only sends a ssage after I enter the mini-mart.

"I'm not coming. My girlfriend says she's on a diet and doesn't eat supper."

"She already looks so thin, why would she need to go on a diet?" I think for a while and reply: "You can co alone."

Peng Deng sent ellipses:

"...

"She said that this is flaunting, a great insult towards her."

Tch! I despise this adulterous pair for two seconds before deliberately saying:

"Show your masculinity!"

"...Alright, I'll show you my masculinity." Peng Deng replies quickly.

Oh, has the world turned upside down today? I'm stunned.

Then, Peng Deng sends a ssage:

"As a man, since I said I'm not coming, it ans I'm not coming!"

"..." I'm speechless.

Putting my phone away, I head to the freezer and fridge to consider what to drink.

Frankly speaking, I don't like alcohol, but it's not that I can't drink it; it's just that I don't like it and feel that it tastes bad.

Therefore, unless it's a request from a friend, I won't expressly buy alcohol.

In all these years, there are only two types of alcohol that suits my taste:

One is rice wine, and the other is ice wine.

The thing they have in common is...

Sweetness!

As my gaze shifts, I see a strange man.

He's actually wearing a shirt, vest, suit, and pants in the middle of the night, as if he had just attended a business dinner.

This stands out in the stark contrast with a mini-mart or barbecue stall.

Oh, his eyes are red. He's quite handso... I tsk and retract my gaze.

What does his attire have to do with !?

At this mont, the young man walks over.

He hesitates for a mont before asking, "Hello, can you give directions to the nearest hospital?"

"You don't know the way?" I'm surprised.

The man answers with hesitation, "I just moved here."

"Oh." I point to the door. "Turn right and walk straight when you're out. You'll be able to see the hospital when you turn right at the crossroads."

"Thank you." The man nods politely.

I don't watch him leave as I continue to lower my head and choose my drink.

After careful consideration, I buy a can of pineapple beer.

These beverages are divided into two types: one is pineapple-flavored beer, while the other is pineapple-flavored carbonated drinks which don't contain any alcohol. It only contains a slight beer taste to drive away the heat.

Without a doubt, I choose the latter.

After exiting the mini-mart and returning to the stall, I wait for a while longer before I finally see my barbecue.

Just as I'm about to enjoy it, a figure appears in front of .

The red-eyed man in the three-piece suit walks over and politely asks,

"Hello, can you give directions to the nearest hospital?"

"...You just asked ." I point that out.

The man seems to finally recognize . His expression changes as he blurts out, "I'm lost again..."

Why are you saying "again?" I wonder.

-x-X-x-

Looking at the young man with bright red eyes, I snap to my senses. The first thought I have is:

What a waste of a handso face!

After two seconds, I beco sowhat worried.

Is this guy ntally challenged, or just simply ntal?

Is he the type of person who easily loses his way to the point that a missing report pamphlet is handed out the very next day?

No, he answered very fluently just now. He looks fine on the surface... Perhaps he's just bad with directions? Woah! How can soone like this be allowed outside the house on their own? I hesitate for a mont before asking, "Do you have your family's number? Do you need to give them a call?"

The man's expression instantly turns extrely ugly, giving off the feeling that he wants to bury his head in the ground.

"There's no need!" he answers firmly. "It was just a mistake. A mistake. I wasn't focused, as I was thinking about other problems."

"There's no need to explain," I imdiately respond.

Trying to explain it just shows your attempts to hide things... I add inwardly.

Following that, I stand up, turn around, and point at the end of the road.

"Follow this path to the crossroads, then turn right, understand? Turn right."

I move my right arm as I face the sa direction as him.

The man gloomily says, "I'm not a juvenile.

"I'll concentrate this ti. There definitely won't be a problem!"

I ignore his emphasis and instead remind him, "If you encounter any more accidents, you can look for the police."

I originally wanted to mischievously say "Mr. Policeman," but since he has already said that he isn't a juvenile, I'll just forget about it.

However, is this guy living in so stage play? His choice of words are quite literal!

Juvenile?

Using the term "primary school student" would be more down-to-earth!

The man falls silent for two seconds before taking a deep breath.

"Thank you."

"You're welco." I suppress my urge to make a joke.

After watching this guy walk far down the road, I sit back down and enjoy the barbecue.

I have to say that at kebabs have to have fat in order to be delicious. Otherwise, they need to be marinated. Otherwise, it would definitely be dry, woody, and tasteless.

In this aspect, chicken skin is definitely the type of food that can take up the challenge. In my heart, it's better than pork belly.

However, the chicken skin's quality is hard to guarantee. So barbecue stalls use the kind that were frozen for god knows how long. As for the one I chose, I can be quite certain of its standards.

I bite down on a piece of condint-infused chicken skin that's been coated with grease. Combined with a mouthful of pineapple and the chilling taste of beer, I find this sumr evening simply wonderful in a way that cannot be described.

This pineapple beer isn't bad. It's refreshing and quenches my thirst... I'm completely engrossed in the food to the point that I even neglect my phone.

at, chives, eggplant, and an iced beverage. As I take in this assortnt of delicacies, the food in front of decreases.

Phew, nice... I rub my belly in satisfaction.

In the next second, I start to have regrets.

No, I have to control myself! What if I get fat!?

In the near future, I can only indulge myself once a month—no, once a week.

While I'm in a dilemma, I look up and see a figure.

He's wearing a three-piece attire that isn't suited to proper nightlife. He has two bright red eyes.

Almost at the sa ti, the figure seems to sense my gaze. He turns his head and casts his gaze at .

: "..."

Him: "..."

Why the f**k are you back?

Don't tell that you got lost?

The man stands by the roadside, neither advancing nor retreating. He seems to be embroiled in an intense inner struggle.

Uh... I look around, but I don't see any patrolling policen.

I hesitate for a mont before standing up and walking towards the man.

I've already paid for the barbecue when the kebabs were delivered, so the lady boss doesn't stop from leaving.

"Why don't I take you there?" I don't ntion the fact that he's lost.

As a person, one has to know when to joke and when not to.

The man's expression changes. After a few seconds, he whispers, "Alright."

"Let's go." I turn and lead.

"Thank you..." The wind nearly scatters his voice from behind.

As I walk along the road to the crossroads, I casually chat.

"Which country are you from? You speak pretty good Mandarin."

"I'm a minority." The man hesitates for a mont before replying.

"Oh, no wonder. Which ethnic group are you from? How should I address you?" I'm enlightened.

The man walks to my side and falls silent for a mont before saying,

"My surna is Bai[1]. My na is Ailin."

"It's a nice na, just a little feminine," I tease.

To be honest, a superficial joke like this definitely doesn't match the sarcasm in my heart. I've already given Bai Ailin a feminine nickna in my mind:

Lin Lin, or Lyn Lyn.

Bai Ailin ignores my joke and walks forward before turning left.

"Wait. Wrong. That's wrong. Over here." I quickly correct him.

You really are a primary school student!

Bai Ailin imdiately turns around and follows to take the right turn.

I don't look at his face, and I don't say a word. I give him ti to calm down, lest he gets angry.

To be honest, who gave him the courage to co out in the middle of the night to look for a hospital with such a terrible sense of direction?

Couldn't he just get a taxi?

Or let his parents accompany him!

After turning right, it's only a fifty to sixty-ter walk. The hospital appears before us.

"This hospital isn't big. This is the inpatient building. If you go straight ahead, you'll see the Ergency Departnt and the outpatient building. Do you need to bring you there?"

"No need, I'm just going to the inpatient building." Bai Ailin is visibly relieved. "Thank you."

As he speaks, he takes out a simple brass key from his pocket.

Strange... People actually use a key like that in this day and age? In actuality, it just appears like that on the surface. It's essentially a smart key? I don't probe further and wave.

"Goodbye."

After walking for a few ters, I look back worriedly, only to find Bai Ailin gone.

I can no longer see him on this road. It's as if he vanished into thin air!

The hospital's side door didn't open either!

Could he have fallen into the sewers? I look over and realize that the manhole cover is fine.

Perhaps he used the key to open the door and enter... Heh heh, the old man guarding the side door must be asleep, right? I shake my head and stop thinking about this.

I head all the way ho. I find myself feeling a little thirsty thanks to the barbecue, so I take out a cup from my room, open the fridge, and pour the cold water that has been chilled the entire day into the cup.

This is a habit of mine during the sumr. Before I head out in the morning, I boil a pot of water, pour it into the large container, and place it in the fridge. I can then drink it after work.

Gulp! Gulp! Gulp... I drink two glasses in a row and finally feel fine.

After pouring another glass, I saunter back to my bedroom and sit at the computer table.

As I sweep my gaze, I suddenly sense sothing amiss.

Eh...

The black notebook I bought this afternoon is laying open.

I rember that before I went out for barbecue, it was clearly closed. Besides, I didn't open the windows for fear of mosquitoes!

[1] Literally "White" in Chinese

-x-X-x-