Miles navigated his way back to River’s modest apartment. As he crossed the threshold of the doorstep, River was right there, barely containing her excitement.
“More than twenty million?! Did you spend it all at once? I’ve been working my fingers to the bone earning that money!” River burst out.
“I didn’t splurge, just bought a sleeping bag. I’m off to a rural retreat in a few days, and I wanted to be prepared,” Miles answered nonchalantly.
River almost choked in disbelief, “A twenty-million sleeping bag?”
“To be exact, it was almost twenty million. I spent the surplus on various other items, which should arrive by tomorrow,” Miles corrected.
“You got swindled, didn’t you?”
Miles paused thoughtfully, “I’ve entertained that possibility. There’s this lingering regret, as if I walked straight into a trap.”
“You suspect you were cheated and you didn’t report it? Didn’t think about asking for a refund or returning the goods?” River asked incredulously.
“Perhaps the product is so exceptional that it’s worth that kind of money? Anyway, it’s my money. I don’t see why how I spend it should be your concern. You’re my employee, and I’ll pay your wage. You did a commendable job with the stock trading previously. What’s the balance now?” Miles retorted.
“One million and three hundred thousand,” River answered, giving Miles a peculiar look.
“I’ve been in business a while, never thought I’d burn through my savings this quickly,” Miles confessed, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
He had earmarked this money for his mother’s retirement. Now it was all invested. He’d have to come up with new money-making strategies once this episode was over.
Yet, with his skills, making money would be swift.
“Keep a million for further investment, and transfer the remaining three hundred thousand as your salary,” Miles directed.
River huffed, “I made over ten million for you, and all I get is three hundred thousand in commission? That’s miserly.”
Miles frowned, “I don’t appreciate your tone. Without my intel and financial backing, you wouldn’t have made a penny, much less a fortune. And don’t forget, I saved your life. If you’re in for a larger payout, I’ve got a two or three hundred million project lined up. Interested in discussing it tonight?”
“Huh?” River’s surprise then gave way to shyness. “Can we hold off on it?” she asked hesitantly.
“What do you mean?” Miles asked, his eyes examining the woman.
“I… I need to shower first. Just don’t fall asleep before I do,” River stammered, cheeks pink.
Without a reply, Miles sidestepped River and retired to bed first.
Ah, women. So easily beguiled.
“Miles, by the way, have you seen my makeup box?” River’s voice echoed from the bathroom.
“I gave it away,” Miles responded nonchalantly.
River gasped, “You did what? Who did you give my makeup box to? A girlfriend or a secret mistress?”
“I gave it to a man. Don’t fuss about it; just get a new one when you have the chance,” Miles replied.
The box he’d handed to Ethan earlier was a decoy—a costly fake. The genuine box, housing the ghost, was still in his custody. He wasn’t foolish enough to surrender such a pivotal object based on mere words. If Ethan was willing to risk his life, Miles preferred to secure his own chances.
As for the money, he’d compensate Ethan’s family eventually.
Just as he was about to drift off, his phone chimed—an incoming call on the satellite-tracked phone from Right.
“Hmm?” Miles answered, a touch of intrigue in his voice. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ NoveI(F)ire.net
“Miles, open up. I’m outside your apartment,” a young man’s voice demanded, laced with nonchalance.
Miles furrowed his brow, “Who are you?”
“I’m the new ghost tamer of Dachang City, Zhao Kai Ming.” The call ended abruptly, followed by a knock on the door.
Miles’s expression shifted slightly. Liu Xiao Yu had mentioned that a fresh ghost tamer would be appointed to Dachang City. But he hadn’t anticipated this newcomer to actively seek him out.
After a brief pause, he chose to open the door. A young man, slightly sullen, stood outside, a satellite phone in hand.
“So, you’re Miles? The temporary aid of Dachang City? I’m Zhao Kai Ming, in theory, your superior,” the self-identified Zhao Kai Ming stated as he strolled in.
Temporary aid? When had he gained such a weird name?
“This is your place?” Upon entry, Zhao Kai Ming glanced around. The sight of fast-food remnants on the table and women’s clothing on the walls prompted a frown.
“As a ghost tamer in charge of the city, even as a temporary one, you shouldn’t live in such disarray,” Zhao Kai Ming criticized.
Miles shot back, unimpressed, “Are you here to lecture? Remember, I haven’t officially joined HQ yet, and even if I do, we’d be peers. I’m not your underling, and you have no authority over me.”
“You dare to talk back?” Zhao Kai Ming’s demeanor shifted, and he impulsively attempted to slap Miles across the face.
“You’re here to stir up trouble, aren’t you? But I’d suggest not acting rashly, or someone might not see tomorrow.” Miles caught his wrist midflight, his eyes flashing a faint red. A scarlet eye had emerged from the back of his hand.
“Ghost Eye, Miles.” Suddenly, Zhao Kai Ming broke into a laugh, pulling his hand back. “I’ve read your file, but your abilities section is particularly vague. It’s like you’re purposely keeping it under wraps. I want to know the full extent of your vengeful ghost’s power, as it could be useful in future tasks.”
“Even if I told you, would you believe me?” Miles countered, “And why would your work concern me?”
“I need an assistant, and you’re a good fit,” Zhao Kai Ming stated bluntly.
Miles retorted, “Is this your idea of recruitment?”
“I’m not recruiting; I’m drafting. It’s an order,” Zhao Kai Ming clarified.
“And if I decline?” Miles was put off by Zhao Kai Ming’s forceful demeanor and superior airs—a stark departure from the previous Right.
“It wouldn’t be wise to. Being my assistant means you could take over Dachang City once I get reassigned. It’s a beneficial arrangement,” Zhao Kai Ming explained.
Miles fired back, “Whether or not I join HQ, and when, are my decisions. I don’t need your solicitude. And frankly, I doubt you can handle Dachang City for long.”
Zhao Kai Ming smirked, “Rest assured, I won’t let the city fall into chaos. If you’re not open to my proposal, I won’t push it. But are you sure you can return unscathed from the upcoming incident in Huanggang Village?”
He was indeed headed there.
Miles’s expression tightened, “How do you know about this?”
“For someone managing Dachang City, gathering such intel is trivial. If you agree to assist me, I can provide a file on Huanggang Village. It would certainly aid your future endeavors,” Zhao Kai Ming offered.
“I’ll pass,” Miles declined.
Becoming his assistant would entail being the spearhead, thrust into the heart of danger. Such a role would only accelerate his own demise—a foolhardy choice he wasn’t prepared to make.
“Well then… good luck.” Having said that, Zhao Kai Ming promptly spun on his heel to exit.
“Miles, who were you speaking to?” Just then, River emerged from her bath, donned in a towel, with a post-shower flush on her cheeks. She asked, her curiosity piqued.
Zhao Kai Ming abruptly halted, quickly pulled a pistol from his waist, and aimed it straight at River’s forehead, “Eavesdropping? I could shoot you for that, you know?”
River froze in place, her gaze locked on the unfamiliar man holding a gun to her head. A wave of fear washed over her with eyes brimming in terror.
What on earth was going on?
Overwhelmed and petrified, all she could focus on was the cold metal gun barrel against her forehead.
“Zhao Kai Ming, give it a try,” Miles’s voice resonated, heavy with gravity, a golden gun in his hand, its barrel trained on Zhao Kai Ming’s head.
“Resisting against an agent? Dare to take a shot?” Zhao Kai Ming disengaged the safety, his cold stare fixed on Miles.
“Only the living get to operate. If you die, I’ll take your place and then call the shots,” Miles retorted.
“I could shoot her before you get a chance,” Zhao Kai Ming threatened.
“If you can take her life, I can take yours,” Miles shot back.
“I don’t believe a handgun can take down a ghost tamer,” Zhao Kai Ming contested.
“I’m not seeking your belief, just making it clear that I will fire,” Miles responded, his gaze unwavering.
Zhao Kai Ming’s eyes narrowed, his finger still on the trigger.
The two remained locked in a tense standoff for about ten seconds.
Then, Zhao Kai Ming withdrew his gun, a laugh breaking the silence, “If you make it back, I’ll treat you to hot pot.”
With that, he took his leave, swiftly exiting the apartment.
Once Zhao Kai Ming was out of sight, River’s legs buckled, and she slumped to the floor.
On the other hand, Miles slowly lowered the unloaded gun, his expression deeply serious.