Chapter 66: I Want to Live
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Miles had been keeping vigil by the window for what seemed like hours. It was only when the haunting gray world outside had fully disappeared from sight that he seemed to visibly relax.
“We were fortunate,” he said in a low voice, “The spirit was merely passing by. Had it been any closer, I would’ve had to pull back. A spirit with such intense power would undoubtedly kill anyone bold enough to confront it directly. From its appearance, it seemed to be under a specific form of restraint even though it wasn’t trapped or bound. The way its hands were meticulously clasped around a golden candleholder is likely a method discovered by the ghost tamers to neutralize its deadly capabilities.”
A sudden thought seemed to trouble him, “But what’s the source of its restraint? Is it the light emitted from the candle or the holder itself?”
He let out a weary sigh, acknowledging the uncertainty: “The realm of ghost tamers is filled with so many enigmas. They clearly have developed effective ways to manage these ethereal entities. Am I unaware of these techniques because of my inferior rank? Or is it possible that there’s a conscious effort by different nations to keep this knowledge hidden?”
He chuckled sardonically, “With such a universal threat looming, are humans still so short-sighted as to remain competitive and divisive?”
Deep in reflection, Miles recognized that mere superficial dealings with ghosts wouldn’t ensure survival. He was convinced that Ethan’s approach was misguided. True survival entailed seeking higher ranks, elevating one’s status, and potentially amassing greater power. Only by doing so could one hope to uncover the veiled truths of their world.
Miles had no desire to stay in the dark, passively waiting for doom to strike. His gaze was drawn to a piece of parchment, made from human skin, that lay on the table, anchored by a gilded box. It seemed to promise answers but at a steep price. It wouldn’t yield its precious knowledge without a fight.
After some introspection, Miles seemed to have decided on his next steps. He glanced over at River, “Stop gazing at me like I’m a ghost. That was just a stray spirit outside; we’re secure now. Did you remember to bring the fried rice I asked for? I intend to eat and then get some sleep.”
With a quiver in her voice, River replied, “It’s in the bag.”
“Appreciated,” Miles said, beginning to eat with an air of nonchalance. The eerie ease with which he could dine, even if surrounded by death, was unsettling. Could it be indicative of a disturbed mind?
River, observing Miles eat heartily, felt a wave of comfort. After exhaling a sigh of relief, she said, “I’ll take a bath now. If anything goes wrong, please come and rescue me. I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“Don’t fret,” Miles responded with an even tone, “If disaster strikes, I’ll make sure your funeral costs are covered.” He continued to eat, unfazed by his own words.
River was rendered speechless…
Miles knew he couldn’t promise her complete protection. If faced with a formidable ghost, his first impulse would be to escape immediately. The most he would do, out of a sense of loyalty for their shared adventures, would be to return and recover her body once it was safe.
Inside the shower, River softly murmured to herself for reassurance, “I’ll be alright. I’ll get through this.” Gently slapping her cheeks, she tried to boost her courage. “I made it out of that horrifying experience in the mall. What else could possibly scare me? I’ve stood up to a ghost before. With Miles around, I feel much braver. He may not be vocal about it, but I sense he’s reliable.”
“One way to ensure he’s around would be to become his girlfriend. That way, he’d have a deeper incentive to watch out for me. Or even just being more than friends could do.”
She felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her as she thought about pursuing a young man of eighteen. The idea teetered on the edge of impropriety.
“But that’s okay,” she told herself, “It’s different when a woman takes the lead. Society would have been more judgmental if the genders were swapped.”
After her shower, River dried off and primped in front of the mirror. Her image radiated youth and vitality, her face looking mischievous. The towel she had draped around herself emphasized her well-maintained figure. Knowing that she had been the object of affection for many since her college years, River was confident in her charm.
Always practical, she saw relationships and matrimony as tactical decisions. And currently, she perceived Miles as a valuable asset to her future.
“All done! Bet you’ve been waiting with bated breath,” she teased, emerging from the restroom.
But the room echoed back in silence.
Spotting the empty food container and checking the upper level of the residence, she realized Miles had already turned in for the night.
“He didn’t even wait up,” she murmured, feeling a twinge of disappointment as she made her way upstairs.
Finding Miles spread out over the entire bed, she couldn’t help but shake her head at his seeming lack of awareness.
“Miles, are you asleep?” she inquired, nestling close to him.
“No,” came his response as he slowly opened his eyes.
She giggled, “I knew you were awake. How long have you been lying here? Want something to eat?”
“I’ve had my fill already,” he replied.
Paying no heed, River playfully wrapped her arms around him. “Regular meals are one thing. What about a visual treat?”
“Please, stay still. I’m not feeling too well,” Miles confessed, his forehead glistening with a faint layer of sweat.
It was evident that the after-effects of containing a malevolent spirit were taking their toll on him. He was growing weaker and less responsive, yet he could sense the tumultuous energy of the concealed ghostly eye within him.
River, noticing the pallor on Miles’s face, asked with a sultry hint in her voice, “Are you not feeling well? May I take a look?” Slowly, she moved closer, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. “Did that make you feel a tad better?”
However, as she drew back, a terrifying, blood-red eye stared at her from an unexpected opening in Miles’s face.
River exclaimed in shock, nearly tumbling off the bed.
“I told you to remain still,” Miles said with an emotionless tone, “Right now, I’m struggling to control the spirit inside me. If it wishes to harm you, I might not be able to intervene.”
River, taken aback, stammered, “How… how can that even be?”
“I am able to confront spirits because I’ve partially transformed into one,” Miles explained, “What did you think allowed us to engage with these supernatural entities? Mere intellect? Bravery? Or did you assume we relied on psychic powers, ancient Taoist rituals, or spells?”
“Borrowing strength from a spirit comes with repercussions, and this is one of them.”
“You being close to me isn’t in your best interest. My stay here is only temporary. Once I’ve settled my affairs, I intend to leave, ensuring I don’t complicate your life any further.”
River, still trying to comprehend the reality of Miles’s existence, asked hesitantly, “Will you still watch over me when you’re gone?”
He responded candidly, “I don’t owe you, or anyone for that matter, any protection. You survived the mall incident purely by chance because I happened to be there on a professional paranormal task.”
River whispered, her voice wavering, “But I want to live. Not just survive, but thrive.” She hesitated briefly, then cautiously nestled closer to Miles, avoiding the glaring crimson eye. “Will we encounter more ghostly incidents?”
“Undoubtedly,” Miles replied without softening the blow, “Soon, the entire world will be confronted with the reality of these spirits. For now, most remain blissfully unaware. But death could strike suddenly. It might come through a call, an unexpected visitor, or even in their sleep.”
Trying to negotiate her safety, River asked hesitantly, “If I were to share your life, even your bed, would you guard me?”
Miles’s answer was resolute, “No.”
Determined to find a way, River probed further, “What can I offer in return for your protection?”
“If you can assist me in my endeavors, like how you aided me at the mall by watching the security footage, then perhaps I might consider safeguarding you. Mutual benefit is key,” Miles said, his gaze fixed on her, “Saving people recklessly endangers one’s own life.”
With newfound determination, River offered, “I can serve as your personal aide. My background in accounting has equipped me with a versatile skillset.”
Miles’s interest seemed piqued, “Do you possess any expertise in finance, especially in the domain of stock trading?”
River nodded confidently, “Yes, I acquired hands-on experience during my professional internship.”
“Do you have experience with managing high-profile clientele?” Miles probed.
River responded confidently, “Absolutely, I’ve cultivated a vast network of high-quality client contacts over the years. If you’re thinking of diving into a paranormal enterprise, I’m well-equipped to offer support.”
Miles, ever curious, then inquired, “How about language skills? Can you manage translations?”
“I’m well-versed in English translation,” River replied confidently.
Miles, raising an eyebrow, remarked, “You do seem to have a broad range of professional capabilities.”
He had to admit, River was turning out to be more resourceful than he had initially estimated. Nonetheless, he was wary not to completely dismiss the thought that she might be embellishing her skillset.
“If your current job isn’t satisfying, or you’re looking for a change in pace, perhaps you could consider joining me,” Miles suggested. “I have a variety of tasks that require attention. In return for your services, I’d offer you a competitive salary and ensure your safety.”
He contemplated the idea of forming an elite team. If he genuinely intended to make a mark as a ghost tamer, he realized that operating alone wouldn’t be feasible in the long run.
River’s eyes widened in surprise, “Really?”
Miles seemed more amenable than she had anticipated.
He quickly clarified, “Bear in mind, it’s on a trial basis. I’ve never managed a team before. Right now, I’m exhausted and need some rest.”
The numbing paralysis had started to wear off, and this bout was less intense than the previous ones. It seemed the protective red paper he had still held some efficacy. Nonetheless, the mental exhaustion swiftly overcame him, and he succumbed to sleep.
River watched him for a moment, trying to decipher the complexities of his mind, before she too dozed off, comforted by his embrace.
In another part of the city, Master Catch, having just finished his statement at the police station, stepped outside with his remaining apprentice and their driver, who had wisely chosen to stay outside the mall.
“Isn’t this just our luck? After more than ten years in the feng shui industry, we finally bump into a genuine ghost,” Master Catch lamented. “Not only did we not make a dime, but we ended up paying out of our own pockets! To add insult to injury, we’re banned from returning to the area for a month and are required to report our whereabouts daily.”
“We should find a hotel to get some rest,” he suggested, hoping to put the day’s events behind them.
As they traveled, the driver, glancing in the rearview mirror, commented, “Hey, how did you get that nasty gash on your neck?”
Master Catch’s remaining apprentice touched the mentioned area, alarmed to feel a jagged wound as if his skin had been torn open, revealing the raw tissue beneath.
“It’s probably nothing. I might’ve scratched myself without realizing,” he replied, brushing off the inquiry.
“Alright,” the driver said, not pressing the issue and turned his attention back to the road.
But as the driver focused on navigating, the apprentice’s previously lively eyes dulled, and his face turned an eerie shade of pale, resembling the visage of a ghost.