Chapter 69: I fooled you again
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Upon catching his first glimpse of the assembled group, Miles felt an overwhelming urge to connect with them. Even though becoming involved could lead to intricate situations, fear was an emotion he didn’t know. Miles was not the type of person who cowered in the face of potential danger; in fact, it was trouble that should be wary of him.
“An annual package of 1.2 million dollars is undoubtedly enticing,” Miles mused, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Even top-tier executives from many renowned corporations might not command such a salary.”
“It seems we’ve reached an understanding. As soon as that amount is reflected in my bank account, you can count me as a member of your group.”
As the anticipation in Miles’s demeanor grew increasingly evident, Summit began to see him in a different light: as a young and inexperienced individual trying to find his footing in the expansive realm of business.
“I accept your terms. However, there’s a stipulation before you can officially join us. This photograph should look familiar to you,” Summit said, unveiling a picture.
The photograph showcased a box made of gold. Its design was hauntingly reminiscent of one that Ethan had.
“Ethan was the primary custodian of this particular item. Our understanding was that he was to hand it over to you as he exited the mall. This item is of paramount importance to our organization. Should you provide it to us, I’m prepared to make an enticing proposition of 10 million dollars,” Summit proposed. “I’ve always conducted business with complete openness. To be frank, the intrinsic value of that golden box is in the ballpark of 2.4 million dollars. With my 10 million dollar proposal, you stand to gain a significant profit.”
“How do you feel about this?” Summit asked.
Miles responded, “It’s true, Ethan did entrust me with that item, albeit temporarily. But I don’t possess it anymore.”
“Where has it gone?” Summit’s voice was laced with urgency.
“I relinquished it,” Miles stated simply.
“It wasn’t just about the money for me. Rumor had it that the box could be traded for a prestigious role in the city’s governance. Such a position holds great esteem. Consequently, I parted with it without a second thought. Many have lauded my decision, seeing it as a mark of my uprightness. Their commendations warmed my heart for days.”
Summit, taken aback, struggled to find the right words.
Your naivety is almost charming. Here we have a world willing to pay astronomical amounts for this item, nations competing for its ownership, and you chose to relinquish it?
“You’re trying to deceive us, aren’t you?” Summit’s skepticism was evident in his narrowed gaze.
“I assure you, there’s no trickery involved. Here’s the substitute I got in return. I believe I’ll be evaluated on it soon,” Miles responded, revealing a satellite-positioning device.
A satellite tool for ghost tamers?
The realization struck Summit immediately. A heavy cloud of despair settled over him.
Had Miles genuinely traded away such a priceless entity?
“Why on earth would you simply hand it over? How could you let go of it with such ease? Weren’t you aware of its significance? You were at the mall when everything went down. It’s almost inconceivable that Ethan didn’t inform you about its importance,” Summit exclaimed, his voice heavy with disbelief and agitation.
Despite his efforts, Summit felt as though he was grasping at straws when it came to understanding Miles. What he had gathered was that Miles was once a high school senior, and now, an emerging ghost tamer, still wet behind the ears.
Sensing this, Miles played up his inexperience, intending to draw out crucial details from Summit.
“Yes, I was aware it contained a ghost. Ethan and I were the ones who managed to trap it, a task that was anything but simple. The aftermath of that day at the mall was horrifying, with countless injured or worse. It felt right to hand over such a potentially dangerous entity to Ghost Tamers HQ. Keeping it would have been an invitation to disaster,” Miles asserted.
“But what’s your vested interest in this ghost? Why is it of such monumental importance to you?”
Summit responded, “The ghost has exceptional power. Even our preliminary tests have shown unprecedented outcomes.”
He then hesitated, holding back further details.
“And these tests would be?” Miles pressed.
“That’s classified information. And seeing that you’ve parted ways with the box, there’s no reason to prolong this conversation,” Summit said sharply, standing up, signaling his intent to depart.
Given Miles’s earlier declaration and his ties to the Ghost Tamers HQ, Summit couldn’t see any merit in further discussions.
“Wait a moment,” Miles interjected.
“What now?”
Miles hesitated before saying, “I wasn’t entirely forthright earlier. My apologies for leading you astray. The truth is, I still have the box.”
“What did you say?”
Summit stopped abruptly, his eyes fixed intently on Miles.
“Are you genuinely saying you have it?”
With a serious expression, Miles affirmed, “Yes, I always aim to be truthful.”
“Would you then consider parting with it for the 10 million dollar offer?”
Returning to his seat, Summit redirected the conversation: “If you relinquish it, you gain nothing in return. Plus, the position at the city’s helm isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Having been involved in a ghost-related catastrophe, are you equipped for any subsequent confrontations?
“The path you’ve chosen is fraught with dangers. You have a whole life ahead, filled with untapped opportunities. Chasing idealistic notions can be foolhardy. Practical rewards should be your focus. Give me the box, and I assure you, you’ll be duly compensated.”
“I need to witness the money first. Once I’ve verified it, I’ll hand over the box,” Miles maintained.
“Alright, but before anything else, I need to inspect the item personally,” Summit said, motioning to his entourage to stay alert.
It was clear to him: there wasn’t going to be any straightforward exchange of 10 million dollars. Their intent was to take the item by any means necessary.
After all, their operation standard was engaging in deals that eliminated potential pitfalls or unforeseen risks.
Miles, discerning their motives, responded firmly, “That’s not how this will play out. You promised an advance on the annual salary plus an additional 10 million, and I’ve yet to see a single penny. Your assurances aren’t enough to gain my trust. The item stays hidden until I confirm the transfer of funds.”
“Don’t get cocky,” a man from Summit’s team warned in a threatening tone.
With a stern look, Summit quieted the man, then proposed a compromise, “How about this approach? I’ll transfer the annual salary to you upfront. Once you confirm receipt, you show us the box. If everything checks out, we’ll complete the 10 million transaction. Is that agreeable?”
He was wary of initiating a confrontation with a ghost tamer, especially when uncertain of the ghost’s capabilities within Miles.
The nature of Miles’s ghost was a mystery; it might be benign, much like Ethan’s, or it could pose a significant threat.
Yet, every business maneuver involves some risk. If a monetary concession could avert potential conflict, Summit was willing to make it.
“That’s fair. Proceed with the bank transfer. Here’s my account information,” Miles replied, producing his phone from underneath the table.
Summit paused, studying Miles for a moment. The young man’s face radiated innocence and anticipation, possibly contemplating all the ways he could utilize the forthcoming 10 million.
“Very well, I’ll start the transfer process,” Summit said, navigating through his banking app.
Shortly after, a notification popped up on Miles’s phone, indicating a deposit – but it was only for 100 dollars.
“Why the meager amount? Did you mistakenly input the wrong figures?” Miles questioned, eyebrows furrowed.
Summit observed the account balance displayed on Miles’s phone and realized that the young ghost tamer was truly inexperienced in financial matters and was probably struggling.
“My apologies for the oversight. Consider that 100 dollars a gesture, maybe for a nice meal on me,” Summit remarked, chuckling, then processed another transfer.
This time, it was accurate – a sum of 1.2 million dollars.
“The transfer is successful! Thank you,” Miles exclaimed, a smile stretching across his face. He reached out, offering a handshake to Summit.
“You’re welcome. Now, can you lead me to the box?” Summit inquired.
“Absolutely,” Miles agreed, “Come with me.”
Swiftly, Miles led the group out of the cafe and navigated through the bustling city streets.
“It seems a bit out of the way. Would you like us to drive you?” Summit offered, a hint of unease emerging as he kept pace with Miles, who seemed to confidently know his way.
“I left my vehicle just around the corner. How about I go fetch it and you folks wait here?” Miles suggested, casting a glance over his shoulder at Summit’s entourage.
“There’s no need,” Summit quickly replied, apprehension evident in his tone. The last thing he wanted was for Miles to slip out of his sight.
However, as they ventured further into the heart of the city, Summit’s unease grew palpable. What had once been a bustling urban landscape was now morphing into eerily quiet alleyways.
“Stop right there.”
Summit’s voice was sharp, cutting through the silence. He glanced around, realizing they were now in an isolated area.
Miles turned to face them, an amused smirk playing on his lips. “Did it just dawn on you? I’m sorry to break the news, but I pulled one over on you yet again. While we were engrossed in our chat, I discreetly informed the police.”
A commanding voice broke the tension. “Freeze! Hands in the air and get down on the ground!” Suddenly, a group of law enforcement officers poured out from concealed positions, with Captain Bright leading the charge.
This was not a typical paranormal event. It was a clear-cut criminal activity. As a result, the officers were armed and ready for a confrontation.
Summit glowered at Miles, his eyes ablaze with a mix of fury and disbelief.
Feeling cocky, Miles taunted, “Angry? Want to lash out? Please, take your best shot,” pointing provocatively to his forehead.
Summit clenched his teeth in frustration. Miles had not only hoodwinked him but had managed to drag the police into their dispute. Such audacity was astonishing.
Although boiling with anger, Summit resisted the urge to act impulsively.
With a smirk, Miles said, “Against adversaries like you, I don’t even need the aid of my ghost. You should count yourselves fortunate that the police got involved. If you had truly provoked me, I would’ve ensured you regretted it for the rest of your lives.”
He then turned to Captain Bright, “These individuals are members of a criminal syndicate planning to abduct and assault me. I suspect they’re heavily armed, so exercise caution.”
Captain Bright nodded in acknowledgment. “Rest assured, we’ll ensure they face the full force of the law.”
“Thank you. I trust them in your capable hands. I have some other matters to attend to,” Miles remarked.
He pondered briefly on the repercussions of assaulting a ghost tamer. Reflecting on Manager Li’s ill-fated end, he surmised it wouldn’t be pleasant.
His gaze then shifted to the eye symbol on the back of his hand. There was no sign of reawakening, which provided a momentary relief. Miles always prided himself on relying on his wits rather than his supernatural abilities. He hoped this strategy might delay the impending reawakening of his ghost.
While it was a tad disappointing not to secure the full 10 million dollars – which would have turned this ordeal into an unequivocal win – Miles didn’t regard Summit and his crew as nuisances. On the contrary, they were more like unwitting donors in his grand scheme.
Inwardly, Miles gave Summit a mental nod of acknowledgment.