Chapter 81: The New Person in Charge
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Miles made his way back to the modest apartment where River lived. When he entered, her pent-up anxiety spilled over instantly.
“More than twenty million dollars!” River began, her voice edged with panic. “Did you seriously spend that amount all at once? What could you possibly have bought with that sum? That’s the money I’ve been burning the midnight oil for over the past few days, remember?”
Miles gave a nonchalant shrug. “Not a lot, really. I bought a sleeping bag. I’ve been meaning to go on a rural retreat soon, so I thought I’d get ready,” he explained.
River’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “You paid twenty million for a sleeping bag?”
Miles nodded, “Spot on, twenty million. I might’ve splurged a few million more on some other stuff, which will be delivered tomorrow.”
River’s concern was evident as she questioned, “Were you duped? Did someone con you?”
Miles paused, lost in thought. “You know, I’ve been mulling that over. I can’t shake off this regret and feeling like I was swindled.”
River’s astonishment grew. “And you didn’t think to report the scam or ask for a refund?”
Miles looked at her, slightly defensive. “What if it’s a top-notch product that genuinely commands that price? Besides, how I manage my finances shouldn’t concern you. You work for me, and I compensate you accordingly. Speaking of which, excellent job on that stock trading stint recently. How much do we have left now?”
River replied, clearly still reeling, “A little under five million.”
Miles pressed, “Can you be more specific?”
She responded, her tone filled with both astonishment and a touch of regret, “One million three hundred thousand.”
Miles grimaced, “After pouring in so much effort, I didn’t think I’d nearly exhaust all my savings. That money was set aside for my mother’s retirement. Now I’ve squandered nearly all of it. The original total was less than three million. I need to brainstorm other revenue streams. But given my expertise, it shouldn’t take long.”
River looked at him, a hint of sarcasm in her eyes. “So, after I made over ten million for you, you’re rewarding me with just three hundred thousand in commission? Quite the penny-pincher, aren’t we?”
Miles shot her a warning look, “Mind your tone. If it weren’t for my contacts and seed money, you wouldn’t have made a dime. And don’t forget, I once saved your life. If you’re on the lookout for a lucrative venture, I’ve got one worth between two to three hundred million. Interested?”
She hesitated, then said, a hint of timidity in her voice, “Can we table this discussion?”
Miles stared at her intently, “What’s your call?”
She sighed, a tinge of red coloring her cheeks. “I need a shower. But promise you won’t sleep before I’m back.”
Without a word, Miles moved past her, heading directly to the bed, a smug thought crossing his mind: “Women can be so gullible sometimes.”
Suddenly, River’s voice interrupted his thoughts. She peeked out from the bathroom, “Hey Miles, where’s my makeup box?”
With an air of indifference, he replied, “I gave it away.”
River’s voice rose with disbelief, “You did what? Who on earth did you give my makeup box to? Was it one of your flings? Or perhaps some secret affair you’re hiding?”
Miles waved her off, “I handed it to a man. Don’t probe any further. When you get the chance, simply buy a new one.”
Unbeknownst to River, the makeup box Miles had parted with earlier was an expertly crafted decoy. He had invested a significant sum to replicate the box’s appearance and feel. The genuine box, which secretly held an ensnared spirit, was safely concealed with him. He wouldn’t be so foolish as to hand over such a vital object based on mere words. With Ethan having already reconciled with the prospect of his death, Miles thought it prudent to retain the only lifeline that promised survival. Regarding the substantial amount he had spent, he planned to reimburse Ethan’s family eventually.
Yet, as Miles was on the cusp of drifting into sleep, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the quiet. It was a special satellite-connected phone provided by Right.
With a mixture of annoyance and curiosity, Miles answered, “Yes, who is this?”
A voice, cold and unwavering, responded, “Miles, I’m outside your door. Let me in.”
With eyebrows knitted in confusion, Miles shot back, “And you are?”
The voice calmly replied, “I am Enlight, the newly appointed ghost tamer of Spear City.” Without another word, the call terminated, soon followed by a crisp knock on his door.
Miles’s mind raced. He had received intel from Rain regarding the expected arrival of a new ghost tamer in the city. However, he hadn’t anticipated a direct encounter this soon.
After pausing for a few seconds to gather his thoughts, Miles cautiously opened the door to find a young man, exuding a palpable coldness, holding a similar satellite-connected phone.
Inspecting Miles critically, Enlight announced, “You must be Miles? The interim ghost tamer of Spear City, correct? To be precise, I’m your senior in rank.”
Miles smirked, “Interim? Since when was I bestowed with such an eerie title?”
Enlight’s gaze roved the apartment, settling on the cluttered table strewn with takeout containers and the various feminine garments hanging on display. A look of distaste marred his face as he commented, “For someone who claims to be a ghost tamer, even a stand-in one, this place reeks of irresponsibility.”
Miles shot back defensively, “Did you come here to judge my living conditions? Bear in mind, I haven’t officially joined your precious HQ. And should I ever, remember we’ll be peers. You’re not my supervisor.”
Enlight’s countenance turned even colder. Without warning, he moved to slap Miles, “How dare you?”
Unfazed, Miles retorted, “You’re itching for a fight? Let’s just remember, rash actions might result in a casualty tonight.”
Seizing Enlight’s wrist with surprising strength, Miles’s eyes shimmered with a crimson hue. Evident on the back of his hand, a red eye pulsated as if trying to break free.
Recognizing the mark, Enlight murmured with a mix of awe and caution, “The Ghost Eye, so you are indeed Miles.”
Enlight suddenly broke into a sly chuckle, retracting his hand. “Having scanned your file, I noticed some ambiguity surrounding your unique abilities. It’s as if certain facets have been deliberately veiled. I’m eager to understand the full scope of the powers your sinister spirit holds. Having that intel would certainly aid my forthcoming tasks.”
Miles, narrowing his eyes, shot back, “Even if I were to spell it out for you, would you genuinely trust my words? Besides, how do your tasks have any bearing on me?”
“I’m in need of a capable deputy,” Enlight stated bluntly, “And based on what I’ve observed, you fit the bill.”
Raising an eyebrow, Miles responded, “You have a peculiar way of extending job offers.”
Enlight’s voice grew sharp, “I’m not offering; I’m repositioning you. Consider it a directive.”
Chafed by Enlight’s overbearing and haughty attitude, Miles asked, “And if I choose to decline?”
He recalled his past dealings with Right, who had been much more approachable and respectful. Enlight was his antithesis.
“Don’t be hasty,” Enlight tried to persuade, “By aligning yourself with me, once I eventually progress from my present role, you’ll be perfectly poised to oversee Spear City. It’s a favorable proposition.”
Miles retorted, “The choice of whether and when I integrate with HQ rests with me, and I don’t require your counsel. Furthermore, I’m skeptical about your capability to maintain equilibrium in the entire city.”
A self-assured smirk played on Enlight’s lips. “Rest easy. Under my watch, disorder won’t find a foothold. Since you’re resistant to my proposal, I won’t persist. But, on a different note, are you confident about emerging unscathed from the imminent Yellow Hill Village confrontation in three days?”
Miles’s eyes widened in shock because Yellow Hill Village was indeed his next destination.
His voice dropping an octave, he pressed, “How did you get wind of that?”
“As the overseer of Spear City, I have an extensive information network. Should you reconsider and align with me, I can furnish you with a comprehensive dossier on Yellow Hill Village. That information might tilt the scales in your favor,” Enlight pitched.
Firm in his resolve, Miles declined, “I have no intention of signing up.”
Enlight shrugged, “Then, best of luck.” He began to stride towards the exit.
At that moment, River, fresh from her shower with water droplets clinging to her skin and wrapped only in a towel, emerged. Her face still pink from the steam, she inquired, “Miles, who’s your guest?”
Enlight’s reaction was immediate and unsettling. Swiftly extracting a handgun from his belt, he leveled it at River’s head. “Were you spying on our conversation? Do you comprehend that I possess the authority to end your life this very moment?”
In the span of a heartbeat, River was gripped by the dire nature of the situation she found herself in. The terrifying sight of a gun, wielded by an unknown individual, aimed with deadly precision at her, sent shivers down her spine. Her skin drained of color, taking on a ghostly pallor, while her eyes bulged, brimming with sheer terror. A whirlwind of jumbled and frenzied thoughts clouded her mind.
What in the world is happening right now?
Every fiber of her being was intensely focused on the menacing gun barrel that ominously brushed against her skin.
Almost instantly, Miles sprung into action. With deliberate precision, he aimed his own unique, gold-tinted gun straight at Enlight’s head. A warning tone, unmistakable and clear, resonated from Miles’s voice, cutting through the palpable tension, “Go ahead, Enlight, try pulling that trigger.”
Without a hint of hesitation, Enlight replied sharply, “I’m on official orders, Miles. Would you truly risk going against that and strike back?” The clear sound of the gun’s safety being switched off echoed in the room, amplifying the threat. His eyes remained focused, revealing no fear.
But Miles, keeping his cool, replied, “You might be in control now as the ghost tamer, but imagine a world without you in it. If you were to fall, I’d fill your position, and my rules would be the ones in play.”
Smirking, Enlight quipped, “You really believe one bullet will take me down?”
With a tone as cold as ice, Miles answered, “I don’t need your affirmation. I’m merely offering a heads-up.”
The intensity between the two men was palpable, their gazes locked, both daring the other to make the next move. Each held their ground, neither showing any sign of yielding.
The standoff seemed to last an eternity.
Then, in an unexpected turn, Enlight broke the tension with a laugh, saying lightheartedly, “Come back alive from your mission, and a hotpot dinner’s on me.”
With that, he swiftly left the scene, leaving behind a maelstrom of confusion and anxiety.
As the immediate threat subsided, River’s surge of adrenaline faded. Overwhelmed, her legs could no longer support her weight, and she fell to the ground in exhaustion.
Nearby, Miles slowly lowered his gun, which, unknown to others, was empty of bullets. His face was a mosaic of deep thought and worry.