"Hey, what's wrong? Ethan Zhang, is a ghost about to come in?"
Susan Li stood nearby, grinning obsequiously, her tone light and casual.
I gripped my cane. Outside, there were two people and one ghost. If they barged in recklessly, I'd have no choice but to fight back. Tonight, I discovered something: I can actually touch ghosts now, though I have no idea why.
"Listen carefully—whatever you see later, don't panic, and don't believe it. Just keep telling yourself it's all an illusion. That's all you need to do."
I've nearly been killed by illusions several times before—ghosts created those. But the Lady in Red outside the door, while she looks fierce, isn't all that powerful. At least now, I know how to deal with her.
"Hey, are you serious? Is there really a ghost outside? You're acting so jumpy—should I call a few Taoist priests over?"
"May I ask, friends inside, how is the esteemed ancestor of the Hades Circle lately? Though we often clash, we all work with ghosts, serving the living. The person inside is a black-hearted one. Friend, for your sake tonight, I won't take her life, but such a black-hearted person deserves some punishment—let her be muddled in mind from now on. What do you think?"
I blinked, glancing at Susan Li. Judging by the voice, the person outside seemed to think I was with the Hades Circle, and didn't dare get hostile for now.
I took a deep breath.
"No matter what kind of person she is, since I've run into this, if you Ghost Syndicate people want to harm someone, I can't just sit by. You'd better leave now, or don't blame me for what happens next."
My heart was pounding in my throat. Suddenly, everything outside went quiet.
Just then, Susan Li walked over and yanked the door open.
"Who are you talking about? Who's the black-hearted one, huh?"
I stared wide-eyed—there was nothing outside. Susan Li stood motionless at the doorway. I hurried over, wanting to drag her downstairs.
"You should go home. I'm exhausted."
Susan Li's face was blank as she turned and walked past me. She looked drained, but I couldn't shake the feeling she'd grown taller than before.
I poked my head out, looked around. The corridor was empty. The three cups and chopsticks had all been knocked over.
Did I actually scare them off?
Just then, I felt something behind me. I turned quickly—it was Susan Li, her face blank, eyes staring straight at me.
"What's wrong?"