"Don't come out recklessly. Let me lay down three ground rules first."
"Got it, Ethan Zhang. Hurry to school, or you'll be late."
I stared in surprise at the Yellow Ghost inside the house. It was just an ordinary Yellow Ghost, seemingly harmless. Ethan Zhang looked delighted, and I was utterly confused, my mind in turmoil.
I have no memories of the past, yet everything before me feels deeply unfamiliar. I don't know why, but that's just how it is. Judging by the date, I entered this world of karma on Ethan Zhang's first day at school, and now, only a month has passed.
I watched as Ethan Zhang started running down the road. I quickly floated after him, soon watching him enter the school.
As soon as Ethan Zhang entered the school, he began chatting with his classmates. He seemed to have fully adapted to campus life, no longer showing the discomfort I saw a month ago.
Something still felt off. The whole day at school passed quickly, and after evening study, Ethan Zhang returned home.
"Tell me, how long are you planning to haunt me before you finally leave?"
"You have to help me, Ethan. I won't hurt you, I just need your help."
Soon, Ethan Zhang started talking with the Yellow Ghost again. I watched in confusion from the side. Though I had no memories, the only explanation for this unfamiliarity was that these events had never happened in my past.
I've run into familiar faces many times. Even though I don't remember them, there's never any sense of strangeness—until now. This severe feeling of unfamiliarity is unsettling.
Ethan, I mean no harm. Aren't you the only one who can see me? I really have no other option but to ask for your help.
The Yellow Ghost spoke, but Ethan Zhang ignored him, opening his book and continuing to read. I watched quietly. This Yellow Ghost seemed to have died in an accident; except for the bulge on his chest, his face was kind, with no malice at all.
The Yellow Ghost squatted on the bed behind Ethan Zhang, looking at him with an innocent expression.
How about this, Ethan—if you help me, I'll let you win the lottery. Haven't you been buying furniture lately and running short on cash?
Ethan Zhang's brow twitched, almost tempted, but he quickly turned and glared angrily at the Yellow Ghost.
I've got hands and feet—I can work a weekend job, no need for your help. Besides, accepting your help never ends well, does it?
I looked at Ethan Zhang in confusion. He wasn't wrong—usually, accepting help from these ghosts means burning through your own luck, and eventually, disaster follows. After all, a person's fortune is half good, half bad.
I'm not saying you'll win millions, just a few thousand to tide you over. Is that so bad?
The Yellow Ghost kept trying to tempt him, but quickly realized Ethan Zhang was ignoring him. He sat on the bed, looking dejected.