November 11th, Saturday, just before dusk. I put on the old suit I wore for job interviews after college, tidied myself up a bit, and walked out of my apartment building.
It was only 6 PM, and the sky was already growing dark. My group had arranged to meet in the large parking lot near the Twin Dragons Hotel.
When night had fully fallen, John Chou walked beside me. I wore a troubled expression, while he smiled.
All the ghosts who were coming were staying inside John Chou's ghost domain.
"What's wrong, brother? Feeling uncomfortable?"
After getting into Rachel Lan's car, we headed for the Twin Dragons Hotel.
"Can we really get in? There are so many people going now, I've lost count."
John Chou burst out laughing and patted me on the shoulder.
"It's all good, Qingyuan. The invitation says 'all are welcome.' When you go in, just tell those collecting invites that your ancestor, uncle, or whoever—make up anything you want."
"Damn, are you messing with me?"
The closer we got to Twin Dragons Hotel, the more sweat beaded on my forehead.
At the parking lot, eleven from the Hades Circle, seventeen from the Brahma Order, twenty-three Renegade Monks, five from the Mount Mason Order—a crowd surged toward me, all talking at once.
After we got out of the car, everyone turned to John Chou, glaring fiercely, some even showing a hint of fear.
"Let's go, brother."
In my mind, I kept repeating: I don't know the people behind me, I don't know the people behind me.
On the street, strange looks followed us. Our group looked like a parade. The Hades Circle people blended in, but the others stood out, trailing behind me oddly. Luckily, once we crossed the police line, there were fewer people around.
By now, the sky was completely dark.
Outside the Twin Dragons Hotel, Chief Stone, Hugh Thompson, Vivian Ouyang, and Fang Datong were all waiting. I saw several Ghost Burial Squad members lugging big bags—vegetables, meat, even alcohol.
My jaw dropped—I couldn't close my mouth. I walked over.
"Detective Stone, what's all this?"