Mysterious Awakening

Chapter 63: Departure

In a seamless collaboration, Miles and Ethan managed to capture and confine the ghost haunting the local mall. Despite the ghostly terror being merely a Class C apparition, it presented a challenge beyond what they had initially anticipated. Understanding its behavioral patterns, locating its true form, and devising a containment strategy were tasks laced with peril. One wrong move could spell disaster.

Miles was particularly shaken when the ghost tried to possess Ethans arm. Quick thinking and a readiness to act were the only things that saved them from a ghastly demise.

As Miles made his way out of the mall, he noticed several officers congregating outside. Approaching them, he quipped, Hard at work, I see? I thought youd already left.

Just fulfilling my duties. Not the type to shirk, you know. How are things inside? an officer asked.

Miles assured them, The situation is under control. You wont experience any more unusual disturbances in the mall. His expression turned serious, We found one of the missing people. The others, well Ill let you fill in the blanks.

His gaze shifted to River, who was standing close by. Her hair was tousled, her face weary, yet her eyes sparkled with relief and gratitude. She had survived and now stood free beside Miles.

I trust the mall is safe now. Ill leave the rest to you, as I have some pressing matters to attend to. If you need any further assistance, dont hesitate to call me.

After expressing their gratitude, they took Miles contact information and watched as he departed.

Where are you off to? River quickly caught up with him.

Big sister, why are you tagging along? Youre safe now. If theres nothing else, you should head home. Your family must be worried after your disappearance. Dont cling to me, Miles urged her.

Rivers face fell a little at being called old, You make it sound so cold. I did agree to be your girlfriend, did I not? You cant just leave me.

Miles raised an eyebrow at her, Wait, when did I say you could be my girlfriend? Are you trying to trick me?

We agreed on this in the restroom, remember? And stop calling me big sister, Im not that old! River fired back.

Miles regarded her with a curious look, How old are you anyway?

Im 25 well, actually 24, but 25 in lunar years. See, Im still young, River argued, looking quite pleased as if being his girlfriend was quite a catch for him.

Sorry to break it to you, but Im only 18, or 19 in lunar years, Miles countered, So, I think big sister fits you better. Im being considerate by not calling you auntie. Isnt that polite of me, Big Sister River?

Rivers face fell at this. She had always thought Miles was in his mid-twenties. His persistent use of big sister now made sense, and the comparison left her feeling a tad less triumphant.

In Miles perception, she was the epitome of an elder sister.

My dear brother, my gratitude for today knows no bounds. Your help has been invaluable, she expressed.

Just as Miles was about to take his leave, Mr. Calm darted towards him, gripping his hand with earnest thankfulness.

Miles merely chuckled, Im merely doing the job Im paid for. No need to be overly formal.

Nonsense! Youve saved my life. Heres my card. If you ever require assistance, dont hesitate to reach out, Mr. Calm handed him a business card with a sense of deep gratitude.

An officer cuts in, Hey, Mr. Calm, your interview here isnt done yet. Well need you to join us later at the police station to make a proper report.

Coming, coming! Im sorry, officer, Ill join you shortly, just having a brief chat here, Mr. Calm hastily responded, before turning back to Miles, Young man, do remember me in the future. Im Mr. Calm, come by my office when you can. Ill make sure to treat you to a meal.

This offer brought a spark of respect in Miles eyes.

Mr. Calm, living up to his business acumen, knew the significance of building and maintaining relationships, which seemed more mature and intuitive than the rest. No wonder he was the boss, while the other, Li, was just a manager.

Alright, Ill drop by when I get an opportunity, Miles accepted the card, knowing that this newfound acquaintance might come in handy in the future.

After all, Mr. Calm was affluent. If Miles ever found himself in financial straits, he had a strong belief that Mr. Calm would readily extend his support.

Pondering over his next move, Miles found himself in a dilemma about where to go.

Home?

No, that wasnt an option. His home was tainted with the haunting presence of a ghost, and irrespective of his courage, it was dangerously precarious to live there.

I need to sort out a temporary residence. Once Ethan finds a potential buyer, Ill have to oversee the transaction. But before that I need to get this melted properly to seal the seams.

Miles brought out a box elegantly wrapped in what seemed to be gold foil. But in fact, it was pure gold leaf.

Despite its petite size, the box had a considerable weight to it, few kilograms perhaps.

Who would have imagined that this golden box contained a ghost?

As he stood there, lost in thought, River, who had trailed behind, suddenly enquired, Where are you heading? Dont you have a car? Why arent you driving?

Me, a commoner, own a car? I dont even possess a bicycle, retorted Miles, Whats your reason for trailing behind me, sister?

Flashing a grin, River answered, You didnt own a car before, but now you do. You got it from Master Catch, a handsome sum of eight million, a few jade pieces, and a brand-name watch as collateral. I saw everything on the surveillance.

Oh right, now that you mention it, I do have a car.

With a pat on his pocket, Miles found a set of car keys, which he pressed the next thing he heard was an impressive-looking SUV parked at the roadside lighting up.

Youve hit the big time! Thats an imported vehicle worth nearly five million. Master Catch really did incur a substantial loss, River announced, recognizing the car instantly.

Id rather exchange this car for cash. Otherwise, Ill have to give it back to Master Catch eventually, responded Miles.

Lets get moving. And dont worry about the ownership problem, there are always ways to get it under your name in the future.

Taking the lead, River linked her arm with Miles and started guiding him.

Hold on, arent we moving a bit too fast? Miles questioned, surprised by how clingy the lady had become.

Just saving my life alone qualifies you for a boyfriend. Besides, why dont we grab a bite together? My apartment is conveniently close by, River suggested, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Why do I get the feeling that youre more interested in having me for dinner rather than inviting me over? But if you offer me a place to stay for a bit, then sure. Just to be clear though: I wont be covering rent or food, Miles countered.

Alright, deal. Lets go. Suddenly, Rivers enthusiasm seemed to skyrocket as she clung to Miles.

Unlike the average young girl who falls in love during college and marries without prospect, River was a career woman, an accountant in a company. Her profession and instincts directed her towards the type of boyfriend she needed for success. After experiencing the supernatural incident, she felt that aligning herself firmly with Miles was the only way to ensure her future.

If another such paranormal event occurred, River doubted she could make it through.

Times have changed.

Linking her arm tightly with Miles, she was confident that he wouldnt be able to resist her charm after some time together.

Soon enough, Miles was cruising on the road in the robust SUV, River comfortably seated next to him, her face resting against the window, a subtle smile on her lips.

She pondered, He might be a tad younger, but did that really matter?

However, in the next instant, Miles hand shot up, gripping Rivers neck with such force that it left her gasping for breath.

Cough, what are you doing? River reacted, struggling instinctively.

While maintaining his hold, Miles turned to her, I failed to ask earlier. Did the ghost at the mall have a head? If not, thats okay. But if it did, where would the head be?

I I dont know. Cant you be a bit gentler? River managed to respond.

Sorry, Im a bit edgy, but I need to clarify this, Miles reasoned, I wouldnt want the ghost to catch me off guard at the last moment.

He slightly loosened his grip, his hand carefully feeling around her neck, ensuring her head hadnt been replaced.

Cant you give me a warning next time you want to check? I would cooperate willingly, River grumbled, slightly peeved.

However, she didnt dare to resist Miless inspection.

He was the only one capable of handling ghosts, and she was ready to comply unconditionally with anything related to supernatural events. She definitely didnt want to invite any trouble herself.

After thoroughly inspecting her neck and finding nothing more than her smooth skin, Miles was assured that her head hadnt been switched.

This implied that River hadnt been tampered with while he was absent from the surveillance room.

Perhaps, Im just overthinking, Miles voiced out, relieved.

With a pout, River retorted, Could you be a little less rough next time?