Mysterious Awakening

“Under our original acquisition plan, we intended to purchase the item that Mr. Miles holds, offering a hundred million in cash, paid in full,” Sun Lihong began, “Naturally, we want to verify that it is indeed what we’re after.”

“I have the contract here,” she proceeded. “Assuming there are no issues, we can initiate the transaction right away. Our accountant is present and can transfer the funds to your account within ten minutes.”

Sun Lihong wasted no time once she sat down. She dived straight into discussing the purchase with Miles, subtly suggesting the option for an immediate cash transaction and delivery.

Miles briefly examined the contract laid on the table before pushing it aside. “I don’t understand the contract, but the price is not a problem. I’m willing to sell the item, but I have one additional requirement,” he asserted.

“And what would that requirement be, Mr. Miles?” Sun Lihong inquired.

“I need to know how to control the second ghost and extend its revival,” Miles retorted, his eyes narrowing. “Given the fortune you’re ready to spend on this, I’m confident you’ve thoroughly researched the subject. I believe you have a solution for our predicament.”

His statement prompted a moment of silence in the club. All eyes focused on Miles and Sun Lihong.

“Is such a thing truly possible?” Despite doubts lingering, the interest in everyone’s gaze heightened.

The idea that such a method could exist gave them hope of extending their lives, of living on.

Sun Lihong’s brow furrowed slightly. “Where did you gather this information? It’s not something easily discovered.”

“I have my ways. You don’t need to concern yourself with that. What I want to know is whether you agree to my additional requirement?” Miles stated, his tone serious, “If you concur, then we can proceed with a fruitful collaboration today.”

“I’m only authorized to handle the cash purchase of this item. I’m not in a position to approve your additional requirement,” Sun Lihong responded.

“Then you need to contact your superior, the person who does possess that authority.”

Miles persisted, “We all value our time, so please avoid unnecessary delays. Otherwise, I might become irritated. And when I’m irritated, things won’t be pleasant for anyone.”

Finishing his statement, he held her in his stern gaze, his eyes emanating an odd red glow.

Sun Lihong’s demeanor shifted subtly, her voice more earnest, “I understand, I’ll consult with them. Please bear with us for a moment.”

Sun Lihong promptly rose to her feet.

“If you’ll excuse me for a moment, Mr. Miles,” she said.

“Of course,” Miles replied with a hint of a smile.

Sun Lihong quickly ushered her team away and dialed a number on her phone, seemingly reaching out to someone. Miles remained in his seat, offering them privacy while waiting patiently.

“Do you know how to extend the ghost’s revival?” Suddenly, a middle-aged man named Zhang Han approached, his voice tinged with anticipation.

Miles looked at him, “Myself? No, I don’t. But this group does. If you’re looking for answers, I suggest you ask them. If I had the knowledge, I wouldn’t be bartering with them over a single ghost.”

His gaze shifted pointedly towards Sun Lihong and her team. Pressuring them, he knew, could aid his bargaining position. Should they deny Miles, they would be effectively crushing the survival hopes of the other ghost tamers. The repercussions of such a move remained uncertain.

“You’re right, you don’t know, but they must,” Zhang Han concurred, his eyes returning to the distant figure of Sun Lihong on her phone, a fervor burning within them.

“Boss, the situation has become complex,” Sun Lihong reported into her phone. “Miles has some information and proposed an additional condition of controlling the second ghost and extending its revival. Moreover, the other ghost tamers are also privy to this method. If we can’t conclude the transaction today, I’m afraid we might have trouble leaving this club.”

Sun Lihong could feel several piercing gazes on her back, the intensity of which sent a shiver down her spine. Despite the summer heat, she felt a chilling fear, her hairs standing on end. It was as if these people were ready to consume them whole.

“Understood, understood. Yes, I know what must be done,” Sun Lihong nodded, responding to the voice on the other end of the line. The contents of the conversation remained a mystery to the onlookers.

After ending the call, she returned to the table. “I apologize for the delay, Mr. Miles,” she said, resuming her seat.

Miles, who had spent the time cleaning a baton and examining a custom handgun he brought, smiled, “Not at all. How did your discussion go?”

“Controlling the second ghost… it’s a complex matter,” Sun Lihong began. “A hasty attempt results in a mortality rate of over ninety percent.”

“But there have been successful cases, haven’t there?” Miles asked, his gaze intent on her.

“Yes, there have been outliers, but those could be anomalies, Mr. Miles. As you should understand, not everyone is that fortunate,” she clarified.

“I’m aware. That’s why I believe there’s a crucial factor involved, something I’m yet to comprehend,” Miles responded.

“Our boss has agreed to your additional conditions and the original acquisition plan,” Sun Lihong continued, “However, in return, your single item isn’t a sufficient bargaining chip.”

“Are you implying that I should capture another ghost for you? If so, I’d rather forfeit the hundred million,” retorted Miles.

“No, we require your assistance in resolving a supernatural event for our company. Naturally, anyone capable of handling this event and confining the ghost can proceed with the transaction with our firm and gain the method to control the second ghost. That said, the success rate isn’t guaranteed, and there remains a substantial risk of failure,” explained Sun Lihong.

“Here’s the necessary information and my company’s business card. Feel free to reach out once you’ve completed the task.”

“That concludes our meeting for today. We’ll take our leave now,” Sun Lihong declared.

Before she could rise, Miles quickly interjected, “Hold on.”

“Is there something else?” Sun Lihong queried.

Miles stated, “Not particularly. I just want to emphasize that if there’s any deceit or dishonesty at play, it’ll cost you and your team your lives. Of course, if there’s anything else you’re concealing, you can disclose it now, and I’ll turn a blind eye. However, if you choose to leave without offering a full explanation, you’ll have to face the consequences.”

His words visibly rattled Sun Lihong and her team. Although it may have seemed like an idle threat coming from a young man like Miles, his status as a ghost tamer imbued his words with an undeniable level of intimidation.

“You have our word, there won’t be any deceit,” Sun Lihong assured, her voice slightly wavering.

“Good, because if there is, I’ll find its origin and ensure your entire lineage pays for it,” Miles responded. “I’ve said my piece. You’re free to leave now.”

“We’ll be on our way then.”

As if startled, Sun Lihong rapidly rose and made her exit, her team members scurrying behind her as though escaping.

“You can track them down later, right?” Miles abruptly asked.

Ethan nodded in agreement, “Of course.”

“That’s good to know. There are some things we need to be wary of,” Miles commented, eyeing the information on the table.

He casually skimmed through it.

The location specified was a village on the outskirts of Dachang City, devoid of any additional information.

“Do we really need to tackle this supernatural event?” Ethan queried. “Our circumstances aren’t exactly favorable. There’s a chance we might not return.”

“I fully understand our situation and even suspect this could be some sort of scheme orchestrated by Sun Lihong’s company,” Miles said, pausing to look at the others. “But…”

His voice trailed off.

“You all heard the woman’s earlier remarks. If you wish to survive, we need to tackle this paranormal event and contain that ghost. Anyone interested in forming a team?”

“Afraid now?” Cockroach interjected, a note of scorn in his voice, “You seemed pretty formidable earlier.”

“Let’s not put it that way. I’m still just a child. Without an adult’s presence, I don’t feel very secure,” Miles retorted. “I’ll leave the details here. In three days, I plan to visit this village in the morning. Anyone who wishes to join me is welcome. If you don’t, I won’t force you.”

“Even though the odds of survival are slim, missing out on this opportunity will almost certainly result in death. Moreover, if someone succeeds, the method to survive could be shared, provided everyone contributes their fair share.”

He needed others to partake in order to distribute the risk. He had a hunch that this paranormal event was far from ordinary. However, given his access to the ghost domain, he wasn’t concerned about more people getting involved and taking a piece of the pie. He managed to snatch the box from Ethan at the market, and he was confident in doing the same with others.

In essence, anyone who got involved would be working on his behalf.

“That’s all I have to say. Today wasn’t a wasted trip, and I won’t overstay my welcome. If fate allows, we’ll see each other again in three days.”

With that, Miles stood up and departed without another word.

Ethan followed suit, leaving the rest of the group behind at the club.

However, their attention wasn’t on Miles, but rather on the information he’d left on the table.

It was a beacon of hope for their survival.

Should they gamble to extend the revival of the ferocious ghost, or remain here, passively awaiting their impending demise?