Chapter 35: Malice

"I told you there was someone inside!"

After deceiving the people in the house, Chu Ning returned to Tanya’s side. As for the food he’d just bought and lost, it was the last thing on his mind; gaining something always required sacrifice.

"Really, someone’s in there? Could you see their face?" Tanya anxiously eyed the doorway, and upon realizing her property might be at risk, she became determined to drive the intruders out of her home.

"Oh, not clearly, but the person seemed young, probably a student. And I suspect there’s more than one; I faintly heard voices, a subtle conversation."

Chu Ning reported what he’d observed, preparing to dispel the troublemakers inside, lest they interfere with their investigation. Moreover, the trespassers had broken the law, invading a private residence and tampering with a crime scene—they were merely upholding justice.

"Should we just barge in?" Tanya suggested a direct and rather crude approach; it was unlike her to be so reckless, but Chu Ning’s formidable reputation had left her with the impression that such boldness was permissible.

They could easily tear down the house and deal with any foe standing in their way. Ever since learning that strangers were living in her home, a dark mood surged within Tanya—a destructive urge she couldn’t suppress.

Especially when she looked directly at Chu Ning.

Chu Ning firmly rejected Tanya’s suggestion; he was a staunch pacifist, dedicating his life to world peace.

Well, truth be told, Chu Ning felt that half the property belonged to him, and he was reluctant to damage it, since any loss would be his own.

"No, that’s not wise. Don't let hatred cloud your judgment—we need to solve this with our wits!"

Tanya irritably retorted, "Then what’s your grand plan?"

"Why don’t we call the police?" Chu Ning offered, lacking confidence. He believed it was the safest option.

"What are we here for? Can we afford to expose ourselves? Don’t you want your payment?" Tanya pressed him, trying to rouse Chu Ning’s fighting spirit. There was nothing a good kick couldn’t fix—and if there was, then two would do.

If a problem can be solved on your own, why ask for help?

---

"Fine!" Tanya’s words struck Chu Ning deeply. He knew he couldn’t keep slacking; he had to prove his worth, or his reward would slip away.

Chu Ning pondered carefully how to resolve the predicament perfectly, so his employer wouldn’t suspect him of shirking.

Earning money while standing still—it was truly difficult.

"Let’s scare them away! The people inside can’t be the culprit or any accomplice—they’re far too foolish. Likely, they're playing some reckless adventure game. Just frighten them off!"

Chu Ning’s suggestion was pragmatic; he was here for profit, not for murder—that was outside his expertise.

Before Tanya could respond, Chu Ning, with a dazed expression, seized her hand and rushed toward the wall on the sixth floor. As their bodies touched the wall, they vanished, melting right through it.

Tanya clung nervously to Chu Ning’s strong waist—she wasn’t adept at the ghostly skill of passing through walls, able only to slip an arm through, never her whole body.

"Wow, that was exhilarating!" Tanya glanced back at the wall, unsure how to describe the feeling—there was a mild dizziness, but also a liberating thrill at passing freely through barriers.

Chu Ning gazed calmly at the mirror ahead, his lips curling slyly, eyes eerily fixed on the excited Tanya. He extended a crimson tongue to moisten his dry lips, swallowing greedily.

"This must be the bathroom," Chu Ning quietly adjusted his expression, his fingers tracing the mirror, then offered Tanya a false smile.

"Yes, this is definitely my family’s bathroom," Tanya explained gloomily, gathering discarded clothes and stacking them in the laundry basket.

"We should give our uninvited guests a proper welcome!" Chu Ning looked feverishly at the silhouettes conversing outside, and seeing Tanya’s odd look, he quickly composed himself.

"Apologies, I got a bit carried away! First time using the wall-passing skill—hard to contain my excitement."

"It’s alright, in normal circumstances, I’d be excited too," Tanya managed a forced smile, glancing at the mirror.

"So, how should we scare them?" Tanya had clearly noticed the noisy crowd in the living room; their chatter was indeed irritating.

---

Chu Ning tapped his index finger against the edge of the sink, producing a crisp sound as he mused over how to frighten the humans outside.

"Could you tap more softly? Otherwise, the people in the living room might hear and track the sound here," Tanya frowned at Chu Ning’s careless action, knowing that sound could alert humans.

Chu Ning shrugged indifferently. "No worries—they can’t see us, after all. Because we are… ghosts!"

"Don’t you think so?" Chu Ning smiled at Tanya, who was trying to appear calm. He pinched her delicate chin, staring playfully into her terrified eyes.

"Y-yes…" Tanya stammered, her head lowered, unable to meet Chu Ning’s gaze.

Once Chu Ning admitted he was a ghost, Tanya’s hair stood on end. She knew Chu Ning would never openly admit to being a ghost—unless it was the other Chu Ning appearing.

"Did you find out something?" The gentle whisper beside her ear felt like a demon’s murmur, shattering Tanya’s composure and casting a shadow over her life.

What a mess—having another self was troublesome enough, but now another Chu Ning appeared; it was truly overwhelming.

Tanya forced a smile, trying to look harmless and non-threatening. The world was so beautiful; there was no room for a bad temper.

"Don’t worry—I’d never harm you. Until the contract is fulfilled, I can’t touch you," Chu Ning’s crimson nails brushed Tanya’s cheek, his voice gentle and reassuring.

The cold touch made Tanya shiver. She felt that Chu Ning spoke the truth—he had no reason to lie, especially when his naked malice was so undisguised.