Good Night, Mr. Ghost - Chapter 86
“Is anyone here?” Footsteps echoed as a young man with flame-red hair strode in, his Martin boots clanking against the floor.
Jiang lifted his head to look at the newcomer.
It was a young man with strikingly handsome features.
But his looks were too sharp.
Oh no, this won’t do.
The red-haired youth noticed the disappointment in Jiang’s eyes and raised an eyebrow. “What? Disappointed just from a glance?”
He approached Jiang Chenyi, scrutinizing the human wrapped up tightly.
“Yes. Quite disappointed,” Jiang admitted honestly. He had been hoping to find someone who resembled the person he was looking for.
Unfortunately, no such luck.
The red-haired youth studied him. “So, you have high standards for appearance, huh?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of look are you after?” he asked with a playful tone.
Jiang Chenyi thought for a moment and decided it didn’t matter anymore. He removed his mask, revealing his face. “Like this.”
The red-haired youth’s gaze changed instantly.
“My name is Qianmian1. I’m a mirror demon. And, beautiful, you’re just my type,” Qianmian said, reaching out to hook Jiang’s chin.
But the human’s gaze made him freeze.
Qianmian awkwardly withdrew his hand, chuckling. “Don’t be so cold. So, you’re looking for a supernatural being that looks just like you, right? Hold on a second.”
Under Jiang Chenyi’s cold stare, the sharp-featured youth transformed, taking on Jiang’s exact appearance, even altering his physique.
“…” Jiang was a bit surprised but didn’t show it.
The other flashed a bright smile, spinning around proudly. “So? Are you satisfied?”
“It really is similar. Is this your ability? Or an illusion? I don’t want something temporary,” Jiang Chenyi said.
“No, no, this isn’t an illusion. I’m a mirror demon. I can permanently mimic anyone’s appearance,” Qianmian boasted.
Jiang Chenyi looked at him and asked, “So, do you want to rise to the top?”
“What?”
The man’s eyes were icy cold.
“Rise to the top, gaining endless honors in an instant.”
“What do you mean?”
Jiang Chenyi’s eyes lowered, his long lashes casting shadows over them. “I was a bit worried, but if it’s identical, then there’s no issue. What I mean is, you could gain the protection and favor of someone powerful, earn the respect and awe of other supernatural beings. Do you want that?”
Qianmian swallowed, feeling this was unexpected.
To obtain those previously unattainable things?
The protection of a powerful figure-what a tempting bait.
Supernatural beings don’t have it easy in this world, but with the protection of someone powerful…
It means living comfortably for a lifetime.
Who would refuse?
So, when Meng Loudi left home, a supernatural being identical to Jiang Chenyi would enter their home, observing Jiang’s every move.
This was Jiang Chenyi’s request.
He demanded a seven or eight out of ten resemblance.
Then, on March 20th, Jiang Chenyi took his phone and handed his jade ring to Qianmian.
And that ring…
Jiang Chenyi rubbed the ring’s surface, handing another pre-prepared ring to Qianmian.
“Wear this. Remember our agreement. If Meng Loudi discovers you’re not the real one, just tell him I’ve had enough.”
The young man’s brown eyes were icy. “Got it?”
“Got it,” Qianmian swallowed, putting on the ring.
Now, even if he regretted it, there was no turning back.
Since he was already on this pirate ship, there was no way to go back.
Jiang pulled out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Qianmian.
“Give this to him when the time comes.”
“Yes,” Qianmian replied, his voice trembling with anxiety.
The young man patted the dog’s head, instructing, “If your dad tries to kill him, make sure you stop him.”
Meng Jiang let out a whimper from his throat.
The little sparrow watched the young man’s actions, feeling deeply uneasy.
Jiang Chenyi noticed the little ball of feathers’ nervousness and reached out to grab the bird directly.
“Little sparrow, today, I hope you won’t leave this place for even a step, so I’m sorry.”
Jiang took out the metal cage he had prepared in advance and stuffed the bird inside. The narrow bars were definitely too tight for it to squeeze through.
“No, no! Madam Chief, you can’t do this! Mr. Chief will kill us! Chirp! He really will kill us!” The little sparrow flapped its wings frantically inside the cage.
Jiang put on his baseball cap, looked at the sparrow, and his smile turned cold. “I’ve already said this, if he can still find me, then he truly has no dignity left.”
Meng Loudi still had some pride.
He might compromise, might yield, but it didn’t mean he would completely abandon his dignity.
Jiang Chenyi opened the door, and the black dog bit onto his pant leg, trying to drag him back.
Jiang looked at the black dog.
Meng Jiang growled from his throat.
“Let go, unless you want me to die here,” Jiang’s eyes were devoid of warmth, as if he had transformed into someone else, cold to the core.
Meng Jiang flinched, reluctantly releasing his grip and stepping back.
At that moment, even Qianmian standing beside him seemed less harmful than his father.
Dad, what’s wrong?
Meng Jiang watched the young man leave without looking back, feeling lost and crouching in place.
Dad will come back, right?
Qianmian sat on the sofa, feeling regret for the first time. He shouldn’t have been so foolish to agree to Jiang Chenyi’s plan, but why did he feel so compelled to agree at the time?
Jiang Chenyi left the house, carrying nothing but his phone.
He hailed a cab and mentioned the destination.
The driver hesitated, saying, “Hey, buddy, I don’t usually do long-distance trips.”
“Five thousand yuan, will you go?” Jiang said coldly.
The driver paused, gritted his teeth, and said, “Hold on, let me contact someone for you, five thousand, right?”
“Yes.”
The driver made a call from the front seat, “Hey, Hu Zi, do you have time now? I’ve got a long-distance trip here, to a small city near D City, A City, five thousand, are you interested?
Really, he doesn’t look like he’s up to anything shady. You’ve done this route before, right?
Oh, you know I can’t leave my daughter alone, and my wife is really busy.
Alright, it’s settled then, let’s have dinner together when you get back.”
After hanging up, the driver glanced back.
The person in the back seat was bundled up tightly, seemingly unwilling to show his face.
Could he be a fugitive or something?
Well, better be careful not to get into trouble while trying to help.
“Hey, young man, that’s quite a generous offer. Is there something urgent?”
Jiang Chenyi remained motionless, his voice cold, “I’m in a hurry to attend a funeral.”
Upon hearing this, the driver awkwardly closed his mouth.
So that’s how it is.
Really, well.
The driver transferred Jiang Chenyi to another car, and the two drivers chatted for a while.
The driver known as “Hu Zi” then took Jiang Chenyi on his way.
No wonder he dared to drive long distances alone; he looked tall and strong, not someone to be trifled with. Judging by those biceps, he might even be a martial artist.
However, taxi drivers are often talkative.
Hu Zi held back for a while but couldn’t resist asking, “Young man, where are you headed?”
“Home.”
“Oh, got something urgent at home?”
“Yes, a funeral.”
“…Sorry to hear that.”
After a moment of silence.
“How old are you this year?”
“Twenty-eight.”
“Wow, you’re a bit older than me! Wouldn’t have guessed.” Hu Zi glanced at him from the front.
“Mm.” Jiang Chenyi replied dismissively.
The refusal was quite clear, so Hu Zi asked, “Mind if I turn on the radio for a bit?”
“Mm.” The young man gazed out the window.
The car was well-maintained; there wasn’t a speck of dirt on the windows, allowing a clear view of the outside world.
Jiang Chenyi glanced at Hu Zi again, noticing the vibrant white aura surrounding him, a person full of life and righteousness.
The radio played various things.
Even comedy sketches.
Suddenly, the phone rang. Jiang Chenyi looked at the caller ID, took a deep breath, and answered.
It was Meng Loudi.
Mr. Ghost urgently asked, “Chenyi, are you okay? I’m suddenly feeling uneasy.”
Jiang Chenyi’s face held a bitter smile, but his voice remained gentle, “What are you talking about? What could possibly happen to me?”
“Where are you now?”
“…Out buying something, don’t worry, I’m close by.” The young man lied.
Mr. Ghost pressed a hand to his chest, thinking, “If anything happens, make sure to call me. Also, are you not wearing the jade ring?”
Jiang Chenyi instinctively glanced at his left wrist, now bare.
“Oh, I forgot.”
“Chenyi! Hurry back home, don’t wander around!” Meng Loudi felt uneasy, as things seemed unsettled lately.
“Yes, yes, husband, right away.” Jiang Chenyi replied with a smile.
Meng Loudi always trusted him, so this time was no different.
Though worried, his beloved had promised, so nothing would happen.
He hung up the phone.
Jiang stared at the phone screen.
Ah, what a mess.
If he’d known it would come to this, he might as well have let Luo Yun finish him off.
Now, who’s really being tormented?
The car drove smoothly, reaching a small village by 1:30 PM. They stopped at a local restaurant for a meal before continuing on.
Luckily, there were rest stops along the way, so it wasn’t too bad.
Jiang looked at his phone, knowing the real storm would likely hit after 5 PM.
Honestly, he never thought Qianmian’s performance could fool Meng Loudi.
Though as a demon, Qianmian barely had any demonic aura, resembling a human, but only just.
He’d probably be recognized at first glance.
And there were some subtle actions even Jiang wasn’t aware of.
Damn it.
For the first time, Jiang Chenyi felt the weight of Meng Loudi’s love pressing down on him, so heavy that it almost suffocated him.
As for that letter, Meng Loudi would surely read it carefully. After reading it, his Mr. Ghost would probably give up on him. Though it would break his heart, it was better than knowing the truth.
At 5:23 in the afternoon, a black Mercedes pulled up in front of the villa.
Qianmian looked at the car outside, feeling a chill run down his spine, almost tempted to revert to his original form and flee.
This is terrifying!
Why did I agree to such a foolish thing?
Clearly, I’m the dominant one, and I prefer the type like my employer!
Oh heavens, oh earth, my ancestors, save me!
The car door opened, and the first thing to step out was a long, straight leg, the kind that looked like it could kick him to death.
The mirror demon Qianmian trembled with fear.
Mr. Chief had fully emerged, striding into the courtyard.
Meng Loudi felt a bit restless, as today he had an unsettling feeling. He needed to see Jiang Chenyi now!
Only Jiang Chenyi could calm him.
Then, the door opened, and Meng Jiang sat dejectedly at the entrance.
Mr. Ghost’s gaze shifted to the young man beside him, still wearing that gentle, radiant smile, but…
“Who are you?!” There was no need for much thought; his intuition immediately told him that this “Jiang Chenyi” was not his Jiang Chenyi!
Footnote:
- Qianmian(千面):Qianmian (千面) literally means “thousand faces,” a name that aptly reflects the nature of a mirror demon.