Lorelei gazed at Isaac for a moment, her eyes widening in shock."Is that a pure physique?" Her voice trembled as she spoke."Yes. Your decision to cooperate with me will determine if you get to go to the light," Liora stated.Lorelei relented. "Are you certain you can help me fulfill my wish?""I will do my utmost, but I won't engage in any criminal activities," Liora clarified."Not to the point of involving criminal acts, but it will be quite challenging." Lorelei descended, landing on the ground."Why?" Liora asked."You have to have this building demolished."Liora was taken aback. "Demolish the building?"Lorelei chuckled bitterly. "Yes! My body lies beneath it, undiscovered for 53 years. How can I move on willingly when my body is not properly laid to rest?"Liora was indeed shocked by her words.Nevertheless, she resolved to investigate further to ascertain Lorelei's veracity. "What is your name?""Lorelei Whitewood. I was a freshman in the Foreign Language Departme
"Look."Lorelei abruptly halted her descent down the stairs, her finger pointing urgently toward the academic building across from the window."He's about to jump," Lorelei exclaimed, a frantic urgency in her eyes.Liora and Isaac followed her gaze, spotting a thin, despondent figure perched atop the neighboring structure.The man stood unsteadily for a moment before taking the fatal plunge. He plummeted eight floors, crashing onto the concrete below, his blood and brains scattering in a gruesome display.Isaac recoiled in horror. "So, this is the bastard who raped and killed you?"Lorelei turned to him, a wry smile on her lips. "I admire your candor."Undeterred, Lorelei continued her descent. "My parents lingered outside this campus for decades because of him. Their health deteriorated over time, and my mother eventually succumbed. My father soon followed, consumed by grief.""The counselor truly was a monster," Liora remarked solemnly.The trio reached the second lecture ha
Siobhan nodded in agreement and departed with Isaac.Liora placed charms on the windows and door before heading into the bathroom to freshen up.The night passed without incident.The next morning, she was roused from sleep by the doctor making rounds.She sat up groggily, noticing Chester was awake and smiling at her.Blushing, she threw off the blanket and hurried to the bathroom.Upon emerging, she found the doctor still in the room.Isaac entered proudly with three caregivers, carrying a packed breakfast."Good morning, Lia!" Isaac greeted cheerfully. "Axel asked me to arrange for these caregivers. He's waiting for you outside. Let's go meet him!"He set the breakfast on Chester's bedside table. "The caregivers will help with your breakfast. Lia and I have some matters to attend to."Liora glanced at Chester, who nodded encouragingly.Isaac put his arm around Liora's shoulders. "Don't worry, Lia. We've got it under control with the caregivers."Liora nodded gratefully a
"About the male spirit?" Chester asked, puzzled.Liora grabbed an apple and took a bite. "Yes, the female spirit had me fooled. Here's what happened…"Liora explained to Chester as she ate.Chester's gaze gradually shifted from shock to calm. "The female spirit is quite pitiful, too.""Yes, I'm not only helping myself but her too." Liora tossed the apple core into the trash can.Chester said, "I can't help you in my current state. You've been through enough these past few days because of me.""Don't say that. You wouldn't be in this situation if it weren't for me. Rest so you can recover, and leave the rest to me."Chester didn't comment further, but he looked at Liora with pity.-In the evening, Liora received a call from Axel stating that a skeleton had been found under the academic building."It was taken for examination by the forensic team," Axel informed."Noted. Thank you, Axel.""We've already informed the police in advance. You may go over to make a statement if y
Liora and Isaac encountered Lorelei at the corner of the stairs before ascending to the fourth floor. She stood silently, gazing out the window at the opposite building.Even after hearing Liora and Isaac's footsteps, she did not turn.Liora didn't rush Lorelei, but she sat down on the stairs with Isaac, holding his hand.Less than three minutes later, Lorelei spoke. "My absurd life is coming to an end today. I used to harbor hatred and blame others, but as time passed, I forgot what hatred and resentment were. Isn't that amusing?""It's quite remarkable that you fell for a counselor who wasn't even fit to be called human."Isaac looked at Liora in shock upon hearing her remark.Similarly astonished, Lorelei turned to look at Liora.Standing up, Liora said, "You said it yourself, didn't you? You forgot what hatred meant as time passed. If it were me, watching my murderer jump off a building daily wouldn't bring me joy. It would only bring me pain, reminding me of the despair I f
Liora returned to the hospital to spend the night with Chester, just as she had done before. Intrigued, Isaac joined her.Upon arriving at the hospital, Liora opened the door gently. She felt relieved to see three caregivers attending to Chester, who was breathing slowly in her sleep. She closed the door behind her and dialed Caroline's number.Walking to the end of the corridor with Isaac, Liora calculated the time difference and placed the call. Caroline answered after a short while.Liora asked, "Is this a good time to talk, Mom?"Meanwhile, Caroline and Evan were strolling on the streets. Sensing Liora's need to talk, Caroline pulled Evan to sit down on a bench."Is something on your mind, Lia?" Caroline inquired casually."Mom, do you remember Uncle Kenny?" Liora asked nonchalantly, although the name seemed both familiar and unfamiliar to her.Caroline's mood shifted as she replied, "Yes, I do."Liora took a deep breath and continued. "Mom, I think Uncle Kenny isn't the
"Okay, I'll give him a chance to wait for your return if he doesn't continue to hurt Chester. It's getting late, and I need to rest, Mom," said Liora.Caroline acknowledged that, and Liora hung up.After Liora ended the call, Isaac couldn't help but ask, "Who is Uncle Kenny, Lia?"Liora replied, "He was Mom's closest male friend, but he passed away.""Passed away? Was it due to an illness?" asked Isaac."No, nothing like that. Be good and go do what you should. You're still a child. Don't ask so many questions." Liora couldn't be bothered to explain further to Isaac. She was about to walk to Chester's room while she was speaking.Isaac hastily grabbed her arm. "Lia, I thought you wanted me to work with you?"Liora turned. "Yes.""If you're keeping everything from me, why do you want me to work with you then? You always treat me like a child and won't tell me anything. You, Axel, and Ty moved away when you were young. I've been kept safe and sheltered at home until I turned 14.
Isaac sniggered. "Why do you display so many white lilies at the entrance of your shop?"Liora said, "I didn't do it for the living but for the spirits."Isaac's eyes widened in shock. "Spirits?""Yes. Otherwise, why would I stop Axel and Ty from coming here? I was worried about bringing them bad luck," Liora said while she picked up a wiping cloth. Isaac pointed at himself. "So you agreed to let me come because I have good luck?""You don't have good luck, but they won't dare to do anything to you out of fear for your physique. Besides, I made you a charm this morning so you won't get bad luck."Isaac kept quiet for a while, thinking. Then, he sat upright. "That's not right, Lia. Who's going to manage the business when we go to school?"Liora took a glance at him in contempt. "People will come to seek employment eventually. Why are you in such a hurry? Besides, my funeral home is open for business when I like. After all, I'm not catering to humans.""Why bother restocking t
Reese winced in pain. "Alright, ma'am. I guess I can read your mind? Be gentle!"Liora relaxed her grip at last. "Right, when are we going to that place you mentioned previously?""There's no rush. Your body isn't up for constant actions now. What if you get hurt by those harmful spirits again? I've already committed myself to you out of guilt. If it happens again, I won't have anything else to offer."Liora chuckled. "You make it sound like I'm desperate for your compensation.""What's wrong with that? I'm a strong, handsome man, and everyone loves me!" said Reese, displeased.Liora was astounded by his narcissism.She took a deep breath and said, "Reese.""Hmm?"Liora said, "In truth, I'm not the best choice to be your partner because of my profession. Those spirits may bother me from time to time. I'm the complete opposite of Isaac because of my negative physique.""What happens when you have a negative physique?""Spirits will be drawn to bother me and might cause me a lo
Reese and Isaac couldn't perceive the spirit, but they witnessed a dark mist dissipating before them.Isaac asked in astonishment, "What's happening, Lia?"Liora turned and answered, "The female spirit didn't want to move on, so her soul has been dissolved.""Dissolved? Do you mean her soul has been destroyed?" asked Reese. Liora nodded and looked around. "Uncle Kenny, please help me find the six spirits."Kenny took on the task and brought those fearful spirits in just a few minutes. Liora asked, "Do you want to choose the same option as her or come with me to Cross Chapel?""Cross Chapel!""We would have left long ago if we weren't trapped here by her threats!""She wouldn't let us go even in death. Aren't our lives worth anything?"After Fiery Red was gone, these spirits began to complain in anger.Liora was infuriated by their complaints. "How dare you criticize her! She may be responsible for your deaths, but what about you then? Do you think you bear no responsibil
"That's easy for you to say! Those who caused my death may have become spirits, but I still want to stop them from moving on!" Fiery Red barked. Liora frowned. "So, you're implying that those six students caused your death?""Why would I kill them otherwise?"Liora said, "It's time to let them go now that they've faced your revenge. Keeping them trapped is like trapping yourself. Why bother?""Allowing them to move on is letting them off too lightly!" Fiery Red roared. Liora said, "Your obsession is too strong and is keeping you trapped here. You're constantly hurting yourself with painful memories. If you move on properly, it will be a kind of liberation from your past.""Don't preach to me! I'll make it simple for you. It's either you die or my soul gets destroyed!" Fiery Red snapped. She was about to attack Liora just as she finished her sentence. Liora was planning to call out to Isaac when a figure suddenly showed up. Kenny rushed over and blasted away Fiery Red."Y
Tyler did not comment further upon hearing Liora's reply. In the evening, Isaac returned home from school to find Liora already there. He hurried over, brimming with excitement. "You're back, Lia! How are you feeling? Have you recovered from your injuries?"Isaac's smile stretched from ear to ear.Liora glanced at Isaac meaningfully and said, "Please do me a favor tonight, Isaac."Isaac nodded repeatedly. "Sure, are we heading to the campus?"Liora looked at Isaac in astonishment. "Are you not scared anymore?"The smile on Isaac's face faded slowly. "Spirits are scary, but I don't want to see you bullied by them again, Lia. I wanted to destroy those spirits on the same day after seeing you suffer. However, they told me to respect your decision, so I didn't do that."Liora caressed Isaac's head affectionately. "You've grown, Isaac. You know how to look out for me now."Isaac took Liora's hand and held her hand tightly in his own. "Lia, I've always cared about you. Next time you
Reese said, "Yes, you have been in love with her for 15 years and have invested a lot of time for her. However, haven't you noticed that Lia is a very rational person? As soon as she figures things out, she can move on immediately."Chester's breathing became irregular. He took two deep breaths shakily while staring at Reese. "Yes, she is more sensitive and rational than anyone else."Reese said, "I'm going to give you another analogy. If Lia chooses to be with me, what are you going to do?""Nothing. I said before that I'd respect Lia's choice no matter what. Similarly, you don't have to worry about anything else. I won't harbor any resentment because of love," Chester replied. Reese said, "In other words, you'll continue to be friends with Lia even if we end up together, is that right?"Chester frowned. "Lia and I are friends. If we can't be together, our relationship will remain the same as before. You like Lia, but you can't stop me from being friends with her, Reese."Reese
Reese raised his right arm and said, "My entire right arm was covered in blood at the time. I watched the removal of rotten flesh from your back with my own eyes. I couldn't sleep peacefully for days.""That's easy! Just get the doctor to prescribe sleeping pills to you. You will be able to sleep better, right?" Liora said while giggling. Reese crouched down next to the bed, smiling. "Lia, are you mad at me?"Liora was confused. "Mad at you? For what?"Reese scratched his nose. "If I didn't take you there, you wouldn't have gotten injured."Liora took a glance at him, astounded. "This has nothing to do with you taking me there. It's the ignorant spirits. I'll deal with them all once I recover!""You still want to go back there?" Reese exclaimed. "Yes, of course! Hades will be delighted if I can send the seven spirits to him," Liora said. Reese looked at the joyous smile on Liora's face, feeling guilty. "I was hoping that you'd scold me instead of talking to me so casually."
Reese sent away Tyler and the other, surging them to get some rest while he remained seated, his gaze fixed on Liora.She slept peacefully, her chest rising and falling slowly with each breath. Meanwhile, a nurse approached. Reese noticed her and hastily stood up. "Hello, nurse."The nurse asked, "How can I help you?"Reese said, "May I inquire when Liora can be transferred out of the ICU?"The nurse said, "I'm not too sure about that. It depends on the healing of her wounds and vital signs. She has the most extensive wound that I've ever seen on a girl. She might end up with scars…"The nurse opened the door and walked inside upon saying that. Reese was overwhelmed by a sense of guilt as he thought of the debt he owed to Liora. He knew he could never fully repay it in this lifetime.-Three days later, Liora was transferred out of the ICU.After learning about the incident, Caroline and Evan rushed to the hospital. They were heartbroken to see Liora lying prone on the be
Fear and worry flooded Reese's mind, making it impossible for him to sleep. He opened his eyes and looked at the sky through the skylight. Reese could not help Liora in her profession, so he wondered if he could help out in her safety. He thought about it before he grabbed his phone to text Tyler. Reese: [Can you tell me where Ms. Yelena is staying?]Soon, Tyler texted Yelena's hotel and room number. Reese: [Thank you, my friend.]Tyler sneered.Tyler: [I haven't settled the score with you over Lia's predicament.]Reese: [I'll accept any punishment you deem necessary. It was my mistake, and I'll take responsibility for it.]There was no reply from Tyler afterward.Reese did not send another text, so he started the car and drove to the hotel. -Half an hour later, Reese arrived at the door of Yelena's room. He pondered briefly before knocking on the door. Soon, he heard a response. "Coming."Yelena opened the door and was surprised to find Reese. "Are you the lad fro
Liora opened her palm. The outline of the charm was vague, but she could feel its intense energy. She took a deep breath and stood up. After sensing her movement, the spirits glanced at her. Liora turned to look at them and felt the same feeling that stopped her from leaving again!Suppressing the fear, Liora braced herself to walk out of the door.The closer she got to the door, the more intense the gloomy presence became—she felt as if her soul was being crushed. "Don't be scared, Lia!""Try to walk out, Lia! They won't hurt you!""Lia! Axel, Ty, Mr. Gates, and I are waiting for you!"Αfter hearing their voices, Liora shed tears. She gnashed her teeth and continued to stride toward the door, which seemed so close yet remained out of reach. She took a deep breath, raised her hand with the charm, and attempted to walk closer. This time, the spirits all turned to look at her. They rushed forward in unison when they sensed Liora was about to touch the door. Sensing t