"Do you hate me? You must hate me for hurting Chester, right?" asked Kenny softly. Liora said, "Indeed. However, I don't hate you for doing that, but I'm angry.""He made you sad. I regard you as my own daughter and can't bear to see you being bullied by others, not even a little."Liora's smile faded. "Encountering conflicts is inevitable in life. Are you going to intervene every time I have an issue with someone? Your actions aren't helping me. They're spoiling me and hurting others."Let me ask you this: do you think I'd allow others to bully me? Have I ever lost a quarrel before? Tonight is an exception, of course."Kenny remained silent once again.His silence spoke volumes in response to Liora's question."Uncle Kenny, you should be well aware of the consequences of your actions," Liora pressed."Yes, I know I'll be punished severely in hell," Kenny responded."How can I repay your kindness when your actions make me feel more restrained than protected?" Liora lamented.
Caroline's eyes reddened with tears. "I've imagined Kenny's current appearance countless times over the past few days. Lia, I just want to talk to Kenny. I'm not scared. Let me see him, okay?"It's been so many years. He's been hanging around for years, but why won't he show himself to me? Lia, I have too many questions. Please get him to show himself, will you?"Kenny shed bloody tears when he heard her choked-up voice.Liora nodded. "Alright."She opened her bedside table and retrieved a charm that she placed on Kenny.Kenny showed up to Caroline soon enough.He wanted to turn away, but Caroline's other charm had immobilized him, so he could not hide himself. He could only avert his gaze to conceal his uneasiness.However, Caroline's tears streamed down her face profusely when she saw Kenny."Kenny…"Kenny frowned. "I'm hideous. I don't want you to see me.""You're not hideous. You're still yourself—you haven't changed. On the other hand, I've grown old…" Caroline walked to
Kenny said, "Which specific event are you referring to?"Caroline wiped her tears and chuckled. "Remember when you found a rat in your studio? Everyone wanted to kill it, but you scooped it up in your palms and told us it was a living creature. You said it would be a pity to hurt it. The employees thought you were mad, but you didn't care about their opinions. You freed the rat. Do you still remember that incident?""Carol, what are you trying to say? Just say it." Kenny's tone gradually turned cold.Caroline continued. "If you plan to hang around Lia, can you please refrain from hurting the people around her? Everyone faces challenges in life. If you continue to intervene, it will only hinder Lia's growth.""It all comes down to Chester in the end," Kenny stated."Whether it's about Chester or someone else, what you consider good intentions may not be perceived as such," Caroline replied.Kenny's eyes glistened. "Are you suggesting that what I think may not align with what Lia t
"The soul candle that removes one's soul from one's physical body?""Yes."Kenny continued, "You need someone to guard the candle so it doesn't get extinguished while you're out for the task, or else you won't be able to return. However, doing this task can easily attract a lot of supernatural entities. After all, you have a negative physique."Liora pondered and said, "I can get Isaac to help out if I need someone to guard the candle…"She raised her head and said, "What then?""The candle guardian will need to give you some offerings so you can use them to negotiate with Hades to keep me by your side.""The challenge seems to be left behind by Uncle Ben for me, but he's using you as a means for me to confront it.""I'm not too sure. I'm just relaying the message."Liora said, "Forget about all that. I'll give it a try in a couple of days. The amount of offerings must be plenty, and these two days will provide enough time for the factory to process and deliver it to me."Lior
It was a Saturday, so everyone was home. Caroline smilingly beckoned Liora and Siobhan to come for breakfast after seeing them. Liora's phone rang just as the two of them sat down. She had lost her old phone, and Axel provided her with a new one yesterday. She grabbed her phone and picked up Chester's call. "Hello?""Lia, is that you?" Chester sounded very anxious. Liora was stunned. "It's me…"Chester's sigh of relief was heard on the phone. "It's great that you're back safely."Liora blinked and regained her composure. "Didn't anyone tell you that I came back yesterday?""Everyone was busy, so it's normal that they didn't inform me. I was just waiting for your message," said Chester. Liora felt awkward. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize that you were also waiting for me…""No worries, as long as you're alright. Do you have any plans for today?" Chester asked. Liora said, "Yes, I'll probably be busy in the next two days, but I'll come and visit you first before I get bus
Liora shared the full story with Caroline. "If that is the case, if Chester doesn't bring it up, you don't need to either." All of a sudden, Evan's voice echoed. Liora looked at Evan in astonishment. "Why, Dad?""If he doesn't mention it, it's because he doesn't want you to know that he bought such an expensive gift for you and feel bad for it."Evan added, "If that is the case, why do you have to expose his kind intention? You may want to repay a favor, but the other person may not necessarily accept it. Pretending not to know is not a bad thing sometimes."Liora said, "However, his sacrifice has significantly reduced his quality of life.""Everyone has their own choices. Don't impose your values on him. Perhaps he did this willingly."Liora lowered her gaze in silence. Evan took a bite of oatmeal and stared at Liora's expression for a while. "Tell me, what would you do if you hadn't asked us?""I… don't have the money to buy him a new place. I feel bad that he doesn't hav
It was Siobhan's first time visiting a funeral home, so she strolled around the place out of curiosity. Liora ordered Isaac to move some offerings out of storage while she called up the factory to deliver more than a dozen bags of coins to her.Isaac asked, "Lia, where are we going to move these items to?"Liora said, "We definitely can't do it at home. We'll go and find a place in the afternoon, somewhere slightly remote.""I know a place. It's not a residential area but a place at my classmate's house."Liora and Siobhan trusted Isaac very much. -When they followed Isaac to the place with the items they packed, Liora was livid as soon as she took one glance at the place. Even Siobhan was shocked. Liora pointed at the pigsty and said, "So this is the place at your friend's house that you meant?""Why? The pigsty is no longer in use! It used to be a small-scale pig farm! It's quiet in the surroundings, with no one to disturb us. It will be convenient for us to work, and ab
Liora nodded. "It's already decided, and I believe this must be your intention, Uncle Ben. Otherwise, you wouldn't have allowed Uncle Kenny to come close to me.""Yes. You have encountered too many supernatural entities in your path, and he can offer you protection by being with you."Liora said, "Uncle Ben, I don't know if the stuff I prepared is enough. Do I need anything else?"Benjamin said, "You must prepare plenty of offerings to establish connections and write your name on both the candles. Write your name in red on one and in black on the other one. You must blow out the black one before your soul is summoned and protect the red one."You need a bell and a chicken that is placed on your chest to summon your soul three days later. Then, get them to call you by your name."Apart from that, draw a magic circle on the ground under where you lie. It will help you to block out some weaker spirits. Don't be scared, girl. I will be with you down there." Liora memorized everythin
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