Reese frowned, annoyed and amused at the same time. "You're absolutely rebellious!"Liora giggled and said, "What do you say, Mr. Reese? I won't help you if you don't let me call you that."Reese relented and said, "Let's correct it slowly after we're done with our task. The victim's name is Hugo Lowe, age 24. He lived alone on Clearway Street and was murdered in his rental apartment.""Clearway Road?" Liora frowned, pondering the familiar road name she couldn't quite place.Isaac reminded her, "It's three roads down from our store here, Lia."Liora asked Reese, "Can you get inside the rental apartment? Why don't we go over now?""Are you going to see the ghost?" Reese asked. Liora's lips twitched. "That sounds kind of harsh."Reese realized his mistake. "Hehe, it was a slip of the tongue." Liora said, "Rather than summoning the spirit from here, we should visit the rental apartment instead. After all, I can see some images by touching the deceased's belongings."Reese look
Isaac was shocked by the injustice because no one came to his aid when he felt frightened. Yet, Liora stepped in to assist Chester and Reese in their times of fear.Kenny left after the discussion ended. Isaac asked, "Where is Uncle Kenny off to, Lia?""He's taking the two spirits to me," explained Liora. "So how are you going to get the two spirits to Cross Chapel later?" asked Isaac. Reese sat upright upon hearing that and looked at Liora in shock. "Do we have a Cross Chapel here?"Liora sat down and said, "Just because you can see it doesn't mean it exists, and just because you can't see it doesn't mean it doesn't."Reese felt a shiver down his spine once again. "In other words, you'll be taking the two spirits in another form?"Liora could not help laughing. "You make it sound like I'm going to transform myself. However, it should be about the same. Someone will guide me when I'm in the dream. After all, Lord Hades mentioned it previously."Reese was startled once again
"Reese is lively, straightforward, and honest. I really admire him for that. Is that right, Carol?" Caroline nodded. "Indeed. There's really nothing to fault in terms of his character."Even though Evan did not approve of them rushing to find a partner for Liora so soon, he figured it would be better for Liora to leave Chester sooner rather than later. Hence, he did not make any disapproving comment about Caroline and Paige's involvement.If Liora developed a closer relationship with Reese, he would meet with Reese. -Meanwhile, Liora's process of leading the two spirits to Cross Chapel went smoothly. As soon as she stepped out of the store, Chiron was waiting outside to lead the way for her. The two spirits did not have any intention to flee. They followed Chiron inside when they arrived at Cross Chapel. Liora and Kenny returned to the store and encountered quite a number of spirits along the way. She heaved a sigh and said, "There are so many spirits wandering outside.
The feeling was not present during the last time she visited the underworld. Liora struggled for a while but could not prop up herself. She lay there weakly, half opening her eyes. Noticing that something was off, Reese frowned and asked, "What's going on, Lia?"Reese's voice sounded far away despite sitting right next to her. Before Reese could ask further, Liora felt dizzy and lost consciousness. Isaac was dumbfounded as well. He hastily called out to Liora, but she was unconscious. Reese said anxiously, "Isaac, please help me to get Lia to the hospital!"Isaac nodded hastily. "Sure!"He helped to place Liora on Reese's back before getting the door for him. The three of them headed to the hospital together. -The doctor conducted a series of tests on Liora. However, they found nothing when the test results came out. In fact, Liora was found to be very healthy. Reese sat by the bed, frowning deeply with the medical report in his hand. "If there's nothing wrong, why
Isaac hugged himself tightly and looked at Liora. "Damn, it's cold. Lia, you—" Before 'he could finish his sentence, Reese removed his jacket and draped it over Liora's shoulders.Liora was briefly stunned before she looked at Reese. Reese said smilingly, "It's going to be November soon, and the temperature is low at night. Don't catch a cold."Liora blushed and clutched Reese's jacket tightly. "Thank you.""Don't mention it. Let's go home," Reese said. Isaac smirked upon witnessing the scene. It was certainly quite a moment that Liora accepted Reese's jacket!-Three days later, Liora and Siobahn put on their gowns and headed to the campus together for the dance. On the way there, Siobhan asked, "Lia, did you manage to resolve the conflict with Chester?"Liora had already decided to move on, so she was not overly upset when Siobhan mentioned Chester. In fact, she answered calmly, "It has been resolved. However, I've already considered thoroughly and decided not to be wit
Liora did not avert her gaze, but she was counting, "Three…two…"All of a sudden, fireworks erupted along the sides of the road. The fireworks were not on a grand scale. Instead, they were dazzling small fireworks that infused the campus with an extraordinary festive ambiance.Liora's attention was drawn to the fireworks, causing her to forget to say the last word. As she turned her gaze to see the fireworks blooming together, Reese suddenly showed up before her. Reese stood before Liora, clad in a sleek black suit that exuded exceptional charm with a hint of handsomeness. In his arms, he held a bouquet of flowers that astonished Liora.It was a bouquet of wild chrysanthemums that looked beautiful, but…Reese passed the wild chrysanthemums to Liora. "I got this for you. What do you think? Is it beautiful? It's for you!"Liora's lips began to twitch as she looked at Reese with a sarcastic smile. She held her breath for a while before losing her composure and shouting, "For go
"Lia."All of a sudden, a voice interrupted Siobhan's sentence. Chester stood at the entrance of the dance venue in his crutches. Liora and Siobhan looked toward him, with Reese following behind them. Liora and Siobhan did not respond to Chester immediately because they were in the midst of a discussion. On the contrary, Reese said smilingly, "You're here, my friend!"He passed the food in his hand to Chester. "Would you like some?"Chester declined smilingly, "It's fine. Why are you here?"Reese said, "This is a collaboration between the university and our police station to maintain order. I just applied for a spot so I could come and keep Lia company!"Chester offered a gentle smile to Reese but refrained from further comment."Feel free to attend to your tasks. I'll remain here with Lia," he said kindly."No way! I'm dressed up for Lia. You may compete for her with me, but you can't kick me out. Let's be fair, my friend," Reese said. Chester did not have any intenti
Liora and Reese were holding each other tightly on the dance floor, mimicking others' dance steps.They would step on each other every now and then, causing them to grimace in pain.Liora lost her temper, loosened her hug over Reese, and said, "I don't want to dance anymore! I can't dance!"Reese loosened his hold over Liora as well. "Me too! We're just not made to dance!"They glared at each other, and Liora said, "What should we do then?"Reese pondered briefly. "I'm an alumni here, so I know a pretty good place! I just don't know if you have been there before.""What kind of place is that?"Reese smiled mysteriously. "A place that will definitely pique your interest."Reese grasped Liora's hand, ready to leave, when a piercing scream echoed from the doorway.Liora recognized Siobhan's scream right away. Her expression changed drastically, and she lifted her dress to run to the door. Reese's expression also turned serious as he followed Liora. Chaos had already broken ou
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