Minglan entwined her right arm with Xiao Hei's. The ghosts she encountered on the way scattered like fleas, as if something was chasing them. She didn't really know how and why Xiao Hei's presence alone could produce such an effect, but she was thankful; otherwise, she would be dead tired of screaming and being afraid all the time.
Little Loli, on the other hand, was miserable, as there was a big lump on her head. She stared resentfully at the culprit's back but didn't voice her anger. Her bound wrists dragged the chains and received gazes filled with pity from the same kind.
The ghosts who ran far enough took a quick view of her state and clicked their waggling tongues hidden under their hairs.
The Little Loli could feel their intentions even from a distance. Their floating bodies swayed, arms crossed over their chests, brooding over how she was captured. The Grim Reaper, Xiao Hei, had a notorious habit of kicking ghosts into the void without batting an eye. Ghosts with little to almost nonexistent energy were very afraid of him, to the point where they dispersed once they felt his presence. Still, there were a few stubborn ones that still lingered around because of Minglan's intoxicating scent.
Xiao Hei knew what they were coming for all the time. He looked at Minglan, who was a head shorter than him, and began to ponder if the time to change residence has come. "Do you like it here?" He asked, wanting to get her opinion first.
Minglan blinked her eyes; a sense of powerlessness overcame her when the question was asked. "I liked it before, but now I don't", she said truthfully. No one knows better than the one experiencing how awful it is for her every moment when things pop out of nowhere, disturbing her. Even when she pees or takes a shower, these ghosts tap her or make their presence known. They won't give her a break! It was even harder for her now to distinguish between the living and the dead. So hard! So hard! "Why are you asking?" She pressed her cheek on his sleeve and inhaled the scent that was unique to him.
A corner of his stoic lips bent slightly. "Do you want to find another house?"
Minglan raised her eyebrows and recalled the exhausting week and the house where she stayed for a year. She really liked the small apartment. It wasn't that luxurious, but it was enough for an introvert like her. She could hole up inside for a whole day, watching dramas and studying. Facilities like supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals, and universities were also very near, which made it more convenient. The rent was higher than average, but still affordable. Her family would send her a considerable amount every month, and in addition to her income from her part-time job, her life was guaranteed. But her life a week ago took a drastic change, and she reckoned even changing houses would not solve anything. Who said only this apartment building had ghosts? Even though she had a worrying IQ, she could guess that the ghosts were everywhere! Her future is hard! "It's very troublesome. The ghosts will still follow us anywhere we go!" She sighed.
Her statement made Xiao Hei glance at the Little Loli and ask, "How did you get here?" Minglan was not talking nonsense, but the ghosts that bothered her were all from his jurisdiction with the exception of the Little Loli. This puzzled him a bit.
The Little Loli, whose mind was filled with thoughts, looked at him to make sure that question was directed at her. Confirming, she answered without an ounce of falseness, "I only saw a light and was guided here." Then her eyes widened a little second later after she spouted her answer, and she casted doubtful glance at Minglan. Those ghosts in the parking lot also kept saying the same thing, but no matter how she focused, there was no light shrouding Minglan's form. She pursed her lips and lowered her head. As time went by, the memories of the dead became foggy.
"The city is full of lights; why did you particularly end up in this place and in the elevator exactly?" Minglan was full of curiosity.
The Little Loli rolled her eyes, but she still replied under the Grim Repear's watchful eyes, "The dead don't see colors. We ghosts can only see black and white. Those lights you speak of are nothing but a murky orb to us, but the light I saw when I passed away was very bright and very warm. Unfortunately, after arriving at this place, it disappeared. I can't find it no matter how hard I searched again."
"Then how do we living people look in your eyes?" Minglan asked again. She pricked her ears, quite interested in the topic.
The Little Loli scanned her form before saying, "You're all the same, black and white except..." The Little Loli's eyes darted to Xiao Hei. She hesitated, too afraid that this guy would be in a bad mood again and give her another bump on the head.
Minglan was quite disappointed at first, but when she saw her struggle with Xiao Hei, her eyes lit up with intrigue. "What does he look like to you."
Little Loli pursed her lips before carefully eyeing the Grim Reaper. Seeing his nonchalance, she opened her lips and truthfully relayed the information to Minglan: "He looked like a big mass of dark clouds with no form."
Minglan's claws started touching Xiao Hei's body at Little Loli's remarks; she wanted to confirm them but felt cheated instead. Xiao Hei was obviously full of flesh, sturdy, and strong. She could even feel his muscles through the suit.
Xiao Hei let her do her antics, and when she was finally done, he scolded her without a bit of anger, "Are you done playing?"
The Little Loli was shocked at Minglan's shamelessness at first, but when the Grim Reaper had no intention to smack Minglan's head, the Little Loli was full of vinegar. She turned her head and looked away, preventing herself from eating another dog food. She felt like a big light bulb between the two.
Minglan retrieved her claws and smiled at him.
When the elevator opened, the three arrived on the 16th floor. Xiao Hei strode out first, and this time he made sure Minglan was by his side.
The Little Loli trailed behind them.
Reaching the threshold of her residence, Minglan took out the card in her inner breast pocket and swiped it on the machine. The door opened, and it didn't even take a second for her to scream again.
"I told you not to hang on the ceiling again!" Minglan shouted in anger.
The ghost, with its neck tied to a rope, dangled in the air and greeted Minglan with enthusiasm. "It's Minglan; she's home!" The ghost announced, and soon after a head rolled over, followed by a few transparent figures.
Minglan nearly lost her footing after seeing their warm welcome.
She began to consider Xiao Hei's plans to move.