Mars and I have been arguing since we returned to South Korea. I emptied my bags, bathed, and then confronted the cat. "Oh? Did I say something like that?" he said nonchalantly.
"Don't act dumb. In return for cancelling our bet, you made a promise to tell me, don't you remember? I accused him.
"You're cancelling our bet? Wonderful. I'm going to take a nap. Wake me up when it's time for dinner," he yawned. I caught him by the scruff of his neck before he could flee.
Oh, no, you don't. I ignored the wailing Mars. "Stupid, brat. Let me down!" His voice trembled with pain as he yelled, "Do you realise how much that hurts?!" I twisted him towards me. "If you don't tell me, I will get a dog."
"Huh? What are you implying?" He swivelled and attempted to free himself. "You're a cat. I'll get a nice, big Rottweiler that especially hates cats." I smirked. "You won't go on your trips anymore or he'll rip you apart." Mars stopped. I sniggered as he hung in the air.
"I can change into something different. Your threat means nothing," he uttered defensively.
"What's keeping you from doing it? Come on, show me," I provoked. He only glared. "You can't, can you? Except for your original form, you can only transform into a cat," I taunted.
I released him smugly. He stared at me, looking upset. "So what? Don't think you've won. I still won't tell you anything."
"You bastard," I growled angrily. I raced after him. He meowed and responded with retaliation. Due to our scuffle, I almost missed hearing the doorbell.
I stumbled and fell on the couch. Mars, feeling pleased, jumped onto the island. The bump really stung. I rubbed the bruise before peering through the peephole. It was a girl. Oh, wonderful! I missed the presence of a pretty lady. She rang the bell again.
"I'll be right with you. Just give me a moment," I called out.
"Okay," she answered. I quickly tucked my messy hair into a neat ponytail, brushed away dirt from my clothes, and made myself appear presentable.
Mars scoffed from the kitchen island, but I ignored him. Showing my professional expression, my famous dazzling smile, I opened the door. A young woman stood there with her brown hair tied in a bun and wearing a working dress.
She looked familiar. "Please, come in," I invited her.
Shyly, with her head down, she sauntered inside. It seemed like she was extremely tired and stressed. I escorted her to the couch and prepared some refreshments.
She appeared very nervous. I gave her the tea and waited for her story.
"At first I didn't want to come. That day at the auction you were so scary and forceful. But things escalated so much that I had no choice," she said reluctantly.
I kept a straight face, but inwardly my thoughts were racing wildly. We met at the auction? Why couldn't I recall? Who was she again?
"Can I have your full name, please? For address purposes," I implored desperately. She nodded as she sipped her tea. "Han Hwa Young. I've worked at the auction house for nearly a year."
Hwa Young? Hwa, ah! Now I remember. Upon receiving my money, I presented her with my business card. I smiled enticingly. "And what plight does a young lady like yourself have? I'll do everything I can to help you."
Even though she seemed unconvinced, she proceeded anyway.
"Every day when I commute to work, there's a constant male voice whispering in my ear. It ridicules me, insults my co-workers, and the customers.
At first, I believed that it was just me and that I had a mental disorder. I went to a psychiatrist to seek treatment," she explained despondently.
Twirling her thumbs, she went on; "He prescribed medicine, but nothing changed. In fact, it got worse. When I visit the bathroom, I'd find myself covered with scratches. A male assistant and I were descending the stairs when he suddenly fell down and broke his collarbone.
Thankfully, it was deemed an accident. But I knew better. It was the male voice that pushed him down the stairs."
She rubbed her hands fearfully. "There was also an incident when several items went missing. The management thought someone was stealing goods, but CCTV footage showed nothing. So it's an enigma. I can't tell them that I believe it's a ghost that's causing this.
They wouldn't believe me. There are more strange events, but I think you get the idea." She leaned forward eagerly. "Mr. McNeill. When you handed me your business card, you seemed confident. Will you solve this case? Will you help me?"
I paused. "I'll go and investigate. Ms. Hwa Young, right? I'll need to have access to the building and the CCTV footage," I instructed. "Would you be able to provide me with a uniform as well?"
She nodded. "Good. As for payment; it'll be five million won, and your signature."
"Gah," she exclaimed in shock. Just because she looks cute, doesn't mean I'll give her a discount.
I closed the door behind her cheerfully when she left depressed. I sighed and turned toward Mars. I was still angry at him, but I needed his help. "So, what do you think?" I asked softly.
"Either she's haunted by a malicious ghost, or she has some issues," he yawned.
His tail flicked as he continued. "Just to be certain, investigate anyway." Yeah, I'll do that. I hesitated. "Hey, Mars?"
"Yeah?"
"After I solve this case, wanna buy a house?"
It took Hwa Young a week to organise everything for me. A package arrived on my doorstep. Inside was the red uniform, a tag, keys, and a manual. I dressed in the red uniform. I blushed, feeling pleased.
If a woman didn't fall in love with me in this, then they are blind. Mars was glancing at the manual, making comments about their policies.
"All employees except managers are not to touch the items without permission. I suppose that makes sense. All employees are to stay in their assigned positions. Well, that sounds a bit mean. What if someone required help? Should they just watch?"
I shrugged. I only intended to stay until I cracked the case. The work policies aren't my problem. I clipped on the tag. I bowed and pretended to help a client. Truthfully, I was having fun. I stared at my tag joyfully, until I saw my occupation.
"Damn," I breathed. "She got me a job as a janitor!" Mars' ears twitched, and he started laughing.
I sullenly went to work at Seoul Auctioneers for my first day. It was windy and storm clouds were forming in the sky. I was greeted at the entrance by Hwa Young. She was paler than last week.
"Welcome, Mr. McNeill. I'll take you to meet your supervisor. He'll give you your instructions," she said emotionlessly. Nothing about how I look? You can't be that blind. I followed behind as she led me to a STAFF ONLY room. Loud noises were coming from behind the door.
"Mr. Choi?" She rapped the door. "Mr. Choi, you have a new employee." She knocked a few more times before the door opened. I winced as a short old man glowered at us.
He wore the same uniform as me, except it hung loose on him. He was balding, his skin was wrinkled and yellow. I shuddered at the appearance of this ugly person.
"What the (censor) do you want?" he snapped in a vulgar voice. Hwa Young looked unperturbed.
"This is Nathan McNeill. He's a new employee. Would you mind showing him the ropes?" she asked politely. He grumbled and gestured for me to follow. I gave a pleading look, but Hwa Young pretended not to see me, and departed with a wave.
"Here's the cleaning equipment. Since it's your first day, just use the vacuum cleaner on the carpets. Just stay out of trouble. We'll do the rest later," he rumbled curtly and shuffled off, leaving me by myself. Surprised, I remained by the equipment.
How did this guy last so long? He was very unprofessional. Not that I'm complaining. It just made my job easier. I grabbed the vacuum and went to work. Not cleaning, but investigating.
I passed many auctioneers and other employees, who ignored me. It was quiet until lunch time, when a woman ran crying to the management.