Yang Jian and Yan Li successfully collaborated to contain and imprison the ghost wandering in the mall. Although the ghost's threat level was only classified as C, it proved to be more challenging than anticipated. They had to discern the ghost's behavior patterns, locate its true form, and employ specific means to restrain it. A single misstep could have resulted in their untimely deaths.
One particularly harrowing moment occurred when the ghost attempted to replace Yan Li's arm. Yang Jian's heart raced with fear, but thanks to their preparation and swift reaction, both he and Yan Li survived.
"Liu Captain, still on duty? I thought you might have left by now," Yang Jian remarked as he exited the mall, noticing Captain Liu and several other officers on alert outside. Red lights of the police perimeter flashed, and the surrounding area had been evacuated.
Clearly, Captain Liu was no stranger to handling supernatural incidents, given his experienced demeanor.
Captain Liu saluted Yang Jian, acknowledging his higher rank as a detective, then inquired, "Just doing my job. How are things inside? Any survivors?"
Yang Jian replied, "I have good news and bad news. The good news is that this incident is resolved. The mall will no longer have disappearances."
"And the bad news..." Captain Liu prompted.
Yang Jian's expression darkened. "There are a lot of casualties. Dozens of bodies inside, likely the previously missing persons. Under normal circumstances, this would be a nationwide scandal. However, given the situation, the fatalities are within a tolerable range for the city. Unfortunately, there's only one survivor."
He pointed to Jiang Yan, who looked disheveled but relieved to have survived.
"Only one survivor out of so many missing?" Captain Liu's face showed a mix of shock and helplessness.
Yang Jian continued, "The mall is safe now, at least in my opinion. The rest is up to you, Captain. I have other matters to attend to and can't stay longer. If you need my assistance, feel free to call me."
"Thank you for your hard work. We'll take it from here," Captain Liu said respectfully. Despite the high death toll, he appreciated Yang Jian's efforts in preventing a larger disaster.
Yang Jian nodded, left his contact information, and prepared to depart.
"Where are you going?" Jiang Yan hurried after him.
"Miss, why are you following me? You're safe now. Go home; your family must be worried after your disappearance," Yang Jian advised.
Jiang Yan, looking a bit upset, responded, "Don't say that. I promised to be your girlfriend, you can't just abandon me."
Yang Jian raised an eyebrow. "When did I agree to that? Stop trying to take advantage of me."
"In the restroom, you promised! And don't call me 'Miss,' I'm still young," Jiang Yan insisted.
"How old are you?" Yang Jian asked.
"Twenty-five. Well, twenty-four in actual age," Jiang Yan answered proudly, as if dating her was a privilege.
"Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm eighteen. Nineteen at most if you count it differently," Yang Jian said. "So, accept being called 'Miss' graciously. I'm being polite not calling you 'Auntie.'"
Jiang Yan felt a chill, realizing she was indeed older in comparison.
"Thank you for your help today," interrupted Tang Boss, who hurried over, still giving his statement to the police. He grabbed Yang Jian's hand gratefully.
Yang Jian smiled, "Just doing my job."
Tang Boss handed him a business card. "Here's my number. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask. My company is nearby; I'd love to invite you over for a meal."
Yang Jian noted Tang Boss's keen sense for building connections, a trait that distinguished him from others. He accepted the card, thinking it might be useful in the future.
"Where should I go now?" Yang Jian pondered as he reached the street. Going home was not an option, given the haunted situation there.
"I need a temporary place to stay until Yan Li finds a buyer. Before that, I must secure this thing," he thought, taking out a gold-wrapped box containing a ghost.
"Where are you going? You have a car, right? Why aren't you driving?" Jiang Yan asked.
"I don't own a car. Not even a bike," Yang Jian replied.
"You earned a car from Master Luo, remember? He couldn't pay in full and gave you a car as part of the payment. I saw it in the surveillance room," Jiang Yan reminded him.
Yang Jian fished out a key from his pocket and pressed it. Among the parked cars, an imposing SUV lit up.
"That's an imported SUV, worth nearly five million yuan. Master Luo took a big loss," Jiang Yan said.
"I'd rather sell it for cash," Yang Jian muttered.
"Come on, the car isn't even registered in your name yet. You can't sell it," Jiang Yan said, linking her arm with his.
"We're not that familiar," Yang Jian protested.
"You're young, wealthy, and handsome. What's wrong with me tagging along? Besides, you saved my life," Jiang Yan teased, hinting at a deeper gratitude.
"Why do I feel like you're looking at me differently, like you want to devour me? If you're offering me a place to stay, that's fine, but I won't pay rent or for food," Yang Jian said.
"Fine, fine. I'll cover everything. Let's go. Didn't you have something else to do? I'll come with you," Jiang Yan insisted.
She saw a reliable protector in Yang Jian, essential for her future safety in a world becoming increasingly dangerous.
Yang Jian drove the powerful SUV down the road, with Jiang Yan smiling beside him.
"Though he's younger, what does it matter?" Jiang Yan thought.
Suddenly, Yang Jian's hand shot out, gripping her throat tightly, making her gasp for air.
"What are you doing?" Jiang Yan choked out.
Yang Jian scrutinized her closely. "I need to make sure you're still you. The ghost in the mall—did it have a head or not? If it did, where is it now?"
"How would I know? Can you be gentler?" Jiang Yan complained.
"Sorry, just double-checking. I don't want the ghost to surprise us," Yang Jian explained, loosening his grip and carefully feeling her neck.
Despite the situation, Jiang Yan understood the necessity of his actions and cooperated, not wanting to risk her life.
Finding nothing unusual, Yang Jian released her. "Seems you're fine."
"Next time, just ask," Jiang Yan said, rubbing her neck. "Most people touch legs or breasts, not the neck."
She placed his hand on her leg, teasing, "Real silk stockings. Fun for three years."
"I can wear stockings too," Yang Jian quipped.
"..."