Chapter 159: From now on, you’re all my hostages.

Chapter 159: From now on, you're all my hostages.

"You should inform Chi Shen," Ji Xingchen commented, his tone devoid of insistence, just a simple suggestion.

Li Shu'an sighed and shook his head, "Chi Shen is very righteous. If I tell him, he'll surely go. I know he's strong, but Bai Ximing is his father. It would undeniably weigh on his heart."

Ji Xingchen's expression momentarily froze, "I believe you have a misconception about Chi Shen."

Li Shu'an shook his head again, "I know Chi Shen is strong, but I'm unsure about Bai Ximing's cards. Since he dares to demand Chi Shen, he must have a plan to deal with him. This is our responsibility. How can we let ordinary people risk their lives?"

Ji Xingchen slightly lowered his head, the lenses of his glasses obscured in the dim light, masking his expression. He spoke calmly, "I understand. If there's nothing else, I'll leave now. Chi Shen still requires my assistance."

As he spoke, Ji Xingchen's form began to melt into a black liquid, subsequently vanishing into the shadows.

By now, Chi Shen had concluded his conversation with the art designer, who had returned to his desk.

On the ground, the shadow beneath Chi Shen began to rise, swiftly taking the shape of a person. Ji Xingchen emerged from it, saying, "Liu Yue Zhen and the others have been taken. I briefed them about her identity. They said heroic spirits receive special treatment. They'll try to fulfill her last wish. Ghost Face is with Liu Yue Zhen. I left him a 'phone' so he can contact us if needed—"

It seemed Ji Xingchen didn't care if Chi Shen was listening; he simply reported the day's events.

However, at this point, he paused, adjusting his glasses somewhat awkwardly. Chi Shen had discreetly handed him a snack from the company's stash.

After adjusting his glasses, the treat in Ji Xingchen's hand vanished in a puff of black smoke. Continuing, he said, "I believe the Special Security Agency could use some minor assistance."

Chi Shen glanced at him, smiled, and softly replied, "Okay."

Just then, Li Xu passed by with files. Hearing them, he looked back, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "Are there ghosts in the company? Was this morning's incident... also the work of ghosts?"

Chi Shen enigmatically nodded.

Seeing Chi Shen's reaction, Li Xu adopted a knowing yet silent demeanor, also nodding before walking away.

Chi Shen, resting his chin on his hand, watched Li Xu's retreating figure, with Ji Xingchen also glancing in the same direction.

Behind Li Xu, another ghost followed. This time, it wasn't clinging to Li Xu but trailed about a meter behind him, merely shadowing him without approaching.

It was a female ghost, drenched from head to toe. She wore red high heels, and her bloated body looked as though it had been submerged in a river for a long time.

Both Chi Shen and Ji Xingchen recognized this ghost. She was one of the many spirits from the old mansion. However, she appeared particularly weak, looking like she could be devoured by other ghosts at any moment. It was a wonder how she managed to survive in such a place.

"It seems most of the spirits from the old mansion have been released," Chi Shen remarked, resuming his work.

Ji Xingchen once again merged into Chi Shen's shadow. It seemed like just another ordinary day.

An ordinary day at work—or at least what appeared ordinary to others. An ordinary commute home. But today, instead of heading home, he bought a sandwich and headed in a different direction.

Winter nights drew in early. By the time Chi Shen exited the convenience store, it was already pitch dark. He meandered through the bustling city, somehow finding his way into a desolate, dark alley.

A faint white glow illuminated the adjacent wall, revealing a pallid ghostly face. Like a drowning person suddenly emerging from water, the ghostly visage rushed out from the wall, stopping about a meter from Chi Shen.

"Xiao Shaogui is gone," the ghostly face said, its tone tinged with sorrow and reflection.

Chi Shen glanced at him, "You look younger than her."

"Although I can't remember, I'm sure I died before her. When it comes to dying young, I have confidence," the ghostly face countered.

"Mm-hmm," Chi Shen responded nonchalantly, "I was talking about size."

The ghost's pale eyes darted around, seemingly checking out its own physique, then conceded, "That's true... You know, she's so carefree. She visited the Special Security Bureau briefly and felt content, saying her wishes were fulfilled. She left. How can she let go so easily? I preferred her naive days."

"Different kinds of happiness," Chi Shen mused.

Ji Xingchen, trailing behind Chi Shen and initially appearing uninterested in the ghost in the red dress, suddenly remarked, "The joy of ignorance isn't always genuine happiness."

The ghostly face curled its lips, "I don't understand. But I just miss her, having been together for so long. Anyway, what are you guys doing here?"

As Chi Shen walked and chatted with the ghost, he paused and looked at the wall ahead.

To the right, there was an inconspicuous door with a discreet sign: "Harbor City Special Security Bureau."

Chi Shen pulled out the sandwich, took a bite, and casually remarked, "I'm here on important business."

The ghostly face inquired, "Hmm?"

——

Within the Special Security Bureau, the handling of today's unexpected incident was nearing its conclusion. Only some follow-up work remained. Given the severity of the situation, and with its cause now identified, Li Shuan convened a meeting. Bai Ximing's requests were also made clear.

Additionally, Li Shuan was deeply concerned about one matter: Ji Xingchen had found out about Bai Ximing's proposal to exchange Chi Shen for the safety of Harbor City. While Li Shuan wasn't entirely sure of the relationship between Ji Xingchen and Chi Shen, he felt certain that Ji Xingchen wouldn't keep this a secret. How to address this situation became another concern.

Actually, Li Shuan hoped to have Chi Shen step forward in this matter. But he soon dismissed that thought. How could they sacrifice an ordinary person to ensure the safety of the entire Harbor City? It was the responsibility of their Special Security Bureau, and they shouldn't let an average person bear this burden.

He realized now that Bai Ximing's scheme was far more intricate than just wanting to exchange Chi Shen. Accepting one of Bai Ximing's terms would only pave the way for more demands. Hence, they couldn't yield even an inch on this matter.

Given the urgency, the meeting was kept brief. They didn't even use a proper conference room. Chairs were quickly arranged in Li Shuan's temporary office, where they discussed Bai Ximing's intentions.

"He surely wants more than just to prolong his life," someone bluntly stated. "Considering the present circumstances, even if he did extend his life, he would be a wanted man. He surely has other demands."

"The incident today occurred too early, when the mall was almost empty," another person added. "Had it taken place during peak hours, the consequences would've been unimaginable. Given the tactics he's using, I believe Bai Ximing's intentions extend beyond merely wanting to prolong his life. And considering how deeply rooted the Bai family is in Harbor City, it's hard to fathom their real agenda."

"Should we discuss this with Chi Shen?" someone suggested.

Li Shuan immediately dismissed the idea: "We can't guarantee his safety."

At that point, a younger member turned to look at Zhang Shu, inquiring, "Has Zhang Yao... Mr. Zhang mentioned anything about this?"

Zhang Shu glanced up, nodding briefly before shaking his head, "He did, but some secrets are not to be revealed."

Li Shuan responded, "Let's not play riddles now. Can you use divination to give us some guidance?"

The Zhang family had always been known for their divination skills. Consulting Zhang Shu now seemed apt given the gravity of the situation.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Shu nodded, "Alright."

He looked out of the window only to realize the bright lights of Harbor City obscured the stars. With no other option, he took out his phone and a compass, determining the current time and the direction of the incident. After a brief calculation, a puzzled expression crossed his face, "A turning point—tonight?"

After saying this, he looked up at the assembled group and asked, "Has anyone come up with a solution?"

Just then, a rhythmic tapping echoed from the window. It sounded as if a very polite individual was seeking permission to enter—assuming, of course, that they weren't knocking on a third-floor window.

Everyone present turned their gaze to the window, where they saw a strikingly handsome face that they all recognized: Chi Shen.

As Li Shuan was about to speak, a dense ghostly aura seeped through the window gaps. No one had opened the window for him, yet Chi Shen's face seamlessly passed through the glass, entering the meeting room.

A more intense ghostly aura emanated from him.

The handsome face displayed a flamboyant smile, "Everyone present, you're now my hostages. I hereby declare all your chieftain positions belong to me now. Oh, and for those without a chieftain title, alert your chieftains; their positions are mine from this moment on."

Behind Chi Shen, a man with glasses gazed calmly at them, his eyes seeming to convey: I told you, you've misunderstood him.