Chapter Thirty: An Unnecessary Expense

Page 1 of 3

8:30 AM. Bureau of Paranormal Affairs, Director’s Office.

I said, "Director, look at these fingernails. It seems they’re playing for keeps this time."

The Director glanced at Liu Shan and said, "Liu Shan, go pull the autopsy report and see if there are any leads."

Liu Shan replied, "It’s just a zombie scare, isn’t it? Besides, we aren’t even sure if that’s what it is yet. Is there any need to be so secretive about it?"

The Director snapped, "Do as you’re told, and be quick about it!"

Liu Shan grumbled, "Last time it was reading fortunes, this time it’s autopsy reports. Why do you always have to chase me out?"

"You’ll know when you need to know," the Director said. Liu Shan left, looking disgruntled.

An Mingshan asked, "Why keep it from him?"

I replied, "This matter... well, it’s complicated. I can’t explain it in a few words, but for now, just keep your mouth shut. Anyway, back to business. This zombie incident is likely real. Director, I’m requesting to go investigate with Fatty."

The Director said, "Very well. I know you have your reasons. Go ahead and handle it. I’ll send an investigator to assist you when the time comes."

An Mingshan asked, "Who? Who is it?"

The Director said mysteriously, "Classified."

I pressed, "Give us a little hint..."

The Director gave another mysterious look and said, "It’s a beauty. You two had better behave yourselves!" As soon as he finished, I could smell the heavy scent of vinegar and gunpowder in the air...

To avoid a "world war" from breaking out, I abruptly changed the subject. "Director, I’d like to request permission to set up a suggestion box outside Suiyiju, so the public has a proper channel to voice their opinions and complaints."

The Director retorted, "Have you considered what would happen if someone used it to settle personal grudges? You know, not everyone is as thick-skinned as you, listening to criticisms without getting angry."

I said, "How about this? Let An’an handle that task."

Page 2 of 3

An Mingshan asked, "Why me?"

I said, "Just think about it. If you come along, I’ll have to be distracted protecting you. How would I have any focus left for the investigation?"

An Mingshan pouted, "I don’t need your protection!"

I said, "But I need you... I mean, I need to protect you! If anything happened to you, how would I face your late father?"

An Mingshan said coldly, "I told you, that man has nothing to do with me anymore. Don’t mention him in front of me again!"

The Director said, "Go on and get to work. I have things to attend to as well." Seeing the Director dismissing us, I took An Mingshan out to buy some supplies before hailing a taxi back home.

9:00 AM. Suiyiju.

Once back, I began preparing the gear for our mission: a Taoist robe, a peach-wood sword, a copper coin sword, a horsetail whisk, talisman paper, brushes, and cinnabar. I figured I’d buy the rest once we arrived. But as I took inventory, I noticed there was an extra Taoist robe.

I called An Mingshan over and asked, "Miss An, care to explain why there’s an extra robe?"

An Mingshan replied, "Because Deputy Director Liu is coming too. I was afraid he’d forget his, so I..."

I snorted, "You use your cleverness for all the wrong things." I turned to leave.

An Mingshan trotted up to me and asked, "Are you going out?"

I said, "I’m going to buy a suitcase. Or do you expect me to carry all this stuff by hand?"

An Mingshan said, "I’ll go with you to help you pick one out." We took a taxi to the "Tri-Big" shopping plaza nearby—a place so large and upscale that if you didn't have a few thousand to spend, you’d just be staring blankly.

We wandered through the shops until I was too exhausted to walk, but An Mingshan remained as energetic as ever. We kept shopping until we couldn't carry any more, then headed back.

12:00 PM. Suiyiju.

As soon as we walked in, I said, "Miss, my dear lady, I only needed a suitcase! Look at this, you’ve basically bought the entire mall!" I dumped the items on the floor.

Page 3 of 3

An Mingshan said, "Oh, don't be like that. It's just a few clothes. Some of them are for you anyway—you really need a change. With the few rags you have, and looking at what you're wearing now, if I didn't wash your clothes every day, people would think you were a beggar." She dumped her bags on the floor as well.

I gritted my teeth, "A few? Can you not count? Look at this pile! Is this what you call 'a few'? Yes, we’re living well enough now, but... but this isn't how you spend money! Do the math—six figures! Six figures!" I gestured to the heap of at least ten outfits.

An Mingshan said, "Alright, alright, don't worry about it. Go change into the new clothes. I remember we're leaving this afternoon. I won't spend recklessly anymore, don't be angry."

I asked, "We? What about the suggestion box?"

An Mingshan said playfully, "All taken care of."

I asked, "By you?"

An Mingshan pulled out a stack of red banknotes and said triumphantly, "By these. I sorted it out in a minute."

I looked at her smug face and muttered, "Damn, that actually works!"

An Mingshan said, "You’re just too rigid. You don't know how to be flexible. Alright, let’s go! I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll carry your bags for free! We’ll sort this mess out when we get back."

Ignoring the pile of clothes, An Mingshan packed my gear into the suitcase. She dragged me into the car, and we set off for the village where the two victims had been killed by the zombie.

***

Reader Q&A:

Q: Mr. Author, if someone around you makes a mistake, will you forgive them?

A: I can't say I will, but I can't say I won't. It depends on the situation. If it’s something trivial, I’ll let it slide, but if it involves matters of principle, I cannot forgive.