Chapter 20 - About Investigation Center No. 9!

“I and Yellow Springs Inn are not for sale. You’ve disappointed me, Young Master Lin.” The innkeeper laughed lightly, subtly deflecting.

Lin Yu felt somewhat disappointed at her response.

It wasn’t that he was particularly eager for the innkeeper or Yellow Springs Inn. Gaining a powerful ghost like the cook, “Zhu Jiang,” was already a substantial reward!

It was just a bit disappointing to find that money wasn’t always omnipotent in this horror game!

“Well then, I won’t impose further!” Not lingering, Lin Yu rose and bid farewell.

“Your resting quarters are in the backyard,” the innkeeper reminded him.

Lin Yu nodded and left the room.

Unbeknownst to him, after he left, the innkeeper behind the veil looked a bit exasperated.

“Honestly, he asks for the price… but doesn’t insist even a little!”

While she didn’t truly want to lose her freedom for money, she was still curious to see how much Lin Yu would have offered to buy her!

And if she really had to pick an “owner,” this strong and generous Lin Yu wouldn’t be a bad choice!

Still, she didn’t dwell on it too long.

She had a feeling that someone as remarkable as Lin Yu would surely cross paths with her again!

Meanwhile, Lin Yu left the third floor and, following the innkeeper’s directions, quickly found their designated quarters!

As “human employees,” their accommodations were naturally separated from the ghosts.

They were in a small, somewhat rundown building in the backyard, but upon opening the door, Lin Yu found the interior to be surprisingly spacious and tidy!

Bedding was spread out on the floor.

The bearded man, a mature woman, and Xiao Li were sitting on the bedding!

Hearing the door open, the three of them initially looked startled!

Upon realizing it was Lin Yu entering… Xiao Li relaxed, but the other two remained cautious.

After all, they’d just witnessed him wearing the curse-laden skull necklace and sharing a meal of Madam Zhang with the cook ghost, a scene still fresh in their minds!

To them, his brutality rivaled that of the ghosts!

With him mysteriously disappearing and reappearing during everyone’s rest time… it was only natural for them to remain wary!

Noticing the bearded man’s caution, Lin Yu raised his hands to show he meant no harm and then sat down in front of them.

“Sorry, I was negotiating with the innkeeper at Yellow Springs Inn.” He spoke calmly, yet the three were visibly shocked!

Not only could he chat casually with the cook ghost, but he was also on equal footing with the innkeeper, who seemed like a boss-level entity?

“… According to my mission hints, you’re supposed to be a newcomer, so are you from some hidden family, by chance?”

the bearded man asked in disbelief.

Lin Yu, sensing a misunderstanding, answered with a slight smile, “I’ve had a few lucky encounters and some inheritance, that’s all.”

He didn’t want to correct the misunderstanding, merely nodding with a smile.

The bearded man nodded in understanding.

“So that’s it… So you people really exist! I’d only heard about you on the ‘forum’ before!”

Hearing this, Lin Yu raised an eyebrow, “From what you’re saying, there’s an exchange platform for the beta players of this ‘game’?”

The bearded man nodded and replied seriously, “Yes, that’s also what I wanted to tell you…”

He glanced at Xiao Li and the mature woman, clearing his throat.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“It’s fine if you two listen as well… You’re aware of the newly established ‘Investigation Center No. 9,’ right?”

“I’ve seen rumors, so was it really set up for the horror game?” Xiao Li asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

“Yes, if you call Investigation Center No. 9 after you get out, an official representative can connect with you, providing resources and even channels to exchange certain ghost items,” the bearded man explained seriously. “But in exchange, your identity will be recorded by the government, and you’ll have certain obligations, like truthfully reporting your experiences in these supernatural missions… It’s basically like becoming an unofficial employee.

“I’m pretty much in that role now, and it’s what a lot of people choose. Since if you eventually become a full ghost handler and contract your own ghost, there’s a chance to be promoted to a formal member!

“Once you’re formal, you can enter the weekly missions with other full members, which greatly increases survival rates!”

The bearded man’s tone revealed a hint of longing.

Xiao Li and the mature woman also seemed persuaded by his words.

Only Lin Yu remained unmoved.

“Hm… so, you’re saying that these horror missions are mandatory once a week?” he asked, and the bearded man nodded.

“Yes, every Monday at midnight, the missions activate… Though I’ve heard you can also pay a certain ‘price’ to enter additional missions… Some experts reportedly do that! While horror missions are perilous, they’re also filled with opportunities!”

At this point, the bearded man cast a meaningful look at Lin Yu.