Mysterious Awakening

Chapter 30: The Devious Shopkeeper

Miles spent a sleepless night at home, his eyes heavy and bloodshot from the strain of vigilance. He kept the front door slightly ajar, eager to notice the ghosts arrival at the earliest moment. But things didnt unfold as he had imagined.

I cant afford to waste my time waiting for a ghost that might never return. Time has become a luxury to me now, he reflected, trying to soothe his fatigue-riddled eyes and still his escalating anxiety. The tension of an entire sleepless night had pushed his mind to the edge of sanity.

Should the ghost fail to show up soon, I must consider alternative options, Miles decided, standing up from the couch. He then bathed, gathered his belongings, and prepared to venture out.

His first plan was to find a means of survival, if at all possible. If he was bound to meet his end, however, his secondary plan was to secure some financial support for his parents future.

With a backpack draped over his shoulder, Miles departed his old apartment building. The sunlight outside was blinding and left him momentarily disoriented.

It seems ghosts arent deterred by daylight, he mused, feeling the back of his hand. The eye embedded there didnt react unusually.

This suggested that the ghost could manifest itself during the day, effectively debunking the popular belief that ghosts only materialized at night. Perhaps daylight offered some solace, mitigating the fear their presence could instill.

Sir, do you buy used phones? Miles asked, approaching a small mobile phone repair shop along the street.

The shop owner looked up, I only buy recent models, those released within the last two years.

Im not selling my phone, Im selling these, Miles clarified, presenting a stack of unwanted phones he had collected from his friends William, Coral, Peter, and others.

Whered you get all these? Did you steal them? The shopkeeper looked suspicious, eyeing Miles skeptically as he sifted through the various smartphone models.

My friends didnt want them anymore and gave them to me. Besides, who could possibly steal phones this new? Sir, give me a quote. If its fair, Ill sell you all of them, Miles responded.

The shop owner appraised the devices, acknowledging their value. Each phone was new and could easily sell for two to three thousand in the market. Some could fetch a price as high as seven or eight thousand.

He started bartering, This ones not worth much, Ill give you three hundred. This ones in good shape, Ill pay one thousand. Ill take this one for one thirteen hundred.

Suddenly, one of the phones on the counter began to ring.

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Miles glanced at it. The caller ID read: Dad.

Only heaven knew whose classmates father was calling.

The owners looking for their phone, the shopkeeper smirked. If they know I have it, Ill be in trouble. Ill pay five hundred for this one.

With that, he attempted to turn off the phone.

Miles intercepted it and replied, Its not the owner. Its a friends dad.

Hello? A middle-aged mans voice echoed from the other side, Is this Miles?

Yes, its me. May I know whos speaking? Miles asked.

This is Mr. Beach, Corals father. It seems you have Corals phone. I need to discuss something with you. Would it be possible to meet in person? Mr. Beach said.

Im sorry, Mr. Beach, Ive been tied up recently. Its not really convenient, Miles responded.

I promise it wont take much of your time. Can you tell me where you are? I can come and pick you up, Mr. Beach offered.

If theres something you need to discuss, Mr. Beach, you can just tell me over the phone. Im afraid Im too busy to meet up right now, Miles replied.

There was a pause before Mr. Beach finally said, Its regarding my daughter, Coral. Are you aware of the incident at school?

Do you mean the ghost incident that Coral spoke about? Miles asked.

The mention of a ghost incident momentarily stunned Mr. Beach. Was it really possible that such outlandish events were occurring?

Ghosts at school? Do high school students still believe in such stories? He asked skeptically.

I wasnt a believer before, but I am now, Miles confessed. What happened to Coral? Did she encounter another ghost?

Mr. Beach sighed, Shes been quite nervous lately, always feeling like shes being watched or followed. Coral mentioned you might be able to help.

Somethings following her? Miles pondered. Could it be a baby ghost?

A baby ghost? Mr. Beach suddenly recalled the baby handprints in their bathroom.

Do you think my house is haunted?

Mr. Beach continued, I need you to take this matter seriously. Please dont make light of it with ghost stories. Coral isnt well, and if you know something, we need the truth. In exchange, you will be compensated.

He was a successful businessman, and he wouldnt buy into these groundless ghost tales.

Miles fell into deep thought.

From Mr. Beachs tone, he could infer that Coral had indeed had a ghostly encounter.

It was highly possible it was the baby ghost that had escaped from the school.

But that didnt add up.

Though not as menacing as the ghost of the old man knocking at the door, the baby ghost was a dangerous entity. Coral was just an ordinary girl. If she had really encountered it, she wouldnt likely be alive now.

Ghosts werent known to negotiate before striking.

Hello, are you still there? Mr. Beachs voice broke through Miles contemplation.

Snapping back to reality, Miles said, I can help Coral, but its not a simple task. After the previous incident, I barely escaped the school alive, and that was when I was assisting your daughter without expecting any payment. This time, Im not prepared to do it as a favor or for free. So, Mr. Beach, whats your offer? How much are you willing to pay to resolve this issue?

There was a brief silence on the other end before Mr. Beach said, If you can help Coral get back to normal, Im prepared to pay you a private fee of twenty thousand dollars. However, if youre unable to assist her, you wont receive a dime.

Much to his surprise, Miles, this young student, displayed a worldly wisdom well beyond his years, insisting on receiving payment for his help. This unforeseen demand hardened Mr. Beachs tone considerably.

Twenty thousand? I had expected a figure around two hundred. Im afraid twenty thousand is too low. The risk involved in this matter is enormous. Its not as straightforward as you may believe. If I dont step in, its not only Coral who could be in danger. Your entire family might be at risk. The entity were up against doesnt discriminate when it decides to strike, Miles replied.

In order to confront the baby ghost, he would need to summon the power of a vengeful spirit, which might speed up its awakening process. Essentially, he would be risking his life to help.

While noble in nature, self-sacrifice doesnt pay bills, and considering the apparent wealth of Corals family, he saw no reason to undervalue his assistance.

What about fifty thousand? Mr. Beach offered.

Mr. Beach, Im not sure you fully comprehend the standard charges for such services. Comparable cases abroad begin at five million dollars. However, Im a reasonable man. Given our status as classmates, Im willing to settle for five hundred thousand, Miles put forth sincerely.

Damn it, five hundred thousand? Are you out of your mind? And you have the audacity to justify it on the grounds of being classmates! Mr. Beach, usually a mild-mannered man, found himself losing his temper over such an outrageous suggestion.

Laughing, Miles replied, Mr. Beach, theres no need for anger. While I understand that five hundred thousand may sting, its not an insurmountable amount for you, especially when you consider that your house alone is worth over four million. I suggest you mull over my proposal and get back to me. And Id urge you to do so promptly.

Because if you delay, it might be too late for either Coral or me. My time is running out, and I have a mother to provide for. To earn this money from you, Id be putting my life on the line. This isnt a simple matter. If it gets too late, no amount of money can rectify the situation. Also, for future communication, please use my other number as the calls are free.

After sharing his alternate contact details, Miles ended the call.

Friend, for all these phones, I can offer you five thousand dollars, proposed the shopkeeper at that moment.

Five thousand?

Miles frowned, Is that all? Are you pulling my leg, boss?

These phones arent worth much. And the newest one, the one with the fruit logo, is a counterfeit, the shopkeeper clarified. Dont believe me? I can open it up and show you.

And with that, he proceeded to take apart the phone, revealing it was indeed a fake.

A fake?

That was impossible.

Did he really think Miles wouldnt know if Williams phone was genuine or not?

Miless expression darkened, Boss, you didnt switch the phones while I was on the call, did you?

I run a legitimate business. I would never resort to such a tactic. Your phone is clearly a knockoff. If you dont want to sell it, take it back. I wont purchase the others either.

The shopkeepers demeanor changed instantly, waving Miles away dismissively.

Miles rose to his feet, grabbing the mans collar. His eyes, riddled with bloodshot veins, glowed a faint red, reflecting a chilling indifference, You deceitful merchant, are you courting death? If you want to die, just say so. Youve stepped way out of line trying to swindle me.

The shopkeeper looked into Miless eyes and felt a shiver down his spine.

Were those the eyes of a human?

They were cold, void of emotion, emanating an uncanny, disturbing aura.