Chapter 50: The Paint Ghost’s Secret

But as soon as the words left his lips, Bai Hao himself was taken aback. His brow furrowed, and for a long time, he couldn’t smooth it out.

Just then, the once-savage paint ghost slowly calmed, as if it had resigned itself to its fate.

However, Bai Hao could see that within the repulsive, dark form, the essence of a woman’s soul remained.

“Hmm, interesting…”

Bai Hao raised an eyebrow, assuming that the paint ghost was just that—a paint ghost. Never did he expect it to have fused with a human, something akin to a dual soul, but with the paint ghost in control…

The woman looked at him gratefully, her voice soft with appreciation.

“Thank you for setting me free.”

Bai Hao’s voice was steady.

“So, you’re Wang Qian, the one whose skin was peeled off? I’m quite curious how you ended up being targeted by that paint ghost.”

Wang Qian fell silent for a long moment before finally speaking.

“It’s all my fault. Five years ago, a car accident disfigured me…”

As Wang Qian recounted her story, Bai Hao realized the entire sequence of events, concluding that this woman had indeed brought her fate upon herself.

To his surprise, this woman was deeply connected to the echoing spirit, almost as if she had caused it!

As the malevolent spirit dissipated, the surroundings began to morph back into reality. Bai Hao realized that throughout the ordeal, he had been in the elevator all along.

Just as he was about to step out, a voluptuous figure crashed into him, her elasticity surprising. Fortunately, Bai Hao acted quickly, pulling the woman into his arms to prevent her from falling.

“Um… I’m sorry…”

Xia Zhiquiu instinctively tried to pull away, but when she looked up and saw it was Bai Hao, she hesitated.

“Bai Hao, are you okay?”

She reached out to touch his body, ensuring he was unharmed, and let out a sigh of relief.

Bai Hao grinned as he watched Xia Zhiquiu’s worried expression.

“Xia Aunt, are you worried about me?”

Xia Zhiquiu blushed at his words, feeling the intensity of his gaze.

“W-who said I was worried about you? I hope you die in there!”

Xia Zhiquiu pushed him away and turned to press the elevator button, her alluring figure facing away from him.

Bai Hao smirked, knowing that one day, Xia Zhiquiu would have to admit the truth.

Back in the hotel room, Xia Zhiquiu immediately asked about what had happened in her absence.

Bai Hao casually recounted the battle, but even so, Xia Zhiquiu listened with bated breath.

If it had been her, she would have died countless times by now.

“Bai Hao, are you really a psychic?” Xia Zhiquiu asked hesitantly.

Bai Hao paused, wondering if Xia Zhiquiu had finally realized something. “Well, if I’m not a psychic, does that make me a ghost?”

Xia Zhiquiu’s face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly waved her hands. “No, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that you’re incredibly strong. How did you become so powerful?”

If killing ghosts made one stronger, then how many had Bai Hao killed to reach this level?

Bai Hao shrugged. “Maybe I’m just gifted.”

Xia Zhiquiu was at a loss for words, realizing that her own abilities paled in comparison. Bai Hao, having successfully sidestepped the question, shamelessly took Xia Zhiquiu’s soft hand, inhaling her intoxicating scent.

“Xia Aunt, after dealing with the paint ghost, I have some leads on the echoing spirit.”

Xia Zhiquiu perked up, ignoring Bai Hao’s advances. After all, he had taken liberties with her countless times before.

“Really? What kind of leads?”

Bai Hao’s hands grew bolder, but his words didn’t falter.

“The paint ghost first targeted Wang Qian. But Wang Qian was a lesbian, and before the paint ghost got to her, she was already involved with her childhood friend, Wu Ping.”

“Later, a car accident left Wang Qian disfigured, and Wu Ping found a new love. Wang Qian blamed her appearance for Wu Ping’s betrayal, leading to deep resentment and a desperate desire to regain her beauty, which the paint ghost exploited.”

“Under the paint ghost’s influence, Wang Qian regained her beauty but became increasingly bloodthirsty. In the end, she killed Wu Ping, sealing her in a bridge pillar while she was unconscious! The tragedy that followed was predictable.”

Xia Zhiquiu slapped Bai Hao’s hand away, exasperated. “So, you think Wu Ping became the echoing spirit?”

Bai Hao nodded. “I checked, and Gu Xin has been to that bridge before, so it’s highly likely.”

Xia Zhiquiu was still confused. “If what you say is true, others must have visited that place. Why is it only Gu Xin who is affected?”

Bai Hao shook his head. “That’s hard to say. We’ll find out when we visit tomorrow.”

Xia Zhiquiu nodded, but then changed the subject. “You should go sleep in your own room!”

Bai Hao’s expression darkened, and without a word, he pinned Xia Zhiquiu to the bed, shamelessly declaring.

“Xia Aunt, I’m staying here to protect you. You’re always getting into trouble, and it’s dangerous out there. I can keep you safe.”

Xia Zhiquiu rolled her eyes, trapped by Bai Hao’s grip. “I think you’re the most dangerous one!”

Despite her words, Xia Zhiquiu knew it was futile to argue, so she stopped struggling. After all, they had already crossed countless lines, and Xia Zhiquiu had a growing sense of resignation. But before that, she couldn’t remember why she had gone downstairs earlier. Oh well, it didn’t matter…

***

The next day, Xia Zhiquiu slowly opened her eyes, staring at the hotel room ceiling, lost in thought. Who could understand the joy of waking up naturally?

Of course, if there wasn’t a certain someone, her mood would be even better!

Xia Zhiquiu kicked off the covers, looking at the boy asleep on her leg. She lifted her foot and kicked him, startling him awake.

“Xia Aunt, are you rewarding me first thing in the morning?”

Bai Hao was a bit excited, wondering if this was Xia Zhiquiu’s way of hinting at something.

Xia Zhiquiu’s chest heaved with anger. She had never met someone so shameless!

“Get up!”

Bai Hao pouted, reluctantly climbing off Xia Zhiquiu’s leg.

“Xia Aunt, do you have morning rage?”