The Beauty with Terrible Luck Falls in Love with a Ghost - Chapter 16

For over twenty years as a law-abiding citizen, Zuo Lihua had never encountered anything like this.

Her throat moved as she trembled and looked down toward her feet.

A deathly pale female corpse abruptly entered her line of sight.

Zuo Lihua jolted in fright once more.

It was the body the man had carried over, intending to bury it.

“Oh my god…” Zuo Lihua didn’t dare speak loudly, her voice thick with sobs as her gaze continued downward, landing on the man’s shattered skull.

The wet, faintly glistening blood made Zuo Lihua wish she could go blind.

After taking several deep breaths and mustering her courage to check the man’s carotid artery to see if he was still alive, Han Hai’er suddenly tapped her shoulder.

Zuo Lihua turned around in confusion.

“Come over to me.”

Zuo Lihua glanced at Han Hai’er, then at the man on the ground. After hesitating repeatedly, she finally withdrew her hand and scrambled awkwardly over to Han Hai’er’s side.

No sooner had she steadied herself than the ghosts from the living room surged in together, surrounding the man completely.

Had she moved any slower, she would have been trapped among them too.

What’s happening?

Zuo Lihua felt somewhat bewildered.

“Is he dead?”

“Not yet, what a pity.”

“Trash raised without a father!”

“Beast, pah!”

“Pah!”

Listening to the ghosts speaking, Zuo Lihua realized upon closer attention that they were cursing this murderer.

Their voices wailed and lamented as if crying, yet distinct tones could still be discerned.

So, this is how ghosts curse people… Zuo Lihua thought to herself. But then it occurred to her, Han Hai’er’s enunciation was much clearer than theirs. If her complexion weren’t so pale, she didn’t glow, and she cast a shadow, she’d be indistinguishable from a living person.

“Call the police.”

“Oh, right.” Reminded by Han Hai’er, Zuo Lihua finally remembered she hadn’t finished her task.

As long as he wasn’t dead… should she call an ambulance? What if the murderer kicked the bucket before the police arrived? Would she still be charged with murder? Wait, if this counted as self-defense, emergency avoidance should apply, right?

Amidst her chaotic thoughts, Zuo Lihua ended up calling both the police and an ambulance.

Covering the phone’s mouthpiece, she whispered the details before hanging up. When she looked up, she saw the female ghost in the leopard-print skirt, who had been facing away from her, had twisted her head 180 degrees, staring at her with both eyes.

Zuo Lihua shuddered in horror, edging closer to Han Hai’er’s side.

Han Hai’er frowned and stepped in front of Zuo Lihua.

“What do you want?” she spoke directly.

The female ghost maintained her position with her back and face both oriented toward Zuo Lihua, tilting her body slightly to realign with Zuo Lihua’s gaze. “You… kill him…”

Her voice was thin and delicate, almost theatrical, but not hard to decipher.

“Why? I won’t!” Zuo Lihua reacted like a startled cat, her hair standing on end, refusing without a second thought.

What joke was this? Why would she kill someone?

Zuo Lihua’s refusal seemed to enrage the female ghost. Her eyeballs bulged outward, her shriveled pupils looking as if they might drop from their sockets at any moment. “Kill… him!”

“I won’t! Why should I? Kill him yourself!” Zuo Lihua covered her ears and screamed in despair. Yet even then, she could still hear the female ghost’s voice.

Han Hai’er turned around, placing her hand over Zuo Lihua’s. A chill spread through the contact, and instantly, all sound vanished from Zuo Lihua’s ears.

She immediately fell silent, her wide eyes fixed on Han Hai’er before her, the deep blue irises still as calm as an ancient well.

Han Hai’er gave her a reassuring glance before turning back and speaking unhurriedly, “Our agreement didn’t include Zuo Lihua killing anyone for you. This man has taken so many lives, he will face legal punishment. Why rush things now?”

“No!” The female ghost’s voice suddenly sharpened, like the wail of a woman pushed to her breaking point, piercing Zuo Lihua’s ears.

Han Hai’er’s expression darkened. “Are you breaking our agreement?”

“We can’t let him off so easily! That beast deserves to be killed and left to rot in the wilderness. He doesn’t deserve the law’s judgment or a proper burial!” the female ghost insisted relentlessly. “If you won’t kill him, then you’re on his side! I’ll kill you!”

With that, she lunged at Zuo Lihua.

The suddenness of the attack left Zuo Lihua no time to react. A heavy force pressed down on her head, forcing her into a crouch. Right where her head had been moments before, the bricks shattered into pieces.

The female ghost stood before her, arm embedded in the wall, looking down at Zuo Lihua, who had narrowly escaped, and gave a twisted, flesh-rending smile.

The next moment, Zuo Lihua’s clothes were grabbed, yanking her aside.

A deafening roar filled her ears as she looked back in shock, the female ghost in the tiger-skin skirt had sliced through the wall like a blade, reducing the spot where Zuo Lihua had just been to rubble.

Zuo Lihua didn’t dare breathe, her inner self biting a handkerchief in gratitude: Thank you, Benefactor Han, for saving me twice!

The tiger-skirted ghost snarled, “Why are you meddling?”

Han Hai’er replied coldly, “She’s under my protection. She can’t have blood on her hands.”

The ghost bared her teeth. “Find someone else.”

Han Hai’er sneered, “Why don’t you find someone else?”

The ghost shot Zuo Lihua a glare and commanded, “Kill that scum.”

Zuo Lihua retorted, “I won’t!” Then, scrambling on all fours, she hid behind Han Hai’er. Why not stand? Her legs had gone weak with fear.

The ghost shrieked again, “Then you die!!!”

Zuo Lihua braced herself to be dragged away, but to her surprise, Han Hai’er didn’t pull her aside this time. Instead, her vision blurred as a familiar figure stepped in front of her. After a brief exchange, the ghost was thrown back.

Their movements were too fast for Zuo Lihua to follow.

The ghost crashed through the broken window behind her, flung outside. Han Hai’er leaned forward, bracing against the wall, her body flickering like ripples on water.

Terrified, Zuo Lihua asked, “Are you okay?”

“I’m not.” Han Hai’er’s voice was hoarse, just like when they first met.

Han Hai’er’s cultivation was no match for the tiger-skirted ghost.

Zuo Lihua supported Han Hai’er, watching as her arms transformed from fair and smooth to withered like scorched wood, her heart aching with sorrow.

This body had been nourished by her, fed through their intimate encounters, bit by bit, with life essence. That essence was the vitality of the living; losing it weakened one’s fate, caused frailty, and shortened life. In essence, Han Hai’er’s beautiful form had been bought with Zuo Lihua’s own life force!

And now, in the blink of an eye, it was gone.

“What… what do we do now?” Zuo Lihua asked, tears welling in her eyes.

Half from heartache, half from fear.

If Han Hai’er couldn’t win, they would likely die here today.

Han Hai’er lifted her head, her face half-human, half-blackened skeleton, and smiled at Zuo Lihua.

“Don’t move.”

Zuo Lihua stiffened as a cold hand covered her eyelids, followed by a chill on her lips.

…Ouch, ouch, ouch!!!

The pain from her lips made Zuo Lihua’s body tremble slightly.

If her mouth hadn’t been blocked, she would have definitely cried out.

Her hands rose and fell, hesitating mid-air for a moment before she finally patted Han Hai’er’s back.

Han Hai’er tightened her grip on Zuo Lihua’s head.

As the kiss prolonged, Han Hai’er’s body visibly recovered. Her withered arms regained flesh, her hair was no longer damp, and her clothes filled out, returning to their proper fit.

The ghost in the tiger-skin skirt crawled in through the window like a spider, lunging toward Han Hai’er. Han Hai’er released Zuo Lihua, swiftly turned around, and kicked the ghost squarely in the face.

The tiger-skirt ghost was sent flying once again.

Han Hai’er glanced at the other ghosts gathered around the corpse and asked, “Do you also intend to break the agreement?”

The ghosts remained motionless around the man, completely ignoring Han Hai’er.

Han Hai’er breathed a sigh of relief.

She reached out and gently touched Zuo Lihua’s pale, bloodless lips, her voice hoarse as she said, “Stay here and don’t move. Wait for me to return.”

Zuo Lihua nodded blankly.

Han Hai’er leaned down and bit Zuo Lihua’s lips once more before leaping out of the window.

Zuo Lihua’s gaze was unfocused. Having been drained of too much energy, she couldn’t handle it all at once, her thoughts sluggish. It took her a while to process what had happened. Staring at the ghosts standing before her, she no longer felt afraid.

After a moment, she raised her hand and lightly touched her bruised lips.

A little later, she finally remembered what she had wanted to say.

Damn it, that ghost Han Hai’er is so improper! Kissing is one thing, but why did she have to bite? Anyone would think she’s keeping a vampire!

Zuo Lihua sat there, her mind hazy, eyelids heavy, desperately wanting to sleep.

She sat for a while, unaware of the time, until a ghastly pale face appeared before her.

Looking up, she realized it was a ghost’s face.

The ghosts were no longer surrounding the man but had instead encircled her.

Zuo Lihua shook her head.

Having just had her vitality drained, her yang energy was weak, leaving her with little resistance. In the presence of ghosts, she was like a tempting treat. With Han Hai’er gone, it wasn’t hard to understand why these ghosts, unable to resist temptation, had closed in. Zuo Lihua believed that if it weren’t for the agreement Han Hai’er had made with them, the ghosts wouldn’t have just surrounded her, they would have done much more.

Struggling to clear her muddled mind, Zuo Lihua tried to buy time before Han Hai’er returned: “I exercise every day, weightlifting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, yoga on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and occasionally folk dancing. I’m in great shape. You won’t be able to consume me that easily.”

The ghosts showed no reaction.

Zuo Lihua added, “Han Hai’er will be back soon. If you eat me, you’ll be breaking the agreement, and she’ll beat you up when she finds out.”

The ghosts tightened their circle half a step closer.

Zuo Lihua: “…”

Zuo Lihua: “I’m serious. Don’t think I’m bluffing.”

The ghosts remained unmoved and did not retreat.

Summoning her remaining strength, she looked up.

The ghost in front of her stared fixedly, its eyes so red it seemed as though blood might drip from them at any moment.

Good grief, it had held back so much its eyes were practically bleeding!

“…”

Zuo Lihua didn’t dare breathe loudly or move a muscle. Hugging her knees tightly, she buried her face in them and couldn’t help but sob quietly.

Han Hai’er, where are you? Come back quickly, your living person is about to be eaten by other ghosts, wuwuwu…

Why haven’t the police officers arrived yet? Help, ahhh!!!

Making money is so hard, yiwuwuyi…

Zuo Lihua cried silently, feeling the cold seeping deeper and deeper, gradually penetrating her body.

A bright beam of light suddenly fell on her, passing through the gaps between her limbs and shining right before her eyes.

Zuo Lihua immediately understood what it was, and tears streamed down her face.

Sure enough, the sound of a police siren pierced through the gloom of the dark night.

The police had arrived, she was saved!

Zuo Lihua’s body relaxed abruptly. Though conscious, she couldn’t move a muscle.

A police officer came to her side, helped her up, and gently patted her cheek.

She was like a doll without support, unable to even flutter her eyelids.

“She’s passed out, but she’s alive.”

“She looks familiar.”

“We’ll talk about it later. Has the ambulance arrived?”

“It’s here, hurry!”

Listening to the commotion and footsteps around her, Zuo Lihua’s vision alternated between darkness and red.

When the light shone on her, everything turned red; when it passed, it turned black again.

Amidst this shifting vision and the sounds around her, she was taken to the hospital by the ambulance.

Once the danger had passed and she had rested, Zuo Lihua’s mind began to stir again.

She thought, Is this what sleep paralysis feels like? How fascinating!

She kept listening until, upon hearing someone mention calling her parents, Zuo Lihua’s heart jolted, and her eyes snapped open.

“No!” she shouted urgently.

Her sudden awakening drew the attention of everyone around.

Zuo Lihua looked at the police officers, doctors, and nurses in the hospital room. A female officer was holding a familiar phone, the one that had just been unlocked with her fingerprint.

“…Hello, everyone?” Zuo Lihua smiled awkwardly.

“Miss Zuo Lihua?” The police officer standing beside her called her name.

“Yes, that’s me. Hello, did you save me? Thank you so much!” Overwhelmed with gratitude, Zuo Lihua grasped the officer’s hand, her pink eyes brimming with emotion.

Under her gaze, the officer felt a bit embarrassed and mumbled as he adjusted his cap, “No, no, it’s our duty. When we arrived, the perpetrator was already subdued. Was that your doing?” He quickly composed himself, adopting a professional tone.

Zuo Lihua nodded, withdrew her hand, and smiled at the female officer. “Could you return my phone to me?”

Since Zuo Lihua was awake and an adult, there was no need to contact her parents. The female officer handed the phone back to her.

Facing Zuo Lihua’s strikingly beautiful and radiant face, the female officer averted her gaze, her cheeks slightly flushed.

…She’s even more beautiful in person than on screen.

What followed was a series of examinations and inquiries. Zuo Lihua gave a half-truthful account, saw the police off, cooperated with the doctors for a check-up, and after confirming she was fine, took a taxi home.

By the time she arrived home, the sky was already bright.

Carrying a bag of health supplements for replenishing qi and blood, she pushed open the door and saw Han Hai’er sitting on the sofa, looking vibrant and full of energy. The moment Han Hai’er noticed her enter, her eyes lit up.

“You’re back?” Her tone was cheerful, as if greeting a family member returning home.

Zuo Lihua was momentarily dazed and licked her slightly sore lips.

She sat down opposite Han Hai’er, placed the items on the coffee table, and asked, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“That female ghost?”

Han Hai’er’s eyes lit up, as if she had been waiting for this question. She straightened her posture and said, “I ate her.”

“Ah?” Zuo Lihua was shocked.

A ghost eating another ghost?

She remembered there was a horror movie with the same title, and it sounded terrifying just by the name.

Han Hai’er said, “She broke the agreement, so it was justified for me to devour her.”

“I see.” Zuo Lihua nodded thoughtfully. “How did it feel after eating her?”

“Hehe…” Han Hai’er chuckled softly, licking her lips as if savoring the memory. “Her cultivation is now mine.”

Zuo Lihua blinked. “That’s good.”

“Good?”

“Yes, of course.” Zuo Lihua said, “Having higher cultivation is always better than having lower, right?”

“Is that what you think?”

“…Isn’t it?” Zuo Lihua straightened up.

Of course, it was a lie. Just a moment before entering the room, she had hoped Han Hai’er and that female ghost would fight to mutual destruction, both vanishing into nothingness, never to appear again.

Han Hai’er stared directly into Zuo Lihua’s eyes without saying a word.

“What’s wrong?” Zuo Lihua met her gaze.

Han Hai’er stood up. “I’m feeling a bit indigested.”

“Then…” Zuo Lihua thought to herself: Would human digestive aids work on ghosts?

“Let’s do it.” Han Hai’er stepped onto the coffee table, looking down at Zuo Lihua as she reached out her hand.

“My body hasn’t recovered yet.” Zuo Lihua refused.

But Han Hai’er forcefully pulled her up.

Zuo Lihua’s body stiffened instantly, only to relax a moment later, allowing herself to lean into Han Hai’er’s embrace.

Han Hai’er’s fingertips brushed against Zuo Lihua’s soft lips, gazing at her raven-feather-like eyelashes before leaning close to her ear. A low, husky voice rumbled from her throat: “You’re not allowed to refuse me.”

Zuo Lihua trembled slightly, unexpectedly sensing a faint, icy breath near her ear.

“But…” Zuo Lihua’s throat moved, betraying her nervousness. “I don’t have that much energy. You’ll do me to death.”

“I know you’re afraid of dying,” Han Hai’er said with a light laugh, her thumb gently massaging Zuo Lihua’s palm. “I know my limits.”