Chapter 23: Impossible in This Lifetime

Chapter 23: Impossible in This Lifetime

As Miles and Coral approached the ornate front gate of an affluent residential district, a sophisticated middle-aged woman advanced toward them. Her face contorted with a mix of relief and annoyance at Corals arrival.

Coral, she sighed, her irritation softening into joy, you remember how to come home?

She laid into Coral about being unreachable all night, their fear and worry. Threatening to report her missing, Corals mother, Mrs. Ocean, reproached her.

Im sorry, Mom, Coral apologized, her head lowered, there was a situation at school.

Corals mother nods in understanding, shifting her attention now to Miles. And who might this be? she asked, with a hint of suspicion.

This is Miles, Mom, my classmate, Coral responded, reminding her mother of their previous encounter.

With a dismissive wave, Mrs. Ocean claimed she couldnt possibly remember all of Corals classmates, her eyes scrutinizing Miles.

Miles greeted her, politely suggesting that he would now take his leave and perhaps return for a visit later, eager to defuse the situation and move on.

Hold on, Mrs. Ocean interjected, halting him, her suspicions still piqued. She wanted to know why Coral was only just returning home and if Miles had anything to do with it.

Miles quickly explained the unusual circumstances at the school the previous night and his concern for Corals safety, leading to his decision to escort her home.

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Ocean revealed she had attempted to call the school and found no such incident had occurred. Miles merely laughed, pointing out the unavailability of the teachers phone, an information Mrs. Ocean was already privy to. She was merely testing Miles.

Finally accepting Miles account, Mrs. Ocean thanked him for ensuring Corals safe return. However, she sternly reminded him of Corals disciplined upbringing and academic commitments. The subtle message was unmistakable: Miles needed to maintain a safe distance.

Expressing gratitude for his efforts, Mrs. Ocean reached into her purse and handed Miles two hundred dollars for his breakfast. The interaction was uncomfortable because the money was almost a payoff, but Miles accepted it graciously and turned to leave.

Coral watched Miles departure, her eyes welling with tears. Youre being too harsh, Mom, she chided, defending Miles. She couldnt understand her mothers abrasive treatment of a good person, insisting that her mothers actions were tantamount to an insult.

You misunderstand, Coral, Mrs. Ocean defended her actions. I was testing his character. Look how quickly he accepted the 200 yuan. It suggests hes not aspirational but opportunistic. Id advise you to steer clear of such individuals, dont be swayed by empty words.

Coral fired back, Youre the one who doesnt understand! You have no idea what happened at school last night. Miles saved my life, and I asked him to bring me home. How do you expect me to face him after your behavior?

Haunted? Mr. Noble scoffed. I believe youve lost your mind. Lets go. Ill escort you to school. Im curious to see these so-called ghosts, Ive never encountered one in my life. With that, he reached out and took hold of Williams hand.

William jerked his hand free from his fathers grasp, fear and anger tinging his voice. Stop it! I wont return to school, I just wont. Id rather face any danger out here, even fall from a height or stare down the barrel of a gun. I promise you, Ill never set foot in No.7 High School again.

I mean it, Dad. Test me if you doubt it.

Alright, you can stay out of school. But dont expect any allowance from me. You can fend for yourself, Mr. Noble retorted, visibly irked.

Following the terse exchange, William retreated to his room in silence.

Very brave of you, locking yourself in your room! Mr. Nobles voice carried a sarcastic note.

But a few moments later, William emerged from his room with two books in hand. Im going to school, Dad.

Humph, Mr. Noble huffed a nod, finally appeased.

As he exited his home, William couldnt help but smirk to himself.

Going to school? Not in this lifetime, or the next. Who said carrying books implied going to school? Couldnt he simply head to the internet cafe instead?

Today, I, William, will secure twenty victories at the internet cafe, he declared, sauntering off to his intended destination.

However, his online pursuits were abruptly interrupted when two agents turned up looking for him.

Are you William, the student from No.7 High School? one of them inquired.

Caught off guard, William quickly composed himself. Sorry, mate, youve got the wrong guy. Im Miles. William is my classmate.

Your ID details at the reception desk match your description. We are certain about your identity. We need your assistance in an investigation, the agent replied firmly.

Despite his initial surprise, William was promptly escorted away by the agents.