Chapter 75: The Crafted Deception

Chapter 75: The Crafted Deception

Wei Qun, the owner of a local mobile phone store, is a seasoned practitioner of deception. Over time, hes cleverly misled many unsuspecting customers with his crafty sales tactics. Yet recently, Wei Qun has begun distancing himself from such manipulative techniques.

His shift in approach was not due to physical ailments like hemorrhoids or constipation from prolonged sitting as one might assume. Rather, its prompted by a recurring melody that only he could hear.

One particular afternoon while engaged in a phone repair, Wei Quns brow furrowed in thought. He asked his apprentice, Xiao Zheng, Can you hear that sound?

Xiao Zheng responded in bafflement, Boss, I dont hear anything. What sound are you referring to?

Theres a melody in my head, Wei Qun explained, his tone laced with perplexity. It feels strangely familiar.

Recognizing Wei Quns distress, Xiao Zheng suggested, Perhaps your recent issue is acting up, Boss. It might be wise to see a doctor.

I already did, Wei Qun responded, They reassured me its psychological and nothing serious. They advised me to stay relaxed, keep a positive mindset, eat and drink regularly, and indulge myself occasionally.

With a far-off look in his eyes, he added, And yet, there it is again

Shutting his eyes to better concentrate on the elusive tune, Wei Qun began to hum along softly.

Xiao Zheng remained confused by his bosss actions. Boss, I still dont hear anything, he said.

Suddenly, the humming of a nearby song broke into their conversation. Startled, Wei Qun exclaimed, Listen! The melody is becoming louder!

However, Xiao Zheng, still trying to understand, pointed out, Boss, its not the melody. Its a customer whos singing.

The customer, Miles, had casually taken a seat at the counter, playing a song from his phone titled Cool. Sporting a playful smile, he asked, Do you appreciate music, boss?

Realization lit up Wei Quns face. Yes, thats it! Thats the tune Ive been hearing! But how did you know?

Surprised to see Miles, Wei Qun sprang to his feet, gesturing wildly, then fell to his knees, I I was wrong big brother, please have mercy!

But Miles simply responded with a reassuring smile, Youve done nothing wrong, he told Wei Qun. Despite his reassurances, Wei Qun insisted on his error, to which Miles calmly replied, Youre not guilty.

Cornered, Wei Qun eventually admitted, I am the worst of the worst.

Actually, Im the real culprit here, Miles retorted, his voice heavy with regret. I shouldnt have hurt you. Im trying to make things right now.

No, its me whos to blame. Your reprimand was justified, Wei Qun held firm.

Well, if you insist, Miles conceded. You indeed fit the description of a wrongdoer.

. . .

Miles continued, I didnt come here to upset you, boss. Our previous collaboration worked well, and Im hoping this one will too. I need to crack a phone and gain access to its contact list.

He presented a phone previously owned by a person named Writing.

The sight of the device widened Wei Quns eyes in fear. No, take it away, take all the phones! Just spare me, he stammered, waving his arms in frantic rejection.

Clearly, their previous encounter had left an indelible mark.

Unruffled, Miles asked, Can the password be cracked within an hour?

That depends on the phone model, Xiao Zheng, the apprentice, interjected from the sidelines.

And this one? Miles inquired, nonchalantly tossing the phone to him.

This phone is encrypted. But I can extract the data directly from its storage by dismantling it. However, the phone may not work afterwards, Xiao Zheng clarified.

Thats fine. I dont need the phone; I only need the contact list. How long will that take?

Roughly half an hour, Xiao Zheng answered.

Good. If you can do it within that time, theres a thousand dollars for you, Miles proposed.

As Miles made his way through the contact list, residents across Dachang City started to receive strange calls.

During a meeting, a company executives private phone buzzed.

Hello, Writing, what can I do for you? he answered.

But the other end was silent, save for a peculiar noise resonating from his device.

Thud, thud-thud~!

It was a knocking sound, yet heavy and ominous, as though beating directly onto his heart, taking his breath away.

After the noise replayed a couple of times, the call disconnected.

Huh?

Puzzled, the executive was at a loss for the reason behind Writings call.

He shrugged it off, set his phone aside, and continued with the meeting.

At a swimming pool

A burly, bald man was leisurely backstroking.

Suddenly, an assistant approached with a phone, Boss, you have a call.

Hand it over.

The man spat out some water, accepted the phone, and greeted, Hello, Writing. I heard you landed a big deal. Everything going smoothly? Need any help from your bro? You know, I wouldnt hesitate. Of course, wed have to discuss the cost.

Thud, thud-thud~!

But the reply wasnt from Writing. Instead, it was the strange knocking sound.

Hmm?

The bald man paused, visibly stunned. Sensing something amiss, he quickly hung up, instructing, Dispose of this phone. Dont use it again and find out if Writings still alive.

Understood, boss, the assistant responded.

Could he have run into a ghost? The bald man furrowed his brow in contemplation.

Despite his cautious measures, the knocking sound lingered.

The invisible curse had already started affecting him.

Against this sort of personalized, human-orchestrated dissemination, no one was safe.

Meanwhile, within an opulent villa

A wealthy young man had just wrapped up a round of golf. As he settled down to hydrate, his phone rang.

Writing?

He picked up, asking, Hello, how are things? Was the operation successful?

Thud, thud-thud~! The knocking sound echoed in response, immediately altering his countenance.

Instead of Writings voice, an eerie knocking sound filled the line. It didnt sound human, but more like a ghost.

What the His face took on a thoughtful expression, which quickly turned ferocious. He crushed the phone in his hand, musing, Could it be the recently classified A-level vengeful spirit codenamed Knocking Ghost?

Is it intentional or an accident?