What do you mean I'm a ghost story?

Chapter 33 Impersonating Officials
"The operation is fine."

Guessing that Viper and his group's actions were likely related to Grandpa Zhang's house, Xia Qing agreed without hesitation.

He had no reason to refuse, neither emotionally nor logically.

Even putting everything else aside, he really wanted to contact the authorities, get some information, and see how they dealt with 'strange tales'.

“Great, the organization will remember your contributions and will grant you the status of an unofficial member, regardless of whether you join or not.”

Viper nodded and casually took out a card: "In addition, as an unofficial member, you will also receive basic supplies and equipment benefits, but you need to pay a fee of 20,000, which will be deposited directly into this account..."

"Do I have to pay more?"

Xia Qing frowned slightly.

I've only ever heard of soldiers in the US having to pay for their own equipment; I've never heard of our Xia country doing the same.

"Don't look at me like that. The reason for the charge is because of the special nature of the Nightmare Artifacts, so our equipment belongs to the individual."

Viper chuckled and said, "Whether you pay or not is up to you, but personally, I strongly suggest you pay."

"The special characteristics of Nightmare Artifacts?"

Xia Qing could somewhat understand what Viper meant.

Although the Nightmare Origin is integrated into the Titanium Card, its essence is a drop of 'water' that was refined and separated by his spirit.

In short, this thing has a spiritual connection and bond, and others cannot exert its special effects.

If the equipment distributed by Viper is intended as a base material for fusing with the essence of nightmares, and since the equipment is tied to an individual, charging a fee is barely justifiable.

Officially issued equipment is definitely more practical than ordinary equipment, and it might even include firearms or similar items.

This money... if we really borrow some, it's not impossible to pay it.

However, Xia Qing's heart stirred, and a troubled look appeared on her face: "This... I want to pay, but I don't have enough for 20,000 yuan in all my possessions."

"How much can you pay? If it's not far off, I'll help you make up the difference."

Viper sighed speechlessly: "For newcomers, especially those like you who are not officially part of the organization, this equipment is very important, and you only have this one chance."

"Sixteen thousand eight thousand, that's all I have on me."

Xia Qing awkwardly scratched his head.

"It's alright, only a little over three thousand short. I'll make up the difference for you, consider it your labor fee for participating in tomorrow's operation."

The viper nodded.

"Okay, I'll call you right away."

Xia Qing's eyes flashed upon hearing this, but she didn't hesitate to transfer the money. She directly used the mobile app to transfer 16,800 yuan to the account on the card that Viper had given her.

"Okay, here's the arrangement. Leave your phone number so we can stay in touch. I'll contact you again tomorrow."

Seeing that Xia Qing made the payment so readily, Viper relaxed his attitude considerably. After asking Xia Qing for his number, he patted him on the shoulder and turned to leave.

……

"XC-27 Carcass Death Investigation Report: Initial Contact, Suspected Wild Tales Walker Detected and Hunted."

"...They did not refuse the invitation to combat operations, and it is preliminarily estimated that they already possess strong combat capabilities and psychological resilience."

"...They did not inquire further about the Nightmare Artifact. The preliminary assessment is that they are aware of and possess the Nightmare Artifact, but its specific type and effects are unknown."

"Maintain the original plan...clear out."

……

"Golden Dart, tell me, if I used this money to pay for equipment, wouldn't that be considered a financial loss?"

Xia Qing watched the viper disappear into the distance, his gaze inexplicably deep and amused.

Human greed is always the greatest weakness.

Sixteen thousand eight.

Excluding the money spent on buying miniature speakers, this was exactly the total amount he had previously spent on extravagant spending and using money darts to gather intelligence.

What do you mean by coincidence?
Financial losses are inevitable due to financial setbacks, and the more you try to avoid them, the more intense the butterfly effect will become.

But the form in which the loss occurs is another matter. And the key point is the loss itself.

Spending that money on other things is clearly not a loss.

Then comes the problem.

Whether it was his own perception or the power of the Money Dart Technique, the loss of wealth had already come true.

So, did they misjudge? Or was the viper's asking price of 16,800 wrong?

The answer is obvious.

Viper's acting skills are superb, but his deception is not.

It's just that they rely on the credibility of the official status, plus the natural mystery and unfamiliarity brought about by the supernatural event, and have a preconceived notion.

Furthermore, the official status of this entity is highly likely to remain questionable.

Xia Qing does not rule out the possibility that there are also bad apples within the official ranks.

However, I don't believe that someone in the official position would use such crude and obvious methods.

"It's true that Viper has powerful backers, but it's unlikely to be the government. Otherwise, they wouldn't do something like contacting me while simultaneously pocketing money..."

"However, tomorrow's operation should be real, their understanding of Nightmares should be real, and they should also have some calculations against me..."

A cold glint flashed in Xia Qing's eyes.

Now that they've come knocking, there's no way to hide anymore.

Most of the time, a person with malicious intent is more dangerous than bizarre entities like nightmares.

Especially when he was still hiding in the shadows like a venomous snake.

"We'll see what you're up to tomorrow. My money isn't so easy to take."

After watching the viper disappear into the distance, Xia Qing lost interest in staying in the park and started walking towards the old residential area while trying to communicate with the [Basic Gun Technique].

The new rental hasn't been returned yet, but Mom is still living in the old one, especially with Viper, this mysterious person, around. He'll definitely be going back here.

Thinking of her parents, Xia Qing felt a surge of resentment rising in her chest.

If it's just a series of occasional nightmares, then parents should naturally stay away from the child to avoid getting involved, and the child should periodically check their surroundings; there shouldn't be any problems.

But what if it's someone with hostility...

"Since it's an operation, there are most likely other people behind Viper. If we confirm there's a real scheme tomorrow, we must try to wipe them all out."

Walking quickly home, Xia Qing calmed herself down with a deep breath and began practicing basic marksmanship.

He was unsure of himself, as it was his first encounter with a human possessing supernatural powers, and he was likely to face one as well.

After all, they didn't even know what kind of person the other party was.

If everyone started cultivating immortality and subduing demons, then he, a martial arts practitioner, would be in serious trouble.

Therefore, he urgently needs to improve his strength as much as possible.

Compared to Tai Chi and the Money Dart, which have already been improved twice, the basic spear technique should obviously be easier to improve.

Killing does indeed require a sharp blade to be efficient.

"Basic marksmanship, say something?"

"Your [Basic Gun Technique] is indifferent as you bow and say: 'I am a military general and not good with words.'"

"Huh?"

Xia Qing chuckled as she read the text.

It seems like we've finally found someone who can make things easier?

Although he was a bit 'indifferent', he knew to pay his respects and acknowledge the emperor's authority right from the start, which is quite sensible.

Unlike the money dart and Tai Chi, one is obsessed with money, and the other is a pretentious show-off.

(End of this chapter)