Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Currency of the Underworld

Xiao Wu immediately sensed trouble from the hidden menace in Boss Cui’s smile. He took the envelope, opened it, and shook it gently. Two banknotes slipped out from inside.

“What?!” Xiao Wu stared in horror. “Are these—hell bank notes?” He glanced at Boss Cui. “What’s the meaning of this?”

Boss Cui gave a forced laugh. “It’s nothing, just a bit of money. If you want it, take it. I’m saying there’s no point in these little tricks you’re playing.”

Xiao Wu was at a loss for words. He remembered clearly putting two genuine hundred-yuan bills into the cash register yesterday—was he dreaming all along? Yet there was no way to explain it; no proof, no witness. He shook his head and didn’t bother to explain. Picking up the delivery orders, he began another day’s work.

“You have a new delivery order. Please process it promptly.”

Xiao Hong glanced at the slip and handed it to Xiao Wu silently.

“No. 85, XW Street, third floor, apartment nine.”

Xiao Wu drew a sharp breath, scalp tingling at the address. It was ten at night; he steeled himself. “This time, I’m getting yesterday’s money back,” he muttered, grabbing the order and walking out.

Riding his electric scooter, Xiao Wu soon arrived at the foot of No. 85, XW Street. For reasons unknown, the sight of the building always sent his hair standing on end. Stamping his feet, Xiao Shao climbed the stairs to the third floor.

The familiar sound of mahjong tiles clattered as soon as he entered the corridor. Standing in the dim passage lit only by a lone bulb like a firefly’s tail, with the strange, chilling atmosphere and eerie mahjong sounds, Xiao Wu’s fear threshold was assaulted again and again.

The same black security door stood before him, like a boundary between worlds. Shivering, he tapped lightly.

A loud clang. Unlike yesterday, the moment his hand touched the iron door, it rattled violently. From behind the mesh, a face peeked out, twisted in a grotesque smile, the eyes bloodshot and glaring—like something from a Junji Ito comic.

Xiao Wu was so terrified his face turned pale, his heart nearly stopped. He stood frozen for several minutes before stammering, “Your delivery.” Hanging the bag on the handle, he turned and fled.

On the second floor, he suddenly realized he hadn’t collected the payment. Looking back, he saw the hunched, monstrous figure trailing him, still wearing that sinister, grinning expression.

The silent, abrupt pursuit nearly shattered Xiao Wu’s nerves.

“You…” Xiao Wu struggled for words.

The fiend stretched out a hand—deathly pale, covered in spots, reeking with a foul stench, holding two banknotes.

Xiao Wu finally understood: the money was being handed over. He took it without a word and hurried away. The strange figure stood unmoving as if rooted, staring after him with a sly, mournful smile.

Xiao Wu dashed back to the restaurant like a wild beast, scrutinizing the two bills forty-nine times under the lamp. Finding nothing amiss, he marched into Boss Cui’s office and handed them over.

“See if there’s anything wrong.” Xiao Wu spoke coldly.

Boss Cui examined the notes carefully, nodded, and put them into his wallet with a smile. “Xiao Wu, maybe Xiao Hong wasn’t careful when collecting payments. Don’t let it bother you.”

Xiao Wu snorted inwardly—she’s not blind, how could she mix up ghost money with real bills? Without another word, he turned and left the office.

At dawn, Xiao Wu arrived at the restaurant as usual. The moment he entered, Boss Cui’s face was darker than ever—his already wrecked expression now even more ghastly. On seeing Xiao Wu, he suddenly stood up.

“Xiao Wu, look at this.”

Xiao Wu eyed Boss Cui suspiciously—was he trying to get revenge? Hesitating, he stepped closer, and what he saw on the table sent a chill through him.

Two bills emblazoned with the Jade Emperor lay there. This wasn’t a comedian’s joke—it was real.

Xiao Wu slowly raised his head, stammering, “What are these?”

“Yesterday’s banknotes. I went for breakfast this morning and nearly got beaten up.” Boss Cui spat angrily. “Are you some kind of magician?”

Xiao Wu looked aggrieved. “If I could work magic, would I be delivering food?”

Boss Cui nodded and sighed. “Fine, I’ll handle tonight’s delivery myself.”

“Uh…” Xiao Wu wanted to persuade him otherwise, but recalling the incident with Xiao Hong two nights ago, anger surged within him. He thought, let someone like him suffer for once. So he said nothing, not realizing it would be their last meeting.

Knock knock knock.

Early morning. Xiao Wu was startled awake by a pounding at the door. Opening it, he found a remarkably handsome police officer standing outside.

“Hello, I’m a member of the Seventh Investigation Unit.”

Xiao Wu was stunned—the Seventh Investigation Unit? The National Bureau for Paranormal Cases. Why are they here? Suspecting I’m a magician too?

“Come in, please.” Xiao Wu ushered the officer in, who entered without ceremony.

“Mr. Wu, you’ve been to No. 85, XW Street, third floor, apartment nine, correct?” The officer wore a chilling smile.

“Uh…” Xiao Wu’s heart began pounding again as he nodded.

The officer smiled. “Don’t be afraid, Mr. Wu. Just routine business. The third floor of that building is actually a gateway to the underworld.”

“Ah!” Xiao Wu nearly fainted from fright.

Orders from above: you must keep this secret, and you’re advised not to work at the restaurant anymore, or…” The officer paused, eyes glinting with menace. “We can’t guarantee your safety.”

Xiao Wu felt his blood freeze; he trembled uncontrollably.

After the officer left, Xiao Wu dared not leave home, venturing out only for groceries and necessities. Gradually, he spent all his money. As the saying goes, poverty breeds desperation; when he was at the end of his rope, he sighed heavily and, with no other options, resolved to steal. He targeted the nearest XY Grand Hotel, focusing on spendthrift guests like us.

Moya and I listened to Xiao Wu’s story, riddled with doubts. Moya slapped Xiao Wu twice, making him wince.

“Is what you said true?” Moya’s expression was grim.

Xiao Wu pleaded, “If I uttered a single lie, you can beat me to death and I’ll take it.”

Moya and I exchanged glances, and seeing Xiao Wu’s helplessness, sighed. “Moya, untie him.”

Moya loosened the rope. I smiled, “I won’t pursue the theft.” I took several thousand Hong Kong dollars from my pocket. “Go home. I’ll find you tomorrow.”

Xiao Wu was deeply grateful, tears brimming in his eyes as he bowed repeatedly. “Thank you, boss, thank you, boss.”

I waved him off. “No need for thanks. Just take us to that building tomorrow. That’s all.”

Xiao Wu shivered, shaking his head vigorously. “Boss, you really shouldn’t go. Even the Seventh Investigation Unit showed up.”

“It’s fine. Take us as far as the building, I’ll give you five thousand more. Once we’re downstairs, you can leave.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Xiao Wu sighed and stamped his foot. “Alright! I’ll risk my life for you.”

Once Xiao Wu left, Moya’s face was heavy. I looked at her. “What’s wrong? Scared?”

Moya sighed. “Not really scared. It’s just that shadow from earlier.”

“Don’t worry. That thing won’t come back soon. I’m more worried about that haunted building—I think it’s connected to Cousin Shao’s case.”

Moya smiled slightly. “Actually, I have a good idea.”