Mysterious Revival

The next day, Zhang Liqin groggily woke up. She felt extremely exhausted because some paranormal phenomena had occurred in the room last night, leaving her deeply unsettled. Luckily, Yang Jian had been by her side; otherwise, she wouldn’t have dared to stay there alone.

When she opened her eyes and fully regained consciousness, she noticed that Yang Jian was still in the same position as he had been the previous night, leaning against the edge of the bed.

It seemed as though he had maintained that posture all night long, without a single change.

“What time is it now?” Zhang Liqin murmured softly, instinctively stretching out her arm to hug the man’s neck.

But the next moment, she felt something icy cold, like a corpse.

There wasn’t the slightest warmth of a living person.

This jolted Zhang Liqin awake. She opened her eyes wider and looked at Yang Jian.

Dead?

For some reason, this thought popped into her head, and a nameless panic and unease immediately surged in her chest.

However, just then, Yang Jian spoke up: “It’s ten o’clock. Looks like you’re going to be late for work today.”

Hearing Yang Jian’s voice, Zhang Liqin let out a slight sigh of relief.

She wasn’t afraid of the abnormalities around Yang Jian, as she had even grown somewhat accustomed to them. What truly scared her was the fear of him dying suddenly one day.

“Then I’ll just take a day off. President Yang, what do you think?” Zhang Liqin said with a gentle smile, carrying a hint of coquettishness in her tone.

Yang Jian’s body, which had remained still for so long, began to move again. This movement wasn’t normal but supported by a supernatural force, unlike any living person.

He got up and opened the curtains, letting sunlight flood into the room, which was almost blinding: “The paranormal phenomena from last night weren’t aimed at you; they were directed at me. You’ll be fine. Even if you happen to catch glimpses of them, they won’t harm you or anyone else. I’ll handle it.”

“Of course I trust you,” Zhang Liqin replied.

“I need to go to the office. If you want to rest, go ahead,” Yang Jian said, preparing to leave.

He had just received a text notification: Headquarters had sent over a new liaison officer.

The previous liaison, Zang Hua, had been killed by Xu Feng and Liao Fan a few days ago. To ensure the smooth operation of Dachang City, Headquarters had to arrange for someone new to take over without further delay.

At the same time, Headquarters had also delivered an artifact codenamed Ghost Gate, along with some red Ghost Candles.

These items required Yang Jian to personally retrieve them.

“W-wait, I’ll go to the office too,” Zhang Liqin said hurriedly, jumping up upon hearing that Yang Jian was leaving. In a fluster, she quickly freshened up and followed him.

As per his usual routine,

Yang Jian drove around Dachang City, inspecting the area to make sure there were no issues before heading back to the company.

Dachang City, Shangtong Tower.

When the car came to a stop,

Yang Jian stepped out, his eyes scanning around with slight focus, taking in the surroundings.

The staff coming in and out of the building froze momentarily when they saw him. Some looked apprehensive, but they quickly composed themselves and resumed their tasks, pretending as if nothing had happened. Clearly, these workers were not ordinary employees but likely intelligence operatives with dual or even multiple identities.

Yang Jian was already well aware of this but chose not to deal with it.

There was no need to. After all, unless he wanted to rely on no one, any group he used would eventually be infiltrated by intelligence operatives. Even if an employee wasn’t one already, they could be compromised sooner or later.

The movements of a Captain-level figure like him could tug at the nerves of many individuals and factions alike.

“Yang Jian showed up. He’s still alive. The situation in Dadong City must have been resolved. Looks like those people were genuinely eradicated. Confirmed: Yang Jian’s team has suffered no losses. That Li Yang appeared this morning as well—he didn’t die either.”

“He seems to be in surprisingly good condition. His secretary appears to have spent the night with him. Looks like his supernatural affliction isn’t visibly worsening, and before coming to the office, he even drove around Dachang City to check on things. His mental state remains stable.”

Yang Jian’s mere appearance prompted multiple intelligence operatives to evaluate his situation.

They didn’t need extended observation—just a glance was enough to glean plenty of information.

But this kind of evaluation was conducted entirely covertly, never openly. If detected, someone with Yang Jian’s Ghost Eye abilities could make them vanish from the face of the earth within a second, leaving no trace behind.

“Interesting.”

A faintly cold smile appeared on Yang Jian’s lips, as if he could see right through their thoughts and peer into their souls.

“President Yang, wait a moment!” Behind him, Zhang Liqin had just finished doing her makeup. She was still putting on her high heels as she called out and hurried to catch up.

She was dressed in a black dress, her curvaceous figure forming an alluring silhouette that drew quite a bit of attention. Her temperament had shifted noticeably as well—from an ordinary salesperson to someone with a touch of elegance and refinement.

To those unaware, she might even resemble a noblewoman.

Yang Jian’s current status was too elevated—he was a top-tier individual capable of influencing global dynamics. Naturally, during her free time, Zhang Liqin had also been working on improving herself and crafting her image.

Otherwise, her position as his secretary would sooner or later become untenable.

“There are so many talents in the company already. Looks like I’ll have to make them work overtime,” Yang Jian mused at that moment, considering how to exploit his employees to the fullest as a proper capitalist would.

After all, he was now Boss Yang.

Shangtong Tower wasn’t very tall compared to the Ping’an Tower and Ning’an Building that soared over a hundred stories high. This building had only forty-five floors.

Yang Jian’s office was located on the top floor, overlooking Dachang City.

When he and Zhang Liqin took the private elevator up to his office, they found several familiar faces from Headquarters waiting for them.

One of them was a man in his early thirties with a mature and composed demeanor. He carried a polite smile and appeared very amicable.

The other was a young woman, perhaps in her early twenties. Petite and with twin ponytails, she wore formal attire but gave off a slightly incongruous impression—like a girl who hadn’t fully grown up.

These two were Shen Liang, one of the key personnel from Headquarters, and Liu Xiaoyu, Yang Jian’s former liaison officer.

“Haha, Captain Yang, long time no see. How have you been? Sorry to trouble you by showing up uninvited today—I hope you don’t mind,” Shen Liang greeted Yang Jian warmly, standing up as soon as he appeared.

Liu Xiaoyu’s eyes lit up upon seeing Yang Jian. She giggled and said, “Surprised? I’ve come to Dachang City. From now on, I’ll be working at your company. You better take good care of me and, oh, no bullying!”

“That voice…” Zhang Liqin, standing nearby, immediately recognized it upon hearing the young woman speak.

It was the voice of Yang Jian’s former satellite phone operator.

A woman’s intuition instantly clued her in that this girl posed a certain degree of potential threat.

Yang Jian’s expression remained calm: “I didn’t expect Headquarters to send you two. I thought they might send Zhao Jianguo. Take a seat—what would you like to drink?”

“Anything will do,” Shen Liang replied with a slight smile.

“Coffee, then.”

Yang Jian gestured casually.

Zhang Liqin nodded silently and went over to the bar to make coffee, preparing a cola for Yang Jian as well since it was his favorite.

“Transporting the Ghost Gate and ghost candles shouldn’t require someone of your rank to personally make the trip, Shen Liang,” Yang Jian commented as he sank onto the sofa. Supporting his head with his hand in a seemingly lazy posture, his gaze remained icy cold, making the atmosphere tense.

Shen Liang chuckled: “Can’t I visit an old friend while on a business trip? After all, we’ve known each other for some time.”

“Do I even have friends at Headquarters?” Yang Jian said. “I honestly didn’t know that. After all, I did almost get killed by Fang Shiming the last time around.”

Shen Liang’s smile faltered slightly, and he quickly changed the topic: “The past is the past. I’m here for three main reasons this time. The Deputy Director was a little worried, so he asked me to deliver the items personally. Originally, Zhao Jianguo was supposed to come, but it seems there are some issues with him, so I doubt we’ll see him again anytime soon.”

“What are the three matters? Just get to the point,” Yang Jian said bluntly. “Don’t waste my time.”

“Alright, I’ll keep it brief.” Shen Liang nodded. “The first matter, of course, is handing over the paranormal artifacts: Ghost Gate and the ghost candles.” He gestured to a nearby assistant.

A briefcase was brought forward.

When it was opened, it contained five red ghost candles.

“If I remember correctly, I wasn’t supposed to receive this many,” Yang Jian remarked.

Shen Liang smiled: “You’re a Captain now. Naturally, Captains receive special treatment. All your past contributions have been noted.”

Yang Jian nodded. “I’ll accept them.”

This was a sign—a gesture of goodwill from Headquarters toward him.

But it also hinted at something less pleasant: Headquarters had expectations and likely wanted something from him in return.

Not that Yang Jian cared. He’d accept upfront and worry about the rest later. Who knew what might happen down the road?

“As for Ghost Gate, it’s in this container. Please handle it with care and never attempt to open it casually. Otherwise, it could cause catastrophic issues. The artifact’s potential harm far outweighs its utility. Honestly, Headquarters was reluctant to release it, if not for your direct request.” Shen Liang glanced uneasily at the sealed box behind him.

It was a rectangular case, thoroughly sealed shut. Inside was a single-panel red wooden door.

A golden container insulated it from supernatural influence, so it was currently safe.

“I understand. I’ll keep it in a secure location and won’t take it out unnecessarily,” Yang Jian said simply.

“Good.” Shen Liang nodded. “The third matter is, of course, about the new liaison officer. Regarding what happened with Zang Hua, I was deeply saddened to hear about it. Zang Hua was a very dedicated person with exceptional work ethic and efficiency. Frankly, finding someone as good as him in such a short time is quite difficult.”

“To handle interim work arrangements, Headquarters has temporarily assigned Liu Xiaoyu to serve as both liaison officer and operator. Captain Yang, what are your thoughts on this?”

The arrangement needed Yang Jian’s approval, given his position as Team Captain.

If he were dissatisfied, Headquarters would have to replace her immediately.

But Yang Jian’s case was unique. Shen Liang also worried that Yang Jian might take this opportunity to completely sever ties to the liaison system, rendering it obsolete in his operations.

To play it safe, they chose Liu Xiaoyu, a familiar face who had collaborated well with Yang Jian in the past.

Yang Jian didn’t speak immediately, seemingly lost in thought as his gaze lingered on Liu Xiaoyu.

Liu Xiaoyu held the coffee Zhang Liqin handed her, sipping it while sneaking glances at Yang Jian. Under his scrutiny, she felt a bit uncomfortable and unsure of herself.

She was equally anxious. After all, it had been some time since she last worked with Yang Jian, and she had no idea how he currently felt about her.

Shen Liang said nothing either, maintaining an awkward smile as he awaited Yang Jian’s decision. Clearly, this simple approval was laden with implications, far from the trivial matter of appointing a liaison officer.

“Let her stay,” Yang Jian finally said after a moment of deliberation.

Shen Liang immediately exhaled in relief, his smile becoming noticeably lighter. “We’ll prepare her new office by tomorrow. I hope you two have a smooth and productive collaboration.”

“Well then, go on to the fourth matter, if there is one. If not, you’re free to leave now,” Yang Jian said, his tone impatient. He had no interest in continuing to chat with Shen Liang.

Shen Liang’s expression shifted subtly. He lowered his voice: “The fourth isn’t exactly a task but rather a new directive specifically targeting Captain-level personnel.”

“What kind of directive?”

“Headquarters now requires every Captain to resolve one A-level paranormal case within the next two months. Recently, Cao Yang had been working on those very incidents, borrowing the Ghost Scissors for assistance. The formal notification hasn’t been circulated yet, but it won’t be long. These are the current batch of case files classified as A-level incidents. You should take a look,” Shen Liang explained, pulling an envelope from his coat.

Yang Jian didn’t bother examining it. He simply asked, “Have paranormal incidents increased in frequency?”

Shen Liang nodded grimly.

“Doesn’t seem like a promising situation. Otherwise, Headquarters wouldn’t be pushing Captains into action en masse,” Yang Jian commented. “I’ll get around to it; after all, I’m officially a Captain. But how’s the overtime pay calculated?”

“…” Shen Liang.

“I’m technically on a break. If you’re pulling me in after hours, paying overtime is only reasonable, right?” Yang Jian continued.

Shen Liang broke into a stiff smile: “That does seem quite reasonable.”

He understood Yang Jian’s personality well: Yang Jian didn’t shy away from work but demanded fair compensation for his efforts.

“A-level incidents are categorized as extremely dangerous. Offer me a good rate, and I’ll hit my target. I have my own investigation priorities too—don’t forget how complex the Ghost Post Office is,” Yang Jian said.

Shen Liang knew about Yang Jian’s ongoing investigation into the Ghost Post Office, recognizing it as a lurking threat. Resolving it would be immensely beneficial.

“But I’ll have to get back to the Deputy Director to finalize any compensation details,” Shen Liang added, slightly embarrassed.

“Not an issue. Come find me once you’ve tied up the figures. I’ll be in Dachang City—I’m not going anywhere,” Yang Jian replied. “I’m nothing if not trustworthy. Never one to skip out on a deal.”

“With those words, I’m relieved,” Shen Liang said, grinning.

He wasn’t worried about Yang Jian asking for overtime; Headquarters could readily afford it. What they dreaded was outright refusal to cooperate.

After all, Captain-level personnel were nearly ungovernable, immensely powerful individuals not easy to control.

“Oh, by the way, has there been any news about that Chen Qiaoyang guy? Have you managed to dig up his background or any relevant documents?” Yang Jian suddenly asked.

Shen Liang shook his head: “The Information and Records Departments are still trying, but it seems highly likely ‘Chen Qiaoyang’ is an alias. There’s no matching entry in the population database. Right now, facial recognition cross-referencing is our best shot, though its effectiveness is doubtful. I’ll have Liu Xiaoyu notify you if anything concrete turns up.”

Chen Qiaoyang had recently become a hot topic at Headquarters.

His sudden emergence and bold challenge to three Captains had made waves. Fortunately, he had lost and fled. Otherwise, the repercussions could have been global.

So Headquarters treated the matter with great gravity.

Yang Jian frowned. From the half-memory fragments he had stolen from Chen Qiaoyang, there was no information indicating the man’s real identity. Most of the memories he obtained were incomplete, offering some insights but far from a comprehensive picture.

“There were a lot of Ghost Tamers in the past. It’s no surprise more are surfacing recently. Tell Headquarters to keep a close eye on them—they’re extremely dangerous,” Yang Jian remarked.

“Understood. We’re already monitoring the situation closely,” Shen Liang replied.

Currently, the Captains were key to maintaining stability. If random individuals kept emerging and overpowering even the Captains, chaos would ensue, throwing everything into disarray.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by novlove.com