Volume One, Chapter 146: Hiring an Assassin

“What? Hiring someone to commit assault?” Xiao Rui’s voice cracked with fear, high-pitched and loud like a startled chicken.

Everyone in the private room heard him.

“Hiring someone to commit assault?” Captain Yu Long looked genuinely shocked. “Are you sure? Ghost hasn’t done anything to anyone. Who would hold such a grudge?”

Chi Xingwan said, “I’m only suggesting a possibility. If the culprit is just a hired hand, they wouldn’t necessarily have any personal hatred toward Ghost.”

Ghost looked bewildered. “But I don’t know who I might have offended. I really don’t think I’ve wronged anyone.”

“Exactly,” Captain Yu Long added, “Ghost’s personality makes it unlikely that he’s offended anyone. For years, his routine has been pretty straightforward—mostly at the club, then home, and competitions. How could he have made enemies?”

“But the fact remains that someone is trying to harm him, whether or not it’s by hiring a hitman,” Zhang Shaodan said.

Neither Ghost nor Captain Yu Long could deny that—it was the plain truth.

Ghost looked earnestly at Chi Xingwan. “Could you help me find the culprit?”

After the last incident with the miraculous plasters, he already suspected that Xiao Rui’s relative was no ordinary person. Those plasters were beyond the reach of current technology.

“This can’t continue—not only am I in danger, but those around me are at risk too.”

Xiao Rui chimed in, “Sis, is there a way? Who knows what the culprit’s real goal is? What if it’s not just Ghost, but all esports players? Since Ghost is top on the popularity chart, he’s the first target.”

Xiao Rui’s idea was terrifying yet logical, instantly making Zhang Shaodan tense.

Everyone anxiously looked at Chi Xingwan.

“Then let’s go find them,” Chi Xingwan said.

Though the culprit left no emotional trace, there was a scent. Chi Xingwan led the group to a hotel.

Xiao Rui looked up and couldn’t help but marvel, “I never thought a place like this existed in Yanjing City. It’s hidden so well—I didn’t even realize this was a hotel.”

The hotel sign was so small it was easy to overlook. They entered, and the receptionist sighed weakly, “How many rooms?”

“No ID needed?” Zhang Shaodan asked.

The receptionist then said, “Yes, you need to show your IDs.”

They presented their IDs; the receptionist glanced over and said, “Alright, how many rooms?”

Chi Xingwan replied, “Sorry, we’re not staying.”

The receptionist clicked her tongue. “If you’re not staying, then get out quickly. Don’t waste my breath.”

Chi Xingwan snapped her fingers and said to the people behind her, “The culprit lives upstairs. Let’s go find them.”

Xiao Rui and Zhang Shaodan hurried after her. Ghost and Captain Yu Long looked confused and caught up, asking, “Why did the receptionist let us upstairs?”

“In her eyes, we’d already left the building,” Chi Xingwan said, unwilling to explain further.

Ghost and Captain Yu Long exchanged glances, dared not ask more, and silently followed.

They reached the third floor, in front of room 308. Chi Xingwan politely knocked.

A deep voice came from inside: “Who is it?”

Chi Xingwan said, “Your employer. You failed today.”

After a moment, the voice replied, “Today was an accident. Don’t worry, I took the money and will get the job done. If not today, then tomorrow.”

Everyone outside except Chi Xingwan couldn’t hide their fear. Xiao Rui even covered his rapidly beating heart.

Chi Xingwan calmly said, “Open the door.”

Captain Yu Long whispered, “He definitely won’t open.”

But the next second, the sound of a lock turning came, and the door was opened.

The moment they saw him, Captain Yu Long and Ghost panicked, hastily pulling the others back. “It’s him! Everyone step back quickly—watch out for an attack.”

“No worries,” Chi Xingwan said, “We’re here to talk.”

Surprisingly, the assailant made way for them to enter.

Xiao Rui, arm around both Captain Yu Long and Ghost, flaunted, “See that? That’s my sister’s power. Scared yet?”

Captain Yu Long brushed his hand away. “That’s not your skill. Why are you showing off?”

Once inside, Chi Xingwan began questioning, “Name and occupation.”

The assailant’s expression was blank. “Xu Zhida, nickname Black Tiger, mercenary.”

“Mercenary?” Zhang Shaodan was shocked. “Do we even have that profession here?”

Black Tiger said, “I mostly operate abroad. I only return when I accept a mission.”

“What’s your mission?” Zhang Shaodan asked urgently.

“To stab an esports player called Ghost, so he can no longer continue his career,” Black Tiger answered truthfully.

Everyone looked at Ghost, whose face had gone pale and lost.

“Only Ghost? No one else?” Zhang Shaodan confirmed.

Black Tiger shook his head. “Only Ghost. The employer didn’t request anyone else.”

“Who is it?” Ghost’s face drained of color as he struggled to suppress his fear, but his voice trembled uncontrollably. “Who hired you to kill me?”

“Not to kill, just to injure,” Black Tiger said. “I don’t know the employer’s identity. That’s our rule—we don’t learn what we shouldn’t.”

Chi Xingwan asked further, “Were you the one who attacked Ghost in the backstage restroom at the All-Star tournament?”

“Yes,” Black Tiger said. “But the employer said Ghost’s hand had healed. That mission failed. I’ll make another attempt.”

He looked conflicted. “Why did I fail? I clearly stabbed his arm. He should have lasting damage and be unable to continue as a player. Never mind. It doesn’t matter. Next time, I’ll succeed.”

Zhang Shaodan turned to Ghost. “The employer’s goal is to stop you from continuing as an esports player. Do you suspect anyone?”

Ghost frowned and shook his head.

Xiao Rui suddenly interrupted, “First, I want to state clearly that no one from our Saint Light team did this.”

Captain Yu Long grew calmer and began analyzing. “I don’t think it’s a rival team. Otherwise, they wouldn’t just target Ghost alone. The rest of us should be targets too.”

If the goal was to weaken Yu Long’s team, focusing on only one player was illogical. After all, a team has more than one key player.

Xiao Rui added, “Right. If they wanted to target Yu Long, it would be more cost-effective to go after you, the captain.”

Captain Yu Long shuddered and gave Xiao Rui a complicated look. “Though your words are harsh, I have to admit they make sense.”

Chi Xingwan looked at Ghost. “So, it’s not about the team—it’s a personal issue. Are you absolutely sure you don’t remember offending anyone?”

Ghost pursed his lips, hesitating. “I thought of someone, but I don’t think it’s him.”