Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Apartment

In the moving carriage, upon hearing his sister’s question, Gregor immediately perked up and then revealed a well-prepared excuse.

“I’m currently working at a security company. You know, although my head isn’t particularly sharp, my fists are strong. Whether in the village or in the city, few dare to provoke me.

“Thanks to my fighting skills, I was noticed by a security company and now work for them, specifically as a bodyguard for wealthy people. You know, these people get richer and become more fearful of accidents, so they don’t hesitate to pay for safety.”

Gregor smiled at Dorothy, looking composed and speaking with ease. It was clear he had practiced this explanation for some time. Dorothy nodded in response.

“That’s quite impressive. If so many wealthy people trust you, your security company must be quite famous. What’s its name? Where is it located?”

“Ahh…the name…,” Gregor paused slightly, his eyes rolling before he remembered something and spoke.

“The company is called Heavy Fist Security. Yes, Igewent Heavy Fist Security Company. What do you think, Dorothy? Isn’t that quite impressive?”

‘It’s indeed impressive, but also quite rustic…’

While thinking, Dorothy’s lips curled up slightly. Meanwhile, Gregor quickly explained.

“Listen, Dorothy. The Heavy Fist Security Company where I work usually serves the wealthy. Due to confidentiality requirements, I can’t reveal much about the company.”

“I see. Then I won’t ask further. I was just curious.”

Listening to Gregor’s lie, Dorothy said, and thought to herself,

‘Phew…as a straightforward young man not far from being naive, it must be tough for you to work in such a secretive department…’

“But…I didn’t expect that fighting skills could lead to such success…that’s impressive. But isn’t this job a bit dangerous? Do you encounter many risky situations?”

Changing the topic, Dorothy stopped pressing Gregor and continued with a concerned tone.

“Haha, there are indeed some troublesome issues, but nothing I can’t handle. Don’t worry, Dorothy. Your brother excels in this field.”

Gregor responded with a laugh, and Dorothy nodded in agreement.

“Okay…although that’s true, you need to prioritize your own safety.”

“Don’t worry, I know my limits.”

…

The carriage carrying Dorothy and Gregor continued on, soon reaching their destination: a small apartment building.

This six-story building wasn’t very tall, with red brick walls and white window frames. Each floor had a small balcony, some with plants and others with laundry. In front of the ground floor, there was a flower bed filled with climbing plants that grew high up the red walls, adding a touch of green to the structure.

The apartment was situated on a quiet street with few passersby. The street had tall trees lining it, creating a peaceful environment suitable for living.

“It’s not bad, Nanyang Hualu is a good location. Walk north and you’ll reach Riverside Park, go further east and you’ll find the church. It’s convenient for both strolling and praying. However, it’s a bit far from the commercial area, sometimes making shopping difficult.”

Standing below the apartment building, Gregor proudly introduced it to Dorothy, who examined her surroundings with curiosity.

“How impressive! This kind of apartment isn’t for ordinary families. Is your salary enough, brother?”

“Of course. I’m even thinking of buying a standalone house when I save up enough money. Come on, let’s go up. Our home is on the fifth floor.”

Helping Dorothy carry her suitcase, Gregor entered the building through a stone path in the flower bed. Dorothy followed him all the way to the fifth floor, where they arrived at their suite. Once Gregor opened the door, Dorothy saw the spacious and bright living room.

Honestly, despite her modern perspective, the apartment Gregor rented exceeded Dorothy’s expectations. A large living room came with two bedrooms, a dedicated bathroom, kitchen, balcony, and laundry room. The interior furnishings were also quite nice, featuring a sofa, fireplace, and gramophone, with running water and gas.

The room had good lighting and ventilation. From the balcony, one could see the distant riverside park and the spire of the church, which was a stark contrast to the drafty wooden cabin she used to sleep in back in the village.

“What do you think? Not bad for an older brother, right?”

Looking at Dorothy’s glowing eyes, Gregor crossed his arms and said, while Dorothy nodded directly in response.

“Really…beyond my expectations. Thanks, brother…”

“Not at all. After all, we’re family, right? When I have more money, I’ll bring Aunt Hannah’s family over too!”

Gregor’s tone was full of ambition. Meanwhile, Dorothy scanned the surroundings and her gaze fell on the ashtray on the coffee table in the living room, filled with cigarette ashes.

“Are you smoking, Gregor?”

Dorothy asked curiously. Hearing this, Gregor’s expression changed, and he quickly replied.

“No, no, it’s just that sometimes when my colleagues visit, they smoke.”

“Is that so…”

“Haha, colleagues at the security company are often rough types, so they like tobacco. By the way, Dorothy, you must be tired from your journey. Rest up, and in a couple of days, I’ll take you to sign up at Wenhua Middle School. Although it’s past the start of term, I believe you should be able to join a class.”

“Mm, I’ll follow your plan.”

After putting away her luggage, Dorothy familiarized herself with the new home and then went out with Gregor to buy some essential items. They were busy until evening, then ate out before returning. Dorothy went to bed early, citing her travel fatigue.

Once in her room, Dorothy locked the door. Instead of undressing as she had mentioned, she opened her suitcase on the table.

Inside were several boxes, a booklet, and a bottle containing pale fingers.

At that moment, the captain of the Igewent An Yin Bureau’s search team was still in his nearby room, while Dorothy had taken out a pile of forbidden cult items.

Putting on a corpse puppet ring from one of the boxes, Dorothy opened another box containing the corpse of a large gecko.

This was one of the experimental animals Edric used for testing the corpse puppet ring. He kept various experimental corpses at home—some controllable, some not. Basically, anything of a certain size could be controlled, but insects couldn’t.

Following Edric’s experimental notes left at home, Dorothy selected several experimental corpses. Large ones were packed in boxes and shipped by truck, while smaller ones were brought in her handbag.

Under the control of the corpse puppet ring, the gecko twitched twice and started moving, crawling out of the box and along the table towards the window.

Controlled by Dorothy, the gecko climbed along the exterior wall of the apartment, heading from her window towards Gregor’s window.

“So, as a member of the An Yin Bureau, could you share any secrets about the mysterious world with me, brother?”

In the dimly lit room, Dorothy whispered softly as she carefully maneuvered her corpse puppet closer to Gregor’s window.