13 Mingke Street

Chapter 11: Demonic Beings?

"Dis!" "Hmm." The feeling of her heart about to jump out of her throat was not an exaggeration after all, because Karen was experiencing it now.

As he looked at this children's painting, he recognized the identity of the killer and couldn't help but exclaim in shock:"Murderer,"He didn't know when the killer had already stood at the door,And also answered:"Uh."With a soft sound, it exploded in Karen's ear like thunder.Karen, who was originally sitting on the spring bed, suddenly straightened her back and stood up immediately.At the same time,The notebook in her hand closed."Did you just call me?" Dias asked.

"I...yes, there's something."Dis nodded: "I also have something to discuss with you.""Well, what a coincidence, Grandfather.""Come to my study.""Okay, Grandfather."Dis turned and left.When Karen heard the sound of the study door opening, she immediately opened her notebook and tore out the page, crumpling it into a ball.Then she glanced at the cup of milk and water on the desk, but ultimately decided to stuff the paper ball into her pocket and gave up on swallowing it.After leaving the bedroom, Karen entered Dis's study.Dis's study was no different from a regular one, without any special luxury or unique features, and the central chandelier was lit.

But Karen remembered that night in the study, Di was the one who lit the candles.Di was sitting behind the desk, and Karen pulled a chair over and sat down naturally, or at least it looked natural.At the moment, Karen could only put the matter of the painting aside in his mind;First of all, he didn't have any feelings for his "parents", in fact, in Karen's memory, his impression of his parents was almost blurred, so whether the death of "Karen's" parents was really done by Di as depicted in the painting, it didn't involve a fundamental problem for himself.Moreover, what he needs to do now is to save his own life."Who should speak first, you or me?" Di asked."You go first, Grandfather.""Your uncle told me about today's events, and also about the new position he wants to arrange for you in the company.Now, you have become so cheerful, and you can even help others relieve their inner sorrows?"Karen replied, "It's precisely because I have suffered from inner sorrows for a long time that I understand how to listen and learn to relieve them."

"Would you like to do these things?""I would.""Why?""Because I am a part of the Inmores family. If I have the ability, I would like to help not only the family's company, but also the people in the family, my...family members.""There is currently a vacant deacon position at Mingke Street Church. If you want to help and guide others, this position would be more suitable.""I don't want to be a deacon at the church.""Oh, why?""I want to do things from my own perspective, not...using God's name.""Isn't it the same?""It's very different."

"What's different?""I think the relationship between family members is innate, not a gift from God. Family members don't need God to smooth things over.""Go on.""Uncle Mason needs money, Aunt Mary also needs money, and Aunt Winnie actually needs money after her divorce.""We're not lacking money at home.""But we're still not wealthy enough.""I don't really want my children's lives to revolve around making money, because money can never be earned enough. There are more meaningful things in life.""But most meaningful things are hard to achieve without enough money."Dis fell silent and Karen didn't speak anymore.After a long time,

Dis broke the silence and asked, "Do you really like money?""Grandfather, as I mentioned earlier, Uncle, Aunt, Aunt-in-law, and even Mina, Rent, and Chris who are still growing up, they all need money. What my family needs is what I strive for."Dis reached for the teacup on the table.Karen stood up and picked up the hot water bottle under the corner of the desk, "Grandfather, do you need to change the tea leaves?"Dis shook his head.Karen poured hot water, put down the water bottle, and sat back down."Do you think you can earn enough money with this? I know you made 20,000 lupees today. I'm also curious, why would that gentleman be willing to pay such a high price?""Because he knows the value.""That's the problem, people who know the value are always a minority, and those who not only know the value but also have the money and are willing to spend it generously are even rarer."

"I will think of other ways, I believe I can do it.""Okay." Dis took a sip of tea. "Now, tell me your matter.""Grandfather, I want to resume my studies.""Oh? You want to continue going to school?""Yes, grandfather.""You just said you wanted to do things for the family, to earn money for the family.""I don't need to go to school every day. I can help the family and study on my own, but I need your help with the school registration.""Do you still plan on going to college?""I have that plan.""Which university do you plan on applying to?"

"St. John's University in Wien, I heard it is an excellent university in the world.""Yes, that is widely recognized, but do you think you can go there for college?""I believe as long as I study hard and keep striving...""No, no, no."Di interrupted Karen,"You misunderstood my meaning.""What do you mean, Grandpa?""I am old, and when people get old, they like stability, they like to see their children around them."Karen was stunned;In his original plan,

He went to another country to study at university, it is a good way to handle the relationship for both sides.You know I am not your grandson anymore,You also know that I know you know I am not your grandson anymore,I left Luo Jia City and Rui Lan Country for a legitimate reason;In my perception, I finally left this family, I... am free.In your perception, your grandson is still alive, living far away, he is still studying, distance can create beauty and fantasy;Isn't this good for both sides?Di Si took another sip of tea and said, "I am worried about you going far away.""But grandfather... I am already grown up, according to the customs of Luo Jia City, I am already fifteen and considered an adult.""In my eyes, you are still just a child, unless..."

"Unless what?""Unless... I die."Before I die, you cannot leave this home.Of course, you can choose to run away from home, but you can try.Karen slightly opened her mouth, took a breath, and then her facial expression changed from a slight stiffness to a warm one. She stood up, smiled and said:"In fact, I also can't bear to leave Grandpa. Being able to stay by his side has always been the greatest happiness for me."Dis nodded, then looked at the door of the study, indicating that the conversation was over and you could leave.Karen turned around,The warm smile disappeared, leaving only a serious expression on her face.As Karen walked to the door of the study, Dis's voice came from behind:

"By the way."Karen turned around immediately, smiling again and asked, "Grandfather, is there anything else you need?""The hospital called to say that he has woken up. I have something at the church tomorrow, can you go visit Mr. Hofen for me?""Of course, grandfather. Thank goodness, thank God, Mr. Hofen is finally okay.""Yes, you should rest early.""You too, grandfather."...Karen returned to the bedroom, where Lunt was already in bed, ready to sleep. Seeing Karen come back, he immediately sat up and reminded her, "Brother, Mom asked me to remind you to eat your supper.""Okay, I know."

Karen saw under the milk cup, there were 300 luobis pressing down.Close your eyes,Open them again,Karen opened the drawer and took out 1000 luobis along with the 300, and walked to Lunte."Brother... I can't take your money.""Put out your hand.""Brother...""Put it out!"Lunte put out his hand;Karen put 1300 luobis in Lunte's hand, then lowered her head and brought her face close to Lunte's, saying word by word:

"Do not disobey."Lunt pursed his lips and finally nodded.Karen straightened up, suddenly realizing that it was inappropriate for her to project her emotions from her encounter with Dis onto Lunt. She reached out and gently patted Lunt's head, trying to calm him down."Big brother will make money, you don't need to worry about your allowance. Just don't let your mother know, and don't spend it recklessly.""Yes, Lunt understands. Lunt will listen to big brother.""You can go to sleep now.""Goodnight, big brother.""Goodnight."

Karen sat back at his desk, the desk lamp was on.He took out the crumpled piece of paper from his pocket again, wanting to unfold it again, but after unfolding half of it, he crumpled it back into a ball.He picked up the milk and drank it all in one go;Then he threw the paper ball into the water glass, picked up a spoon and stirred the paper in the glass until it was completely dissolved.After doing all this,Karen rested his head on his hand, and his grandfather's words came to mind:"I don't trust you to go far away... unless I die."Then,When will you go..."Sigh."

Karen picked up the bread on the table with some helplessness and took a big bite. This curse, she couldn't say it out loud. Although Dies had wanted to kill her, well, he probably still did, but he hadn't killed her yet. Before he killed her, she couldn't bring herself to complain about using his things, eating his food, drinking his drinks, and living in his house. What else could she do? Karen spread her hands and said, "I wish Grandpa a long life." If Dies didn't let her leave, then she could only hope that he would live a long life. Because there could be another meaning behind Dies' words; just like Ron had said, he wanted to spend his last coin before he died. In case one day Dies suddenly felt unwell and knew that his time was limited, then before he left...

Karen licked her lips and said self-deprecatingly, "I guess he will take me away too." ...Study room. The black cat Puer walked on the desk with its steps. "Always talking about making money for the family, never leaving the family, how heartwarming, how touching. Dis, have you been deceived by him? He just wants to use his so-called family identity, he just wants to rely on this so-called affection to control you. He only said these things to save his own life! How, Dis,

"Do you believe what he said is true?Or are you deceiving yourself?"Dis sat there, not saying a word.Puer continued to pace back and forth on the desk with the grace of a cat:"Look, look, is this still our judge, Lord Dis?Our Lord Dis, it seems, has truly grown old and has started to prioritize family over his duties.Dis,Have you forgotten how you killed your son and daughter-in-law all those years ago?Why now, are you forgetting your own responsibilities?"

Facing a grandson,But you can't bring yourself to do it?And you,Not just this one grandson!"Di Si's gaze finally fell on Pu'er.Under this gaze, Pu'er took a few small steps back.At this moment,Di Si spoke:"Order...cage."Black lines emanated from Di Si's body, and in an instant, they enveloped the area where the desk was located, creating a sense of isolation.

"Dis, what are you doing? Don't act impulsively, I'm trying to wake you up, to warn you, to help you!" Dis's hand landed directly on Puer's back and pressed down. "Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!!!!!" Puer let out a series of screams. Then, the screams turned into meows: "Meow!!!!!" Looking at Puer, who was enduring torture under his palm, Dis said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."

Dis still had no expression on his face,Just asked lightly:"Are you teaching me how to do things?"...There was no business at home today, Mina, Lunt, and Chris all went to school.After Karen finished breakfast prepared by Aunt Winnie, she went downstairs and saw Paul and Ron chatting in the flower bed."Good morning, Master Karen.""Good morning, Master."Ron was particularly enthusiastic because of the 500 lu coins from yesterday.Karen asked Paul, "Do we need to take the car out later?"

Paul shook his head, "I haven't received a phone call yet."Ron said, "I think today should be a pleasant and relaxed day. Mr. Mason and Mrs. Mary are still not awake."Uncle and aunt took advantage of the lack of business at home and slept in."Paul, can you drive me to the hospital? I want to visit Mr. Hofen on behalf of Grandpa.""Of course, young master."The Inmores family car is not very convenient for private use in other places, but it is justified to go to places like hospitals.Back in the car that suffered no matter life or death, Karen sat down on the cushion and sighed, "Actually, we can get a new hearse."After all, this one is modified, with a groove in the middle for the coffin, fixed seats and armrests on both sides, and more spacious space."Mr. Mason has wanted to change it for a long time, but Mrs. Winnie disagrees."

Paul started the car and the hearse began to drive on Mingke Street."Paul, turn there and go through the row of houses in front.""Okay, sir."However, just as Paul turned onto that road, Karen changed her mind again: "Forget it, Paul, let's just turn back and go straight to the hospital without taking a detour.""Okay, sir." Paul was not impatient at all. His temper was indeed much better than Ron's. Of course, if you give Ron a tip, he will immediately become extremely enthusiastic.Karen originally wanted to pass by her uncle's first love's house and take a look at the window on the second floor, but she changed her mind. After all, her grandfather was not in the car, so it was safer to give up this idea.After about ten minutes, Paul drove the car into the hospital parking lot."Sir, I'll wait for you here.""Okay."Karen got out of the car and walked towards the hospital building.

As I walked up the stairs, I realized that I had come to visit a patient, but I didn't even bring any fruit. Should I go out and buy some fruit or a bouquet of flowers and come back? After hesitating for a moment, Karen decided it was too much trouble and gave up. "Hello, may I ask which room Mr. Hofen is in?" "Mr. Hofen? Please wait, let me check for you." "Thank you." "You're welcome." The young nurse at the front desk was flipping through the patient roster for that area, and as she searched, she looked up and sized up Karen with a slight smile on her lips. Karen politely continued to smile and patiently waited.

Since inheriting this handsome appearance, one can only bear the troubles that come with it, sigh.For example, this young nurse deliberately took her time to examine herself just to have a longer look.Finally,"Found him, Mr. Hofen is in room 301, bed number 2.""Thank you.""Do you need me to take you there?""No, thank you."Karen walked up the stairs and arrived at the third floor, room 301 was right at the top of the stairs.Pushing open the door to the ward, there were two beds inside. Mr. Hofen was lying on one of the beds, while a middle-aged woman in a nurse's uniform was sleeping soundly on the other bed, snoring softly. She didn't even notice Karen entering.The nurse was slacking off,

Karen stepped forward to wake her up,But at this time,Mr. Hofen's voice came:"She works three jobs, she's too tired, let her sleep a little longer."Karen turned around and looked at Mr. Hofen lying on the hospital bed, his head was bandaged. Before Karen came in, he should have been reading the newspaper, it seems that he has recovered well."I knew you were awake, so I came to visit you immediately."Karen, who came empty-handed, sat down by the hospital bed.Mr. Hofen's mouth curled into a cold smile and said, "I didn't die from the fall, you must be disappointed."Karen shook her head and said bluntly, "If I wanted to, you probably wouldn't have made it to the hospital alive."Mr. Hofen furrowed his brow slightly and asked in confusion, "What, you're not even acting now?"

"What do you need to perform? I am Karen, it's just that the previous illness caused some big changes in me. After all, I almost died from the illness, so it's normal for my personality to change. Isn't it?""I am curious, why did Diess let you continue living?""I am my grandfather's grandson, your words are not very interesting.""Do you not know what you really are?""I have already said, I am Karen."Mr. Houghen raised his neck and revealed the cross necklace inside:"Take it off.""Okay."Karen reached out and took off the cross necklace from Mr. Houghen's neck.Mr. Houghen stared at Karen.

*："I'm here to tell you what you really are.""As expected of a philosophy professor, I would also be happy to discuss philosophy with you.""Grab it!""What?""Use your hand to grab the cross!"Karen looked at the cross necklace in her hand, which she had just taken from Mr. Hofen's neck, and didn't move."What, are you afraid?""No.""Then grab it, once you grab it, you will understand what you really are."

"Mr. Hofin, divination should only be treated as a hobby, it's really not suitable to become too obsessed, otherwise it will affect your life in reality.""If you are that thing, when you actively grab it, your soul will also be destroyed.""Are you telling a story?""Yes, then you grab it and help me continue the story."Karen hesitated."What are you hesitating about? Just grab it, how come, are you even deceiving yourself? Hahaha, I don't know why Dis still lets you live, maybe he's also getting old, too old..."Mr. Hofin's eyes suddenly widened,because he saw Karen sitting right in front of him, holding the cross in her left hand.One second,Three seconds,

Ten seconds;Half a minute;After holding onto the cross, Karen didn't move at all.Mr. Hofen supported himself with both hands on the bed, struggling to get up. But at this moment, Karen suddenly pressed forward and let out a sound, "Huh!""Oh..."Mr. Hofen was so scared that he lost his balance and fell back onto the bed, but his eyes were still fixed on Karen, unable to believe it.Karen threw the cross necklace next to Mr. Hofen's pillow, opened her arms, and circled around, saying, "They say the soul will be destroyed, but look at me, I'm fine.""It's impossible, this can't be!" Mr. Hofen began to mutter to himself incessantly.

"Rest well, I will come back to visit you in a while. Hopefully, things will be back to normal by then." Karen pointed to her forehead and continued, "Goodbye, Mr. Hofen."After saying that, Karen left the hospital room."His soul was not destroyed by the purifying tool. Could it be that I was wrong? Is he really not a demon?"...As she walked down the stairs, the nurse at the front desk smiled sweetly at Karen, who returned the smile.Leaving the hospital building,Walking down the steps,Karen didn't go directly to the parking lot to find Paul,

But instead, he came to a corner of the hospital garden,Squatted down,Covered his mouth with his right hand,And swung his left arm wildly,"F*ck...it hurts so much!"After a series of swings,Karen finally stopped,And placed his left hand in front of him, slowly opening his palm.In the palm of his left hand, there was a "cross" shaped burn scar, but the wound seemed to have been cauterized, so there was no blood flowing out.Looking at this burn mark,

Karen fell into deep thought,For a long time,She asked herself:"So...what exactly am I?"