13 Mingke Street

Chapter 25 The Call from the Morgue

"Once you are discharged and back home, take good care of your injuries. Let's find a time to sit down and have a good chat. I will tell you everything you want to know.""Okay, Grandpa."Karen didn't refuse. At this point, there was no need to refuse or be afraid anymore.If she hadn't seen Mr. Mosang's dance,If she hadn't seen Mrs. Xiusi possessed by a demon,If she hadn't seen Alfred and Mrs. Molly standing in front of her,

If I hadn't been stabbed by Grandpa himself,everything could continue with unspoken understanding, letting the gears of life continue to run smoothly.But at this point, it's obviously inappropriate to continue deceiving oneself;Covering the ears,Covering the eyes,Pretending that everything is still peaceful,It's as foolish as when Sheriff Duke called himself to say he had found out who the real culprit was, but didn't say it on the phone, and invited himself to meet somewhere, only to find that Sheriff Duke had been killed by the killer in advance when he arrived at that place.It's simply...insulting one's intelligence."Take good care of yourself, don't worry about things at home." Dis said."Okay, Grandpa."

Dis turned around and left the ward;Pu'er planned to leave with him, but as he was about to crawl out through the c***k in the door, he was kicked back by a heel."Bang!"Pu'er did a somersault and the ward door closed.Immediately,Pu'er looked up at Karen lying on the hospital bed,Karen couldn't be bothered with it and picked up the book "I Bound Your Heart" that the nurse had lent her, and continued reading.The story in the book was about a commoner girl who was loved by the prince of the Vayne royal family, broke through social barriers, and got married. After that, it was a series of stories about the girl facing the royal family and high society.The plot of the story seemed a bit cliché to Karen, but she was able to learn a lot about the social hierarchy of Vayne from it.Ruilan was, to a certain extent, like a vassal state of Vayne, or a "protected state". Not only were they closely tied economically, but culturally, they also inherited many aspects from Vayne.

In the eyes of the elite at Rui Lan, Wayne is the true stage they long for.Pu'er jumped onto the accompanying armchair and curled up, as if falling asleep.When the feeling of fatigue came, Karen also put down her book and turned off the light.Go to sleep....The second half of the night;Another hospital;Ward;Mr. Hofen, who was originally sleeping, slowly opened his eyes and saw a familiar figure by his bedside.The nurse on the next bed was still sleeping soundly and did not notice the visitor.

"I stabbed him with a knife," Dis said.Mr. Houghen laughed,saying:"He definitely didn't die.""Yes.""If you had killed him, knowing your character, you would only say that he died, without telling me what you used or did.""I couldn't do it," Dis said."Dis, I helped you prepare for the ritual of summoning the god, and we both know how high its standards are.We failed,because what we summoned back was not the true soul of Karen."

He is not Karen,Since the first time I saw him, I have been convinced!" "I know." "He is not your grandson anymore, Dis, you should wake up a bit. I have cancer and don't have much time left, that's why I'm willing to help you, old friend. I know how much your family means to you. But with such a high-level ritual, if the soul summoned back is not Karen's, then he is likely an evil god! He may still be weak now, as he has just descended and needs some time to recover. But you should understand,

"A demonic god, once he is revived, will cause such terrible chaos!You should kill him, Dis.""I can't.""Why?""Because he...calls me grandfather.""Dis, do you know how much disaster your mercy will bring to others in the future?"Dis fell silent,Then,Dis laughed,Saying:

"Outside, no one calls me grandpa."...When Karen woke up, it was already bright outside.Karen pressed the bell and soon, Nurse Meina walked in, smiling and asking, "Karen, is that book interesting?""It's a very interesting story.""I thought only us girls like to read this kind of story.""Boys like it too, because it helps them understand girls better.""You're really funny."Meina helped Karen up and put on his clothes. With her support, Karen went to the private bathroom in his hospital room to wash up. After he finished, she served him breakfast.Breakfast was corn porridge with a few types of fruit.

Karen didn't really like this combination of fruit and meal together, even if it might be healthy and nutritious."Can I support you for a walk?""Can I?" Karen asked.He wasn't asking if this was within Mina's service range, but if his injury allowed it."Yes, the doctor said the main reason for your coma was excessive blood loss..."Mina reached out and touched Karen's chest,Well,Although the wound was on the other side,"Proper exercise can help you recover faster.""Thank you."

With Mina's company, Karen walked out of the ward. Conveniently, the ward was on the first floor.Outside, breathing in the fresh air and basking in the sunlight, one can only realize the importance of health at this moment. Of course, soon after, they will be back in the cycle of neglecting their health."How old are you?" Karen asked Tina."Seventeen, just graduated from the medical school. I know you're fifteen, I'm older than you."In Rulai, fifteen is the "age of adulthood". Generally, if you are over fifteen and not continuing your studies, you can start working. Some children from poor families may start working even earlier.Although there are laws in Rulai that strictly prohibit child labor, the factory owners do not hire child labor, but rather disposable machine parts.In short, since waking up, Karen has come to understand that this is a society with a large gap between the rich and the poor.The gap is not only between the Inmores family and the Adams family, but also between the truly lower class who struggle every day, and may even have difficulty providing for their families.Karen used to measure income by the average monthly salary of a regular worker, which is 2000 Lu coins, based on the income of workers in large factories. In fact, many workers in small workshops earn less than 40 Lu coins a day, and even lower for migrant workers.This class is actually quite large, but Karen cannot come into contact with them because the clients of the Inmores family are at least middle class, and even if they are on the welfare list that Aunt Mary always complains about, they must first have a clear and accurate household registration in this city.

"I know your family," Mina said."Oh?""In Memorales, my aunt's funeral was held at your house, but I didn't see you that day.""That's unfortunate, I missed it.""You're quite interesting, I don't even have a boyfriend yet."Karen blinked, realizing that Mina had misunderstood her.After walking for a while, Karen felt sweat on her forehead. Mina helped him sit on a bench and took out a handkerchief to carefully wipe the sweat off his face.Her every smile and frown was deliberately performed.This is not a derogatory term, both men and women, when they meet someone they like, they will deliberately show their better side."What do you like to do in your free time?" Mina asked.

"Likes to help with household chores, such as wiping my aunt's body.""..." Mina.At this moment, Karen saw three familiar figures ahead.Uncle Mason, Paul, and Ron.Uncle Mason walked in front with his hands in his pockets;Paul and Ron each carried a stretcher."Uncle!"Karen called out."Oh, Karen." Uncle Mason smiled and walked over, "I was planning to visit you in your hospital room.""Master Karen."

"Master looks like he has recovered well.""Who is this uncle?""Oh, when I came to the hospital to see you the day before yesterday, you were still unconscious, so I had afternoon tea with the director of the hospital's inpatient department, so I came today."Uncle Mason gave Karen a knowing look.Karen smiled and nodded."I'll go first, I'll come back to see you in the afternoon.""Okay, uncle."It must be more important business. This hospital is in Murdoch District, quite far from Mingke Street. It used to be outside the influence of the Inmoleis family's "business power", so taking advantage of this opportunity also expands the family's business influence.But this guest definitely needs to hurry back home, otherwise the local funeral home might come to snatch the "guest"."Is he your uncle?" Mina asked.

"Yes.""Your family members are all very handsome.""Thank you."This is not just flattery from Mina. Although Uncle is getting older and may not be able to compare with young men in terms of physique, even now, Uncle's image is still "refined" and more fitting for a man of his age to be called "handsome."From a middle-class housewife to doing makeup for corpses, Aunt Mary still stands by Uncle, which is definitely because of love, but love needs to be put into action;If life is not going well, at least you have to look good, otherwise what's the point?"Of course, you are also very handsome." Mina said."Thank you."Karen has become immune to this kind of "praise", which is equivalent to saying that the weather is good today."Can I ask you a personal question?" Mina asked.

"Of course, it's possible.""What is your monthly expenses?""It's enough, but I'm not sure of the exact amount." Karen remembered that she had officially become a member of the family and could enjoy dividends, so she didn't know how much her monthly income was."I only have 1,200 lu coins per month." Mina said, "It's barely enough to cover my expenses, and I don't have much left.""Is it that low?""The benefits are better, and the salary increases with seniority." Mina explained, "But I don't really like being a nurse. I enjoy taking care of you, but sometimes I have to deal with grumpy old ladies and old men who like to take advantage.""Dealing with patients who can breathe is always troublesome.""Yes." Mina rolled her eyes, "Hmm..."In fact, this girl is quite interesting. Karen doesn't dislike her. She is very frank and sincere.Even if she removes her appearance factor, the background of the Inmoleis family gives her confidence in the blind date market. The negative impact of the funeral society is not worth mentioning in front of the lu coins.

"However, Karen has no plans to get married and have children here. One reason is that he feels he is still young, and secondly, he still has bigger problems to deal with."Let's go back, I want to lie down for a while.""Okay, I'll help you up."With Maena's support, Karen returned to the hospital building. When they reached the door of the ward, the head nurse shouted towards them:"Maena, come here for a moment and quickly take this blood plasma to the operating room. They are short on staff over there.""You go, I can go back and lie down." Karen said."Okay."Karen stood at the door of the ward and took a deep breath;For some reason, he always felt that the smell of disinfectant in the ward was much stronger than outside.However,

As Karen stepped into the ward, she suddenly heard a rustling sound in her ear:"My money...my money...my money...my money..."Karen stood still.This feeling reminded him of the sobbing of Mr. Mosang in the basement at home."My money...my money...my money..."The voice continued.Karen ignored it, entered the ward, lay back on the bed, picked up the novel, and prepared to continue reading."Meow..."Puer jumped onto the bed and looked at him.

"My money...my money...my money..."The damn voice, inexplicably getting louder, as if an old lady was lying under her bed and constantly nagging at her.Karen put down her book and covered her ears with both hands.The voice continued;This voice was not something she could "hear"."Meow..."Puerh meowed again.Karen reached out and grabbed Puerh in front of her, with its belly facing her.The previously aloof Puerh suddenly became uncomfortable and even a little shy in this position."What are you up to?"

Pu'er shook his head and at the same time, his tail covered his stomach."It must be you who did it.""Meow!"Pu'er shook his head again, indicating a denial."Then what's going on in my ear?""Meow, meow, meow, meow."Karen nodded thoughtfully and responded:"Meow meow meow, meow."...Pu'er looked confused."Can't you really speak?" Karen asked.

"Meow.""Miss Molly can talk, why can't you?""Meow."Karen didn't believe it. In fact, he could understand Mrs. Shius's transformation within his acceptance range, but Miss Molly had brought him too much shock. In the face of this shock, Pu'er, who had always had anthropomorphic expressions, couldn't speak human language, which seemed a bit unreasonable."You can't even talk. When I get out of the hospital, I'll find a male cat to mate with you.""Meow...""I swear in the name of the God of Order."The God of Order was something Karen had learned and used, and he had learned it from Piajie. However, Karen remembered that on that night, Alfred referred to Dis as:Is this judge of the Order God's follower?So that was Dis's position.

Sure, here is the translation:Sure enough,Upon hearing Karen swear in the name of "God of Order", Puer was completely panicked.Karen was a firm materialist in his heart. Materialists never resist or deny the existence of the supernatural. If a supernatural existence appears before them, they will go to re-cognize, study and define it, and bring it into the realm of materialistic objectivity.In simpler terms, Karen was not at all feudal, let alone superstitious.But Puer was clear that if Dias found out that his grandson had sworn in the name of "God of Order", Dias might actually fulfill this oath for his grandson and find a male cat for her."It's not my doing."A crisp female voice;With a touch of a mature woman's tone;Hmm,It sounds pretty good.

Karen stared at Pu'er,Pu'er also looked at Karen.Karen let go of her hand, and Pu'er pressed her stomach against the blanket."So you can really talk.""You are shameless, the most shameless and despicable human I have ever seen. I have never heard of a human using chastity to threaten a cat!""I have also never heard of a cat caring about its chastity.""They do care, it's just that humans don't care about the feelings of cats!""Okay, okay."Karen closed her eyes, digested for a moment, and then opened her eyes again to look at Pu'er, asking:"So, what's the deal with the voice in my ear?"

"This is also something I am very curious about. You haven't undergone purification yet, so why can you hear that voice?""Purification?" Karen caught onto the word. "Like receiving baptism?""That's a lie, just a psychological comfort.""Oh?""True purification means using the aura of a holy object to cleanse and enhance your senses, allowing you to see things that ordinary people can't see. Of course, there are many ways to purify and using a holy object from the church is the safest and most reliable method.""If an ordinary person comes into contact with a demon and doesn't die, there is a chance they will undergo purification, but there is also a chance they will become mentally ill.""I can hear it now, 'my money, my money.'""I can hear it too.""Who is shouting?"

"The basement of the hospital is the morgue, and your ward is just above it, separated by a layer of cement. Some strong-willed corpses can emit a similar call.""Is it a demon?""It has nothing to do with demons. Demons refer to supernatural beings with basic intelligence, like the Miss Molly you just mentioned. She belongs to the category of demons. As for Alfred who was standing next to you that night, he can be considered a powerful demon, able to negotiate with regional judges or other lower-level leaders of the church to reach a peaceful agreement.""You still haven't answered my previous question. Why can I hear it?""I don't know!""Could it be related to the previous Karen?""You finally admit it, you're not the real Karen!"Puer raised his tail, with an expression of "you finally slipped up"."Yes, I'm not Karen. Go tell Dies."Upon hearing this, Puer helplessly crawled back down and complained, "Dies cares too much about family. It's a tradition of the Inmoleis family, and their family motto is: family comes first."

"It seems like you haven't stopped betraying me." Karen continued to ask, "Let me ask you, is it related to the original Karen?""The original Karen?" Pu'er scratched his paw nonchalantly, "The original Karen was just a withdrawn idiot.""I believe you haven't said this to Dias before.""That's right." Pu'er laughed, "After all, the i***t is also his family."Pu'er stood up, with his front paws in front and his hind paws in the back, stretched out a big lazy yawn and said:"Since the death of 'Karen's' parents, Dias never intended to let the family continue on the old path of purification, so the original 'Karen' was just an ordinary person, and he never had any abnormal reactions.All the abnormalities started after you woke up.But actually, you don't need to feel confused. Although you haven't experienced purification, your existence...in my eyes, is a demon.I still believe that your innocence is just an act, but Dias falls for it.Deep down in your soul, there must be violence and cruelty hidden, am I right?"

"Meow!"Karen grabbed Puer's tail and turned it in a different direction."Now I want to ask you, how can I turn off or...block this damn sound?""Just close off your perception in that area, it's simple.""How exactly?""Close your eyes, first capture that sound, make it clearer in your mind, then follow that sound and feel your way through...""I've decided that on the day I'm discharged, I'll have Lunte buy three of the most aggressive male cats from the pet market, and then lock all four of you in the bathroom.""Oh, you're such an animal.""Give me a solution.""There's no solution, you haven't gone through purification, so what you 'hear' and 'see' is all based on instinct. You don't know how to manage or use your perception at all."

" It's like you've never even seen a car before, yet you expect me to teach you how to drive. Can you do it?But usually, if you endure for a while, she'll probably stop calling. She doesn't have the ability to call for long.""Like a cat in heat?""Oh, that damn racially charged and malicious metaphor."Karen put down her Pu'er tea,lay down and prepared to meditate."My money...my money...my money..."With her eyes closed, Karen said, "She's still calling."Pu'er, lying on Karen's stomach, said indifferently, "It's just that she's a little more persistent than a normal corpse, she should be running out of energy soon.""My money...my money..."

Karen could only continue to endure.Then,"Squeak...""I think I heard other noises." Karen said."Normal, normal." Puer waved his paw, "When will lunch arrive, you can order, just order me a small fried fish in advance.""Shh...shh...shh...""I think I hear the sound of shoes dragging on the ground.""That's the sound of nurses and patients walking outside." Puer said, "Also, order me a pudding.""Click...""The sound of the door opening..."

"The next door just opened."At Karen's ear, the voice continued:"Huh, Mrs. Lao, what are you doing here?""My money...my money fell...""If you have lost items, you should go to the front desk to register them. This is the morgue, how could something fall here?""My money...my money...""Mrs. Lao, which ward are you in? I'll take you back there.""My money...my money...""Okay, okay, I'll take your money. When we get back to the ward, I'll give it to you. You're a patient in the psychiatric ward, right? The psychiatric ward should be...""You took my money!!!"

"Ah ah ah ah!!!!!!"Karen suddenly opened her eyes and sat up."I still want a glass of goat milk... oh no, meow!"Pu'er was flipped under the bed and glared at Karen with a pout.Karen turned her head and looked at Pu'er under the bed, swallowed her saliva, and said, "She... she killed someone."