Several vampire-related commissions popped up on the Vanguard app, and Xueji immediately tried to grab one. But with her hand speed, she only managed to snag one out of ten. It just goes to show—the Vanguards are full of hidden experts.
‘Seriously, how are there so many Vanguards in one area? Are they picking up side gigs while on missions?!’
【Mission: Investigate and eliminate the hidden vampire in Oasis Garden Residential Complex】
【Reward: 500 Contribution Points, 500,000 RMB】
Client: He Qiang, a resident of the complex
Client’s Address: Unit 3, Room 2003
This wasn’t an official commission. Instead, it was a request from a civilian, submitted through the Vanguard Department’s undercover paranormal website.
During the half-month Xueji was away, the Vanguards had launched a public assistance website. Now, any civilian in need could request Vanguard intervention in supernatural incidents through the site. After investigation and screening, these requests would be posted as commissions for the Vanguards.
China’s territory is vast, and with the Vanguards and the Special Powers Unit not yet expanded, personnel were stretched thin. To handle the increasing number of dangerous incidents, the commission system was adopted.
“Finally, things are starting to feel like a spirit revival. Ling Xiaoxia’s antics were driving me insane,” Xueji remarked as she changed into her black combat suit. Once ready, she set out with Chaya.
At Chaya’s own insistence, she had also joined the Vanguards, with Xueji acting as her guardian.
Under the faint moonlight, the silver-haired girl and the little beast-eared girl carrying a long sword pulled up their hoods and melted into the night.
Along the way, Xueji subtly sensed changes in City A. Many plainclothes officers from the Special Powers Unit had been deployed throughout the city. Their disguises were impeccable—if not for Xueji’s habit of using her spiritual vision, she would never have noticed the true identities of these street vendors and sanitation workers.
Chaya’s attention was caught by a roadside barbecue stall. As they passed, she couldn’t help but swallow hard, though she quickly turned away, pretending not to care.
“Smells good, doesn’t it?” Xueji asked her.
“Mmm… it’s alright. I’m not really craving it.”
“After we finish this commission, let’s come back for barbecue,” Xueji said, seeing right through her.
Hearing this, Chaya’s eyes lit up, her ears twitching with excitement like an obedient little kitten. She couldn’t hide her smile.
“Yes, yes!” But then, as if realizing she’d been too obvious, she added, “Since you really want to go, I’ll keep you company.” As she spoke, her little claws fidgeted restlessly, like a fly rubbing its hands.
Xueji smiled inwardly. ‘So cute when she acts tsundere. This is the comeback life I’ve been longing for!’
……
The two arrived outside Oasis Garden Residential Complex. A quick glance confirmed the greenery here was well-maintained—far more lush than in Xueji’s neighborhood, with plants clearly tended to regularly by professionals.
Outside the fence, Chaya scooped Xueji up in a princess carry, eager to complete the commission.
“Hold on tight, A’Ji. I’m jumping.”
“Hey, I don’t need—”
“Hup!” Chaya leaped over the fence with Xueji in her arms. Her feet transformed into wolf paws, landing her softly without a sound.
“We’re in,” she whispered, carefully setting Xueji down, already itching to get moving.
“You know, A’Ji, you smell really nice,” Chaya said bluntly. Xueji had previously claimed it was just bath products, but up close, Chaya detected a faint, delicate fragrance.
“Oh, not really.”
“You definitely do!” Chaya insisted, leaning in closer to take a deep whiff.
“Alright, alright, let’s focus on the mission,” Xueji said, feeling a little shy from the close contact.
‘Is this what it feels like to encounter a pervert?’ she wondered, taking a few steps forward. Then she thought of Ling Xiaoxia. ‘No, Ling Xiaoxia is more of a pervert. This little one doesn’t overthink things.’
Elsewhere in the city, Ling Xiaoxia, who was monitoring surveillance feeds, suddenly sneezed.
“Weird. Since when do I sneeze?”
Beside her, Xia Jin, fast asleep, smiled sweetly and murmured, “Get together, get together, hehehe.”
Ling Xiaoxia felt an inexplicable sense of unease, leaving her slightly irritated.
Meanwhile, Chaya and Xueji activated their combat suits’ stealth mode and arrived at the base of Unit 3.
Xueji used her spiritual vision to scan the thirty-story building and its surroundings, confirming no immediate dangers. Then, tailing a resident, they entered the building.
At Room 2003, Xueji spotted the surveillance camera aimed directly at the door. With a slight flick of current, she temporarily disabled it.
Only then did she deactivate her stealth mode and ring the client’s doorbell.
Ding-dong~
A tired middle-aged voice came from inside.
“Who is it?”
Xueji checked the app notification she’d just received, which contained the prearranged passcode.
After reading it, she almost lost her composure. What kind of ridiculous passcode is this?!
“Delivery. Confidential shipment,” Xueji said, doing her best to sound serious.
“Oh, coming, coming. Come on in.”
The gaunt middle-aged man opened the door and paused, surprised to see two young girls instead of what he’d expected.
‘Why did they send two little girls?’ Though doubtful, his years of social experience prompted him to usher them inside.
Xueji glanced around the living room and asked, “Do you live here alone?”
“No, my son lives with me. He’s a high school student at Third Middle School.”
Xueji feigned surprise. “You’re quite diligent, Uncle. The place is very clean.”
Chaya, sitting on the sofa, discreetly sniffed the air, her expression turning serious.
‘There’s a smell of blood.’
The middle-aged man forced a stiff smile. “His mother passed away early. I’m usually home with nothing to do, so I clean often.”
Seeing Xueji about to veer off-topic, he cut to the chase, frowning. “You’re really Vanguards?”
“Genuine article. So, what’s been happening?” Xueji finally began the official commission process.
The man took a deep breath and described his recent experiences.
“Lately, when I sleep, I keep dreaming that someone is standing by my bed. But it doesn’t feel like a dream.”
“The person wears a cloak, has a pale face, and stares straight at me—just like a vampire in the movies.”
His account matched the information in the commission exactly.
Xueji and Chaya carefully inspected the apartment but found nothing unusual.
In the son’s room, Xueji saw a family portrait. She recognized the vibrant young boy in the photo—he was one of the few at Third Middle School who had awakened an A-level ability. But due to his poor mindset, he hadn’t passed the last selection and was rejected by the Special Powers Unit.
“Now that I think about it, his ability was ‘Indestructible Body.’ That would be troublesome for a vampire too,” Xueji recalled from the data she’d seen.
The man stood by the doorway and asked, “Find anything?”
“No, your home is secure,” Xueji replied before heading to the door with Chaya. Behind them, the man’s gaze sharpened, a smug smile playing on his lips.
After closing the door, he said triumphantly, “Some Vanguards. Not so impressive after all.”
But behind him, a tiny spiritual recorder had already captured his mockery.
“Now then, time to eat. Hehehe,” the man chuckled as he walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.
The upper shelf was filled with bottles of fresh red blood. And in the lower compartment lay a frozen entire person—He Qiang’s son, He Zhixin.
“Foolish son, seeking help was useless,” He Qiang said gleefully, drinking blood as he sat on the floor, watching his immobilized son.