Chapter 19: The Black Mist in the Corner

Brent heard the visitor's words and gave an awkward smile, "What a coincidence, one of your officers is already enjoying our private room and is halfway through his meal."

"Who?"

"Take a look, Mr. Clark."

Brent's last sentence was soft, but we inside the room heard it clearly.

Tony was stunned for a moment, then quickly came to his senses, stood up immediately, and broke out in a cold sweat.

The visitor stepped into the room and fixed his gaze on Tony, who was wearing a police uniform, "Which department are you from?"

Tony's legs were trembling when he saw the visitor, "I... Mr. Clark, I'm from the Amber District Police Department..."

The visitor immediately recognized Tony as an auxiliary police officer and spoke with authority, "I have a reception tonight, and I need the room Brent reserved. Could you please make an exception?"

Tony didn't dare say "no", a single word from this person could get him dismissed!

"Sure!" Tony said, signaling to the people around him to leave quickly.

The followers, realizing they had encountered a high-ranking official, lost their earlier bravado and hurriedly got up to leave.

Fiona glanced at me, and I gave a wry smile, turning to the person at the door, "Sir, we didn't know, and we're already halfway through our meal. Isn't it a bit..."

Tony, not waiting for me to finish, thought I was trying to get him in trouble and get him dismissed, quickly pulled me, "Dennis, stop talking!"

The visitor saw it was me and immediately beamed, "Dennis! Is that you!"

This person was none other than Ronald.

A few months ago, I was just a teenager in the orphanage with no future. How am I now on such good terms with the Deputy County Executive?

I got up and walked over, "Mr. Clark, these are my buddies from the foster home. We're sharing a meal today. What about..."

Ronald laughed heartily, "No problem. We're like brothers!"

He poured himself a drink and raised his glass to everyone, "Hey, folks, Dennis and I are tight as brothers. My bad for being brusque. Here's to all of you!"

With that, Ronald tilted his head back and drank it all in one go.

No one expected the Deputy County Executive to give me such face, and they quickly raised their glasses and drank!

Ronald put down his glass and took my hand, "Dennis, I'll be expecting you at my house tomorrow night."

"Don't worry, I remember it."

"You all continue, we'll meet again." Ronald bid farewell to everyone and left with Brent and the others.

When we sat down again, the vibe got a bit awkward. Everyone who had been sucking up to Tony all night was now acting all shy around Ronald. Meanwhile, I, the one they had been mocking, was suddenly best buds with Ronald!

"Dennis," Tony, ever the opportunist, grabbed my hand and asked, "How do you know Mr. Clark?"

I glanced at Fiona, "Mr. Clark came to Fiona's clinic for treatment before, and it worked well, so we got to know each other."

Everyone suddenly got it, and Tony let out a long breath, looking relieved.

"Dennis, it seems you have a chance to meet Mr. Clark a few more times. Could you put in a good word for me?" Tony wasn't about to miss this chance.

I teased, "Tony, I have no qualifications and poor health, I'm afraid I can't help you much."

Tony looked embarrassed, and Kathy stepped in to help, "Dennis, you grew up together. If you have the chance to help, give it a try. I'll feel better seeing you all doing well."

I nodded, "Don't worry, Kathy, I'll listen to you."

Fiona, seizing the chance from before, plopped down next to me, beaming as if I had just won her a jackpot.

After the gathering, Fiona and I headed back to the herbal clinic.

There were three rooms at the back of the clinic, and Fiona and I each had one.

Fiona, not holding her liquor well, went to bed early.

I lay in bed thinking about the event with Ronald tomorrow and couldn't fall asleep.

After a while, I suddenly heard a rustling sound coming from the backyard.

I got up, pulled back a corner of the curtain, and looked out. The yard was dark and quiet, with nothing unusual.

I looked up at the sky and saw dark clouds covering the moon, with a lone star in the sky. I shook my head slightly. "The sky didn't look good."

I turned to lie back down, and the rustling sound appeared again.

Instinctively, I looked in the direction of the sound and saw a faint black mist in the corner of the south wall, directly opposite my room!

I was startled and quickly put on my coat and went out the back door.

As soon as I stepped out, a chill hit me—it was Sinwaft!

I paused for a moment and headed straight for the black mist.

Strangely, the black mist seemed to sense my approach and disappeared at a visible speed into the corner!

By the time I reached the corner, the black mist had vanished, and the feeling of Sinwaft was gone.

I shook my head, wondering if I had drunk too much.

After lingering for a bit with nothing out of the ordinary, I let out a yawn and started heading back towards the house.

However, after a few strides, a sense of unease crept over me, prompting me to swiftly pivot back around!