Sexy Ghost (Lily ABO) - Chapter 0

When Xu Jinliang was just twenty-five, she became the supervisor of a steel factory shortly after joining the unit. This was because she was one of the few highly educated individuals in this small town who had returned home. Her future looked bright, but she, being as sharp as she was, had already sensed that the town’s economic giant was on its last legs. The pace of development was too fast; they were at the tail end and would soon be out of touch.

She tried to lead the factory towards modernization and corporatization to catch up with the times, but she was born at the wrong time, arriving too late. The old light bulbs, after emitting their last flicker of light, were discarded as waste with no new replacements. This town—no, this entire region—sank into an economic slump that lasted for years, making it difficult to breathe.

While the old light bulb could still emit light, Xu Jinliang, with a perfect resume, used further education and studies as a bridge to develop in the south. She stepped onto the historical accelerator. When the old light bulb flickered mournfully, it even sought her help, but she didn’t look back.

Of course, that’s a story for later. The story now is when she was in her prime, working as a supervisor.

At this time, although Xu Jinliang was young, the unit and even the factory director held high-achievers in high regard, and she was no exception. “High regard” also applied physically; she was at least 1.84 meters tall, with excellent body proportions. Even though she was taller than many women, she didn’t appear awkward. And to look good in her uniform, she’d wear high heels. Except for two tall individuals in the workshop, everyone else had to look up to her.

She had flat shoulders, a slender waist, long and straight legs, and walked steadily and lightly. She paid attention to her appearance, always keeping her back straight. Her lips curved slightly upwards, and she had a pair of “peach blossom” eyes, making anyone who saw her feel as if she was always softly smiling.

But those eyes were cold.

Not an affected aloofness; she was naturally without warmth, like a humanoid created by some mad scientist.

An overly perfect exterior combined with humanoid indifference—bizarre.

However, by this time, she had learned to hide it. Every morning and evening, she would practice other people’s expressions in front of a mirror, and observe how they reacted to different things, practicing each one.

Zhang Wanyou from the second workshop knocked on Xu Jinliang’s office door. He was panting heavily, “The police officers are here. Should we… should we notify the factory director?”

Xu Jinliang was smoothing the wrinkles on her uniform cuff. She saw Zhang Wanyou’s sweaty hand gripping her office doorknob and subtly frowned. She lowered her head and stood up. When she looked up again, her peach blossom eyes were filled with softness. She calmly said, “No need. I’ll just go and see. The police officers are just doing their job by the rules. You don’t need to make a fuss; it was just an accident.” She lifted her lips and looked at him from the corner of her eye, emphasizing, “Just an accident.”

An accident: last night, a worker stayed in the workshop after hours and died due to violating safety procedures while operating equipment alone.

Xu Jinliang cooperated with the police throughout the process and finally had to sign documents at the bureau on behalf of the factory. By the time she got back, it was already dark. As soon as she entered her office, the phone rang. It was the factory director, rambling about how a death had occurred during his absence and how grateful he was to have her there.

“I didn’t do well enough; I was criticized by the higher-ups. This year’s ‘Civilized Advanced’ award is probably out of reach. Also, some reporters have been staking out the place; I’m worried this incident won’t be suppressed and will make it into the newspapers.”

Factory Director: “I’ll call the Party Secretary later and ask him to help talk to the workers and their families, to make them keep quiet. It’s best if things don’t get blown out of proportion.”

Xu Jinliang’s tone was very “lively,” aligning with the corresponding emotions for different sentences. The factory director on the other end of the line had no idea that her own expression remained completely unchanged, not even a flicker in her pupils.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I already instructed the workers immediately, and I personally visited the deceased’s family.” She feigned contemplation, then said, “There’s one thing I’m unsure about: the newspapers and TV stations…”

They talked for a long time, and the factory director chuckled, neither confirming nor denying. His implication was that as the factory director, he wasn’t aware of any social engagements or other matters. As long as Xu Jinliang could handle it, he wouldn’t interfere.

After hanging up the phone, Xu Jinliang fetched water and meticulously wiped the doorknob of her office, then walked out.

Lights were still on in a few other offices. She didn’t go in, just called out from the corridor, “Everyone, remember: don’t linger after work hours.” With that, she walked down the stairs without looking back. The people in those offices quickly walked out, clutching their bags, and soon all the lights went out.

The night shift had extra staff, and patrols were increased. Those working overtime dared not complain, nodding and bowing to Xu Jinliang. Xu Jinliang didn’t look sideways, merely giving a slight nod.

She went to the old, abandoned warehouse. It was about to be demolished, with no goods or workers, so no one patrolled there.

The room was pitch black, filled with the scent of dust. Xu Jinliang covered her nose and called out steadily, “Zhang Wanyou.”

Footsteps immediately sounded from the darkness. The person was in a hurry, running first before turning on their flashlight, careful not to shine the light upwards, only illuminating Xu Jinliang’s legs.

Her high-heeled leather shoes reflected the light, and her dark uniform trousers were spotless. The dust floating in the air seemed to want to settle on this clean space. Without thinking, Zhang Wanyou instinctively waved his hand to clear the dust for her.

Xu Jinliang: “The matter is settled. Proceed as planned.”

“I… I still don’t dare. We’re at a critical point right now, shouldn’t we wait?”

Xu Jinliang wanted money, but her salary wasn’t high, so she took a crooked path. Initially, she only resold discarded defective products from the factory. However, after her “clients” got into trouble doing shady business, they were investigated and refused to buy anything anymore. From then on, Xu Jinliang exchanged defective products for genuine ones to sell.

Xu Jinliang: “I’m going for further studies soon. Once I leave, what other opportunities will you have to make money?” She chuckled, crossed her arms, and said disdainfully, “Rely on your wife to support you?”

Zhang Wanyou got goosebumps just hearing that. He lusted after Xu Jinliang, so much so that he was practically insane with desire. He quickly said, “I’ll go with you. That old hag, after giving birth…” He showed a look of disgust, then eagerly added, “Okay, we’ll save money, and we won’t come back once we’re in the south. Jinliang, I’ll do anything for you!”

She never personally handled the dirty work, instead making it convenient for Zhang Wanyou and the now-accidentally-deceased co-worker Huang Zirong to do it. But Huang Zirong couldn’t handle the pressure; he got scared and wanted to confess, really messing things up.

After calming Zhang Wanyou, she leisurely walked out and stood still. Zhang Wanyou thought she was avoiding suspicion, fearful of being seen, and so he jumped over the wall and left first.

Watching that dog-like Zhang Wanyou leave, she couldn’t suppress a smile. She pressed her fingers to her lips, chuckled a few times, and with a playful tone, said, “You heard everything, didn’t you?”

A person emerged from the corner of the wall, still wearing a work apron—an auntie from the cafeteria. Her face was covered in tears. She opened her mouth and said, “Supervisor Xu, why did you make me listen to all this…? That Huang Zirong, was it… was it you?”

Xu Jinliang, being tall, bent slightly to look into her eyes. Those cold, devil-like eyes locked onto the cafeteria auntie. She said, “Yes, I did it. The next one to die will be Zhang Wanyou. Perhaps, after Zhang Wanyou—”

Auntie: “No! No, no, I don’t know anything, I won’t say anything.”

Xu Jinliang straightened up, savoring the rare and therefore cherished feeling of pleasure. She was happy at this moment, so her voice was light, “I saw them bullying you, forcing you to pay them back, and even laying hands on you. I also know that at your age, you wouldn’t dare to speak out about such things, and you’re afraid others wouldn’t believe you. Young men molesting older women—even at the bureau, they could just argue their way out of it. So, I helped you.”

Suddenly, her face showed distress. She slowly approached and embraced the auntie. The auntie, being short, fit perfectly as Xu Jinliang stroked her head, gently caressing her hair and comforting her. “I know you’re suffering. You’re almost retired and still encountered such beasts. Don’t be afraid, I’m here to help you. Only I, only I can understand you, believe you, and help you.” Her voice grew softer and softer, “Only I am your friend. We are together, don’t be afraid.”

Suddenly, her tone abruptly turned cold, “The premise is that you must be my friend!”

The auntie cried uncontrollably, covering her face, trembling with fear.

Later, Zhang Wanyou died at a construction site in the south. Xu Jinliang, one of the suspects, had an alibi. At that time, she was at home hosting an aunt who had come to the south to seek refuge with her.