15 Private detective

Anna felt her back turned cold when she reached her car. As if someone pierced her through ice spikes. She found him intimidating and those brown eyes stared at her as if piercing her soul. She reminded herself not to meet that person again. Wait, by the way what was his name? Anna felt foolish and her attitude just now was rude when that person really helped her. She hope he doesn't take it to his heart.

Back at Hotel Grand Anna freshened up and comfortably sat on the bed. It was time for her to start the plan. Searching through her contacts she dialled a particular number.

"Hello Ms Yu. After a long time you called me." The person answered jovially.

"Hello Mr Zhao. it's been a long time. I needed a help from you." Anna came straight to the point.

"Yes please Ms Yu."

"Can you help me with a private detective."

"No worries. I'll choose a best person for you." Mr Zhao answered without hesitation. After exchange of few pleasantries Anna ended the call.

Mr Zhao is one of her business associate he also owns a private detective firm. Anna hoped she could count on him.

Anna's eye fell on her handbag, rummaging through her belongings she took out new SIM card. Installing the new SIM card to her phone Anna sighed.

After debating for a long time she dialled a number which she knew by heart. The phone kept ringing each ring increased Anna's anxiety and nervousness.

"Hello." A soft voice answered from the other end. Taking a deep breath Anna responded.

"Hello. Can I speak to Anna Mantis?" Anna changed her voice.

There was a long pause on the other end. Anna's eyes became moist.

"Sorry she is unavailable. I'm her sister Vivian Mantis, may I know who is this?" The voice was even more soft.

"This is Rose from International Journal of Research (IJR). Anna Mantis submitted a research paper on automation industry. Every year we select few best published research papers and award them to encourage the students. This year Anna Mantis research paper published in the journal has won a special prize." Anna explained.

What she said about the IJR is true but Anna didn't win any prize though.

"A Prize money of$10,000 is awarded. Since Anna stays in other country we will be transferring the amount." Anna informed further.

"Thank you so much." Vivian's voice was hoarse.

The call ended.

Tears ran down her cheeks. If there's any person Anna would feel guilty for then that is Vivian.

Anna hoped this amount would financially help her family. She also hoped Yu Han wouldn't mind Anna helping her family, after all she's helping Yu Han to get revenge.

In the evening somewhere at a sophisticated restaurant Anna and Li Shen sat enjoying their dinner.

"Sis, there is a place called ghost hunt outside the city why don't we go there." Li Shen asked.

During their teenage both Li Shen and Yu Han would go to haunted house in summer vacation. Both were scardy cat but it gave a sense of thrill and amusement.

Anna turned pale.

She was not afraid of dark but ghost. One can fight with living being not someone dead.

"Why don't we try something new?" Anna asked nervously.

"Are you scared?" Li Shen teased.

"Who's scared? You're the scardy cat whohides behind my back " Anna huffed in annoyance.

"Be honest It's you who hide behind me saying 'Shen Ahh! See that leaf is moving', 'oh my God we're going to die', ' Ghost please don't kill me'...."Li Shen mimicked Anna.

Paper ball hit hard on Li Shen face. Anna was fuming.

"This means war!" Li Shen declared as he rolled his own paper ball.

"War your head! Eat, we are in a restaurant." Anna smacked his head from across the table failing Li Shen's plan. Li Shen turned his head to see the people giving them weird look.

Anna apologized to others and continued to eat. Anna smirked when Li Shen grumbled under his breath and cursed her.

Outside it was slightly drizzling and by the time Li Shen and Anna came out it was pouring heavy.

"You stay here I'll go get the car." Li Shen took a step forward.

The parking area was little far from the restaurant.

"Stop. It's raining heavily we can wait." Anna suggested and Li Shen nodded.

An umbrella came over Anna's head. Anna turned to look at the person. The person had a gentle but kind of child smile.

"I can lend my umbrella to you Ms Yu." Ji Qiang inserted a hand in his pocket.

"Thank you Mr Ji" Anna told politely after all he is one who has approve the proposal.

"Han don't be too polite to everyone they might be real jerks." Li Shen said taunted.

"Yes just like the one beside you Ms Yu." Ji Qiang mocked back.

"Are you referring to yourself Mr Ji" Li Shen glared.

"Self realization is more important Mr Li and you're clearly lacking in it." The teasing smile never left Ji Qiang face.

"Am I missing something here?" Anna raised her eyebrows at both of them.