Chapter 59: Indifference to Fame and Fortune? Impossible

"What’s this about the Order of the Sacred Knights?" Jessie asked curiously. Girls, after all, have little resistance to knights and such things.

Stefan glanced at her and replied, "It’s the extraordinary force guarding the Church, passed down through generations. Only those with supernatural constitutions are eligible to join the Order, where they receive guidance and training. They possess formidable powers, acting as the main force against the darkness, standing toe-to-toe with the Mage Union. They’ve long protected the world from the shadows, hunting dark creatures like us. However, we vegetarian vampires have signed an agreement with the Order—mutual non-aggression. We don’t hunt humans, and they leave us in peace."

Lin Xiao pondered. The last time, that witch’s spirit mentioned the Mage Union and the Order of Sacred Knights. He hadn’t expected Stefan to confirm their existence so soon. Clearly, this world was not the original Earth—or perhaps, it was an Earth imbued with supernatural forces.

Jessie was captivated. Tonight’s experiences had utterly reshaped her worldview; so many mysterious powers existed, beyond anything she had ever imagined.

The three conversed for a long while. Stefan shared many secrets and tales from his own life. As night deepened, they said their farewells. Jessie clung to Lin Xiao, insisting he escort her home.

"No problem—just add a thousand-dollar hero’s rescue fee, and I’ll personally see you to your door," Lin Xiao said, without any intention of being a gentleman. The beautiful heiress was hardly short of money, and he had no romantic interest in her; he might as well earn some extra cash.

"Money’s not an issue. Tomorrow at school, I’ll pay you. Will five thousand dollars suffice? And, Jonathan, I’d like to hire you as my personal bodyguard. Two hundred dollars a day to ensure my safety, including rides to and from school."

After tonight, Jessie knew Hawkins Town was anything but peaceful. She had considered moving away immediately but was also drawn to the mysterious world she’d glimpsed. The best way in, naturally, was through Jonathan.

Besides, she had other ideas. For all his cold demeanor, he seemed a family man. With a bit of effort, she thought, she could make him fall at her feet.

"Deal. As long as the money’s right, everything’s possible. Five thousand dollars settles tonight’s account. As for the bodyguard job—only a fool wouldn’t take it," Lin Xiao agreed. Right now, his priority wasn’t to grow stronger, but to earn money for the family, so Joey wouldn’t have to work so hard.

He could guess a little of Jessie’s intentions—she was probably interested in him. With his looks and supernatural powers, it was easy to attract women.

Will covered his mouth, snickering. Even he could see what Jessie was up to.

Lin Xiao let them into the car and drove Jessie home. Coincidentally, her house was in the same villa district—the haunted house area, Locknora.

"Wonderful, Jonathan! You live in Locknora too? I thought you…" Jessie trailed off.

Lin Xiao chuckled, "Thought we lived in the slums? Sorry, we just bought a house here. Making money isn’t difficult for me, I simply don’t crave fame or fortune."

Jessie was speechless—if he was indifferent to wealth, then everyone else must be saints. Charging a hero’s rescue fee for saving a beauty? She’d never heard of such a thing. What would those selfless superheroes think?

From the back seat, Will raised a black briefcase, delighted. "Jonathan, Stefan gave us three thousand dollars, all crisp new bills!"

Jessie slapped her forehead. Her brother was a money-grubber, and his little brother was too; how poor could their family possibly be?

They drove back to Locknora. After showing their passes, the security let them in. Lin Xiao delivered Jessie to her doorstep—a villa even grander than his own.

The villa occupied the best spot on Campas Lake, spanning thousands of square feet, with gardens, a swimming pool, a fountain plaza, and a helipad. It stretched out into the lake, with a light yacht moored at the shore.

Her family likely traveled upstream from Campas Lake to the Great Lakes, or downstream along the Mississippi to New Orleans for chicken wings. Or perhaps eastward to Quebec, spending summers there with Thousand Island dressing and king crabs from Greenland.

That was truly the life of the super-rich—decadent, but alluring.

Too bad he had no money.

"Good night, Jonathan. Don’t forget to pick me up tomorrow morning for your five thousand hero’s rescue fee," Jessie teased, her spirits restored. Living in the same district as Lin Xiao gave her real peace of mind.

"Of course. I’ll be there at seven-thirty sharp. Cash is preferred—I don’t care for checks," Lin Xiao said unapologetically. Money earned by skill should never be refused. Was her life not worth five thousand dollars?

He drove home. No. 11 had returned with Joey, and they were chatting with Sheriff Hope on the sofa. After No. 11 destroyed the TV, they didn’t have the funds to buy a new one.

On the way, Lin Xiao had told Will not to mention anything about tonight’s events. There was enough trouble already; the family nerves were taut, and he didn’t want to worry them further. If anything came up, he’d shoulder it himself.

After a brief chat, everyone went to their rooms to sleep, since they had work and school the next day.

Lin Xiao entered his room. The sound of a shower came from the bathroom. He called out, "Do you think my utilities are free? Didn’t I warn you not to wander around my house? Are you trying to get yourselves banished?"

The shower stopped. The bathroom door opened, and two blonde beauties emerged—Vivian and her daughter, Violet.

"Sorry, we’re used to this life. Every night we bathe here, so we can forget what we are, and feel as if we’re still living," Vivian apologized, wrapped in a bathrobe. Her daughter Violet, a little blonde girl with blue eyes, smiled sweetly at Lin Xiao, covering her mouth as she giggled, for reasons unknown.

"Alright, I don’t want to share a room with you. Take your little girl and go back to the basement. Also, things might not be peaceful here soon. Stay alert and report anything unusual," Lin Xiao ordered, expelling them. Though mother and daughter were exquisitely beautiful, the boundary between humans and ghosts was absolute. He had no intention of starting some tragic, earth-shattering romance with spirits.

Vivian looked aggrieved, took her daughter, and vanished on the spot. Lin Xiao breathed a sigh of relief and lay down. The reason he kept these four ghosts was precisely for moments like these—using spirits to guard the house was a unique strategy.

He checked his own stats as usual. His source power had reached 190 points. There was no hurry to level up; forging equipment was a better use.

Aside from shoes and belt, he could craft a shirt, pants, and shoulder guards. If he had enough source power, he could make a necklace, ring, and bracelet as well.