Demons Beside You

Spike opened the case. It was filled with green cash. They were all new and emanated a sweet scent.

He took a wad out and checked. Then he took out another wad. It really was one million dollars.

“Where’s the stuff I want?”

Spike tossed the bottle at him. The man hurriedly reached out, almost missing it. He also checked the bottle to make sure it was the right one.

“Mr. Spike, I’m only the middle man. You don’t have to be so guarded against me. Our transaction is done, so I can reveal something. A bunch of people in L.A. are looking for you. You better be careful. I don’t want to hear that you’re dead.”

Spike chose to trade with this man because he had the best reputation in this neighborhood. He rarely ever bit back. Spike took the money and left.

Just then, the man in black took out his phone. “Hello, Mr. Manus? It’s Figar Lewis. I got the item.”

“Bring it to Beverly Hills. My boss is there. I’ll send you the money.”

“Okay, got it.”

Figar Lewis bought the bottle from Spike, but he also didn’t understand why Manus’ boss would want an opened bottle of wine.

If it was a full 1842 red wine from Rawls Wine Cellar, he could understand. But the leftover one-third of a bottle? Was it really worth $1,500,000?

He personally guarded the bottle. Two cars were parked outside of Risfar’s home. He clutched the bottle tightly. Thankfully, the other party didn’t want to get into a conflict. The guy who walked out was familiar.

“Mr. Paul, can I help you?”

“Figar, Mr. Rasfa said that he wants the thing in your hands.”

“I’m sorry, it has an owner already.”

“Mr. Rasfa can give you a higher price.”

Figar’s eyes shone. Just then, Risfar and some others came out of the manor. “You must be Figar, right? Where’s my item?”

Figar didn’t dare bargain with this man. He immediately handed the bottle into Risfar’s hands.

Risfar took the wooden stop out and sniffed. Yes, this was the smell.

Paul looked at him. “Hello, Mr. Risfar. I am Mr. Rasfa’s butler. My name is Paul.”

“Hello.” Risfar nodded slightly. “How may I help you?”

“Mr. Rasfa also wishes to have this bottle of wine. Mr. Risfar, are you willing to sell it?”

“I’m sorry. I don’t have the habit of sharing things that I like.” Risfar shook his head with a smile.

“Mr. Risfar, won’t you listen to the price?” Paul felt that the man would be tempted by his price. Risfar was rich, but there was no reason he would reject a source of free income.

Risfar chuckled. “Oh, then what is the price Mr. Rasfa is willing to give?”

“Two million dollars. What do you think?”

“Ha… Do you think I’m a beggar?”

“Three million.”

“Okay, Paul. I need to rest. Please go back.”

“Five million,” Paul tried again.

“Goodbye.” Risfar went back to his manor without even looking back.

Helpless, Paul picked up his phone. “Mr. Rasfa, the wine is already in Risfar’s hands. I offered five million, but he was still unmoved.”

“Five million and he still wasn’t willing?” Rasfa frowned.

Just what was the use of the wine? After all, the three most expensive bottles of wine in the entire world had been auctioned for $3.2 million, $2.88 million, and $2.1 million.

He’d offered five million dollars for the remaining one-third of the bottle, but Risfar was still unmoved. Even if the bottle was filled with diamonds, five million should be more than enough.

Rasfa couldn’t handle the temptation. In the end, he called Chen Zhao.

“Chen, tell me the truth. Does the bottle contain wine or not?”

“Did you get it?” Chen Zhao asked.

“No.”

“Have Paul come over. I’ll give you a bottle. Drink it with Zola.”

“Tell me, what exactly is it?”

“That bottle can make someone ten years younger, but everyone only has one chance. One bottle can be shared between three or four people.”

Rasfa felt like he was going to get a heart attack. “Chen, you’re kidding, right?”

“If you don’t want it, then whatever. I’m going to sleep in half an hour.”

“Wait, wait. I’ll go myself.”

Less than ten minutes later, Rasfa was at Chen Zhao’s door.

Chen Zhao shoved a bottle at Rasfa. “Don’t ask anything. Each person only has one chance. Anything after that it is ineffective. You can share this bottle with three to four people. If there are more people, the effect will be reduced. You and Zola can drink half and save the rest, but I’m not sure what the preservation period is. And…I’m going to sleep.”

“Chen, I love you!” Rasfa gave Chen Zhao a bear hug.

“Shut up. I know you can’t wait now. Remember to call Zola.”

…

“Zola, where are you right now?”

“I’m at the company. Why?”

“Put down your work and come here.”

“Dad, what’s wrong?”

“Something very important.”

Zola thought that something had happened, so she hurried back to Rasfa’s manor. However, she found that nothing had happened to him. He was drinking wine in the yard.

“Dad, what’s going on? What’s wrong?”

“Sit down and drink with me.”

Zola sat into a chair and Rasfa poured a glass for her. She took a sip. “Oh? Which winery is this from? It’s so sweet.”

After finishing the glass, she picked up the bottle. “Poufet Winery? Their red wine isn’t this taste.”

She poured another glass for herself. “Dad, you called me back just to drink red wine?”

“Do you think it’s worth it?”

“Okay, I forgive you because of the taste.” They clinked glasses and Zola finished the glass in one shot. “Dad, let’s go buy some more from Poufet.”

“Ha…” Rasfa had a taste. He had to admit that this was the most delicious wine he’d ever drunk.

At that moment, Zola fell drunk and collapsed onto the table.

“Bring Zola to her room.”