Demons Beside You

Chen Zhao left Walter with the hellhounds and told them to take care of it. He went into the research lab and continued reading the demon’s medical book.

Suddenly, he heard the hellhounds bark and he ran out.

Walter had already woken up, but he seemed to be rolling on the ground in pain. Chen Zhao didn’t get close. He stood and watched Walter from afar.

The medicine might have come into effect, changing Walter’s body and soul. However, his outer appearance didn’t change. After more than ten minutes of pain, Walter slowly calmed down.

If one only looked at his appearance, his head had gotten slightly bigger, but there weren’t any other changes.

After the pain subsided, he would never feel pain again. Compared to the torture of cancer, he felt very light and filled with energy now.

Walter leapt onto Chen Zhao. He stumbled back and almost lost his balance. It had gotten much stronger. The demonic medicine had gone into effect.

He had become a hybrid demon now.

Smiling wryly, Chen Zhao patted Walter’s head. He’d wanted to raise him like a regular pet, but he became a demon.

Did he have no chance to have a normal pet?

“Little One, Little Two, Little Three, Walter and I are going out. You all can play with Walter next time.”

The three hellhounds walked Chen Zhao and Walter to the door. They seemed very sad.

Dogs needed their owner’s accompaniment. If they didn’t have attention in a long time, they would get depressed. The three hellhounds were all dogs that lacked love—all three of them.

Blackie didn’t have time to play with them, so they were excited whenever Chen Zhao visited.

They didn’t want to let Chen Zhao and Walter leave.

Little Two tugged on the corner of Chen Zhao’s shirt. It wished he wouldn’t have to go and could keep playing with them.

“You three be good. I’m really leaving now, but I promise I’ll come again tomorrow, okay?”

Little Two let go of Chen Zhao’s shirt and whined. Walter walked over and put his head against Little Two’s. Then it switched to Little One and Little Three. They seemed to be communicating.

Woof—

Finally, Chen Zhao and Walter reached the exit and returned to their home.

“Human, you messed around the entire night just to turn this regular dog into a hybrid demon?” Beelzebub said with disdain. He could sense his blood running through Walter.

“Master, you already have me,” Carrie said in a choked voice. “Why do you have to lure over other demons?”

Chen Zhao glared at Raymond who was about to speak. “Don’t talk. If you do, I’m going to make snake soup.”

“I was going to tell you that you have three missed calls.” Raymond shrugged its head.

“Okay, I wronged you.”

“Even if this dog turns into a hybrid demon, it’s still stupid,” Raymond said nonchalantly. “I don’t know what its value is, making you put so much effort in saving her. I don’t get it…”

“As expected, you’re all so petty. He is a new friend. You don’t have to welcome it, but why do you have to insult him?”

Ding dong.

The doorbell rang just then. It was the police from last time. Chen Zhao was confused.

“Sir, we meet again. You’re still living here?”

“Yeah, the rent’s cheap.”

“Yesterday, we received a complaint that dog barks here disturbed the neighbors.”

“I’m sorry. I have a new family member. It might have been lost in this unfamiliar environment. It won’t happen again.”

“Okay, it’s just a small thing. Keep it in mind for the future. Are there still paranormal activities here?”

“Not yet. If it happens again, I’ll let you know.”

“You don’t have to… I don’t know how to take care of that. You know, the residents in town have started a bet.”

“Betting what?”

“How long you can stay here.”

“Did you bet?”

“Yeah. I bet $10 that you’ll move within the month.”

“Did anyone bet that I won’t move? I want to bet for myself.”

“Yes. If you die here, it’s three times the bet.”

Chen Zhao didn’t reply.

“Okay, I’m going on patrol.”

“Oh, right. We’re acquaintances now, right, but I don’t know your name yet.”

“I’m Leonardo—not that movie star. I know that if you Asians hear my name, you’ll immediately think of him.”

“I’m Chen Zhao, but you can call me Chen.”

“Okay, Chen. Next time I get off work, we can get a drink together.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

As soon as Leonardo left, Robio came.

“Robio, how did you find me?” Chen Zhao stared at him in shock.

“I know Ethan.”

“Even if you know Ethan, he won’t give my address to anybody, especially a stranger.” Chen Zhao furrowed his brows. He’d agreed for Robio to come see Walter, but he didn’t expect the man to suddenly burst into his home.

“I’m his son.”

“What?” Chen Zhao was floored. Robio was Ethan’s son? “How come I’ve never heard him mention you before?”

“That old stubborn man won’t ever admit that his son’s gay.”

“Okay. You want to see Walter?”

“Yes. I need to be sure that you’re not abusing him.”

“Walter, come.”

Walter ran out with an open mouth. Seeing Robio, it flew up and pounced. Robio was huge, but he almost lost his balance.

“Walter? Oh my god. You look great.” Robio hugged Walter. He could barely recognize her. How could Walter become so energetic in one night?

“Chen, has Walter recovered?”

“No. You know that cancer can’t be cured. I’m only a traditional Chinese doctor. I can only make it not be tormented by sickness in its short life.”

“Seems like I didn’t make a mistake in giving Walter to you. He looks like he really did recover though.”

Robio knew that it wasn’t possible, but seeing Walter’s vigor, he was still very happy.

“I need to get to work. Bye, Chen. I won’t come without any warning next time. I’ll let you know beforehand.”

“Goodbye.”

…

“Where’s Walter? Robio, you’re here just in time. You were working last night, right? Where’s Walter? I searched the entire headquarters, but I can’t find it.”

Looking at Fali who was going crazy, Robio’s face twitched. “Fali, Walter won’t appear again.”

“What do you mean?”

“I helped him pass on.”

“You…what are you saying?”

“I helped you do what you didn’t dare to do,” Robio said seriously.

“No, no, no. I don’t believe you. You’d never do that. You value Walter even more than I do. It’s impossible for you to do that.”

“No. I value Walter more, but I’m also in greater pain than you. I hope that he can have a better destination instead of being tormented by endless pain.”