The live comments exploded, urging Rita to appeal and defend her rights. They wanted to see me in prison.
I ignored them, my eyes fixed on the plaque hanging behind her.
Like ancient courtesans, dark prostitutes could possess bodies by receiving clients, absorbing enough energy to live like normal people in the world.
I was indeed a priest, with an unbroken and authentic lineage. My father was the current head of Golden Church.
I had entered the entertainment industry to investigate the recent disturbances caused by dark prostitutes, which had led to several mysterious deaths.
Rita hid her true nature well. Even I hadn't seen through her at first glance.
Seeing the plaque turn black, I realized she had absorbed the energy of at least a hundred men.
She had spent more than a third of her year in bed.
Just then, my agent, who I hadn't heard from in years, called me out of the blue.
"Dianna. When did you start using your brain and riding the wave of popularity? The 'Mystery Hunter' show called me. Do you want to join their ghost-hunting expedition?"
"Pam, you know I prefer to lay low. I don't want to..." I began to refuse instinctively but was cut off.
"Seven million dollars for the script, paid immediately after recording."
My eyes widened, and I swallowed my refusal.
"If the money's there, so am I."
That evening, after the show announced the guest list, fans flooded my Twitter page with mockery.
[Wow, the so-called chief priest of Golden Church. Aren't you afraid of being exposed as a fraud?]
[Hilarious, your certificate must be worth two bucks.]
[Rita is a moon in the sky, and you, a mud puddle. How dare you ride her coattails?]
[Can't wait for the face-off, ha-ha.]
[Agreed!]
We should see about that.
The first stop for the ghost-hunting expedition was an ancient house, filled with ominous energy and a stench that nearly knocked me out.
The show had invited five guests, which were me, Rita, and her rumored boyfriend, Frank George.
He was a national heartthrob, constantly trending, rumored to be the illegitimate son of a famous director.
There was also a girl, Olive Nguyen, a tarot reader with real skills and millions of followers.
I stared at the house shrouded in dark energy, noticing a thin red thread connecting it to Rita's belly. My eyebrows furrowed.
This ghost fetus was strange.
I looked closely, finding the plaque behind Rita stood upright.
It indicated that her lover was nearby.
I had come to the right place.
Olive also looked serious.
Rita, being the biggest star, was introduced first, and the live comments went wild when they saw me.
[OMG, my little angel, Rita. So cute, I'm going to faint. Mommy loves you.]
[Aaaah, my favorite guest. Rita is so beautiful. Is that skin even real?]
[Going crazy for Rita. I adore her.]
[What a joke, who let Dianna come here?]
[The show is stirring up trouble, using Rita to boost Dianna's fame? Shameless.]
[Dianna, go to hell. Rita is so unlucky to be entangled with you.]
I remained indifferent.
The moment Frank saw me, he immediately stepped in front of Rita, glaring at me with intense disgust.
Frank looked at me like I was trash.
"I advise you to stay away from Rita. I've seen plenty of people like you."
I noticed his dark circles and weak steps. He looked drained, probably sucked dry by Rita. He wouldn't last long.
Actions had consequences. Young people needed to take it easy.
I rolled my eyes at them, unconcerned. Anyway, I didn't rely on the entertainment industry for a living.
I couldn't help but mock his garish outfit.
"Why do you dress like an old hag? You even sound like a mean old hag."
[I'm dying of laughter. Dianna really says whatever she wants.]
[Dianna is just jealous of Rita having someone protect her. She's not even fit to lick Rita's boots.]
[Ahhh, my goddess is so pure and perfect. She and Frank are such a great match.]
[So sweet. I ship Rita and Frank as a couple.]
[Honestly, Frank seems kind of gay.]
[Stop talking nonsense. He's straight.]
The director, pleased with the lively chat, looked around at us appreciatively. He must have been thinking this episode's ratings would be through the roof. He then led us into the house to smooth things over.
This house was an old estate. The local authorities wanted to turn it into a tourist spot, but it had been abandoned due to strange occurrences in recent years.
This episode aimed to debunk superstitions and reopen the place.
As soon as I stepped through the door, I saw a female ghost staring at Rita from the threshold. I smirked.
She wore a blood-red wedding dress, stained black with blood. A deep groove circled her neck, exposing bone. Her head hung upside down, with a gaping mouth and vengeful eyes fixed on Rita's belly.
Rita had such a big appetite. Mortal men weren't enough for her. She was even messing with a ghost's husband.
It looked like there would be a tough fight.
The production team gave us each a cross.
I exchanged a glance with Olive, seeing mutual frustration.
Well, it was better than nothing.
At noon, under the blazing sun, the team had us split up to explore.
I leisurely carried my cross and sat in the main hall.
This was the place with the heaviest ghostly aura. I waited for the house's original owner to show up.
Rita noticed my calm demeanor, and her eyes flashed with malice.
"Miss Mack, there were some misunderstandings during the last livestream. You're the only one capable here now. I heard that you are an expert in exorcism. Could you show us your skills?"
I smelled the strong stench of decay from her and covered my nose.
"Miss Mack, you stink."
Rita instinctively covered her belly, tears streaming down as she trembled and hid behind Frank.
Frank glared at me and hugged her protectively.
"Why are you sitting there? Are you afraid of exposing your incompetence?"
I gave him a sidelong glance, noting the dark circles under his eyes that even makeup couldn't hide, and laughed. "Frank, you should worry more about yourself. If you don't get that hemorrhoid removed, it'll grow to the size of an egg."
Frank's face changed, and he burst out in anger, spouting threats like a madman.
