I'm Not the Hands of the Devil

Chapter 23: I Am Not the Feet of the Devil's Hand

“... Storm weather alert has been upgraded to red. The line to the lower city district of Norzin has been closed and traffic in the upper city district of Norzin has been halted. Many industries were hit hard, and there was severe infrastructure damage.”

“Currently, the municipal sewage system is operating at full capacity and reducing puddles. However, according to expert estimates, this is simply an inadequate measure. If heavy rain continues for another month, a third of Norzin may be submerged.”

“Rolle Resource Development Company proposes utilization of lower city district to build more comprehensive sewer network. It will be a big project, so the company will attract everyone and hope to get support from the authorities.”

“Experts say that the main cause of this heavy rain comes from a mass of cold air coming from the Northern Highlands.”.

Lin Jie listened to the news broadcast from his neighbor's television as he worked tirelessly to mop up the puddles on the floor.

The rain has been going on for almost a whole week. As mentioned in the report, puddles on the road were more than 30 centimeters high the previous day, when the situation was at its worst.

Saying that traffic has been completely paralyzed is not entirely true because rowboats and other waterway transportation means can still be used.

After waking up in the morning and descending down, Lin Jie noticed that the water had seeped through the gap at the bottom of the door, bringing leaves, twigs, and other debris into the bookstore.

Fortunately, the situation is not too severe. The water level outside does not continue to increase because of the drainage system, only a few plastic bags are washed away stuck in the door, causing water to flow in.

Splash splash.

Lin Jie squeezed the remaining accumulated water out of the door and stretched his back. “Finally done, really tiring.”

He put the mop to the side and admired the sparkling clean floor.

“I wonder if that little cat found his way home. Wandering outside in such terrible weather was rather dangerous, Lin Jie mused as he thought of the black cat that ran away from his door on the day of Joseph's visit.

The kind-hearted Lin Jie could only sigh anxiously.

The sound from the television suddenly stopped. A series of curses occurred, followed by several loud impact sounds.

Lin Jie could imagine how agitated the shopkeeper next door was now. Lin Jie went to the adjacent wall, cleared his throat and asked, “Hai, do you need help?”

The unit next to it is an audio-video store that sells discs and various digital products. But as a second-hand dealer, the quality of their products can be a bit lacking. Their business was similar to Lin Jie's shabby bookstore and it was rare to see more than two customers almost every day.

“It's okay, thank you,” replied the next room owner, as two other loud noises rang out.

Bam! Bam!

Colin Ackerman glared at the television angrily and cursed softly, “Sialan! Fucking rain! God, can't you save me! ”

He checked the television set and realized that there was no problem. Therefore, there may be problems with the circuit or power source. Colin then checked the cable but found no problems as well.

It can only be a journey. Colin thought to himself. But my door was almost submerged and the circuit breaker was outside…

Due to the natural topography of the area, audio-visual stores have a slightly lower position compared to bookstores. Colin frowned at the thought of having to wade through the water and he really wished he could give some of his thoughts to the people who had designed the sewer system.

“Wait a minute, maybe next door neighbor can help,” murmured Colin.

He might have just turned down a neighbor's offer of help because he was embarrassed, but Colin knew that the person next to him was a person of good deeds who would basically help anyone if it was in his power.

The voice of the young man next door replied, “aku is here, do you need my help somewhere?”

Colin nodded to himself then explained, “Like this, you should have heard it. I had some problems with my television and I suspected the circuit breaker outside of tripping. I'm a little tied up here so can you help me see it? ”

Since this person likes to help others, asking him to do a little help seems like no problem. Moreover, television has been broadcasting free news for him in the past few days.

Naturally, Lin Jie didn't mind helping out. To be honest, he was bored and wanted to find something to do.

“No problem, if it's a circuit breaker, I remember it ..” Lin Jie is preparing to step out. Suddenly, a black and hazy humanoid silhouette appeared through the glass window of the door.

Lin Jie experienced a strange yet familiar sensation once again.

“Ah, it's you! you have come.” Lin Jie was a little surprised. He never imagined that this hidden hand would appear again in just a few days. “Is there a problem? Or are you urging me to lend you more books?

The black silhouette on the door shook his head and pointed to the left.

Lin Jie turned around and saw the figure pointing to the audio visual store next door. Joining the dots, he came to an understanding. “You said that you want to help me?”

The black silhouette nodded.

Lin Jie smiled and felt that these hidden hands were a bit funny. Previously, he did not have an actual body and could only use wet stains to express himself. Yet now, it had taken on a shadow-like appearance.

This may be the result of lending all the books it— had previously said that lending the books would benefit him.

And now, it seems to be helping me as a token of gratitude? Wasn't it a deal from the beginning and I should have paid the price, but instead came to say thank you. What the hell is going on? Why does it feel like a polite child? Refusing the offer might hurt her feelings, Lin Jie mused to herself.

“Thank you, the circuit breaker.. Um... I can't seem to remember it clearly,” Lin Jie turned to the wall and raised his voice, “Where is the circuit breaker?”

Colin immediately replied, “There is on the right wall near the back door of my store. Help me see if this is a trip. If yes, all you have to do is press the button down.”

Only

“No problem,” said Lin Jie.

At this moment, Colin saw his television crackling and lighting up. The newscast is over and the ads are showing. “Work! Thank you very much!”

“Sama-sama.”

Lin Jie smiled and nodded at that black silhouette. Through the glass window, the silhouette began to fade, as if gradually retreating through the rain curtain.

Pleased with the solved problem, Colin slumped back onto the sofa and took the remote controller to switch through the channel. While watching the scene change on television, Colin's face suddenly stiffened as he broke out in a cold sweat.

He recalled the entire conversation with the bookstore owner next door until the television lit up.

His voice had only been heard from the same place all this time…