Chapter 14

Tao Lizhi had always considered himself exceptionally intelligent and gifted since childhood. Using his sharp mind, he meticulously reviewed recent events over and over again. It became clear to him that it wasn’t some ancestral spirit protecting him from harm; rather, the jade pendant was harboring a ghost that wanted to consume him.

And the long-haired woman wasn’t the evil ghost he had initially thought was out to harm him; she had actually saved him.

He vaguely remembered the shadow that emerged from the jade, accusing the long-haired woman of thwarting its plans repeatedly and threatening to kill them all in retaliation. What plans could she have possibly thwarted? It must have been related to him.

Fortunately, the shadow failed in the end, unable to overcome the long-haired woman’s formidable mouth, and was promptly chewed up and swallowed…

Realizing this, Tao Lizhi finally understood why he survived every encounter with the long-haired woman, instead of perishing. She never intended to harm him-he chose to ignore the presence of Jumping Sister and Old Grandma who were with her.

Looking at the shattered jade, Tao Lizhi rubbed his jaw, feeling both relieved and pained by the thought of it. Seeing his parents’ expressions of gratitude towards their ancestors, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “Stop it, the ghost that harmed me came from this jade! If it weren’t for… a master helping me, I would have personally gone to thank the ancestors by now!”

Tao Mom was taken aback. “Son, what nonsense are you talking about?”

Tao Lizhi replied, “Nonsense? I saw it with my own eyes. This jade was the cause of my troubles! Last night, I suddenly fell ill, feeling as if something cold and icy was strangling me, making it hard to breathe. Just when I thought I was done for, the doctors arrived to save me, only to collapse seconds after entering! I thought I was a goner, without even a chance to say goodbye to you…”

At this point, Tao Lizhi felt like crying, and Tao Mom began to wipe her tears, lamenting her poor son’s plight.

Tao Lizhi continued, “In my moment of despair, a master appeared, not only saving me but also… taking care of the ghost that harmed me! So, this has nothing to do with the ancestors.”

Tao Dad frowned. “Are you sure? Not dreaming? That jade was given by your grandfather; how could it possibly have… a ghost?”

Tao Lizhi recalled the terrifying smile of the long-haired woman, still vivid in his mind. “Of course, I’m sure. The ghost came out of the jade, saying it wanted us all dead. It was definitely up to no good. It must have been the one causing my troubles all along!”

Tao Mom and Tao Dad were still skeptical, unable to believe it.

“Even though the necklace was from Grandpa, there’s no guarantee the ghost didn’t sneak in. I saw it with my own eyes, the ghost emerging from the jade. If it weren’t for the master, I would have been dead…”

“Dad, Mom, I’m telling the truth. If you don’t believe me, ask the doctors and nurses. Ask them if they all fainted as soon as they entered. Isn’t it strange for everyone to faint at once?”

…That did seem odd.

Tao Mom and Tao Dad’s suspicion towards their son finally lessened, and they didn’t forget to verify with the doctors and nurses. To their surprise, their son’s account was corroborated!

When Tao Lizhi’s condition turned critical, the doctors rushed to his aid, only to feel a chill and lose consciousness upon entering. When they awoke, they found themselves on the floor, with Tao Lizhi’s condition stabilized.

It was all too bizarre. They were stunned, sensing something was amiss but unable to pinpoint it. The idea of encountering a ghost sent shivers down their spines.

Now, with Tao Lizhi’s parents inquiring, they couldn’t explain it, but they did confirm their fainting incident. As for how Tao Lizhi’s condition stabilized, they had no idea, as they hadn’t done anything before passing out.

Tao Dad, deep in thought, said, “So, someone really did enter the room and save Xiao Zhi? What about the surveillance footage? I want to see it.”

Hospitals have surveillance cameras, and given Tao Lizhi’s unusual case, if someone did save him, it should have been captured. Watching the footage would clarify everything.

But the doctor shook his head.

They had checked the surveillance after waking up, suspecting someone might have drugged them. Unfortunately, the footage showed nothing, either because the cameras malfunctioned or something else, leaving the screen pitch black.

Tao Dad felt disappointed. If someone truly saved Tao Lizhi, he wanted to personally thank them and understand what had happened. Although the ghost was dealt with, they needed to know who was behind it and why. How did the ghost end up in the necklace? The old man had given it, so how could it be harmful?

They hadn’t told many people about Tao Lizhi’s strange illness, not wanting to alarm the elderly grandfather. Now, they needed to investigate the jade’s origins.

…

Tao Lizhi was eating, downing bowl after bowl of Ginseng Chicken Soup. After his ordeal, he was feeling weak and needed nourishment.

When his father returned, saying the surveillance was broken, he was momentarily stunned. Broken at such a convenient time? It had to be the ghost’s doing, trying to devour him unnoticed, leaving no evidence. But that ghost never expected to be eaten in return. What goes around comes around!

However, with the surveillance down, there was no way to see the long-haired woman, which left Tao Lizhi a bit disappointed.

But the long-haired woman always came and went quietly. If he hadn’t been semi-conscious, he wouldn’t have known, thinking he merely fell ill and recovered after a few days in the hospital. Little did he know he had been at death’s door. Without her, he would have been dead.

Even if she was a ghost, she was a good ghost.

What a divine being, silently doing so much for him!

Tao Dad saw Tao Lizhi in a daze, lost in thought, and asked if he remembered the person’s appearance. If he did, they could draw a portrait and find her. They must thank her properly!

Tao Mom agreed, saying they should express their gratitude for saving their son.

Tao Lizhi thought it over and decided against it. Since the long-haired woman didn’t want to show herself, she must have her reasons. Drawing her portrait and exposing her would go against her wishes, and he didn’t want to be annoying. Besides, if he wanted to find her, he could visit the abandoned building and might run into her. He would definitely find her!

He waved his hand dismissively. “No need. She saved me without saying a word, showing she doesn’t care about money. That’s a true master! Unlike those fake Taoists, they’re too materialistic!” Just thinking about it made him angry. He had spent tens of thousands on talismans and rituals, which were utterly useless, leaving him with a heart condition from the frustration.

“Dad, report those fake Taoists for scamming me with superstitions. Have them arrested! It’s outrageous!”

Tao Dad: “…”

…

Gu Feiyin had a restless sleep, haunted by dreams of debt collectors. The terrifying thought of millions in debt jolted her awake before dawn, unable to fall back asleep.

Wrapped in her blanket, she felt cold and miserable. They say it’s easy to go from frugal to lavish, but hard to go back. Having grown accustomed to the comfort of the coffin, this place was hard to accept.

If only this house could shield her from the elements. When she first moved in, she thought a bed would provide warmth, but with drafts from all sides, it was warmer to sleep in the corner. Having a bed made no difference, but now she had a brilliant idea. If only there were a coffin here, she wouldn’t have to worry about wind and rain!

A closed coffin lid would be paradise!

Of course, she couldn’t afford a coffin.

She bundled up and went to find Neighbor Miss and Old Lady. Neighbor Miss, for once, wasn’t bouncing around but stood by the window, looking pensive. Gu Feiyin approached, and Neighbor Miss turned suddenly, bleeding from her seven orifices, staring at her silently.

Gu Feiyin stared back, hesitantly asking, “Could I borrow your coffin?”

Neighbor Miss: “…???”

Sigh, she knew it was a lot to ask.