Chapter 24

Sudi was rushed to the hospital overnight for emergency treatment. He was suffering from a persistent high fever and frostbite. Fortunately, he was brought in just in time; otherwise, the situation could have been much worse. Despite this, he developed pneumonia from the fever, leaving him delirious, plagued by nightmares and incoherent mutterings, clearly having endured significant suffering.

Gu’s Mother and Gu’s Father had arrived at the hospital as soon as they heard the news. Seeing Sudi in such a tormented state, they were both heartbroken and relieved. No matter what, they were grateful that he had returned alive. Being alive was all that mattered.

Gu’s Mother wiped her tears, refusing to leave the hospital room for even a moment. Gu’s Father, after calming his emotions, sought out the police to inquire about the incident, eager to thank the person who saved Sudi.

Jiang Tian stood outside the hospital room and approached Gu’s Father as he emerged. Gu’s Father asked, “I heard a kind-hearted person saved Sudi and brought him back. Where is she? I’d like to thank her personally. She hasn’t left yet, has she?”

“No, she’s still outside the hospital,” Jiang Tian replied. They had come to the hospital first and hadn’t had a chance to return to the police station.

“Then I’ll go thank her. If it weren’t for her, who knows how much more Sudi would have suffered. She saved his life and is a great benefactor to our entire family!”

Indeed, the Long-haired Woman, though eerie, had done a truly good deed.

However, Jiang Tian couldn’t help but feel uneasy when he thought about the Long-haired Woman and the two peculiar kidnappers. As a police officer, he had seen his fair share of corpses, some in gruesome murder scenes where the bodies were so mutilated they were unrecognizable. Yet, facing corpses never made him feel as unsettled as he did now. It was strange.

Jiang Tian led Gu’s Father outside, explaining the situation as they walked, though he omitted the peculiar aura of the Long-haired Woman, as it was difficult to articulate.

…

Gu Feiyin sat in the police car, huddled up and rubbing her hands together. Despite the cold, she felt warm inside, eagerly anticipating the recognition she might receive for her good deed. She had saved a person and captured two kidnappers, surely deserving of some credit.

She wondered if the police might award her a certificate or some prize money. With a certificate, she’d have proof of her good deeds, which could help her find a job. She recalled watching TV at the bun shop-she always sneaked a peek while buying buns in the morning. She thought about bringing one back to her pit to watch when she found her way home; it was quite entertaining. The news had mentioned a passerby who bravely caught a thief and was rewarded with a hundred yuan by the police! Since she caught two, maybe she’d get two hundred yuan?

Too bad she hadn’t thought of this earlier; otherwise, she could have brought the one who got away and earned three hundred yuan! That would be five days’ wages for her, quite a bargain.

Though she hadn’t managed to make the coffin, she could always try again later. The two hundred yuan weren’t always available, so she considered herself lucky for the night.

With the two hundred yuan, she planned to buy two beef buns for breakfast and a tea egg. Those tea eggs smelled delicious, but they were too expensive-two yuan each, more than a beef bun. She had always hesitated to buy one, but today, she could finally indulge.

For lunch, she could treat herself to a milk tea from the shop outside the haunted house. She often saw long lines of people buying it, and the sweet, milky aroma was enticing. It must be delicious… But the milk tea was even pricier than the tea egg, twelve yuan a cup, equivalent to six tea eggs or six days’ breakfast money! She had never been able to justify the expense, but with two hundred yuan, she could splurge on a cup.

Of course, the Neighbor Miss and the Old Lady had helped too, managing to transport Fourth, Bear, and the hostage down the mountain. Though it was her idea, she planned to buy them two candles each as a treat once she got the money.

She had it all figured out when a police officer approached with a notebook, saying he needed to gather some information and take a statement.

The officer who came to take Gu Feiyin’s statement was the young policeman who had driven earlier, Zhao Haicheng.

Gu Feiyin cooperated eagerly, ready to share her accomplishments. But as the officer glanced at her, he quickly looked away, perhaps due to the cold affecting his expression.

Through the car window, Zhao Haicheng felt two cold gazes on him. He glanced at the police car and saw the two peculiar kidnappers staring at him.

Zhao Haicheng: “…”

Though he was accustomed to it, he still found it unsettling. He cleared his throat and pretended not to notice, asking, “What’s your name?”

“Gu Feiyin.”

“Where do you live? What’s your phone number?”

“I live in the most rundown building on Fumin Road in the south of the city. You can’t miss it. I work at the haunted house in the Amusement Park in City A.” She lowered her head and spread her hands, “I don’t have a phone number.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t have a phone.”

“…” For some reason, Zhao Haicheng thought he saw a hint of longing and disappointment on her pale face. He took a deep breath, convinced he was mistaken. “…Can I see your ID card? I need to record it in case we need your testimony later.”

“Oh, I didn’t bring my ID card.” She had gone to the mountain to cut trees for a coffin, doing manual labor, and didn’t dare carry such a valuable item with her, fearing she might lose it and not have the money to replace it.

“…Then can you tell me how you discovered the two kidnappers and the hostage?”

Gu Feiyin said, “I went to the mountain and accidentally found three men there. These three had kidnapped someone and hidden him in a house.”

Zhao Haicheng knew the two in the car were undoubtedly the kidnappers, and the kidnapped person was the famous star Sudi, whose case had drawn widespread attention. The authorities had issued a mandate to solve the case within twenty-four hours and ensure the hostage’s safety. Although the police had mobilized citywide, Sudi was ultimately brought back by a peculiar Long-haired Woman.

She seemed to be telling the truth, but he was still puzzled, “What were you doing in the mountain alone at night?” With snow blocking the mountain and darkness all around, what could a girl possibly be doing there? Given her lifeless demeanor, could she have been contemplating suicide? He had encountered such cases before.

“…” Gu Feiyin’s heart skipped a beat. She had forgotten she was illegally cutting trees for a coffin, and the kidnappers had seen her.

“…I was just taking a walk…” She said sincerely, “Hehe.”

Zhao Haicheng felt a chill run through his brain at that smile, as if the temperature had dropped several degrees. He steadied himself before saying, “…The mountain is dangerous. You should be careful. If you want to hike, wait until the snow melts and go during the day. Don’t go alone at night.”

Gu Feiyin lowered her head and nodded repeatedly in agreement.

By now, she dared not hope for the two hundred yuan. Although she had caught the kidnappers, they would surely retaliate and drag her down with them, exposing her illegal tree-cutting. What would she do then?

Just as they were talking, Zhao Haicheng received a phone call. He turned away to answer it quietly. Shortly after, Jiang Tian emerged with Gu’s Father from inside. Zhao Haicheng signaled them, and Jiang Tian jogged over, saying, “Mr. Su wants to personally thank the person who saved Sudi. Where is she?”

Zhao Haicheng replied, “She’s right here.”

But when he turned around, there was no sign of her.

“…Huh? Where did she go?”

Jiang Tian’s expression tightened, “She’s gone?”

Gu’s Father frowned, “Did she leave?” Risking her life to save Sudi without saying a word and leaving, such selfless acts were truly admirable.

Zhao Haicheng opened the car door and saw only the two slumped kidnappers inside. They had lost their earlier vigor and now lay limp in their seats, looking extremely fatigued, their faces devoid of color, appearing very old. Their brows furrowed, even in sleep, as if struggling to wake.

This state was as if something had suddenly been drained from them…

Zhao Haicheng had previously thought the two kidnappers were possessed by ghosts, but Jiang Tian had dismissed the idea. Could a ghost possess someone and help bring Sudi back? If it were truly a ghost, it would be a benevolent one.

Jiang Tian was surprised to see the kidnappers unconscious, having been peculiar from the moment he encountered them. They sat rigidly, eyes wide open, eerily staring at anyone who looked at them, like ghosts. Their sudden collapse was indeed surprising.

The kidnappers remained, but the Long-haired Woman had vanished.

Jiang Tian and Zhao Haicheng exchanged puzzled and shocked glances.

Gu’s Father approached, asking, “Did the person who saved Sudi leave?”

Zhao Haicheng nodded, assuring him, “I have her address and workplace. It won’t be hard to find her.”

Gu’s Father nodded, determined to express gratitude despite the savior’s departure. He glanced at the unconscious kidnappers in the police car, sternly saying, “Please punish them according to the law. Such criminals must not be let off!”

Jiang Tian and Zhao Haicheng assured him, “Don’t worry, Mr. Su. Those who break the law will face justice.”

“Ah-ghosts!!” A piercing scream suddenly erupted as Fourth awoke, his bloodshot eyes filled with terror. He kicked and punched, babbling incoherently, “Spare me, spare me! Please, don’t eat me!”

As Fourth finished shouting, Bear also stirred awake. His condition was even worse than Fourth’s. He struggled desperately, pulling at the handcuffs, not even taking in his surroundings, muttering, “Don’t kill me, don’t kill me, kill him, kill him!”

“Help, there’s a ghost, a real ghost!”

“I was wrong, I was really wrong, I’ll never dare again…”

“…”

Fourth and Bear were like madmen, completely uncontrollable, ignoring the handcuffs cutting into their wrists. Only after being given sedatives by doctors did they finally calm down.

Their behavior was too abnormal, quiet and wooden one moment, then frantically insane the next, as if they had become different people…

Wait! Different people?

What was that earlier? Coupled with what Bear and Fourth had said…

Jiang Tian and Zhao Haicheng exchanged a glance, their pupils shrinking, swallowing hard, feeling goosebumps rise all over!

Gu Feiyin lay on Neighbor Miss’s back, sighing deeply. She had thought she could earn two hundred yuan to improve her life, but it turned out to be a futile effort. Worse still, she might even face legal consequences.

Luckily, she ran fast enough; otherwise, it would have been hard to explain.

Good thing she was heartless and without morals, running away without hesitation when needed.

After a night of pointless busyness, she was both exhausted and sleepy. She yawned, planning to catch some sleep before heading to work in the morning, lest she be too tired.

Neighbor Miss floated silently, while Old Lady followed with a broom, dragging it through the snow, leaving behind strange, chaotic trails.

In the distance, a woman’s figure floated towards them. She wore a sleeveless long dress, and the bruises on her neck had vanished. She looked clean and tidy, and if not for her feet not touching the ground and her lack of a shadow, she might have seemed like a young, vibrant woman.

“Finally found you. I asked many ghosts before I got here.”

Neighbor Miss and Old Lady stopped, staring at her silently.

Gu Feiyin poked her head out from behind Neighbor Miss, looking at her curiously, wondering why she had come.

The newcomer smiled, saying, “I’m here to thank you.”

She was genuinely there to express gratitude. During her life, she hadn’t done anything wrong, followed the rules, studied diligently, and after graduating from college, she started working. Because she wanted to save on rent, she chose to live in an old neighborhood slated for demolition instead of a residential complex.

She had lived there for a year without incident. The environment wasn’t great, but the neighbors and landlord were nice. They would greet each other and occasionally help out. Gradually, she found it a decent place to live, with cheap rent allowing her to save more money each year, which was quite beneficial for someone new to the workforce.

That night, she was returning home from a night shift, planning to enjoy a day off with a movie and some shopping. Unexpectedly, Deuce covered her mouth halfway home. No matter how much she struggled or pleaded, he wouldn’t let her go. At that moment, she felt utter despair, as if she was in hell.

He tore her prettiest dress and ended her beautiful life.

Perhaps her unwillingness and resentment were too strong, for no Yin Messenger came to take her away after death. She was content with her freedom, as it gave her a chance for revenge.

Since becoming a ghost, she had been following Deuce, wanting revenge. But Deuce was ruthless, full of Yang Energy, and didn’t believe in ghosts. After killing her, he calmly disposed of her body in the mountains and even fooled the police! He showed no guilt or unease, living as if a human life meant nothing to him.

Her abilities were too weak to even get close to Deuce, so she hadn’t found an opportunity for revenge.

Until today.

The fearless Deuce was scared out of his wits by someone, becoming paranoid and finally remembering he had killed someone.

Seeing Deuce flee in terror, she felt immense satisfaction, as he finally experienced the fear and dread she had felt.

Of course, she wouldn’t let him go.

A life for a life, as it should be.

“My name is Song Na. Thank you for giving me the chance for revenge.”

Gu Feiyin hadn’t expected this turn of events, but she didn’t mind. She waved her hand, saying, “Alright, I’m heading back. I have work tomorrow.”

Song Na: “…”

Song Na said, “I didn’t like owing people when I was alive, and I don’t want to owe anyone now that I’m dead, especially a favor. I’m here to repay you. If you need anything, I’ll do my best to help.”

Gu Feiyin straightened up, her dark eyes fixed on Song Na with a hint of menace, as if eyeing prey. Song Na flinched, momentarily speechless.

Gu Feiyin said, “I need a coffin. Can you help me with that?”

Song Na: “…???”

Gu Feiyin clapped her hands together. Great, another helper for her coffin!

They say many hands make light work; soon, she’d have her coffin to sleep in! How wonderful!

She happily removed her false teeth, carefully placing them in a small plastic bag, then tucked it into a pocket inside her coat, ensuring it was well-hidden. She lay on Neighbor Miss’s back, contentedly falling asleep.

-After all, it was her most precious possession, and she had to take good care of it.

…

That night, she only slept for a couple of hours. In the morning, she could barely open her eyes, unlike Neighbor Miss and Old Lady, who were already bustling outside her door.

She sat with her blanket for a while before putting on her coat and getting up.

Old Lady hobbled slowly, tirelessly sweeping, while Neighbor Miss bounced around, shaking dust everywhere. When Long Black Straight Hair emerged, they glanced at her, and that one look made Old Lady forget to sweep, while Neighbor Miss nearly embedded herself in the ceiling! The two ghosts took a few steps back, seemingly startled.

Gu Feiyin felt awkward too. She grinned, “Heh, my leg doesn’t seem to be working right.”

Neighbor Miss: “…”

Old Lady: “…”

Gu Feiyin patted her leg. She almost fell when she got up in the morning. For some reason, her right leg had become stiff, as if it had lost feeling and function. She could still use it, but it was sluggish and uncooperative, like a wind-up toy running out of power, creaking like a mechanical leg: “Maybe I walked too much last night.”

Neighbor Miss: “…” She rolled her eyes, showing only the whites.

Gu Feiyin patted her leg, sighing in frustration. This must be life: “I’m off to work. See you tonight.”

Neighbor Miss: “…”

The two ghosts watched as Long Black Straight Hair twisted her way downstairs with a peculiar gait. Even after she had gone far, they remained at the window, watching her clutch her leg, twisting her body, moving slowly until she disappeared from view. Only then did the two ghosts exchange a silent glance and look away.

…

As the head of the amusement park’s special department, he had never been so pleased. Apart from Valentine’s Day, the haunted house was usually the least popular attraction. But things were different now. Ever since Ma Ao had two mishaps in their haunted house, more and more visitors came out of curiosity.

Of course, they specifically asked if the coffin and the ghost inside were still there.

Of course, they were. Gu Feiyin was now their department’s star! As long as she lay in the coffin, she didn’t have to do anything, and the haunted house would naturally exude ghostly vibes and Yin Energy, chilling from the feet up, truly eerie.

The boss valued Gu Feiyin highly, though he was a bit scared. Whenever he gave her a red envelope, he would do so quickly-most people lying in coffins received red envelopes, not much money, just for good luck, a token gesture-and he dared not say a word more.

He had watched Ma Ao’s live stream. The comments were lively, and the stream had great effects, especially when Gu Feiyin jumped into the coffin with her phone. It startled him, an amazing sight. Such a talent was born for their special department! He expected many visitors today, though Sudi’s kidnapping had overshadowed Ma Ao’s stream, stealing its thunder. But thrill-seekers would surely come.

So he specifically called Gu Feiyin to the office to encourage her.

Then he was shocked by Gu Feiyin’s new look. She was still the same person, with her eerie aura unchanged, but her twisted leg and creepy smile made him almost think a zombie had arrived! He instinctively jumped up to run… Fortunately, he was used to storms and steadied himself.

“…What’s wrong with your leg? Do you need some time off?”

Time off? How could a poor person afford a vacation? That was too luxurious! Gu Feiyin immediately said, “My leg’s fine. Maybe I walked too much. A little rest will fix it. Don’t worry, I’ll work hard.”

The boss was skeptical about her leg being fine. Could it be fine with such a walk? But seeing no pain on her face, he had to believe her, reminding her to work hard as there would be many guests today. Then he handed her a red envelope: “Keep it up!”

Gu Feiyin opened the envelope in the restroom, finding twelve whole yuan, the biggest red envelope she’d ever received!

A miracle! She would work even harder!