Chapter 75

When Tao Dad woke up the next morning, he was still in the hospital. Tao Mom was by the bedside, looking haggard with red eyes, while Tao Lizhi sat on the other side, tapping away on his phone, searching for bizarre questions like “What do ghosts like to eat,” “How do ghosts eat,” “Do ghosts need to change clothes,” and “How to give things to ghosts.”

As soon as Tao Mom saw Tao Dad awake, she almost cried with joy, “You finally woke up! Do you know how scared you made Xiao Zhi and me?”

Hearing the commotion, Tao Lizhi put down his phone and leaned over to the bedside, asking, “Dad, are you okay? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”

Tao Dad coughed twice, looked at his wife and son, his mind still a bit foggy, and said, “I’m fine. Did I drink too much last night and crash? How did I end up in the hospital?”

Tao Dad had been in a deep sleep for days, the only time he had any awareness was by the river, waking up in a daze only to be scared unconscious again. He thought he had just had a nightmare and had no idea what had happened over the past few days.

Tao Lizhi asked in confusion, “Dad, you don’t know what happened these past few days?”

Tao Dad said he knew, wasn’t it just that he went out for a drink last night, drank too much, and ended up in the hospital?

Tao Mom said angrily, “Last night? I think you’re still muddled from sleep. Do you know how many days you’ve been unconscious? Ever since you came back drunk four nights ago, you’ve been out until now! We’ve tried everything, called doctors, Taoists, and monks, did countless CT scans, and used plenty of talismans, but nothing could wake you up! I thought you might never wake up again…”

At the end of her words, Tao Mom was overwhelmed with fear and couldn’t help but start crying. Tao Lizhi quickly comforted her, “Mom, don’t cry. Isn’t it a good thing that Dad is awake now? We should be happy.”

Tao Mom wiped her tears and agreed, saying she should indeed be happy, crying was inauspicious, “No more drinking from now on. Drinking causes trouble and harms your health. Alcohol is really not a good thing!”

Tao Dad: “…Ah?!”

Tao Dad was shocked and bewildered, his eyes darting around in confusion. Had he really been unconscious for several days? But he had no memory of it at all. The only thing he remembered was having an extremely terrifying nightmare!

“Have I really been unconscious for several days? That can’t be right?”

“Why not? Look at the date, it’s already the seventh day of the Lunar New Year!”

Tao Dad clearly remembered going out for drinks on the third day of the Lunar New Year. How could four days have passed in a blink? He couldn’t believe it. After repeatedly checking the date, looking at his phone, and reading the news and newspapers of the day, he had to admit that four days had indeed passed, and he had no memory of them. His eyes were a bit vacant, “…Why don’t I remember anything?”

Tao Lizhi said, “Dad, don’t worry. The reason you’re like this is because a Fortune-Borrowing Ghost possessed you. That Fortune-Borrowing Ghost was extremely cunning, hiding in your body, so we didn’t notice it. Fortunately, last night, Sister came over and caught that Fortune-Borrowing Ghost. It won’t dare to harm anyone again. Sister said your body is fine, you just need to rest and recover, and you’ll be better in a few days.”

Tao Dad looked at Tao Lizhi, “…Sister? Last night?” Suddenly, he remembered the eerie and cold long-haired woman from his nightmare. Her fingers were sharp and slender, and she had torn the limbs off a little ghost with a few swift moves, then mercilessly tossed them to a group of little ghosts to devour!

Tao Lizhi nodded and said, “Dad, I heard from Bi Heng-Ge that you saw something last night, didn’t you?”

Tao Dad nodded, recounting his encounter from the previous night in a muddled, disjointed manner. Tao Lizhi listened with great interest and indignation, clapping his hands in celebration, “Serves it right for harming people!”

Tao Dad: “…?”

Tao Lizhi said, “Dad, don’t be afraid. Sister may look a bit scary, but she’s a good ghost, really. She’s saved me several times! If it weren’t for her this time, you might not have been saved.”

Tao Dad: “…??”

Tao Mom sighed, patting her bewildered husband, “Son, stop talking. Look, your dad is scared silly. Let him take it easy.”

…Taking it easy was definitely not going to happen. Tao Dad’s old eyes were filled with confusion. Ghosts? How could there be ghosts in this world? This had to be a joke, right?

Tao Dad said, “I just had a dream, and you’re taking it seriously? What ghosts? How could there be ghosts in this world?”

Tao Lizhi blinked and said, “No, Dad. If the dream you mentioned was about encountering a long-haired woman by the river last night and seeing many eerie ghosts around her, then it wasn’t a dream. It should be real.”

Tao Dad: “…??!”

Tao Lizhi said, “Last night, the Fortune-Borrowing Ghost used your body to escape the hospital. Bi Heng-Ge, Sister, and I chased after you all the way, and it was the little ghosts who carried you back in the end… Yes, you were unconscious at the time, so it’s normal not to know. If you don’t believe me, ask Bi Heng-Ge, he was there too.”

Tao Dad: “…………”

Tao Dad looked at his son, whose serious and earnest expression didn’t seem like he was lying at all. He then looked at his wife, who was also full of relief, not at all surprised by the existence of ghosts, but rather discussing how to thank them. What do ghosts like, anyway?

Tao Lizhi said he didn’t know either, but they should just send a bit of everything. There’s bound to be something that touches their hearts.

The two of them started discussing right in front of him, talking about incense, paper money, gold, silver, and jewels, even considering setting up a shrine at home. Didn’t they say those were wandering spirits with nowhere to go, drifting around the overpass? If they set up a shrine for them, constantly offering incense and inviting monks and Taoists to perform ritual ceremonies and accumulate some good karma, maybe they wouldn’t have to suffer so much and could reincarnate in the underworld sooner.

Tao Lizhi thought this idea was quite good, but he still needed to ask if the person was willing.

Tao Mom: “Then if you have time, hurry and ask.”

Tao Lizhi: “Hmm, I’ll ask tonight.”

Tao Dad: “…!!!”

Tao Dad had just taken a nap, but when he woke up, it felt like the world had changed. Had his wife and son been brainwashed? How could there be ghosts in this world?!

Of course, the shock to Tao Dad’s worldview was a minor issue. The most important thing was to catch the culprit who had brought disaster upon their family. The Second Uncle’s intentions were so malicious that if it weren’t for their good fortune and the help of a benefactor, they might have already been ruined. Even if they couldn’t send him to the police for justice, they had to expose his true face. Who knew what might happen in the future?

The most important thing now was to clean up the family.

…

Ge Hong was not having a good time either. The Fortune-Borrowing Ghost had been forcibly pulled out from Tao Dad’s body, leaving it severely weakened, and Ge Hong himself suffered a backlash, spitting out a mouthful of blood and taking a long time to get up from the ground.

He knew he was in trouble. His fortune-borrowing technique had been broken! Just when success was within reach, it all fell apart, and he didn’t even know who the opponent was. If it was someone connected to Old Zhang, he was in big trouble.

He had known Old Zhang for many years and knew that he was relentless and stubborn as a bull. Once he found out about Ge Hong’s malicious intent, he would surely apply to the Special Unit for his arrest. If convicted, Ge Hong would face not only imprisonment but also the possibility of losing all his Taoist techniques, which were the foundation of his life. How could he let that happen?

Fortunately, Old Zhang and his group had already gone to the disaster area and wouldn’t be back anytime soon, giving him some time to maneuver.

He made a quick decision and immediately called Second Tao. Now that the matter was exposed, someone had to clean up the mess, and Second Tao couldn’t expect to stay out of it…

Ge Hong didn’t know that after Gu Feiyin found out the Fortune-Borrowing Ghost was sent by Ge Hong to deal with Tao Dad, she thought it was just a small Taoist causing trouble for the Tao Family. She immediately called Xiao Zhang, asking if he knew who Ge Hong was. After all, they were all from the Taoist community, and maybe they had met at some inter-sect exchange meeting. Besides, she only knew Xiao Zhang as a small Taoist, so who else could she ask?

Zhang Daoist was extremely busy, but when he heard that Ge Hong was causing trouble again, and this time it was about stealing fortunes and almost killing someone, he was furious. Did Ge Hong ignore everything he had said before? He thought that after the last lesson, Ge Hong would restrain himself, but it seemed he was becoming more reckless: “Master Gu, don’t worry, I’ll handle Ge Hong.”

That settled it. With someone handling it, she didn’t have to worry and could focus on her work.

After hanging up, Zhang Daoist quickly called the Special Unit headquarters. Ge Hong’s audacity was growing. Previously, when he borrowed and altered fortunes, he only used his own-essentially using his future good fortune in the present. Although it was against the natural order, it didn’t harm others, so Zhang Daoist didn’t bother with it.

But now Ge Hong was trying to steal other people’s fortunes and almost killed someone. This was intolerable. Moreover, from the first day of cultivation, practitioners swore an oath, the first rule being never to harm ordinary people. Was this a rule that could be easily broken?

Ge Hong had forgotten everything for money.

It wasn’t long after Zhang Daoist’s call to the Special Unit headquarters that they sent someone to handle the situation.

Now, neither Ge Hong nor Second Tao could escape.

…

The turmoil in the Tao Family lasted for some time. Although Second Tao wasn’t sent to the police, his position in the company and the stocks and funds he held were taken back by the Tao Family patriarch, leaving him as a nominal Second Tao. Ge Hong, of course, was detained in the Special Management Bureau, with meals limited and timed, and even the time to go out and get some fresh air was precisely regulated, leading a very routine life.

And during this time, the wandering ghosts who had gone to support the disaster area had returned.

To their surprise, they returned with quite a spectacle-a military truck rumbled into Fumin Road, attracting the attention of the neighbors. They wondered why such a vehicle would appear in their area. It wasn’t that their area was bad, but it was just an ordinary residential district with nothing special. When had such a vehicle ever come here?

“Could it be that there’s some secret base here? And it’s hiding military supplies that they’re here to retrieve?”

“A secret base? How is that possible? Don’t be ridiculous.”

“This place is so small that if you shout at one end of the street, you can be heard at the other. If there was a secret base, wouldn’t we know?”

“That’s not necessarily true. If the authorities really wanted to hide something from you, do you think you’d know?”

“…”

Old Man Wang was very excited, running quickly with his osteoporotic legs, following the truck to the riverside. Sure enough, he saw the truck stop by the river. He hid behind a tree and watched, noticing that the truck stayed there for about ten minutes without opening its doors or anyone getting out.

After a while, the truck roared to life again and left the alley of Fumin Road in a grand manner.

It came strangely and left just as strangely.

Old Man Wang ran back, excitedly muttering that they had returned, they must have returned!

Granny Wang was still at home watching TV, knitting a sweater for their little grandson. Spring was coming, and a sweater was comfortable and warm. She was engrossed in her knitting when her eccentric old husband came back, rushed to the bedroom, pulled out his stash of money from under the bed, and said with glee, “Wife, I’m going out for a bit.”

Granny Wang asked, “Where are you going?”

Old Man Wang waved his hand, clutching a nylon bag, and headed out the door.

Granny Wang didn’t pay much attention; after all, the old man had been acting all mysterious lately, as if he were possessed. She couldn’t be bothered to manage him and preferred to knit a few more stitches. Little did she know, just a few hours later, her old man would return with a nylon bag full of chicken, duck, and fish, occupying the entire kitchen and bustling about steaming and cooking all day long!

Granny Wang: “…”

…

When Gu Feiyin returned home from work in the evening, she realized that the little ghosts who went to the disaster area for rescue had all returned. As soon as she entered her home, she saw the Neighbor Miss hanging from the ceiling, swinging back and forth, while the Old Lady was sweeping with a broom, making a nerve-wracking “swish swish” sound.

She couldn’t help but wonder, what could these two possibly do at a disaster area? One swinging around and the other sweeping?

Of course, she was considerate of the little ghosts who had returned from disaster relief. She quickly pulled out the Fortune-Borrowing Ghost she had tied under the table, tore off a few pieces, and shared them with them, giving them a little treat. Naturally, she didn’t forget to have a bite herself. To be honest, this Fortune-Borrowing Ghost was really delicious, even better than the one she had last time.

Fortune-Borrowing Ghost: …

Hiding under the table, trembling, Zhuang: …

The Neighbor Miss and the Old Lady chewed a few bites and finished it, still eyeing the Fortune-Borrowing Ghost with lingering interest, their faces gloomy and silent.

Fortune-Borrowing Ghost: …

Ever since being caught by the Long-haired Woman, he truly understood what it meant to live a life worse than death! He wished he could turn back time and never have come to City A, never collaborated with Ge Hong for a paltry profit, then he wouldn’t be suffering such a miserable ghostly existence.

Unfortunately, it was too late for regrets now.

While Gu Feiyin was contemplating whether to have grilled fish or shrimp with minced garlic and vermicelli for dinner, a little ghost ran over and said, “Landlord, landlord, come out quickly!”

Gu Feiyin was puzzled, “What’s wrong? I’m making dinner.”

The little ghost excitedly said, “Stop cooking, someone brought food, just waiting for you to come and eat.”

Someone brought food? Such a good thing? Gu Feiyin dropped the spatula and went out, with the Old Lady and Neighbor Miss quickly floating over as well. Gu Feiyin watched as the little ghosts floated away swiftly, disappearing in a flash, and hurriedly chased after them, fearing that if she was late, there might not even be soup left.

Under the overpass, it was bustling. Zhang Daoist and Minister Li had driven over, their car loaded with chicken, duck, fish, and plenty of gold and ghost money. It was said to be an arrangement from above, to reward those who went to support the disaster area! The little ghosts were so happy they were jumping up and down, almost soaking the river with their blood.

Not only were Zhang Daoist and Minister Li there, but Tao Lizhi and Bi Heng also came, driving a car filled with all sorts of things, plenty of food and supplies, even several sets of clothes, stuffing the car to the brim. Tao Lizhi still felt it wasn’t enough, but Bi Heng reminded him that this wasn’t the only time they’d come, there would be more opportunities in the future. Tao Lizhi thought about it and agreed, finally giving up.

Even Old Man Wang and his grandson came, each carrying a basket and a back basket. Xiao Wang was once again forced into labor, bent over by the weight of pig head meat, while listening to the old man and his grandson chatter away, giving him a headache.

When these three groups met, there was a bit of wariness and confusion among them.

Old Man Wang laid out the chicken, duck, and fish from his back basket, sneaking a glance at the two Taoists a few dozen meters away; the two Taoists touched their noses, awkwardly turning their heads to look at Tao Lizhi and Bi Heng; Tao Lizhi and Bi Heng, with a vigilant and puzzled expression, looked at the two Taoists, then over them to the old man’s family in front…

Was this a coincidence, all coming here to burn incense and paper money?

Old Man Wang took out the pig head meat from the back basket, the two Taoists brought out a box of good wine, and Tao Lizhi, with a grand gesture, instantly produced several sets of shiny, beautiful clothes!

Old Man Wang then brought out a chicken, the two Taoists brought out a box of ghost money, and Tao Lizhi took out a bag of Gold Ingots!

Old Man Wang: “…”

The two Taoists: “…”

Tao Lizhi: “…”

Xiao Wang tugged at his dad and asked, “What are you doing?”

What else could they be doing? Of course, they were competing to see who offered the most generous sacrifices!

Xiao Wang: “…?!” Is this even a competition?

The little ghosts were in an uproar, sometimes gathering around the pig head meat, sometimes around the box of ghost money, and of course, most of the women gathered around the beautiful clothes, especially the Ghost Lady. She rarely moved, but now she was looking at the beautiful clothes in front of Tao Lizhi with a reserved and proud expression.

They exclaimed with joy, one after another, thrilled beyond measure. With food, clothing, and drink, what a great fortune it was to have such blessings fall upon them, it was just too wonderful!