Cui Bin patted Liang Ru, feigning sincerity as he said, “If you love someone, you must respect their choices. I believe in you—we must strive for a bright future for our son!”
As they spoke, their affection deepened once more. Only when the sky grew bright did Cui Bin quietly slip downstairs.
In the commercial building of Lian Family Real Estate, a man was reviewing documents. Irritated, he stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, tugging hard at his tie to let himself breathe.
The man was tall and imposing. Though his features were ordinary, the commanding presence of someone in authority lent him a certain distinction, making it easy to set him apart from ordinary people.
This man was Lian Zhiqiang’s eldest son, Lian Hao, thirty years old this year.
A knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” Lian Hao replied irritably.
The person entering was Lian Hao’s assistant, Zheng Xiaofeng, holding a tablet in his hand.
“Mr. Lian, I think you should take a look at this!”
Puzzled, Lian Hao took the tablet.
Zheng Xiaofeng explained, “This video was posted this morning, and it’s causing quite a stir online.”
Lian Hao pressed play. The video showed several young men scratching lottery tickets.
“I won!”
“I won too!”
Although the prize amounts were small, their joy seemed to leap off the screen.
Zheng Xiaofeng naturally noticed Lian Hao’s confusion and, drawing on his assistant’s ability to gather and organize information, began to elaborate: “This matter dates back two days. Two days ago, a video by a major influencer went viral, essentially claiming that a small hotel in Liaoping County was haunted. This wasn’t baseless, as dozens of people simultaneously left negative reviews on the hotel booking platform, claiming they had experienced paranormal events while staying there. This attracted some ghost-hunting streamers to investigate the truth. Based on the videos they posted today, local residents confirmed that the hotel had indeed experienced haunting incidents. Moreover, the hotel owner even hired someone to perform a ritual. After the ritual, the hotel underwent a miraculous turnaround. The ghost-hunting streamers unanimously changed their tune, declaring it not a haunted house but a blessed place! Such a drastic shift—if it isn’t due to exceptionally clever marketing, then there must truly be someone capable who helped them resolve the hotel’s issues.”
Lian Hao frowned slightly and said gravely, “Contact that hotel owner and see if such a person really exists. If so, we’ll go there ourselves. Even if there’s only a sliver of hope, we can’t give up.”
In the small hotel, Sister Chen was tidying up the rooms. Previously, when the cleaning lady had been scared off and no guests were staying, she had felt utterly unmotivated to clean. Now, however, she was brimming with energy, feeling as if she had three heads and six arms. She hummed a tune as she worked.
Halfway through her tasks, Sister Chen’s phone rang. With the recent surge in booking calls, she answered immediately.
“Is this Ms. Chen Fen?” The caller was polite and had addressed her by name, which made Sister Chen a bit uneasy.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“Ms. Chen, I’ve been following your hotel online. Your establishment has transformed from a rumored haunted house into a blessed place. Nowadays, people are constantly checking the platform, hoping to book a room and experience it for themselves. To be frank, an elderly person in my family has been in a coma for some time, and the situation is rather peculiar. If you’ve received guidance from a master, would you be willing to introduce them to me? Of course, we would certainly offer generous compensation,” Zheng Xiaofeng said courteously.
Jiang Yi had helped Sister Chen so much that she was overwhelmed with gratitude, not daring to ask for any substantial reward.
However, she couldn’t make decisions on Jiang Yi’s behalf, so she could only decline for the moment: “Sir, perhaps you could call again in the evening. I can only promise to relay your request.”
Zheng Xiaofeng also understood that experts had their own rules, so he had no choice but to accept this arrangement for now.
In the evening, Jiang Yi returned with her small bundle slung over her back.
She hadn’t earned any money and looked utterly dejected.
It wasn’t that no one had approached her, but none of them were serious clients.
Judging by their appearances, they were all opportunists looking for shortcuts.
Jiang Yi couldn’t be bothered to help such people.
Sister Chen hurriedly greeted her, “Master, you must be exhausted. I’ve prepared a few dishes. If you don’t mind, I’ll bring them to your room for you to eat.”
Jiang Yi was deeply grateful, as she truly had no idea what to feed Ancestor Grandma otherwise.
After saying this, Sister Chen awkwardly rubbed her hands together, “Master, someone online has taken notice of our shop and guessed that there’s an expert helping out.
An elderly person in their family has fallen into a coma, and they’d like to ask for your assistance.”
Hearing that business had come knocking, Jiang Yi remained unhurried: “Sister Chen, I have principles when it comes to helping people. I absolutely refuse to assist those who are wicked or malicious.
If they’re willing, have a family member come in person.
If there’s a connection, I’ll naturally be willing to help.”
Sister Chen, sensing an opportunity, quickly agreed, “Alright, I’ll go inform them right away.”
A little past ten in the evening, the office building of Lianfa Real Estate was shrouded in darkness, with only a single light still glowing in the general manager’s office.
That solitary light, set against the pitch-black night, felt even more lonely.
Zheng Xiaofeng’s heart was heavy with worry.
Ever since Old Mr. Lian fell ill, Young Mr. Lian had been working overtime day after day, fearing the company might be affected.
As a result, Zheng Xiaofeng hadn’t been able to leave work on time for days.
He knocked on the door and entered with a cup of ginseng tea, “Mr. Lian, it’s so late—you shouldn’t drink coffee anymore. It’s bad for your stomach and will keep you from sleeping well.
Have a cup of ginseng tea instead and call it a night.”
Lian Hao shifted his gaze from the documents, “What did the innkeeper say?”
“That master has certain rules. She said she only helps those with a connection and hopes a family member will come in person before deciding whether to help or not.
Otherwise, perhaps Madam could make the trip.”
Lian Hao stood up immediately, draping his suit jacket over his arm, “Let’s go to Liaoping County.”
“Mr. Lian, you didn’t sleep well last night. Maybe tomorrow—”
“Let’s go, now. My father’s condition can’t wait much longer.”
The drive from Huashi to Liaoping County took only three hours, but Lian Hao, resting his head in his hand, slept fitfully.
Upon arriving in Liaoping County, they found a hotel to settle in, deciding to visit the next day.
Meanwhile, the unlucky Jiang Yi was sound asleep.
The “money power” from the past couple of days had brought Ancestor Grandma brief satisfaction, so she hadn’t tormented Jiang Yi in her dreams.
It wasn’t out of kindness, though—the TV shows were just too captivating.
She had already finished binge-watching the ups and downs of a certain Shixian.
Now, she was engrossed in a story about a modern man who traveled back to ancient times, transformed into a young woman, and shared a bed with a prince.
Early the next morning, Jiang Yi stretched contentedly.
It had been a long time since she’d slept so soundly—it felt absolutely wonderful.
She glanced at Ancestor Grandma.
The TV had turned off at some point, and the Spirit Tablet had toppled over, snoring loudly.
After washing up and getting dressed, Jiang Yi heard a knock at the door.
It was Sister Chen.
“Master, the person I mentioned yesterday has arrived. Would you like to meet them?”
Jiang Yi nodded, gathering her long hair into a ponytail before stepping out.
Two men stood by the front desk of the inn.
Both wore crisp suits and carried an air of distinction.
They looked like social elites, completely out of place in the small inn.