Chapter 108: Ji Xingchen from the Youth Idol Drama.
On a workday, Chi Shen went about his usual routine.
Ever since his encounter with a ghost, Li Xù appeared to be in a considerably better mental state. Though he still often sported dark circles under his eyes, it was evident that they were not from sleep deprivation or torment. Instead, they were signs of an active mind, willingly sacrificing sleep for extra work.
Within just a few days, Li Xù had finalized the game format, storyline, and artistic style for "God of Wealth." Seeing Li Xù excitedly present his progress, Chi Shen began to wonder if Li Xù had somehow grown multiple livers.
Perhaps due to his extensive time spent developing games, Li Xù would often work tirelessly. However, he never expected his employees to keep up with his intense pace. Much like a scientist engrossed in research, he'd produce a prototype before delegating the detailed tasks to his team.
After a meeting, Chi Shen was assigned his role – to design the final boss, "God of Wealth."
When this task was entrusted to Chi Shen, there was significant skepticism from others. After all, Chi Shen was just a rookie in the industry, and the "God of Wealth" was the ultimate boss of their game. How could such an important role be given to a novice?
Nevertheless, Li Xù firmly overruled the objections, entrusting the task to Chi Shen.
To persuade everyone, Li Xù cited Chi Shen's extensive knowledge of folklore and comprehensive understanding of spirits and demons. Approaching Chi Shen, Li Xù patted his shoulder, saying, "I have faith in you. I believe you can design a groundbreaking God of Wealth boss!"
Chi Shen's response was, "...I'll give it my best shot?"
He had never expected that introducing Li Xù to a ghost would lead to this.
He initially thought that, given his experience, he would be crafting narratives or dialogue for minor monsters. He hadn't anticipated being handed the responsibility for designing the game's final boss.
Chi Shen admitted that he had no prior experience in such a task and would need to start from scratch.
So, Chi Shen got to work. He began by studying how bosses in popular horror games were designed. However, adhering strictly to his no-overtime principle and leveraging his rich professional experience, Chi Shen efficiently condensed his daily workload into a strict eight-hour schedule. Come 5 pm, he'd be out the door in a flash.
Some colleagues, accustomed to working late in the gaming industry, quietly disapproved of his punctuality. But since their boss didn't voice any objections, they held their tongues, secretly envious of Chi Shen's strict 9-to-5 routine.
After work, Chi Shen would usually visit the supermarket, discussing dinner options with Ji Xingchen, mainly asking what dishes Ji Xingchen could prepare. Chi Shen would buy the ingredients and bring them home for Ji Xingchen to cook.
During his supermarket trips, Chi Shen also kept an eye out for snacks or fresh delicacies, purchasing some for his friends at home.
In the absence of supernatural occurrences, his life seemed utterly mundane, but Chi Shen was content. It was the life he had always desired.
After his supermarket run, Chi Shen, carrying a bag of groceries, leisurely headed home. He was the only resident on the 13th floor, and he casually exited the elevator under the curious gazes of his fellow passengers. As the elevator doors closed, he remarked, "The Harbor City Eleventh Middle School is quite far from here. It's a bit inconvenient without transportation."
It seemed he was talking to himself.
However, his shadow responded, "If you find it troublesome, I can go there myself."
"That's not what I meant," Chi Shen replied, halting mid-step and smiling. "Look, isn't our transportation here?"
At the entrance to Chi Shen's home stood a man he recognized: Mr. Zhong, a member of the Special Security Bureau sent to assist in the Harbor City's Halloween affairs as mentioned by Yuan Yiping. He was also the heir of the Zhong family, Zhong Yi.
Zhong Yi, with his square face and prominent brows, was dressed impeccably. Anyone would assume, at first glance, that he was a man of serious disposition. At that moment, he was glaring at the front door of Chi Shen's house, seemingly ready to break it down.
Just then, the door creaked open.
Zhong Yi’s brows furrowed even deeper, his entire frame tensed up, as if he might lunge forward at any moment.
"Mr. Zhong?"
Wanting to prevent any possible damage to his living room, Chi Shen called out first.
Only then did Zhong Yi shift his piercing gaze, looking at Chi Shen. His eyes darkened momentarily as he glanced behind Chi Shen, but he remained silent. He simply said, “Good afternoon, Mr. Chi. I am here today hoping you can help with a particular matter.”
As Chi Shen changed his shoes, he gestured to Zhong Yi, “Come in, let's talk.”
Noticing Zhong Yi's discomfort in his home, Chi Shen thought he might need to ease the man into the unique setting. Best to bring him inside first.
After hesitating for a brief moment at the entrance, Zhong Yi finally took off his shoes and followed Chi Shen into the living room.
Bai Wan poured them some tea, the red-clothed ghost excitedly brought fruit, and curiously observed Zhong Yi. Even Huang Lingling stood in a corner watching them. Only Gui Lian, the shyest one, hid under the couch, shivering due to the strong positive aura exuding from Zhong Yi.
Chi Shen could tell that being in such an environment was hard for Zhong Yi. He decided not to prolong the man's discomfort, addressing him directly: “What do you need? Just tell me, and I’ll see if I can help.”
Ignoring the tea and fruit in front of him, Zhong Yi began, “On this trip to Harbor City, apart from dealing with the ghosts during Halloween, I’ve brought my grandfather to seek the Bai family's assistance.”
Chi Shen, nonplussed, peeled an orange and munched on it, nodding for Zhong Yi to continue.
"Last month, while my grandfather was handling a haunting case at a hotel, something happened. We don't know the exact details, but out of the three who went, only my grandfather returned. He’s been bedridden ever since, without regaining consciousness." Zhong Yi paused, looking at his untouched tea, "There’s no physical injury. Medical examinations showed no bodily harm, yet he remains unresponsive.”
“What do you think happened?” Chi Shen inquired.
“At first, we thought his soul might be trapped. Despite all our efforts, he didn’t wake up. Even the underworld couldn’t explain it. His soul is intact within his body; he just won't wake up.”
“His vitality started to wane visibly. We sought help everywhere. We consulted every family associated with the Special Security Bureau, but none could address my grandfather's condition. As a last resort, I brought him to Harbor City, hoping the Bai family, outside the Bureau, might have a solution.”
"In a coma and losing vitality?" Chi Shen summed up.
Zhong Yi nodded gravely, "We suspect a ghost or spirit is feeding off his life force from within, but we can’t locate it.”
“I see,” Chi Shen stroked his chin, “You came to me because Bai Ximing couldn’t help?”
Zhong Yi appeared slightly taken aback at Chi Shen’s informal reference to Bai Ximing but chose not to comment. He shook his head, “He said he could, but I trust you more.”
Chi Shen chuckled, "I don't have centuries of family heritage. I'm just an amateur with little knowledge."
Zhong Yi looked at him earnestly, "I believe in you."
"And if I solve this for you, what's in it for me?" Chi Shen asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
Zhong Yi, seeming well-prepared, immediately responded, "All of my personal savings, and any help I can offer, as well as any assistance the Zhong family can provide. Whatever you need, if it's within our capabilities, just ask. I've also prepared a small token of—"
Chi Shen burst into laughter, "Let's have dinner first."
Zhong Yi, who was already reaching for his card, looked puzzled, "Huh?"
"Dinner time," Chi Shen declared, "Aren't you hungry?"
Then, right before Zhong Yi's eyes, a ghost entered Chi Shen's body, and Chi Shen emotionlessly began to cook.
Zhong Yi's expression was one of astonishment, clearly not expecting things to take such a turn.
After the meal, just as Zhong Yi was about to bring up his grandfather's issue again, Chi Shen interrupted, "Before we visit your grandfather, I'd like you to do me a favor."
Zhong Yi immediately nodded, "Tell me."
Chi Shen grabbed his phone to check directions, "Take me to Harbor City Eleventh High School."
Zhong Yi grabbed his car keys, seemingly eager to leave the house as quickly as possible, but Chi Shen called out to him, "Two o'clock in the morning."
Reluctantly, Zhong Yi sat back down.
After dinner, Chi Shen washed the dishes and handed out snacks to the household ghosts. Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, Zhong Yi, sitting stiffly to the side, looked rather out of place. Chi Shen noticed him trying to speak up several times, but realizing his words might be ill-timed, Zhong Yi held back.
As Zhong Yi grew increasingly restless, the clock struck two.
Zhong Yi drove Chi Shen to Harbor City Eleventh High School, parking beside a secluded wall.
After exchanging a brief goodbye with Zhong Yi, Chi Shen stepped out of the car. Before he left, Zhong Yi couldn't help but ask, "Living with so many ghosts... don't you find it unsettling?"
Chi Shen replied, "I find it easier than living with people."
A look of sympathy crossed Zhong Yi's face, but he didn't elaborate. He simply said, "I'll wait here for you to return."
Chi Shen pondered for a moment, then waved his hand, "Thanks."
The school campus was eerily silent at 2 in the morning. Chi Shen quickly found a spot without surveillance and skillfully scaled the wall.
"Where's the archives room?" Chi Shen clapped his hands, glancing around.
Ji Xingchen's figure emerged from his shadow, pointing him in a direction.
"After all these years since graduation, you still remember the layout of our alma mater?" Chi Shen remarked with a smile.
Ji Xingchen responded, "I visited a couple of years ago as an honored alumnus."
"Impressive." Chi Shen smiled and began walking in the direction Ji Xingchen had pointed.
With the Hong City serial murder case drawing to a close, he also planned to investigate how Ji Xingchen died.
Since even the Special Security Bureau couldn't trace Ji Xingchen's identity, they shifted their approach, starting with the high school from Ji Xingchen's memories.
Ji Xingchen's college was in another city, too far away for them to investigate, so they chose the high school.
The archive room was pitch black. However, they, a human and a ghost, didn't need light to see. They moved freely through the room. Chi Shen felt searching for paper records was inefficient, so he directly entered an office.
Opening the search interface, Chi Shen typed in "Ji Xingchen". As expected, there were no results.
Ji Xingchen showed no emotional reaction, perhaps just another confirmation that "Ji Xingchen" never existed.
"Hold on," Chi Shen called out to Ji Xingchen, who was about to leave, "Have you ever considered that 'Ji' might not be your surname?"
In the faint light of the computer screen, Ji Xingchen looked at Chi Shen.
Chi Shen typed two characters into the computer: "Xingchen".
Search results displayed: "Wen Xingchen".
Chi Shen turned to Ji Xingchen, "Your surname might be 'Wen'."
Chi Shen clicked on Wen Xingchen's profile, and the picture displayed was a younger Ji Xingchen.
"You looked like a young idol back then..."
Chi Shen's voice suddenly halted as he sensed a surge of malevolent spectral energy beside him. The previously faint aura of Ji Xingchen became chaotic and overwhelming, laden with a terrifying sense of despair.
Chi Shen turned and saw Ji Xingchen's eyes, now a blazing crimson.
Far away at home, Ji Xingchen's ethereal form swayed slightly, the chains around his heart making a crisp sound as they clashed.
Droplets of blood followed the chain's path, forming an eerie semblance of a smiling face on the ground.
Chapter 108: Ji Xingchen from the Youth Idol Drama.
On a workday, Chi Shen went about his usual routine.
Ever since his encounter with a ghost, Li Xù appeared to be in a considerably better mental state. Though he still often sported dark circles under his eyes, it was evident that they were not from sleep deprivation or torment. Instead, they were signs of an active mind, willingly sacrificing sleep for extra work.
Within just a few days, Li Xù had finalized the game format, storyline, and artistic style for "God of Wealth." Seeing Li Xù excitedly present his progress, Chi Shen began to wonder if Li Xù had somehow grown multiple livers.
Perhaps due to his extensive time spent developing games, Li Xù would often work tirelessly. However, he never expected his employees to keep up with his intense pace. Much like a scientist engrossed in research, he'd produce a prototype before delegating the detailed tasks to his team.
After a meeting, Chi Shen was assigned his role – to design the final boss, "God of Wealth."
When this task was entrusted to Chi Shen, there was significant skepticism from others. After all, Chi Shen was just a rookie in the industry, and the "God of Wealth" was the ultimate boss of their game. How could such an important role be given to a novice?
Nevertheless, Li Xù firmly overruled the objections, entrusting the task to Chi Shen.
To persuade everyone, Li Xù cited Chi Shen's extensive knowledge of folklore and comprehensive understanding of spirits and demons. Approaching Chi Shen, Li Xù patted his shoulder, saying, "I have faith in you. I believe you can design a groundbreaking God of Wealth boss!"
Chi Shen's response was, "...I'll give it my best shot?"
He had never expected that introducing Li Xù to a ghost would lead to this.
He initially thought that, given his experience, he would be crafting narratives or dialogue for minor monsters. He hadn't anticipated being handed the responsibility for designing the game's final boss.
Chi Shen admitted that he had no prior experience in such a task and would need to start from scratch.
So, Chi Shen got to work. He began by studying how bosses in popular horror games were designed. However, adhering strictly to his no-overtime principle and leveraging his rich professional experience, Chi Shen efficiently condensed his daily workload into a strict eight-hour schedule. Come 5 pm, he'd be out the door in a flash.
Some colleagues, accustomed to working late in the gaming industry, quietly disapproved of his punctuality. But since their boss didn't voice any objections, they held their tongues, secretly envious of Chi Shen's strict 9-to-5 routine.
After work, Chi Shen would usually visit the supermarket, discussing dinner options with Ji Xingchen, mainly asking what dishes Ji Xingchen could prepare. Chi Shen would buy the ingredients and bring them home for Ji Xingchen to cook.
During his supermarket trips, Chi Shen also kept an eye out for snacks or fresh delicacies, purchasing some for his friends at home.
In the absence of supernatural occurrences, his life seemed utterly mundane, but Chi Shen was content. It was the life he had always desired.
After his supermarket run, Chi Shen, carrying a bag of groceries, leisurely headed home. He was the only resident on the 13th floor, and he casually exited the elevator under the curious gazes of his fellow passengers. As the elevator doors closed, he remarked, "The Harbor City Eleventh Middle School is quite far from here. It's a bit inconvenient without transportation."
It seemed he was talking to himself.
However, his shadow responded, "If you find it troublesome, I can go there myself."
"That's not what I meant," Chi Shen replied, halting mid-step and smiling. "Look, isn't our transportation here?"
At the entrance to Chi Shen's home stood a man he recognized: Mr. Zhong, a member of the Special Security Bureau sent to assist in the Harbor City's Halloween affairs as mentioned by Yuan Yiping. He was also the heir of the Zhong family, Zhong Yi.
Zhong Yi, with his square face and prominent brows, was dressed impeccably. Anyone would assume, at first glance, that he was a man of serious disposition. At that moment, he was glaring at the front door of Chi Shen's house, seemingly ready to break it down.
Just then, the door creaked open.
Zhong Yi’s brows furrowed even deeper, his entire frame tensed up, as if he might lunge forward at any moment.
"Mr. Zhong?"
Wanting to prevent any possible damage to his living room, Chi Shen called out first.
Only then did Zhong Yi shift his piercing gaze, looking at Chi Shen. His eyes darkened momentarily as he glanced behind Chi Shen, but he remained silent. He simply said, “Good afternoon, Mr. Chi. I am here today hoping you can help with a particular matter.”
As Chi Shen changed his shoes, he gestured to Zhong Yi, “Come in, let's talk.”
Noticing Zhong Yi's discomfort in his home, Chi Shen thought he might need to ease the man into the unique setting. Best to bring him inside first.
After hesitating for a brief moment at the entrance, Zhong Yi finally took off his shoes and followed Chi Shen into the living room.
Bai Wan poured them some tea, the red-clothed ghost excitedly brought fruit, and curiously observed Zhong Yi. Even Huang Lingling stood in a corner watching them. Only Gui Lian, the shyest one, hid under the couch, shivering due to the strong positive aura exuding from Zhong Yi.
Chi Shen could tell that being in such an environment was hard for Zhong Yi. He decided not to prolong the man's discomfort, addressing him directly: “What do you need? Just tell me, and I’ll see if I can help.”
Ignoring the tea and fruit in front of him, Zhong Yi began, “On this trip to Harbor City, apart from dealing with the ghosts during Halloween, I’ve brought my grandfather to seek the Bai family's assistance.”
Chi Shen, nonplussed, peeled an orange and munched on it, nodding for Zhong Yi to continue.
"Last month, while my grandfather was handling a haunting case at a hotel, something happened. We don't know the exact details, but out of the three who went, only my grandfather returned. He’s been bedridden ever since, without regaining consciousness." Zhong Yi paused, looking at his untouched tea, "There’s no physical injury. Medical examinations showed no bodily harm, yet he remains unresponsive.”
“What do you think happened?” Chi Shen inquired.
“At first, we thought his soul might be trapped. Despite all our efforts, he didn’t wake up. Even the underworld couldn’t explain it. His soul is intact within his body; he just won't wake up.”
“His vitality started to wane visibly. We sought help everywhere. We consulted every family associated with the Special Security Bureau, but none could address my grandfather's condition. As a last resort, I brought him to Harbor City, hoping the Bai family, outside the Bureau, might have a solution.”
"In a coma and losing vitality?" Chi Shen summed up.
Zhong Yi nodded gravely, "We suspect a ghost or spirit is feeding off his life force from within, but we can’t locate it.”
“I see,” Chi Shen stroked his chin, “You came to me because Bai Ximing couldn’t help?”
Zhong Yi appeared slightly taken aback at Chi Shen’s informal reference to Bai Ximing but chose not to comment. He shook his head, “He said he could, but I trust you more.”
Chi Shen chuckled, "I don't have centuries of family heritage. I'm just an amateur with little knowledge."
Zhong Yi looked at him earnestly, "I believe in you."
"And if I solve this for you, what's in it for me?" Chi Shen asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
Zhong Yi, seeming well-prepared, immediately responded, "All of my personal savings, and any help I can offer, as well as any assistance the Zhong family can provide. Whatever you need, if it's within our capabilities, just ask. I've also prepared a small token of—"
Chi Shen burst into laughter, "Let's have dinner first."
Zhong Yi, who was already reaching for his card, looked puzzled, "Huh?"
"Dinner time," Chi Shen declared, "Aren't you hungry?"
Then, right before Zhong Yi's eyes, a ghost entered Chi Shen's body, and Chi Shen emotionlessly began to cook.
Zhong Yi's expression was one of astonishment, clearly not expecting things to take such a turn.
After the meal, just as Zhong Yi was about to bring up his grandfather's issue again, Chi Shen interrupted, "Before we visit your grandfather, I'd like you to do me a favor."
Zhong Yi immediately nodded, "Tell me."
Chi Shen grabbed his phone to check directions, "Take me to Harbor City Eleventh High School."
Zhong Yi grabbed his car keys, seemingly eager to leave the house as quickly as possible, but Chi Shen called out to him, "Two o'clock in the morning."
Reluctantly, Zhong Yi sat back down.
After dinner, Chi Shen washed the dishes and handed out snacks to the household ghosts. Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, Zhong Yi, sitting stiffly to the side, looked rather out of place. Chi Shen noticed him trying to speak up several times, but realizing his words might be ill-timed, Zhong Yi held back.
As Zhong Yi grew increasingly restless, the clock struck two.
Zhong Yi drove Chi Shen to Harbor City Eleventh High School, parking beside a secluded wall.
After exchanging a brief goodbye with Zhong Yi, Chi Shen stepped out of the car. Before he left, Zhong Yi couldn't help but ask, "Living with so many ghosts... don't you find it unsettling?"
Chi Shen replied, "I find it easier than living with people."
A look of sympathy crossed Zhong Yi's face, but he didn't elaborate. He simply said, "I'll wait here for you to return."
Chi Shen pondered for a moment, then waved his hand, "Thanks."
The school campus was eerily silent at 2 in the morning. Chi Shen quickly found a spot without surveillance and skillfully scaled the wall.
"Where's the archives room?" Chi Shen clapped his hands, glancing around.
Ji Xingchen's figure emerged from his shadow, pointing him in a direction.
"After all these years since graduation, you still remember the layout of our alma mater?" Chi Shen remarked with a smile.
Ji Xingchen responded, "I visited a couple of years ago as an honored alumnus."
"Impressive." Chi Shen smiled and began walking in the direction Ji Xingchen had pointed.
With the Hong City serial murder case drawing to a close, he also planned to investigate how Ji Xingchen died.
Since even the Special Security Bureau couldn't trace Ji Xingchen's identity, they shifted their approach, starting with the high school from Ji Xingchen's memories.
Ji Xingchen's college was in another city, too far away for them to investigate, so they chose the high school.
The archive room was pitch black. However, they, a human and a ghost, didn't need light to see. They moved freely through the room. Chi Shen felt searching for paper records was inefficient, so he directly entered an office.
Opening the search interface, Chi Shen typed in "Ji Xingchen". As expected, there were no results.
Ji Xingchen showed no emotional reaction, perhaps just another confirmation that "Ji Xingchen" never existed.
"Hold on," Chi Shen called out to Ji Xingchen, who was about to leave, "Have you ever considered that 'Ji' might not be your surname?"
In the faint light of the computer screen, Ji Xingchen looked at Chi Shen.
Chi Shen typed two characters into the computer: "Xingchen".
Search results displayed: "Wen Xingchen".
Chi Shen turned to Ji Xingchen, "Your surname might be 'Wen'."
Chi Shen clicked on Wen Xingchen's profile, and the picture displayed was a younger Ji Xingchen.
"You looked like a young idol back then..."
Chi Shen's voice suddenly halted as he sensed a surge of malevolent spectral energy beside him. The previously faint aura of Ji Xingchen became chaotic and overwhelming, laden with a terrifying sense of despair.
Chi Shen turned and saw Ji Xingchen's eyes, now a blazing crimson.
Far away at home, Ji Xingchen's ethereal form swayed slightly, the chains around his heart making a crisp sound as they clashed.
Droplets of blood followed the chain's path, forming an eerie semblance of a smiling face on the ground.
