Chapter 115: Ahead Lies Hell!
A realization struck Zhong Jingsong, and he glanced at Zhong Yi.
Immediately, Zhong Yi turned and headed to the nurse's station, urgently asking, "Has anyone visited recently?"
The nurse, puzzled, replied, "Many have come."
"Has anyone inquired about the heart surgery that just took place?" Zhong Yi pressed.
The nurse nodded and, thinking of something, chuckled, "Yes, a very handsome young man. He asked if Elder Zhong was undergoing surgery."
A few of the Zhong family had followed and overheard. Zhong Yi's aunt inquired, "A very... handsome young man?"
The nurse blushed slightly, "He was truly handsome. I wanted to take a photo with him, but he declined."
A name came to their minds. They exchanged glances, and Zhong Yi stated, "I'll go talk to him."
Yi's aunt stopped him, "If someone doesn't want you to know something, don't bother them."
Yi asked, "So, we just let it go?"
Jingsong approached, "Get him a plum tree, have someone help look for the best one. If he ever needs anything in the future, help him out. He's not the type to voice his needs, but we should step up."
By now, Chishen had visited a popular shop in the harbor city and left a negative review.
On the way back, the shadows of a row of trees fell upon Chishen. Xingchen emerged from Chishen's shadow and walked alongside him.
"You seem quite happy."
"You seem happy too. It's rare to see you willing to take a stroll."
The two figures, one human and one ghost, gradually disappeared down the sidewalk.
A day later, inside the Security Bureau.
Yuan Yiping looked indifferently at the person at the door.
Xi Ming smiled at him, "Don't be so stern. I'm just here for a visit. Don't worry, I'm normal and won't come back to complain about you."
Upon hearing this, Yi immediately wanted to rush forward, "You—"
Someone nearby restrained Yi. Causing a scene here would have dire consequences.
Xi Ming interrupted calmly, "I recall that family members related to a case are not supposed to be involved in the investigation, right?"
Yiping replied, "We don't have such a rule. If we did, with all the relatives in the Security Bureau, we'd never get anything done."
"So close relatives don't have to recuse themselves? I might have to suggest that to the capital," Xi Ming said with a smile as he walked toward the door, "See you next time."
Xi Ming leisurely exited the doors of the Security Bureau and got into a luxury car.
Everyone at the Security Bureau watched his arrogant departure. Jiayuan exclaimed, "We're just letting him leave like that?"
"You seem to be a distant relative of Xi Ming, why are you so concerned about him?" someone sarcastically remarked.
Another person intervened, "How long has Xu been with the Security Bureau? Can't you tell his character? He's wondering how we can bring him back in."
"We caught him harboring a ghost, yet we can't lock him up. He just leaves an ignorant stooge to take the blame. It's clear he's mocking us!" someone said angrily.
Yuan Yiping seemed lost in thought before saying, "Letting him go... isn’t such a big deal."
Jiayuan sighed in frustration, "I don't even know him. Has he acknowledged me since he came in? I'm just upset for Yi, and also for my brother."
Someone inquired, "Which brother?"
"Chishen..." Jiayuan paused, then suddenly laughed, "I have a feeling he'll come back."
Yiping looked over, contemplated for a moment, and then nodded slightly, "Let’s disperse."
They indeed managed to arrest Xi Ming this time, but the only evidence was a minor ghost. Xi Ming denied everything, and that little ghost soon vanished, leaving no proof. Moreover, a disciple from the Bai family, who was with Xi Ming, took all the blame upon himself, leaving Xi Ming without any culpability.
But releasing Xi Ming wasn't solely because of this. They held plenty of evidence against him, yet the newly established Bai family investigation team advised them to release him. Making a move on Xi Ming now might cause the Bai family's influence in the harbor city to go underground. They aimed to root out the entire Bai family, not just capture Xi Ming.
Once everyone dispersed, Yuan Yiping headed to the investigation team.
Inside the Special Case Division office, an old man removed his glasses and looked at Yiping, "You let him go?"
Yiping nodded, "We let him go."
"We can’t rush this... especially without alarming them," the old man said in a raspy voice. "There's still a storm coming in the harbor city. We’ll deal with the Bai family slowly."
Yiping, with a troubled expression, didn't understand the old man's approach but asked, "What else is going to happen?"
The old man shook his head without answering, only saying, "The universe works in mysterious ways."
Yiping didn’t get it, nor did he want to. The elders of these major families always spoke so cryptically. He simply wanted to solve the case and bring justice to the victims.
Chishen also heard the news of Xi Ming's release. Both Jiayuan and Yi told him. Jiayuan's mention seemed like routine gossip, but Yi spoke with evident anger and frustration. This anger wasn't just about the Bai family's schemes but also about the disappointment of letting their main suspect escape despite Chishen's significant help.
Chishen, however, was quite calm. He wasn’t overly concerned with this. What really occupied his mind was the plum tree the Zhong family had sent over—where was he supposed to place it?
At the moment, he stood on his balcony, looking at a plum tree over three meters tall, its branches spreading out, occupying almost half the space. The Zhong family's efficiency was astonishingly high in Chishen's view.
"I initially thought it'd be a small tree. I never imagined... it would be this huge. Is the Zhong family being overly generous?" Chishen mused, gazing at the tree.
To be honest, the plum tree was quite beautiful. It seemed ancient, its bark reminiscent of an old painting, depicting a winter plum, robust and rustic. The tree also emanated faint traces of Buddhist essence. Anyone with a hint of spiritual insight would know it was transplanted from a temple.
Chishen turned to look at the distant ghosts of his home, lost in contemplation.
"You... you finally see us as burdens?" Ghost Face cautiously inquired, positioning himself as far from the plum tree as possible. He watched, alarmed, as waves of spiritual essence emanated from the tree. Just looking at it made him feel uneasy to his very spectral core!
"It stinks! Disgusting!" The woman in red shouted beside him, "Get rid of it!"
"Why would you plant such a tree here? I can't live in this house anymore!" Huang Lingling protested vehemently.
Ji Xingchen calmly replied, "It's a gesture of goodwill from the Zhong family, after all."
Huang Lingling snapped back, "Then why don't you go and join them? Why are you standing here with us?"
Adjusting his glasses, Ji Xingchen remained unperturbed, "I'm here to help Chi Shen with his chrysanthemums."
Bai Wan, keeping her distance as well, expressed her concerns, "How are we going to water the chrysanthemums now?"
Her statement clearly meant she had no intention of approaching that area ever again.
"Since everyone seems to loathe this tree... How about we take a vacation and give the tree some time to air out?" Chi Shen suggested.
"A vacation?" Ghost Face quickly latched onto the key phrase.
The woman in red popped her head out immediately, "Where to?"
Bai Wan added, "This is the second time you've mentioned a vacation. Are we really going?"
"It's New Year's, isn't it time for a break? How about a trip?" Chi Shen chuckled, "The direction and plane tickets are on someone else's dime."
The ghosts looked puzzled, only Ji Xingchen, adjusting his glasses once more, turned around to start packing.
The household spirits all prepared their belongings. The woman in red adorned her paper phone with a lovely butterfly knot. Bai Wan packed her tablet and fully charged her power bank. Ghost Face watched drowning videos for days and nights, and even Ji Xingchen prepared some travel attire for Chi Shen.
Filled with anticipation, everyone eagerly awaited the promised trip. However, after several days with no progress, they wore disappointed expressions. Even Bai Wan, who was faceless, visibly exuded gloom.
Huang Lingling was the first to confront him, "Was this trip a lie?"
"I always keep my word. Why would I deceive you?" Chi Shen calmly responded, heading off to water the chrysanthemums.
After all, in recent days, neither the woman in red nor Bai Wan would come close to the plum tree, so the task of watering fell solely on him.
"So, when are we leaving and where to?" Huang Lingling pressed.
Chi Shen glanced at the sky, pondering, "Well... I haven't decided yet."
Huang Lingling exclaimed loudly, "You did deceive us after all!"
As her voice trailed off, Chi Shen's phone rang. He glanced at it, spotting the name 'Zhong Yi.'
Seeing the call, Chi Shen chuckled, "Look, someone's about to reimburse our travel expenses."
Huang Lingling looked perplexed and wanted to retort, but Chi Shen had already picked up the call.
"My grandfather has awakened and is in good shape, recovering well. He wishes to meet you and thank you in person... Are you available?" Zhong Yi's voice, which initially had a cold edge when first meeting Chi Shen, now carried a hint of guilt and respect.
Chi Shen grinned, "I was thinking of visiting the old man too, there's something I'd like to ask him."
From the other side, Zhong Yi offered, "When are you free? I can come pick you up."
"No need to trouble yourself," Chi Shen replied, putting down his watering can, "I can come over myself, how about tonight?"
That evening, Chi Shen met Zhong Yi's grandfather, the current patriarch of the Zhong family, known as Elder Zhong.
Elder Zhong, nearing his eighties and having undergone heart surgery just earlier that day, appeared remarkably spirited. The first thing he did upon seeing Chi Shen was to express gratitude.
Although Chi Shen felt he hadn't done much, he accepted the thanks with a smile for the sake of the old man's peace of mind. Almost immediately, Elder Zhong inquired, "Are you sure you don't want our family's scriptures?"
Chi Shen replied with a gentle smile, "I wouldn't understand them, they'd be of no use to me."
Elder Zhong's gaze shifted as he looked at Chi Shen, then sighed, "To be honest, there's no reason to hide these things. When I heard from Jing Song that Bai Ximing wanted our scriptures, I was surprised. I couldn't fathom what he'd gain from them. After the establishment of the Special Security Bureau, we submitted these materials. Copies are kept at the Bureau. Several families have bridged gaps and exchanged knowledge, leading to rapid advances in exorcism techniques over the years. It's puzzling that the Bai family still desires these when joining the Bureau would give them all the information."
Chi Shen listened with a polite smile, but his mind wandered elsewhere.
Wen Qin's prior trip to the capital seemed to suggest a significant appointment there, possibly with the Special Security Bureau. But now things seemed different.
If Wen Qin had a position within the Bureau, given his reputed capabilities, it wouldn't be a low-ranking one. Thus, he'd know about the exchange of secret techniques between the major families. If he returned to the port city, Bai Ximing should also be informed.
If Bai Ximing was aware, there'd be no need for subterfuge to obtain the Zhong family scriptures.
There could only be a few reasons for Bai Ximing's actions.
Firstly, Wen Qin might never have joined the Special Security Bureau and thus remained unaware of its internal matters, prompting Bai Ximing's moves.
Secondly, Wen Qin might be privy to the Bureau's affairs but chose not to disclose them to Bai Ximing.
As for the situation mentioned, it might be that Wen Qin doesn't care about Bai Xi Ming's condition, or it might be another gesture of acknowledgment, much like the "gift" Bai Xi Ming presented with Ji Xing Chen's blood.
As for which it truly is, Chi Shen didn't ponder deeply. With time, the answer will naturally reveal itself.
"You are quite different from your father," the elderly Mr. Zhong said as he lay on the hospital bed, looking at Chi Shen with kind and gentle eyes. "You are bound to lead a different life than he did... But enough about that, I truly am grateful to you this time."
"It's no trouble at all," said Chi Shen honestly. After all, he merely made two trips, almost like he just stepped out to check in at a popular restaurant and dropped by here.
"How could it not be? If not for you, I might have died in this hospital. I don't know how you managed it, but rest assured, I understand that our line of work has its secrets, and I won't pry. But I am curious: since you could sense something within me, can you tell where it came from?"
Old Mr. Zhong gazed at Chi Shen expectantly, seemingly confident he'd know.
However, Chi Shen shook his head. "I'm not sure. I'm also curious about where it came from. It seems intriguing."
"Hahaha—" Old Mr. Zhong laughed, but after a few moments, he grimaced and clutched his chest. The Zhong family members rushed to steady him, urging him to calm down. After a while, Mr. Zhong continued, "Would you like to hear about it? Or perhaps, are you interested in addressing this issue?"
The other members of the Zhong family glanced subtly at Chi Shen, some with a hint of anticipation, as if hoping he would be the solution to their problems.
Chi Shen neither expressed interest nor declined. He simply said, "Please tell me more."
"Let me explain, and let my father rest," said the elder son of Mr. Zhong, who had been by his side, Zhong Jing Song stood up. "I led the initial investigation on this matter, so I'm well-informed."
Chi Shen nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Uncle."
"About two months ago, on October 23rd, I received an investigative assignment from the Special Security Bureau regarding the disappearance at the 'Dongshan Hot Spring Holiday Hotel'..."
Chapter 115: Ahead Lies Hell!
A realization struck Zhong Jingsong, and he glanced at Zhong Yi.
Immediately, Zhong Yi turned and headed to the nurse's station, urgently asking, "Has anyone visited recently?"
The nurse, puzzled, replied, "Many have come."
"Has anyone inquired about the heart surgery that just took place?" Zhong Yi pressed.
The nurse nodded and, thinking of something, chuckled, "Yes, a very handsome young man. He asked if Elder Zhong was undergoing surgery."
A few of the Zhong family had followed and overheard. Zhong Yi's aunt inquired, "A very... handsome young man?"
The nurse blushed slightly, "He was truly handsome. I wanted to take a photo with him, but he declined."
A name came to their minds. They exchanged glances, and Zhong Yi stated, "I'll go talk to him."
Yi's aunt stopped him, "If someone doesn't want you to know something, don't bother them."
Yi asked, "So, we just let it go?"
Jingsong approached, "Get him a plum tree, have someone help look for the best one. If he ever needs anything in the future, help him out. He's not the type to voice his needs, but we should step up."
By now, Chishen had visited a popular shop in the harbor city and left a negative review.
On the way back, the shadows of a row of trees fell upon Chishen. Xingchen emerged from Chishen's shadow and walked alongside him.
"You seem quite happy."
"You seem happy too. It's rare to see you willing to take a stroll."
The two figures, one human and one ghost, gradually disappeared down the sidewalk.
A day later, inside the Security Bureau.
Yuan Yiping looked indifferently at the person at the door.
Xi Ming smiled at him, "Don't be so stern. I'm just here for a visit. Don't worry, I'm normal and won't come back to complain about you."
Upon hearing this, Yi immediately wanted to rush forward, "You—"
Someone nearby restrained Yi. Causing a scene here would have dire consequences.
Xi Ming interrupted calmly, "I recall that family members related to a case are not supposed to be involved in the investigation, right?"
Yiping replied, "We don't have such a rule. If we did, with all the relatives in the Security Bureau, we'd never get anything done."
"So close relatives don't have to recuse themselves? I might have to suggest that to the capital," Xi Ming said with a smile as he walked toward the door, "See you next time."
Xi Ming leisurely exited the doors of the Security Bureau and got into a luxury car.
Everyone at the Security Bureau watched his arrogant departure. Jiayuan exclaimed, "We're just letting him leave like that?"
"You seem to be a distant relative of Xi Ming, why are you so concerned about him?" someone sarcastically remarked.
Another person intervened, "How long has Xu been with the Security Bureau? Can't you tell his character? He's wondering how we can bring him back in."
"We caught him harboring a ghost, yet we can't lock him up. He just leaves an ignorant stooge to take the blame. It's clear he's mocking us!" someone said angrily.
Yuan Yiping seemed lost in thought before saying, "Letting him go... isn’t such a big deal."
Jiayuan sighed in frustration, "I don't even know him. Has he acknowledged me since he came in? I'm just upset for Yi, and also for my brother."
Someone inquired, "Which brother?"
"Chishen..." Jiayuan paused, then suddenly laughed, "I have a feeling he'll come back."
Yiping looked over, contemplated for a moment, and then nodded slightly, "Let’s disperse."
They indeed managed to arrest Xi Ming this time, but the only evidence was a minor ghost. Xi Ming denied everything, and that little ghost soon vanished, leaving no proof. Moreover, a disciple from the Bai family, who was with Xi Ming, took all the blame upon himself, leaving Xi Ming without any culpability.
But releasing Xi Ming wasn't solely because of this. They held plenty of evidence against him, yet the newly established Bai family investigation team advised them to release him. Making a move on Xi Ming now might cause the Bai family's influence in the harbor city to go underground. They aimed to root out the entire Bai family, not just capture Xi Ming.
Once everyone dispersed, Yuan Yiping headed to the investigation team.
Inside the Special Case Division office, an old man removed his glasses and looked at Yiping, "You let him go?"
Yiping nodded, "We let him go."
"We can’t rush this... especially without alarming them," the old man said in a raspy voice. "There's still a storm coming in the harbor city. We’ll deal with the Bai family slowly."
Yiping, with a troubled expression, didn't understand the old man's approach but asked, "What else is going to happen?"
The old man shook his head without answering, only saying, "The universe works in mysterious ways."
Yiping didn’t get it, nor did he want to. The elders of these major families always spoke so cryptically. He simply wanted to solve the case and bring justice to the victims.
Chishen also heard the news of Xi Ming's release. Both Jiayuan and Yi told him. Jiayuan's mention seemed like routine gossip, but Yi spoke with evident anger and frustration. This anger wasn't just about the Bai family's schemes but also about the disappointment of letting their main suspect escape despite Chishen's significant help.
Chishen, however, was quite calm. He wasn’t overly concerned with this. What really occupied his mind was the plum tree the Zhong family had sent over—where was he supposed to place it?
At the moment, he stood on his balcony, looking at a plum tree over three meters tall, its branches spreading out, occupying almost half the space. The Zhong family's efficiency was astonishingly high in Chishen's view.
"I initially thought it'd be a small tree. I never imagined... it would be this huge. Is the Zhong family being overly generous?" Chishen mused, gazing at the tree.
To be honest, the plum tree was quite beautiful. It seemed ancient, its bark reminiscent of an old painting, depicting a winter plum, robust and rustic. The tree also emanated faint traces of Buddhist essence. Anyone with a hint of spiritual insight would know it was transplanted from a temple.
Chishen turned to look at the distant ghosts of his home, lost in contemplation.
"You... you finally see us as burdens?" Ghost Face cautiously inquired, positioning himself as far from the plum tree as possible. He watched, alarmed, as waves of spiritual essence emanated from the tree. Just looking at it made him feel uneasy to his very spectral core!
"It stinks! Disgusting!" The woman in red shouted beside him, "Get rid of it!"
"Why would you plant such a tree here? I can't live in this house anymore!" Huang Lingling protested vehemently.
Ji Xingchen calmly replied, "It's a gesture of goodwill from the Zhong family, after all."
Huang Lingling snapped back, "Then why don't you go and join them? Why are you standing here with us?"
Adjusting his glasses, Ji Xingchen remained unperturbed, "I'm here to help Chi Shen with his chrysanthemums."
Bai Wan, keeping her distance as well, expressed her concerns, "How are we going to water the chrysanthemums now?"
Her statement clearly meant she had no intention of approaching that area ever again.
"Since everyone seems to loathe this tree... How about we take a vacation and give the tree some time to air out?" Chi Shen suggested.
"A vacation?" Ghost Face quickly latched onto the key phrase.
The woman in red popped her head out immediately, "Where to?"
Bai Wan added, "This is the second time you've mentioned a vacation. Are we really going?"
"It's New Year's, isn't it time for a break? How about a trip?" Chi Shen chuckled, "The direction and plane tickets are on someone else's dime."
The ghosts looked puzzled, only Ji Xingchen, adjusting his glasses once more, turned around to start packing.
The household spirits all prepared their belongings. The woman in red adorned her paper phone with a lovely butterfly knot. Bai Wan packed her tablet and fully charged her power bank. Ghost Face watched drowning videos for days and nights, and even Ji Xingchen prepared some travel attire for Chi Shen.
Filled with anticipation, everyone eagerly awaited the promised trip. However, after several days with no progress, they wore disappointed expressions. Even Bai Wan, who was faceless, visibly exuded gloom.
Huang Lingling was the first to confront him, "Was this trip a lie?"
"I always keep my word. Why would I deceive you?" Chi Shen calmly responded, heading off to water the chrysanthemums.
After all, in recent days, neither the woman in red nor Bai Wan would come close to the plum tree, so the task of watering fell solely on him.
"So, when are we leaving and where to?" Huang Lingling pressed.
Chi Shen glanced at the sky, pondering, "Well... I haven't decided yet."
Huang Lingling exclaimed loudly, "You did deceive us after all!"
As her voice trailed off, Chi Shen's phone rang. He glanced at it, spotting the name 'Zhong Yi.'
Seeing the call, Chi Shen chuckled, "Look, someone's about to reimburse our travel expenses."
Huang Lingling looked perplexed and wanted to retort, but Chi Shen had already picked up the call.
"My grandfather has awakened and is in good shape, recovering well. He wishes to meet you and thank you in person... Are you available?" Zhong Yi's voice, which initially had a cold edge when first meeting Chi Shen, now carried a hint of guilt and respect.
Chi Shen grinned, "I was thinking of visiting the old man too, there's something I'd like to ask him."
From the other side, Zhong Yi offered, "When are you free? I can come pick you up."
"No need to trouble yourself," Chi Shen replied, putting down his watering can, "I can come over myself, how about tonight?"
That evening, Chi Shen met Zhong Yi's grandfather, the current patriarch of the Zhong family, known as Elder Zhong.
Elder Zhong, nearing his eighties and having undergone heart surgery just earlier that day, appeared remarkably spirited. The first thing he did upon seeing Chi Shen was to express gratitude.
Although Chi Shen felt he hadn't done much, he accepted the thanks with a smile for the sake of the old man's peace of mind. Almost immediately, Elder Zhong inquired, "Are you sure you don't want our family's scriptures?"
Chi Shen replied with a gentle smile, "I wouldn't understand them, they'd be of no use to me."
Elder Zhong's gaze shifted as he looked at Chi Shen, then sighed, "To be honest, there's no reason to hide these things. When I heard from Jing Song that Bai Ximing wanted our scriptures, I was surprised. I couldn't fathom what he'd gain from them. After the establishment of the Special Security Bureau, we submitted these materials. Copies are kept at the Bureau. Several families have bridged gaps and exchanged knowledge, leading to rapid advances in exorcism techniques over the years. It's puzzling that the Bai family still desires these when joining the Bureau would give them all the information."
Chi Shen listened with a polite smile, but his mind wandered elsewhere.
Wen Qin's prior trip to the capital seemed to suggest a significant appointment there, possibly with the Special Security Bureau. But now things seemed different.
If Wen Qin had a position within the Bureau, given his reputed capabilities, it wouldn't be a low-ranking one. Thus, he'd know about the exchange of secret techniques between the major families. If he returned to the port city, Bai Ximing should also be informed.
If Bai Ximing was aware, there'd be no need for subterfuge to obtain the Zhong family scriptures.
There could only be a few reasons for Bai Ximing's actions.
Firstly, Wen Qin might never have joined the Special Security Bureau and thus remained unaware of its internal matters, prompting Bai Ximing's moves.
Secondly, Wen Qin might be privy to the Bureau's affairs but chose not to disclose them to Bai Ximing.
As for the situation mentioned, it might be that Wen Qin doesn't care about Bai Xi Ming's condition, or it might be another gesture of acknowledgment, much like the "gift" Bai Xi Ming presented with Ji Xing Chen's blood.
As for which it truly is, Chi Shen didn't ponder deeply. With time, the answer will naturally reveal itself.
"You are quite different from your father," the elderly Mr. Zhong said as he lay on the hospital bed, looking at Chi Shen with kind and gentle eyes. "You are bound to lead a different life than he did... But enough about that, I truly am grateful to you this time."
"It's no trouble at all," said Chi Shen honestly. After all, he merely made two trips, almost like he just stepped out to check in at a popular restaurant and dropped by here.
"How could it not be? If not for you, I might have died in this hospital. I don't know how you managed it, but rest assured, I understand that our line of work has its secrets, and I won't pry. But I am curious: since you could sense something within me, can you tell where it came from?"
Old Mr. Zhong gazed at Chi Shen expectantly, seemingly confident he'd know.
However, Chi Shen shook his head. "I'm not sure. I'm also curious about where it came from. It seems intriguing."
"Hahaha—" Old Mr. Zhong laughed, but after a few moments, he grimaced and clutched his chest. The Zhong family members rushed to steady him, urging him to calm down. After a while, Mr. Zhong continued, "Would you like to hear about it? Or perhaps, are you interested in addressing this issue?"
The other members of the Zhong family glanced subtly at Chi Shen, some with a hint of anticipation, as if hoping he would be the solution to their problems.
Chi Shen neither expressed interest nor declined. He simply said, "Please tell me more."
"Let me explain, and let my father rest," said the elder son of Mr. Zhong, who had been by his side, Zhong Jing Song stood up. "I led the initial investigation on this matter, so I'm well-informed."
Chi Shen nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Uncle."
"About two months ago, on October 23rd, I received an investigative assignment from the Special Security Bureau regarding the disappearance at the 'Dongshan Hot Spring Holiday Hotel'..."
