Chapter 048: The All-capable Butler, Ji Xingchen.
However, Chi Shen didn't manage to return home as he'd hoped.
As one of the involved parties in tonight's events, Chi Shen, along with Xu Jiayuan and Yuan Yiping, went back to the Special Security Bureau to give their statements.
Regarding the events of the evening, Chi Shen didn't hide much. After all, the bureau's staff had heard most of it. He just filled in a few details. However, there was one tricky part he needed to explain.
It was about the pale, ghostly face—what it was, how it came to be, and why it was helping Chi Shen.
Because of this, Chi Shen brought the "ghostly face" to the Special Security Bureau. Seeing a room full of bureau employees, the "ghostly face" began to shiver with fear.
The bureau treated the "ghostly face" with extraordinary regard, far more so than Lu Xiangyang and Bai Ran. Three portraits of Taoist deities guarded the outside door, while over ten armed bureau staff kept a watchful eye inside. The room was filled with calming incense, giving the "ghostly face" a true taste of a VIP treatment befitting a formidable spirit.
In such an environment, the "ghostly face" trembled and answered all questions, revealing everything except matters related to Chi Shen.
After hearing all this, Yuan Yiping found it curious and said, "You met him at the company and became friends?"
"Yes, that's right," the ghostly face nodded.
Yuan Yiping cast a puzzled look towards Chi Shen.
Sensing Yuan Yiping's expectation for an explanation, Chi Shen offered a compassionate smile. "Perhaps my genuine kindness and sincerity touched his heart, leading him to befriend me."
Upon hearing this, Xu Jiayuan looked over in horror, his expression momentarily contorted. He had always thought Chi Shen was just playing along, never imagining he was serious.
"Sincerity... and kindness?" Yuan Yiping stared at Chi Shen with a perplexed expression, as if those words and spirits didn't belong together. After a pause, he said, "If you befriended a wandering soul, I have no objections. They usually retain their sanity. But vengeful ghosts? Perhaps you don't understand them. While you might think they can be reasoned with, most have lost their sanity and only remember their lingering obsessions from death. They can be unpredictable and harm others. Offend them, and they can lash out."
Hearing Yuan Yiping's words, the ghostly face was the first to object, jumping up and retorting, "Who are you saying has lost their sanity?"
Yuan Yiping glanced at him for a moment before posing a question, "Your name?"
The ghostly face faltered and after a lengthy pause, weakly replied, "I've... forgotten."
Yuan Yiping spread his hands in a gesture of resignation.
The ghostly face, too, decided not to argue further.
At this point, Chi Shen spoke politely, "Even so, he is my friend. If he were to harm me, it would be a consequence I willingly accept."
The ghostly face swiftly turned around, a hint of emotion flickering across his eerie visage. Although he felt that what Chi Shen meant was, 'Even if he tries to hurt me, I can take him down before that,' he found himself inexplicably moved by the statement, almost on the brink of tears.
Yuan Yiping's expression shifted, asking, "Knowing the risks to your life, you still wish to befriend him?"
Chi Shen nodded affirmatively.
Yuan Yiping pressed on, "He isn't even human. Are you sure?"
Chi Shen replied earnestly, "I am sure."
"Alright," Yuan Yiping responded, a crease forming on his brow, "Then sign an informed consent form, and you can temporarily take him with you."
Chi Shen grinned, "Thank you."
By the time they left the Special Security Bureau, it was already deep into the night. Chi Shen planned to head straight to his old residence for some rest.
As he stepped out of the bureau and had taken just a few strides, a shadowy figure melded into his own, becoming one with his silhouette.
Chi Shen didn't ruminate on the evening's events. To him, once the money was in his hands and Bai Ran had paid the price, that was all that mattered. Still, he asked, "Was it you who called the police?"
Ji Xingchen, from within the shadow, answered, "Yes."
"I merely wanted them to be held accountable. You, on the other hand, seemed keen on them meeting their end," Chi Shen's tone was casual, showing no hint of annoyance at Ji Xingchen's initiative.
The shadow housing Chi Shen remained silent, seemingly deep in thought. After a while, the voice within finally spoke, "I thought it was more efficient to settle it once and for all. If you're not pleased..."
"No," Chi Shen interrupted, approvingly saying, "You did well. Keep it up."
By now, Chi Shen had reached a bus stop and was waiting for his ride.
The dark figure emerged from behind him, almost pressing against his back. The spectacled silhouette leaned slightly forward, observing Chi Shen's relaxed and contented expression from the side. Seeing the genuine look of ease, Ji Xingchen's lips curled into a smile.
"Very well."
A few other individuals were scattered around the bus station. However, none of them could see the dark figure behind Chi Shen. They assumed Chi Shen was on a Bluetooth call and paid no mind.
Ghost Face, perched on Chi Shen's shoulder, suddenly posed a question, "If the Special Security Bureau hadn't shown up and Bai Ran had truly been 'protected' under house arrest by them, what would you have done?"
Chi Shen replied with a faint smile, "Perhaps... I might have given Lu Xiangyang an opportunity to exact his revenge?"
Ji Xingchen's gaze shifted subtly as he looked at Chi Shen, but he remained silent.
"However, letting him face the law is also a good thing," Chi Shen continued, "I'm no harbinger of justice. Such a role doesn't suit me. Yuan Yiping is more fitting for that part."
"As for me…" Chi Shen gazed at the dazzling city lights, his smile softening, "For the second half of my life, I just want to find a decent job, save enough for retirement, and then settle in some small town, eventually passing away in my own home."
Their brief chat came to an end as the bus arrived. Chi Shen, accompanied by two spirits, boarded the bus, leisurely heading towards his ancestral home.
At Bai Hengqing's mansion, despite the recent upheaval caused by the broken barrier, the family patriarch, Bai Ximing, wasn't overseeing repairs. Instead, he paced anxiously in Bai Hengqing's study.
Xu Xiuyin sat nearby, her face stained with tears, the bin beside her filled with used tissues.
"Although Bai Ran isn't my biological child, having raised him for so long has bound us emotionally," Xu Xiuyin said, her voice filled with a gentle grief, "Now that the Special Security Bureau has taken him, can you think of a way to help?"
Bai Ximing snapped, "Why bother with that waste now? It's impossible to get him out. Do you even know what the Special Security Bureau is? Considering what Bai Ran has confessed, he's not coming out!"
Xu Xiuyin, tearing another tissue, her gentle eyes flashed dangerously, "There might be another way to get him out."
Bai Ximing quickly responded, "He needs to stay alive. Don't even think of doing anything else."
Wiping her tears, Xu Xiuyin sighed, "Just two more years."
At her words, Bai Ximing grew more restless. He circled the room twice before abruptly declaring, "In two years, if Bai Ran can't get out, find a way to bring Chi Shen back. Although time is tight, it's worth a shot. Two years might be enough!"
Xu Xiuyin wiped her tears again, "It's a shame, considering our twenty-year plan. I had hoped to pamper Bai Ran for a few more years."
Bai Ximing shot her a few more glances, noting her genuine tears for Bai Ran, which only added to his irritation.
Soon after, Bai Hengqing arrived. They had scheduled to meet in the study to discuss the evening's events.
Upon arrival, Bai Hengqing wanted to settle the matter of the heir, and since Bai Ximing had the same intention, they began their conversation.
Although Bai Hengqing had just been verbally sparring with Chi Shen, he held firm to his beliefs, "I see potential in Chi Shen. We need to bring him back. As for his lack of affiliation with the Bai family, it doesn’t matter. We can teach him over time."
Bai Ximing, clearly agitated, responded, "I too favor someone with the Long family bloodline to inherit. But, Uncle Er, he doesn't want to come back."
Bai Hengqing scrutinized Bai Ximing, trying to gauge his intentions. In the end, he couldn’t discern anything specific and simply said, "His current disdain for the Bai family is because of what Bai Ran did. We need to change his perception. He needs to know the kind of life awaiting him in the Bai family. He's experienced hardships; once he returns, he can leave that life behind. I believe someone from his humble background would be very tempted."
Upon hearing this, Bai Ximing hesitated for a moment, nodding in agreement. He believed Bai Hengqing had a point. After all, wasn't Chi Shen's initial interest in returning to the Bai family rooted in financial security? He thought he understood the mindset of the impoverished all too well: a little enticement, and they'd willingly follow.
Xu Xiuyin, however, seemed to consider the situation more deeply. Having interacted with Chi Shen more frequently, she raised a concern, "What if he remains unmoved even by the allure of wealth? What then?"
Bai Hengqing chuckled, "Then we'll leave him no choice. He's stayed at the Bai ancestral mansion for quite some time. If it reaches thirty days, we can invoke the Bai family rules, binding him back to us, and remind him that residing in the mansion for thirty days binds him to inherit the Bai legacy."
At this, Bai Ximing seemed to remember something, "Have we established contact with Wen Qin?"
Bai Hengqing grinned confidently, "Yes, once he settles his affairs in the capital, he'll return. His arrival should coincide with the conclusion of Chi Shen's thirty-day stay at the mansion, allowing us to address both matters concurrently."
Even Bai Ximing now shared a smile at the prospect, while Xu Xiuyin, wiping away tears, sighed softly to herself.
In the ancestral mansion, now a stage for these intrigues, Chi Shen had just returned. After greeting his friends within, he set about preparing for bed.
Just before turning in, he noticed Bai Ximing had indeed transferred the agreed-upon funds to his account. Chi Shen retained a modest sum for himself and forwarded the rest to the elderly lady's family.
Within minutes, his phone rang – a call from the elderly lady's kin. They questioned the source of the generous sum, and Chi Shen, unwilling to expose them to the treacherous intrigues of his world, simply explained it as a donation from a kind benefactor.
After receiving gratitude from the other end and reassuring them thrice about keeping a portion for himself, the call ended.
Looking at Ji Xingchen, who seemed lost in thought beside him, Chi Shen mused aloud, "Why is there such a vast disparity between people?"
Gazing calmly from behind his glasses, Ji Xingchen replied, "Biodiversity exists, and humans are no exception."
Chi Shen chuckled at Ji Xingchen's humorous take, but as he prepared for bed, he was reminded of the uncomfortable firmness of his mattress and the persistent musty odor that plagued the mansion.
Now, with the funds back in his possession, moving out of the mansion seemed like an imminent prospect.
"Help me find a new place. We'll move next week," Chi Shen told Ji Xingchen, tapping the creaky bed frame. "Pick a place you like. I trust your judgment. Oh, and make sure it has a south-facing balcony for sunbathing."
Ji Xingchen nodded, "Alright."
The resident ghost of the mansion couldn't resist commenting, "You're just too lazy to choose and are pushing everything onto Glasses, aren't you?"
Adjusting his spectacles, a fleeting lethal glint visible behind the lenses, Ji Xingchen advised Chi Shen, "We must consult Yuan Yiping about how to exorcise spirits."
Lying comfortably in bed, Chi Shen responded, "Definitely."
Chapter 048: The All-capable Butler, Ji Xingchen.
However, Chi Shen didn't manage to return home as he'd hoped.
As one of the involved parties in tonight's events, Chi Shen, along with Xu Jiayuan and Yuan Yiping, went back to the Special Security Bureau to give their statements.
Regarding the events of the evening, Chi Shen didn't hide much. After all, the bureau's staff had heard most of it. He just filled in a few details. However, there was one tricky part he needed to explain.
It was about the pale, ghostly face—what it was, how it came to be, and why it was helping Chi Shen.
Because of this, Chi Shen brought the "ghostly face" to the Special Security Bureau. Seeing a room full of bureau employees, the "ghostly face" began to shiver with fear.
The bureau treated the "ghostly face" with extraordinary regard, far more so than Lu Xiangyang and Bai Ran. Three portraits of Taoist deities guarded the outside door, while over ten armed bureau staff kept a watchful eye inside. The room was filled with calming incense, giving the "ghostly face" a true taste of a VIP treatment befitting a formidable spirit.
In such an environment, the "ghostly face" trembled and answered all questions, revealing everything except matters related to Chi Shen.
After hearing all this, Yuan Yiping found it curious and said, "You met him at the company and became friends?"
"Yes, that's right," the ghostly face nodded.
Yuan Yiping cast a puzzled look towards Chi Shen.
Sensing Yuan Yiping's expectation for an explanation, Chi Shen offered a compassionate smile. "Perhaps my genuine kindness and sincerity touched his heart, leading him to befriend me."
Upon hearing this, Xu Jiayuan looked over in horror, his expression momentarily contorted. He had always thought Chi Shen was just playing along, never imagining he was serious.
"Sincerity... and kindness?" Yuan Yiping stared at Chi Shen with a perplexed expression, as if those words and spirits didn't belong together. After a pause, he said, "If you befriended a wandering soul, I have no objections. They usually retain their sanity. But vengeful ghosts? Perhaps you don't understand them. While you might think they can be reasoned with, most have lost their sanity and only remember their lingering obsessions from death. They can be unpredictable and harm others. Offend them, and they can lash out."
Hearing Yuan Yiping's words, the ghostly face was the first to object, jumping up and retorting, "Who are you saying has lost their sanity?"
Yuan Yiping glanced at him for a moment before posing a question, "Your name?"
The ghostly face faltered and after a lengthy pause, weakly replied, "I've... forgotten."
Yuan Yiping spread his hands in a gesture of resignation.
The ghostly face, too, decided not to argue further.
At this point, Chi Shen spoke politely, "Even so, he is my friend. If he were to harm me, it would be a consequence I willingly accept."
The ghostly face swiftly turned around, a hint of emotion flickering across his eerie visage. Although he felt that what Chi Shen meant was, 'Even if he tries to hurt me, I can take him down before that,' he found himself inexplicably moved by the statement, almost on the brink of tears.
Yuan Yiping's expression shifted, asking, "Knowing the risks to your life, you still wish to befriend him?"
Chi Shen nodded affirmatively.
Yuan Yiping pressed on, "He isn't even human. Are you sure?"
Chi Shen replied earnestly, "I am sure."
"Alright," Yuan Yiping responded, a crease forming on his brow, "Then sign an informed consent form, and you can temporarily take him with you."
Chi Shen grinned, "Thank you."
By the time they left the Special Security Bureau, it was already deep into the night. Chi Shen planned to head straight to his old residence for some rest.
As he stepped out of the bureau and had taken just a few strides, a shadowy figure melded into his own, becoming one with his silhouette.
Chi Shen didn't ruminate on the evening's events. To him, once the money was in his hands and Bai Ran had paid the price, that was all that mattered. Still, he asked, "Was it you who called the police?"
Ji Xingchen, from within the shadow, answered, "Yes."
"I merely wanted them to be held accountable. You, on the other hand, seemed keen on them meeting their end," Chi Shen's tone was casual, showing no hint of annoyance at Ji Xingchen's initiative.
The shadow housing Chi Shen remained silent, seemingly deep in thought. After a while, the voice within finally spoke, "I thought it was more efficient to settle it once and for all. If you're not pleased..."
"No," Chi Shen interrupted, approvingly saying, "You did well. Keep it up."
By now, Chi Shen had reached a bus stop and was waiting for his ride.
The dark figure emerged from behind him, almost pressing against his back. The spectacled silhouette leaned slightly forward, observing Chi Shen's relaxed and contented expression from the side. Seeing the genuine look of ease, Ji Xingchen's lips curled into a smile.
"Very well."
A few other individuals were scattered around the bus station. However, none of them could see the dark figure behind Chi Shen. They assumed Chi Shen was on a Bluetooth call and paid no mind.
Ghost Face, perched on Chi Shen's shoulder, suddenly posed a question, "If the Special Security Bureau hadn't shown up and Bai Ran had truly been 'protected' under house arrest by them, what would you have done?"
Chi Shen replied with a faint smile, "Perhaps... I might have given Lu Xiangyang an opportunity to exact his revenge?"
Ji Xingchen's gaze shifted subtly as he looked at Chi Shen, but he remained silent.
"However, letting him face the law is also a good thing," Chi Shen continued, "I'm no harbinger of justice. Such a role doesn't suit me. Yuan Yiping is more fitting for that part."
"As for me…" Chi Shen gazed at the dazzling city lights, his smile softening, "For the second half of my life, I just want to find a decent job, save enough for retirement, and then settle in some small town, eventually passing away in my own home."
Their brief chat came to an end as the bus arrived. Chi Shen, accompanied by two spirits, boarded the bus, leisurely heading towards his ancestral home.
At Bai Hengqing's mansion, despite the recent upheaval caused by the broken barrier, the family patriarch, Bai Ximing, wasn't overseeing repairs. Instead, he paced anxiously in Bai Hengqing's study.
Xu Xiuyin sat nearby, her face stained with tears, the bin beside her filled with used tissues.
"Although Bai Ran isn't my biological child, having raised him for so long has bound us emotionally," Xu Xiuyin said, her voice filled with a gentle grief, "Now that the Special Security Bureau has taken him, can you think of a way to help?"
Bai Ximing snapped, "Why bother with that waste now? It's impossible to get him out. Do you even know what the Special Security Bureau is? Considering what Bai Ran has confessed, he's not coming out!"
Xu Xiuyin, tearing another tissue, her gentle eyes flashed dangerously, "There might be another way to get him out."
Bai Ximing quickly responded, "He needs to stay alive. Don't even think of doing anything else."
Wiping her tears, Xu Xiuyin sighed, "Just two more years."
At her words, Bai Ximing grew more restless. He circled the room twice before abruptly declaring, "In two years, if Bai Ran can't get out, find a way to bring Chi Shen back. Although time is tight, it's worth a shot. Two years might be enough!"
Xu Xiuyin wiped her tears again, "It's a shame, considering our twenty-year plan. I had hoped to pamper Bai Ran for a few more years."
Bai Ximing shot her a few more glances, noting her genuine tears for Bai Ran, which only added to his irritation.
Soon after, Bai Hengqing arrived. They had scheduled to meet in the study to discuss the evening's events.
Upon arrival, Bai Hengqing wanted to settle the matter of the heir, and since Bai Ximing had the same intention, they began their conversation.
Although Bai Hengqing had just been verbally sparring with Chi Shen, he held firm to his beliefs, "I see potential in Chi Shen. We need to bring him back. As for his lack of affiliation with the Bai family, it doesn’t matter. We can teach him over time."
Bai Ximing, clearly agitated, responded, "I too favor someone with the Long family bloodline to inherit. But, Uncle Er, he doesn't want to come back."
Bai Hengqing scrutinized Bai Ximing, trying to gauge his intentions. In the end, he couldn’t discern anything specific and simply said, "His current disdain for the Bai family is because of what Bai Ran did. We need to change his perception. He needs to know the kind of life awaiting him in the Bai family. He's experienced hardships; once he returns, he can leave that life behind. I believe someone from his humble background would be very tempted."
Upon hearing this, Bai Ximing hesitated for a moment, nodding in agreement. He believed Bai Hengqing had a point. After all, wasn't Chi Shen's initial interest in returning to the Bai family rooted in financial security? He thought he understood the mindset of the impoverished all too well: a little enticement, and they'd willingly follow.
Xu Xiuyin, however, seemed to consider the situation more deeply. Having interacted with Chi Shen more frequently, she raised a concern, "What if he remains unmoved even by the allure of wealth? What then?"
Bai Hengqing chuckled, "Then we'll leave him no choice. He's stayed at the Bai ancestral mansion for quite some time. If it reaches thirty days, we can invoke the Bai family rules, binding him back to us, and remind him that residing in the mansion for thirty days binds him to inherit the Bai legacy."
At this, Bai Ximing seemed to remember something, "Have we established contact with Wen Qin?"
Bai Hengqing grinned confidently, "Yes, once he settles his affairs in the capital, he'll return. His arrival should coincide with the conclusion of Chi Shen's thirty-day stay at the mansion, allowing us to address both matters concurrently."
Even Bai Ximing now shared a smile at the prospect, while Xu Xiuyin, wiping away tears, sighed softly to herself.
In the ancestral mansion, now a stage for these intrigues, Chi Shen had just returned. After greeting his friends within, he set about preparing for bed.
Just before turning in, he noticed Bai Ximing had indeed transferred the agreed-upon funds to his account. Chi Shen retained a modest sum for himself and forwarded the rest to the elderly lady's family.
Within minutes, his phone rang – a call from the elderly lady's kin. They questioned the source of the generous sum, and Chi Shen, unwilling to expose them to the treacherous intrigues of his world, simply explained it as a donation from a kind benefactor.
After receiving gratitude from the other end and reassuring them thrice about keeping a portion for himself, the call ended.
Looking at Ji Xingchen, who seemed lost in thought beside him, Chi Shen mused aloud, "Why is there such a vast disparity between people?"
Gazing calmly from behind his glasses, Ji Xingchen replied, "Biodiversity exists, and humans are no exception."
Chi Shen chuckled at Ji Xingchen's humorous take, but as he prepared for bed, he was reminded of the uncomfortable firmness of his mattress and the persistent musty odor that plagued the mansion.
Now, with the funds back in his possession, moving out of the mansion seemed like an imminent prospect.
"Help me find a new place. We'll move next week," Chi Shen told Ji Xingchen, tapping the creaky bed frame. "Pick a place you like. I trust your judgment. Oh, and make sure it has a south-facing balcony for sunbathing."
Ji Xingchen nodded, "Alright."
The resident ghost of the mansion couldn't resist commenting, "You're just too lazy to choose and are pushing everything onto Glasses, aren't you?"
Adjusting his spectacles, a fleeting lethal glint visible behind the lenses, Ji Xingchen advised Chi Shen, "We must consult Yuan Yiping about how to exorcise spirits."
Lying comfortably in bed, Chi Shen responded, "Definitely."
