Chapter 053: Scratch My Back for Me.
After tearing the calendar page, Bai Hengqing summoned Bai Ximing to his study for a serious discussion.
Despite the disturbance at the old mansion which caused quite a stir in the Bai family, even leading to Bai Ran entering the mansion, their business continued as usual. This time, it was Bai Ximing who initiated the meeting about a business matter with Bai Hengqing.
"The construction in the northern harbor area will begin soon," Bai Ximing stated plainly, pouring tea as they settled in the study.
Bai Hengqing, with droopy eyelids over his pale, aging eyes, peered at Bai Ximing, replying, "When they were planning it, they didn't consult us about the geomancy. Outsiders, I presume?"
"Yes, those who acquired the land are new to our city, as are the contractors. They're unfamiliar with our customs," Bai Ximing handed Bai Hengqing a cup of tea, maintaining a neutral expression, clearly accustomed to handling such matters.
Bai Hengqing, examining the exquisite porcelain cup filled with crystal-clear green tea, remarked, "You've been handling these matters all along. With the Security Bureau gradually taking over the city in recent years, business must be getting tougher, right?"
"These outsiders are unfamiliar with our local customs, so business remains favorable," Bai Ximing explained slowly. "But since you've helped me so much this time, I was thinking you could take on this project. If they don't know our customs, we can teach them. It might be an opportunity for you to renovate your garden, right?"
"Alright, I'll handle this for you, consider it my way of helping you out," Bai Hengqing sipped his tea, signifying his acceptance of the "business deal".
Their so-called "business" involved collecting protection fees. Local real estate developers knew that before breaking ground or planning, it was wise to pay respects to the Bai family shrine. In return for some money, the Bai family ensured smooth construction. Whether a project incurred losses or faced mishaps later on was not the Bai family's concern. However, those who didn't pay invariably faced troubles.
This unspoken rule was widely acknowledged, and given its mysterious nature, many preferred to err on the side of caution. Hence, the Bai family's fortune accumulated over the years.
Bai Heng Qing made a rough estimate. From groundbreaking to ribbon-cutting, they could easily collect tens of millions, especially if the other party was unaware of the customs. The uninitiated needed to be made an example of, warranting a higher fee.
With that thought, Bai Hengqing's expression softened considerably. He took the initiative to speak to Bai Ximing, "Has Chi Shen been living in the old mansion for about half a month now?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Ximing's face darkened slightly. He responded, "Soon."
Bai Hengqing glanced at the large ancestral portrait hanging in the study, chuckling, "So much has happened recently; it feels like a long time has passed, but it hasn't even been half a month."
Bai Ximing's expression soured even further. All that had transpired cast a shadow over his face. Moreover, he had recently received messages from several wealthy businessmen. Having not been carrying his phone, their words were conveyed by intermediaries. Their messages were diplomatic on the surface, but the underlying tone suggested doubts about the Bai family's influence and whether they should continue consulting the Bai family on geomancy matters.
Bai Ximing's residence, now the main Bai family house, was deserted. Word of the phantom lights in Bai Hengqing's garden and the explosion of the artificial mountain couldn't be kept a secret, prompting the questions from those businessmen.
Besides, if Chi Shen, having stayed in the old mansion for so long, were to return and assume the role of clan leader, where would that leave Bai Ximing's reputation? More importantly, earning money from these people would become even more challenging.
"I wish these days would pass faster," Bai Hengqing said, looking at Bai Ximing's troubled expression and laughing. "Are you worried about Chi Shen?"
Caught off-guard by the question, Bai Ximing attempted to regain his composure, offering a feigned expression of concern, "I was thinking, Chi Shen has never been involved with the Bai family's affairs. If he were to stay in the old mansion for a month and then return as clan leader, he'd be clueless. The Bai family... might face difficult times."
His words were laced with concern for the Bai family, distancing himself as if he was solely thinking of the family's well-being.
It might sound insincere, but to Bai Hengqing, it made sense. He replied, "Don't worry about that. When he returns, we'll give him the title of honorary clan leader. He doesn't understand the workings of the Bai family, so he'd just be a figurehead, much like an honorary university alumnus. You'll remain the actual leader."
Hearing this, Bai Ximing broke into a smile, "Uncle is always the wise one."
Bai Hengqing waved him off with a laugh, "The young ones like you lack experience and flexibility. Bring him back, and if he's of no use, find a woman for him to start a family. Ultimately, the Bai family affairs are in your hands, and you'll dictate his role."
At this, Bai Hengqing seemed to recall something, sighing, "It's a pity Bai Ran doesn't carry the Bai family bloodline. It would've spared us so much trouble."
Bai Ximing pondered for a moment, contemplating the idea of controlling Chi Shen. He suddenly remembered warning Chi Shen and wondered if that would make him deliberately stay for a month in defiance.
With that in mind, Bai Ximing decisively said, "To avoid complications, we should bring Chi Shen back tomorrow, during daylight."
Bai Hengqing didn't object but asked, "Under what pretext?"
Bai Ximing responded, "It's almost the end of the month. We can tell him his time is up. He's served as an honorary clan leader for half a month, which should suffice to silence the doubters. Keeping him at the mansion for a full month might complicate things. Once he's back, we'll be in control."
Meanwhile, in the old mansion, Chi Shen was oblivious that his future had been plotted out. As he returned today, he immediately informed everyone about relocating and started packing right away.
Upon hearing the news of the move, a ghost face — who had been completely drained from tirelessly aiding souls every day — abruptly popped up from the table like a spring-loaded pancake, exclaiming, "We're finally moving!"
Bai Wan was overseeing Ghost Face's progression in aiding souls... no, correction, his transition progress. Hearing his animated voice, she asked softly, "Don't you like it here?"
Ghost Face felt a sudden chill, as if the temperature around him had dropped by a few degrees. He hastily replied, "I do like it here! But moving can be a joyful occasion too!"
Inside the cabinet, a ghost was sorting Chi Shen's clothes. The cabinet door was open, and a pair of pale, slender hands reached out, placing each garment into a suitcase. After packing, the hands zipped up the suitcase but didn't close the cabinet door.
A ghastly pale face materialized inside the cabinet, staring intently at Chi Shen.
"Thank you, you've worked hard," said Chi Shen, pulling the suitcase next to the door. He then looked back at the cabinet, asking, "Do you need any assistance?"
"I know!" A ghost in red suddenly emerged, her expression showing some distaste for the ghost in the cabinet, but she still said, "He wants you to take him with you!"
The pale face in the cabinet gave a stiff nod, seemingly agreeing with the red-clad ghost's statement.
Chi Shen furrowed his brows, deep in thought.
Many ghosts have an object they're attached to. For Bai Wan, it's her own nameplate she holds. For the ghost in red, it was a mirror, which Chi Shen had shattered. Clearly, the cabinet ghost was bound to the cabinet. Moving a small object like a nameplate is easy, but how to move such a large cabinet?
Chi Shen voiced his concern and inquired if there might be another way to take the cabinet ghost with him.
"I know!" The red-clad ghost popped her head out again. Having shared a room with the cabinet ghost for a long time, she was familiar with him and immediately said, "Behind it!"
Chi Shen moved the cabinet slightly to reveal a talisman attached to its back.
Reaching out, he peeled off the talisman. Immediately, the cabinet ghost's pale face appeared behind the cabinet, offering a grateful smile before slowly fading away.
As Chi Shen emerged from behind the cabinet, he took another look at it. Now, it was just an ordinary old cabinet.
In fact, with the departure of the cabinet ghost, the cabinet now looked even more worn and aged.
Realizing that the cabinet ghost had left without partaking in the offerings, Chi Shen remarked with a hint of regret, "He left without enjoying the offerings. What a missed opportunity."
The red-clad ghost quickly interjected, "If he doesn't want them, they're mine!"
Chi Shen chuckled and distributed the offerings he'd brought. After lighting some incense, he broke off a piece of candy and handed it to Ji Xing Chen.
Ji Xing Chen looked up at him.
"You've been quiet all evening. I presume it's not because you're sad about my departure?" Chi Shen teased. Previously, Ji Xing Chen was bound to an old bowl, but after being allowed to reside in Chi Shen's shadow, Ji Xing Chen became tethered to Chi Shen himself.
So, whenever Chi Shen leaves, Ji Xing Chen can follow; there's no instance where Chi Shen would depart without Ji Xing Chen.
Ji Xing Chen popped the candy into his mouth and, after a moment's thought, said, "I hope you can take someone... no, a ghost with you. However, it might cause you considerable trouble."
Chi Shen, unfazed, inquired, "Who?"
Gazing deeply into Chi Shen’s eyes, Ji Xing Chen whispered, "The individual in the main house. He might still be referred to as 'a person,' given that what hangs inside is a corpse, not a ghostly spirit."
Chi Shen seemed taken aback.
Meeting Chi Shen's probing gaze, Ji Xing Chen unflinchingly continued, "I want to help him."
*
Author's note:
Regarding Bai Heng Qing's earning predictions, I initially thought of a few million. However, recent news showed me that my perspective was limited. So, I promptly adjusted it to tens of millions!
Chapter 053: Scratch My Back for Me.
After tearing the calendar page, Bai Hengqing summoned Bai Ximing to his study for a serious discussion.
Despite the disturbance at the old mansion which caused quite a stir in the Bai family, even leading to Bai Ran entering the mansion, their business continued as usual. This time, it was Bai Ximing who initiated the meeting about a business matter with Bai Hengqing.
"The construction in the northern harbor area will begin soon," Bai Ximing stated plainly, pouring tea as they settled in the study.
Bai Hengqing, with droopy eyelids over his pale, aging eyes, peered at Bai Ximing, replying, "When they were planning it, they didn't consult us about the geomancy. Outsiders, I presume?"
"Yes, those who acquired the land are new to our city, as are the contractors. They're unfamiliar with our customs," Bai Ximing handed Bai Hengqing a cup of tea, maintaining a neutral expression, clearly accustomed to handling such matters.
Bai Hengqing, examining the exquisite porcelain cup filled with crystal-clear green tea, remarked, "You've been handling these matters all along. With the Security Bureau gradually taking over the city in recent years, business must be getting tougher, right?"
"These outsiders are unfamiliar with our local customs, so business remains favorable," Bai Ximing explained slowly. "But since you've helped me so much this time, I was thinking you could take on this project. If they don't know our customs, we can teach them. It might be an opportunity for you to renovate your garden, right?"
"Alright, I'll handle this for you, consider it my way of helping you out," Bai Hengqing sipped his tea, signifying his acceptance of the "business deal".
Their so-called "business" involved collecting protection fees. Local real estate developers knew that before breaking ground or planning, it was wise to pay respects to the Bai family shrine. In return for some money, the Bai family ensured smooth construction. Whether a project incurred losses or faced mishaps later on was not the Bai family's concern. However, those who didn't pay invariably faced troubles.
This unspoken rule was widely acknowledged, and given its mysterious nature, many preferred to err on the side of caution. Hence, the Bai family's fortune accumulated over the years.
Bai Heng Qing made a rough estimate. From groundbreaking to ribbon-cutting, they could easily collect tens of millions, especially if the other party was unaware of the customs. The uninitiated needed to be made an example of, warranting a higher fee.
With that thought, Bai Hengqing's expression softened considerably. He took the initiative to speak to Bai Ximing, "Has Chi Shen been living in the old mansion for about half a month now?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Ximing's face darkened slightly. He responded, "Soon."
Bai Hengqing glanced at the large ancestral portrait hanging in the study, chuckling, "So much has happened recently; it feels like a long time has passed, but it hasn't even been half a month."
Bai Ximing's expression soured even further. All that had transpired cast a shadow over his face. Moreover, he had recently received messages from several wealthy businessmen. Having not been carrying his phone, their words were conveyed by intermediaries. Their messages were diplomatic on the surface, but the underlying tone suggested doubts about the Bai family's influence and whether they should continue consulting the Bai family on geomancy matters.
Bai Ximing's residence, now the main Bai family house, was deserted. Word of the phantom lights in Bai Hengqing's garden and the explosion of the artificial mountain couldn't be kept a secret, prompting the questions from those businessmen.
Besides, if Chi Shen, having stayed in the old mansion for so long, were to return and assume the role of clan leader, where would that leave Bai Ximing's reputation? More importantly, earning money from these people would become even more challenging.
"I wish these days would pass faster," Bai Hengqing said, looking at Bai Ximing's troubled expression and laughing. "Are you worried about Chi Shen?"
Caught off-guard by the question, Bai Ximing attempted to regain his composure, offering a feigned expression of concern, "I was thinking, Chi Shen has never been involved with the Bai family's affairs. If he were to stay in the old mansion for a month and then return as clan leader, he'd be clueless. The Bai family... might face difficult times."
His words were laced with concern for the Bai family, distancing himself as if he was solely thinking of the family's well-being.
It might sound insincere, but to Bai Hengqing, it made sense. He replied, "Don't worry about that. When he returns, we'll give him the title of honorary clan leader. He doesn't understand the workings of the Bai family, so he'd just be a figurehead, much like an honorary university alumnus. You'll remain the actual leader."
Hearing this, Bai Ximing broke into a smile, "Uncle is always the wise one."
Bai Hengqing waved him off with a laugh, "The young ones like you lack experience and flexibility. Bring him back, and if he's of no use, find a woman for him to start a family. Ultimately, the Bai family affairs are in your hands, and you'll dictate his role."
At this, Bai Hengqing seemed to recall something, sighing, "It's a pity Bai Ran doesn't carry the Bai family bloodline. It would've spared us so much trouble."
Bai Ximing pondered for a moment, contemplating the idea of controlling Chi Shen. He suddenly remembered warning Chi Shen and wondered if that would make him deliberately stay for a month in defiance.
With that in mind, Bai Ximing decisively said, "To avoid complications, we should bring Chi Shen back tomorrow, during daylight."
Bai Hengqing didn't object but asked, "Under what pretext?"
Bai Ximing responded, "It's almost the end of the month. We can tell him his time is up. He's served as an honorary clan leader for half a month, which should suffice to silence the doubters. Keeping him at the mansion for a full month might complicate things. Once he's back, we'll be in control."
Meanwhile, in the old mansion, Chi Shen was oblivious that his future had been plotted out. As he returned today, he immediately informed everyone about relocating and started packing right away.
Upon hearing the news of the move, a ghost face — who had been completely drained from tirelessly aiding souls every day — abruptly popped up from the table like a spring-loaded pancake, exclaiming, "We're finally moving!"
Bai Wan was overseeing Ghost Face's progression in aiding souls... no, correction, his transition progress. Hearing his animated voice, she asked softly, "Don't you like it here?"
Ghost Face felt a sudden chill, as if the temperature around him had dropped by a few degrees. He hastily replied, "I do like it here! But moving can be a joyful occasion too!"
Inside the cabinet, a ghost was sorting Chi Shen's clothes. The cabinet door was open, and a pair of pale, slender hands reached out, placing each garment into a suitcase. After packing, the hands zipped up the suitcase but didn't close the cabinet door.
A ghastly pale face materialized inside the cabinet, staring intently at Chi Shen.
"Thank you, you've worked hard," said Chi Shen, pulling the suitcase next to the door. He then looked back at the cabinet, asking, "Do you need any assistance?"
"I know!" A ghost in red suddenly emerged, her expression showing some distaste for the ghost in the cabinet, but she still said, "He wants you to take him with you!"
The pale face in the cabinet gave a stiff nod, seemingly agreeing with the red-clad ghost's statement.
Chi Shen furrowed his brows, deep in thought.
Many ghosts have an object they're attached to. For Bai Wan, it's her own nameplate she holds. For the ghost in red, it was a mirror, which Chi Shen had shattered. Clearly, the cabinet ghost was bound to the cabinet. Moving a small object like a nameplate is easy, but how to move such a large cabinet?
Chi Shen voiced his concern and inquired if there might be another way to take the cabinet ghost with him.
"I know!" The red-clad ghost popped her head out again. Having shared a room with the cabinet ghost for a long time, she was familiar with him and immediately said, "Behind it!"
Chi Shen moved the cabinet slightly to reveal a talisman attached to its back.
Reaching out, he peeled off the talisman. Immediately, the cabinet ghost's pale face appeared behind the cabinet, offering a grateful smile before slowly fading away.
As Chi Shen emerged from behind the cabinet, he took another look at it. Now, it was just an ordinary old cabinet.
In fact, with the departure of the cabinet ghost, the cabinet now looked even more worn and aged.
Realizing that the cabinet ghost had left without partaking in the offerings, Chi Shen remarked with a hint of regret, "He left without enjoying the offerings. What a missed opportunity."
The red-clad ghost quickly interjected, "If he doesn't want them, they're mine!"
Chi Shen chuckled and distributed the offerings he'd brought. After lighting some incense, he broke off a piece of candy and handed it to Ji Xing Chen.
Ji Xing Chen looked up at him.
"You've been quiet all evening. I presume it's not because you're sad about my departure?" Chi Shen teased. Previously, Ji Xing Chen was bound to an old bowl, but after being allowed to reside in Chi Shen's shadow, Ji Xing Chen became tethered to Chi Shen himself.
So, whenever Chi Shen leaves, Ji Xing Chen can follow; there's no instance where Chi Shen would depart without Ji Xing Chen.
Ji Xing Chen popped the candy into his mouth and, after a moment's thought, said, "I hope you can take someone... no, a ghost with you. However, it might cause you considerable trouble."
Chi Shen, unfazed, inquired, "Who?"
Gazing deeply into Chi Shen’s eyes, Ji Xing Chen whispered, "The individual in the main house. He might still be referred to as 'a person,' given that what hangs inside is a corpse, not a ghostly spirit."
Chi Shen seemed taken aback.
Meeting Chi Shen's probing gaze, Ji Xing Chen unflinchingly continued, "I want to help him."
*
Author's note:
Regarding Bai Heng Qing's earning predictions, I initially thought of a few million. However, recent news showed me that my perspective was limited. So, I promptly adjusted it to tens of millions!
