Walking around buying things and planning, then heading to the clothing and accessories section, I picked out a black leather briefcase.
This briefcase is intended for the old village head.
Up until now, every time there's a meeting in the village, the old man still carries around a tattered bag.
The bag has a print: "Commemorating the XX Anniversary of XX Victory…"
The bag is older than Chen Yan.
Chen Yan thought, let's get the old man a new bag for the New Year.
The old village head has always treated him well. When he was a mischievous kid, he climbed onto the roof and broke the tiles of the village head's house.
When the old lady found out, she chased him to beat him, but the old man stepped in with a smile to stop her.
The year Chen Yan got into university, it was the old man who helped him find a ride and accompanied the old lady to send him off at the train station.
The briefcase Chen Yan bought wasn't expensive, just about 200 yuan.
In the village, there's no need for high-end items. The old village head would only use the bag to carry a tea cup and a couple of packs of cigarettes.
If I really bought him a luxurious bag, it wouldn't suit him.
Actually, Chen Yan does want to show more respect and care for the old village head.
But... the money is left by the old lady!
The letter left by the old lady explained that the money earned from Miracle Art could only be spent on Inner Disciples.
For others, it's fine to spend a small amount within normal limits, but reckless or extravagant spending would bring curses.
I've been the old lady's grandson and lived in poverty for so many years.
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That large warehousing supermarket offers delivery services. The several boxes of items Chen Yan had purchased, he didn't want to carry them back himself, so he left the address of the villa, paid a fee, and arranged for the supermarket to deliver them the next day.
Leaving the supermarket, he checked the time. It was already past lunch, about one o'clock.
Chen Yan found a deli, bought half a roast duck, half a pound of duck liver, and a few steamed buns, then headed home.
When he got home, it was just past half-past one. As he entered the community, he strolled over to the villa gate...
where he saw a business car parked in front of the villa.
Two people were standing in front of his gate.
One of them, dressed in a gray suit, had a business-like demeanor. Chen Yan immediately recognized him—it's "a certain person from a certain year."
This person was looking down at his phone, but suddenly lifted his head to see Chen Yan, quickly putting his phone away, and walked over with a big smile.
"Mr. Chen, sorry to disturb you! I was just about to call you."
Chen Yan smiled, "Weren't we scheduled for three in the afternoon?"
The man looked a bit embarrassed but responded politely, "Sorry, the original appointment was for three. Due to some special reasons, we had to come early and disturb you. It's my work mistake, causing you inconvenience!"
He looked into Chen Yan's eyes, "Can we talk inside? Is that convenient?"
Chen Yan nodded, unlocking the courtyard gate.
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With the courtyard gate open, everything inside became clear.
The courtyard wall was originally taller than a person, so you couldn't see inside from outside.
Upon entering, there was a multi-layered yard with an uneven stone path leading up two steps.
Originally, some flowers and plants were planted along the wall, but they've been neglected for years and had withered.
The lawn wasn't well maintained either, with large patches of dry, yellow grass.
Not far away, near the house was a pool, but it was empty and filled with fallen leaves and branches.
Chen Yan had been preoccupied with his own affairs these past days and hadn't managed these aspects — young people like him typically don't care much for tending to flowers and plants.
As for the swimming pool, temperatures were about to drop to freezing soon - who would swim in an outdoor pool in this weather?
It wasn't useful, so he neglected it.
Alongside the man entered another person who seemed both old and not old.
Why do I say not old?
This person wore an old-style jacket, seemingly made of silk with dark patterns, which looked expensive.
His head was full of silver hair, meticulously combed back, likely set with products.
Given the color of his hair, unless he was at least seventy or eighty, it wouldn't naturally be this evenly white.
Yet, his complexion appeared rosy and smooth, suggesting he was just in his early forties.
His plump, round face likely had fewer wrinkles due to the fullness.
Chen Yan took one look and knew.
This guy either had premature white hair...
or deliberately dyed his hair white.
His posture was lofty; entering the gate, he didn't glance at Chen Yan but followed "a certain person from a certain year" inside.
Walking in, his chin was subtly raised.
·
Crossing the courtyard, Chen Yan invited both inside the house to sit in the living room.
With no tea at home, Chen Yan placed two bottles of mineral water on the coffee table in front of them.
The middle-aged man with white hair seemed like he wanted to take out his cigarette but frowned, seeing no ashtray on the table.
Chen Yan pretended not to notice—he didn't like people smoking in his house.
Chen Yan sat opposite "a certain person from a certain year," calmly saying, "Sorry, when we signed the contract that day, I was in a hurry and remembered the property owner's name but forgot how to address you."
"Oh, my last name is Yan, Yan as in 'strict.' I'm President Fang's assistant, managing some of his assets."
Saying this, he handed Chen Yan a business card.
Chen Yan glanced at it— Yan Zhaoxing.
And the President Fang he mentioned was the boss who bought this haunted house, now Chen Yan's landlord.
"Alright, I'll call you Assistant Yan then."
Chen Yan politely smiled and put away the card.
Actually, when signing the contract, they must have introduced themselves; Chen Yan forgetting the name was quite awkward.
But Chen Yan understood, the more you try to hide awkward situations, the more uncomfortable they become. It's better to address them openly.
Assistant Yan pondered for a moment, "Today, coming to your home is indeed an interruption. However, I'll be straightforward."
Chen Yan silently smiled at him, showing he was listening attentively.
"Regarding this house, there are some special circumstances, which I believe you already know," Assistant Yan said gradually, "Though it may be awkward to discuss, these special circumstances exist. Therefore..."
After President Fang acquired this house, he undertook some actions.
For example, deep-cleaning the rooms, replacing some interior fixtures, and renovating certain parts...
Additionally, he invited an expert to perform rituals.
Our reason for visiting today is related to the rituals."
Rituals?
Chen Yan raised an eyebrow—if you're talking about that, I'm quite familiar with it since my family is in the business.
Ahem!
The middle-aged man with white hair suddenly cleared his throat to attract their attention, and then slowly spoke with a deliberate smile:
"Xiaoyan, perhaps I should explain. I'm concerned that you might not convey the professional aspects clearly."
Assistant Yan quickly nodded politely, "Yes, yes, Uncle Qing, you're the expert, please go ahead!"
After pausing, Assistant Yan looked at Chen Yan seriously: "Mr. Chen, let me introduce this expert—Uncle Qing, who was invited by President Fang."
Chen Yan glanced at this expert...
A fellow practitioner?
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[Please consider tipping as a New Year's gift ~ it doesn't need to be much, just for good luck.]
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