Chapter Thirty: Banishment of the Spirits

A strange light flickered in Xiao Qingwan’s eyes, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She couldn’t help but admit that this Wei fellow cut an impressive figure—handsome from his looks to his attire, with a striking, almost arrogant coldness that radiated from his very bones. Add youth and wealth to the mix, and it was no wonder girls found him so appealing.

Yet he was also the sort to inspire envy.

I wasn’t one to resent the rich, but faced with such a glaring contrast, I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envy. Truly, destiny is three parts fate, seven parts effort, and the remaining ninety parts depend entirely on one’s father! For someone like me, fatherless, not only did I lose at the starting line—I didn’t even have a starting line to speak of!

Zhuang Xingrui and Gu Yangyu rose to their feet, and though my heart rebelled, I followed suit, nudging Xiao Qingwan out of her reverie. She snapped back to herself, hurriedly standing up, looking flustered and uneasy.

Only Old Ma remained seated, enjoying himself on the sofa and too lazy to move.

Zhuang Xingrui clasped his hands in a respectful gesture. “Second Master.”

Despite his proud expression, there was a hint of flattery in his manner. In this day and age, money truly makes a master. Just looking at this luxurious yacht, I knew I’d never afford such a thing in my lifetime. Some wealth remains forever out of reach; some experiences are never meant for us. My being here was pure chance—I had simply sought Old Ma to save my life, nothing more. After all this was over, I’d return quietly to my post as assistant manager at the coffee shop, teaching young girls, chatting up regulars, and living an honest, steady life.

Under his sunglasses, Second Master Wei’s gaze swept over us, pausing on Xiao Qingwan and me.

Xiao Qingwan suddenly remembered something, blurting out, “My… my brother isn’t feeling well, so he asked me to come in his stead. I—I’m Xiao Qingwan.”

Old Ma’s eyes widened at her words, exclaiming, “Is that allowed? Had I known, I would’ve sent my apprentice instead!”

He cast a sideways glance at me.

Thinking of sending me, is he? As if a month’s lease on life is too generous? Does he truly see me as his apprentice?

I followed up, “My name is Wang Luo. I’m Old Ma’s apprentice.”

Second Master Wei showed no reaction, simply turned and strode out, his two bodyguards trailing him, leaving us bewildered.

What did that mean? A single glance and he leaves? No other instructions? Even with money and power, he can’t be so dismissive!

My hidden resentment grew stronger, and I found myself increasingly irritated with this Wei fellow.

Except for Old Ma, the others’ expressions subtly shifted. Xiao Qingwan’s change, however, was different—not concerned with his attitude, but rather regretful that he had left so soon, wishing he’d stayed longer.

Su Feiyong invited us to sit, saying respectfully, “Allow me to explain the purpose of this trip.”

So he knew all along. After refusing to utter a word on the journey, I’d assumed he was in the dark.

My lingering annoyance extended to him as well.

“We’re headed to Hainan,” he said.

Hainan? Taking a yacht to Hainan? Was he just showing off his wealth? Wouldn’t it be closer to leave from Leizhou? The Hai’an dock is right next door—couldn’t be more convenient. No need to trek all the way here! We don’t need his yacht for that!

“What are we going to Hainan for?” Zhuang Xingrui snapped, still stung from his earlier attempt at flattery, now venting his frustration on Su Feiyong.

Su Feiyong replied, “It’s about the Forbidden Ghost.”

Forbidden Ghost? What sort of creature was that?

Old Ma and Xiao Qingwan’s group seemed to know about it. Xiao Qingwan asked, “Did someone Second Master knows get forbidden?”

“No, it has nothing to do with him.”

If it’s unrelated, why gather us here?

Zhuang Xingrui sneered, “If we’re not here to save someone, are you expecting us to catch the Forbidden Ghost?”

He meant it as sarcasm, but unexpectedly, Su Feiyong answered, “Exactly.”

Everyone except Old Ma blanched; Zhuang Xingrui immediately blurted out, “He’s gone mad!”

Realizing he’d spoken too harshly, he amended, “Surely Second Master knows what the Forbidden Ghost is. It’s been around for centuries, everyone knows it’s dangerous, but nobody knows what it really looks like! Catching it—how could that be possible?”

Despite his words, I saw a trace of fear in his expression. His reaction wasn’t just because the creature’s form was unknown.

Su Feiyong retorted, “Are you doubting your own abilities?”

Zhuang Xingrui, stung, turned pale with anger. But one must mind the master when handling the dog—he dared not offend the master’s patron, so he held his temper and growled, “Watch your tongue!”

Su Feiyong ignored him, continuing, “I’ll explain the details once we arrive. For now, please wait here—I’ll arrange your rooms shortly.”

With that, he was about to leave.

“Hey, wait—when do we set sail?” Old Ma asked.

“Tonight.”

Setting out at night? Everyone’s here—why wait? The more I learned about this trip to Hainan, the more uneasy I felt. Traveling all the way from Leizhou to board this yacht, setting off at night, and the details kept vague. Something was definitely off.

I turned to Xiao Qingwan, “What is the Forbidden Ghost?”

She answered absently, “It’s an evil spirit in Li ethnic legends in Hainan. If it attaches to a woman, she becomes a ‘Forbidden Mother’; if it attaches to a man, he becomes a ‘Forbidden Father’. They use ‘Forbidden Arts’ to harm people. As for what the Forbidden Ghost looks like, some claim to have seen it, but nothing is certain. I don’t know why Second Master wants to catch it, or if it’s even possible…”

Legendary indeed…

Seeing Xiao Qingwan already lost in her infatuated daydreams, I stopped questioning her and moved closer to Old Ma.

He remained calm, showing not the slightest surprise at any of these odd arrangements.

“What do you make of this?” I asked.

“We’re already here, what else can I say? If all we’re to do is chase after the Forbidden Ghost, so be it. At worst, we fail to catch it.”

His words implied that catching the Forbidden Ghost wasn’t the real purpose. What exactly was this Wei fellow after?

I wanted to press Old Ma further. He squinted at Xiao Qingwan, “That Xiao girl is quite a beauty, tsk tsk, didn’t expect such a pretty girl to come along for the ride.”

His words praised her face, but his gaze lingered on her chest, eyes glinting with lecherous intent.

The old man had reverted to his true nature! I’d have to keep an eye on him, lest Xiao Qingwan fall victim to his wandering hands.