Chapter 383: Ye Heng's shelter renovation is complete

Lin Meng rolled her eyes at the words.

"Grandpa, you can't say that—I just told you last time. I made a deal with someone; he's helping gather the souls you need, and with my abilities I can't find that many."

The old man chuckled, pocketed the Nine-Eyed Heavenly Pearl, seeing his granddaughter had nothing to say, and immediately said:

"Grandpa will go attend to business first; this time it won't take long—just wait a bit for me."

The old man left in a hurry, Lin Meng sat bored, and thought to get up again to try stepping outside the house.

Strangely, this time she couldn't even reach the door handle; no matter how she walked toward the main door, it felt like she was just stepping in place.

Lin Meng's heart jolted—could day and night really be different?

Or perhaps Grandpa, worried she'd disobey and wander, had tampered with the house?

Grandpa is now a ghost cultivator, surely possessing many abilities; maybe this is his doing.

No choice—Lin Meng had to temporarily abandon the idea of exploring here and wait honestly for Grandpa's return.

This time Grandpa indeed returned quickly, handed the Nine-Eyed Heavenly Pearl back to Lin Meng, and the old man's eyes flickered as he pondered, then said:

"Little Meng, how many jade bracelets have you obtained now?"

The old man had never asked about the jade bracelets before; why is he bringing it up now?

Lin Meng didn't think much and answered truthfully:

"Grandpa, I have four in total; the first three are already contracted, but this fourth one just sits there—I still haven't managed to contract it."

This fourth bracelet was obtained when Dong Jiaxu brought her to join an adventure livestream by chance.

It's strange— that mental asylum looks utterly ordinary, yet it hid a jade bracelet inside.

Ever since then, Lin Meng has tried to contract it every few days, but never succeeded.

Grandpa asking this now—could he know something?

"Grandpa, do you know why the fourth bracelet can't be contracted?"

The old man's eyes flickered; avoiding Lin Meng's gaze, it was obvious he had something up his sleeve.

"Grandpa?"

Lin Meng asked again, and the old man had resumed his usual expression, shaking his head as he said:

"I'm not sure; I just asked casually. Maybe the time hasn't come yet—keep the bracelet safe on your hand; it might come in handy later..."

Grandpa's words still echoed in her ears, Lin Meng shuddered and came to.

Thinking of Grandpa's last hidden remark, Lin Meng frowned slightly and took that jade bracelet out from the third space.

She tried to contract it again, but still failed.

Grandpa said the timing isn't right, so we'll wait—perhaps the plane linked to this fourth jade bracelet is special, and she still can't access it now.

After putting the jade bracelet away, Aunt and Uncle-in-law also returned.

Over the past two days they've been running back and forth, finally buying everything on Lin Meng's list.

"Little Meng, the goods have been stored in the warehouse as required—those few large warehouses are completely filled. What should we do next? I and your uncle-in-law have plenty of strength to spare."

Lin Meng naturally couldn't let Aunt see her upcoming operation, so she thought and said:

"Just leave them in the warehouse; thanks, Aunt and Uncle. I'll have someone haul them away—no need for us to handle it personally. Cousin's about to graduate, right? Want to go to his graduation ceremony?"

Upon mentioning Xu Yixiao, Lin Cuihua's face instantly lit up with joy.

"Exactly, that brat's finally graduating. I and your uncle-in-law don't ask for much—just hope he finds a solid job, works steadily, doesn't need to be rich, as long as he's stable and not idle."

Xu Hong also spoke with a smile:

"Xiao Xiao isn't exactly book-smart, but we're already thrilled he can graduate smoothly; as for what he wants to do later, we parents shouldn't interfere too much—just let the child decide."

Lin Cuihua nodded, thinking the same in her heart.

It's clear Aunt and Uncle are fairly open-minded parents; Lin Meng even felt a bit envious of her cousin for having such parents always by his side.

Her parents were also wonderful—her father spoke little but gave selflessly, her mother gentle and kind, both once made Lin Meng feel utterly warm, sadly they're gone.

Fortunately, she's not alone now; her cousin is about to graduate, so it's time to help him plan a future.

So Lin Meng said to Lin Cuihua and Xu Hong:

"Aunt, Uncle, your nephew's school is a second-tier institution, and his major prospects aren't great. Instead of letting him graduate and compete in society, why not let him follow me?"

"Jobs are hard to find nowadays, and pay isn't necessarily high—but your nephew is sharp and articulate. Let him work for me; I'll pay him a salary and provide social security and housing fund."

Lin Cuihua and Xu Hong heard this, both stunned, looking at each other; they felt naturally delighted and grateful, yet worried they'd trouble Lin Meng's family, feeling uneasy.

Xu Hong pondered and said:

"Little Meng, we appreciate your intentions, but that brat acts hastily and needs more training. You're someone who handles big matters—having him work with us would surely please us, but we fear he'll slack off and ruin your business."

Xu Hong still doesn't know exactly what business Lin Meng is in, and he can't go prying, but he knows whatever she handles must be huge—what merit does his son have to deserve it?

Lin Cuihua, hearing this, also quickly urged against it.

"Little Meng, Aunt knows you mean well for Xiao Xiao, helping him out of family ties, but I know this kid—he's indeed careless. I fear he'll cause you trouble and still expect to earn a wage from your pocket; I'd feel awful."

Lin Meng understood Aunt and Uncle's concerns, but her cousin, though appearing slippery, is exactly what she wants.

Because when she first secluded herself for days of cultivation, Aunt and Uncle panicked and wanted to call the police—only her cousin insisted on obeying her, firmly guarding her door so her cultivation wouldn't be exposed.

For that reason alone, Lin Meng decided to hire him.

"Aunt, Uncle, having my cousin work for me isn't charity—first, he's my brother, more trustworthy than outsiders; second, his personality is exactly what I'm looking for."

"My line of work is rather special; ordinary talent on the market really isn't suitable. My cousin, fresh out of graduation, is a blank slate—properly trained he'd be invaluable, far more fitting than experienced workers."

Lin Cuihua and Xu Hong were half‑believing, half‑doubting, but seeing Lin Meng insist, they could only tentatively believe Xu Yixiao truly had value.

A few days later, Aunt and Uncle went to attend their nephew's graduation ceremony.

Before Lin Meng could go to the warehouse to collect goods, she received Ye Heng's latest news.

He said the shelter's renovation was finished, but a new problem had arisen.

"The shelter's housing was upgraded, but new problems appeared—we lack enough furniture; nearly every room is empty. I plan to check out Zone 13 to see if furnishings are expensive..."