Chapter 21: [A Ritual] (Happy New Year 2025!)

"Hmm, Mr., what is your surname? How should I address you?" Chen Yan was quite polite, though also somewhat curious—he had no idea how his peers in the city were doing, as they had never dealt with each other before.

The middle-aged man with white hair struck a pose and smiled slowly: "Young man, since you are Director Fang's tenant and have some karmic connection with this house, just call me Uncle Qing, just like Assistant Yan does."

When the middle-aged man with white hair said this, Chen Yan felt very awkward.

The tone was off.

It was that kind of tone and inflection that conveyed a sense of having fully struck a pose: I am very awesome, I originally looked down on you, but I am approachable, so I'll take a loss and allow you to call me uncle.

Hmm, that was roughly the impression he gave.

But... Chen Yan was not pleased.

"Sorry, my family is small; I have no uncles or elders, so I haven't called anyone uncle since I was young," Chen Yan said calmly.

I don't even know who my biological father is, where would I get uncles or elders from?

Hmm, this was a aspect of Chen Yan's personality that some might find awkward.

He had always believed that with strangers, one must observe etiquette and politeness—that was correct.

With strangers, use "you" respectfully; call an unfamiliar man "Mr." and an unfamiliar woman "Ms."...

When meeting someone older, call them "Old Mr." or "Old Grandma"...

That was enough.

But as for calling people uncle, elder uncle, aunt, grandfather, or grandmother, he did not like to do so lightly.

Either you are a relative in my family, then calling you uncle or elder uncle is fine.

Or, we have a connection; whether you have helped me or taken care of me, if you are older than me, calling you uncle or elder uncle, treating you as an elder, is appropriate!

Or you are highly respected and virtuous, like the one who developed rice; bowing my head and calling him grandfather, Chen Yan would be willing—even feeling he wasn't worthy enough.

As for others... nothing at all, just a stranger?

Just because you are ten or twenty years older than me, a stranger, you come to my house, sit down, and ask me to call you uncle?

Who are you?

Does being a bit older allow you to make younger people call you uncle all over the world?

You should tell him to find Principal Wang, and then say to Principal Wang in such an "approachable" manner, "Just call me uncle."

Does he have the face for that?

—You could say that on this point Chen Yan was a bit pretentious and somewhat peculiar.

But there was no help for it; that was just his nature.

·

Hearing this, the middle-aged man with white hair felt somewhat embarrassed, as if he hadn't expected this young man to be so disrespectful; he cleared his throat, the look of striking a pose in his eyes faltered, and then he said gloomily:

"My surname is Luo."

"Uncle Qing is a master; his dojo is on Qixia Mountain in Jiangbei, and he is the master of Luoyun Zhai at the foot of Qixia Mountain," Assistant Yan, seeing the situation was a bit awkward, quickly added an introduction.

Chen Yan's expression did not change.

Speaking on a small scale, what Luoyun Zhai? Even if you were the Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain, it has nothing to do with me.

This is the house I rented; it is my home. As for connections, only Assistant Yan is the landlord's person, and Chen Yan has a relationship of dealing with him. This man surnamed Luo is just a stranger.

Speaking on a large scale, what Luoyun Zhai, is it more awesome than my Old Grandma?

Can you make the Black and White Lords kneel and kowtow to you?

"Hmm, so Mr. Luo, what is your instruction?"

Chen Yan asked the middle-aged man with white hair in a cold tone—thinking his name should be Luo Qing.

Luo Qing had just been embarrassed by Chen Yan, so he was no longer in the mood to smile and said coldly: "You should know about the case that happened in this house before."

"Hmm, although I don't know the specific details, I have heard the general story," Chen Yan nodded, his tone very calm.

"A violent incident occurred in the house, so Director Fang asked me to perform a few rituals. Exorcising evil spirits and suppressing demons... saying too much, you young people won't understand anyway. In short, after performing the rituals, this house can be inhabited long-term in peace, warding off bad luck."

Chen Yan nodded: "And then? Wasn't the ritual already performed?"

"Praying for fortune and driving away evil, these rituals are very complex; performing one is not enough. So... young man, you are not in our profession; even if I say it, you definitely won't understand. In short, Director Fang's intention is to perform another ritual here."

"It's the end of the year; let's drive away evil spirits and bad luck again. This mansion had that kind of case; the malevolence is stubborn. If we don't remove it at the root, living here won't feel secure for you." Speaking the last part, Luo Qing tried to scare Chen Yan.

Chen Yan smiled.

When he first moved in, he had used the Heaven-Opening Eye and Qi-Gazing Technique to look inside and out, up and down, throughout the house.

He had also used a compass to calculate the directions and examined the Feng Shui.

He had even used the "Qi Fortune Zhou Number" to calculate it carefully.

This house had no problems at all.

Chen Yan stopped paying attention to this Luo Qing and looked at Assistant Yan: "Understood, so you want to perform another ritual inside this house?"

Assistant Yan nodded: "Yes, yes, that is exactly what we mean."

Chen Yan thought for a moment... it didn't seem like a big deal; he could also see how his peers in the city performed rituals.

Just observing and learning.

However, Chen Yan's contemplation was misunderstood by Assistant Yan.

He quickly said: "We know that you just moved in, and we are disturbing you with such matters; you must feel it is inauspicious and unpleasant."

"As compensation, we can waive one month of your rent... you can deduct this amount from your next half-year rent payment."

Hah! Why didn't you say so earlier!

One month's rent is fifteen thousand!

Do it!

Do whatever you want!

Chen Yan immediately showed a smile on his face: "Well said, well said! Just tell me which day you are coming to perform it!"

"Isn't it just performing a ritual? I'll just watch the spectacle from the side."

Luo Qing beside him let out a "Hmph," and Assistant Yan immediately smiled ingratiatingly: "Well... performing a ritual is something outsiders shouldn't see."

"Uncle Qing is a man of wonder; as they say, the methods are not passed on to outsiders..."

"Oh, not allowed to watch?"

Chen Yan thought for a moment, then agreed: "Fine, if you don't let me watch, I won't. Anyway, it's fifteen thousand."

"Fine. Whenever you come, just say so in advance, and I'll go out to shop, watch a movie, or whatever. I'll clear the house for you."

"Uh, well..." Assistant Yan hesitated, lowering his voice slightly: "Well... daytime, daytime won't work either."

Chen Yan blinked: "You mean, at night?"

Luo Qing said coldly, "Day is Yang, night is Yin! At midnight, the Yin energy is strongest. Any evil or filthy qi, any stubborn malevolence, will only become active at that time... Anyway, even if I told you, a young person like you wouldn't understand."

"You just need to know that this ritual must be performed at night."

Chen Yan was still smiling, but the smile on his face was no longer the same as before.

"So you mean, I have to find a night, in this cold weather, leave my own home, find a place to hole up outside for the night, and clear the house for you to perform a ritual? Is that what you mean?"

Assistant Yan nodded, his face showing caution: "I know, such matters are indeed somewhat against human sentiment..."

"Half a year's property management fee." Chen Yan cut him off before he could finish.

"Hmm?"

"I said, add another half year's property management fee." Chen Yan said calmly: "Although the house belongs to your boss, I rented it; until the lease expires, this is my home."

"Not to mention whether I believe what you say... I've been to university; I only believe in science."

"You want me to stay out at night, in the middle of winter, find a place for myself to stay, and give up the house for you to mess around in. Is it okay for me to ask for a bit more compensation?"

"The one month's rent you mentioned isn't enough. Add another half year's property management fee."

Assistant Yan looked at Chen Yan, pondered briefly, then nodded: "Good! What Mr. Chen says is not without reason; indeed, our request was a bit against human sentiment."

"Then it shall be as you say. Add another half year's property management fee."

Hearing this, Chen Yan felt a stir in his heart: Quite generous.

This time, Luo Qing beside him didn't make a sound.

After all, he wasn't the one paying. As long as Director Fang didn't shortchange him on the ritual fee, the rest had nothing to do with him.

Afterwards, Assistant Yan and Chen Yan agreed that the day after tomorrow, at 10:30 PM, he would bring Luo Qing over to perform the ritual, and that night Chen Yan must go out and not return.

Chen Yan's home didn't have any valuable items.

The most important were just three things:

The jade thumb ring, the secret manual booklet, and half a candle.

Just tuck them into his chest and he could leave.

·

After the discussion, Chen Yan escorted the two out. Once outside the courtyard, Chen Yan called out to stop Assistant Yan.

"Words alone are no proof; write me a written agreement."

"Also, for the half year's property management fee, go pay it at the property office today."

"Since we've agreed, let's get the matter settled first."

Assistant Yan looked at Chen Yan, finding him reasonable: "Mr. Chen's request is not excessive; I'll go pay the property fee right now."

Luo Qing beside him became unhappy: "Do you really have to go to the property office? I'm in a hurry to meet a friend in a while..."

Assistant Yan smiled: "It's fine, it's fine. Have the car take Uncle Qing away first; I'll take a taxi back myself after I'm done."

Saying this, he politely escorted Luo Qing into the car, and specifically instructed the driver a few times to provide good service and ensure this master was taken home safely.

Chen Yan saw this and raised his opinion of Assistant Yan a few notches.

"This person is alright."

·

Some people, if they work beside wealthy bosses for a long time, inexplicably develop a whole body of arrogance, as if they want their tails to stick up to the sky; having seen so many rich people, they feel they are rich people too.

But this Assistant Yan, in his actions and speech, was polite, gentle, and courteous. Chen Yan knew that earlier, some of his own words had been quite sharp.

The conditions he proposed were also somewhat of a test.

Yet Assistant Yan showed no sign of getting angry, always maintaining politeness and courtesy.

This is the ideal candidate for a wealthy boss's assistant.

Those who stick their tails up to the sky, shouting orders outside under their boss's name, aren't they just attracting hatred for their employer?

This person is a sensible one who understands propriety.

·

Assistant Yan went to the property office, paid the half year's property management fee, over eighteen thousand.

For this villa mansion, the monthly property fee is just over three thousand.

Assistant Yan didn't stop after paying; he borrowed paper and pen from the property office and wrote a note waiving one month's rent for Chen Yan.

Finally, holding the note and the receipt given by the property office, he returned to the villa, knocked on the door, and handed the items into Chen Yan's hands.

Doing things from start to finish.

Chen Yan smiled at Assistant Yan: "Come in and sit for a while?"

"No need to sit; Director Fang has matters to attend to. Then, the day after tomorrow, I'll trouble Mr. Chen." His tone remained polite.

After speaking, Assistant Yan was about to take his leave, but Chen Yan suddenly smiled: "Performing the ritual at midnight, besides the reason given by that master, is actually to avoid drawing attention, isn't it?"

Assistant Yan stopped in his tracks.

"After all, this house is a haunted house; it has been quiet and smooth for several years, and several groups of people have lived here."

"Seeing that several years have passed, the matter should have faded... suddenly performing a ritual again, if the neighbors in the community see it, rumors about the house will surely spread again, fearing there is still something improper."

If word of this got out, it would affect your Fang Fang Zong's investment in this house, wouldn't it?

So the ritual has to be done at midnight?"

Assistant Yan smiled and didn't hide it: "Mr. Chen Yan is clever, truly perceptive. Our little scheme—you see through it clearly enough. Don't worry, once this ritual is done the day after tomorrow, I'll definitely have someone clean the house thoroughly. It won't affect your stay."

Chen Yan nodded: "I trust Assistant Yan to handle things."

After speaking, he suddenly said: "Oh right, something just came to mind."

"Go ahead."

Chen Yan looked at this Assistant Yan:

"Just stand here and don't wander off, I'm going to fetch something…"

With that, he turned and went back.

Assistant Yan stood in place, his expression odd.

Wait… you've been to college, it's not like I haven't read books either!

You think I haven't read 'The Back'?

A few minutes later, Chen Yan came back out and tucked a small cloth bundle into Assistant Yan's hand.

"Fifteen thousand in rent plus eighteen thousand in property fees. This trip you've earned me thirty-three thousand yuan.

I can't take this money for nothing.

My sect has its rules too—taking a person's wealth calls for a return."

Chen Yan said, smiling lightly: "This thing is a little trinket I made myself. If you ask how powerful it is, it certainly can't compare with the expert your Fang Fang Zong has invited.

But keep it on you, and it'll serve as a protective talisman."

"…Huh? This, this…"

Chen Yan smiled with an air of mystery: "Assistant Yan, you think I'd dare rent a haunted house to live in and really be just an ordinary college student?"

With that, Chen Yan closed the door.

Assistant Yan stood in place, dazed for a while.

Wait…

Sect? Rules? Protective talisman?

Weren't you just saying you'd been to college and only believe in science?!

Why are you pulling this whole routine on me?

Holding the thing in his hand, Assistant Yan walked a few steps out, then opened the cloth bundle to look.

A jade tablet the size of a matchbox.

He followed a wealthy boss, so his eye was no slouch—at a glance he could tell it was just a piece of low-grade, inferior white jade.

On it were some fine patterns, carved in with a blade.

But the doodled talisman design was beyond him; all he could make out was that the craftsmanship was very crude!

After thinking for a moment, he picked up the phone and dialed a number.

Once connected, Assistant Yan held the phone with both hands and said respectfully: "Boss, the matter has been handled, the tenant agreed."

After a pause, Assistant Yan added: "But the tenant raised some additional conditions—on top of one month's rent, he added half a year of property fees, totaling thirty-three thousand… I figured the matter was urgent and it was still within the budget you gave, so I accepted."

The other end of the line listened quietly, then simply replied: "Mm, noted."

Assistant Yan hesitated: "Uncle Qing has gone back to prepare as well. But… Boss, I'm a bit uneasy about something.

The previous method was always handled by Elder Zi. This time, with Uncle Qing invited, I don't know…"

"Hmph, do you think I don't want to invite Elder Zi? But Elder Zi hasn't been in Jin Ling Prefecture these past few months—he was taken by the provincial officials to the north of the province to handle some private matters. Uncle Qing is Elder Zi's senior brother, so his skills surely won't be inferior to Elder Zi's, right?

Let's leave it at that for now."

·

The first day of 2025—I hope you're all doing well!

May there be warm winds and intoxicating clouds along your path in life.

May you already have a home where you can lay down your armor.

May the dearest smile you long for already be by your side.

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【Begging for some tips as red packets—not much needed, just a lucky token will do.】

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