Chapter 112: Overfishing Sustainability.

Chapter 112: Overfishing Sustainability.

Ji Xingchen’s gaze settled on the gift. He evidently felt a connection to his own blood. After a moment, he nodded in acknowledgment.

Bai Wan approached, and although her expression was hidden, the atmosphere instantly became tense.

Even Gui Lian leaned in, speculating, "Is this some kind of threat?"

Chi Shen smiled, "It's a greeting."

With Gui Lian's puzzled gaze upon him, Chi Shen continued, "A greeting from Wen Qin. He knows Ji Xingchen is with me."

The next day, upon waking, Chi Shen saw Ji Xingchen had neatly sorted out everything provided by Wei Zhuo. Additionally, there was the faint smell of something burnt.

"Did the neighbor's breakfast burn?" Chi Shen muttered. He then went for breakfast and headed to work.

By noon, Chi Shen visited the Special Security Bureau to hand over Bai Ximing's "gift" and the materials sorted by Ji Xingchen to Yuan Yiping.

Yuan Yiping took the matter seriously. He expressed his gratitude to Chi Shen with a grave expression and informed him that the issue had escalated beyond his rank. An investigation team had been formed and was already operating in the harbor city. The materials Chi Shen provided were invaluable to them.

Chi Shen's intention was just to deliver the items. As he was about to leave, Xu Jiayuan stopped him, warmly inviting him to dine at the Bureau's cafeteria. Thinking of saving on a meal, Chi Shen cheerfully followed Xu Jiayuan.

Xu Jiayuan chose a corner seat, ordered a lavish meal for Chi Shen, and then watched him with anticipation, almost as if asking: "Is it good?"

Of course, Chi Shen knew that wasn't what he truly wanted to know. He said, "Go on, ask."

Xu Jiayuan's curiosity was instantly ignited as he whispered, "Are you going to treat Elder Zhong?"

Chi Shen nodded without questioning how Xu Jiayuan knew.

Upon seeing Chi Shen nod, Xu Jiayuan's face lit up, "I knew you were a good person. I told Zhong Yi that you would surely help."

After pausing, Xu Jiayuan looked at Chi Shen with concern, "The Bai family also went. Frankly, I think they're not up to it. Zhong Yi feels the same. But in his family, they still see him as a child. He can't persuade the older generation. Remember, Zhong Yi didn't invite the Bai family. Don’t take it to heart."

Chi Shen chuckled, "Why should I care about them?"

Seeing Chi Shen’s relaxed demeanor, Xu Jiayuan’s worries evaporated, and he laughed too, "That's the spirit! I was worried you'd be... never mind. Let’s avoid talking about the Bai family; you have no ties with them anyway."

As they dined, Xu Jiayuan mentioned the elder of the Zhong family, Zhong Yi's grandfather, and the matter of his mysterious coma.

Xu Jiayuan glanced around discreetly before leaning in, "Regarding Elder Zhong's situation, they’ve tried many families for help. From the Yuan family to the Zhang and Ge families of Jiangnan, the Li family from Xi'an, the Wang family from Shandong, and more – all without success."

Perhaps sensing Chi Shen's potential confusion, Xu Jiayuan elaborated, "The Special Security Bureau began with the Li family, then brought in other prominent families from various regions. The families I just mentioned hold significant influence within the Bureau, being both powerful and respected."

"If they couldn’t help, it means the Bureau couldn’t either. So, the Zhong family turned to families outside the Bureau," Xu Jiayuan continued, "I also heard that they came to Hongcheng not just because of the Bai family. Zhong Yi's father consulted an oracle in the capital, which hinted at seeking help in Hongcheng. Everyone assumed the oracle referred to the Bai family, as they are the only notable family in Hongcheng."

After explaining, Xu Jiayuan inquired with curiosity, "Zhong Yi must’ve told you about his grandfather's condition. Do you think there's hope? If not, I want to help Zhong Yi prepare mentally."

Chi Shen responded as though the weight of life and death rested on his words, "I'm not a doctor. Let me see him first before drawing conclusions."

——

Bai Mansion.

Bai Ximing sat in the main hall, sipping tea.

A few other tea cups, still steaming, sat untouched before him, indicating guests had just left without partaking.

This wasn't the residence of Bai Hengqing anymore, nor was it the original mansion where Bai Ximing lived. He'd moved to a new, more opulent estate; he could have any house he wished for.

This new place was grander and more luxurious than Bai Hengqing's and far more comfortable than his previous abode. Yet, these physical trappings didn't occupy his mind. Instead, he pondered other matters.

For instance, was his child pleased with the gift he sent?

Thinking of this brought a smile to his face.

Initially, he hadn't grasped the child's personality and had approached him like any ordinary person, which backfired. This was also why he advised Xu Xiuyun against certain actions. However, now he felt confident in his understanding.

He thought, "True to my bloodline, he's not some saintly figure. After just a few days in the old Bai mansion, he began engaging with spirits, whimsically calling it 'befriending the supernatural'."

Why hadn't he thought of this approach before?

Given that neither of them were truly good-hearted, perhaps their mode of communication could be simplified. For instance, using tools related to spirit-taming as a means of interaction seems quite fitting. He believed that his child, and the spirits the latter kept, would appreciate this.

Moreover, among the gifts was something prepared by Wen Qin, a vial of blood. He was tempted to keep it for himself but resisted, wanting to show sincerity. It was only fitting to send the finest gifts.

Taking a sip of his tea, Bai Ximing's demeanor relaxed. The earlier displeasure stemming from Wen Qin's and He Lao's visit dissolved.

He Lao, who had unexpectedly taken off, returned with Wen Qin, claiming he had gone to the capital just to bring Wen Qin back for this pressing matter, all without informing them beforehand.

Anyone could tell there was something amiss about this claim, but with Wen Qin present, Bai Ximing didn't feel it was the right time to express his objections, letting He Lao's words slide.

At this moment, thinking of his child diminished any annoyance he felt toward He Lao's antics. Surely, his son must be elated now, for procuring such items isn't an easy task for the common folk.

Bai Ximing envisioned the joyful expression on Chi Shen's face upon receiving the gifts, and even imagined how he would employ those tools to tame spirits. His smile deepened, realizing that, barring future issues, he indeed harbored a degree of interest in this biological son of his.

Shortly after, an individual approached and said, “Master Bai, it's time to visit Elder Zhong.”

Setting down his tea, Bai Ximing nodded with a smile, “Let’s go.”

Visiting the hospital now was all according to his calculations. Previously, he was uncertain about resolving Elder Zhong's situation and merely procrastinated. With Wen Qin's arrival, and although he couldn’t solve it either, he brought something that could prove useful.

Elder Zhong was placed in the best hospital in the city, his life sustained by medical equipment. He wasn't dead, but showed no signs of waking, resembling a vegetative state.

However, the Zhong family knew that the elder's unconsciousness was due to a malicious spirit, a spirit they couldn’t identify or handle.

Currently, Elder Zhong's room was filled with people.

Given the Zhong family's peculiar status, the hospital allocated a private room for them. The room, while not luxurious and even somewhat cramped, drew no complaints from the family. They valued the patriarch's life above all else.

Still, with a few additional visitors, the room felt even more constrained.

Although it looked as if the room was packed, there were only four individuals present, all from the generation of Zhong uncles and aunts.

“It’s been a week, and father shows no signs of awakening,” someone commented.

Another voiced their concerns, “The Bai family... we've had no previous interactions with them. Are they truly capable of resolving this?”

A rebuttal arose, “This was derived from Jing Song’s three-day divination. If you distrust the Bai family, at least have faith in that figure from the capital.”

Someone let out a sigh, "At least... at least Father looks a bit better now. We've done all we can."

"Should we agree to the terms set by the Bai family?" someone inquired.

"The Bai family does seem to care for us. They've even offered to move us to a better place. Maybe they have their reasons for what they're asking. It's not necessarily about taking advantage."

"Isn't this the best hospital in the harbor city?"

"Asking us to split the Zhong family's secret technique and hand over half of it isn't that them taking advantage?"

"They mentioned that it might hold the key to saving Father."

"Let's ensure Father can wake up first, then we can consider the Bai family's terms," a calm voice interjected, cutting through the mounting tension.

The room fell silent, and the conversation shifted to other matters.

"I hope Father will be okay this time."

"What's really in that hotel..."

After a short conversation, there was a knock on the door. Bai Ximing entered with a smile, "How's the old man finding his stay here? I see he's showing improvement. How about moving to a suburban hospital? I know the dean there, and the environment is much better."

The members of the Zhong family exchanged glances. The youngest seemed to want to speak up but was held back by someone next to him.

Zhong Yi's father, Zhong Jingsong, stepped forward, "There's no need to trouble you, Bai. We're quite comfortable here. Did you come because there's been a change in my father's condition?"

Bai Ximing had visited before and made some arrangements, promising to visit weekly. But he had come earlier than expected this time, making Zhong Jingsong suspect there was an issue that needed addressing.

"Indeed, there's been a positive change," Bai Ximing replied with a smile. "That's why I came today. But this room seems a bit cramped. Could you possibly make some space for me?"

Everyone in the room glanced around and began to exit, while Zhong Jingsong turned back to Bai Ximing, "If there's anything you need assistance with, please don't hesitate to ask."

Once the others had left, Bai Ximing stepped inside. "I hope you'll reconsider what I mentioned before. To address Mr. Zhong's situation, the item I mentioned is crucial. As you know, the incident occurred on Zhong family territory and is undeniably linked to something of yours."

Zhong Jingsong's expression grew somber. "I'll think about it," he said.

Bai Ximing didn't press him further. "I genuinely want to resolve the issue with Mr. Zhong soon. My current method is only a temporary fix, not a cure. Whether or not Mr. Zhong wakes up depends on his luck."

"I understand. Thank you for your efforts," said Zhong Jingsong, before also leaving the room.

The younger members of the Zhong family didn't venture far from the room, standing just outside the door with worried expressions.

Whisps of dark energy seemed to emanate from the room. One individual, apprehensive, wanted to enter but was held back, being told not to disturb Bai Ximing.

And so, they waited for two hours.

When the door finally opened, Bai Ximing emerged, drenched in sweat and looking weary, yet he managed a smile, "The old man's condition is quite promising. Go and see for yourselves."

Members of the Zhong family hurriedly entered the room. Bai Ximing stood outside, smiling, soon hearing the commotion from within.

"Father's fingers moved! His eyelids too! Is he waking up?"

"Father's complexion has improved significantly, looking more lively. This is the best we've seen since we started seeking medical help."

"So, about Father's condition..."

At that point, Zhong Jingsong stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him. He turned to Bai Ximing, "Thank you for your help."

Bai Ximing sighed with a smile, "It wasn't a hassle, though I'm still uncertain about the old man's exact situation."

With a grave expression, Zhong Jingsong pondered briefly before gesturing, "Let's discuss this elsewhere."

As Bai Ximing and Zhong Jingsong departed, the chatter inside the room continued. Soon after, there was another knock on the door.

Someone opened it to see Zhong Yi standing there, the tension in their face easing considerably, "Grandfather looks much better today. The Bai family really seems to have a way."

Noticing another figure beside Zhong Yi, they inquired, "Is this your friend?"

Chi Shen greeted with a smile, "Hello, Auntie."

Zhong Yi introduced, "This is my friend, Chi Shen. I brought him to see Grandfather. He's resolved many complex supernatural issues. He's quite capable."

All eyes in the room shifted to the young Chi Shen, with some showing evident skepticism.

One of them remarked, "Little Yi, I know you're concerned for your grandfather, but this isn't something an ordinary person can handle. You know even the major clans have failed."

Another added, albeit without evident displeasure, "Bai family's head just visited. Grandfather's condition has improved and he should be waking up soon."

Zhong Yi's aunt, the one who opened the door, tried to mediate, "Zhong Yi just wants to help. Let him have a look. Who knows? Maybe Chi Shen is genuinely skilled."

She then allowed Zhong Yi and Chi Shen to enter, turning to Chi Shen with a friendly demeanor, "Young man, from which lineage do you hail? Who is your master?"

Chi Shen showed a respectful smile customary when facing elders, "I'm self-taught; I don't have a master."

The expression of Zhong Yi's aunt crumbled slightly, appearing taken aback.

Chi Shen had already stepped into the sickroom. The instant he entered, everyone in the room sensed something and immediately turned their gaze to his silhouette.

"Who have you brought with you?" someone demanded sharply.

Two others sprang into action; Zhong Yi's aunt reached for Chi Shen's shoulder, obviously trying to restrain him. Another person produced a bagua mirror and a paper-folded sword with cinnabar patterns, evidently some basic equipment for warding off spirits.

Zhong Yi quickly intervened, "He's my friend! I'm aware of the ghost in his shadow. It's registered; there's no danger. Honestly, no danger!"

Yet, no one heeded his words.

The bagua mirror was tilted, reflecting the room's light directly at the shadow behind Chi Shen.

Chi Shen subtly shifted his stance, stepping forward to dodge the aunt's reaching hand, and also positioning himself to block the light from the mirror.

The dazzling reflection from the bagua mirror illuminated his bright yellow sweatshirt, making it even more conspicuous.

By now, Chi Shen stood before Mr. Zhong's bed, looking down at the elderly man's slightly rosy face. He remarked with a smile, "Did you place a ghost in his head to stimulate him, to make him appear better?"

At this revelation, the entire room fell silent. Zhong Yi's aunt, initially intent on driving Chi Shen out, froze in astonishment, her face a picture of shock.

Oblivious to their reason for surprise, Chi Shen reached above the elderly man's head and plucked out a squealing ghost. As the spirit was removed, the color drained from the old man's face, his previously twitching eyelids now still, reverting to his earlier state.

Chi Shen nonchalantly crushed the ghost and glanced down again, "Ah, there's another one by his hand."