Chapter 153: Jealousy of Ji Xingchen.

Chapter 153: Jealousy of Ji Xingchen.

The ensuing days passed peacefully, or at least, it seemed peaceful for Chi Shen.

Chi Shen's routine consisted of going to work, assisting Li Xu in handling the newly emerged spirits, and occasionally acting as a technical consultant for the Special Security Bureau.

The remuneration from the Special Security Bureau wasn't particularly generous, but with a large family to support and considering the tasks were fairly manageable, Chi Shen believed it was worth earning a bit extra.

Other than that, Chi Shen’s days revolved around browsing paranormal forums during work and reading Zhong family novels after work. His leisure life was complete.

As the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year intensified and lanterns began adorning the streets, an eerie ambiance, unlike any previous New Year, emerged beneath the crimson lights.

It started with Ma Caijin, who mysteriously declared, “I saw a ghost last night!”

Chi Shen patted him on the shoulder, brushing away a tiny specter that trailed him. The infant-sized dark figure screamed and disintegrated into dust. Pretending to be shocked, Chi Shen exclaimed, “Really? Where?”

“On my way home, I saw a child staring at me. I tried to tease her, but my hand passed right through!” Ma Caijin began to narrate excitedly, “In that moment, I didn’t show any sign of fear. I knew if I did, the spirit might turn malevolent. How clever was I! We've been in the gaming business for so long, so of course I knew how to handle the situation. I simply smiled and said, 'You're adorable, little one. Go find your family.' Then I walked away. See? My risk-avoidance skill is top-notch!”

Chi Shen nodded noncommittally, “Mm-hmm, very impressive.”

“I’m no longer scared of ghosts, thanks to you. But… what are you looking at?” Ma Caijin leaned closer, peering at Chi Shen’s computer screen.

Li Xu rarely monitored what they did on the company’s computers, as long as the projects were completed. Thus, Chi Shen had progressed from browsing on his phone to his computer. When Ma Caijin approached, Chi Shen’s screen still displayed a local paranormal forum.

And the reason Chi Shen didn't hide it was simple; he didn't need to. Even if Li Xu walked in, he could just assert, "I'm gathering material. This could be incorporated into our BOSS design, don’t you think?"

So Ma Caijin naturally caught a glimpse of the screen, “This ‘Coffin from the Qing Dynasty Exposed by Heavy Rain’... Which mountain is this? Wait, in our port city? How could something by the sea get exposed by rain?”

Chi Shen nodded in agreement, “Exactly, something’s off. Maybe it was unearthed by...

tomb

robbers.”

"This looks more like some kind of horror prop. Maybe someone left it here as a prank..."

Ma Caijin talked about the seaside coffin for a bit and then left. After all, it's work hours, and he still had tasks to handle.

Chi Shen closed the page and went back to the forum's post listings, casting a glance over them. He murmured, "The post count has surged in the past two weeks."

Ji Xingchen emerged from his shadow, adjusting his glasses. "This isn't an active forum. Previously, there were about ten posts a day on average, half discussing horror fiction or movies. Of the remainder, ninety percent were just self-spooking. Only one was possibly related to a genuine supernatural event. Now, we have around thirty posts daily, and half of them could be about real incidents, though some are quite mild and would disappear in a few days."

"Seems like we're bound to work overtime this New Year," sighed Chi Shen.

"Your father is getting restless," Ji Xingchen added.

They had been informed about Bai Ximing from the Special Safety Bureau. The Bureau would notify Chi Shen about such matters, given the incident by the sea. They understood the Bai family's situation and recognized Chi Shen's potential as an ally.

The briefing was presented by Uncle Zhang. In essence, Bai Ximing had taken most of the ghosts from the Bai ancestral home. Although these spirits occasionally appeared in the port city, their motives remained unknown.

Chi Shen reassured them, stating that the spirits from the Bai residence were friendly — or those who weren't had been dealt with upon his arrival. Thus, they typically wouldn't harm people. Moreover, Bai Ximing wouldn't stray far from the city and was bound to appear soon.

Puzzled, Uncle Zhang asked, "How can you be so sure?"

Chi Shen smiled, "Well, I was racking my brain over a gift for my father's 50th birthday. Now, it seems I don’t have to worry about that anymore."

Uncle Zhang chuckled awkwardly, not quite sure how to react.

They were all aware that the patriarch of the Bai family didn’t live past fifty. Hence, Bai Ximing was undoubtedly feeling the pressure. Chi Shen connected the dots, understanding Bai Rans' unique position within the family lineage.

Clearly, Bai Ran could extend his life.

Though it wasn't clear how Bai Ximing transferred his life force onto Bai Ran, with Bai Ran's death, those capable of extending Bai Ximing's life were now gone, making others potential targets.

Chi Shen calmly took a sip of his tea, closed the supernatural forum, and resumed working on the BOSS planning scheme. Even if the world were to end tomorrow, today’s work still had to be done.

However, before Bai Ximing could make his move, Zhong Yi approached Chi Shen first.

Zhong Yi briefed him on the investigation into his grandfather's death. It wasn't the collapse at Dongshan Hot Springs that took the old man's life. After his surgery, while his physical health hadn't recovered enough to return to the Zhong residence, his mental state had improved daily. But suddenly, he passed away, slightly before the hot springs' incident. There may or may not be a connection between the two.

What was certain, however, was that the spirit responsible for the elder Zhong's death was not the one from Dongshan Hot Springs but a different ghost.

Upon investigation by the Special Safety Bureau, it became evident that the same ghost that had taken out elder Zhong was likely responsible for the death of Yuan Yiping. Both incidents were orchestrated by the same entity.

"Moreover, this ghost is incredibly powerful, and there's likely a human accomplice involved," Zhong Yi commented as he slurped noodles in a cozy diner, seated across from Chi Shen. "Although Hong City isn't under Zhong family's influence, we've taken significant security measures. Ordinary ghosts can't get anywhere near my grandfather. Should there be a malevolent spirit, an alarm would trigger."

"Yet, that day, there was nothing. No alarms, no triggered formations. Someone well-versed in the arts of Yin and Yang must have escorted the ghost in," he continued.

"I'm determined to find the one who killed my grandfather and Yuan Ge. But I'm in no shape to do it alone," Zhong Yi said, looking earnestly at Chi Shen. His complexion remained pallid, a sickly white hue. He'd suffered severe soul injuries at Dongshan Hot Springs. Even after nearly two weeks, he hadn't fully recovered and could collapse at any moment.

Tilting his head, Chi Shen inquired, "Whom do you have in mind?"

"Bai Wan," Zhong Yi replied. "I know you're occupied and wouldn't lend me Ji Xing Chen. That's why I'm hoping to borrow Bai Wan."

"She's my sister," Chi Shen pointed out. "It's up to her. I can't make decisions on her behalf."

"Alright, I'll wait for you," Zhong Yi replied.

After the meal, as Zhong Yi was settling the bill, Chi Shen questioned him as they stepped outside, "I remember you disliking associating with spirits."

Nodding slightly and keeping his gaze lowered to hide the emotions in his eyes, Zhong Yi responded, "Things have changed. Desperate times call for desperate measures."

Chi Shen chuckled, "My sister will probably agree."

Once home, Chi Shen consulted Bai Wan, whose voice seemed somewhat hopeful, "Can I go?"

"Of course," replied Chi Shen.

Ji Xing Chen remarked from the side, "It would do you good to explore more, to witness the real world. It's quite different from what you see online."

Lately, Bai Wan had been engrossed in her tablet, learning various skills – all theoretical, since she hadn't had the opportunity to practice. The prospect of venturing out visibly invigorated her spirit.

"Is there anything I should be wary of?" Bai Wan inquired.

"Zhong Yi will guide you," Chi Shen said, already folding a paper phone. "He's a decent man. He won't force you into anything. If you're uncomfortable, just decline."

"Has he recovered? Being near him, could I worsen his condition?" Bai Wan expressed her concern. "I should first get a protective charm for him. I fear something might happen if I approach him."

"He'll likely have made preparations," Chi Shen assured, handing her the folded paper phone. "Zhong Yi is waiting for you in the parking garage downstairs. Call me if there's an emergency. I'll be there immediately."

"Okay, thank you, big brother," Bai Wan accepted the phone, hesitating a moment before adding, "Please remember to water the plants...or maybe I'll remind the cabinet ghost. He'll remember such things."

"I'll help with the plants," Ji Xing Chen offered.

"Mmm-hmm." Bai Wan nodded again, hesitating for a moment before turning back, "Don't bully Ms. Ghost too much."

The red-dressed ghost clumsily crawled out from under the sofa, glanced at Bai Wan, then at Chi Shen, and attempted a smile, "I'm fine, I'm really good!"

"I'll walk you out." Chi Shen gathered some items Bai Wan might need like candy and other small snacks, and of course, her tablet. He packed these, along with Bai Wan's memorial tablet, into a backpack and headed downstairs.

In less than ten minutes, Chi Shen returned, taking a spot on the sofa without a word.

The red-dressed ghost, leaning over the back of the sofa, tried to make Chi Shen laugh. But after several attempts, she realized he wasn't even looking at her.

Ji Xingchen, sitting beside the sofa with his computer, remarked, "Can't let go?"

Chi Shen sighed.

"Want to bring her back?" Ji Xingchen asked.

"No, it's not that," Chi Shen sighed again, "It's the sentiment of sending off one's daughter, you know?"

Without waiting for Ji Xingchen's response, he continued, "Though worried, I know I should let her explore the world, but it's hard not to feel anxious."

A ghostly face nearby remarked, "Shouldn't the ghosts be more worried about running into Bai Wan?"

Sitting up, Chi Shen shook his head, "It's a sentiment you wouldn't understand."

Ji Xingchen reached for a cup on the table, "Have some milk and get some rest."

"Alright." Chi Shen drank the milk and lay back down, "You warmed the milk, aren't you afraid your paper man might catch fire?"

"Not anymore," Ji Xingchen looked at him, "I don't need to be in my paper form to light a fire now."

Chi Shen sat up abruptly, "I need to call Zhong Yi and tell him to treat Bai Wan well..."

Ji Xingchen, noticing a milk smudge on Chi Shen's lip, commented, "Ghosts and humans can't be together."

"I want to make sure Bai Wan gets proper treatment at her job!" With that, Chi Shen grabbed his phone and went to the terrace to make the call.

Once Chi Shen left, the ghostly face murmured, "Becoming more and more human."

Ji Xingchen glanced at the ghostly face sticker on the table.

The ghostly face felt Ji Xingchen's gaze and added, "When I first met you two, not only were you a ghost, but he didn't seem human either. His demeanor... He seemed like a vengeful spirit from a realm of death, and you, even though he sometimes laughed, you seemed devoid of human emotions."

"Although you are a ghost now, you were once human," the Ghost Face remarked. "And now, you've learned to smile."

Ji Xingchen touched the corner of his mouth.

Unable to bear it any longer, Ghost Face blurted out, "Yes, you were just smiling. So, what are you thinking?"

Ji Xingchen lowered his gaze slightly, and a surge of bloody water flowed from the bedroom, forming words on the wall: 'Wishful thinking.'

Startled, Ghost Face quickly hid behind Ji Xingchen, peering out with wide eyes.

Ji Xingchen, observing the bloody words, responded calmly, "I wish to merge—to become my true self."

"But I'm not certain that the merged me will still love Chi Shen," he whispered. Even though he'd never expressed it, his feelings were clear, "So the best way is: he dies, I remain."

The temperature in the living room plummeted. The bloody letters morphed into a grotesque smiling face, revealing a new message: 'When you're gone, I'll love him in your stead.'

The message was fleeting, almost too brief to be certain of its existence. Soon after, Chi Shen returned from the terrace, and the living room's temperature and ambiance reverted to its usual state.

As Chi Shen entered from the balcony, he hesitated for a moment before fixing his gaze on Ji Xingchen.

Ji Xingchen calmly adjusted his glasses, "Without encountering Wen Qin, Bai Wan is invincible. Don't worry too much."

But Chi Shen replied with an unrelated question, "Are you hungry?"

Ji Xingchen looked at him, and after a brief moment, removed his glasses, revealing crimson eyes as he approached Chi Shen.

Chi Shen led him into the bedroom.

Ghost Face and the red-dressed ghost exchanged glances. Both spirits hurriedly retreated to their respective rooms, seeking refuge.

Moments later, a robust ghostly aura emanated from Chi Shen's room. Within his own room, Ghost Face shivered in trepidation, while the red-dressed ghost seemed entranced by the drifting aura, taking a bite into it.

After her bite, she paused, perplexed. Why did it have a taste... and a sweet one at that?

She took another bite, then another, and another, and another—

An hour passed, and peace settled within the bedroom.

Chi Shen was asleep.

Ji Xingchen calmly approached his own body, gazing down at his face. Then, he reached out, gripping the chain embedded in his chest.

The corpse showed no reaction, and the once unsettling flow of blood was absent.

Moments earlier, Chi Shen had urged Ji Xingchen to strike at him. However, Chi Shen effortlessly deflected all those attacks, depleting the resentment that Ji Xingchen 2.0 had accumulated over time. As a result, he reverted to his lifeless, unresponsive state.

Chains dangled lightly in his grip, his head lowered, seemingly deep in thought.

After draining the resentment from the body, Chi Shen fed him his own blood, the sweet taste still lingering on Ji Xingchen's tongue.

If his corpse were to decay, he wouldn't be able to retrieve the power stored within.

Ji Xingchen lightly tugged at the chain. No fresh blood oozed out. After observing for a moment, he retracted his hand.

The time wasn't right. He couldn't be of no use to Chi Shen, lest he be abandoned someday.

Turning around, he began to walk towards Chi Shen's shadow. But in an instant, his eyes widened as a pool of blood materialized, binding his feet.

"If only one of us can exist, let me replace you," he heard a voice from deep within.

The blood ascended against gravity, wrapping around him and immobilizing him. Pain registered on his face as the blood infused into his body, and his eyes turned a deep shade of red once more.

Destructive and devouring desires crept into his thoughts. He looked at Chi Shen, asleep on the bed. Knowing that Chi Shen was genuinely exhausted and had his guard down, Ji Xingchen realized he could take advantage of the situation without resistance.

The internal turmoil brought Ji Xingchen to his knees. The blood now coursing into his soul was threatening to cloud his judgment.

But he couldn't let it happen.

He couldn't harm Chi Shen.

In a sudden move, Ji Xingchen tore off a patch of skin where the blood streamed down his face, preventing it from entering his eyes. He then ripped off parts of his leg's skin. Enduring immense pain silently, his demeanor shockingly calm, he tore away the blood-infused parts and consumed them bit by bit.

He was digesting his own body instead of letting it overtake his mind.

Once the final crimson chunk of flesh was ingested, the torn parts grew back, and even his eyes lost their bloodshot hue, returning to a serene state.

He approached the bed and once again merged into Chi Shen's shadow.

The next morning, Chi Shen, yawning, got up from the bed. The aroma from the kitchen greeted him. He cheerfully got dressed and went to freshen up. On passing Ji Xingchen 2.0, he turned to give a light kick.

He then inquired, "You've learned to make sandwiches already? That's impressively fast. Ever thought about taking a course at New Oriental or something?"

From the kitchen came Ji Xingchen's emotionless voice, "It's the simplest breakfast. One glance at the tutorial, and you'll get it."