Chapter 192: Not sure what to say, but wishing everyone an early Happy New Year.

Chapter 192: Not sure what to say, but wishing everyone an early Happy New Year.

On the eve of the Lunar New Year, Chi Shen went to visit Boss Li, Li Xu.

Expecting to find a despondent Boss Li, he was surprised to see him in good spirits, with noticeably fewer dark circles under his eyes, packing up to return home for the festivities.

On the bridge that night, Li Xu had cried for over ten minutes. Zhong Yi tried everything but couldn't approach him. After being drenched in rain for a while, Li Xu suddenly collapsed.

From his clothing, numerous black hands emerged, both old and young. These hands tenderly comforted him—some caressing his head, others patting his back. Under such solace, Li Xu gradually drifted to sleep.

These were the spirits that Li Xu had once helped.

After Li Xu fell asleep, the oppressive aura surrounding him gradually faded. Zhong Yi then escorted him home, ensuring someone would look after him.

After this incident, Li Xu's name was recorded by the Special Security Bureau. Concerning the immense sorrowful spirit in his heart, the Bureau had assigned someone to converse with him.

Once Li Xu understood the formidable entity lurking within him, he agreed, based on the Bureau's advice, to seal away a portion of his memories. Now, all he recalls is the demise of his girlfriend and his guilt towards her, but the details of that particular night remain blurred.

When Chi Shen visited him, they went out for a meal. It was then that Li Xu confided, “I know I chose to seal those memories, but I desperately want to remember what happened. We were so deeply in love.”

But before Chi Shen could respond, Li Xu added, "Rest assured, I won't retrieve those memories. It's a perilous undertaking, and I have a sense of social responsibility."

He sighed, "I no longer see ghosts, which has brought some relief. I used to think I could do so much, but now I'm content just handling my own affairs well."

Knowing that Li Xu merely needed to voice his thoughts rather than seek advice, Chi Shen ordered a bottle of mild liquor for him to sip and share his feelings.

"I vaguely remember wanting to end it all, feeling like I deserved to die, yet they insisted I live. I'd like to do something meaningful in the future," Li Xu began, taking a sip of his drink. "I once believed that creating games, pouring my beliefs into them, was purposeful. But things have changed. Now, I feel the need to do something that benefits society."

"It might sound pretentious, but I'm trying to make amends. I can't make it right with her anymore, but I can make it right with the world. It's not so much for her as it is for my own peace," Li Xu calmly stated. He drank slowly, a far cry from his former self who would drown his sorrows and break down in tears.

"You haven’t really done anything terribly wrong," Chi Shen commented.

Li Xu shook his head, "I know everyone says I haven't erred, but I feel I have. Maybe not in the eyes of the law, but from my perspective, or perhaps hers, I failed."

"I once created a game where everyone was redeemed. I thought it redeemed me too. Now I see that the redemption was just in my mind," he continued placidly. "Nobody saved me, and I didn't save anyone either. It was merely a facade, a distraction from my unease. It's time I faced reality."

As dinner drew to a close, Li Xu suddenly inquired, "I'm curious about who you really are."

After a moment's reflection, Chi Shen replied, "Just an ordinary worker, albeit one who encounters more ghosts than usual."

Li Xu chuckled, "You're anything but ordinary. But you'd probably excel in creating horror games."

A hint of unease crossed Chi Shen's face, "Creating entertainment is a worthy endeavor, boss."

Li Xu waved him off, "Given your unique experiences, you'd produce a game rooted in reality. I hope that after 'God of Wealth', I leave you with a reputable company. Now, go enjoy the New Year. Happy holidays!"

Chi Shen retorted, "...just don't disappear on me. Happy New Year!"

After parting with Li Xu, Chi Shen headed home.

His apartment, which once reeked of ghostly presence, now emanated warmth.

On his balcony, a string of fairy lights adorned a plum tree, making it twinkle at night.

In the elevator, his landlord called, offering New Year greetings and an invitation for dinner. Chi Shen declined with a smile, "Someone's waiting for me at home."

As he stepped out of the elevator, his apartment door swung open, revealing a lively scene.

"I want to watch cartoons!" It was Huang Lingling's boisterous voice as she wrestled with He Ling for the remote. "Cartoons! Cartoons!"

"It's New Year! The Gala is a must-watch!" He Ling parried, expertly dodging and keeping the remote from Huang Lingling's grasp.

"It's the modern age, who still watches the Spring Festival Gala? Stay current! Watch cartoons!" He Ling retorted, matching her volume with Huang Lingling's, "Don't you think so, Yuan? The New Year should be celebrated with a sense of tradition, by watching the Spring Festival Gala!"

Yuan Yiping, who was busy wiping the table nearby, said seriously, "The Spring Festival Gala gets worse every year. On New Year's Eve, it's better to watch something enjoyable, like cartoons."

Huang Lingling jumped up with joy, "Yes! I win! We'll watch cartoons!"

He Ling turned to Bai Wan, "You want to watch the Spring Festival Gala too, right?"

Bai Wan shook her head, "I'm not sure what that is, but I'm good with anything."

He Ling then looked at the last person in the living room, "What about you, Xiao Zhong? Surely, you must want to watch the Spring Festival Gala! But why are you here? Aren't you going home for the New Year?"

"I rarely watch the Spring Festival Gala. On such a festive occasion, we can indulge the kids," Zhong Yi calmly replied, "As for why I'm here, I still have matters to settle in Harbor City. I can't go home for the New Year. But I've been used to spending it away from home since I was 18."

"You folks at the Special Security Agency really have it tough," He Ling remarked.

The New Year's Eve dinner was set on the table. As Chi Shen entered, he saw Ji Xingchen pouring the last of the takeout into a dish and telling him, "Go wash your hands, it's dinner time."

Chi Shen smiled, "Alright."

After washing his hands, he placed an incense stick on the table, in memory of Ji Xingchen, Huang Lingling, and Bai Wan, ensuring their presence at the meal.

Amidst the aroma of the food and incense, and the chatter of everyone — the year had come to an end.