“Chapter 65”

"Chapter 65"

"Shen Wang's talismans were, unsurprisingly, highly praised."

"[Thank you, Shen Ge, for your insect repellent talisman! I’m a mosquito magnet, and summer was like a walking buffet for them. But with Shen Ge's talisman, this buffet can finally close! No more waking up to mosquito buzzing at night. I’ve never felt so refreshed!]"

"[Since using the Concentration Talisman, my focus has improved dramatically. I don't get distracted by my phone after reading a few pages anymore. Incredibly, I studied an entire afternoon... As a notorious underachiever, this is unbelievable.]"

"[As a long-time insomniac, using the Sleep Talisman helped me achieve early sleep and rise. My overall health has improved since I started sleeping better. Shen Ge is awesome!]"

"Reading these rave reviews, Li Pingping and her friends couldn’t stop smiling: 'Shen Ge, look, people are even urging us to release new products!'"

"The shop’s chat interface was flooded with new messages, and Li Pingping, temporarily roped in as customer service, was overwhelmed."

"Shen Wang glanced briefly, noting the variety of bizarre requests from the customers."

"Beyond the standard love talismans, there were requests for exam success talismans, anti-hair loss talismans, pleasant dream talismans, lottery-winning talismans, and sudden wealth talismans... The imaginative requests were diverse and astonishing."

"Wang Kai, stroking his chin, pondered: 'Shen Ge, if you develop an exam success talisman, can I buy one first?'"

"As the only underperformer in the dorm, Wang Kai desperately needed such a talisman."

"'You’d better just get some sleep,' Shen Wang laughed, 'You can have anything in a dream.'"

"Wang Kai sighed heavily, his disappointment almost tangible as he typed away at the keyboard."

"Xu Cheng, browsing through user reviews, suddenly frowned: 'Shen Ge...'"

"Shen Wang looked over, seeing Xu Cheng's hesitant expression, struggling to find the right words."

"Curious, Shen Wang glanced over, noticing a news interface. Upon closer look, he couldn't help but laugh."

"Though the special department operated in secrecy, being a national agency, they had used the police’s name to issue a public announcement after taking Tang's father."

"In the past, such news would have been buried in the deluge of online data... but coincidentally, due to Shen Wang's recent fame, the Tang family was under constant scrutiny."

"Once the news of Tang's father being taken in for questioning by the police was released, netizens quickly unearthed it."

"The already infamous Tang family faced even harsher public criticism, with netizens speculating wildly about the incident."

"[What does 'taken away for investigation in a criminal case' mean? A criminal case... Could it be they tried to silence Shen Wang in anger?]"

"[Who knows? Even if it's not murder, it can’t be much better. After all, it’s a criminal case.]"

"[This family is just repeatedly pushing the legal boundaries; not a single normal person among them.]"

"[I hate to admit it, but the old saying is true – birds of a feather flock together. Abandoning their biological son for a fake heir just shows the family’s true nature.]"

"[Looking at it now, Shen Wang escaping the Tang family seems like a stroke of luck. Who knows if he would still be alive if he had stayed.]"

"[This might just be a blessing in disguise.]"

"The netizens, through sheer guesswork, came close to the truth. Shen Wang, enjoying the Tang family's misfortune, blatantly retweeted the announcement, gloating with three grinning emojis, perfectly encapsulating his joy."

"The comments below were equally supportive."

"[Even though there’s not a word said, I can feel the schadenfreude oozing through the screen.]"

"[Shen Ge kicking someone while they’re down… that’s just… fantastic! I love it!]"

"[Other than saying they deserved it, I don’t know what else to say.]"

"With both Tang father and son taken for questioning, only Tang's mother was left to deal with the company’s chaos, overwhelmed and frantic."

"Having lived a life of luxury for decades, Tang's mother was clueless about business affairs and could only sit in the company like a figurehead."

"Informed by the PR department about Tang's father trending for being taken away, her first reaction was: 'Then suppress it from trending.'"

"The PR manager, already stressed and losing hair over the Tang family's affairs, despite knowing she was the boss’s wife, couldn’t help but retort internally: 'The company’s reputation is already in tatters, and the president being investigated is no small matter. Suppressing it would only worsen our image.'"

"He was practically accusing Tang's mother of their family’s constant troubles that plagued the company."

"Tang's mother's expression darkened. Desperate to lash out but mindful of the precarious state of the Tang family, she swallowed her anger: 'Then what should we do now?'"

"The PR manager looked at Tang's mother with a mix of disdain and pity: 'As long as the president hasn’t actually committed a crime and is released after cooperating with the investigation, we can issue a statement.'"

"But this hinges on the assumption that Tang's father is innocent and can appear in public in a few days; otherwise, there will be another storm of controversy."

"So, is President Tang really innocent? The PR manager wondered with a question mark in his mind."

"Sensing the probing tone in his words, Tang's mother assured without hesitation: 'No! There’s nothing at all, he was just taken for cooperation with the investigation. Quickly issue a statement.'"

"The PR manager gave Tang's mother a meaningful look and left the office without saying anything."

"Tang's mother was left alone in the office, grinding her teeth in anger at the curses towards the Tang family on the trending searches, and upon seeing Shen Wang's forwarded message, she smashed her phone, cursing: 'That wretch! Should never have been born!'"

"She blamed all the recent misfortunes on Shen Wang, hating him as if he were a sworn enemy. Yet with the Tang family in turmoil, she had no energy to seek revenge on Shen Wang."

"After cursing, she swore to herself: 'Once this blows over... I’ll find ways to teach him a lesson!'"

"Tang's mother failed to notice that the employees in the company were no longer as efficient as before, privately seeking their own exits. The lost partnerships, the board members who fled... none of them informed Tang's mother."

"But even if they did, it wouldn't have helped her."

"When an avalanche starts, no one can stop it."

"Shen Wang shivered involuntarily, his expression turning complex for a moment."

"The two people standing opposite him immediately showed concern: 'Master Shen, what’s wrong?'"

"Another followed with concern: 'Are you feeling unwell? I can call my personal doctor to check on you right away.'"

"Each one more attentive than the last."

"'It's nothing, just someone cursing me behind my back,' Shen Wang said casually, not taking it to heart."

"There were many who disliked him, but the only ones who could provoke a reaction were a few from the Tang family, and he couldn’t be bothered to give them a second thought."

"Unnoticed by Shen Wang, the two sitting across from him tensed up at his words, their posture growing even more respectful, almost to the point of reverence."

"'Even knowing when someone is cursing him behind his back, truly a master,' they thought, admiringly. Yu Fu sipped his tea, 'Excellent tea, indeed.'"

"Sitting opposite Shen Wang were the curse victims duo who had somehow come together, Yu Fu and Boss Song."

"Yu Fu's curse was lighter and after its removal, he recovered without much issue, only feeling a bit shaken and resting at home for a few days."

"Boss Song, however, had been cursed by his own younger brother using his personal information and had suffered for a longer period. Even after Shen Wang removed the curse, he remained weak for several days."

"Both being prominent figures in City C’s upper circles, Boss Song and Yu Fu knew of each other but hadn’t interacted much. The curse incident had brought them together."

"They bonded quickly, one day cursing Song’s blood-sucking younger brother together, the next day lamenting over Yu’s troublesome neighbor, and eventually jointly cursing the detestable Tang family, finding much in common."

"As soon as they felt better, they arranged to meet and express their gratitude to Shen Wang."

"Hearing Yu Fu’s comment, Boss Song hurriedly took a sip of tea, his expression becoming slightly odd: 'Praising such cheap, wholesale tea?'"

"Yu Fu remained unfazed: 'It seems Master Shen is a connoisseur of tea. I have some tea cakes at home; I’ll have my son send them over for you to try tomorrow.'"

"Boss Song: '...I’ll do the same.'"

Boss Song could never have imagined that Director Yu, known for his seriousness and propriety, could be so obsequious.

Father Yu glanced at Boss Song: It's mutual, as the generous and hearty Boss Song is no different.

Shen Wang failed to notice the subtle communication between them and couldn't imagine these two, whose ages combined were over a hundred and who were renowned tycoons in City C, would 'compete and be jealous' in front of him.

Shen Wang had no particular preference for tea, but wouldn’t pass up a good deal: "Alright, send some over... But you didn’t come just to deliver tea, did you?"

Hearing this, Father Yu and Boss Song exchanged a glance and simultaneously took out a bank card, sliding it across to Shen Wang, "We have broken the curse on us and have specifically come to express our gratitude for saving our lives."

Fearing Shen Wang might refuse, Father Yu added, "This remuneration has already been registered with the special department and taxes have been paid."

Shen Wang did not refuse; he glanced at the two men and said, "Although your curse has been lifted, it has nonetheless affected your health to some extent. I'll give you a talisman for peace; keep it close to you."

Both Yu's father and Boss Song brightened up, gratefully receiving the talisman and carefully storing it away.

Boss Song, having suffered more from the curse, could feel the warmth emanating from the talisman in his palm. His weary body felt considerably relieved.

"Such a great deal! Trading a few tea cakes for this talisman is absolutely worth it!" Boss Song thought he had gotten the better end of the bargain.

After offering the payment, Yu's father hesitated for a few seconds before speaking, "Master Shen, the Tang family... has been facing difficulties lately. I have some business overlap with them, so I've taken over a few of their contracts."

Hearing this, Boss Song also became serious, carefully observing Shen Wang's reaction: "Our company doesn't compete with the Tangs, and we didn't take over their business. However, they played a role in my recent troubles, so I did nudge things along a bit."

Having said this, the two successful businessmen, usually decisive and authoritative, held their breath, waiting for Shen Wang to speak.

Before coming, they had agreed to tell Shen Wang the truth about their dealings with the Tang family. Although it was well-known that Shen Wang and the Tangs were at odds, they shared a blood relationship. If Shen Wang learned of this from others, it might leave a bitter taste.

It was better to be upfront with Shen Wang from the start.

"Yu Fu and Boss Song believed that Shen Wang was not the type to turn the other cheek, expecting he wouldn’t retaliate after learning about their actions, but they still felt somewhat uneasy."

"Shen Wang stroked his chin, pondering for a few seconds: 'Are you targeting the Tang family?'"

"Yu Fu and Boss Song tensed up in anticipation."

"Shen Wang clenched his fist in approval: 'That’s excellent! Well done!'"

"Relieved, Yu Fu and Boss Song explained: 'The Tang family has brought this upon themselves through their misdeeds. We're just picking up the scraps in their downfall. Our companies started taking action against them a while ago.'"

"Boss Song sneered: 'It’s companies from the Imperial City that have struck against them. I wonder how they managed to offend someone there.'"

"Everyone was pleased to see the Tang family's downfall, applauding the situation."

"Shen Wang listened with great interest but realized he didn’t understand much of the specifics. As long as the Tang family was in trouble, he was happy."

"After a good session of condemning the Tang family, Yu Fu and Boss Song prepared to leave. Yu Fu was relaxed, smiling: 'No need to see us out, Master Shen. I’ll have Ah Liang deliver the tea cakes to you.'"

"Boss Song added: 'And thank you again, Master Shen. My daughter Wanqing has given up her dream of becoming a comic artist and is now learning the family business. I’ll have her thank you in person when she has time.'"

"After seeing off Yu Fu and Boss Song, Shen Wang picked up the bank cards left on the table, feeling quite pleased."

"He snapped a photo and sent it to Gu Dongting: [The remuneration from Yu and Song. I heard it’s already recorded with the special department?]"

"Gu Dongting didn’t reply, which was normal for Shen Wang, who didn’t mind much."

"Gu Dongting, a cultivation enthusiast, was always busy with training and tasks, rarely using his phone. In case of emergencies, he would call directly."

"Messaging and chat apps were hit or miss for him. If lucky, he would reply the same day; otherwise, it could be days before he checked his messages."

"Though the response time was often delayed, Shen Wang didn’t mind the slow pace. He knew that Gu Dongting would reply as soon as he saw the message."

"Just as he was about to put away his phone, Li Pingping sent him a link."

"Shen Wang, puzzled, replied with a question mark."

"Li Pingping: 'Bro, you have to check out this live stream!'"

"Li Pingping: 'It's infuriating!!!'"

"Perplexed, Shen Wang clicked on the link and found himself in a young man's live stream. The man had clear, handsome features, a full forehead indicating wealth or nobility, but there was a hint of dark energy in his otherwise excellent face."

"Shen Wang scrutinized for a moment, but the screen resolution limited his clarity."

"In the live stream, the young man was unboxing a small package, extracting a tiny triangular paper from a fist-sized box. Shen Wang raised an eyebrow – wasn't this one of the talismans he had sent out?"

"Several empty boxes lay beside the young man, who disdainfully picked up the talisman: 'What kind of talisman is this going to be... another Concentration Talisman? Seems like there's a high drop rate today, this is the third one already.'"

"He unfolded the neatly folded triangular talisman without hesitation and examined it closely: 'Gibberish, completely incomprehensible...'"

"After his complaint, he picked up two other Concentration Talismans and showed all three to the camera: 'I noticed the scam artist is getting lazy today. All three are Concentration Talismans, seemingly similar at a glance, but there are many differences in detail.'"

"[Yeah, look, the top right corner of the first one has a fancy little circle, the second one has a straight line, and the third is missing several lines...]"

"[Maybe the swindler got confused while drawing them?]"

"[Or maybe he’s just selling random stuff, labeling it whatever he claims them to be. Buyers can’t tell anyway... Just buying some peace of mind.]"

"The young man clicked his tongue: 'That Shen Wang, after gaining popularity through hype, immediately started to build a persona and sell stuff. Just a piece of crudely drawn paper, and it sells for hundreds... It's pure profit.'"

"'The ones he draws himself are one thing, but these, they could easily be printed. It's a goldmine.'"

"'If he was just selling autographs like a celebrity, I wouldn't care, but he's promoting superstition and feudal beliefs. Now that he's caught my attention...'"

"[He's not a big star. Even if he sold autographs, who would buy them?]"

"[It’s common to package products attractively to make money. No shame in that.]"

"[Too bad he crossed paths with our Ghost Young Master, who’s always been at the forefront of debunking feudal superstitions. He's exposed hundreds of fake monks and Taoists.]"

"The young man crumpled the talisman in his hand, and with a basketball shooting motion, tossed it into a trash bin: 'In the face of such swindling charlatans, we must tear off their masks and prevent them from deceiving others.'"

"'I hope everyone stays vigilant. There are no ghosts or deities in this world; believe in science...'"

"Some tried to speak up for Shen Wang, but their voices were quickly drowned out by the indignant fans in the live stream."

"[...Actually, if each talisman is slightly different, it's unlikely they're mass-produced. Also, it’s scientific to be respectful of the unknown, right?]"

"[Just change up the designs a bit, send different ones to different people, and you won’t get caught for mass production.]"

"[Believing in science while maintaining a sense of reverence? Your stance isn’t very pure.]"

"[Is this a fan sneaking in here? Bad luck!]"

"Soon, the lone voice defending Shen Wang also disappeared."

"Li Pingping, filled with righteous anger, called: 'Bro! Did you see that? He’s slandering you!'"

"Shen Wang didn’t bother with the Ghost Young Master’s live stream anymore but briefly skimmed through his previous videos, piecing together his identity from Li Pingping’s complaints."

"Ghost Young Master, a live streamer on a popular platform, focused on professional debunking and anti-superstition, attracting a crowd with his sharp style and bizarre submissions."

"Since Shen Wang often dealt with mystical matters on social media, Ghost Young Master targeted him."

"Initially, Shen Wang's live stream fortune-telling was just seen as fleecing fans - a willing buyer, willing seller situation. Ghost Young Master had made a few sarcastic comments but hadn’t taken action."

"When Shen Wang started selling talismans, Ghost Young Master became agitated: Fortune-telling could be dismissed as fleecing fans, but selling products was actual deception."

"What if people actually bought them? Though not expensive, the sales could become massively profitable if volume increased."

"So, Ghost Young Master spent a hefty sum to buy a few talismans from fans who had purchased them."

"Ghost Young Master underestimated Shen Wang's fans. Many refused to sell the talismans they bought, preferring to keep them as collectibles. Only after offering twenty times the price did he manage to acquire a few."

"Having spent so much in vain, even the wealthy Ghost Young Master couldn't help but feel infuriated, feeling like a complete fool, leading him to unrestrainedly berate Shen Wang as a charlatan and a fraud."

"Li Pingping was still ranting on the phone, furious and anxious when he noticed Shen Wang's lack of response: 'Bro, what are you doing? He’s accusing you of being a deceitful internet celebrity! Your talismans are genuine, and he just threw them away. So many people are desperate to get them!'"

"Many fans yearn for them; it's a sheer waste."

"Shen Wang spoke calmly: 'It doesn’t matter, his intentions are good.'"

"In Ghost Young Master's past videos, he criticized those promoting jewelry for bringing wealth or love, tarot readers online, and even those fortune-tellers under bridges... Shen Wang's inclusion wasn't surprising."

"He was serious about opposing feudal superstitions."

"But... Shen Wang shook his head after browsing more videos: 'He’s really bold, using that name and daring to visit all kinds of strange places.'"

"Ghost Young Master wasn't just confrontational online; he also explored haunted houses, cemeteries, and remote areas with ghost stories, even spending nights there."

"It would be one thing if that were all, but he also enjoyed playing various paranormal games, meticulously following each step while ridiculing them."

"He seemed utterly fearless."

"After skimming through the host's videos, Shen Wang couldn't help but comment: 'This kid is really lucky to be alive.'"

"Yet, even the strongest fate can't withstand such reckless behavior, and Shen Wang understood why Ghost Young Master had a hint of dark energy in his appearance."

"For someone so recklessly tempting fate, it's a miracle he hasn't met misfortune yet."