Chapter 80

Chapter 80

It was two hours later when Xie Qingfeng and his companions arrived at the Mu family's villa halfway up the mountain.

This time, their employer was Mr. Mu, the current director of Mu Enterprises.

The incident involved Mu Dong's eldest son, Mu Qi, who is twenty-seven this year. He had already started managing the Mu family business a few years ago.

Half a month ago, Mu Qi fell into a coma after returning from a banquet and has remained unconscious ever since.

Mu Dong, who had been less involved in the business these past two years, entrusting the company entirely to his eldest son, now faced a dilemma. With his son incapacitated, he had to manage the company while also seeking skilled doctors to cure him, leaving him utterly exhausted.

Yet, half a month passed, and although the hospital found no physical ailments, Mu Qi remained unresponsive.

The Mu family's business is entangled with the Zhang family. Having attended the birthday banquet of Elder Zhang previously and hearing about Master Xie, they found Mu Qi's current mysterious condition alarming and decided to earnestly request Master Xie's assistance.

He Jixin drove straight to the Mu residence, where the butler had been waiting. As soon as the car stopped, the butler promptly opened the rear door.

However, when two exceptionally attractive young men emerged from the car, the butler was momentarily stunned: "Oh no, which one of you is Master Xie?"

He Jixin handed the car over to the driver and casually strolled to the butler's side, kindly introducing, "This is Master Xie, and the other gentleman is his special assistant."

After introducing, He Jixin winked at Jing Xi.

Jing Xi ignored him.

He Jixin clicked his tongue, thinking, isn't it just because the Master disdains his age? He was even ready to use a handsome young man to please the Master. What's the big deal? It's just a few years' difference.

The butler, having heard of Master Xie's remarkable abilities from the old master, knew that despite his youth, he was incredibly skilled.

As he ushered the trio inside, the butler explained, "Originally, the old master planned to stay home and wait for Master Xie. However, with the company facing issues and the young master incapacitated, the old master, having been less involved in recent years, is quite busy. Please don't misunderstand, Master Xie, the old master has no intention of disrespecting you."

Xie Qingfeng shook his head: "It's fine, as long as I can meet Mr. Mu."

Hearing Master Xie's response and sensing no anger, the butler finally relaxed.

Mu Qi was staying on the third floor, having been brought back from the hospital three days ago.

Mu Qi's physical condition was fine; he was merely in an unexplained coma. Remaining in the hospital was futile, and with Mu Dong seeking an audience with Master Xie through Elder Zhang, it was deemed more convenient to bring him home.

Upon reaching Mu Qi's room and opening the door, a nurse, hearing the noise, stood up and greeted, "Butler."

The butler gestured to the nurse, "We won't be needing you here for now. Please wait downstairs and return when called."

This nurse, temporarily hired, was not informed about the consultation with Master Xie to ensure discretion.

The nurse nodded and quietly left the room.

After the door closed, Xie Qingfeng approached the bed where a young man lay, his complexion pale, eyes tightly shut, with strands of hair falling on his forehead and his breathing light.

Xie Qingfeng frowned slightly upon seeing the man, finding his face somewhat familiar.

He Jixin, standing behind Xie Qingfeng, peered over and commented, "This Mr. Mu is quite handsome."

"If it weren't for their good fortune in meeting our Master, his situation might have been dire," he thought.

In his time with Xie Qingfeng, he had learned a lot. If the hospital couldn't find any physical ailment, it was likely due to some unclean methods used against him.

Prolonging this condition could inevitably harm the body.

But with the Master, no matter how long, the cure was assured.

Having become adept through many such experiences, He Jixin stepped forward, rearranging Mr. Mu's hair to fully expose his forehead.

Xie Qingfeng took another look at Mr. Mu, realizing why he found him familiar.

This Mr. Mu... bore a resemblance to one of his junior disciples.

But he couldn't recall if that junior disciple's surname was Mu.

Xie Qingfeng, always lenient towards his younger kin, softened his gaze at this resemblance, carefully observing before signaling He Jixin to let go.

The butler, uncertain, cautiously inquired, "Master, what exactly happened to the young master? Did he encounter something unclean?"

Xie Qingfeng hummed in affirmation, "He's afflicted with a 'Ghost Paper Doll'."

The butler's scalp tingled, "Wha- What is a Ghost Paper Doll?" Just hearing the name gave him goosebumps, fearing it was something incurable.

Seeing his frightened expression, Xie Qingfeng reassured, "It's tricky, but not unsolvable."

The butler sighed in relief, "That's good to hear. Master, we implore your help. The old master said we're willing to pay any price."

During the conversation, a call from Mu Dong came through.

The butler answered, his voice trembling, and then asked Xie Qingfeng, "Master, the old master wishes to speak with you."

Xie Qingfeng hummed in response and took the phone.

An anxious voice of a middle-aged man came through, "Master Xie, I'm hurrying back. Please do what you can for my son. Whatever you need, just inform the butler."

Xie Qingfeng replied, "I don't need much, just a piece of high-quality jade."

"Yes, yes, we have jade! Prepared in advance!" Mu Dong, evidently informed by Elder Zhang and assured of Master Xie's involvement, had immediately purchased several pieces.

The butler took back the phone, hurriedly agreed to the instructions on the other end, and rushed to the study. He returned with a tray.

On it lay several pieces of high-quality jade, suffused with decent spiritual energy, sufficient to awaken Mu Qi.

Xie Qingfeng picked a suitable piece of jade, holding it in his palm. As the spiritual energy from the jade converged at his fingertips, he stood by the bed, using his finger to gently draw out the charm within Mu Qi's body.

Before long, a drop of black blood seeped from the patient's forehead, trickling down, leaving a streak of blood across his face as it flowed from the brow to the bridge of the nose.

The butler watched the scene, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, breathing slowly, afraid of disturbing the Master.

Had he not seen it with his own eyes, he might have thought he was hallucinating.

Xie Qingfeng quickly retracted his hand, taking a wet cloth from He Jixin to wipe his hand that had held the jade, then turned around and said, "It's done. He should regain consciousness in about half an hour."

The butler was overjoyed, "This is wonderful! Thank you so much, Master. We are truly grateful for your help!"

Making sure not to disturb Xie Qingfeng, the butler cautiously asked what a Ghost Paper Doll was and exactly what had happened to the young master.

Xie Qingfeng explained, "He must have been cursed half a month ago. A Ghost Paper Doll involves using Mr. Mu's personal information and items close to him to create a paper effigy that can act as his substitute. Burning this effigy, turning the 'person' of the paper doll into a 'ghost', essentially destroys Mr. Mu's vitality. This is the essence of a Ghost Paper Doll. Although the vitality is destroyed, the paper doll and the real person are different; Mr. Mu's body wouldn't have immediate problems, but his life force would gradually ebb away until completely extinguished."

The butler gasped, his face paling, "Who would be so cruel to inflict such harm on the young master? Can you tell who did this, Master?"

Xie Qingfeng shook his head, "Not at the moment."

The person behind this was clever, using special techniques that left no trace on Mu Qi's appearance.

However, once they revealed themselves, he could discern their deeds through their fate.

Though disappointed, the butler was relieved that the young master could be awakened, which was an unexpected joy.

Having come, Xie Qingfeng planned to leave once he saw Mu Qi awaken in half an hour.

The butler, eager not to neglect the Master, hurriedly had various snacks and tea brought up.

Xie Qingfeng and his companions sat at a round table nearby.

It was laden with an array of pastries and afternoon tea.

Xie Qingfeng initially lacked appetite, but he had to admit the Mu family's chef's skills were comparable to those he had enjoyed before; the pastries were tempting. He glanced at them and, without being shy, picked one to taste. It was as delicious as it looked.

After trying one, He Jixin couldn't resist and started eating as well.

He Jixin, having devoured several pieces, noticed Jing Xi hadn't eaten and urged, "Try some, they're really good."

"When I have money, I'll hire a chef too, to enjoy a different meal every day!"

Jing Xi still didn't move, just gazing quietly at Xie Qingfeng.

Xie Qingfeng glanced at him briefly, casually tossing a piece of pastry into his mouth.

He Jixin, coming back to his senses, whispered, "Are you afraid of being recognized? Ha, do you still have an idol's burden?"

Jing Xi ignored him, continuing to stare intently at Xie Qingfeng.

Xie Qingfeng, finding his gaze too intense, picked up a pastry, "Open your mouth."

Jing Xi opened his mouth instinctively, and Xie Qingfeng quickly pulled down his mask, stuffed the pastry in, then pulled the mask back up, "Now you don't have to worry about being seen."

Jing Xi felt even more dejected. Was it because of that? In reality, he was bothered because the Master had been watching this Mu someone since arriving. He counted - a total of thirty-five glances.

This was something unprecedented.

But with the butler and the talkative He Jixin nearby, he couldn't be too direct and just had to sulk... though the pastry was just average, right? Weren't the imperial snacks much tastier?

After finishing the pastry, Jing Xi glanced at Xie Qingfeng, then glanced again.

Xie Qingfeng pretended not to notice, but fearing Jing Xi's eye twitching, had to look over, "What is it?"

Jing Xi gestured, "I want more."

Xie Qingfeng laughed in exasperation, "Don't you have hands? Can't you get it yourself?"

Jing Xi's eyes smiled, "It tastes better when fed by the Master."

Xie Qingfeng: "...Go eat air."

Ignoring him, Xie Qingfeng turned away, picking another pastry to eat. Jing Xi quickly stood up, dropped his mask, and bit the pastry right from Xie Qingfeng's hand.

Xie Qingfeng felt something moist and soft touch his fingertips, and the next moment, the pastry was gone.

He Jixin, stunned by the scene, swallowed his own pastry without chewing, choking and patting his chest, exclaiming, "Ah, if I die here, I won't let Jing Xi, the acting emperor, off even as a ghost!"

Xie Qingfeng, initially lost in a daze looking at his hand, snapped back to reality upon seeing He Jixin's state and quickly handed him a glass of water.

After gulping down the water, He Jixin felt revived, wiped his mouth, and cast a gloomy glance at Jing Xi before turning to Xie Qingfeng with a grin, "Master, you can't play favorites. I also want to be fed by you, personally."

Jing Xi, initially feeling sorry for He Jixin, heard this and immediately kicked his chair: "In your dreams."

He Jixin swiftly dodged to the side, "Master, look at him!"

Xie Qingfeng glanced expressionlessly at Jing Xi, who touched his nose and sat down obediently.

He Jixin then huffed and sat down, pulling his chair far away from Jing Xi.

Xie Qingfeng wiped his hands with a wet tissue. After cleaning them, he raised his hand to continue eating, but strangely felt the lingering sensation on his now clean fingers. Frowning deeply, he decided not to eat anymore.

Looking up, he noticed Jing Xi staring at him, having observed his entire action, his eyes filled with a sorrowful look: "Do you despise me?"

Xie Qingfeng bluntly took another wet wipe, "So what if I do?"

Jing Xi: "..."

He dramatically raised his hand, miming a heart-wrenching gesture, then tilted his head as if he was genuinely hurt.

Xie Qingfeng was completely speechless.

He Jixin, on the other hand, was nearly laughing himself silly, wishing he could capture the moment to show Jing Xi's fans. "Just look at the real personality of their idol in private, tsk tsk."

Xie Qingfeng, having lost his appetite, turned his head to look out the window at the garden below.

The garden was filled with many flowers, most of them still in bloom, creating a beautiful sight.

When Mu Qi awoke, he felt as if he had slept for a very long time. He remembered feeling unwell after drinking at a banquet and returning home.

He tried to call for help, but although his mind was clear, his body was unresponsive. He quickly succumbed to a deep, dark slumber.

Finally regaining control of his body and opening his eyes, he was greeted by the somewhat harsh daylight. Once his eyes adjusted, he saw a person sitting nearby, facing away from him.

Facing the window, the sunlight on the person's face made it difficult to discern their features, but their entire presence seemed to radiate light, giving him a feeling of warmth.

The butler, who had been anxiously watching the sickbed, was the first to notice Mu Qi's awakening.

Initially, the butler didn't realize what had happened. When it finally dawned on him that it wasn't an illusion, he exclaimed with surprise, "Young Master! You've finally woken up!"

Xie Qingfeng, hearing the commotion, turned his head and met Mu Qi's gaze.

Xie Qingfeng, looking at the face resembling his junior disciple, softened his eyes and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

The butler quickly approached, excitedly inquiring about Mu Qi's condition. Once Mu Qi grasped the current situation, he turned back to the first person he saw upon waking: "Is that... the Master?"

With Mu Qi awake and well, Xie Qingfeng decided it was time for them to leave.

Hearing their intention to leave, the butler hesitated, attempting to persuade them to stay, "Master, would you mind waiting for the old master? He will be home in half an hour. You've come all this way and saved the young master; at least stay for dinner."

Xie Qingfeng shook his head, "No need."

They had received payment and used the Mu family's jade, and they had eaten quite a bit, so it wasn't a loss.

The butler, however, was anxious. It wouldn't do for the old master to miss meeting the Master. Remembering the Master's enjoyment of the pastries, he quickly said, "Our chef, specially hired for the old master's upcoming birthday banquet, is very renowned. He's only here for half a month and prepares many unique dishes that are hard to come by. Knowing the Master was coming, he has already started preparing, and it will be ready soon."

Xie Qingfeng had already started to leave, but the pastries he had earlier were indeed much tastier than those sold outside, making him hesitate.

Mu Qi, having sat up, coughed twice, "I'm still feeling a bit unwell. Would the Master honor us by staying for dinner? It would also save you a trip to check on my condition later."

Xie Qingfeng glanced at Mu Qi's pale face, memories of his junior disciples crowding around him flashing through his mind, "Alright then."

He Jixin was surprised: The Master actually agreed?

He scrutinized Mu Qi's face – sickly, yet still handsome. He immediately turned to look at Jing Xi, the tall figure standing nearby.

As expected, Jing Xi's displeasure was evident even behind his mask. He Jixin barely contained his laughter, whispering to Jing Xi, "The Master really agreed? Are the Mu family's pastries that good?"

Is it the food that's tempting or the person?

Jing Xi didn't respond, just gave He Jixin a cool smile.

He Jixin felt a chill down his neck and quickly followed the Master, deciding it was safer to stay close to him. He thought Jing Xi should be soaked in a vinegar jar, maybe even a few times over.

Xie Qingfeng and his companions were escorted to the dining room.

Not long after, Mu Qi came downstairs in fresh clothes, accompanied by the butler.

The butler was beaming, unable to believe that the person who had been unconscious in bed just an hour ago was not only awake but also able to come downstairs.

Mu Qi looked spirited, though a bit weak from not eating much over the past half month.

The butler had already instructed the chef to prepare some porridge for the young master, to nourish his stomach first.

Mu Qi took a seat opposite Xie Qingfeng, offering him a warm smile and inquired about his own condition.

Xie Qingfeng, having nothing else to do, patiently explained everything.

The two engaged in pleasant conversation, with the butler smiling beside them and He Jixin busily pouring tea, feeling like Jing Xi was freezing him to death.

The chilly air around Jing Xi was palpable. Why not just interrupt the Master instead of sulking?

Jing Xi, observing the unusually talkative and patient Master, took a deep breath, unable to hold back any longer. Just as he was about to speak and draw the Master's attention, someone hurriedly entered and spoke to the butler, whose previously gentle face changed.

Sensing something, Mu Qi looked up, "What's wrong?"

Xie Qingfeng and the others also turned their attention.

The butler hesitated, then said, "Young Master Ban is here. He heard about your coma and came from afar."

Clearly, the visitor was unaware that Mu Qi had just woken up.

Mu Qi pursed his lips, but eventually gestured, "Let him in." The person had come all this way, and there were past connections that couldn't be ignored.

Besides, since the incident years ago, the visitor, having left home after graduation, only sent gifts during festivals and never dared to visit.

This time, he probably heard about Mu Qi's serious illness.

As the butler permitted entry, Xie Qingfeng and his companions exchanged glances. He Jixin asked, "Is it inconvenient? Should we leave…"

Mu Qi quickly said, "No need, it's fine. He'll probably just stay for a while and then leave." Probably to avoid any misunderstandings, he added before the visitor arrived, "He's my father's adopted son, but something happened many years ago. After graduating, he left home and we've hardly been in contact. He probably heard about my condition. Our relationship is distant, so don't worry too much about it."

He Jixin was surprised. The adopted son had little contact; the incident back then must have been quite serious, almost like a severance of ties.

Soon, a young man in a suit was ushered in, his steps hurried. He appeared a few years younger than Mu Qi, with furrowed brows and an air of profound world-weariness.

He Jixin observed the adopted son and was surprised to find him quite handsome, rivaling Mu Qi in looks.

However, what surprised him was that the Master merely glanced at the newcomer before averting his gaze.

He Jixin raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with the displeased Jing Xi: It seemed the Master indeed had a different regard for Mu Qi.

So handsome, yet only warranting a single glance.

Jing Xi looked gloomily at He Jixin: He felt like loosening his bones.

He Jixin looked at the ceiling: Just like that, let the jealousy consume him.