Chapter 156: Sleep Paralysis

Chapter 156: Sleep Paralysis

Chang Liang thought everything that happened last night was just a nightmare. Early in the morning, he took a shower to wash away the bad luck and headed to Count Gu Chang’s mansion for his duty.

As usual, some were busy while others were idle at Count Gu Chang’s mansion, with no difference from any other day.

Dai Ze slept until late in the morning. After washing up and having some food and drink, he took the big rooster, Chunhua, out for a stroll and spotted Chang Liang with dark circles under his eyes.

Normally, Chang Liang was just an ordinary guard in the count’s mansion to Dai Ze. But because of the previous incident where Chang Liang had gone around the tree three times, Dai Ze had a deep impression of this guard.

"Come here," Dai Ze waved lazily.

Chang Liang was a little surprised, exchanged a glance with another guard on duty, and then quickly walked over.

"What instructions do you have, Young Master?"

"Didn't you sleep last night?"

Chang Liang was stunned.

Dai Ze pointed at his dark circles, "You look terrifying with those dark circles. Do you even know?"

Having just dispelled the evil aura, Dai Ze couldn’t stand seeing this!

"Oh—" Chang Liang didn’t expect that the young master called him over for this reason. The corner of his mouth twitched quickly, and he forced a bitter smile, "Young Master, you have sharp eyes. I didn’t sleep well last night."

"Why?" Dai Ze asked casually.

Chang Liang hesitated for a moment.

Dai Ze snorted coldly, "What are you dawdling for? I’m asking you!"

Chang Liang looked embarrassed, "I didn’t sleep well because of sleep paralysis last night."

"Sleep paralysis?" Dai Ze’s eyes lit up immediately, both frightened and curious, "Tell me quickly!"

Chang Liang didn’t mention the order to kill anyone but simply said he dreamed of a female ghost and couldn’t move in his dream.

Dai Ze listened very attentively and took a step back.

Chang Liang: ""

"And you came for duty like this?"

Chang Liang didn’t know how to respond to Dai Ze’s question.

Should he take leave just because of a nightmare?

"You need to dispel the evil aura," Dai Ze raised his hand, intending to pat Chang Liang’s shoulder, but quickly pulled it back just before making contact.

"Dispel the evil aura?" Chang Liang was dumbfounded.

"Forget it, forget it, you should rest today. Come back to duty—no, come back in three days."

By then, the evil aura should have dissipated, right?

Chang Liang returned to his companions in a daze, "Brother, pinch me—ouch!"

"Ah, did I pinch too hard?"

"No, I’m not dreaming." Chang Liang grimaced in pain but felt extremely happy, "Young Master gave me three days off. Go and explain to the captain for me. I’m leaving."

"Hey—" Watching Chang Liang leave, the remaining guards were filled with envy.

They couldn’t figure out how Chang Liang had managed to get on the good side of the young master. He really had struck it lucky.

Dai Ze lost interest in walking the rooster and hurried out the door, heading straight for Qingsong Bookstore.

"Young Master Dai," Liu Zhou greeted him.

"Where’s your boss?"

"The boss hasn’t come to the front yet."

"Then go report and tell her I need to see her urgently," Dai Ze sat down at the counter, acting very casual.

Liu Zhou called out to Stone, who ran to the eastern courtyard.

Xin You had also woken up late today, still feeling a bit low on energy. She was eating sweet porridge that Old Maid Fang had specially cooked for her.

Hearing that the Young Master of Count Gu Chang had come, the white spoon clinked against the white porcelain bowl. Xin You rinsed her mouth, washed her hands, put on her outer garment, and went to the front.

"Miss Kou!" As soon as Xin You entered, Dai Ze called out excitedly.

At that moment, there were two or three people buying books. Hearing the call, they all looked over.

Manager Hu couldn’t help but frown.

This playboy really had no sense of propriety. He was already engaged, yet he acted so familiar with the boss. Wasn’t he ruining the boss’s reputation?

As for Xin You, she calmly invited Dai Ze to the reception room, completely ignoring the gazes cast her way.

Manager Hu nodded.

The boss was indeed cut out for business—generous!

In reality, Xin You wasn’t as calm and composed as she appeared on the surface.

Having confirmed that Count Gu Chang's estate was involved in her mother's death, facing the heir of Count Gu Chang felt entirely different now.

She had to exert considerable willpower to keep her murderous intent from showing.

Dai Ze was the only child of Count Gu Chang and his wife; if anything happened to him, it would be a severe blow to Count Gu Chang.

It was hard not to be tempted by such an opportunity.

But reason still held her back.

Count Gu Chang had acted against her mother for the sake of Consort Shu and King Qing, ultimately to ensure the long-term prosperity of his estate. Killing Dai Ze would have little impact on Consort Shu and King Qing, who were the true beneficiaries of her mother's death.

As for Dai Ze, she didn't need to take action against him. If her revenge went smoothly, as a member of Count Gu Chang's estate, he would naturally receive his due punishment.

Xin You smiled at Dai Ze, "Young Master Dai, what brings you here?"

"Miss Kou, do you remember Chang Liang?"

Xin You's eyes flickered, and she nodded, "I remember."

She had been very careful last night and should not have left any traces. Could there have been a slip-up? Otherwise, how could Dai Ze mention Chang Liang just a day after her actions?

Dai Ze glanced around the door and lowered his voice, speaking in a mysterious tone, "He had a case of sleep paralysis last night."

Xin You's gaze toward Dai Ze changed.

Honestly, she couldn't help but suspect that Dai Ze might be a mole sent by her side to infiltrate Count Gu Chang's estate.

"Miss Kou, why are you looking at me like that?" Dai Ze was startled, "Could I have been tainted by that unlucky boy again?"

He really should have gotten rid of that ominous kid!

"No," Xin You silently pinched her palm with her fingernails.

She always thought of herself as calm and composed, even when Lord He discovered issues with her identity, she hadn't nearly lost control of her expression like this.

"Well—" Dai Ze shivered and widened his eyes.

If it wasn't him, could Miss Kou have feelings for him?

This wouldn't do!

"Cough, cough." Dai Ze straightened up, his expression turning serious, "I came to see you, Miss Kou, for a serious matter. Yes, I am engaged to your cousin."

Xin You: ""

Despite his rambling, she strangely understood his meaning.

Taking a deep breath, Xin You asked calmly, "What is the serious matter, Young Master Dai?"

"I just wanted to ask, Miss Kou, does sleep paralysis require exorcism? Does it affect others?"

"Chang Liang practices martial arts and has strong yang energy; he doesn't need any special treatment."

"What about me?" Dai Ze quickly asked.

Xin You looked at him deeply and smiled, "Young Master Dai, just stay away from him."

Dai Ze let out a sigh of relief and left with peace of mind.

Xin You stood at the Bookstore's entrance, watching Dai Ze walk away.

Sleep paralysis—

If Chang Liang believed it, she could finally put her mind at ease.

"Boss," Xin You's voice lightened.

"Madam, what is it?"

"Are we busy this afternoon?"

Manager Hu smiled, "Madam, feel free to give orders. The Bookstore isn't too busy right now."

Once the first volume of *Journey to the West* comes out, they'll be swamped.

"In that case, you and Liu Zhou accompany me on an outing this afternoon."

Manager Hu kept his composure and didn't ask where they were going, but Liu Zhou couldn't help but inquire.

"To check on my other properties."

Other properties?

Manager Hu and Liu Zhou exchanged glances, suddenly feeling a sense of crisis.

The Dong family actually had other managers (head clerks)!