Chapter 161

Chapter 161

◎The Black Fingerprint on the Wrist◎

The girlfriend brought back by the second cousin is named Shu Rui. She has a delicate, pure, and innocent type of appearance, resembling the kind of clean and pure first love that often appears in dramas. With such looks, if she starred in a well-received campus idol drama and received some marketing, she could probably become popular. Unfortunately, her resources are both scarce and of high quality.

Her debut role was as the third female lead, a supporting character to the female lead in "Qingyao Zhuan," with few lines but plenty of screen time despite having few lines. Her pure and innocent appearance managed to gain her a small fanbase at the time.

Originally, she could have used this drama to elevate her status and rise quickly. However, when the drama aired, rumors about the male and female leads surfaced.

The female lead of that drama was Xue Yang, one of the 'Four Flowers' in the industry. The male lead, though known as an award-winning actor, was more prominently recognized by the label of Xi Jiangyue's husband. A rising star and a married man—this scandal generated plenty of buzz and traffic, but all the public attention naturally focused on the leads, leaving the third female lead in the shadows.

She missed out on the benefits of a hit drama, failed to make a name for herself, and as a result, subsequent resources didn't heavily favor Shu Rui.

In recent years, the dramas she's acted in have been big productions, but she's either playing the third or fourth female lead—either a brainless spoiled rich girl or a maid with lots of screen time but few lines. In the industry, she's a recognizable name but holds little clout.

Therefore, even if she were to date or marry, it wouldn't make much of a difference.

While the eldest aunt and second aunt were talking to Shu Rui, Ji Nanxing quietly asked his aunt, "How did they meet?"

Both uncles have two children. The eldest uncle has two sons, while the second uncle has two daughters. However, the two cousins couldn't make it today, tied up with work.

The oldest of the four children is thirty-two, and the youngest is twenty-four. All are single, saying they're in no rush and haven't met someone they click with.

Before this, the second cousin hadn't shown any signs of being in a relationship. He was still single during the New Year, so it was surprising that he brought a girlfriend home so soon. Ji Nanxing couldn't help but be curious.

His aunt explained, "They met on a plane. It was love at first sight, and then he pursued her doggedly. The girl comes from a tough background—a single-parent family with just her mother, who's also in poor health. Your cousin went out of his way to be attentive. Before he even became her boyfriend, he went to her house and won over her mother. I don't know when they officially got together, but after I returned from a trip abroad, they came to meet the family."

The aunt knew that Ji Nanxing, like his second cousin, had been studying under a very skilled master and had some understanding of mystical matters. She asked, "Have you read her face? What do you think? Will it last with your cousin?"

Ji Nanxing took a closer look and said, "Whether it lasts depends on your second cousin. But he's not the type to be fickle or promiscuous. As long as he treats her well, she will bring him good fortune."

The aunt's eyes lit up. "She's a husband-lucky charm?"

Ji Nanxing smiled and corrected her, "There's no such thing as a 'husband-lucky charm.' It's just that the girl looks delicate but has a strong and resolute personality. She's not the type to depend on others and has an innate strength in her character. People like her, as long as they have goals and are willing to work hard, can achieve great things. The second cousin, while gentle, is somewhat indecisive and hesitant. If he were with someone who's domineering both inside and out, he'd feel oppressed, and the relationship wouldn't last. But Shu Rui, with her soft exterior and strong core, is a better match for him."

The aunt didn't know much about Ji Nanxing's abilities, and as someone who had watched him grow up, she still saw him as the family's precious child who needed protection. His image in her mind wasn't particularly grand. Seeing him analyze so seriously, she wasn't sure how much she believed, but she still offered praise.

"Not bad, Xiao Bao. It seems you've learned quite a bit from your master. You can even read faces now."

After chatting with Shu Rui for a while, the eldest aunt took her around to introduce her to the family. "This is Shuan's aunt. You can just call her Auntie."

Shu Rui greeted, "Hello, Auntie."

The aunt nodded gracefully in response.

The eldest aunt waved Ji Nanxing over and pulled him to her side. "This is the youngest in our family, Shuan's little cousin."

When Shu Rui first arrived at the Yun family, the first person she noticed was Ji Nanxing. Although the Yun family members are all good-looking, having seen many attractive people in the industry, the Yun family simply exuded an air of nobility compared to the people she usually interacted with.

But this young man struck her as someone who would be perfect for the entertainment industry. With a face like that, even if he were just a pretty face, he could dominate the scene.

Looking at such a pleasing face, Shu Rui's eyes showed a bit more fondness. "Hello, cousin. I didn't know what you liked, so I brought a few tickets to Lin Sheng's concert, including some for the inner circle. You can take your classmates along."

Before coming, Shu Rui had asked Yun Shuan about his family. It was her first visit, so she wanted to bring gifts. Although the Yun family is wealthy and might not care much about her presents, it was the thought that counted.

She bought some top-quality bird's nest and managed to get some special reserve tea through connections. Knowing there were no young children in the family but that some cousins might visit, she brought a few tickets to Lin Sheng's concert. For a singer who has been popular for over twenty years, teenagers in their teens and twenties should still enjoy his music.

Ji Nanxing accepted the tickets and thanked her with a smile.

After exchanging greetings, the eldest aunt asked the kitchen to prepare the dishes. The second cousin, Yun Shuan, stuck to Shu Rui like glue, afraid that she might feel uncomfortable, constantly pouring water and feeding her fruits.

The aunt clicked her tongue lightly, "I didn't expect your cousin to be like this when he's in love."

Her eyes then glanced at the tickets in Ji Nanxing's hand, "How many did she give you?"

Ji Nanxing glanced at the tickets, "Five."

The aunt nodded without saying anything, but her eyes kept darting to his hand.

Ji Nanxing laughed softly, "If you want to see, you can have them."

Seeing that Shu Rui was not around and had followed the eldest aunt into the kitchen, the aunt took two tickets from her nephew's hand and pinched his cheek, "I haven't spoiled you for nothing, you're really good. I'll give you some pocket money later. Two are enough; you can take your classmates to enjoy the rest."

They could afford the tickets, but they couldn't get them. Although they could buy them at a high price, it was troublesome to find someone to buy them. Since they were offered, why bother with the trouble?

Watching the aunt stash the concert tickets in her bag and then call her friends, Ji Nanxing smiled.

The aunt, at 38, wasn't exactly young, unmarried, and seemed not planning to marry, spending her days eating, drinking, and having fun with her friends.

Without a care in the world, the family business was managed by her brothers, and she wouldn't lack money for retirement. With several nephews and nieces, she wasn't afraid of being alone in the future, so she remained carefree and worry-free.

Free from life's trivialities, she looked youthful, appearing to be in her twenties, with a soul no older than eighteen, still youthful and innocent.

After setting a time with her friends, she transferred 100,000 yuan to Ji Nanxing and couldn't help but remind him, "You should enjoy your summer vacation. Don't stay at home reading all day. Your siblings are all career-driven, only knowing how to earn money but not how to spend it. There should be someone in the family who knows how to live it up, so they have the motivation to earn money."

Ji Nanxing helplessly said, "I don't stay at home all day. I went to the water park with friends a couple of days ago."

The aunt's eyes sparkled, "The newly opened one? Was it fun? Were there many handsome guys and beautiful girls?"

Ji Nanxing, "Quite a few, including several well-built handsome guys. They were lifeguards there."

The aunt immediately smiled and squinted, then pulled out her friend's chat window and started typing.

The Yun family was easygoing. Shu Rui looked innocent and harmless and was good at pleasing people. Before the meal ended, the two aunts invited her to join them for cards, clearly accepting her. If they got along well, marriage was just a matter of time.

The first meeting with the parents went smoothly. The eldest uncle wanted Ji Nanxing to stay a few more days since he was on vacation and didn't need to go to school, but Ji Nanxing refused, "My friend is coming to pick me up."

The aunt hugged Ji Nanxing and told her eldest brother, "Why do you want to keep Xiao Bao? Are you going to play with him or is the eldest aunt going to play with him? Alright, let the young people go play by themselves."

The eldest cousin also came over and ruffled Ji Nanxing's hair, "Where are you going? Shall I take you there?"

Ji Nanxing smiled at him, "My friend is waiting for me outside. Second cousin is going to take Shu Rui, he can just take me out on the way."

The second cousin, Yun Shuan, smiled and agreed. After Shu Rui politely said goodbye to everyone, they got into the car.

With no elders in the car, Shu Rui seemed to relax. Yun Shuan smiled and held Shu Rui's hand in his palm. Shu Rui gently pushed him, indicating that the cousin was still in the car, and they shouldn't be too clingy, lest they set a bad example for the child.

Yun Shuan glanced in the rearview mirror, "Xiao Bao, you'll be in your second year of high school next semester, is the study pressure heavy?"

Ji Nanxing, "It's okay, not much pressure."

Yun Shuan, "That's good, it's just high school, not a big deal. If it's too much, you can always take a break and come back."

Except for the third and youngest in the aunt's family, everyone else in their family received elite education, starting to get involved in the family business after completing systematic learning in their twenties.

But because the third and youngest had some master, they stayed in the country to attend high school and university honestly. They had only heard of this master but never met him, and it was said that he was truly capable. But for those who grew up and studied abroad, they only held a sense of awe towards such things, not really believing in them.

Fortunately, the third and fourth in the aunt's family were very promising. Even in the domestic sea of education, they still excelled in their studies.

In just a few moments, the car had already arrived outside the manor. Seeing a black car parked at the entrance, Ji Nanxing said, "Cousin, just stop here. My friend is over there."

Yun Shuan glanced at the black car but didn't ask further, saying, "Then be careful on the road, come home early, and don't stay out too late. Is your bodyguard with you?"

Ji Nanxing nodded, "Yes, don't worry, cousin."

After saying that, he pushed open the car door and ran towards the black car. Before he could pull the door open, it was opened from the inside. Xiao Ye handed him a bag of sweet chestnuts: "This bag is peeled by me, your favorite sugar-glazed chestnuts. Do they smell good?"

After getting into the car, Ji Nanxing glanced back at the car that had just driven away. Only after it drove away did he turn to Xiao Ye and say, "I told you I could go back by myself, why did you come all the way here?"

Xiao Ye shook the bag of chestnuts: "I waited in line for almost two hours. Seeing it was getting late, I checked if you were ready to leave, so I came this way."

From the city to the manor, it's more than an hour's drive. How is that on the way? It’s not even close.

Xiao Ye smiled and handed the chestnuts to him: "Try one? They're still warm."

Ji Nanxing had no choice but to take one and take a bite. It was soft and sticky, and although the sugar coating was a bit heavy, it was perfectly balanced by the natural fragrance of the chestnuts. No wonder there's always a long line whenever they're sold.

Seeing him eat, Xiao Ye was happy and took out a bottle of water, opening the cap for him: "How was dinner today? How is your cousin's girlfriend?"

Ji Nanxing: "There's something off."

Xiao Ye was surprised: "Something off? What's wrong, not a good match?"

Ji Nanxing shook his head: "Not exactly, but she has the smell of incense."

That kind of smell isn't something you get just from burning paper money. Clearly, a lingering ghost had been following her. However, Shu Rui's eyes and brows were clear, and although her aura carried the scent of incense, it wasn't turbid. Using his spiritual sight, he could see that she was still relatively pure, proving she hadn't done anything harmful.

But since he noticed it, he couldn't just let it go.

In the other car, Shu Rui was still remarking to Yun Shuan: "I thought your family had a lot of rules. This is a bit different from what I expected."

Yun Shuan smiled and said, "Of course, there are rules, but they're just basic manners. No one follows the rules every day; that would be exhausting."

Shu Rui also smiled at Yun Shuan: "Do you think your family will like me?"

Yun Shuan: "Of course, my mom likes you so much, she even invited you to play cards. Don't worry, you performed very well, exceptionally well. My mom can't wait for me to marry you as soon as possible."

Although Shu Rui never underestimated herself, the social status gap was too wide. Her career was only enough to support herself and her family. It would be normal if the Yun family didn't think highly of her.

Yun Shuan, whether in character or appearance, was top-notch. From what she could tell, he was also very sincere with her. Naturally, she hoped this relationship would go smoothly. Not to mention anything else, his qualities alone were one in a million.

Thinking about his family, Shu Rui sighed: "Your family's genes are really good. Your aunt looks so young, and your little cousin is so handsome, really attractive."

At a red light, Yun Shuan stopped the car, then turned to kiss her: "In front of me, you're calling someone else handsome?"

Shu Rui laughed: "He's your cousin!"

Yun Shuan: "I have another cousin, not the same type as the little cousin, but also handsome. By the way, he's in the fashion world. If you ever need to attend a gala, you can ask him for high-end fashion."

Shu Rui was curious: "Who is it?"

Yun Shuan: "Ji Yuanting. I heard he's pretty famous in the fashion world, but my family isn't involved in the entertainment industry, so we don't pay much attention. Have you heard of him?"

Shu Rui's eyes widened instantly: "Really? He's your cousin? The big shot in the fashion world, only international shows are worthy of his attention. He's actually your cousin!"

Now Yun Shuan was really jealous: "You're not this enthusiastic and admiring towards me."

Shu Rui was already starry-eyed: "Can I really borrow high-end fashion from him? My status isn't high enough. Those high-end brands also have to consider levels. Wearing them as a minor celebrity like me might lower their brand's prestige."

Yun Shuan gently held her chin, making her look at him: "Don't say that about yourself. You're the best, you're capable, and one day, you'll shine in the career you love. It's just that I found this gem before anyone else."

Shu Rui kissed him on the lips: "Then I'll tell you in advance, I'm very ambitious, so don't feel neglected by me in the future."

Yun Shuan: "What I love is how you shine in the spotlight."

Shu Rui took this with a grain of salt. Having seen all kinds of people in this circle, she knew men were all talk, few walked the walk. But now that Yun Shuan was willing to say this, it at least proved that she still mattered to him. She was clear about both the present and the future.

The phone in her bag vibrated. To avoid being impolite at the Yun family gathering, Shu Rui had put her phone on silent before going, only now remembering that the sound was off.

Unlocking it, she saw a new friend request. Upon checking, she saw it was from Yun Shuan's younger cousin, so she quickly accepted it and sent a greeting sticker.

But the cousin's reply was somewhat cold: "When do you have time to meet? There's something I need to discuss with you."

Shu Rui didn't think much of it. What could a kid possibly want from her? Maybe he wanted to rub elbows with some celebs or try his hand at acting?

Just as she thought this, she casually replied: "Sure, when do you want to?"

After sending this, she suddenly remembered that since he's also Yun Shuan's cousin, then his older brother is the big boss. With such an older brother, he wouldn't need to seek out someone like her, who doesn't carry much clout.

Ji Nanxing replied: "Right now. I'll send a location, and you can come over by yourself."

Shu Rui glanced at Yun Shuan, who was driving, and typed an okay on WeChat before sending it over.

Ji Nanxing had arranged to meet at a tea lounge. Shu Rui, regardless of her fame, is after all a public figure, and getting photographed wouldn't be ideal, so she chose a slightly more private place.

On the way over, Shu Rui thought a lot, even considering that some things might be inconvenient for his family to say directly, so they might use the kid to deliver harsh words to make her leave Yun Shuan.

Before entering the private room, she steeled herself, telling herself that no matter what happens, she must stay calm and composed. After all, she has never placed her future on any man. At worst, it's just a split.

Originally thinking that Ji Nanxing would be alone in the room, upon entering, she saw another boy beside him. His features weren't as sharp as Ji Nanxing's but were more on the sunny and handsome side. Seeing her, he smiled and waved: "Hello, I'm Nanxing's friend, my name is Xiao Ye."

Shu Rui also smiled at him: "Hello, I'm Shu Rui."

Ji Nanxing poured a cup of tea for Shu Rui: "Sorry for making you come over so late."

This attitude was somewhat different from what she had imagined—it seemed quite polite. Shu Rui felt a bit relieved. But then again, they are scions of wealthy families. No matter what, they have basic manners. Even if they're not polite, it's likely just subtle jabs.

She got straight to the point: "What do you need from me?"

Ji Nanxing: "Has my cousin filled you in on the family basics?"

Shu Rui thought, 'Here we go,' but she still shook her head: "Not in detail, but I do know what industries the Yun family is involved in, and I know your brother is Ji Yuanting."

Ji Nanxing: "Since my cousin hasn't told you, let me reintroduce myself. Hello, I'm Ji Nanxing, a Taoist priest."

Shu Rui was stunned: "A Taoist priest?"

Of course, she knows what a Taoist priest is. There's a very powerful Taoist priest in their circle. Some big productions consult that Taoist for auspicious dates, even for naming the drama, and some people ask that Taoist to change their names. Once the name is changed, their luck visibly turns around. Many people are queuing up but can't get an appointment with that Taoist.

But the younger cousin is so young, still a high school student, and already a Taoist priest?

Ji Nanxing: "Have you encountered anything strange recently? Today, I smelled an unusual scent of incense on you. That scent proves that a ghost has been following you. Since you're with my cousin, no matter what the future holds, now you're his girlfriend, which makes you family. If there's anything wrong around you, I certainly can't just let it be."

The direction of the matter once again surprised Shu Rui. How is this rich family any different from the soap operas she's used to?

Shu Rui put down her teacup, trying to organize her words: "Nanxing, I'm not doubting you, but could you have mistaken the scent? Isn't it the Ghost Festival recently? A few days ago, I burned paper money for my father. Could it be that scent?"

Ji Nanxing shook his head: "No, the scent of that paper money would disappear after changing clothes. If you don't believe me, I can let you see for yourself."

Shu Rui looked at him with confusion: "See what?"

Ji Nanxing said, "Hold out your hand."

Hearing this, Shu Rui immediately held out both hands, curious about what this little cousin could show her.

Ji Nanxing lightly traced his fingertip across her right arm.

Shu Rui felt like her arm had been brushed by ice. Although it was just a brief touch, a cold wave spread through her arm, making her shiver uncontrollably.

She thought to herself, 'This little cousin really has some skills,' no wonder he claimed to be a Taoist. But this cold sensation, though magical, didn't necessarily prove a ghost was following her.

Ji Nanxing withdrew his hand and said to her, "Look at your wrist."

Shu Rui lowered her head to look, and Xiao Ye also leaned in closer.

They watched as black fingerprints slowly appeared on Shu Rui's once-fair wrist.