Chapter 2: 2

The coffin trembled. It was lifted up and wobbled forward. The talisman could not be used for some reason. As Lu Yingjiu slammed the coffin wall hard, only a dull lingering sound came.

Useless.

It was no use at all.

The surrounding Yin energy was strong. He quickly judged that he wouldn’t be able to open the coffin in the current situation.

Lu Yingjiu took a deep breath, calmed down, conserved his strength, and quietly listened to the movement outside.

It was still the clamor of gongs and drums, other than that, there was no voice. The coffin swayed forward, as if it had crossed through a small river, went up the mountain then down again, and after an unknown amount of time, it finally stopped.

The coffin was placed on the ground, and there was a flurry of pounding noise outside. Lu Yingjiu tensed up, waiting for the moment when the coffin lid would be opened.  After only a few seconds, the lid on top of his head loosened and it was opened silently.

When the light came, Lu Yingjiu was about to jump out, but found that his whole body was frozen. He was unable to move.

His eyes squinted at the light. In front of him was a masked goblin, wearing a pure black long gown, and holding a ghost mask in its hand. Before Lu Yingjiu could see clearly, the mask was suddenly put on him.

Then what happened next was like a dream.

Surrounding him were flowing colors, like mountains and rivers, and only the black mansion in front was vivid, with big red lanterns hanging on the eaves. His body was completely out of his control. It stood up and walked out of the coffin. With the sound of the gong, he wore the golden-red top scholar uniform, then walked forward surrounded by many little ghosts.

The mansion looked very familiar. 

—Upon entering the house, there were red lanterns, red candles, heaven and earth tables, and guests with ghost masks–

It was completely modeled on the scene of the previous ghost marriage.

In the middle of the room, a man stood silently.

The groom should also be fake.

The man was also dressed in the golden-red top scholar uniform, but the floating clouds and dragons on his dress looked lifelike. The face that was covered in a mask, had its head bowed slightly, making it impossible to see his face or emotions.

Lu Yingjiu came to him, stood still, and took a quick look.

The other was about the same size as him. As long as he could move, whether if he was a human or a ghost, he should be able to fight him.

However, contrary to his wishes, amidst the applause and cheers, as soon as the ghost master of ceremonies next to him shouted in a sharp voice, “Worship the heaven and earth–”

A cold great force pressed down on him. Lu Yingjiu almost used all his strength to resist, but his waist still bent slowly facing the heaven and earth table. 

“Second, worship one’s parents.” They bowed deeply towards the paper figures. 

Lu Yingjiu had a very bad feeling in his heart. 

Next, next, —he absolutely shouldn’t bow again!

However, at the moment, he had no room for resistance at all!

“Third, worship the husband and wife facing each other—”

Unexpectedly, Lu Yingjiu suddenly felt a slight heat in his chest, and noticed that he somehow gained some strength.

There’s still a chance! 

That invisible great force again was on his back, trying to force him to bend over. However, Lu Yingjiu gritted his teeth and held on.

The force increased minute by minute. As time moved forward second by second, he was already covered in sweat, and his vision darkened. He could feel the soreness of his spine and the tightness of his muscles. His body was like a taut bow, and sweat slowly rolled down on the side of his face.

He didn’t know how long it took, but Lu Yingjiu felt that his bones were crushed, and that he couldn’t see anything clearly in front of him, yet he still held on.

A moment later, the longevity lock on his chest suddenly became very hot to the point of scorching, a scorching hot that would almost burn through the chest! 

The goblins surrounding him suddenly exploded into a blood mist in an instant, leaving no residue. But the splashes of blood didn’t even stain Lu Yingjiu’s body. Instead, he was thrown backwards by a huge force, and everything around him was dissipating rapidly. The candles, the wedding hall, and the mansion were all shrinking at a fast pace in his eyes.

Afterwards, he was hugged from behind and a man whispered in his ear.

“I’m back.” 

“Again….give me a little more time.”

Lu Yingjiu sat up instantly, gasping for breath.

Looking around, he was still at home, the bookcase was there, the wall clock, and the bedside calendar. Everything was as usual and outside the curtains was the morning sun.

His head was dizzy, as if he had been beaten by 800 monkeys. Lu Yingjiu got up, brushed his teeth and washed his face.

The icy water that flowed down felt refreshing.

When he looked up, he saw a young man with a pair of beautiful peach blossom eyes being reflected in the mirror. The eyes were long and slightly raised, but it didn’t make his face too neutral. When placed together with a straight nose and neat jawline, it’s just the right amount of sophistication.

Lu Yingjiu carefully confirmed that there was no Yin energy left on his body. It looked like it was just a horrible nightmare.

He subconsciously touched the longevity lock on his chest—it was still very cold. Could it be that the scorching heat last night was just his illusion?

He simply cleaned up and went downstairs. Upon going down, he saw a beige Honda, he simply opened the door and got in the passenger seat.

Sitting in the driver’s seat was a young man with a buzz cut. He was a very energetic person, and when he saw him, he became shocked. “Ah, why are you looking like that? Didn’t sleep well last night?”

“Hm.” Lu Yingjiu answered. This person’s name was Ye Feng, an old friend of his.

Ye Feng said, “Not that I hadn’t mentioned it before, but since the time I knew you, your sleep quality is very worrying. Are you not afraid of sudden death every day? I told you that you have to see a psychiatrist. If there’s a trace of Yin, we will relieve it, and if there’s a need, let’s release it. Ah, where’s your female ghost, hurry up and reconnect with her!”

“What kind of relief, it can’t be cured.” Lu Yingjiu rubbed his brows, “It’s just an old problem. It’s not that you don’t know, it’s much better than when I was a child.”

“Okay okay, then you hurry up and catch up on your sleep.” 

Ye Feng stepped on the accelerator and muttered, “I really envy your physique. Even if you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t have dark circles under your eyes. If I don’t sleep well enough, I can be a panda in a zoo the next day. It’s true that it’s a national treasure disease but it shouldn’t be treated as something normal in our daily life.”

The weather was fine today. The sky was so blue it looked like it had been washed with water. Ye Feng just got his driver’s license and drove slowly all the way, as there were only a few cars and no one was urging him to do otherwise. Lu Yingjiu leaned against the car window to somehow make up for his sleep.

In the City Center, there were several parking spaces on the roadside. Ye Feng wanted to parked in, but still adjusted back and forth three or four times. 

Lu Yingjiu said, “You parked your car so badly, how did you get your driver’s license?” “Don’t talk when you’re eating my buns.” Ye Feng shouted and moved again. 

“You bought your driver’s license. “

“Shut up!” 

Lu Yingjiu rolled his eyes and smiled.

Waiting for Ye Feng to finally park the car, he almost fell asleep again.

The two got out of the car and walked into a small alley. When ordinary people come into this alley, they would only see a dead end. At the end, as they walked through, thick walls disappeared into thin air, and were replaced by tall office buildings, with glass windows glittering under the sunlight.

The members of the “Green Lantern Association” were all ghost exorcists. They were well-known and could be said to be a top ghost exorcist organization. There was none like them. Even the craziest people, when encountering a Green Lantern Association member, would have to give even a little face.

The inner structure of the building was the same as that of an ordinary office building.

It was very quiet at first glance even though it was obviously a working day. There was no one in the huge hall, and it was terribly deserted. But as soon as they walked in, it was as if countless lines fell on their sight.

Lu Yingjiu walked to the front desk and said, “I’m looking for President Chen.”

The little girl at the front desk looked up at him. “Is there an appointment…” When she looked up, she instantly recognized Lu Yingjiu. She was surprised for a moment, and then said, “You can go straight up, he is on the top floor.”

When taking the elevator, Lu Yingjiu slowly pinned a collar stud with a green cloud emblem on it. He wore a white shirt today, which made the green collar stud stand out like a green cat’s eyes. This was the token of a Chief of the Green Lantern Association. If the collar stud was fastened, he would represent the Green Lantern Association.

He was also the youngest Chief ever.

To be haunted by bad luck was a curse, while having “stunning talent” was an apology for his fate.

Out of the elevator, there was only one office on the top floor.

Chen Zheng was sitting on the sofa, taking hot water to make tea.

He was nearly fifty years old, with gray hair and a plump figure. He even thought the plump man had gained weight for the past few years. 

The tea leaves were swirling in the cup. He smiled and said, “Come and see if my tea-making skills have improved.”

The two took their seats and each took a cup of tea.

The pot was a purple clay pot, and the tea was a Darjeeling black tea. After the 90-degree water was poured inside the pot, sealed it with its cover, and poured into a tea cup; as they sipped it gently, the soft tea glided over the tip of the tongue, with a delicate fragrant aroma.

Lu Yingjiu had drunk tea made by Chen Zheng many times.

When he first joined the association, Chen Zheng valued him very much. He took him to have a chat every now and then, and made tea for him, especially his favorite scented tea. If one wanted to please Chen Zheng, the tea leaves one should send were of course should be the best. Xinyang Maojian, Tieguanyin, Dahongpao… black tea, green tea, dark tea, white tea, he had at least tried them once. Even if the craftsmanship was not good, the tea leaves were excellent and were naturally fragrant when sipped.

After they finished drinking, Chen Zheng added some more and said, “Xiao Lu, let’s talk about your transfer.”

Ye Feng’s expression changed while Lu Jiu only said, “Please.”

Chen Zheng: “The Green Lantern Society has decided to temporarily dismiss you as chief until the investigation is over.”

“Yes.” 

“As you know, the South Central South Branch has just been established, and most of the people there have little experience.”

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 “Hm.” 

“Although a lot of veterans have been transferred, in a short time, the pressure of the branch is still very high, and it is good to have someone take the lead.”

 “Hm.”

Chen Zheng took a deep breath. “Xiao Lu, there’s always been nothing to do recently. You can take someone over there and teach them more things.”

Ye Feng frowned.

Before he knew it, he had already clenched his fists. He knew that there were several new injuries under Lu Yingjiu’s clothes.

His scars were not deep, but they were also extremely unpleasant to look at—two years ago, during the Hundred Ghosts Night Parade, it was Lu Yingjiu who tried his best to disperse the rioting ones. One of the most horrendous wounds was on the shoulder blade. With Yin energy, his skin was battered badly, and it took almost half a year to cure. During that time, Ye Feng helped him change his dressing every day.

Apart from these, there were also many old wounds. People’s eyes are sharp. What Lu Yingjiu had done and how much he had paid could be seen in their eyes, that’s why they naturally admire him immensely. It was for this reason that no one dared to disobey him as the Chief.

Now Ye Feng only felt that there was a raging fire burning in his chest. How could Chen Zheng have the face to say this?! How could he have the face?!!

His fingernails were about to break the skin of the palm of his hand, and just as he was about to speak, Lu Yingjiu raised his hand slightly and stopped him.

Lu YingJiu’s tone was still normal as he asked, “For how long?”

Chen Zheng was stunned, obviously did not expect him to agree so readily, “It depends on the situation, let’s start with half a year.”

Lu Yingjiu raised his eyebrows—when he did so, the tips exuded a cold sneer. Nice looking, but sharp.

Lu Yingjiu: “It was said that I was being investigated, but in fact, I already knew the result. I did not violate any rules. The reason for my dismissal was that I had offended too many people above, and my background was not to their liking. I was supposed to exorcise ghosts. As the Hundred Ghosts Night Parade had just ended, and it won’t happen again for decades, there naturally was no need to keep me. If I say that I don’t want to go to the Central South Branch, what would you do?”

Chen Zheng’s expression changed. “The investigation has not yet…..”

“I know.” Lu Yingjiu drank all the tea, “That’s why I would immediately resign.” He stood up. “President Chen, your tea skills have indeed improved.”

Chen Zheng watched Lu Yingjiu walk towards the door with a straight back.

Arriving at the door, Lu Yingjiu turned around.

Chen Zheng had known him for so many years. He watched this young man’s face grow little by little, from being a young juvenile to now. His looks had always been very good-looking, like a bright moonlight.

For some reason, a sense of guilt suddenly flooded Chen Zheng’s heart at this moment.

Then he heard Lu Yingjiu saying, “Thank you for taking care of me for so many years– although I really want to say this, but Chen Zheng, you are a fool.”

Chen Zheng:???

Lu Yingjiu hooked the corner of his mouth, pulled the green collar pin off, and threw it away.

“Go yourself.” The collar pin rolled on the ground a few times as he left without looking back.

****

Ten days later.

The afternoon sun was fierce as it shone through the swaying golden leaves.

The moving truck moved forward. Ye Feng sat in the back seat and looked at Lu Yingjiu beside him. He had just gone to the Green Lantern Society again to sign the contract resignation. When he signed his signature, the handwriting was beautiful, his fingers were slender, and with a visible light scar on the back of his hand. This scar was from the time Lu Yingjiu saved Chen Zeng before.

Chen Zheng didn’t dare to come to see Lu Yingjiu, and only asked his assistant to sign it for him along with a pot of scented tea on the table. 

The assistant said, “That… President Chen said to let you finish this cup of tea before leaving and that this is a good tea this year.” 

“No need.” Lu Yingjiu replied.

If he drinks more tea from that fool, he is afraid that his IQ will be infected.

When they finally got to the place, the truck stopped.

Ye Feng and the workers moved a few boxes from the truck together. He said, “You, you moved too suddenly.”

“The place I bought is on the second floor.” Lu Yingjiu pointed, “Right there. Above the foot spa.”

“How could you buy a house here, it’s so remote.” Ye Feng wiped the sweat on the back of his hand.

 “Move quickly, move quickly, it’s getting dark.”

 “Okay.”

Along the way, Lu Yingjiu’s performance was very ordinary. But Ye Feng felt that Lu Yingjiu was a little depressed.

Who wouldn’t be? What’s more, Lu Yingjiu was naturally proud and arrogant. It’s a good thing that he moved to another place, but news would spread quickly, and it wouldn’t take long for everyone else to know about it. Rumors were inevitable. He was afraid that Lu Yingjiu would fall into disrepair, therefore he persuaded him openly and secretly for a long time along the way, telling him not to care about those people.

Lu Yingjiu’s tone was light, and he didn’t know if he heard it.

Ye Feng persuaded again, however Lu Yingjiu simply said, “It’s okay, I really don’t care, anyway, they can’t keep up with my level even after eight lifetimes of hard work.”

He patted Ye Feng on the shoulder, “I’m sorry, it’s not against you.”

 

Ye Feng  snorted and punched Lu Yingjiu in the chest, and then smiled unconsciously.

When they got there, Ye Feng and a few workers were carrying things, and Lu Yingjiu took the key and opened the door on the second floor. The first batch of things brought up was relatively few, with only one table and chair, most of which were Lu Yingjiu’s notes and various ghost-exorcism utensils. Ye Feng saw that there were several notebooks on the ground,  also with several small decorative paintings on the wall, which depict the sunset, autumn leaves and the deep sea.

Ye Feng asked, “When did you buy this place?”

 “Three years ago.”

 “Three years ago?” Ye Feng looked around, “Is it always this empty?”

 “I would come over sometimes.”

It did seem like the place was often cleaned. The lighting was good, the floor-to-ceiling windows allowed enough brightness, and just looking at it gives people a refreshing and open feeling. After moving things, they simply cleaned up. Ye Feng mopped the floor, Lu Yingjiu leaned out to clean the window, as the blowing wind puffed up his clothes.

By the time everything was done, it was already dusk. Ye Feng was sitting on a chair, while Lu Yingjiu sat on the window sill.

Ye Feng: “This house has a unique layout, what about the kitchen? Where is the master bedroom? Don’t tell me they’re all in one room?” 

Lu Yingjiu drank iced lemon tea and replied, “I didn’t seem to have said that this is my new home.”

“Ah?” Ye Feng was dumbfounded, “It’s not your new home, then why are you moving things?” 

“To do business. “

“To do business? You want to learn foot spa from downstairs, are you a beauty technician? 

“If gender isn’t so strict, it’s not impossible.” Lu Yingjiu said, “But this is a ghost exorcism office. “

“……” 

Ye Feng’s eyes widened. “How, how are you going to open this? The Green Lantern Association is a big family, moreover they’re not that very happy with you. If they deliberately suppress you, you will not be able to develop anymore. Will you be able to do it alone? Won’t you find another exorcist, what about other employees? How would you deal with the salary?”

“I know how strong the foundation of the Green Lantern Association is. But everyone is doing it step by step,” Lu Yingjiu said, “They are indeed rich in resources, and the ghost exorcists are also very good, but without me,  they wouldn’t be where they are today. I don’t have a shortage of contacts, and there are more people looking for me.”

“How about looking for another office to stay in?”

“Not interested.”

Ye Feng hesitated. “You really…haven’t you been hit already? I don’t think it’s necessary to start from scratch… After all, you have a lot of other options, so why choose the most difficult one?  Even if you go back to the Green Lantern Association after the investigation is over, wouldn’t it still be good?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he himself was stunned.

He knew that the current Green Lantern Association was different from before. Chen Zheng was not the Chen Zheng before who used to be a righteous man, nor was he his friend who shared life and death together before. This time, Lu Yingjiu was under investigation , unexpectedly resigned and yet no one tried to persuade him to not leave. It’s as if those years spent together never existed.

Sure enough, Lu Yingjiu shook the lemon tea in his hand and lowered his eyes slightly. This was the first time in the past few days that Ye Feng had seen him in a similar low mood. His heart was moved, he opened his mouth and said, “Hey, just pretend I didn’t say…..”

Before the words were finished, the wind blew up the curtains and brightened the room.

It was so empty a few hours ago, but now there were many things, which made it lively.

Lu Yingjiu looked up at him and smiled. “I just want to start over.”

Sure enough, Lu Yingjiu was still Lu Yingjiu. Ye Feng thought to himself–where do I need to worry about this person?

When they heard a cell phone chimed, Ye Feng immediately looked down and suddenly became happy.

“Hey! What a coincidence! Do you know what happened?” 

“What?” Lu Yingjiu asked.

“The people in the association said that Chen Zheng, that bastard’s tea cabinet was on fire.” Ye Feng laughed out loud, “His several stacks of hundreds of thousands of tea leaves were hidden there for a long time, and now they were all gone. When he ran to save them, he fell down and broke a bone. Hehehe I’ll show you the video. It made me laugh to death. A wicked person will definitely get what’s coming for him!”

Lu Yingjiu clicked on the video, and it was as Ye Feng said. He didn’t know who was brave enough to shoot it, but in the end, President Chen was sweating on the ground in pain, and even shouted, “Where are people! Where! Are the people here dead?!”

“Say, isn’t  it a coincidence!” Ye Feng was still happy. 

“…Yeah.” Lu Yingjiu didn’t know how, and subconsciously touched the longevity lock on his chest, “It’s quite a coincidence.”

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