Chapter 69

Chapter 69: The Silkworm Road [3]

Translator: Xah

Xiao Ling’s paper crane had ignited.

Zhang YuShui quickly sealed the little fat ghost in Xiao Jiang’s bell. He took out another paper crane, a red thread, and wrapped one end around the foot of the paper crane, and the other end around his own little finger. As soon as he was tied up, the paper crane burst into flames and soon disappeared along with the red thread.

“Take a taxi downstairs.” Zhang YuShui said.

Li Shu took Xiao Jiang in his arms and Zhang Qiu followed downstairs before they took a taxi. Zhang Yushui was sitting in the co-driver’s seat and the driver asked where to go. Zhang Yushui pointed his little finger and said, “Go straight.”

The driver wondered how strange it was to see these three big men and a child.

Xiao Jiang held Zhang Qiu’s arm and saw that the driver in front had been looking at him via the mirror, he felt somewhat unhappy, causisg the tiger teeth to appear. Zhang Qiu patted his son’s head. Xiao Jiang called out Daddy obediently, and the driver in front of him took back his eyes.

It turned out that young handsome guy was the little boy’s Daddy. He was really young.

Xiao Jiang swayed his legs while pulling on Zhang Qiu’s sleeve. “Daddy, I haven’t seen the movie, and my dessert was forgotten by big Daddy.”

“I will take you when we’re done with this.” At the side, Li Shu opened his mouth lightly.

Xiao Jiang did not actually wanted to go now, he just wanted to act like a spoiled child with Daddy. He was angry about being under the bed in the morning. When he heard big Daddy coaxing him, he showed his dimples happily. He nodded his head nicely and stopped talking.

The taxi driver looked in the mirror at a row behind his eyes. It was a real confusion of a relationship.

“Drive carefully.” was Li Shu’s cold voice.

The driver looked at the pretty man in the back row via the mirror and his heart felt cold. He did not dare to think of anything and concentrated on driving.

“Turn left.”

“Dude, where on earth are you going? Turning left needs lane shift ahead of time, it’s hard for me to drive like that…” The driver complained very resentfully from the bottom of his heart, but he still turned left.

Zhang Qiu knew that Erge was actually following the paper crane as a guide, but the driver was also right. He said as peacemaker, “Mister, you follow his words and we’ll pay more when we get to the destination.”

“Pay however much, but it is not a matter of money. You make it difficult for me to drive, and easy to get violation tickets. Messing up, this year how can I…”

“Ten times the price; shut up and drive.” Was Li Shu’s cold voice.

The driver was not satisfied with the man’s attitude, but he was too frightened to say anything more when he thought of the cold eyes.

From the city to the suburbs, with fewer cars, the driver drove faster. Zhang YuShui looked at the surrounding mountains and asked, “Where is it?”

“Villa area, where rich people live.”

Following the loop of the mountain road, continuously going up until the villa area at the highest point, Zhang YuShui called for a stop. The driver clicked his tongue, “Turns out to be Gao Household. Do you want me to wait for you to go down the mountain? But since you all come to Gao Household, maybe you are going back in a luxury car….. “

“Song Bao, pay him.” Li Shu got off with Xiao Jiang in his arms.

Zhang Qiu looked at the meter; it was nearly 300 Yuan. The driver turned to Zhang Qiu and pointed to Li Shu outside. “Ten times as he said. I ran several red lights and I still have to pay the tickets, which is not expensive…”

“Brother, I didn’t say no. Is Wechatpay okay?” To have carrying much cash would be a wonder to him.

No matter how the money was being paid, the driver was certainly happy. Seeing the mobile money transfer was really 3000, he was so happy that even the wrinkles on his face appeared. He kindly reminded, “Gao Household is a black-hearted businessmen, you should be careful when dealing with them.”

The taxi turned around and went down the mountain very quickly, as if there was something at the gate of Gao Household that it ran away very fast.

Zhang Qiu stood in front of the golden-bright iron gate. Through the cracks, the trees rustle and he could see the white European architecture faintly. He could not help asking Erge, “How can we get in now?”

“Gao Family!” Zhang YuShui murmured and reached for the mobile phone and dialed. Zhang Qiu heard that he was calling Big MaoGe and hung up after a few words. Then he saw Erge’s leisure smile. “Ring the doorbell!”

Zhang Qiu looked at Erge, who was making a solemn vow that he would not be driven away when he rang the doorbell. Therefore, he rang the doorbell, and soon got through to the maid.

“Trouble you to pass on that it’s Zhang SanLian of Suzhou.”

As Zhang YuShui finished saying, the other party hung up and he turned to see his younger brother. He smiled and said, “No other way, I’m not so famous. I still have to rely on father’s prestige to get ahead occasionally when I come out.”

They stood at the gate for twenty minutes, but there was no movement inside. Li Shu had a cold face and was as cool as air-conditioned.

Zhang YuShui shook his head and said, “When Gao Family came to invite father, they were refused entry, and today they return it back.”

“If we wait, I’m afraid Xiao Ling can’t hold up. What’s the matter with him, Erge?” Zhang Qiu asked.

“At present, his spirit is weak, but it still can support him for some time. After we go inside, we’ll see.” As soon as Zhang YuShui finished saying, the big iron door clicked open, and a maid came in far away and asked them get inside.

The villa was very elegant. The flowers and trees around it were exquisite and beautiful. A fountain was built in the middle of the villa. Zhang YuShui nodded repeatedly all the way. “This place is well laid out. It’s an expert’s handwriting; to make money and have prosperous heir.”

The architectural style was European, and the interior decoration was magnificent. Zhang Qiu’s eyes were blinded when he entered the door. The saying beautiful really meant beautiful. This was a local tyrant, particularly that kind of a local tyrant. There were many golden colors everywhere. Zhang Qiu could point out a few valuable antique paintings.

Who knew if it was authentic or fake?

“Authentic.” Zhang YuShui nodded. There were only a few of them in the living room. The maid went to invite the owner. There was no need to worry about anything, so he said directly, “Gao Household is a real estate tycoon who has risen in Chengdu in the past ten years. I heard that Gao ZhiHao likes collecting antiques the best, and the quality of its color and lustre does not look like it is fake.”

As he spoke, there was a loud laughter coming from the stairs. Zhang Qiu turned his head to see that it was a middle-aged man in his forties. He was not very tall, with a big belly and a plain appearance. He wore a thick gold chain around his neck and a printed silk shirt. Zhang Qiu also saw the same thing when he packed Qi Xi’s luggage.

Zhang YuShui smiled and whispered, “Gao ZhiHao.”

Gao ZhiHao approached quickly, laughing especially like an elder who had known them for many years. “Is it Xiao Zhang? Hiyah, it’s really a good-looking person. I didn’t expect you to come to Chengdu. If I knew you were coming to Chengdu to play, I would have greeted you earlier and sent someone to pick you up.”

Zhang Qiu would have thought that Gao Family and Zhang Family were family friends and had a deep feeling if he hadn’t heard Erge say Big Uncle had refused the other party.

“Mr. Gao, I’m Zhang YuShui. This is my younger brother Zhang Qiu, my friend Li Shu and Xiao Jiang.” Zhang Yushui gave a brief introduction and found that when introducing Li Shu, the smile in the other side’s eyes was a little more sincere than that just now.

“Li Shu? It’s a very special name; a good name, such a good name.” Gao ZhiHao looked at Li Shu’s appearance seamlessly. Such a name should be the Li Shu mentioned on the line [underworld]. His smile deepened and he laughed. “My left eyelid had been jumping early this morning. It appeared that noble people came to drop in. Come and take a sit.”

Gao Household’s sofa was a little high. Xiao Jiang’s legs were short that he couldn’t climb on properly. Xiao Jiang still needed his face [pride] in front of outsiders. So he pulled on Li Shu’s hand. Needless to say, Li Shu took Xiao Jiang to the sofa with one hand. Xiao Jiang swayed his legs satisfactorily.

Gao ZhiHao saw and said with a smile, “This little friend Xiao Jiang is really cute. Sister Wang, go bring out the snacks at home. We adults will talk about things and our little friend will be bored sitting. Let’s have Xiao Jie come out and play with this little brother outside.”

Sister Wang was the maid. Soon there were many snacks on the tea table. Zhang Qiu knew that all the packages were imported. Xiao Jiang was obviously ravenous but keeping a straight face pretending to be little adult. Upon seeing this, Gao ZhiHao looked at Li Shu, and laughed happily. “This little friend is taught well!”

“Yes.” Li Shu heard it and his face softened.

Zhang Qiu felt that Gao ZhiHao had quite the skill to talk. At first, Li Shu was a little angry when he was waiting for the other party. Now, with a few words of praise to Xiao Jiang, they were on good terms than the direct praise to Li Shu. Not to mention the whole process of smiling and laughing, neither big nor small was snubbed, and the whole atmosphere was driven by one person.

After a while, a 16-17 years old teenager came down the stairs. His eyebrows and eyes hid the dash of a teenager. His face was wild and intractable. He called Gao ZhiHao ‘Dad’ languidly. Gao ZhiHao looked back. Zhang Qiu did not notice Gao ZhiHao’s expression. However, he found that the languidness of the teenager just converged and became somewhat obedient.

“My son Xiao Jie. Come, Xiao Jie. You take little brother to play. Be careful not to fall.” Gao ZhiHao looked at Xiao Jiang kindly and cheerfully. “Little friend, go to play with big brother. There’s a small amusement park in the back garden of Uncle’s house. It’s fun.”

Xiao Jiang turned to Zhang Qiu. Zhang Qiu could not help paying attention. Xiao Ling had an accident at this home, it should be dangerous here, but looking at Gao ZhiHao’s appearance, there should be something he wants to tell them. As he was just thinking about it, next to him, Zhang Yushui, laughed and said, “You have a good time with big brother and come back when you are tired.”

“Xiao Jie, brings snacks to little brother. Go and play!” Gao ZhiHao waved his son away.

Xiao Jiang showed his dimples as he smiled. He slipped down from the sofa somewhat craftily and pitter-patter as he walked in front. Xiao Jie walked with snack packages while Gao ZhiHao was telling him not to fall down and take good care of the little brother.

When they left, Gao ZhiHao chatted a few more sentences, such as to give his respects to Zhang Sanlian, health and so on. Seeing that Zhang Qiu and the others were not a group of people with social niceties and polite greetings, Gao ZhiHao smiled, “I won’t talk modestly. At that time, I asked Great Master Zhang to help me read Feng Shui, but it was impossible for me to see him. Today, Brother Xiao Zhang came to visit me, I’m very happy. No matter what you’re here for today, there’s something I want to trouble you with.”

“Oh?” Zhang YuShui answered with a smile.

Gao ZhiHao said, “I got a treasure a few days ago. I’ve been having nightmares these days. I want to ask Brother Zhang for help; requesting for safety [at peace] talisman or something. The price is up to you.”

Zhang Qiu thought it was something, for Gao ZhiHao to let Xiao Jiang out, but he did not expect that it was only asking for safety talisman, so he could not help but be a little disappointed.

“Mr. Gao wants to ask for a safety talisman, there’s nothing wrong with that. I’ll send it to you after I get back to draw it.” Zhang YuShui answered with glee.

Upon seeing Zhang YuShui appeared to help in great hurry, Gao ZhiHao said happily, “How would I have the cheek to let you send it personally. Which hotel does Brother Zhang staying at? I’ll dispatch someone to pick it up.”

Zhang YuShui reported the name of the hotel. Zhang Qiu noticed that the smile radiating on Gao ZhiHao’s face had turned cold. He began to speak but hesitating before saying, “Why do you stay in this hotel——”

“What’s wrong with this hotel?” Zhang Qiu thought that the hotel was very good, as the location was convenient, it was quiet and the service was good, too.

“It’s not me, but the people from the same trade that supplanted to say these. This hotel is an old local brand. Everything is good. Only one thing is that it’s easy to get bad luck.” Gao ZhiHao said halfway and stopped suddenly, before he laughed and said, “Let’s not say these things, what is there to be scared of when there is Brother Zhang?”

Into the living room came brisk footsteps. Zhang Qiu knew Xiao Jiang was coming without looking at it.

Wearing small leather shoes, Xiao Jiang clattered into Zhang Qiu’s bosom, showing his tiger’s teeth while acting spoiled and said he wants to go home.

Zhang Qiu seldom saw Xiao Jiang acting so coquettishly in front of outsiders. He guessed something happened. Gao ZhiHao showed regret when he saw this. “I still want to keep you for dinner, but the little friend is shy with strangers so I won’t keep you here.” At this point, Gao ZhiHao looked at Li Shu, then looked away, laughed and said, “It’s just a coincidence that I’m going to have a party at home in two days. When the time comes, I ask the gentlemen to give face [give the honor by attending].”

“Well, I’ll send the safety talisman along.” Zhang YuShui agreed.

Gao ZhiHao also looked at Li Shu next to him and saw Li Shu nodded his head. He happily sent them out in person and sent the driver to see them off.

There were very quiet the whole way. After getting out of the car and returning to the hotel, Xiao Jiang showed his little tiger’s teeth while his face asking for praise as he waved his wrist. “Big Brother Xiao Ling is inside, I found him!”

Only after Zhang YuShui took out a congeal soul talisman, did Xiao Ling dared to come out of the bell. He was almost transparent, but he was very excited to see them. “Big Brother Zhang, please help my young master.”

Why is there another young master? Zhang Qiu was confused and listened to Xiao Ling’s story.

Xiao Ling was an orphan who was adopted by the Lin family when he was eight years old. The Lin family was a veteran real estate tycoon in Chengdu. The hotel they were staying and the cinema where the accident happened in the morning were all Lin family’s industries. According to Xiao Ling, he could not rest assured about his young master. This time, he wanted to go back and have a look. Unexpectedly, the originally strong and healthy Young Master Lin suddenly became ill. Xiao Ling could see that Young Master Lin was surrounded by dark qi. He was a ghost and could guess what this was.

Xiao Ling found the Gao Household after all the bad luck that kept pouring into Lin Household. He was caught by a foreign man as soon as he entered. He ignited the paper crane and only able to escape after he covered the congeal soul talisman. However, his spirit was too fragile to move around. He was only huddled in the greenhouse and sundry room, and was later brought back by Xiao Jiang.

“Foreign man? Which country?”

“He’s speaking Thai.” Xiao Ling was not sure. That man mixed with not fully proficient Chinese language and looked like an old man. He would not recognize it if he did not occasionally speak two Thai sentences.

Zhang YuShui nodded. “Your young master is subjected to some kind of dark mark, such as ghost trick and bad luck. I don’t know much about it, but when it reaches to our place, it has to abide by our rules. Such a cruel means cannot be left behind.”

Xiao Ling was very happy to hear that. Zhang Yushui saw Xiao Ling’s spirit was falling apart, but he (Xiao Ling) didn’t worry about himself at all. Instead, he worried about Lin family’s young master. Plus, what decade were you living in? Xiao Ling had shouted ‘my family’s young master’. Zhang Yushui could not help but glance at Xiao Ling with a smile. “Xiao Ling, it couldn’t be that you like your family’s young master, right?”

Without waiting for Xiao Ling to speak, Zhang Qiu knew the guess was right. Clearly, a ghost did not blush, but he could see Xiao Ling’s shyness and embarrassment.

“No, no. Don’t talk nonsense. Young master is going to get married and have children.” Xiao Ling quickly waved his hand and explained, “I’m just worried about him. If he’s all right, I can safely reincarnate.” At this point, Xiao Ling himself did not notice the gloom on his face.

Zhang Qiu did not make fun of him. After all, not everyone could accept a ghost, or a male ghost at that. Perhaps, it was best for Xiao Ling to forget the past and be reborn.

Xiao Ling was badly hurt. Zhang Qiu asked Pei Qing to borrow spirit bead. Pei Qing listened to what happened to them today and said enthusiastically, “There is no code of brotherhood when you didn’t invite me to this kind of bustling thing. Tomorrow I’m going to Lin Household too.”

Zhang Qiu thought: you are mating all day, who dares to disturb your papapa with little Ling Dang ah!

But it was not a bad thing to have more people. The more the merrier.

The next day, Zhang YuShui had to send the little fat ghost home first. Xiao Jiang was so tired of the crying little fat ghost that he could not stop himself to eat the little fat ghost if he did not send it away.

“Where is your home?”

The little fat ghost did not cry when he heard that they were going to send him home. He reported the address happily with tears in his eyes.

Zhang Qiu heard it and said, “It’s really a coincidence. There are so many rich people, all of whom piled up on a mountaintop.”

This little fat ghost’s house was also in the mountain villas of Gao Household and Lin Household.

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Jia: The author's note about Er-Ge and Er-Sao's past life, that is quite explicit, has been translated separately, as an extra. I'm not sure if it counts as an extra, but here, we consider it to be. 

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