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墨書 Inktalez
I glanced around the room and realized that not only I, but even Master Xiao, who made a living in Shanghai, didn’t recognize anyone. Judging by our ages, we were among the younger ones here, considered juniors. When I checked the sign-in sheet earlier, I noticed that Master Xiao was the last to arrive. Most people were already present, but Boss had yet to show up. I raised my hand to check the time; it was only 5:40 PM, so I felt relieved. For gatherings like this, time is of the essence.
Just as it was about to be 6 PM, the main door swung open. A middle-aged man in a suit walked in, looking around fourteen years old, with an impressive demeanor that made him appear quite spirited. He must be the head of the XX Group.
As he entered, the previously noisy room fell silent instantly, and everyone hurriedly found their seats. He walked to the main seat, and his secretary stepped forward to turn on the microphone placed on the table.
“Hello everyone, it’s a pleasure to meet all of you masters. I apologize for inviting you all to Shanghai for this gathering; I have something to ask of you. First of all, thank you for coming. It is an honor for me, Cai, to see such esteemed masters,” he spoke politely and sincerely, appearing to be a very approachable boss.
Everyone nodded in acknowledgment but remained silent. Most people here were likely present for the reward, including Master Xiao and myself; it was nothing unusual. A gentleman appreciates wealth but seeks it through proper means. This was perfectly understandable.
“Then please, Boss Cai, briefly explain what this matter is about so that we can make some judgments or perhaps discuss it here,” said one of the older gentlemen dressed in a robe.
Boss Cai nodded and said, “This matter is quite strange. Having been in society for many years, I’ve heard of bizarre occurrences, but when it happens to one’s own family, it’s truly unsettling. Today I invited experts from Wonders from All Corners of the World to help me find some answers. I will explain the situation shortly, and each master can provide their insights.” After saying this, he paused. His words were smooth but conveyed a simple message: I will share my story; you all can give your judgments. Whoever provides the best solution will be asked to help me resolve this issue.
Everyone present was seasoned in these matters; they understood his implication well. After Boss Cai finished speaking, everyone sat up straight as if eager to showcase their skills.
“The situation is as follows: my parents are getting older and have developed a longing for their roots; they don’t want to stay in Shanghai anymore. So I built them a house back home and hired a caretaker to look after their daily needs. The location was also chosen based on advice from a feng shui master. For the past two years, everything went smoothly; however, this year has brought strange occurrences. Thankfully, my parents haven’t been harmed; it’s just that the caretakers keep changing—each one claims that there are ghosts haunting the house and refuses to stay there. Yet my parents deny this and insist that everything is fine with the house. Initially, I didn’t believe what the caretakers said until I stayed there myself for a few days and discovered that there indeed were ghosts—and they were quite aggressive.” At this point, Boss Cai paused again and scanned everyone with his eyes as if inviting them to share their thoughts.
“Is that ghost wearing white clothes with a pale face?”
“Does your father deny that there are ghosts because they possess strong talismans?”
“In my estimation, that ghost merely passed by your home and doesn’t wish to disturb your parents. President Cai need not worry; after some time, that spirit will leave on its own.”
"Perhaps there's an issue with the house's feng shui. I know a master who is quite skilled in this area. Would you like me to invite him for you, President Cai?"
"Dealing with ghosts is actually quite simple; just set up a Buddha altar at home."
Various speculations and judgments filled the air, and I noticed President Cai's reaction. He listened intently when the person in the robe spoke, but he didn't even glance at those not wearing robes.
Once everyone finished speaking, the elderly Taoist priest who had asked the first question slowly began, "I see that President Cai's Yintang is dark. It seems he may have sensed something hidden. Moreover, there are definitely more than one ghost in that room; your complexion reveals it. President Cai, you should be aware of this matter."
"May I ask how to address you, Taoist?" President Cai asked sincerely, looking at the elder.
"My surname is Zhang."
"So you are Master Zhang. It's a pleasure to meet you. And what about these two young gentlemen?" He then glanced at me and Master Xiao.
"My surname is Xiao," Master Xiao replied, maintaining his enigmatic demeanor. I couldn't help but admire him; he must be thrilled inside but was putting on an air of detachment that could rival any actor.
"Hello, President Cai. You can call me Xiao Liu. I came here with Master Xiao," I replied calmly. To be honest, I wasn't overly excited. I always felt that this boss was unusual, and all the tricks wouldn't work on him. So I decided to remain calm; whether this would succeed or fail depended not on mere words but on actions. In this day and age, one must do their best and leave the rest to fate; unnecessary words would only complicate matters.
"Very well, Master Zhang, Master Xiao, Master Liu. Please wait here for a moment while the other masters can go down and have their meal. I've booked a large private room for everyone; all expenses will be covered by me, Cai. Thank you all for giving me face. Once I've resolved this matter, I will visit each of you individually and hope to make friends with all the masters. Xiao Wang, please take the masters to dine," President Cai said with a neutral expression that revealed nothing of his satisfaction or dissatisfaction.
Just like that, what seemed to be a highly competitive bidding meeting concluded before I could fully process it. Master Xiao looked at me in surprise, as if he felt the process had been too swift and happiness had come too suddenly. In contrast, the elder Taoist priest across from us, Senior Zhang, maintained a calm demeanor as if this were entirely expected.
After everyone left, aside from a hostess who stepped out, only President Cai, Senior Zhang, Master Xiao, and I remained in the room. President Cai took out some cigarettes and smilingly handed one to each of us before saying, "Master Zhang, young brothers, your words resonate well with me. I believe you are all capable individuals; I will rely on you for this matter." He then pulled out a checkbook and quickly signed three checks. "This is a deposit; I'll trouble you three masters with this matter. I'm heading out for a dinner engagement now; if it's convenient for you three masters, we can go to my parents' place tomorrow morning."
After receiving the payment, we nodded in agreement. Once we saw President Cai leave, we exchanged glances, surprised that he had brought three of us together for this task. Senior Zhang glanced at the check with a blank expression before putting it away in his pocket. He greeted us briefly and then left the room.
Once Senior Zhang was gone, Master Xiao casually opened the tightly clenched check in his hand. "What the hell!" Master Xiao exclaimed suddenly, startling me. Seeing his expression, I understood what was happening and slowly opened the check I was holding.
Good night, everyone.
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