After staying at home for three days, I took Ruo Yu and Fo Zhang to explore the mountains.
On the third night, while we were having dinner, the village chief, Zhao Heitie, shouted from the village entrance, “Ling Feng, there’s a phone call for you.”
I immediately dropped my chopsticks and ran over to answer the call. It was indeed Shen Tao, confirming that everything had been arranged. The reward was thirty thousand!
I knew that money was just one aspect; whether it was more or less didn’t matter much. As long as I could connect with Jiang Jianguo, given his reputation in H City, all I had to do was mention my name, and I wouldn’t have to worry about food.
So I made an appointment with Shen Tao to visit Jiang Jianguo’s house the next day.
Finally, my first bucket of gold was within reach! On my way back, I couldn’t help but drink a few more glasses. Then, feeling the effects of the alcohol, I said, “Dad, this is my bonus from this trip. Although it’s not much, it’s a little token of my appreciation!”
I left some money for travel expenses and handed the rest of the bonus to my dad.
His eyes turned red as he silently accepted the money and carefully tucked it into his shirt pocket. Then he poured himself three more glasses of wine.
He rushed back to his room and cried in front of my mother’s photo, “Ying Zi, our son has grown up. He knows to bring money home now… If only you were still here…”
I couldn’t stand such emotional moments and hid at the table with Ruo Yu to drink. I knew my father had been living a tough life alone all these years.
I secretly vowed to work hard and earn money so that my dad could live a better life.
As the sun peeked out from behind the mountains, Ruo Yu and I set off.
My father woke up early to make us breakfast and then walked us to the village entrance. “Ling Feng, remember to spend what you need while you’re out there; don’t make things hard on yourself.”
He pushed the money I gave him last night back into my hands. I snatched it away and stuffed it back into his pocket. "Dad, I can earn money out here, so don’t worry! If you don’t believe me, ask Ruo Yu. He’s the most honest person and definitely won’t lie."
My father turned his gaze to Ruo Yu, who replied, "Uncle, you can rest assured. Ling Feng is quite capable. I've been following him around for a while now!"
Only then did my father reluctantly accept the money. "I was planning to have you stay a bit longer, but since you have things to do, go ahead!"
Ruo Yu and I walked quite a distance away. When I looked back, my father's figure had turned into a small dot, but I knew he was still standing there, watching me leave.
The reason I was in such a hurry to go to Jiang Jianguo's house was twofold. First, I was worried about Jiang Gongzi lying there for so long; if he wasn’t treated in time, things could take a turn for the worse. Even machines can rust if they’re not used for a long time. How much more so for a human?
Secondly, Fo Gua had already woken up. Otherwise, with my limited Gu Technique skills, I wouldn’t have been confident in resolving Miao Yayun's curse.
By the time we arrived at the villa area of Jiang Jianguo's house, it was already noon.
This time felt like a glorious return; Jiang Jianguo probably thought that since I managed to escape from Miao Yayun, I must have some skills.
To show his sincerity, he personally stood at the entrance to greet me. When Ruo Yu and I got out of the car, Jiang Jianguo approached without the arrogance he had shown during our previous meetings. He shook my hand and offered me a cigarette.
"Ling Feng," he said, "as long as you can save Hai this time, feel free to come to me if you need anything in H City."
He then handed me a bank card. "This card has fifty thousand in it. Consider it a token of my appreciation!"
I accepted the card and replied, "Jiang Zong, rest assured. Without the right tools, one can't handle delicate work. Though I'm young, I understand the stakes involved."
Seeing my confidence, Jiang Zong expressed his gratitude again and led me into the house.
The figure of Yuan Hun still lingered in the room, remaining by Jiang Hai's side, but its form had grown increasingly transparent.
"I've come; you don't need to hold on so tightly anymore. Hurry and move on to your next life. I promise I will definitely help Jiang Hai!" I said to the Yuan Hun.
Jiang Jianguo, upon seeing me speak to the air as soon as I entered, became serious. After a moment of realization, he also addressed the empty space, "Ya Qin, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault for not being capable enough; I couldn't protect Hai."
His pain was palpable as he continuously slapped his own face.
Miao Yaqin bowed to me, her body transforming into a wisp of blue smoke that dissipated into the air. Such is the nature of maternal love! Although I had never met my mother, I could only imagine how desperate she must have felt on the night I was born!
I pressed my palms together and recited a prayer. After a long while, I turned to Jiang Zong, who was kneeling on the ground, and said, "Jiang Zong, your wife has already moved on. Please accept my condolences."
I hadn't expected Jiang Jianguo to be so devoted.
Although relieving Jiang Hai from the curse was an exceedingly simple task—just letting Fo Gua take a stroll—it was important for me to leave a good impression on Jiang Jianguo.
I first sat in meditation to calm my mind, then practiced some punches before reciting another prayer. Finally, I summoned Fo Xi from within me and, under its cover, allowed Fo Gua to make contact with Jiang Hai.
Fo Gua slipped into Jiang Hai's mouth and emerged less than a minute later, returning to my body.
I continued to expend my energy through Fo Xi until sweat beaded on my forehead and my face turned pale. At last, I stumbled backward and fell.
Fortunately, although Ruo Yu wasn't particularly clever, we had developed a good rapport; he reached out to support me and said, "Ling Feng, why do you go through all this?"
Jiang Jianguo hurried forward, his face filled with anxiety as he asked, "Ling Feng, how is Hai?"
I replied weakly on purpose, "I have fulfilled my duty. I believe Hai will wake up soon. Remember, he hasn't eaten for a long time, so his stomach is quite delicate. Start with some plain porridge to nourish his stomach, and then gradually introduce more food. We mustn't rush it."
Jiang Jianguo nodded repeatedly, "Ling Feng, you make a good point."
He then instructed his servants to prepare the food.
"Ling Feng, I truly don't know how to thank you. You freed Ya Qin and saved Hai. If you don't mind, just call me 'Big Brother' from now on!" Jiang Jianguo said with a grateful expression.
I felt pleased inside; this was exactly the effect I wanted! However, I maintained a humble front and said, "I'm just doing my job for the money. It’s nothing special. Besides, I'm just a poor man; how can I compare to you, Jiang Zong..."
Jiang Jianguo stared at me and said, "Every generation has its share of hardships. I've worked hard to get where I am today, so it's settled! Don't refuse."
I clasped my hands together and replied, "Since Big Brother is so generous, if I refuse again, it would be ungrateful of me. Big Brother!"
Jiang Jianguo patted my shoulder and said, "Hey! Ling Feng, if you ever need anything in the future, just come to me. Don't hesitate."
Just then, a servant came in and announced, "Hai has woken up and has eaten two bowls of porridge! He's still hungry. I'm worried that after waking up suddenly and eating so much, his stomach might not handle it well. He should take it slow."
Jiang Jianguo was overjoyed and said, "Well done! Your salary for this month will be doubled!"
After sitting for a while to recover my composure, I followed Jiang Jianguo upstairs to see Jiang Hai.
Having been asleep for so long and relying on IV drips for nutrition, Jiang Hai looked extremely thin when he woke up, making his eyes appear very large.
Seeing so many unfamiliar faces at once, he burrowed deeper into his blanket.
Fo Zhang was rarely seen, and he happily bounced on the bed.
Hai wasn't afraid at all; he reached out and touched Fo Zhang's head. Strangely, Fo Zhang didn't run away and allowed him to touch.
"Qi Da Sheng, did you save me?" Hai asked.
This prompted a round of laughter from us.
To express my concern as an uncle, I gave Hai a jade Pixiu pendant to ward off evil spirits.
Although Jiang Jianguo didn't understand much, he recognized its value and responded with more polite words.
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