I spent the entire night with Ruo Yu, but we still couldn't find anything unusual.
However, it wasn't impossible that something with a bit of sentience had developed in the house over time.
As dawn approached, we finally couldn't hold on any longer and each went back to our rooms to rest!
In the morning, just as we were sleeping soundly, we were abruptly awakened by a series of urgent knocks on the door.
I slipped on my flip-flops and went downstairs to open the door. It was Shen Tao, accompanied by a well-dressed middle-aged couple.
The couple's faces clearly showed signs of suspicion.
Shen Tao shot me a glance and then welcomed the two into the house. "Mr. Zhang, Madam Zhang, please come in. Don’t let his youth and disheveled appearance fool you; our Boss is truly capable."
He gave a thumbs-up and continued, "You must have heard about the Jiang family situation; it was all resolved thanks to our Boss's efforts. You saw them just a few days ago—alive and well!"
Shen Tao ushered them into the office and respectfully offered them tea.
"You know, anyone with great talent often has an unusual temperament. When I first visited the Jiang family, we had a disagreement and I nearly walked out!" Shen Tao's words seemed to impress the couple.
Taking advantage of the moment, I quickly freshened up and changed my clothes. I no longer wore my old gray robe; instead, I put on sneakers, jeans, and a t-shirt. I looked just like any other passerby on the street.
Madam Zhang rubbed her neck and said, "Shen, turn up the air conditioning!"
Shen Tao's expression changed dramatically as he glanced at the air conditioning unit glowing red.
Madam Zhang was so startled that she froze in place, trembling slightly. Seizing the opportunity, I stepped in and shouted into thin air, "Xuan, go play somewhere else! Remember, only those who sneak in are bad people. You can't play tricks on our guests!"
Madam Zhang and Mr. Zhang exchanged glances while I took a seat across from them. "I apologize, Madam Zhang. In our line of work, we often have our days and nights mixed up."
Madam Zhang touched her neck again and said, "Oh? It really doesn't feel cold anymore? And I don't feel that weight pressing down on me either!"
I smiled and explained, "I'm sorry; it was just some mischief from the spirits at home that startled you!"
Only then did Mr. Zhang take a proper look at me and say in a deep voice, "If it weren't for Mr. Jiang's recommendation, we wouldn't have found you."
He pulled out an envelope and tossed it onto the table with a thud, a thick stack that seemed to carry weight.
"Our daughter is missing. Even the police can't find her. We have no choice!"
He then took out a photograph from his pocket and slapped it down on the table.
I picked up the photo and looked at it. The girl in it was very cute, wearing a backpack and sporting a bob haircut. Her bright eyes looked at me with a smile.
Zhang Zong said, "We've searched both the underworld and the legitimate world, but there's still no news. It's been a week already."
I replied seriously, "Her name and birth date!"
Zhang Zong seemed displeased that I interrupted him, but Zhang Madam took out a piece of paper from her handbag and handed it to me.
I glanced at it. Zhang Ningning!
Though I didn't understand fortune-telling, I could still gauge life and death.
Zhang Madam asked, "Master, should we avoid this?"
I waved my hand dismissively. "No need." I walked over to the Buddha altar nearby and lit an incense stick.
Then I pressed my palms together, closed my eyes, and recited a spell. With close relatives present, it would be easier to seek answers.
After a while, I opened my eyes. "Your daughter is still alive!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Madam rushed over and grabbed my arm. "Really? Where is Ningning now?"
I shook my head. "I'm not a deity; I can only make a rough judgment based on the connection between your blood relations."
I paused before continuing, "As for more information, we will have to search slowly."
Zhang Madam froze upon hearing this, then collapsed into Zhang Zong's arms, crying uncontrollably. She pounded her fists against him in desperation, exclaiming, "Zhang Yong, if anything happens to Ningning, I won't live!"
Zhang Zong nodded apologetically and reassured, "What good are those things now? The most important thing is how to find Ningning."
Zhang Madam finally calmed down, her eyes red, and her hair, which had been neatly pinned up, was now disheveled.
"Do you have confidence in finding Ningning? Money is not an issue!" Zhang Zong asked.
I picked up the money he had thrown on the table earlier and said, "Zhang Zong, I won't indulge in empty promises or sweet talk. I can only tell you that I will do my best. Additionally, this money serves as a deposit; other expenses will be reimbursed. Regardless of whether we find her or not, I will charge for my services!"
Zhang Zong frowned slightly, but Zhang Madam nodded eagerly, "No problem, we agree! We both agree!"
I continued, "I believe you must have some clues in hand, no matter how small or where they come from; I need a copy of them. Also, I need an item that Zhang Ningning carries with her. If convenient, I'd like to take a look around your house as well."
Seeing my determination, Zhang Zong replied, "Sure!"
I stood up and said, "Then let's go!"
Zhang Zong instinctively asked, "So soon?"
I smiled and replied, "Time is money! Besides, don’t you want to see your daughter as soon as possible?"
Zhang Zong's home was located in the affluent area of the city center, lavishly decorated. I took a tour around his house, focusing on Zhang Ningning's room. The room was painted pink and filled with several stuffed toys!
Zhang Madam pointed to a spotted dog plush toy and said, "This doll was given to her by her father; Ningning hugs it every night. Do you think this item will work?"
I nodded and picked up the doll.
There was nothing amiss in the house; my initial assessment suggested it had nothing to do with ghosts or monsters.
Having money certainly made a difference; the efficiency was impressive. Just as I was about to leave, a man in a suit rushed in, slightly out of breath. "Zhang Zong, I've organized all the information. It's all here!"
Zhang Zong nodded. I exchanged a glance with Ruo Yu, who took the documents.
"Zhang Zong, Zhang Madam, please wait at home for updates. I will keep you informed of any progress!"
Zhang Madam smiled at me and said, "Then I’ll leave it to you. We’re counting on you for Ning Ning..."
Zhang Zong politely insisted on inviting us to dinner, but I knew I had to make a strong impression with my first business deal. I couldn’t afford to ruin my reputation.
Moreover, it didn’t seem appropriate in this situation. "Zhang Zong, Zhang Madam, do you really think I’d hesitate to come over for a meal? Once I find Ning Ning, even if you don’t invite me, I’ll shamelessly drop by for food."
Zhang Zong saw us out the door while Zhang Madam kept chatting away. She no longer resembled a wealthy lady; she was just a grieving mother who had lost her child.
Once I got home, I locked myself in my room and immersed myself in all the available information.
I couldn’t afford to overlook any small clue. It had been so long since the case occurred that even the police were at a loss. Therefore, I had to work even harder if I wanted a chance!
No matter what, I had to succeed with this first business deal!
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