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My Tenant is a Female Ghost
Holidays are never long enough. Over the past few days, Miao Xiaoqi has taken Bai Zhuo and a few other outsiders to explore the surrounding scenic spots. The beautiful landscapes and fresh exotic customs have truly captivated them, leaving them reluctant to leave. Before they knew it, it was already the last day of the National Day holiday.
"Qi, I will miss you!" At the airport, Miao Xiaoqi, Yang Liu, and Ge Shui Lian embraced quietly together. Miao Xiaoqi's eyes were red, and she couldn't help but feel like crying. "Sister Yang Liu, Sister Shui Lian, I will definitely come to see you!"
"Yes, it's a promise!"
Bai Zhuo said, "Alright, alright, stop being sentimental. Your flight is about to take off; let’s go."
Ge Shui Lian couldn't help but ask, "Bai Zhuo, what exactly do you have to do in Sichuan Province?"
"Of course I have things to do. You all should head back quickly. If anything comes up, just call me. I'll be back tomorrow. Hurry up; the flight attendant is waiting for you."
Yang Liu and Ge Shui Lian waved goodbye to Miao Xiaoqi as they set off on their return journey. Bai Zhuo checked the time and said, "Qi, my flight is about to board too; you should head back first."
"Brother Bai."
"Yes? What is it?"
Bai Zhuo turned to look at Miao Xiaoqi in confusion, only to see her closing her eyes and leaning in with her lips puckered. His heart skipped a beat as he recalled that night when Miao Xiaoqi's soft lips had touched his. A hint of panic flashed in his eyes as he quickly pressed down on Miao Xiaoqi. Her face turned red as she opened her eyes and pouted in dissatisfaction while staring at Bai Zhuo in silence, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Qi, you... you're only sixteen; this isn't right..." Bai Zhuo felt somewhat guilty and averted his gaze.
However, Miao Xiaoqi said nothing; she simply looked at Bai Zhuo with a pitiful expression, resembling an adorable cat begging for food. Bai Zhuo felt flustered under her gaze and decided to give in; he released his grip on her shoulders. Instantly, Miao Xiaoqi broke into a victorious smile.
Miao Xiaoqi had not yet fully grown; she wasn't very tall either. If Bai Zhuo didn't bend down, she wouldn't be able to reach him for a kiss. He slightly bent down while Miao Xiaoqi closed her eyes and stood on her tiptoes, gently pressing her lips against his. The fragrance from the sachet mixed with Miao Xiaoqi's body scent was delightful.
There was no tension, no anxiety, and no sense of guilt. It was calm and warm; everything felt so natural.
Miao Xiaoqi tilted her head slightly and smiled with her eyes narrowed: "Brother Bai, wait for me."
The plane took off, and Bai Zhuo sat in his seat, lost in thought. His emotions seemed to be trapped in a quagmire, deeply sunk and unable to escape. He liked Ouyang Shirei, and he had already risked his life to save her, willing to give up everything for her.
However, this inexplicable feeling from Miao Xiaoqi caught him off guard, leaving him unsure of how to respond. He had only spent a little over two months with Miao Xiaoqi and thought her feelings for him were merely a fleeting infatuation. His promise of two years was meant to help her forget him, but the current situation was not unfolding as he had hoped.
"Excuse me, sir... excuse me!"
"Huh? What is it?" Bai Zhuo was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't heard the flight attendant.
The flight attendant leaned down with a professional smile and said to Bai Zhuo, "Sir, there’s a friend outside who is flying for the first time and would like a window seat. Would you be willing to swap seats with this friend?"
The flight attendant had an attractive figure, and her low-cut uniform accentuated her curves even more as she bent down. Bai Zhuo smiled and replied, "Sure, but you have to agree to one request of mine."
As a flight attendant, she had encountered many peculiar passengers despite the cramped space of the cabin. She neither rejected nor accepted Bai Zhuo's request but said, "Sir, please tell me your request first, and I'll see if I can accommodate it."
Seeing that the flight attendant was not easily swayed, Bai Zhuo shrugged in disinterest and unbuckled his seatbelt. "Just bring me a pack of peanuts."
The flight attendant smiled, stood up, and retrieved a pack of airline peanuts for Bai Zhuo. The child's father thanked Bai Zhuo and helped his child switch seats with him.
This brief interlude interrupted Bai Zhuo's train of thought. He sighed deeply and murmured to himself, "Well... let it be."
"Hey? So it's you, big brother!" The child's father looked at Bai Zhuo and asked curiously, "Do I know you?"
"Oh no, not really. I just happened to see you kissing that girl at the airport; it left quite an impression. Big brother, judging by your girlfriend's age, she looks about sixteen or seventeen?"
Talking about Miao Xiaoqi made Bai Zhuo feel somewhat guilty. He was conflicted inside and sighed, "A lovely girl who deserves better... I truly am a beast."
The man was quite chatty. "Ha! Big brother, don’t say that! You’re dragging me into this too! My wife is six years older than me! Haha... That girl seems sweet and genuinely likes you. If you choose to be with her, don’t give up!"
However, Bai Zhuo showed little interest in the conversation, shaking his head without responding.
Bai Zhuo opened the bag of Peanuts and poured them into his palm. He let out a soft whistle. Suddenly, the collar of his shirt behind him began to flutter, and a Crimson-colored sparrow peeked out. This sparrow had a brown beak, and its Crimson feathers were exceptionally bright, wrapped in a layer of fiery plumage. Its lively eyes glanced around for a moment before spotting the Peanuts in Bai Zhuo's hand. It chirped excitedly and hopped onto his palm to peck at the Peanuts.
The man sitting next to Bai Zhuo exclaimed, "Blood Sparrow?"
"Shh~" Bai Zhuo placed a finger on his lips, signaling the man to be quiet. The man lowered his voice, "But it doesn't seem like a Blood Sparrow; its tail isn't that long."
"His name is Rouge," Bai Zhuo said as he stroked Rouge. "He is a descendant of peacocks but not exactly a peacock."
The man marveled, "What is that then? Is it a phoenix? Where did you get it?"
Bai Zhuo shook his head. "This is... a gift from that girl’s Great-Grandmother." Indeed, this fiery bird was the second gift given to Bai Zhuo by the Great-Grandmother. As for the grand gift she mentioned for the entire family, it was related to his engagement banquet with Miao Xiaoqi.
Sichuan Province was relatively close to Yun Province, and with no incidents along the way, Bai Zhuo arrived safely at his destination. He bought himself a new phone and called Hu Fei.
"Hey? Is that you, Bai Zhuo? Nephew, what can I do for you?"
"Uncle Hu, I wanted to ask about the victim Li Yue. Have her family been informed?"
"Well..." Hu Fei sighed. "Considering many victims' family situations, there are some families who haven't been informed about their loved ones' deaths yet. We plan to raise some funds before the New Year... Li Yue is on that list."
"Oh, Uncle Hu, I understand now. I'm currently in Sichuan Province; I'll handle Li Yue's situation myself."
"You'll take care of it? Oh, I forgot you knew her... Since you know Li Yue, I'll leave everything to you."
"Got it, Uncle Hu. Please send me the specific address; I'm already in northern Sichuan."
"Sure thing. Oh right, when you come back, bring Elder Ge along and let's have dinner at my place!"
"Alright, Uncle Hu."
Li Yue's home was deep in the Qin Mountains, difficult to find. There were no roads leading into the mountains, and it was only thanks to Bai Zhuo renting an off-road motorcycle that he managed to locate Li Yue's house in the village by noon. At first glance, Li Yue's house seemed quite large. However, made of yellow earth and yellow bricks, topped with a layer of mud tiles, it appeared rather simple. A woman was drying chili peppers in the yard when the sound of Bai Zhuo's motorcycle startled her. She asked, "Who are you?"
The woman's Mandarin was heavily accented, but Bai Zhuo understood her. He replied, "Hello, Auntie. Is this Li Yue's home?"
"Li Yue? That's my daughter. Who are you?"
Bai Zhuo stopped the motorcycle and answered, "Oh, Auntie, I'm a friend of Li Yue's. I came from Jiangnan to visit Sichuan Province for some sightseeing. Li Yue asked me to check in on you both."
The woman remained unfazed as she continued to work on her chili peppers. "That girl Li Yue hasn't been home in three years... Aside from sending money back every year, what good is she? It's just the same without her."
"Well... actually, Li Yue still thinks about you both..."
"Old man? Who's out there?"
"Oh, just a friend of that dead girl. You can come out and see for yourself; I'm busy."
As she said this, a middle-aged man peeked out from the house. He was dressed neatly but looked quite worn down; his pants were clearly too short. Upon hearing news of his daughter, he rushed out and asked Bai Zhuo, "Li Yue, my daughter—she hasn't come back?"
Bai Zhuo shook his head. "No, she hasn't returned. She asked me to come and check on how things are at home."
"My daughter—how is she?"
Bai Zhuo hesitated for a moment before forcing a smile. "Um, she's doing well; life in Jiangnan is treating her nicely. She's just very busy and hardly has any free time."
The middle-aged man sighed in relief upon hearing this. "That's good... that's good."
"Oh, by the way, where's Li Yue's brother?"
"Ah, he went down the mountain to sell chili peppers. Come in, sit down, have you eaten? Try some hot noodles!" The middle-aged man grabbed Bai Zhuo's arm and pulled him into the house.
The man's grip was strong, his hands rough and calloused. Bai Zhuo quickly declined, "Uncle, that's not necessary! I still have things to do." He took out a bankbook and handed it to the middle-aged man. "Uncle, this is money for Uncle Li, all earned by your daughter. The password is her birthday!"
The middle-aged man, upon hearing this, did not examine the bankbook closely. "Kid, if she’s not coming back, what do I need her money for?"
Bai Zhuo was momentarily taken aback, feeling a pang in his heart. He shook his head, freed himself from the man's grasp, and stepped outside, preparing to leave.
Li Yue's father stared blankly at the bankbook in his hands, unable to speak for a long time. As Bai Zhuo's motorcycle roared to life, Li Yue's father suddenly dashed out of the yard and blocked Bai Zhuo's path.
"Kid! What’s going on? Over a million?"
Bai Zhuo nodded with a smile. "Yes, this is Li Yue's way of honoring her parents. It also includes her brother's tuition. Please take it!"
Li Father opened the bankbook again and looked closely; indeed, there were six zeros in a row. Realization dawned on him as tears filled his eyes. He choked out, "Kid, my daughter... is she really okay?"
Bai Zhuo took a deep breath, unsure how to respond.
"Kid, tell me the truth—she's okay, right?"
Of that over a million, about a hundred thousand was Li Yue's own money; the rest came from the check Bai Zhuo had deposited.
Should he tell him the truth? Bai Zhuo pondered.
Li Father’s tears flowed freely as he asked again. Suddenly, Bai Zhuo smiled. "Uncle Li, what are you thinking? Li Yue is doing well in Jiangnan; why are you crying?"
"I don't believe it! My daughter only sends back ten or twenty thousand occasionally... How could it be over a million all at once? I can't believe it!"
Bai Zhuo discreetly wiped away a tear from the corner of his eye. "Uncle Li... your intuition is really sharp..."
"Indeed, has something happened to my daughter?" Li Father asked, his voice trembling with emotion as he pressed Bai Zhuo for answers.
"Uncle Li, where are your thoughts wandering?" Bai Zhuo replied with a smile. "Li Yue is doing just fine. She married into a good family, a foreigner, and she's quite busy with work, so she doesn't have much time to come back. This is her betrothal gift. Li Yue told me she misses you very much. After going abroad, she has even less chance to return home. She asked me to send her regards and not to worry too much about her."
Upon hearing this, Li Father wiped away his tears. "Ah... my daughter has made something of herself, truly made something of herself..."
After bidding farewell, Bai Zhuo rode away on his motorcycle from Li Yue's home and left the village behind. The one million yuan check was given to him by that Crazy Woman's daughter. He had called the woman who issued the check a foolish woman, but wasn't he just as foolish himself?
As the motorcycle sped further away, Bai Zhuo couldn't help but glance back one last time.
Li Father knelt on the ground, weeping silently, his disheveled hair buried deep in the yellow mud as he bowed several times before the million-yuan savings book.
It turned out that Li Father had already guessed the truth of the matter; he simply chose to believe Bai Zhuo's lie. He wanted to tell this lie to his wife and son—that his daughter was living well abroad.
Bai Zhuo couldn't help but think of his own parents, tears welling in his eyes.
Nanyang Sorcerer? I cannot rest until you are dead; it’s only a matter of time. I will make you wish you had never been born! (To be continued.)
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