Chapter 20: A Major Deal?

Half a month had passed since his return to the country. In this time, Qi Yan’s life had been relatively peaceful; at least nothing strange had happened again. No run-ins with ghosts, no visits from shady groups, not even the nightmares he had feared had resurfaced. In fact, everything seemed to be going surprisingly well. He’d managed to replace his documents, passport, and get a new phone card—all done smoothly, as if fortune had finally favored him. There were no unexpected twists, which was almost a shock given the nerve-wracking events he’d endured before.

There was just one thing: that amulet... It absolutely refused to leave him. He’d tried countless times over the past days—throwing it into water, rivers, burying it, even destroying it—but nothing worked. The moment he discarded it, before long, it would reappear, always somehow back in his possession.

Perhaps these ordinary days had dulled the sharp edge of his previous fears. It was impossible to forget entirely, but at least he’d had some time to adjust his life, to find a buffer against the lingering unease.

After considering things for two days at home, Qi Yan finally accepted Li Ruoke’s proposal: to join her at her shop and help run her chaotic little business together. It was a decision made in the haze of uncertainty—a hasty answer to his muddled thoughts. After all, he could set aside the horrors for now, but basic life needed a plan.

He’d had enough adventure and “excitement” in Thailand. He’d intended to find a new job after returning, and now that someone had offered him one, even if it seemed abrupt, it certainly wasn’t a bad turn. Li Ruoke’s terms were generous, especially considering they’d only just met, with no prior connection, and she was offering him work out of gratitude.

He became a partner, with profits split sixty-forty based on net revenue. There were no strict working hours or fixed shifts; even if he went elsewhere to be a waiter at a leisure bar, he’d never get such a deal.

Her studio focused on online marketing. Qi Yan had never run a micro-business or e-commerce himself, but it was easy enough to pick up. The real challenge was expanding the client network, which required time and persistence.

He had little to offer in terms of resources, so most of his role was learning and assisting, which was only fair.

His schedule was simple: arrive at the studio by ten at the latest, with flexible end times, never later than nine in the evening, and meals were included.

As for the work itself, it was straightforward—following Li Ruoke’s instructions to add new contacts through various channels, promote on social media, regularly update product information online, and handle logistics and inventory spreadsheets.

Li Ruoke herself, despite being a woman, had a remarkable personality—not the gentle type, but bold and energetic, the kind who could carry three boxes up six flights of stairs without breaking a sweat.

They were the same age, and working together was free from the rigid rules of an office; it was casual and easy. Qi Yan had never realized work could be so relaxed.

The key was that she was extraordinarily talkative—perhaps because she hadn’t attended university and had entered society early, running her own business for years. Her experience was far broader than her brother, a bookish type still sheltered in the ivory tower.

“Knows half of what’s in the sky, and everything on earth,” as the saying goes—an exaggerated compliment, but it captured the breadth of her knowledge. It was normal for a businessperson, especially in her line, where persuasion was vital.

Every day, Qi Yan handled inventory, lists, and advertising on his laptop and phone. Once he was familiar with the routine, Li Ruoke could devote her time entirely to maintaining clients and running the online store.

Li Lan hadn’t exaggerated—she really had tens of thousands of followers on Weibo and over a thousand contacts on WeChat. Not excessive, but her clientele was mostly young people from the city or nearby provinces—quality over quantity.

She’d started with free Tarot readings on WeChat to attract clients, then began charging once her reputation grew—fifty yuan per astrological reading, all remote, pure profit, with a dozen or more clients daily. That added up quickly.

As for the amulets, those were real merchandise, and she was principled, refusing to sell counterfeits. Her amulets were all brought from Thailand, blessed by masters, with each sale yielding hundreds in profit.

Li Lan’s trip to Thailand had been to fetch new stock for her. Of course, that batch had been lost.

She didn’t sell the fake “yin” amulets, either—the ones she showed Qi Yan had only been for demonstration, since such items were taboo in China and didn’t sell well.

Then there were Thai latex pillows, mattresses, bird’s nest, medicines—all popular products. Thailand rarely dealt in counterfeits, especially medicines, which were strictly regulated; selling fake drugs there could mean the death penalty.

With all these businesses combined, monthly profits could easily surpass ten thousand.

Qi Yan worked there for more than ten days, getting along well with everyone. Life had shifted from stormy chaos back to tranquil calm.

But one day, a flashy “big spender” came to the shop. Qi Yan returned from the courier company at noon to find Li Ruoke talking business with a striking young man.

He was only a few years older, with short purple hair, leather jacket, leather pants, leather boots—a sleeveless vest studded with spikes, looking every bit the punk musician.

How did Qi Yan know he was someone important? It was obvious.

He lounged with one leg crossed, wore earrings, lip rings, arms covered in tattoos, and, most tellingly, had two iPhone 10s beside him—two! He fiddled with a gleaming silver Zippo, clicking it open and shut, his expression and demeanor radiating confidence. Either a nouveau riche or the offspring of wealth. When Qi Yan came downstairs, he’d seen a Porsche sports car parked outside, decorated to match the young man’s style—it must belong to him.

“So that’s settled, I’ll be off now. Don’t forget the time!” the punk said, rising to leave just as Qi Yan returned.

Once he left, Qi Yan sat down, looking nervous. “I’m just getting used to this job, don’t tell me you’ve caught the eye of some rich heir and he’s planning to keep you?”

Li Ruoke, already pretty without makeup, looked even more refined with a touch of it. She was elegant and capable—surely many men liked her.

But hearing Qi Yan’s words, she raised her brows. “What nonsense! If I were that kind of person, would I still be working so hard for myself and Lan’s tuition? You’re just in time. Let’s talk business.”

“You really do seem to bring money with you. Since you joined me, business has been booming! Did you see the guy who just left? He’s called Yang Han, and he is a rich second generation—not a nouveau riche. This weekend, he’s invited me to his place.”

“This Young Master Yang is an old client of mine. He’s wealthy, forward-thinking yet traditional. A few months ago, before you came, he was introduced by another client and bought seven amulets in one go! On the twelfth, he’s hosting a pool party at his villa in the suburbs.”

Qi Yan interrupted, “Why does he need you for a party? Is he planning to consult the stars for a good date?”

“Not at all, let me finish. He has the means and the venue; inviting friends over is perfectly normal. He wants me there because some of his friends are interested in amulets. They're all acquaintances, so he thought it’d be a good opportunity to introduce me to new clients.”

Qi Yan paused, finally understanding. “So he’s inviting friends over, and you along, giving you a chance to pitch your business?”

“Exactly,” Li Ruoke nodded. “The twelfth is Saturday. Keep that day free and come with me.”

Qi Yan was surprised. “Oh, you want me to come too?”

“Of course! We’re partners now, aren’t we? For a big deal like this, we should go together. Besides, it wouldn’t be proper for me, as a woman, to go alone.”