Chapter 21: The New District Villa

To speak of this young master surnamed Yang, he could be considered an eccentric figure in the city of Xinzhou. Like many of the second-generation heirs with immense family fortunes, he had plenty of leisure time and a vibrant social life, but truthfully, none of them were particularly distinguished. It was simply a group of wealthy youths gathering together, indulging in extravagance and debauchery.

His family owned numerous properties in the city center, and they had a spot in the newly developed wellness villa district of Huanye in Xinzhou as well. It was said that Young Master Yang had long wanted to invite some friends over for a gathering at his villa, and this time, the theme was a pool party.

Since all the guests were under thirty, making the party stylish and grand was only fitting. If it was just drinking, singing, and clubbing as always, it would be unbearably dull. The party was set for the evening of the 12th of this month. Normally, Li Ruoke would never attend such events, but this time she had business to promote.

To be honest, Li Ruoke had made a name for herself in some local circles over the past few years by selling Buddhist amulets. Most notably, she was known as the beautiful shop owner and an internet celebrity. Yang Han had previously bought seven amulets from her, all at fixed prices. Regardless of whether the amulets truly brought him good luck, they were authentic, with impeccable craftsmanship and appearance.

Trends are set when one person influences a crowd. With Yang Han suddenly buying so many amulets and wearing them daily, his friends naturally noticed, began to inquire, and soon wanted their own. Did any of these people truly believe in the spiritual power behind the amulets? Not at all—it was simply that the charms looked good, were in vogue, and in times of misfortune, everyone seeks a psychological crutch.

Thus, Yang Han’s real motive in inviting her was to have someone to sell amulets at the party. His friends weren’t devout believers; they just wanted to follow the trend. It wasn’t as if they’d invite a mysterious master to preach at such a gathering.

How could Li Ruoke, the beautiful shop owner, refuse such an opportunity? A group of wealthy young men and women wanting to buy amulets from her—she’d be a fool to miss out. As long as she was well-prepared, how many amulets could she sell in one night?

After lunch, the two of them prepared to set off. The Huanye district was quite far from the city center, essentially a suburb. With no traffic, it was about an hour’s drive.

In the taxi, Qi Yan looked uncomfortable. Casting a sidelong glance at Li Ruoke, he asked, “For such a lively party, you won’t even bring your little brother, but you’re taking Sherry instead—what’s that about?”

Li Ruoke had three pets: a Siamese cat named Lulul, a toy poodle named Peanut, and a bichon named Sherry—just enough for a table of drinks. Qi Yan had once joked that she might as well get a hamster and name it “Dice,” to complete the set.

Cradling the fluffy, cotton ball-like dog, Li Ruoke replied affectionately, “No choice. Xiaolan’s started school, and if I’m not in the shop, Sherry won’t stop yapping. There’ve already been plenty of complaints from the neighbors and the property manager. So I’m bringing her along—she’s quite well-behaved.”

Since it was a pool party, they had gone to the mall the day before and chosen new swimsuits, each costing several hundred. They couldn’t hope to outdo the local tycoons, but at least they wouldn’t look shabby.

Li Ruoke was full of energy for the day and brimming with confidence. “Just watch. It’s only a bunch of rich kids with more money than sense. Dealing with clients like them is child’s play. If I don’t sell at least five amulets tonight, I’ll change my name!”

She was attending as a businesswoman with commercial intentions, but Qi Yan was deeply uneasy, instinctively feeling the ghost amulet in his pocket.

Why was he uneasy? The reason was simple—he had been exceedingly cautious in every social interaction lately, not daring to argue or get into conflicts with anyone.

He hadn’t always been like this. In the past, if someone insulted him, he could retort tenfold without repeating himself. If someone threw a punch, he’d grab a brick and charge right in. When the drums of war sounded, who was afraid of whom?

But things were different now. He carried with him a fiercely protective vengeful spirit—one wrong word could get someone killed. That was no joke.

Just look at what happened to Xu Dan, who nearly had her mouth torn apart simply for teasing him as a friend.

Qi Yan had no doubt; if any of these wealthy heirs dared to mock this penniless merchant at the party, well… what happened next would not be pretty. And regardless of the outcome, Qi Yan himself would be forced to pay a “protection fee”—no one would come out ahead.

Those two water corpses in Haimu Ditch were fierce, weren’t they? Those criminals with the surname Zhao were desperate men, weren’t they? But when the “Ghost Mother” he had invited lost her temper, she didn’t discriminate.

So today, he resolved to be nothing but Li Ruoke’s background prop, no matter how wild or unruly the party became. He would keep a low profile and avoid attracting attention—he didn’t want to see the night end with a few guests lying on the floor.

Yet, it was strange. Ever since he had become close with Li Ruoke, they often joked and bantered, but nothing ever happened to her.

Was it possible that the amulets she revered truly offered some protection against evil spirits?

By the time their taxi reached the new district, it was already evening. The lingering summer heat was oppressive. Huanye was a suburban area undergoing extensive redevelopment, far quieter than the city center.

Yang Han’s villa wasn’t in a typical gated community but further out, almost at the county road. In the southwest province, mountains and rivers began just outside the door—even the city was ringed by greenbelts. The suburb felt almost rural, though it was cleaner and more orderly.

As they neared their destination, Li Ruoke explained, “Yang Han’s family is in real estate. His father went through a lot to choose this villa. It’s a standalone house, very quiet, but with convenient transportation, a prime location, and excellent orientation—a model home for the villa district. The family comes here for vacations, and the house itself is exquisitely decorated. The outdoor pool was only recently built.”

When they finally arrived, they realized the area was still under development. The newly paved roads were lined with freshly transplanted trees, traffic was sparse, and there were only a few direct bus stops from the city.

The villa, the evening’s party venue, stood more “alone” than expected—there were no other buildings nearby, just recently planted landscaping. The nearest construction site was a kilometer away, yet the house already looked like a small manor.

The taxi fare exceeded a hundred. After getting out, Qi Yan took in the illuminated villa and the several luxury cars parked outside. Perhaps it was his nerves, but he suddenly felt a wave of anxiety.

He hadn’t experienced this feeling for half a month now, and this… subtle, inexplicable premonition didn’t seem to come from the ghost amulet he carried.

Qi Yan hadn’t yet realized that his sensitivity to certain things was already beginning to change imperceptibly.