Translator: CinderTL
"So how do we stop this from happening?" Jiang Cheng asked. "I mean, once we find the person chosen by the Blood Contract, is there any way to extract it?"
"There's no way," Gong Zhe's voice replied over the phone. "The only option is to execute them before they trigger a larger crisis."
"Ah, that sounds rather straightforward," Jiang Cheng said indifferently, changing the subject. "How's the investigation into that Fatty's background going?"
"He's clean," Gong Zhe answered. "My people have confirmed his identity. The problem lies with his memory. To put it simply, his current identity is a fantasy he created."
"Multiple personalities?" Jiang Cheng had suspected as much earlier.
"Sort of, but it's not as complicated as you might think," Gong Zhe explained. "He likely suffered some kind of trauma that triggered this. We've compiled all the relevant information, and I can send it to you if you need it."
Regardless, the fact that Fatty was clean was definitely good news. They agreed that Gong Zhe would return him as soon as possible.
Jiang Cheng, as promised, released the woman and her companion.
Once only Jiang Cheng and Huai Yi remained in the room, the latter eagerly approached. "Brother Jiang, who was on the phone just now? They sounded really powerful."
"The big brother of the Night Watchers," Jiang Cheng said off the cuff.
"Holy shit!" Huai Yi exclaimed, genuinely shocked. "Crimson still has connections with the Night Watchers?"
Jiang Cheng glanced at Huai Yi, brushing off nonexistent dust from his shoulder. "Xiao Huai, remember this: the jianghu isn't about fighting and killing. It's about human relationships and social dynamics."
The more Huai Yi pondered this, the more profound it seemed, and his gaze toward Jiang Cheng grew increasingly respectful.
With the matter resolved, Jiang Cheng told Huai Yi to stay overnight and left first, taking the other phone from the bathroom before he left.
The woman had heard Jiang Cheng's words—the recording played on the phone—when she entered the room.
Back in his studio, Jiang Cheng wasn't as calm as he appeared. He sat alone on the sofa, a faint scent of blood lingering in the air.
Without a doubt, the ghost had chosen Lin Wan'er as its new vessel.
He refused to believe this was an unsolvable problem. He decided to re-enter the supernatural event to search for answers, even though it might not be helpful. At least it was better than doing nothing.
He would find the supernatural event on the website Huai Yi had provided. This time, to reduce internal conflict within the team, Jiang Cheng planned to go as a group.
Lin Wan'er had to come along, of course. This was about resolving the hidden threat within her. Fatty was also essential. And Huai Yi seemed like a decent choice too.
Beyond that, Jiang Cheng thought of another candidate: Chen Qiang, whom he'd met in the ancient book.
Though young, Chen Qiang was calm-headed, clear-thinking, and knew how to assess the situation. After leaving the ancient book, Jiang Cheng had someone verify his identity, and everything seemed to check out.
With this in mind, Jiang Cheng pulled out his phone and sent Pi Ruan a WeChat message before going to sleep.
When he woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. He first called Lin Wan'er, who sounded completely recovered and was busy with her own affairs.
She had no memory of what had happened recently, so Jiang Cheng naturally didn't bring it up. He simply reminded her to take care of herself.
Opening WeChat, Jiang Cheng was surprised to see that the message he'd sent last night was still unread. Pi Ruan hadn't replied.
Jiang Cheng had known Pi Ruan for several years, and this was the first time he'd ever been ignored.
Remembering Lin Wan'er's mention of Pi Ruan being ill, Jiang Cheng decided not to call him again. Instead, he went directly to Pi Ruan's company.
Outside the office, Jiang Cheng bumped into a young woman in a white shirt and professional skirt suit, hurrying past.
It was Miss Lin, Pi Ruan's secretary.
Upon seeing Jiang Cheng, Miss Lin's previously haggard face brightened, her eyes sparkling. "Dr. Jiang, what brings you here?"
"I came to check on Pi Ruan," Jiang Cheng said. "I heard he's ill."
At this, Miss Lin's eyes dimmed. "Dr. Jiang, President Pi isn't doing well right now. He's been pushed to the brink."
"What happened?"
"President Xue's family has been causing trouble every day lately, claiming there are problems with the company's accounts. They want to strip President Pi of his authority and remove him from the board of directors," Miss Lin whispered. "His mansion has already been repossessed, and his bank accounts frozen. But those people still won't let him go. They've even spread rumors about joining forces to sue him, demanding he return all the money he's spent over the years, or they'll send him to prison."
Jiang Cheng frowned. "What about Xue Jinhua? Hasn't she spoken up for Pi Ruan?"
Xue Jinhua was Pi Ruan's girlfriend. She had just turned 80 this year, and Jiang Cheng had been invited to her birthday banquet not long ago. It was through Jiang Cheng's connections that the two had first gotten together.
"President Xue said she's not feeling well and has gone abroad for medical treatment. Her phone is unreachable," Miss Lin said with a dismissive smirk, as if hinting at something.
Jiang Cheng immediately understood: Xue Jinhua was preparing to discard Pi Ruan now that she was done with him. The excuse about the company's financial irregularities was just a smokescreen.
Their feelings had faded, and they were parting ways—not a big deal in itself. Jiang Cheng didn't believe Pi Ruan had ever truly loved Xue Jinhua.
But Xue Jinhua's actions were utterly disgraceful. Not only was she refusing compensation, but she was also demanding that Pi Ruan reimburse her for all previous expenses. With his bank accounts, luxury cars, and mansion frozen, Pi Ruan had no money left.
Wasn't this tantamount to driving him to suicide?
At the same time, Jiang Cheng suddenly remembered Pi Ruan had approached him not long ago, asking about Xue Jinhua's assets. Jiang Cheng had scolded him at the time. Now, he realized Pi Ruan had probably sensed the impending crisis even then.
"Dr. Jiang, you must help President Pi," Miss Lin pleaded, her eyes red-rimmed. Their relationship was ambiguous, something anyone could see. "Even the hotel where you stayed last night was arranged privately by President Pi through the manager, and he paid for it himself."
Jiang Cheng's pupils narrowed. Pi Ruan had shares in the Golden Sail Hotel, which was why Jiang Cheng had asked him to make the arrangements.
Jiang Cheng paused for a moment, then turned to Miss Lin. "After something like this happened, why didn't you call me?"
"I wanted to call you, but President Pi wouldn't let me," Miss Lin explained urgently.
Jiang Cheng nodded. "Alright, I understand. You can go now."
With that, Jiang Cheng ignored Miss Lin, turned, took a few quick steps, and pushed open the office door.
He had been in Pi Ruan's office before. It was decorated in an extravagant, ostentatious style. But now, the floor was littered with shredded paper and shattered porcelain, creating a scene of utter chaos.
Pi Ruan sat behind his desk, a bandage wrapped around his head, his face etched with worry as he stared at a piece of paper. It was undoubtedly a final ultimatum of some kind.
(End of the Chapter)
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