Gu-Gift

Kapitel 8

After going upstairs, I placed the invitation on the table. It was a banquet invitation, its silver border and gold lace design quite eye-catching…

Although I was happy to receive the invitation, I was a little confused. The person who sent the invitation was just a friend of a friend. We had only met a few times and hadn't even exchanged contact information. Why would they suddenly invite me to such a formal banquet?

My greatest strength is that I don't think about things I can't understand, and I don't look for things I can't find.

Because I firmly believe that things that need to be understood will eventually become clear, even if you don't want to. Perhaps it will be a sudden realization, or perhaps someone will tell you. So why bother trying and wasting time?

The reason we can't find certain things is because the world typically experiences a "barrier jump" approximately every two minutes. This jump can cause some barriers to shift, and the number of barriers in the world is far beyond human imagination. If something happens to be on a barrier line, this jump might cause the barrier line to suddenly shift, placing the item in another dimension. This is why, many times, we clearly remember putting something here or there, but then we can't find it when we turn around. The next "barrier jump" might return it to its original position, and the thing you're looking for might suddenly appear in front of you. However, "barrier jumps" have no spatial limitations, meaning that sometimes you might never find that item again. Of course, I believe that most of the time, it's because—we genuinely forget.

Just as I was about to give up pondering why this invitation had come from, fate once again proved my theory to be correct...

Chapter One: The Banquet

Hello, Weiyang Bookstore

"Yes, I'm fine, I'm great." As soon as I heard that voice, that tone, and that teasing, I knew who was on the other end of the phone.

"Li Guandong!"

“Comrade Zuo Weiyang, I am here on behalf of the Party and the people to answer your questions,” Li Guandong said, deliberately lowering his voice and speaking in a very old tone.

"Alright, then may I ask the Party and the people, what's the deal with this invitation from Lüliang?"

I first met Lü Liang at Li Guandong's birthday party. Although Lü Liang was not unpleasant and was very rich, I have never liked wealthy and arrogant people, and I believe that wealthy people are bound to be arrogant; so I didn't have any special impression of him.

Li Guandong and I grew up together as neighbors, practically inseparable since childhood. Although we moved away later, we started keeping in touch more often after Li Guandong accidentally wandered into "Weiyang" one time. But whenever Li Guandong wanted to see me, he would just drive over to pick me up; he rarely called to make an appointment. So I believe Li Guandong must have called because of this invitation.

"Of course it's a good thing, otherwise we wouldn't have found you, Zuo Weiyang," Li Guandong said in his normal voice.

"What do you mean? You're not suggesting I go on blind dates, are you? I'm not so old that I can't get married, and besides, we're not a good match..." I said, a little annoyed.

"Don't overthink it. I'm just introducing you to business so you can make money. What are you thinking about all day long?" Li Guandong laughed so hard he almost couldn't breathe on the other end of the phone.

"Damn it, why didn't you say so earlier? Of course I'd go if there's money to be made, but why do I have to wear a suit? That's ridiculous." I'm used to being thick-skinned, so I didn't feel too embarrassed, especially after hearing that there was money to be made.

“Of course there’s a reason; really, Zuo Weiyang, you’ve fallen so low that you don’t even have a dress? Your life can’t be that impoverished, can it? Do you want your brother to buy you one?” Li Guandong teased again.

"Come on, Zuo Weiyang. Although I'm not as wealthy as Lü Liang, nor do I have as many companies as you, Li Guandong, I certainly don't lack formal wear. Besides, when have I ever embarrassed you when we went out together?" I retorted.

"I can't argue with you, I can't argue with you. I'll come pick you up from your house tomorrow night, okay?" Li Guandong started being solicitous again.

"Come on, keep your car to pick up the little star, I'll drive myself." I didn't want to wait until the banquet was over and see Li Guandong with one woman on each arm saying to me, "You should take a taxi home."

"Okay, okay, dress up nicely tomorrow!"

"I'm already pretty, so I'm hanging up." My skin thickened again.

"Yes, yes, you're beautiful..." I hung up the phone before Li Guandong could finish speaking. How dare he mock my lack of zest for life? Do I look like someone without any zest for life? Unbelievable.

Perhaps it's because of my profession, but I have a deep love for Chinese traditional culture, including clothing, so I own many cheongsams. The styles are mostly modified short versions, but they come in various colors, and some even have graffiti; they have a certain blend of postmodern and traditional elements.

I chose a short, collarless, black silk cheongsam with loose sleeves, embroidered with a large, colorful phoenix. It matched my black silk amulet pouch perfectly. After all, I was going on business, and this was something I absolutely needed to bring. But looking at the phoenix on the cheongsam reminded me of a prince. Once, when I wore this dress with him, he actually said it looked like a wild duck…

"Rich people are just different," I couldn't help but sigh as I drove into the villa area. Speaking of which, my life, Zuo Weiyang's life, isn't bad either; I have seven figures in savings. But compared to them, I always feel there's a gap. This villa area is huge, the layout is so rational, and the environment is amazing. "No wonder a house costs tens of millions," I couldn't help but sigh again, looking at the bird-of-paradise trees planted like weeds along the roadside. The luxury cars in the parking lot made my eyes widen. My Dabao X5, while not embarrassing me, is only considered upper-middle class. And this is just the parking lot for guests; it's already full of foreign luxury cars, with no fewer than twenty Lotus sports cars. Regardless of the model, they all make me incredibly envious.

"One hundred and ninety...one hundred and ninety-six...one hundred and ninety-nine, we've arrived." I counted the house numbers and found Lü Liang's residence. I thought I would find the thronged Villa No. 199 without even looking, but along the way, many houses were also packed with guests... Do these rich people like to throw banquets all the time? I don't believe that so many anniversaries worth celebrating in this world start to be commemorated at the same time.

"Miss, may I ask..." A young man approached me, and I knew he needed to know my name. So I handed him the invitation.

"Ms. Zuo Weiyang has arrived—" the young man announced loudly at the door.

I was about to walk in when I was suddenly slapped on the back. I didn't even need to turn around to know it was Li Guandong, because he was probably the only person I recognized at the entire banquet.

Turning around, he discovered he wasn't alone; beside him stood a stunningly beautiful woman with a gentle smile and a haughty air. She looked vaguely familiar; he guessed she was some minor celebrity—one of Li Guandong's favorite things to do.

“Zuo Weiyang, Lin Hanhan,” Li Guandong introduced.

"Hello, Ms. Lin, I feel like I've seen you somewhere before," I said, extending my hand.

"Maybe it's on TV; my drama is airing right now," Lin Hanhan said casually, without extending her hand. But I wasn't about to leave myself hanging; that would be too embarrassing. So I kept my hand outstretched and turned to Li Guandong, saying, "Hello, Mr. Li, congratulations on finding a new love." Li Guandong awkwardly extended his hand and shook mine, then winked vigorously at me to let me know not to be angry.

You see, although I lost contact with Li Guandong after our family moved away, my grandmother and Grandma Li never lost touch. The two old ladies often go to the temple together, or go shopping, eat out, or play cards, and I usually accompany them and take care of everything. Grandma Li is always beaming with joy because of me. The old lady loves shopping in jewelry stores, and whenever I go with her, she insists on buying me something. The bracelet I'm wearing today was a gift from Li Guandong's grandmother. So, even because of this relationship, Li Guandong still has to appease me. Otherwise, if I cry and say a few words about Li Guandong, no matter how successful he is outside, he'll probably be kneeling on a washboard all night when he gets home. Speaking of which, I even bought that washboard for Grandma Li…

"I was just being polite, because this Mr. Li is always chasing after celebrities." With that, I turned and walked inside. Whether the little star's face was practically green with envy, I didn't care. After only four or five steps, I turned back and said, "Also, I never watch trashy TV dramas." If Li Guandong hadn't been holding Lin Hanhan back, he probably would have come up and scratched me…

"Miss Zuo," I had just stepped into the lobby and hadn't even had a chance to sign anything when Lü Liang came over...

(IV) The Tragedy of Games: Chapter Two - The Lü Brothers

In terms of family background, Li Guandong and Lü Liang are no match. Li Guandong is indeed wealthy, but at best, he comes from a scholarly family. The Lü family, on the other hand, is a prominent and influential family in F City, with connections in both the legitimate and underworld circles; they are considered descendants of a military family. Lü Liang and his uncles are all high-ranking government officials; it's said that Lü Liang's fourth uncle is some kind of director in the General Office of the Central Committee. Lü Liang's mother's family is a well-known business magnate in the area, with interests in jewelry, real estate, insurance, the internet, and many other industries.

In my eyes, wealthy people can be divided into two types: one is the type who is rich and powerful, and the other is also the type who is rich and powerful.

The first type of ostentatious wealth refers to the nouveau riche who treat money like dirt; the most obvious sign is a gold chain around their neck thicker than my finger. The second type of ostentatious wealth refers to those from prestigious families who value money above all else; the most prominent characteristic of these people is that they never carry any spare change.

This Lü Liang was dressed in a tailcoat and wore a pair of gold-rimmed crystal glasses, instantly exuding an air of wealth and power; he clearly belonged to the latter type—the one with immense wealth and influence.

"Miss Zuo, welcome, welcome! I'm so glad you could come," Lü Liang said sincerely, shaking my hand.

"Not at all, how could I refuse Mr. Lü's invitation?" I replied politely.

"Guandong, over here," Lü Liang waved to Li Guandong, who had just finished signing.

Li Guandong then led the slender and graceful Lin Hanhan over. It seemed that after I came in, Lin Hanhan acted coquettishly towards Li Guandong, who stood there with a forced smile.

"Hello, Miss Lin," Lü Liang greeted her politely. It was only then that I realized Lin Hanhan could have such a captivating smile.

"Guandong, you'll have to look after Miss Zuo for me later, she's a very important guest," Lü Liang said, patting Li Guandong on the shoulder. This made Lin Hanhan's smile stiffen slightly, but I found it quite pleasing. I guess this little girl thought Lü Liang wanted Li Guandong to take care of her.

"Mr. Lü, you're too kind. Today..." I really wanted to know what the main topic of today was.

“Miss Zuo, don’t rush, let me introduce you to my younger brother first,” Lü Liang led me to the music hall inside.

“Miss Zuo, the main reason I invited you here today is for my younger brother. He’s been having some problems lately… well, we’ve seen both Western and traditional Chinese medicine doctors, but nothing has worked. Then an old Chinese medicine doctor suggested we try another method, and that’s why…” Lü Liang said in a low voice as he walked around the crowd.

"Is there anything wrong with your brother?" Although I'm used to the evasive questions from patients' families, I still had to ask a few more.

“Normally he’s fine, but sometimes when he has an attack, it’s really terrifying… You’ll understand when you meet him,” Lü Liang said helplessly, taking two glasses of champagne from a waiter’s tray and handing me one.

"Hantian, let me introduce you to a friend," Lü Liang said, patting the young man sitting next to the piano.

"Brother," the man said, standing up when he saw it was Lü Liang and nodding to me.

"Miss Zuo Weiyang, this is my younger brother, Lü Hantian." After Lü Liang finished introducing them, he nodded to me and said, "Miss Zuo, please take care of this. My brother knows his own situation, so you can ask him directly." After I indicated that I understood, Lü Liang went to attend to other guests.

This Lü Hantian looks thinner than his brother and has a more scholarly air about him, though he's about the same height. However, he clearly doesn't have the commanding presence of Lü Liang in the business world; instead, he seems more like a romantic and talented young man.

Another problem is that I can't sense any evil aura about Lü Hantian at all.

“You’re very smart. In such a crowded place, you managed to let me know about you without any distractions,” I said, putting down my champagne.

This Lü Hantian seems to be an interesting person. Unlike most people, he doesn't see encountering a ghost as something shameful. Hearing me speak so directly, he smiled and extended his hand, saying, "Miss Zuo, hello, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"People from your grand mansions really have a lot of rules," I could only extend my hand and shake it.

"Haha, it's a habit I've had since I was little. Let's eat and talk in the garden," Lü Hantian led me to the garden behind the villa. On the far right was a long table of delicious food, which looked incredibly tempting. However, out of politeness, I only took a glass of juice.

“When I realized that I wouldn’t have any problems as long as there were many people, I thought that maybe this gathering would allow me to explain the whole story to you, so…” Lü Hantian said, picking up a plate and putting food on it without showing any fear, which I admired. But how could such an upright and open-minded person attract something unclean?

“I am…” I interrupted Lu Hantian before he could finish speaking.

"Excuse me for interrupting, but I'd like to ask why you're looking for me?" I knew it couldn't possibly be Li Guandong; he never introduces guests to me.

Although I've been in this line of work for many years and have made a name for myself, established families like the Lü family generally don't believe in these things. Even if something really happens, they'll definitely hire an experienced person like my grandmother, not a young girl like me. Wealthy families always seek the most expensive, not necessarily the best.

“Oh, a friend from my university days recommended him to me,” Lü Hantian replied casually. Then she added, “His name is Wang Zi.”

Actually, this is what I really want to know, because Prince once told me that one of his college roommates was from a wealthy family, but he didn't have the airs of a spoiled brat. He even said he'd introduce me to him, but I haven't spoken to him in a long time. Seeing Lü Hantian's demeanor and speech, I suddenly thought, "If he and Prince knew each other, they would definitely be good friends—one reserved and taciturn, the other forthright and bold."

"Go on..." I didn't give Lü Hantian a chance to ask about my relationship with the prince. He seemed to be a pragmatic person, and didn't ask any further questions, but continued talking...

"It all started with a game called Ouija. About two weeks ago, I went out to sea with some friends. We were bored on the boat, so someone suggested telling ghost stories. I don't know how, but we ended up playing this game..."

This kind of game is actually a kind of ghost-summoning technique. In fact, many spells and incantations do not necessarily require expert sorcerers to perform. As long as the method is correct, anyone can do it. It's just that people always forget them—it's easy to invite a god but hard to send him away!

Lü Hantian is the best example I've ever seen...

(IV) The Tragedy of Games: Chapter Three - Ouija Board

This ghost-summoning technique is a branch of mountain spirit control. There are originally 311 types of ghost-summoning techniques, but only 179 have survived from ancient times. It's unclear how more than ten of these techniques ended up among ordinary people, becoming a game among today's youth. Little do they know that those without training in esoteric arts are powerless against the ghostly winds and energy, and the methods passed down in folk traditions are often substandard, leading to countless tragedies. Besides, how can playing with spirits and ghosts go unpaid?

The "Ouija board" that Lü Hantian just mentioned is one of them.

“Mr. Lü…” Before I could finish speaking, Lü Hantian interrupted me. He picked up another bunch of grapes and started eating, saying between bites, “Mr. Lü is my brother, not me. Just call me Hantian. My life depends on Miss Zuo.” Although I was somewhat taken aback by the implied meaning in this rich young master's words, I also felt a little more favorably disposed towards him. “This guy isn’t putting on airs.”

"Okay, Hantian, tell me about what happened that day," Lü Hantian's down-to-earth manner made me decide to stop pretending to be a lady. Instead, I grabbed a plate, filled it with a large plate of food, and placed two forks between Lü Hantian and me. And so, we ate and chatted...

"That night, I don't know what happened. We were planning to have a romantic time, going to the deck to look at the moon and count the stars, but it suddenly started raining. So we just stayed in the cabin playing games or gambling. The girls got bored and started complaining. Then someone suggested telling ghost stories, and somehow, someone started telling the story of the Ouija board. So we decided to play the game according to the story," Lü Hantian popped a cherry into her mouth, took a sip of water, and continued...

“We prepared a large sheet of white paper and a small porcelain dish as the story says. Then we drew a skull on the paper. Coincidentally, one of my friends is a designer, and he drew the skull…” Seeing me shake my head, Lü Hantian stopped and looked at me with his naturally captivating eyes, which seemed to be covered with a layer of crystal dust, and asked in confusion, “Miss Zuo, is there something wrong?”

“Just call me Weiyang, otherwise it’ll seem like I’m taking advantage of you,” I said. After Lü Hantian nodded with a smile, I continued, “Actually, the head-shaped pattern drawn on the paper is the so-called ‘Immortal Tablet.’ That’s the problem. Since this ‘Ouija board’ can be called that, the spirit it summons must be among the immortals. This ‘immortal’ is the ‘Chang’ in the ‘Fox, Weasel, Changbai’ (a mythical creature)…” Just as I finished speaking, Lü Hantian’s charming peach blossom eyes suddenly narrowed, adding a touch of melancholy to his upright demeanor; actually, this was just him expressing his confusion about what I had just said. “What are the Four Immortals?” This guy truly lives up to his reputation as a student of the same professor as the prince, a fellow materialist. He doesn’t even know what the Four Immortals are. Am I going to give him a lecture on “theism” today?

I shook my head and sighed, explaining, "These four immortals are the fox, the weasel, the snake, and the spirit. The 'snake' refers to an animal like a python." Seeing my helpless expression, Lü Hantian awkwardly scratched his head and chuckled a few times, his thirty-year-old self becoming more childlike.

I could only smile and continue, "The head drawn on this paper is actually a snake's head, and it should also have a raised, rooster-comb-like shape. But nowadays, people have turned this shape into a skull. It's hard for such a 'divine tablet' not to attract ghosts. Why play with something that attracts ghosts..." I didn't mean to lecture him, but seeing this man with such charming eyes suffer such a calamity, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"People always want to try things they haven't tried before. Isn't that how people are?" Lu Hantian seemed unconcerned about her situation and poured herself another glass of champagne.

"And then?" I asked.

"Later, we drew circles on the left and right sides of the head-shaped pattern with porcelain plates, and wrote 'Yes' and 'No' inside the circles. Besides that, we drew ten more circles on the outside of the white paper with porcelain plates, and filled those circles with the numbers 0-9. Then we placed the porcelain plates on the mouth of the head-shaped pattern. And then we started playing." Lu Hantian said, taking a sip of champagne, seemingly quite satisfied with the taste, but indifferent to what he was saying. Looking at his leisurely expression reminded me of that prince guy.

"So how many of you participated in this game? Were there any girls?" I asked.

"Hmm, there are four people playing. Of course, there are girls. How can you go out to sea without women? Haha." His watery peach blossom eyes narrowed, and he instantly adopted an infinitely lazy and playboy demeanor. However, this didn't make him unpleasant. On the contrary, his playboy-like appearance made people feel that it was only natural for him to put on such an attitude and expression.

This kind of ghost magic originally didn't have many taboos for the person performing it, but now that it has been modified into the completely different "Ouija board" game, there are a few rules—the number of people cannot be odd, and there must be a woman, because the spirits are naturally not afraid of the pure yang energy, but ghosts and spirits are still somewhat taboo. Hearing that there were four of them playing, I was quite relieved.

"Ah! Right, we took off all our jewelry before we played, just like in the story," he suddenly remembered, then after taking the last sip of champagne, he continued, "But I forgot to take off my bracelet. Here, it's this," he said, holding out his hand for me to see. It was a limited edition Tiffany men's bracelet. "He's definitely rich. You might not be able to buy this style even if you have the money in China," I thought enviously. My 2007 women's bracelet was bought for me by a friend abroad…

Actually, such ghost-summoning spells don't have any taboos regarding jewelry; in fact, wearing some metal items can protect the caster. However, many people now spread increasingly bizarre rumors, even forbidding the wearing of watches, let alone jewelry. Although it's a small matter, it can often save the caster's life in the face of ghosts and spirits. Lü Hantian, by sheer coincidence, was able to survive until now precisely because he was wearing a bracelet.

"You're really lucky, Young Master Hantian," I teased as I explained the whole story to him. He looked at the bracelet and said, "I never thought this thing would save my life. I'll wear it for a few more days then, what do you say, Miss Weiyang?" Lu Hantian playfully curled the corner of his mouth in retort.

"You guys really got the perfect timing and location, actually managing to summon it..." Lü Hantian narrowed his watery, peach-blossom eyes once again. I could only continue explaining, "Because without the correct talisman and incantation, it's very difficult to summon it. You just happened to be there on a windy and rainy night, and the location was at sea, where the yin energy is heavier than on land, so you were able to summon it." Hearing this, Lü Hantian nodded, glanced at the champagne in his hand, which was empty again, but showed no intention of doubling it.

I sighed and smiled, saying, "Perhaps those who didn't get summoned are the ones with the best of luck. If they do get summoned, then they can only pray for good fortune."

Because what is summoned here is undoubtedly a ghost or spirit. However, just as humans are divided into good and evil, ghosts are also categorized as good or bad. Usually, if the ghost or spirit is over 2250 years old, that might be considered very lucky; their existence in the world for so many years is enough to prove they are not evil. But if…

"Actually, back then, asking anyone probably wouldn't have helped..." Lü Hantian murmured softly, his eyes becoming increasingly misty, perhaps due to the champagne he had drunk...

(IV) The Tragedy of Games: Chapter Four - Caught in the Crossfire

"Hantian, I was wondering why I couldn't find you. Turns out you had a date with a beautiful lady." A man in a casual suit walked towards us, holding a glass of red wine.

"Old Xu" Lu Hantian simply gave a curt reply to Old Xu, without saying much, and his attitude wasn't very enthusiastic.