Ghost Stocks

Chapter 53

Unable to move his body, Huang Dongbo discovered he could still turn his neck. He turned to look at the bedroom door, wondering what might be outside. Just as he was thinking this, the walls and door seemed to suddenly become transparent, and he could see everything in the living room and hallway. There seemed to be nothing outside the door. Uneasy, Huang Dongbo kept staring at it, and gradually noticed a faint shadow appearing outside the door.

The shadow, initially hazy like a fog, gradually became clearer, coalescing into the shape of a person. The shape grew increasingly distinct; the person had their head bowed, long, dark red hair cascading over their shoulders. Just as Huang Dongbo finally made out the person's form, they suddenly raised their head. Their pale face lacked any features, except for a single, enormous eye in the center. This eye emitted an eerie light, seemingly piercing Huang Dongbo's very soul.

Huang Dongbo opened his mouth wide, but couldn't make a sound. After a long time, he let out a hoarse, strange cry, which frightened him so much that he fainted.

...

It was Sunday, and Junzi was chatting with Taomu Ling at home. Taomu Ling was very interested in Junzi's strange stories, and kept asking questions as she listened: "You said a female ghost used to live in your house, is that true? How did she get here?" (See Part Two of this book, "Ghost Alley")

Feng Junzi: "Of course it's true. She didn't come here on her own. I specially picked her up from Ghost Alley in Qingdao. Do you believe me? I remember you're an atheist."

Momoko Rin: "I am indeed an atheist, but I believe what you say."

Now it was Feng Junzi's turn to be curious: "What's going on? Can you explain?"

Tao Muling: "This is a psychological phenomenon. When I was studying in the United States, I encountered many such cases with my mentor. Many people firmly believed that they saw ghosts, and they really did see them."

Feng Junzi: "Damn it! You're treating me like a patient!"

Peach Bell: "I didn't say you were mentally ill. This phenomenon is actually normal. Many of our classmates can also see what you call ghosts when they practice mental experiences."

Feng Junzi: "Don't talk to me about Carl Jung's theories; I won't remember them even if you do."

Peach Bell: "You knew what I was going to say before I even opened my mouth, and you said you couldn't remember. Actually, psychologists who have a deep understanding of spiritual experiences not only know that you can see ghosts, but they can also see the ghosts you see through certain techniques."

Feng Junzi: "You don't need to go to the United States to learn this. Chinese psychologists have also invented a 'mental dialogue technique'. With long-term training, you can see other people's mental images."

Tao Muling smiled and said, "Don't you think this is amazing? If you're interested, I can teach you."

Feng Junzi smiled calmly and said, "This is just a very rudimentary form of telepathy. It has existed in Eastern civilization for a long time. Why should I learn it from someone who is just starting out like you?"

Peach Bell: "Why haven't I heard anyone else say this?"

Feng Junzi sighed: "The problem is that Eastern philosophy is too unique, with a very high entry point. Those who cannot grasp it will probably never know its mysteries. It's not like Western psychology or similar sciences, which can be gradually accepted by most people from the shallow to the deep."

Peach Bell: "Let's not talk about this anymore. How about we do an experiment? I also want to know what the female ghost you brought home two years ago actually looks like."

Just as Feng Junzi was about to refuse, the doorbell rang suddenly. Feng Junzi recognized the person who came in; it was Huang Dongbo, the newly appointed general manager of the Binhai branch of Jinjiang Securities.

"The Psychic Chopsticks" Side Story: Soul Separation III, Who's Sleepwalking?

Not long after they last met, Huang Dongbo seemed like a completely different person. His complexion was sallow, his eyes were unfocused, and he looked noticeably thinner. Feng Junzi almost didn't recognize him. Upon recognizing Huang Dongbo, Feng Junzi coldly said, "Mr. Huang, what brings you to my home? What a rare guest."

Huang Dongbo almost pleaded, "Teacher Feng, can we go inside and talk? I've come to ask for your help today." Feng Junzi didn't say anything, but led Huang Dongbo into the living room. After sitting down on the sofa, Huang Dongbo took a sip of water and said, "I've asked several experts in Binhai City for help, but they all said they couldn't help. Finally, someone suggested I find someone called 'Young Master Wangqing.' Luckily, I know that Young Master Wangqing is you, Teacher Feng. This time, you must help me."

Feng Junzi: "Help you? Have you forgotten how you and your sales manager were secretly competing for performance a few years ago, and you asked me to help you get clients? What did you do when the clients came? Now you actually have the nerve to come to me for help again? I haven't done any client work for years, so I can't help you."

Huang Dongbo seemed a little embarrassed by what Feng Junzi said: "There were some objective factors involved in what happened back then. I didn't mean to make things difficult for you. I'll find an opportunity to apologize to you another day. My visit today has nothing to do with business. I've encountered a strange problem that I can't solve."

Feng Junzi: "Oh? Is there something that Mr. Huang can't handle? Tell me."

Huang Dongbo leaned forward slightly and recounted his strange experiences over the past two nights. The feeling of fear seemed to have stayed with him, so much so that his voice trembled involuntarily as he spoke. Feng Junzi remained silent until Huang Dongbo finished speaking, then said, "I am neither a Taoist priest nor a monk, just like you. I don't know how to exorcise ghosts. I think you should find someone more capable."

Huang Dongbo: "But I asked several people, and they all told me to come and find you."

Feng Junzi: "They told you to find the Forgetful Gentleman. There are probably many people in the world with that name, but it's not me." After saying this, Feng Junzi got up to see the guest out. Huang Dongbo still kept pleading. Just as Feng Junzi was about to send him away, Tao Muling came out of the house: "I heard what you were saying. Since someone comes to you for help, you should help them as much as you can. Why keep them at arm's length?"

Feng Junzi: "I can't help him. Since you're so enthusiastic, then you can help him."

When Huang Dongbo saw Tao Muling suddenly appear, it was like grasping a lifeline in despair. He quickly asked in a fawning tone, "I've never seen this young lady before. She must be a person of great skill. May I ask your surname?"

Feng Junzi answered for her: "This Miss Tao Muling is a psychology PhD from the United States. She is here for academic exchange. If you have done something wrong and are afraid of some ghost knocking on your door, she can help you cure it."

Tao Muling interrupted him: "I study psychology, and I've encountered the phenomenon you just described before. Maybe I can help you."

Huang Dongbo had been waiting for these words, and he quickly nodded and thanked her. Tao Muling said to Feng Junzi, "May I use your study for a moment? I would like to have a conversation with this gentleman and give him a psychological test."

Feng Junzi: "Whatever." Tao Muling led Huang Dongbo to the study for a talk. Just as she was about to enter, Feng Junzi suddenly whispered a few words in her ear. Tao Muling looked puzzled, but nodded nonetheless.

Feng Junzi was drinking tea in the living room. He waited patiently, wondering what Tao Muling and Huang Dongbo were doing inside. About two hours later, the two emerged, looking somewhat tired. Feng Junzi asked Huang Dongbo, "So, Mr. Huang, what did you find?"

Huang Dongbo: "Thank you so much. Ms. Tao Muling just gave me a psychological treatment, repeatedly showing me the scene from that night, gradually eliminating my fear. In the end, the scene disappeared, and I feel much better now. She is truly an expert from America; it's amazing."

...

After Huang Dongbo left, Feng Junzi said, "Wood, it seems your hypnosis failed."

Peach Bell: "Yes, this person is very cooperative on the surface, but is actually very resistant in his heart."

Feng Junzi: "You were going to use me as a test subject, and now, a ghost has conveniently delivered itself to your doorstep. You think modifying his subconscious will help him? Tell me, what did you see?"

Tao Muling looked somewhat puzzled: "I did see his mental image during the conversation, but it was very strange."

Feng Junzi: "Is there anything strange about it?"

Peach Bell: "I saw a living room, a corridor, a closed door, and a person standing in front of the door."

Feng Junzi: "What's so strange about that? It's exactly the same as what he said."

Peach Bell: "No, he insisted that he saw a one-eyed monster, but the person I saw was himself. I also saw an empty bed in the bedroom, and a long-haired woman standing by the head of the bed."

Feng Junzi: "Don't say anymore, it's giving me the creeps."

...

The next morning, while Feng Junzi was still asleep, the phone rang. Feng Junzi covered his head with his pillow and ignored it, while Tao Muling answered the phone. After finishing the call, Tao Muling looked surprised, ran over, and woke Feng Junzi, exclaiming, "Why did you make me tell him yesterday to sprinkle flour in the hallway when he went back to sleep last night?"

Feng Junzi: "Was that a call from Huang Dongbo? Was there a footprint on the flour?"

Peach Bell: "Absolutely right, guess whose footprints those are?"

Feng Junzi: "Whose footprints could they be? The flour is stuck to his own feet, isn't it?"

Peach Bell: "So you knew he was sleepwalking all along, why didn't you warn me?"

Feng Junzi sat up abruptly: "You're wrong, he's not sleepwalking."

The Legend of the Psychic Chopsticks: Part 4 - The Soul's Departure and the Snail Maiden

Huang Dongbo woke up early in the morning and rushed to check the flour scattered in the hallway. There were many messy footprints on the flour; could someone have really been here last night? Then he found flour stains in the bedroom, all the way to the bed. He looked down and saw his slippers were covered in flour—had he been sleepwalking? He then called Feng Junzi, but Feng Junzi didn't answer. Tao Muling heard about everything.

Tao Muling's first reaction was that Huang Dongbo was sleepwalking. Feng Junzi had told him to sprinkle flour before bed, so it seemed he already knew about it. However, Feng Junzi said Huang Dongbo wasn't sleepwalking, and Tao Muling asked curiously, "Why do you say he's not sleepwalking?"

Feng Junzi yawned and answered irrelevantly, "Lingdang, have you ever heard the story of the Snail Girl?"

Tao Muling was baffled: "This is a Chinese folk tale. I heard it when I was a child. It says that there was a girl who turned out of a snail and helped a young farmer with housework every day. Later, the young man discovered the snail girl and they lived together."

Feng Junzi: "Why does this story sound so bland coming from your mouth? You know, I once attended a psychology lecture where a psychology expert, who is also your colleague, told this story. Guess what he said?"

Peach Bell: "Could this young man be sleepwalking?"

Feng Junzi: "That's right. According to that gentleman, this young man has sleepwalking. Every night he gets up to fetch water and wash clothes, and when he wakes up in the morning, he doesn't know who did it. After searching around, he found a snail in the water tank, so he suspected that the snail did the housework for him."

Tao Muling laughed: "Then how did the Snail Fairy reappear later?"

Feng Junzi laughed as well: "That depends on how you psychologists continue to make up stories. From your perspective, what would you say if you followed that gentleman's line of thought?"

Peach Bell: "It seems that this person, in addition to sleepwalking, later developed hysteria. Is that right?"

Feng Junzi: "That's right, that's what they said in the lecture. I really wanted to rush up and slap that guy twice."

Peach Bell: "Why?"

Feng Junzi: "This is simply a waste of culture. I can't stand people who consider themselves intellectual elites playing with knowledge."

Peach Bell: "Forget about that, let's talk about Huang Dongbo instead. You say he's not sleepwalking, does he have a fairy godmother in his family?"

Feng Junzi: "Then let me ask you, do you know what sleepwalking is?"

Momoko Rin: "To date, there is a lack of sufficient research on sudden sleepwalking in adults, and no definitive conclusion can be drawn about the pathology of sleepwalking. All research is based on judgments of the phenomena."

Feng Junzi nodded: "Okay, you're very good."

Peach Bell: "Why are you praising me again? I didn't say anything, so what's so good about it?"

Feng Junzi: "You're not like those so-called experts and leaders I usually encounter, who, having a few plagiarized theories, act as if they possess the whole truth, acting superior and daring to say and do anything. Okay, let me ask you three questions."

Peach Bell: "Ask away."

Feng Junzi: "First question, is sleepwalking the same as dreaming?"

Peach Bell: "Sleepwalking is not dreaming. Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder, while dreaming is a normal sleep phenomenon. To be precise, sleepwalking should be activity during sleep. It is possible that the motor nerves are not inhibited during sleep and remain excited."

Feng Junzi: "My second question is, do people have any memory of sleepwalking?"

Peach Bell: "No, whether you wake up the next day or are awakened from a sleepwalking state, you won't remember what happened during sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is an unconscious activity, and there are no dreams to recall. At least in the cases that have been studied worldwide, the process of sleepwalking is completely unremembered."

Feng Junzi: "Third question, is Huang Dongbo sleepwalking?"

Tao Muling: "From the phenomena, he seems to be sleepwalking, but at the same time he also has a conscious memory. His consciousness remains on the bed and he hears the sounds of his sleepwalking, and there is even a dream that is happening at the same time, which does not match the phenomenon of sleepwalking. What is going on? I am really interested now. This case is worth studying, and it may even be a major academic discovery."

Feng Junzi: "If you want to study this, you should go to the site and see for yourself. Only when you get there will you understand what's going on. I can go with you if you want."

Peach Bell: "Judging from your demeanor yesterday, it seemed you didn't really want to help him."

Feng Junzi smiled: "I really don't want to help him, but I can help you."

...

After experiencing strange events for three consecutive nights, Huang Dongbo dared not stay at home anymore and moved to the Peninsula Hotel, which was very close to his workplace. When Feng Junzi asked him for the key to his house, he was more than happy to give it to him.

After work that day, Feng Junzi and Tao Muling went to Huang Dongbo's house. The two carefully observed the footprints in the corridor. Tao Muling became more and more puzzled because the footprints left on the flour were all in the same direction, that is, repeatedly walking from the corridor to the bedroom door. Could it be that Huang Dongbo walked from the living room to the bedroom in his sleep, then floated back in the air, and then walked to the bedroom door again?

After looking for a while without finding anything, it was already getting dark. Feng Junzi suddenly said to Tao Muling, "Let's stop looking and go for a walk."

The two took a walk around the neighborhood. The neighborhood was very lively, and they encountered many children and elderly people taking a stroll. As they walked, Feng Junzi asked Tao Muling, "What day is it today?"

Peach Bell: "Today is August 22, 2005. What's wrong?"

Feng Junzi: "It's the height of summer, such hot weather!"

The two found nothing in the neighborhood and, both drenched in sweat, returned to Huang Dongbo's house. As they entered, Feng Junzi suddenly asked, "Do you feel anything?"

Tao Muling realized at this moment: "It's so cool in this room, not hot at all. They don't have air conditioning."

Feng Junzi: "You've finally noticed it too. The window has been open the whole time, but the temperature inside is significantly lower than outside. What do you think is the reason for that?"

Tao Muling suddenly felt a chill and couldn't help but ask, "Do you really think this house is haunted?"

Feng Junzi: "I don't know. Isn't this what you want to know? What do you plan to do?"

Peach Bell: "I plan to stay here tonight."

"What? You're going to spend the night here?"

"Yes, you don't dare?"

Feng Junzi shook his head and said, "I'm very timid, of course I wouldn't dare."