FI CH47: Mysterious Invitation

Tianshi Association Headquarters.

Located in the capital city, a place of extreme feng shui prosperity, it reigned above all branches and had an air of mystery to the outside world.

Lin Su raised an eyebrow in surprise. “A rating from headquarters?”

“Yes!” Meng Yuanping handed the form over.

Lin Su took it and saw a glittering gold “S” printed on the stiff, copperplate paper.

He said, “I remember the rating for the Sanqing Weir case was A-rank.”

Meng Yuanping said, “With the authority of a branch, the highest rating we can give is A-rank. S-rank is a rating that can only be issued by headquarters. Your application couldn’t be transmitted because it had already been settled.”

Lin Su murmured, “There’s still such a rule now…”

Meng Yuanping only heard the second half of the sentence and explained, “This is to prevent branches from inflating their ratings, causing an overflow of S-ranks, and at the same time, it makes it easier for headquarters to recruit talent.”

He summarized, “So, the S-rank carries a lot of weight!”

Lin Su feigned realization and played along, “…Wow.”

To think that S-ranks were so rare now. His previously canceled alias had all S-ranks.

However, this S-rank was also well-founded.

It was also written at the top: [During the commission, demonstrated independent judgment and autonomous action. On the premise of not violating industry rules and ethics, set things right and perfectly resolved the commission.]

Lin Su savored the words and said in his consciousness: “It should be because the public opinion expanded, plus Xiao Lu, as a witness, submitted the entire case process.”

Xuenima was gratified: [Xiao Lu is truly a useful person.]

Lin Su skipped over its commentary.

As he flipped over the rating form, his gaze suddenly paused: President of the Tianshi Association, Bai Jiang.

Bai Jiang?

He slowly recalled, “Ni Ma, do you still remember him?”

Xuenima said lovingly: [Yes, when he was little, you even held him…]

Lin Su: “…”

He interrupted, “There’s no such plot.”

Xuenima: [=0w0=]

Lin Su put away the rating form with a whoosh. The child of the Bai family, who was just a teenager the last time he saw him, had now become the president of headquarters. He wondered what he looked like now…

But he wasn’t going to the capital for the time being anyway.

The rating was obtained. He said goodbye to Meng Yuanping and the others. “I’ll be heading back first.”

With that, he sauntered off with the [=0w0=].

As for fate, that was a matter for later.

…

The case was closed at the association, but the matter wasn’t completely over.

A spot for reincarnation had been secured.

Lin Su arranged to meet Fang Shuyu at the cenotaph on Sunday and also called He Zhenling along.

[Su-So-Sleepy-Can’t-Wake-Up]: Sunday, a get-together at South Mountain Cemetery. [heart]

Xuenima studied it: [What a niche combination of text and image. It looks like you’re asking a ghost out on a date.]

Lin Su pinched it. “Don’t say such indecent things.”

Sunday, South Mountain Cemetery.

When Lin Su arrived, Fang Shuyu was already there.

Next to her stood a couple. The man had a peaceful and approachable appearance, and the woman’s features were bright and beautiful.

It was her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Zhu Jiancheng and Ni Zihui.

Lin Su glanced at their eight characters: Great fortune is about to rise, wealth and honor in the future. The corner of his lips lifted.

The two thought he was greeting them and smiled back at him.

Fang Shuyu came forward. “Mr. Lin.” She was a little nervous. “Is it okay? When do we start?”

Lin Su glanced at the time. “No rush, let’s wait a bit longer.”

Ni Zihui put an arm around her shoulder and gave her a comforting look. Fang Shuyu calmed down and nodded.

As they were waiting, He Zhenling arrived.

South Mountain Cemetery was a terraced hillside. He Zhenling took a few steps at a time, ascending the stairs, and soon arrived before them.

He first nodded to Fang Shuyu and the others, then looked at Lin Su, his gaze falling on his earlobe. “You’re wearing it?”

The red tassel pendant had a thin layer of gold under the sunlight, resting on his shoulder.

Lin Su gestured. “To send such a small dumpling for reincarnation, I’m afraid I’ll use too much force and send him directly to the next stage of life.”

He Zhenling: “…”

Xuenima quietly popped its head out: [Don’t you feel that ever since you caused a tsunami at Jianren’s house, Xiao He has been watching you more closely?]

Lin Su lightly averted his eyes: “Perhaps he’s finally discovered that my recklessness isn’t just talk.”

Xuenima had an epiphany: [He’s finally gotten a taste of how formidable you are.]

“…”

In the span of a few sentences, time passed quickly.

Lin Su looked at the sun and took out a bamboo brush. “The time has come.”

Fang Shuyu and the others fell silent in an instant, their expressions slightly tense. Lin Su looked at the small cenotaph before them; it was just a small monument, without even a name yet.

He said softly, “Offer some incense and bow. Say goodbye to him.”

Fang Shuyu was stunned for a moment, and tears suddenly welled up.

She offered incense in front of the cenotaph.

After bowing, at the end, she couldn’t help but press her forehead against the tombstone and give it a gentle kiss. “…Go, have a smooth journey.”

A teardrop fell in front of the tombstone.

At the same time, a faint golden light appeared in Lin Su’s eyes.

He raised his hand, the brush fell—

The forest wind rose instantly, and the trees around the cemetery rustled. The sun was still high, dispelling the cool shade.

After a moment, the wind stopped.

Only the warm sunshine remained on the ground.

Lin Su put away his brush. “He will be reincarnated into a wealthy and happy family.”

Fang Shuyu stood up, bowed solemnly through her sobs, and said, “…Thank you.”

The most important matter was settled.

The atmosphere was now noticeably more relaxed. Fang Shuyu seemed to have untied the biggest knot in her heart and slowly composed herself.

Lin Su asked, “How is Zhu Jianren doing?”

The name made everyone fall silent for a moment.

Soon, Ni Zihui said, “He is still under investigation and facing a lawsuit. He will most likely go to jail, but given his condition…” She paused delicately. “I don’t know if he will apply for medical parole.”

Zhu Jiancheng snorted coldly, “Going to jail might be easier for him. The company has now been handed over to Shuyu, and we won’t leave him any room for survival.”

Lin Su thought about Zhu Jianfei’s stomach.

Lu Yanzhou had left the malevolent energy inside. He would have a big belly for the rest of his life, spending his remaining days in intermittent labor pains.

In addition, his assets had been used to pay fines.

And…

Lin Su paused, turned to He Zhenling beside him, and whispered, “He also committed an offense in the feng shui world. How much of his family assets did your Inspection Association confiscate?”

He Zhenling looked down, his brow moving slightly. “Auditing the accounts?”

“You’re overthinking it.” Lin Su looked at him inclusively. “I was wondering if it’s enough to renovate the playground.”

He Zhenling was silent for a second, seeming to recall the matter. “It’s enough.”

Lin Su was pleased. “See, I told you I wouldn’t make you pay.”

A half-smile appeared before him. “Oh, ‘Little Boss’ is truly thrifty and diligent.”

Lin Su said demurely, “You’re being wanton again.”

He Zhenling said meaningfully, “I’m just the back wave.”

“…” Lin Su smiled. “So humorous.”

He turned his head away gracefully after speaking.

When he turned, he saw that the others were also talking, and there seemed to be a small dispute.

Lin Su: ?

He popped his head in. “What are you guys talking about?”

“Oh, Mr. Lin.”

Fang Shuyu tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her capable demeanor restored. “I’m preparing to get a divorce, regain the company’s shares as soon as possible, and then return them to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law…”

She didn’t know about the past when she met Zhu Jianfei, as the company had already been established.

Now was the perfect time to return things to their rightful owner.

“Don’t!” Zhu Jiancheng immediately said. “The one who owes us is Zhu Jianfei, not you. You’ve also put your heart and soul into running the company until now. We’ll help you get the shares back first, and at worst, we can help each other out in the future.”

Seeing the couple’s firm attitude, Fang Shuyu was helpless. “Then we’ll talk about it later.”

Ni Zihui was happy. “Okay, we’ll talk about it later!”

She added, “It will be very hard for you to be alone during this time. Why don’t you move in with us first.”

“How could I do that?”

Fang Shuyu smiled, but the smile was a bit faint. “It’s nothing to be alone. I’ll have to get used to it eventually.”

Perhaps thinking of the child, she was a bit dejected.

Lin Su looked at her for two seconds and said, “Don’t worry, you will live a very good life from now on.”

Fang Shuyu was stunned. “‘Very good’ means…”

Lin Su thought for a moment and said slowly, “If you still want to get married, you will have a good marriage and give birth to a new life. If you don’t, you will also have a wonderful life alone.”

Fang Shuyu’s eyes suddenly became moist, and a little light rose in them:

“Thank you, Mr. Lin.”

…

Fang Shuyu went down the mountain accompanied by Ni Zihui and her husband.

The three figures gradually moved further away.

Lin Su was standing on the steps, gazing into the distance, when he heard a faint voice from beside him, “Why did you say that?”

He turned his head and saw He Zhenling’s handsome profile.

His eyes turned over, and his deep gaze fell on him with a bit of focus, as if seeking confirmation.

Lin Su understood his subtext and said, “Although it is already destined in the unseen, it cannot be because of my words that her judgment is affected.”

Sometimes, a prophecy comes true the moment it is spoken.

A gentle breeze blew, and the leaves rustled.

Among the thousands of tombstones, the hem of his black outer shirt fluttered.

He Zhenling looked at him for a moment, then turned his head. “Mhm.”

There was a quiet moment between the two.

Lin Su gazed into the distance. “For example, think about our Da Lang.”

“…”

He Zhenling’s brow twitched. He endured it and turned away. “He has already changed his name. You can call him by his proper name, Qi Suoyi.”

Lin Su: “?”

He looked back. “His name is clearly Qi Jiran.”

Xuenima gently closed its eyes: […It’s Qi Wang.]

The incident was perfectly resolved.

The matter of renovating the school playground also proceeded smoothly. The funds had already been transferred, and they were just waiting for the winter break to start the renovation.

Fang Shuyu and the Zhu Jiancheng couple’s discussion had a follow-up. She planned to establish a foundation in both their names to fund children in impoverished areas.

“The ill-gotten gains of Zhu Jianfei should be used for something meaningful.”

“I hope that those children will no longer suffer.”

Lin Su looked at Fang Shuyu’s message on his phone and replied after two seconds: I wish you happiness too.

He turned off his phone after sending the message.

…

Perhaps because the timeline had dragged on for too long.

Lin Su didn’t even realize that a month had passed. Until Chen You came with news: “I have good news and bad news! Which good news do you want to hear first?”

His intention was too obvious.

Lin Su said, “I want to hear the bad news first.”

Chen You: “.”

Chen You choked for a moment, then continued, “The good news is that we’re having the National Day holiday. The bad news is that we only get three days off!”

Lin Su suddenly realized it was time for a holiday again.

Xuenima peeked: [Are you going to ask for leave, or go to school for classes?]

“There’s nothing fun to do at home anyway. At least at school, there’s the security guard…” Lin Su paused. “I mean, the butler, for entertainment.”

[You can also invite Xiao He to your home for your entertainment.]

“…”

Lin Su rubbed it until it was round. “It’s fine to think these things in your heart, don’t point them out.”

Xuenima was suddenly shocked: [You’ve actually thought about it!]

Lin Su leisurely rubbed its expression away and said broadly, “Look at you, I was just saying it casually.”

Xuenima: […]

…

The afternoon classes ended.

In the evening, Lin Su went home with Xuenima.

As he reached the door, he saw a white envelope placed in front of it, with the logo of the Tianshi Association printed on it.

“A letter from the association?”

He was a little surprised and picked it up to look at it.

He pushed open the door, went back home, and opened it, only to see another black envelope inside.

The black envelope was outlined in gold foil, and in the middle was written:

Mr. Lin Su, Xuncheng Tianshi Association (Recipient)

Lin Su held the envelope and raised an eyebrow slightly. “So it was sent to the association and then forwarded here.”

Xuenima floated over: [What is this?]

“Let’s see.”

Lin Su walked to the living room sofa and sat down, crossing one leg. His slender fingers opened the envelope and pulled out an invitation:

[“Supernatural Journey” event, a metaphysical showdown gathering various great masters. The winner of the event will receive a mysterious ultimate reward, personally presented by the president of the Tianshi Association headquarters.]

[Sincere Invitation to: Mr. Lin Su]

[If you are interested in participating, please fill in the relevant information and mail it back within three days. (Note: You may use a pseudonym or any other method to hide your true identity.)]

An information form was attached below.

Lin Su slowly scanned the information above, intrigued. “A mysterious reward, a hidden identity, and personally presented by the headquarters president?”

Xuenima leaned closer: [Is it organized by Little Bai?]

Lin Su ignored its disrespectful address.

Then he shook his head. “Probably not. According to the mysterious and strict style of headquarters, all events they organize should be announced through the official website.”

Not like this, where you can even use a pseudonym…

Xuenima: [Then we… report it to the higher-ups?]

A hand rua-ed it. “Report what.”

Lin Su took a pen and started filling out the information form with a swish. “The event is during the National Day holiday. I was just worried about having nothing fun to do. Of course, I have to participate.”

He filled in the general information, then paused at the blank space for the name.

[Are you going to use a pseudonym?]

Lin Su nodded. “Under these rules, honestly using your real name means you’ve already lost at the starting line.” He thought for a moment and opened his mouth. “Ah… I yawned. How about I call myself…”

Xuenima: [Lin Owe-a-Beating.]

“…”

Lin Su looked at it with a smile like a spring breeze.

Xuenima closed its small mouth and looked up with bright, watery eyes: [Please enlighten me.]

“Of course, I have to choose an elegant name.”

He said as he put pen to paper: Lin Kun.

Xuenima: [?]

What a speechless name!

After admiring it with satisfaction, Lin Su flipped the information form over. He saw that there was another half-page behind it, which required filling in an [Emergency Contact].

He raised his pen. “Then it’ll be Xiao He.”

Xuenima: [Is Xiao He also a pseudonym?]

Lin Su sighed. “Of course. Otherwise, filling in the name of the Inspection Association president would feel like I’m going there to challenge them.” After filling it in, he paused at the address.

“Where is Xiao He’s mansion?”

[No-ji.]

“Forget it.” Lin Su filled it in casually.

After he finished, he stuffed the information form in and mailed it out the next day.

In the Tianshi Inspection Association.

Members of the association came and went, busy with the review and filing of various cases.

The bright sunlight streamed in from the window, adding a bit of heat.

The door of the interrogation room opened with a “clang.”

He Zhenling walked out and said to the subordinate at his side, “Take the person inside away. The confession can be compiled.”

The subordinate acknowledged and left.

Soon, another subordinate came over and submitted the latest report. “President.”

He Zhenling took it and looked down.

As he flipped through the report with one hand, the subordinate next to him waited for a while, his gaze falling over.

It was the hottest time of the afternoon, and the members were all wearing short sleeves. Only their President He was wearing a tight-fitting high-collared shirt that went up to just below his Adam’s apple, with an outer shirt over it, completely covered.

The subordinate really couldn’t help it. “President, um… aren’t you hot?”

He Zhenling lightly tugged at his collar. “It’s fine.”

The few pages of the report were quickly finished.

He handed the report back. Just as he was about to speak, his phone suddenly vibrated. He paused, took out his phone, and saw that it was an unknown number.

He Zhenling’s brow furrowed slightly.

He paused for a moment, then opened it. He saw:

[Supernatural Journey Event]

Participant: Lin Kun, has set you as an emergency contact. Event address: Zone 404, XX Town, XX City

Emergency Contact Information:

[Name: He Da Niao]

[Address: He Family Fortress]

“…”

He Zhenling: “?”

__

Author’s Note:

Subordinate: …President, why are you sweating? (peeks)

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