Brother Hu sensed that something was off. When he glanced at Sister Juan again, her smile carried a hint of awkwardness and guilt, before she flashed Chao Musheng a wide grin.
He knew nothing—he was just Little Hu, whose brain didn’t work too well.
Police Officer Cheng spoke up at the right moment: "Sir, hello. I’m the captain of the Criminal Investigation Unit in the Eastern District of Jing City. There are some details about the Moonlight Cruise that we’d like to clarify with you. We hope for your cooperation."
The Moonlight Cruise?!
Brother Hu turned to look around, confirming he was in the Chen Garden instance and not aboard the Moonlight Cruise, before hesitantly asking, "You mean… the cruise ship Moonlight?"
"Of course." Noticing the odd tone in Brother Hu’s voice, Police Officer Cheng gave him another look. "You just disembarked from the Moonlight yesterday. Surely you haven’t forgotten the details so quickly?"
"Of course not." Brother Hu quickly corrected himself. "Officer, ask away."
Though he hadn’t yet figured out why events from the previous instance were being pursued by the police in this one, his instincts told him that failing to cooperate with this officer might land him in serious trouble.
Fortunately, Police Officer Cheng didn’t press too much. After a few questions, he closed his notepad and shook Brother Hu’s hand. "On behalf of the two hostages, I’d like to thank you. Once the commendation bonus for your act of bravery is approved, I’ll contact you again."
A commendation bonus?
What a strange turn of events—a single exploration instance in this world actually had such interconnected developments. Why had he never encountered something like this before?
When he returned to the main divine space and told his friends he’d received a bravery award in an instance, they probably wouldn’t believe him.
"By the way," Police Officer Cheng added casually, "Sir, you worked on the 15th floor of the Moonlight. What made you think of going to the 6th floor to look for the captain?"
"Some guests on the 15th floor were getting agitated, and a VIP insisted I fetch the captain." Brother Hu scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "I was afraid he’d keep yelling at me, so I thought I’d try my luck on the 6th floor."
Under normal circumstances, an employee in this situation would report to their supervisor or manager—not take matters into their own hands and seek out the captain.
But seeing the man’s dopey, clueless smile, and considering he wasn’t a suspect, Police Officer Cheng didn’t bother digging deeper.
After years on the job, he’d seen plenty of cases where fools had "bright ideas." Brother Hu’s impulsive behavior didn’t faze him.
"Mr. Su, Mr. Chao, a moment." Police Officer Cheng checked his watch before handing Chao Musheng a business card. "If you recall any suspicious details about the Moonlight later, please contact me promptly."
"Of course, Officer Cheng." Chao Musheng accepted the card and walked the three officers a few steps before turning back.
"Cheng." Once outside Chen Garden’s gates, a colleague shielded his eyes from the glaring sun. "How did we forget about that waiter during yesterday’s investigation?"
One person slipping up was understandable—but the entire station collectively blanking? That was downright eerie.
"Let’s reorganize the case files when we get back." Police Officer Cheng pulled out a cigarette and handed one to his colleagues. "This case involves a lot of wealthy figures. The higher-ups are paying close attention."
They couldn’t afford another mass oversight.
Truthfully, he was relieved Chao Musheng had cooperated with the police. The accommodating attitude from Kunlun Enterprises made it harder for other reluctant wealthy individuals to refuse.
The rich had too many concerns and reservations.
What he’d expected to be a hassle turned out much smoother, thanks to Mr. Chao’s assistance.
"Both grandsons of the Song family, yet the difference between them is bigger than between a man and a gorilla." A colleague took a drag and opened the car door. "If I were the head of Song Enterprises, I’d pick Chao Musheng as heir without hesitation."
Not groom some morally bankrupt scum as successor.
"It’s not that simple." Police Officer Cheng took a deep drag before stubbing out his cigarette and sliding into the driver’s seat. The car had been baking in the sun, and the cheap leather seats burned against his skin. He turned on the AC. "High-society drama is complicated. You’ve seen Mr. Chao’s records—a man like him could thrive anywhere. If I were him, I wouldn’t touch the Song family’s mess."
As the car cooled, he started the engine—just as several luxury sports cars pulled up nearby.
A group of stylish young men and women stepped out, tossing their keys to Chen Garden’s attendants before swaggering inside.
"I was having fun, but Grandpa had to drag me back." The leader, dressed in hip-hop attire and oversized sunglasses, radiated irritation.
"Same." A girl in a formal gown turned to the only one dressed properly in a shirt and slacks. "Cousin, did Grandpa tell you what’s going on?"
"Tonight, the family is hosting an important guest. Grandpa wants you all to make a good impression." Chen You removed his glasses. "Change out of those clothes when you get back."
"What kind of VIP warrants this much fuss from the Chen family?" The trendy man pushed his sunglasses up, scoffing. The Chens were among Jing City’s elite—people usually scrambled to please them. Since when did they need to suck up to others?
What kind of nobody deserved his effort?
"Cut the arrogance." Chen You’s expression darkened. "Several distinguished guests are staying at Chen Garden these days, including the head of Kunlun Enterprises. If you want to disappoint Grandpa, go ahead."
"The Kunlun CEO doesn’t lack estates. Why would he come here?" The girl’s demeanor shifted. "Cousin, you’re not joking? Grandpa has that much influence?"
"My father represented the Chen family at the Moonlight conference. Mr. Su accepted his invitation aboard the ship." Chen You smiled. "That Mr. Su gave my father face was unexpected even for Grandpa."
The trendy man secretly curled his lip. So it was Uncle’s doing—no wonder Chen You was acting all high and mighty.
He adjusted his sunglasses to hide his eye-roll.
Nothing worse than pretentious posers.
"Stop looking so pitiful." Chao Musheng sighed. Xiaojuan was petite, while Little Hu was tall—their pleading stares side by side were almost comical. "Let’s go."
Xiaojuan grinned obsequiously. "Where to?"
"Explore the garden." Chao Musheng said. "Just a casual stroll. Do you know the layout?"
Xiaojuan: "I’ve practically memorized the garden’s map. Don’t worry, Brother Chao—I won’t let you get lost."
Chao Musheng’s brow twitched, and he glanced back at Xiaojuan.
Xiaojuan blinked. "Brother Chao?"
"Nothing." Chao Musheng smiled. "With your skills, you’d succeed at anything."
The Chen Estate was vast, yet Xiaojuan, who had just started working there less than a day ago, had already memorized all the routes. Was she planning to compete with the butler for his job?
Secretary Liu hurried over, coughing awkwardly when he saw the boss preparing to stroll through the gardens with Chao Musheng. Steeling himself, he spoke up, "Sir, there’s an overseas video conference that requires your personal attendance."
"I understand." Su Chenzhu turned back to Chao Musheng. "Chaochao, go ahead and enjoy yourself. Just remember to take the bodyguards with you."
"I’ll go back with you," Chao Musheng withdrew his foot, which had already taken a step forward. "I can tour the gardens tomorrow."
"No need. This is your vacation time—don’t worry about work matters." Su Chenzhu took a bottle of water from one of the bodyguards and handed it to Chao Musheng. "Have fun with your friends."
Chao Musheng accepted the water, glancing at Secretary Liu, who had no such vacation.
Secretary Liu explained, "Compared to time off, I prefer triple overtime pay."
Besides, working at the Chen Estate was practically half leisure anyway. Round it up, and he was practically profiting.
As long as the boss was generous, he’d remain a loyal and devoted employee, ready to charge into battle wherever directed.
Chao Musheng immediately said, "Then I’ll go enjoy myself. See you in two hours."
Work? Overtime?
He just wanted to wander around.
Watching Chao Musheng and the bodyguards vanish down the winding corridor in the blink of an eye, Secretary Liu understood one thing—Chao Musheng had absolutely no intention of suffering the hardships of overtime.
"Brother Chao, the benefits at Kunlun are this good? You even get triple pay for working during vacation?" Brother Hu trailed honestly behind Chao Musheng. "Meanwhile, this uniform I’m wearing is being deducted from my salary."
Xiaojuan silently shot Brother Hu a look, willing him to stop talking.
The more he spoke, the more humiliated she felt.
"You have to buy your own work uniforms?" Chao Musheng lowered his voice. "The Chen family is this rich, yet they’re this stingy with their employees?"
"The butler pocketed the funds for himself," Xiaojuan wiped her face, trying not to look too pitiful as she quickly changed the subject. "Brother Chao, how long are you staying at the Chen Estate?"
"About three or four days." Chao Musheng bent down by the pond, teasing the koi with his fingers. The fish swam over like soldiers answering a general’s call.
One of the bodyguards pulled out a packet of fish food and handed it to Chao Musheng. "Mr. Chao, would you like to feed them?"
"You even brought this?" Chao Musheng accepted the food. "Thank you."
The bodyguard explained, "Old Master Chen values feng shui highly, so of course the estate has koi ponds. Before we left, Mr. Su specifically instructed us to prepare some fish food."
Chao Musheng was surprised. "You’ve got even these little things? What else did Mr. Su have you bring?"
"A bit of everything." The bodyguard also handed small packets of fish food to Xiaojuan and Brother Hu. "Mr. Su said that while you’re here, you should just focus on enjoying yourself without any worries."
Brother Hu stared at the fish food in his palm, unable to hide his envy. "Brother Chao, your boss treats you really well."
The usually stern-faced bodyguard actually smiled at Brother Hu. "You’re absolutely right. Mr. Su holds Mr. Chao in very high regard."
Brother Hu scratched his cheek awkwardly. A serious man suddenly smiling like that was a bit unsettling.
Xiaojuan, crouching nearby, carefully observed Chao Musheng’s expression before concluding—Chao Musheng had no romantic feelings for the mysterious Mr. Su. The boss was still pining alone.
She looked down at the koi swirling around Chao Musheng’s fingers. If even fish adored him, it was no surprise the enigmatic Mr. Su had fallen for him as easily as breathing.
Xiaojuan tossed a handful of fish food into the water, but the fish quickly returned to Chao Musheng’s side.
Tch.
Suck-up fish.
She dumped the entire packet into the pond before sitting on a nearby rock, idly playing with the water. Chao Musheng amused himself by guiding the fish back and forth, while Brother Hu tried—and failed—to lure them away with his own food. Eventually, he squeezed next to Chao Musheng, taking the chance to sneak a touch on the koi’s back.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering dappled light like stars on the ground.
For a fleeting moment, Xiaojuan wondered—how wonderful would the world be without the Sovereign?
"They say koi bring good luck," Chao Musheng waved Xiaojuan over. "Xiaojuan, want to try touching one’s head?"
"Really?" Brother Hu had never heard of this. He patted the plump koi’s body, but his personal stats panel still showed a luck value of 5—no change.
"Of course." Chao Musheng deadpanned. "Haven’t you heard the saying? Pat a koi’s head, and your worries disappear for a year."
"Try this one." He pointed at a particularly large, orange-red koi, grinning as he teased Brother Hu. "This one’s clearly full of blessings."
Brother Hu obediently reached out. The moment his fingers brushed the koi’s head, its tail flicked, splashing water straight into his face.
[Ding! Congratulations, player! You’ve encountered a special event—Luck +1. Luck buff duration: 365 days.]
No way!
Brother Hu’s eyes burned with excitement as he wiped his face, immediately urging Xiaojuan, "Sister Juan, you have to try this! Hurry!"
An opportunity like this couldn’t be missed.
Xiaojuan caught the strange intensity in Brother Hu’s gaze. The moment her fingertips touched the koi’s head, the system notification chimed again.
"Ahem." Seeing how seriously they’d taken his joke, Chao Musheng cleared his throat and emptied the rest of his fish food into the pond. "Let’s go explore further ahead."
Mr. Su was right—the Chen Estate was beautiful, but it lacked the charm of antiquity.
He wondered what Mr. Su’s own estate looked like.
Brother Hu, still staring at his boosted luck stat, was practically vibrating with excitement.
Brother Chao—a man like a god, a guiding light for players!
From now on, he wouldn’t tolerate anyone disrespecting Brother Chao!
After passing through a grove of trees, they came upon a two-story wooden pavilion. Its doors and windows were tightly shut, standing alone and overgrown with weeds—eerily desolate.
"Who are you?" A young man stepped out from the trees. He wore a stiff Tang-style suit, but his hair was streaked with vibrant red, creating a mismatched impression. "No outsiders are allowed near this pavilion."
Chao Musheng stopped. "My apologies. I wasn’t aware."
"If the guest didn’t know, shouldn’t the servants have informed him?" The young man’s tone was haughty. His gaze swept dismissively over Chao Musheng before landing on Xiaojuan and Brother Hu. "Get lost."
"My mistake for trespassing. The staff accompanying me aren’t at fault."
The word servants grated on Chao Musheng’s ears, but he apologized again. "I’ll take them and leave immediately."
"Wait." The young man circled Chao Musheng, sizing him up. "I’m Chen Fang, the second grandson of the Chen family head. You’re quite good-looking—which circle did you used to run in? I don’t recall seeing you before."
The bodyguards’ expressions darkened instantly at his words.
Chao Musheng smiled. "Pleasure to meet you, Second Young Master Chen."
Compared to the equally spoiled Lian Hai, the second young master of the Chen family was even more arrogant and frivolous.
Given the Chen family's status in the capital, it was no surprise that their young master could afford to look down on most people.
Xiaojuan and Brother Hu exchanged a glance—how could this Second Young Master Chen have the audacity to pick on someone so formidable, acting so disrespectfully toward Chao Musheng?
Chen Fang reached out, attempting to touch Chao Musheng's hand. "I'm doing great, and if you'd be willing to spend some time with me, I'd be even better—"
Before he could finish, his hand was seized in a vice-like grip by a bodyguard.
"My hand, my hand!" Chen Fang felt as though his bones were being crushed. "Ease up!"
"Mr. Chen, touching others without permission isn't a good habit," the bodyguard said coldly before releasing his arm and shoving him aside.
Clutching his throbbing arm, Chen Fang stared at Chao Musheng in shock. There were very few people in the entire capital who would dare lay a hand on him, knowing his identity.
"We're guests here—how could we treat our host so roughly?" Chao Musheng stepped forward with a smile, reaching out to support Chen Fang's arm. "Second Young Master, are you alright?"
The old man was a traditionalist, while his grandson was a rebellious, lecherous, and ill-mannered brat. The Chen family's dynamics were certainly... colorful.
"Ah—!"
The moment Chao Musheng's hand touched Chen Fang's arm, the latter let out an even more pitiful cry.
Xiaojuan and Brother Hu couldn't help but shudder. Seeing Chao Musheng's smiling eyes, they silently turned their heads away, pretending not to notice Chen Fang's suffering.
"Whose servants are you two? Why aren't you pulling him away from me?!" Chen Fang snapped, furious. What kind of useless staff had the housekeeper recently hired? They had no sense of loyalty at all.
"Apologies, Second Young Master," Xiaojuan bowed her head, feigning timidity. "The housekeeper specifically instructed me to take good care of our distinguished guest. I dare not disobey his orders."
Brother Hu blinked innocently. "Second Young Master, the housekeeper repeatedly emphasized that my only duty is trimming the flower beds. I’m not allowed to interfere with anything else."
Chen Fang: "..."
As the master of the house, were his words worth less than the housekeeper's?!
"My apologies, I forgot this spot was injured." Chao Musheng released Chen Fang's arm. "Second Young Master, are you alright?"
Chen Fang, pale from the pain, muttered through gritted teeth, "Like hell I am..."
He wanted to curse some more, but the sight of Chao Musheng's smiling eyes made him swallow his words.
"Beast!" Old Master Chen arrived in a hurry, flanked by the housekeeper and several servants. Without hesitation, he hurled a book at Chen Fang's face. "This is our esteemed guest, Mr. Chao! How dare you behave so rudely to him? Apologize at once!"
Here it was again—that awkward mix of archaic and modern speech.
Glancing down at the book that had landed near his feet, Chao Musheng picked it up and flipped through it. It was a manual on Go strategy, bound in the traditional thread-bound style.
Chao?
Chen Fang, still reeling from his grandfather's scolding, clutched his face in stunned silence.
"Mr. Chao, this child has been useless since he was young, achieving nothing at all." After berating Chen Fang, Old Master Chen turned to Chao Musheng with an apologetic bow. "This old man has failed in disciplining his grandson. I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you."
He yanked Chen Fang forward. "Kneel and beg Mr. Chao for forgiveness!"
"No need, really!"
Chao Musheng hastily returned the Go manual to Old Master Chen. Kneeling to apologize? What kind of feudal relic thinking was this?
Chen Fang's face had long lost all color. Between his grandfather's humiliation and the order to kneel, even an idiot could tell this young man wasn’t someone to trifle with.
"Conflicts between young people are normal—we just need to talk it out," Chao Musheng said quickly, fearing Old Master Chen would actually force Chen Fang to kneel. "Besides, I was the one who trespassed into a restricted area first."
"There’s no such restriction—just the younger generation making a fuss over nothing." Old Master Chen chuckled, glancing at the wooden building behind them. "This pavilion is remote and poorly lit. It’s been unused since its construction."
"Mr. Chao is magnanimous to spare you from kneeling, but you still owe him an apology!" Old Master Chen's smile vanished when he turned back to Chen Fang. "All you do is eat, drink, and fool around. When will you learn from your cousin? If you keep this up, I’ll freeze your accounts too."
"Sorry, Mr. Chao." Chen Fang lowered his head, biting the inside of his cheek to suppress his fury.
"It’s fine." Chao Musheng gestured to Chen Fang's arm. "We’re even now."
Chen Fang gritted his teeth, surprised that the other man didn’t take the opportunity to humiliate him further.
"Get out of my sight!" Old Master Chen raised his hand, ready to strike Chen Fang again.
"Old Master Chen." Chao Musheng intercepted the slap, his arm trembling slightly from the force.
The old scholar had quite the strength—this wasn’t for show. He genuinely intended to hit his grandson.
"Only out of respect for Mr. Chao will I spare you today, you little beast." Old Master Chen lowered his hand, ignoring Chen Fang. "Mr. Chao, where would you like to visit next? I’ll accompany you to ensure no other fools offend you."
Chen Fang stood silently, his face burning with shame.
"Thank you, Old Master Chen, but I should return to my quarters to change." Chao Musheng smiled. "I wouldn’t want to be improper at tonight’s banquet."
"Mr. Chao’s elegance needs no embellishment—your brilliance is innate." Relieved that Chao Musheng still planned to attend, Old Master Chen nodded. "I’ll await your presence tonight. Please also convey my regards to Mr. Su."
Old Master Chen escorted Chao Musheng to the edge of the woods, watching until his figure disappeared before sighing to the housekeeper. "The Song family couldn’t keep a true dragon. If he were my grandson, I wouldn’t have to worry so much."
"Master, how could a minor family like the Songs compare to ours?" the housekeeper replied. "Besides, in my opinion, the eldest young master surpasses even Mr. Chao."
"Him?" Old Master Chen shook his head. "Not even close."
This Chao Musheng was no ordinary man. To establish himself in Kunlun at such a young age and secure a technical advisory agreement—words like "genius" couldn’t begin to describe him.
"I heard his mother was a rural-born top scholar in the city. It goes to show—a man should marry an intelligent woman." Old Master Chen tossed the Go manual back to the housekeeper. "Fools only breed fools."
The housekeeper accepted the book silently, not daring to comment. He glanced back toward the woods—was the second young master still by the pavilion?
"Mr. Su." Chao Musheng returned to the courtyard to find Su Chenzhu had just finished a video conference.
"You’re back?" Su Chenzhu handed him a glass of warm water. "Your evening attire has been pressed. Try it on to see if it fits."
"That can wait." After taking a sip, Chao Musheng lowered his voice. "Mr. Su, I think there’s something off about the Chen estate’s feng shui."
"Xiao Chao, you know feng shui too?" Secretary Liu laughed. "Quite the polymath, aren’t you?"
"Just a little. My dad's a philosophy professor, and he likes dabbling in religious studies and the I Ching in his free time," Chao Musheng said with a grin. "I’ve picked up a bit by osmosis."
"What’s wrong with the Chen estate?" Secretary Liu perked up immediately. "Is it cursed, or did someone sabotage it?"
Brother Hu pricked up his ears.
Here it comes—the key point of the side quest.
"Cursed?" Chao Musheng looked exasperated. "Secretary Liu, have you been secretly reading occult novels?"
"There’s an empty wooden building behind the northern grove of the Chen estate, surrounded by barren land with no flowers or water," Chao Musheng mused, frowning slightly. "The north is the Kan position—not suitable for living quarters."
"But if it’s empty, isn’t that fine?" Secretary Liu was puzzled. "Where’s the problem?"
"Kan belongs to water. A building can be vacant, but it shouldn’t have its doors and windows tightly shut. There should also be flowing water channeled around it." Chao Musheng took another sip of water. "But then again, feng shui is one of those things—you believe in it or you don’t. The Chen family has been thriving all these years, so they probably don’t care about it."
"Old Master Chen? The man who bows to weasels and kneels before statues? You think he doesn’t care about this stuff?" Secretary Liu scoffed. "Last year, during an important corporate meeting, he was ten minutes late. Wanna know why?"
Chao Musheng: "Why?"
Xiaojuan and Brother Hu both leaned in.
"He saw a hedgehog on the road and insisted it was undergoing some ‘carriage-and-horse trial.’ So he bought a toy car and rolled it over the hedgehog." Secretary Liu raised an eyebrow. "He even posted about it on social media, bragging that he’d helped the ‘White Immortal’ transcend its tribulation and gained immeasurable merit."
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in the business world more superstitious than Old Master Chen.
Chao Musheng: "…"
Maybe he should copy a few talismans off the internet and sell them to the old man at a premium.
"Then maybe I was mistaken," Chao Musheng conceded. "I only know the basics—can’t compare to the professionals."
"Can you at least read fortunes?" Secretary Liu teased. "Tell me about my love life?"
"That falls under predictive studies. I haven’t learned that yet." Chao Musheng grinned. "Let me go home, dig up some books on divination, study for seven or eight years, and then maybe I can help you."
"Get lost. By the time you figure it out, my kids might already be running errands for me." Secretary Liu raised a hand to shove Chao Musheng’s arm, then remembered the boss was nearby and withdrew it. "Go on, go try on your suit."
As Chao Musheng headed off to change, Xiaojuan and Brother Hu tactfully excused themselves.
"Sister Juan, this side quest… is it a supernatural one?" Brother Hu sounded uncertain. His inventory of items was already limited, and he had almost nothing for dealing with ghosts.
Out of all types of quests, supernatural ones were his weakest.
Xiaojuan: "Don’t worry about that yet. Aren’t you curious why the police still remember you from the last quest?"
"Yeah." Brother Hu was equally baffled. "Sister Juan, why is that?"
"I’ll tell you after this quest ends." Xiaojuan gave him a meaningful look and handed him a talisman. "Take this. It can block three ghost attacks."
Though she suspected this world might not even have actual ghosts.
When Xiaojuan returned to the kitchen, it was bustling with activity. No one scolded her for being late—instead, the butler approached and handed her a more elegant set of servant’s attire.
"We’re short-staffed in the reception hall tonight. You’ll fill in," he said, passing her the clothes. "Don’t worry, this won’t be deducted from your pay."
Xiaojuan: "Thank you, sir."
"Did Mr. Chao have any instructions?" the butler probed. "He wasn’t upset about the second young master’s incident, was he?"
Xiaojuan shook her head. "He didn’t mention anything about the second young master after we got back. But he did say he wants me to accompany him again tomorrow."
"Being favored by a distinguished guest is a blessing." The butler’s smile grew warmer. "Stay close to Mr. Chao these next few days. You won’t need to work in the kitchen for now."
"Sir." You Jiu appeared, dressed in attire as refined as Xiaojuan’s. "The master is looking for you."
"Perfect timing. Once she changes, take her to the reception hall with you." Hearing that the master had summoned him, the butler hurried off.
You Jiu and Xiaojuan locked eyes, sparks of rivalry flashing between them.
"Long time no see," You Jiu said first. "I’ve already earned the master’s trust. Seems I’m one step ahead."
Xiaojuan smirked but said nothing.
The master?
If you knew whose favor I’ve won, you’d just envy my luck.
