Wang Mao noticed something was off with Shi Xuan and had a private chat with her. It was then that he learned Shi Xuan had been frightened by something supernatural during the amusement park shoot.
Having been in the industry for years, Wang Mao had heard similar stories before. So, he consulted the most superstitious person he knew, Liu Chunyang.
Liu Chunyang laughed on the other end of the phone, “Hahaha! Isn’t Lan He with you? Just ask him! I have a ready-made example for you. Chen Xingyu’s son used to cry a lot, but after Lan He held him for a few days, he was fine. Lan He is fearless; nothing can faze him.”
Wang Mao: “…”
Come to think of it, that does make some sense. Wang Mao looked up and suggested to Shi Xuan that she should get closer to Lan He, maybe even give him a hug.
To his surprise, Shi Xuan blurted out, “That doesn’t seem right!”
Wang Mao, puzzled, asked, “Huh? Aren’t you guys pretty close? Or are you worried about rumors? The main thing is, if your condition as the leading actress doesn’t improve, how will we get through the next half month of shooting?”
Shi Xuan didn’t want to gossip with Wang Mao and vaguely replied, “Just because we’re close doesn’t mean I can just go up and hug him.”
In reality, she thought it might actually work since Lan He had guided her out of the ‘ghostly maze’ before.
Moreover, Lan He’s bravery didn’t resemble the foolish kind seen in horror movies; it was more like the ancient tales of people whose righteousness made them impervious to spirits…
But last time, when she merely tried to hold his hand, Lan He nearly threw up. How could she dare to trouble him again?
“Just a suggestion, haha. You could spend more time running lines with Zhang Qingyou and Lan He, or gather everyone together for some fun. A lively atmosphere might help,” Wang Mao said. “If it doesn’t work, I can give you some time off to go to a temple, like Juehui Temple, to pray.”
Shi Xuan: “That might not be a good idea.”
Wang Mao: “Why not?”
Shi Xuan: “When I was little, my mom had a master read my fortune, and he said I had no affinity with Buddhism.”
Wang Mao retorted, “Maybe that master didn’t believe in Buddhism himself.”
Shi Xuan was speechless for a moment, but it did seem to make some sense.
She took the director’s suggestion. Since they finished early today, she invited a few close actors to gather in Lan He’s room.
“My room? Sure, it’s convenient,” Lan He agreed, unaware of Shi Xuan’s intentions. He was actually thinking of finding an opportunity to cast a spell to dispel her bad luck.
A group of people gathered in Lan He’s room, where he lived alone. With two beds in the room, they sat on the unused bed to play cards. Lan He ordered some fruit from delivery, washed it, and served it while they played.
“Hey, I have a new show coming up. Can you guys help me spread the word?” Zhang Qingyou said, clasping his hands in a playful bow.
He was on the rise in his career, filming one show here while another was about to air, both with him as the lead. The newcomers couldn’t help but envy him. Lan He’s most substantial role since his debut was the villain in Liu Chunyang’s drama, where he fought hard to earn recognition.
Sharing the promotion was no trouble, and everyone immediately took out their phones to support him.
Lan He, of course, shared it too, to show his support. His Weibo following wasn’t very large yet, mostly filled with parenting content. Moms interacted with him in the comments more than he did himself.
“Huh, someone stole the Golden Threshold and the Golden Gateposts!” An actor from the crew suddenly exclaimed while looking at his phone after reposting the Weibo.
Zhang Qingyou was puzzled, “Huh? What threshold? Who steals thresholds? Who uses gold for a threshold?”
“Not just any threshold; it’s a cultural relic!” the actor explained.
“Wait, what kind of relic is this?” Zhang Qingyou was thoroughly confused. “I’ve never heard of a threshold or gateposts used by an emperor, let alone ones made of gold.”
In a place like Beijing, even claiming a threshold was used by an ordinary official wouldn’t be prestigious enough; after all, it’s the ancient capital.
The actor asked, “There’s an old Beijing saying: ‘Golden Threshold, Golden Gateposts, Clever Ghost, Shining Stele.’ Have you heard of it?”
Most people shook their heads; there weren’t many native Beijingers here. Only Shi Xuan clapped her hands and said, “Now that you mention it, I remember hearing this, but didn’t they disappear long ago?”
After explaining, those who were unaware learned that these four items referred to four ancient relics around the Shichahai area in Beijing. The Clever Ghost and Shining Stele were both from Huguo Temple, referring to a statue of a chubby child and a translucent dragon stele that were believed to bring good fortune.
“The Golden Threshold refers to a threshold in a temple near the Drum Tower that had ‘Golden Threshold’ written on it. The threshold is what we call the threshold. It’s said to have been brought from Bianliang by Jin Wushu. Can you imagine how many years that is?”
The actor, who loved listening to legendary stories, continued, “The Golden Gateposts are from the Di’anmen area. They say the gateposts are made of gold, and there’s a golden mouse buried beneath them. They’re all part of the same set. But both the Golden Threshold and the Golden Gateposts disappeared years ago. It wasn’t until recently that word got out that they were in the hands of overseas collectors.
“My friend works at Beijing TV, and he told me that a wealthy mogul recently tracked down the Golden Threshold and Golden Gateposts overseas and spent a fortune bringing them back. The TV station was even planning a documentary on it. But as soon as they arrived in the country and were opened, they were gone! Now the tycoon is furious and is investigating what happened… Looks like the cultural relics documentary is about to turn into a crime investigation series!”
Even Lan He was drawn into the story. What kind of master thief could be so formidable?
Shi Xuan asked, “How did they go missing? Didn’t the tycoon have security measures in place?”
“Of course he did. My friend said the tycoon had an entire team of bodyguards watching over the relics in a safe, with someone filming the whole time. From boarding the plane to disembarking, the team never took their eyes off the relics. Even if a person could make a mistake, a machine wouldn’t. But they just vanished into thin air!”
Zhang Qingyou was fascinated, “Could this be some kind of scam? Maybe the bodyguard team was bribed?”
Shi Xuan said, “That can’t be true, right? The tycoon is loaded; how much would it cost to bribe them?”
Zhang Qingyou replied, “But if the Golden Threshold and Golden Gateposts were within reach, spending extra money to bribe someone would be worth it… So, has the tycoon reported it to the police?”
“Uh… that question stumps me,” the actor said, after checking with a friend. “It seems he has reported it, but the police are also at a loss because there are no clues at all. The items disappeared as soon as they entered the country. They suspect something went wrong abroad. So, they’re still arguing over it.”
“I’m heartbroken for the tycoon’s money!” Zhang Qingyou exclaimed. Even though his pay was quite good now, seeing how much the tycoon spent on cultural relics still left him speechless.
Lan He, however, felt something was off. Although he didn’t know the details, he had a strange, inexplicable intuition that this wasn’t an ordinary theft.
While he was pondering, he suddenly heard a rustling sound. No one else seemed to notice it, but when he looked up, he saw Yi Ping entering the room…
“Wow, so many people.” Bai Wu came to visit his benefactor, but upon seeing a crowd, he froze in place, paralyzed by shyness.
Lan He: “…”
Bai Wu stood rigidly in place, while the others in the room, not all of whom were standing still, continued chatting. One person stepped back and happened to stand right in front of Bai Wu.
Bai Wu slowly moved to the side, pressing his head against the right wall, continuing to be shy.
Another person, holding a drink, came over to chat with the one standing nearby, blocking Bai Wu’s path again.
“…” Bai Wu turned around just as Shi Xuan emerged from the bathroom. She had washed her hands and was ready to eat some fruit, walking straight towards Bai Wu.
“Ugh…” Bai Wu gasped slightly, then squatted down and sat on the floor, hugging his legs.
Lan He: “…………”
He… he had nothing to say.
Wait, Lan He suddenly remembered that Liu Chunyang once mentioned that many white spirits were skilled at healingโsomething he hadn’t understood before, but now he vaguely felt it was because they were experienced with injuries.
If Yi Ping took action, then Lan He wouldn’t need to secretly burn fingernails to help Shi Xuan. So he deliberately said, “Shi Xuan, do you want to pair some wine? Maybe it’ll help you sleep better.”
Someone who wasn’t in the know asked, “Is Shi Xuan having trouble sleeping?”
Only a few people knew about Shi Xuan’s situation, so she didn’t hide it any longer and sheepishly admitted, “I felt like I ran into something while filming at the amusement park, and I still haven’t fully recovered.”
“Oh dear, you should have said so earlier! I know a very powerful spirit…”
“Hey, just go ring the bell at Juehui Temple! Trust me!”
It seemed everyone had directly or indirectly heard of some supernatural occurrences.
Bai Wu, who had been in a shy state, slowly raised his head. He recognized Shi Xuan as one of the people who had helped save him earlier. As Lan He had anticipated, after hearing Shi Xuan’s explanation, Bai Wu slowly stood up…
Lan He breathed a sigh of relief. With Yi Ping stepping in, he wouldn’t have to secretly perform rituals on Shi Xuan.
But as soon as Bai Wu stood up, someone else walked over, leaning against the wall to take a call, right above Bai Wu.
“…” Bai Wu squatted down again, tilting his body and curling up on the floor as if he had died, his whole demeanor turning ashen.
Lan He: “???”
What on earth… Was it just because someone was standing over you? Were you more affected by the shadow of that person or your own psychological shadow?
Lan He was about to give up on Bai Wu when he saw Yi Ping muster up the courage to sit up again. He slowly moved towards Shi Xuan, quietly blowing on her back.
One breath, two breaths, three breaths…
Shi Xuan felt a chill on her back, thinking it was just a draft. Then, whether it was psychological or not, she started to feel warmer after being in the room for a while. The fatigue and coldness she had been feeling gradually faded!
“No, actually, I feel much better now.” Shi Xuan interrupted the others who were still giving her advice, “Director Wang said Brother Lan He is full of righteousness, so I should spend more time around him. Now I really do feel better.”
“Wow… haha, really?” Everyone laughed.
Only Zhang Qingyou said, “I believe it, I really do. Lan He’s got guts!”
“Alright, so if you’re so brave, do you dare join a game?” Some of the others who were playing cards asked Lan He. “We’ve invited you to play cards before, but you’ve never joined. Do you know how to play?”
“I’m just usually too tired, but of course I know how to play.” Lan He casually picked up the cards, “Let’s go.”
Bai Wu, who was initially thinking of going back to being shy, hesitated. He slowly turned around and shuffled back to the group, sitting down with his face just at the edge of the bed. He looked at the cards on the bed with a face full of despair and exhaled, “Huffโ”
Lan He: “…………”
No way…
When Lan He looked at his cards after gathering them, he realized he had a great hand: besides a rocket, he had consecutive pairs and straights, with no single cards. He was the landlord, and after one round, he didn’t even give the other two players a chance to play.
“Your luck is too good!” everyone exclaimed.
One round like this could be shrugged off; after all, everyone gets a perfect hand now and then.
But the problem was, from the moment Lan He started drawing cards, he hadn’t lost a single round!
The other players were stunned. They even began to suspect Lan He of cheating, but his hands were clean. Besides, they weren’t playing for high stakes, so there was no reason to cheat.
“I think I should stop playing,” Lan He said, noticing that Bai Wu was getting more depressed surrounded by humans. He felt a bit guilty about his streak of wins, considering it unfair.
After all, although all four celestial deities were revered as the God of Wealth and housed in temples built for them, the true “God of Wealth” with the most power to bring fortune was the Bai Immortal. It’s said that the Bai Immortal’s connection to wealth stemmed from residing in the woodpiles of farmhouses, where “wood” (ๆด) symbolized “wealth” (่ดข).
Given Yi Ping’s shy and insecure demeanor, Lan He had doubted his abilities, but it seemed that once Yi Ping could overcome his social anxiety and be among people, his skills were quite effective.
Lan He even felt that he could forgive Bai Wu for pricking his heart!
“No way, you can’t just leave after winning. You can’t run after a win,” the other two players insisted. “We’ll sit out and switch places. We don’t believe this, let’s see if it’s the seat.”
Lan He sighed, “Gamblers, huh?”
The others shooed him, “Get out of here!”
They wanted to see just how absurd Lan He’s luck could get.
Lan He had to act a little strange himself, making a show of being proud but then saying at the end, “Maybe it’s just the position. I’ve never been this good at cards before; these last few rounds have all been great hands.”
So, they swapped players and seats. This time, Zhang Qingyou and Shi Xuan sat down with Lan He.
Lan He noticed that Yi Ping was now in a dilemma…
Lan He’s status as a benefactor was cemented by a single remark, but the other two had also been kind to himโthey only injured him instead of killing him.
Bai Wu scratched his head, blew two breaths towards Lan He, and then blew one each towards Zhang Qingyou and Shi Xuan, maintaining a balance he deemed appropriate.
As a result, Lan He’s win rate decreased; it wasn’t as outrageous, but he still won more often than not and usually managed to play most of his cards. The other two barely won.
“Impressive, impressive! You’re the ‘Gambler King’ from *Dream of a Peaceful Life*!” someone said as they shared a short video in the crew’s group chat, showing off how lucky Lan He was tonight, with everyone eager to ride his wave of fortune.
Several actors present chimed in, emphasizing the terrifying luck of the “Gambler King.”
ใLan He never joined card games before. Turns out it’s not because he doesn’t know how, but because he’s too good for us!ใ
ใWell, luck is a form of skill, too.ใ
“Really?” Wang Mao suddenly appeared in the chat, sending a red envelope. He was notoriously unlucky with red envelopesโso unlucky that even in a two-person race, the other could get ninety-nine while he’d get one. “I’ve been feeling lucky today, let’s see.”
After sending the envelope, Wang Mao claimed his share. Of course, he didn’t get the top amount. When he checked back, the top prize had already been claimed, and it was, unsurprisingly, Lan He.
Wang Mao: “…”
The others urged the director to send two more red envelopes to confirm.
Wang Mao: “This isn’t scientific. I’m done.”
Anyway, thanks to Yi Ping’s spiritual energy, Lan He’s financial luck was off the charts tonight. He sent a few large red envelopes in the group chat, saying he was sharing his luck with everyone, which finally calmed the uproar.
“Alright, time to sleep. We’ve got work tomorrow!” It was getting late, and everyone started leaving Lan He’s room.
As each person left, Lan He, exhausted, was about to relax when he heard Yi Ping sigh even earlier than him, saying softly, “Ah… finally, they’re gone.”
Lan He: “…”
Yi Ping really had severe social anxiety.
There was nothing more Bai Wu could help with, so he left with heavy, tired steps. Lan He watched him leave, shaking his head helplessly.
That night, however, Lan He didn’t sleep well. He eventually got up in the middle of the night and burned a note to Old Bai, asking, “Do you know anything about the Golden Threshold and Golden Gateposts?”
Old Bai didn’t show up until dawn, appearing at the head of Lan He’s bed, slumped over and looking as gloomy as Yi Ping, nearly giving Lan He a heart attack when he opened his eyes.
Old Bai spoke in a haunting tone, “You know about the Golden Threshold? Did the Hu clan tell you?”
“I heard it from a colleague on set. What’s the deal?” Lan He’s heart sank. It seemed like his premonition was correctโthe theft of the golden mouse was no simple matter. He speculated, “Could it be… someone stole it while wearing Brother Yan’s official hat?”
He remembered Old Bai mentioning that day that a living person wearing a ghost officer’s hat would appear half-ghost, invisible to ordinary people.
And the theft of the Golden Threshold and Golden Gateposts seemed like they had vanished into thin air. Most people would think it was an inside job or a coordinated effort, but Lan He couldn’t help but think of the stolen official hat. He wondered if he was overthinking it.
“Exactly,” Old Bai said in a deep voice. “What you don’t know is that the Golden Threshold and the Golden Gateposts are secondary. The most critical piece is the golden mouse that goes with the gateposts. Have you ever wondered why a mouse is buried under the gateposts?”
The only major event Lan He knew about recently was this, so he could only connect it to something used for suppression. “Could it be that the golden mouse is also a suppressive object?”
He recalled seeing a program that mentioned various protective objects in the palaces of the Forbidden City, such as twenty-four talismans, five-colored silk threads, scriptures, and so on. But those were meant to protect individual halls. If the golden mouse were a suppressive object, it would be more like something that protected an entire city.
Sure enough, Old Bai nodded. “Correct! The entire city of Beijing is symmetrically aligned along its central axis, connecting the Outer City, Inner City, Imperial City, and the Forbidden City. The place where the golden gateposts are buried is right on that central axis. This line almost coincides with the meridian, deviating by only about two degrees. Scientists in the human world say that the meridian is the line connecting the true North and South Poles, but in reality, itโs also the line with the heaviest negative energy. Even the emperor’s throne was slightly off this line, as no one dared to sit directly on the meridian.
“And the head and tail of the golden mouse are precisely aligned with the meridianโmidnight, the hour of the rat, corresponds with this line. It was one of the Five Ancient Suppressors, meant to neutralize the negative energy along the meridian. Unfortunately, it went missing after the change of dynasties, and new Feng Shui designs replaced it.
“Now, both the Five Ancient Suppressors and the Five Modern Suppressors have issues. First Lady Hu is handling the affairs of the Five Ancient Suppressors, while the Five Modern Suppressors are being coordinated by some living people who deal with the affairs of the underworld. The world is changing too quickly; they lack spiritually effective tools, and there’s constant infighting. After much bickering, they couldn’t agree on anything, so they came up with a plan to bring back the golden mouse and set up a new arrangement with the old tool to suppress the center!
“Who would have thought that the brazen Huang family would dare to steal the golden mouse too? Doesnโt he think the chaos in Beijing is enough?”
Lan He initially found it strange that the actors in the group had said a tycoon had bought the relic. But then he quickly realizedโof course, some tycoons believe in these things; they were probably the sponsors who deal with underworld affairs.
Lan He asked, “Didn’t First Lady Hu summon all the Huang family for questioning? Didn’t she identify the culprit?”
At this, Old Bai seemed puzzled. “That’s the strange part. All the Huang family were still on the mountain yesterday, yet the golden mouse was stolen during their time on the mountain. Now we’re all wondering if it was an unidentified wild spirit from outside.”
Lan He had thought First Lady Hu’s involvement would guarantee success, but it seemed there were still loose ends. “It sounds like you all have a tough job ahead… My work isnโt done yet, but if I hear any clues, I’ll keep an ear out.”
“That’s just our duty. You take care of your own business; I’ve got to go, so much damn trouble.” Old Bai cursed as he floated away.
Lan He frowned deeply. He didnโt fully understand the situation, but he was worried about his friends. Old Bai didnโt even ask for money todayโwas the situation really that dire?
Just then, Old Bai slapped his forehead and came back, yelling, “Give me some money!”
Lan He: “…”
He turned around without a word and got the money. It seemed everything was still somewhat normal, so he could at least continue filming with some peace of mind.
Old Bai happily counted his money, tucked it away, and prepared to leave.
Lan He murmured to himself, “A father worries even when his child travels a thousand miles…”
Old Bai: “โฆโฆโฆโฆ”
โฆHe endured!
โฆ
As for Shi Xuan, she was exhausted from the night’s activities. After washing up, she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. She didnโt overthink it and had a dreamless night. When she woke up the next day, she was refreshed and full of energy, sweeping away the gloom of the past few days.
Lan He really was effective!
When she arrived on set, her vibrant appearance caught Wang Mao’s attention. “Feeling better already?”
“Yes, I was playing cards in Lan He’s room last night, thanks to him,” Shi Xuan said with a smile.
Lan He modestly replied, “It wasnโt me, really.”
It wasnโt his doing; Yi Ping had healed her…
Shi Xuan grinned, “Come on, bro, don’t be so humble. You’re brave, righteous, even more effective than the old immortals. No wonder nothing supernatural can affect you.”
Lan He thought to himself, *After tonight, I might as well be called Lan Zilong.*
But Wang Mao, rubbing his chin, said, “Come to think of it, you all keep saying that nothing happens to anyone when they’re with Lan He. I’m starting to wonder: why does Lan He always encounter something supernatural whenever he’s with someone?”
Lan He: “โฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆ!!!”
He almost broke into a cold sweat.
Shi Xuan was also taken aback, then quickly shouted, “That’s because of the luck this year! Haven’t you noticed the big bell at Juehui Temple ringing out of season? Thereโs been more paranormal activity than usual!”
Fortunately, Wang Mao was just joking. He chuckled a few times and was about to say “Alright then”โ
When Zhang Qingyou suddenly exclaimed, “Lan He, you’re incredibly lucky! I just asked you to retweet a promo post, and you won the first prize!”
Lan He took a moment to process this. “Is it the promo I retweeted for you last night?”
He had done it just to support Zhang Qingyou and hadnโt looked closely. It turned out there was a prize draw in the post, with first place offering cash and signed merchandise.
Wang Mao was silent for a moment before suddenly shouting enviously, “I told you he’s the one who’s jinxed! Someone, arrest this monster!”
Lan He raised his arm and shouted back, “The director’s gone mad! Quick, make him send a red envelope!”
Zhang Qingyou and Shi Xuan rushed forward. “Director, send a red envelope!”
The rest of the crew had no idea what had just happened. Words like “jinxed” and “monster” weren’t part of their vocabulary. All they heard were “director” and “red envelope,” so they swarmed like zombies, engulfing the director. “Hmm? Red envelope?”
Only Wang Maoโs hands were visible as he was completely surrounded, his previous logic thrown out the window as he shouted, “Why should I send a red envelope just because he won a prize…?”
Lan He coldly watched as the zombie horde gradually swallowed up the director: …Thank goodness!
Author’s Note:
Yi Ping: _(:ะท)โ )_ Feeling so down.
will yp comes too..? yp working hard for health and wealth