AGJN 036: The Underworld is Not a Lawless Land

When Dou Chunting reached Song Futan’s car, he tried to get in as if it were second nature. “Hey, bro, open the door.”

Song Futan replied, “You should call a taxi.”

Dou Chunting was incredulous. “Why!” He turned around to complain, “Mom, Aunt, my brother won’t give me a ride—”

But he saw Song Qiyun and the others quickly get into their own cars and drive off with a step on the gas.

Dou Chunting: “…”

Dou Chunting: “You can’t be serious, bro. You drove Lan He the first time you met him, but you can’t give your own brother a ride? Am I not even as good as him?” He turned to Lan He, “I don’t mean that in a bad way…”

Comparing? What are you comparing to Lan He??

Song Futan coldly responded, “Take a taxi.”

Lan He felt it wasn’t right either. Dou Chunting was correct; it would be strange to give him a ride but not his cousin. After some persuasion, Song Futan finally let him into the car.

Lan He opened the trunk to put the luggage inside, then nodded toward Yi Ping, who was standing far away. Yi Ping hesitated but finally came over and got in.

Dou Chunting was already in the back seat. “Thanks, bro.”

Dou Chunting gave the address; he was going to a friend’s place. Seeing that Lan He had finished putting away the luggage, he remembered that it was because of Lan He that he could get in the car, so he warmly invited Lan He to sit in the back as well, even opening the door for him. “Come on, sit over here.”

Song Futan: “…”

Lan He sat next to him. “Thanks, little brother.”

Dou Chunting found it amusing. To be honest, people often tried to cozy up to him because of his dad or uncle, some doing it in such a greasy way that he found it disgusting. But Lan He calling him little brother didn’t offend him at all; in fact, he found it kind of interesting.

Dou Chunting pondered for a moment. Maybe it wasn’t just because Lan He was so calm and collected; it could also be because his usually aloof brother had taken a special liking to Lan He, making him see Lan He in a more favorable light too. He really trusted his cousin’s judgment.

“No problem. Where do you live? We can drop you off first; I’m not in a hurry.” Dou Chunting said with a cheerful grin.

“No need, you’re closer.” Lan He said modestly. In truth, he just wanted to chat with Xiao Song.

“Thank you, Lan He bro.” Dou Chunting even called him “bro” and started chatting away with Lan He. “When you had dinner with Mr. Yu, did they tell you ghost stories again? Haunted houses, the princess’s tomb, etc. Wait, this is in Xingshuang, so they must have talked about the ghost story of the Prince’s Mansion, right? Did it scare you?”

It seemed everyone had figured out Mr. Yu’s routine. But truth be told, he was really good at telling stories. Lan He smiled and said, “Yeah, but it didn’t scare me. I believe there are no ghosts or gods in this world, and besides, they say that people’s hearts are scarier than ghosts and gods.”

Dou Chunting sighed, “I can’t speak for the first part, but I do agree with the latter. People’s hearts can sometimes be scarier than ghosts.”

Song Futan: “…”

Yi Ping: “…………”

…Indeed, people’s hearts can be scarier than ghosts, especially Lan He’s heart.

“But…” Dou Chunting glanced at his cousin. Of course, he wouldn’t dare to talk about what his cousin had gone through, so he just said, “I used to sneak into the Prince’s Mansion at night. My middle school was partly built on its grounds. After night study, I climbed over the wall with my classmates. I was so scared; I really heard a female ghost crying inside.”

Lan He smiled slightly. “It was probably just a staff member who hadn’t gone home yet. Did you see anyone?”

Dou Chunting: “No, but the master I consulted later said it was.”

Lan He just smiled without saying anything.

Dou Chunting thought to himself, you may not believe it now, but after spending time with my brother, you’ll definitely start believing it too!

Feeling somewhat defeated, he continued, “Have you heard about the recent paranormal stories in Beijing? They’re spreading like wildfire.”

Lan He naturally said he hadn’t heard.

“They say a police station in Beijing is haunted, with the sound of ghosts crying that many people have heard. Lately, fewer people have been passing by that area! You can look it up; there are posts online, and even the families of the officers have spoken out.”

Lan He found it even more amusing. “How is that possible? If there really were ghosts, would they dare to enter a police station? It must be a rumor, just like the story that Mr. Yu’s company logo was stolen through witchcraft. Do you believe that?”

Dou Chunting: “…”

Song Futan: “…………”

But Lan He was sincere in the first part. How could a police station, such a righteous place, be haunted? These ghost stories are getting more and more careless.

“Well, it’s not inside the station, just outside where the crying is heard.” Dou Chunting scratched his face, not feeling too confident since he hadn’t personally verified it. “But a friend of mine passed by there at night. He stopped to smoke and said he heard crying, but couldn’t see anyone. But it was just crying, nothing else…”

“We’re here. Get out.” Song Futan braked and finally spat out four cold words.

“So soon?!” Dou Chunting thought to himself, what kind of speed was this? The door was already open, so he had no choice but to get out with a sulky look. “Goodbye, bro.”

Lan He waved his hand as well.

After their car drove away, Dou Chunting lowered his head and quickly searched for Lan He’s information. Although he wasn’t well-known, the company had posted some articles and information about him online.

“Hey, he’s a few months younger than me! I got tricked!” Dou Chunting muttered, “Next time, I’ll have to bring it up, as long as he hasn’t changed his age…”

…

“Haha, your brother is quite naive,” Lan He laughed. “How could he believe such ghost stories? Doesn’t he know about your… affairs?”

“He knows a little, but not in detail. Ordinary people shouldn’t be exposed to these things without reason,” Song Futan replied. Moreover, he wouldn’t tell his family about his experiences after his soul separated from his body.

“Alright then. Speaking of the police station, let’s head there first. The one on Qingxi Road. You can set the navigation,” Lan He suggested. “I need to turn in the Golden Threshold to the authorities, and by the way, borrow some paper—Yi Ping, do you want to sit up front?”

Song Futan’s car had a compartment at the back, but it was covered. Yi Ping’s voice faintly came from within, “No…”

Lan He explained, “It’s very timid, probably thinks there are too many people up front.”

Song Futan: “??”

Too many… people?

If it weren’t for the fact that both of them could see ghosts, Song Futan would have thought this was a ghost story, similar to someone in an elevator saying there were too many “people” when there was only one.

“I’m planning to keep Yi Ping as a household spirit, like keeping a hedgehog…” Lan He was faintly excited. This was the first time he was openly sharing his experiences with someone outside his family. Talking about matters of the underworld with someone gave him a different feeling, but it wasn’t the anxiety he initially expected.

“My grandfather used to keep a hedgehog too, and we still have a breeding box. Do you need one?” Song Futan also found this atmosphere quite comfortable.

Yi Ping weakly said, “I need a Wealth Tower… My elders in the clan said the best Wealth Tower is made of bricks, tiles, and wood, very detailed, just like the courtyard houses you humans live in… well, some of you humans.”

He had already realized that not everyone could live in a grand courtyard house.

Lan He: “… What do you mean, some people? You mean rich people!”

“Oh, rich people,” Yi Ping corrected. “It should be two stories high, with a door opening, engraved with a divine seat, and incense burning all year round.” Actually, Yi Ping had never lived in one, he was just describing what he had heard.

Lan He’s expression gradually became a bit gloomy. He had promised Yi Ping, so he had to fulfill it, but it was difficult. Building it outside would block the fire escape. Building it inside the house? On the balcony? The landlord probably wouldn’t allow it, and if it wasn’t built properly, it wouldn’t be effective.

How on earth was he going to handle this Wealth Tower…

Song Futan glanced back and calmly said, “That kind of Wealth Tower sounds a bit outdated. The breeding box, although called a box, is actually a hedgehog villa. It’s insulated, made of eco-friendly PVC, making the living environment cleaner, and the acrylic glass makes it easier to monitor the incense. Also, the ventilation holes have metal mesh to prevent anyone from trying to disturb you through them.”

Yi Ping sat up: “Oh? That sounds a bit luxurious…”

Lan He snapped out of his thoughts: “Luxurious, very luxurious!”

He had really been stuck in old thinking, just because Yi Ping kept mentioning courtyard houses.

Times were changing; brick-and-tile Wealth Tower was the standard of the past. Just like people now, fewer and fewer live in brick houses.

The Wealth Tower they preferred was luxurious at the time, but nowadays it’s not much, and it doesn’t even have insulation. It doesn’t have to be made of brick and tiles; a hedgehog house might actually be more comfortable. It probably wouldn’t even be expensive, and if Song Futan didn’t have one on hand, they could buy one online.

Sure enough, Yi Ping was tempted.

Lan He gave Song Futan a grateful look.

When Song Futan met his warm, damp brown eyes, he squeezed the steering wheel a bit, feeling a slight tightening in his chest.

While chatting about Yi Ping’s luxurious residence, they arrived at Qingxi Road. Lan He asked Song Futan to stop the car a little distance away. He took the Golden Threshold from Yi Ping and said, “I’ll leave my soul and go to their dormitory.”

This road wasn’t a main road, so there weren’t many cars, just a few passing by now and then, none stopping. At this hour, the police station was long closed, shrouded in darkness.

Lan He hadn’t even left his body yet, but as soon as the car stopped, he heard a faint, mournful crying sound.

Faint and eerie, carrying a ghostly chill, it drifted down the dark street, with long and short sobs that tugged at the heart.

Song Futan turned around and exchanged a glance with Lan He.

Dou Chunting wasn’t exaggerating; there really was a ghost in front of the police station??

This was truly strange. Lan He, alert, said, “Be careful. It might be coming for you. I’ll go check it out.”

Compared to the idea of a ghost causing trouble outside the police station, Lan He was more inclined to believe it was after Song Futan, given his peculiar constitution.

Lan He put on his mask, drew a talisman, and then left his soul.

Song Futan watched as his soul left his body. Lan He even gave him a somewhat embarrassed smile, probably because it was the first time he had left his soul in front of someone who knew.

Lan He floated out through the window, drifting towards the police station.

After Lan He left, two simultaneous sighs were heard in the car.

Song Futan thought: That shy smile of his, so sweet…

Bai Wu thought: That ghost is doomed.

…

Lan He approached the police station and indeed saw a ghost huddled by the wall, wailing in the dead of night, sending chills down the spine.

Lan He cautiously called out, “Hey—”

The ghost looked up, revealing a large lump on its neck. Upon seeing Lan He, its previously gloomy expression turned to excitement, “Master Lai! Master Lai, it’s you! Oh my god, I thought I’d never see you again!!”

Lan He: “??”

Wait a minute, isn’t this ghost…

The ghost stood up, revealing a hunched back and the paper ropes in its hands. Tearfully, it said, “Master Lai, how much longer do I have to stay locked up here? I’ve been behaving well, waiting for you to send someone to inspect me. The outside of the police station is terrifying, with evil people and police officers coming and going. I’m scared to tears every day.”

Lan He: “………………”

Damn, he remembered now. This was the hunchbacked ghost he had captured on the paper bus earlier. He had tied it up outside the police station to reflect on its actions, saying he’d come to release it later. But he’d been so busy for the past two months that he hadn’t had the time.

So that’s why there was a ghost outside the police station—it was the one he had tied up there… So, the so-called new paranormal stories in Beijing were caused by him unintentionally?!

Fortunately, he ran out of his special paper quickly and had come to Wang Lili for more supplies today…

Feeling guilty, Lan He said, “Well, I’m here now! I came specifically to see if you’ve reflected on your behavior. Are you scared now? Will you dare to act out again?”

The hunchbacked ghost wiped its tears, “I’ll never dare again. I’ll be a good ghost from now on.”

Ghosts are also afraid of evil people, and the criminals entering the station terrified it to death. It was even scared when the police gave it a stern look. Finally, this tormenting time could end. Oh heavens, it never wanted to commit any more crimes. What if Master Lai caught it again? It didn’t dare to think about it.

Ghosts don’t need to eat or sleep regularly, but this kind of psychological torment was unbearable.

Lan He untied the paper ropes, “Alright, off you go.”

The hunchbacked ghost bowed twice before hastily floating away.

Lan He watched until the ghost’s figure disappeared before entering the dormitory.

…

Wang Lili once again dreamed of his partner!

As soon as he saw him, Wang Lili said, “Did you see the follow-up to the last case? I found the owner!”

“Mm, mm, I knew you could handle it,” Lan He replied. “This time, I need your help with another matter—finding another owner.”

Wang Lili, thinking it was the same as before, said, “Sure.”

Lan He then presented an item. Wang Lili saw that it was a yellow lacquered threshold, three inches high, five feet long, and one foot thick. It looked very old, with “Golden Threshold” carved in the center. On the left side, “Gen Yu Long De Palace” was inscribed, and on the right, “Craftsman Yan Used Gold to Cast,” all written in small seal script.

…This was a major case!

Wang Lili didn’t know much about small seal script, but he recognized the words because there had been a case in Beijing recently involving the theft of cultural relics, possibly an international theft. It was a high-profile case with internal photos circulating!

The case had been ongoing for some time, but there hadn’t been any leads. He had heard some vague rumors that the thieves had used advanced technology, making it impossible to detect any traces. It was as if the Golden Threshold and the accompanying items had vanished into thin air. There were even rumors that it was stolen by international criminals, which sparked curiosity.

And now, it was in Lan He’s hands.

Wang Lili’s breath caught, “How did it end up with you? There’s also a Golden Gatepost and a Golden Mouse, right?”

“I only found half of it, so I’m delivering this part first. I’m entrusting you to return it to its rightful owner. I heard they reported it to the police, so you should be able to pass it on?” Lan He asked.

“I can. This is a registered major case, a bizarre one,” Wang Lili said, suddenly realizing something. “It disappeared without a trace—could it be because it wasn’t stolen by humans at all?”

So, that’s why the underworld’s experts were involved? And why they couldn’t find any traces?

The so-called disappearance wasn’t out of thin air but because the culprits were invisible to most!

“As long as you understand. The owner probably understands too,” Lan He said. He had heard that the owner was involved with those who dealt with the underworld in Beijing.

“The owner understands too?” Wang Lili murmured, “Then how am I supposed to report this to my superiors? Can I say it was you who gave it to me?” He found the idea absurd, but this was a significant artifact, not something easily dismissed like a tombstone or a paper offering.

“You can say so, but not everyone will believe it. Maybe the owner will help you provide a reasonable explanation,” Lan He said, handing over the Golden Threshold.

Regardless, this was the Golden Threshold. Wang Lili had heard the nursery rhyme about it when he was a child, and the fact that Lan He entrusted it to him showed a high level of trust in his character. With his head held high, Wang Lili accepted it and saluted Lan He, “Rest assured, partner, I won’t let you down!”

“Thanks… Huh?” Lan He realized what had been said, “Partner?”

Wang Lili: “…”

Oops, he had accidentally spoken his mind. Wang Lili awkwardly explained, “Well, I think, given our cross-realm cooperation, yin-yang police… We’ve worked together on three cases now, so we can be considered partners, right?”

Lan He couldn’t help but laugh, “I guess so. Partner, could I borrow some more paper?”

Wang Lili thought of the suspicious and disapproving looks from the logistics department, gritted his teeth, and said, “Of course!”

He had been frantically requesting office supplies, to the point where everyone suspected he was using notebooks to plaster his walls. He had just used up a small amount, and now, with this request, he was sure to arouse suspicion again.

Lan He tore away all the paper.

When Wang Lili woke up with a start, he felt a heavy weight on his chest. Opening his eyes, he saw the yellow lacquered threshold pressing down on him. Without wasting a moment, he quickly got up to make a phone call.

…

“All done. I’ve handed it over to him. There shouldn’t be any issues,” Lan He said, watching Wang Lili’s careful demeanor. He felt reassured; this “partner” was quite diligent.

“Let me drive you home,” Song Futan said, starting the car again. “So, what was the ghost crying about?”

Lan He: “…”

Lan He sighed, “It was all a misunderstanding. When I was on my way to Juehui Temple to find you, I caught a ghost stealing something and tied it up here for reflection. But it got scared of the evil people and the police coming and going, so it cried every day…”

As he spoke, his voice trailed off.

Song Futan couldn’t help but smile, offering comfort, “It deserved to be caught. The underworld isn’t a lawless place.”

“Exactly, good and evil must be repaid. They might not fear the law but dread ghostly punishment!” Lan He said, suddenly realizing, “Oh no, I forgot to warn it not to spread rumors. What if it goes out and starts gossiping? You don’t know, after our trip to the underworld, rumors started that I had caused a big scene there.”

Song Futan glanced at him; that wasn’t exactly a rumor…

At that moment, Yi Ping’s voice suddenly came weakly from the backseat, “Could you stop up ahead? I’d like to send a message to my elder in the clan. I haven’t told them I’ve found a place to be worshipped.”

Ahead was an open park. Yi Ping wrote a note and went down to find a squirrel to deliver it.

Seeing that Yi Ping had left, Lan He quickly recounted the possible origin of the fox spirit, “I think she’s Hu Si. I’m pretty sure. Foxes have strong vengeful tendencies, so you need to be cautious… Are you sure those prayer beads won’t cause any problems?”

Song Futan confidently replied, “They won’t.”

The car arrived at the entrance of Lan He’s residential complex.

Lan He said, “We’re here, this is the place.”

Song Futan’s tone seemed to carry a faint sigh.

From Lan He’s perspective, he could only see Song Futan’s lowered eyes in the rearview mirror. “Yes, we’re here.”

“…Well, thanks. I still need to pack tonight. Come by my place tomorrow,” Lan He said, and when Song Futan looked back, he added nervously, “I haven’t really seen much of you while you’re alive.”

Song Futan’s mood suddenly lightened, “Sure, I’ll bring the breeding box tomorrow.”

Lan He got out of the car, and Song Futan followed to help him with his luggage.

“See you later.” Lan He took the luggage and extended his hand with a smile, “By the way… it’s been nice meeting you.”

Song Futan also extended his right hand, grasping Lan He’s warm, soft hand. This was their first time touching each other while alive. Compared to Lan He’s often lower body temperature due to his frequent out-of-body experiences, his warmth was comforting.

“It’s been nice meeting you too.”

…

“This is where I live… where I rent,” Lan He said as he dragged his luggage into the elevator. “You’ve informed your elders, right? My place isn’t that big.”

Living in a courtyard house might not happen in this lifetime.

Yi Ping’s voice came softly, “It’s fine. Nowadays, there aren’t many people who still worship household spirits… As long as there’s a place to stay and some incense to eat, I’m fine. I don’t have any other demands, just that the incense shouldn’t be too poor in quality.”

Lan He: “……………Alright.”