The neighbor, Mr. Fang, bought Zhang Nuo's old house, which is located deep in the market district.
It was said that Mr. Fang had experienced a lot of hardship and tragedy. He came alone to Chang'an City at the beginning of the Tang Dynasty and bought a small courtyard in the Yongping district to live in.
No one knew how he had accumulated a large fortune. He never went out to do business and miraculously managed to survive for ten years without starving to death.
When Zhang Nuo's father was still alive, he would occasionally send some food to Mr.Fang through Zhang Nuo's mother .
It wasn't because he was afraid that they didn't have enough to eat, but because he was afraid that if Mr. Fang died at home, no one would know.
Later, when old Zhang and his wife fell ill, they ran out of money for treatment. It was Mr. Fang who took the initiative to visit and said,
"I know your family is having a hard time. I have some money. Take it and use it to treat your illness first."
Old Zhang was stubborn, but after some persuasion, he sold the house to Mr. Fang.
When Mr. Fang received the house deed, he didn't say anything, nor did he urge Zhang Nuo's family to move out. He continued to live in the old house until Old Zhang and his wife passed away, and only then did Zhang Nuo move out.
It can be said that Mr. Fang was really kind to Zhang Nuo's family.
Not long after, Zhang Nuo strolled to Mr. Fang's door. The vermilion-colored gate had long been chipped away, but Zhang Nuo didn't mind and began banging on the door.
"Mr. Fang, I know you're in there. It's me, Zhang Nuo. Open the door!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Mr. Fang's slightly sharp voice answered from inside the door,
"The door's not latched. Come in if you want!"
Zhang Nuo didn't have any sense of politeness and walked straight in without knocking.
Inside was a small courtyard. Mr. Fang was wearing a gray-blue robe and was half-lying on a soft cushion, holding a yellowed book and slowly flipping through it.
Startled by the sound of the door opening, Mr. Fang raised his head to look at Zhang Nuo. Suddenly, he exclaimed in surprise, climbed off the cushion, and walked up to Zhang Nuo to scrutinize him carefully from head to toe.
Zhang Nuo felt goosebumps all over his body from Mr. Fang's intense gaze. He was about to ask a question when he heard Mr. Fang ask,
" Zhang Nuo , have you encountered any strange and unusual events in the past few months?"
Zhang Nuo's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Mr. Fang was also a time traveler with some kind of special ability, and had somehow discovered his secret of traveling through time?
Zhang Nuo almost used all his strength to maintain a calm expression, but there was still a slight tremble in his voice as he asked,
"No, why do you ask? I opened a restaurant, business is doing well, and I'm busy with work every day. I also practice calligraphy and read books. What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?"
With a sudden clap, Mr. Fang exclaimed loudly,
"This is not just wrong, this is very wrong!"
"Before, I saw your fortune was poor and short-lived, but now, just a few months later, your face shows prosperity, longevity, and great wealth."
"If it weren't for your natural expression and clear speech, I would suspect you've been possessed by a demon!"
Zhang Nuo breathed a sigh of relief. So it was about face reading. He was startled for a moment, thinking he had encountered a time traveler.
As long as Mr. Fang didn't discover his secret of time travel, it was not a big deal if his face changed for the better.
It was normal to have good fortune after time travel.
But it seemed that Mr. Fang had some real skills. Not only could he read and write, but he could also make judgments about people's faces, which made him more capable than most itinerant Taoists.
Zhang Nuo, who was about to expand his business and desperately in need of high-level management, was impressed.
Mr. Fang knew his family well as they were neighbors for many years, and their friendship was strong. He was also capable enough for the job. It would be great to bring him in as a manager.
Thinking of this, Zhang Nuo immediately put aside his worries and looked at Mr. Fang with a smile, saying,
"Mr. Fang, it must be boring for you to live alone here. Why don't you sell me my old house and come to my place to work as a steward or something? What do you think?"
Zhang Nuo thought Mr. Fang would hesitate or consider his offer, as Mr. Fang had not been doing any serious work for so many years and was like a Tang Dynasty version of a otaku.
To his surprise, Mr. Fang nodded without hesitation and said confidently,
"I have never registered the old house with the government. I will transfer it to the master's name. Please take care of it from now on."
Zhang Nuo was stunned. Was he really that charming? Without even discussing the salary, Mr. Fang bowed and offered his old house as a gift.
Before Zhang Nuo could ask any questions, Mr. Fang spoke again,
"Master, the old servant is willing to offer both hands to serve you. May I sign a death contract to work in your mansion?"
Zhang Nuo was about to explode. This was the first time he had ever seen someone actively asking to sign a death contract.
What is a "death contract"?
The simplest explanation is "selling oneself into slavery"!
Usually, only those who have truly hit rock bottom will sell themselves to someone's household, and from then on their lives belong to the other person.
However, at the same time, they are also considered to be in the same boat as the household. If the household commits a great crime that warrants punishment of nine generations, those who have signed a death contract will also have to die with them.
Although signing a death contract makes one truly part of the household, Zhang Nuo cannot just sign without understanding the situation.
It is obvious that Mr. Fang is not in need of money. He even gave away his old mansion for free. He only asks for a death contract. It is like voluntarily giving a set of housing within New York Manhattan to a restaurant owner and asking to work there as a waiter.
Isn't this ridiculous?
Mr. Fang looked at Zhang Nuo and explained seriously,
"Master, I was also born into a wealthy family in the south when I was young. Before the age of eight, I also had a life of luxury and ease. However, a Taoist priest passed by my house."
"After seeing me, he said that I had too much negative energy and that if I wasn't sent away within a year, it would bring harm to my family and myself."
"At that time, my family did not take it seriously. But who would have thought that a year later, within just one month, my second brother and little sister both died unexpectedly. My father finally believed and sent me to a nearby Taoist temple."
"Who knew that the old Taoist priest was waiting for me all along. He told my father that even his own blessings were not enough to protect me, and that he could only teach me for six years. After six years, I had to come to Chang'an City on my own."
"Moreover, this old Taoist priest, who later became my master, also explained that I would find a person with fortune, longevity, and happiness in Chang'an, and as long as I entered the household, I could use the household's blessings to protect myself and bring prosperity to my family."
"Since then, I have been learning to read and write with my master and studying Taoism. Later, I brought the money my father gave me to Chang'an."
"I have been waiting all these years. If it weren't for my father's letters and gifts every year, I wouldn't know how to go on. Fortunately, I met the master today, and I hope the master can help me!"
After finishing his explanation, Mr. Fang bowed deeply and waited for Zhang Nuo's reply while still hunched over.
At this moment, Zhang Nuo felt a bit bewildered. He couldn't quite figure out what was going on with Lao Fang's story and his approach, which seemed to be similar to how Guanyin deceived Zhu Bajie and Tang Seng.
Could it be that he had traveled to a fantasy world, or even a mythological world?
He had never heard of anyone or anything appearing in history that involved people flying in the sky or anything like that.
Originally, as a capable young man who was born under the red flag, grew up in the spring breeze, and had been influenced by core values of liberalism and science for many years, middle-aged now, he wasn't too interested in these supernatural things.
But now that he had crossed over a thousand years, he felt it was better to show some awe for these magical methods.
As for Mr. Fang's heavy evil spirit, Zhang Nuo had no worries at all.
He was just kidding; with his powerful cheats, what evil spirits or outsiders dared to act recklessly towards him? He would surely become a successful figure in the future, climbing the ranks and earning promotions, with a fortune and blessings as thick as Tang Seng's. How could he be afraid of a little bit of evil spirit?
Moreover, Mr. Fang was an honest person who actually explained the twists and turns inside and clearly stated that it was for the continuation and health of his family.
At least he wasn't an ungrateful person, so why wait? Just accept him.
So Zhang Nuo put on a very "kind" smile on his face, helped Mr. Fang up, and said,
"Mr. Fang, there's no need to sign a death contract. Just come work for me directly at my house. The position of housekeeper is reserved for you."
Mr. Fang got up accordingly, but he had a serious look on his face and said,
"Master, the death contract must be signed. Please bless me and my family with a long and prosperous life. I will gladly sell myself to the family and share weal and woe with you. I hope the master will grant me this."
After finishing his words, he bowed again. Zhang Nuo felt a headache at this moment. This man was really stubborn.
Alright, let's just sign the death contract. In Zhang Nuo's opinion, this thing was just an enhanced version of a lifetime employment contract. If the master and servant got along well, then the death contract could be considered nonexistent.
So he helped Mr. Fang up again and said impatiently,
"Alright, Mr. Fang, stop bowing. Let's go sign it now. Pack your things, sign the contract, and come back with me. There are a bunch of problems to deal with right now."
Mr. Fang's face finally showed a happy smile. He looked as if he had found a treasure, but who knew that in just a moment, he would go from being a free man to becoming a slave under a death contract.