Under the persistent drizzle that had fallen over the ancient city throughout the night, the soft patter seemed to carry an unshakeable melancholy, like the sighs of wanderers. Reclining in bed, listening to the rain, Ruì Xiǎodān pondered deeply. The night's rain mirrored her thoughts, recalling every significant word of Xiāo Yàwén spoken in Frankfurt:
"Be it demon or ghost, it matters not; he is not human."
"He has inverted the thoughts of men, thoughts not of a human."
"Once such an idea takes root, you might as well have opened the gates of hell."
"If it truly happens, it's of your own making. Do not blame me for not warning you."
"With my intellect, I cannot fathom such a person."
Ruì Xiǎodān mused, "Calling someone a demon or a ghost is merely semantics. Fundamentally, it's about a different logic and value system compared to ordinary people. The so-called gates of hell are nothing but the spiritual anguish caused by conflicting values. If you are enlightened, I respect you and learn from you; if you are a demon, I discern you and leave you behind. But is a difference in values truly so terrifying?"
As dawn broke, the rain persisted. She rose, quickly dressed, and after a hasty breakfast, packed the rent and all cash from home, along with bank cards and necessary documents for planned errands. Double-checking everything, she set out without heading straight to the bank, first stopping at the most reputable "Integrity Real Estate Agency" in the ancient city to inquire about rental properties. The summer heat was pressing; her immediate concern was to secure a new air-conditioned apartment for Dīng Yuányīng as soon as possible.
Arriving early, she waited at the agency's entrance until they opened for business, becoming their first customer of the day. The female staff member who had previously assisted her recognized her and apologetically smiled, "Hello, I'm sorry, but we don't have a suitable property for you yet. Please wait a bit longer."
Ruì Xiǎodān replied, "I can't wait longer; summer is passing quickly. If you can't consider the rent, do you have anything suitable? It must be quick; I must move today."
After a moment's thought, the staff member said, "We can't arrange moving today, but if you insist, we have some information available. All are new apartments ranging from 80 to 160 square meters, each with air conditioning and a telephone. The residential environment and property management are excellent. There's a snack street less than 300 meters away. In short, they meet your requirements. The rents range from 1400 to 2500 yuan. If you agree on one, our agency's service ends here."
Ruì Xiǎodān nodded, "Alright."
The staff member directed her to Jiāhéyuán Community on Hǎihǎi East Road. She circled the neighborhood first, noting the nearby computer city, farmers' market, and large supermarket—all conducive to shopping. As expected, there was a long snack street on the west side of the community. At Jiāhé Realty's rental and sales department, she quickly selected a newly renovated 80-square-meter apartment on the third floor, Unit 305 at the far east end, and inspected it on site.
It was a recently completed community, everything pristine and new—from the standard actions of the security guards to the well-maintained garden within the community, to the freshly renovated apartment she viewed upstairs. She had already made up her mind. True to the agency's description, every room had air conditioning and a phone extension.
After some negotiation, the rent was reduced to 1260 yuan per month. In her own name, Ruì Xiǎodān signed the lease agreement, paid a year's rent upfront, received the keys, and promptly called a moving company to schedule moving out from Nancun Community at 2 p.m., while also contacting Dīng Yuányīng's landlord to arrange check-out at 3 p.m.
With these tasks completed, she finally went to the bank. Filling out the withdrawal slip, presenting her passbook, entering her PIN, and showing her ID as requested by the staff, she waited as they processed the withdrawal. Given the substantial amount, she discreetly checked the cash, counted it into her bag. She withdrew 220,000 yuan, 20,000 yuan more than Dīng Yuányīng's actual deposit needs.
Leaving the bank, she drove to "Island Records," stopping her car at the entrance.
Perhaps due to the rain, there were no customers inside. The owner, Liú Bīng, leaned against the door frame, watching the rain. Seeing Ruì Xiǎodān approach, he hurried back into the store, retrieving three records. Clearly, he remembered this customer.
Ruì Xiǎodān handed over the deposit receipt to Liú Bīng.
Liú Bīng handed her the three records, saying, "Please check if these are the ones."
Ruì Xiǎodān unwrapped the plastic film from the Mùtè violin record, opened the box to inspect. She saw the imprint of "Yuányīng" on the record and the same stamp on the back. This record matched exactly with what she had seen in the audio store, confirming it was the same one.
She then opened the other two records, each bearing the same stamp. Without a change in demeanor, she said, "Boss, these aren't new records. There are personal collection stamps on them, and even the outer plastic wrapping is handmade."
Liú Bīng countered, "Can new records be sold at this price? This is someone else's well-preserved collection. New records are 150 yuan; I sell these for 100 yuan."
Ruì Xiǎodān replied, "Show me all the records with the Yuányīng stamp."
Liú Bīng fetched a cardboard box, picking out a dozen records from it and pulling down over 20 more from the wall, then placing them all in a shoebox for her to inspect.
Ruì Xiǎodān checked each one, asking, "Is this all?"
Liú Bīng said, "That's all there is. Take your pick."
Ruì Xiǎodān said, "There are 36 here, plus those 3 makes it 39. I'll take them all."
"Everything?" Liú Bīng was momentarily surprised but quickly regained composure, inwardly delighted at the substantial sale. He quickly found a suitable box to pack them in, fearing the customer might change her mind.
After packing the records, sealing them with tape, then placing them in a black plastic bag, he said, "Since you're taking so many at once, I'll give you a discounted price. Take them for 3800 yuan."
Ruì Xiǎodān replied, "Enthusiasts buy them for 80 yuan each. I'll give you a final offer that can close the deal."
Liú Bīng was taken aback again, asking, "How come I don't know you?" Seeing Ruì Xiǎodān didn't reply, he used a calculator, thought for a moment, and said, "Take them for 3000 yuan, that's 77 yuan each, and I can't go lower."
Ruì Xiǎodān nodded in agreement, counted out 2950 yuan from her bag along with the deposit receipt, handing it to Liú Bīng.
Liú Bīng took the money, saying, "Come back in a few days; there'll be more."
Ruì Xiǎodān smiled politely, carrying the bag of records back to her car.