All of a sudden, a horde of malevolent spirits swarmed around him, frenetically gnawing at the old Taoist's soul. These female ghosts were the unfortunate victims who had been cruelly exploited as cauldrons by the old Taoist in his unholy practices and met with tragic ends.
Yun Qingjue had been waiting outside for Jin Huan when, out of the blue, a person plummeted from the rooftop and perished right before his eyes. The chauffeur was so terrified that his face turned ashen pale. Without a moment's delay, he instructed someone to call the police and then rushed into the apartment building himself. Worried that the young girl might be frightened, he went straight to knock on her door.
The moment Jin Huan opened the door, Yun Qingjue swept her into his embrace.
"What's wrong?" she asked. In an instant, the man's presence enveloped her like a warm, protective cloak. Gazing at her innocent and unworldly countenance, he found himself at a loss for words. How could he possibly tell her that someone had just leaped to their death right here? She'd surely be scared out of her wits.
The bead on Ji Yan's possession was now etched with love patterns, signifying it was time for a change. Thus, the energy coursing through Yun Qingjue was irresistibly alluring to her. However, Jin Huan managed to steel herself. She had to deliberate carefully whether to choose Yun Qingjue or not. If she did, the next love pattern would be linked to him; if not, she must keep her distance.
"Don't hold me," she said inwardly fearing she'd lose control and draw his essence. Yun Qingjue's expression betrayed a flicker of hurt, and reluctantly, he let go.
"It might be chaotic outside today. Don't go out," he cautioned her.
"Alright."
"Well, then I'll be off."
"Okay."
Shortly after the incident, the police from the precinct arrived promptly, cordoning off the area with yellow tape, barring anyone from coming or going. Upon receiving the news, Ji Yan hastened back without delay and tenderly comforted her.
"If you're scared, shall we stay at a hotel tonight?" he suggested softly. Jin Huan shook her head, nestling into his arms. "I won't be afraid as long as you're here."
He'd already been mulling over moving to a bigger house, and this incident only strengthened his resolve. Lifting her up as if she were a child, he settled on the couch and gently kissed her on the cheek.
"Don't you have to go to work?" she asked.
"It's okay. I can handle things from home," he replied.
"Ji Yan, you're so kind," she murmured. Her cheek pressed against his shoulder, yet her gaze strayed to the window outside. The female spirits, having exacted their vengeance on the old Taoist's malevolent soul, hovered there, bowing to her in gratitude. Jin Huan's lips curved into a faint smile. Having avenged their great wrongs, they were barred from reincarnation, yet lacking sufficient resentment to sustain their existence in this world, their spectral forms gradually grew transparent until, at last, they dissipated completely in the sunlight.
...
As Ji Yan worked from home, Jin Huan nestled cozily in his arms, snuggling up to him affectionately. With such a beauty in his embrace, it was nigh impossible for him to concentrate. To make matters worse, Jin Huan was rather restless. Barely had he read a few lines when she started idly toying with his Adam's apple, her fingers caressing it in a sporadic, teasing manner.
"Huanger," he said, grasping her hand.
"If you need to focus on work, I'll play by myself," she said, attempting to wriggle out of his arms, only to be pulled back tightly by Ji Yan. Pressing his face against her back, he pleaded, "Huanger, stay with me."
As he spoke, he showered her with kisses, and soon, what was meant to be a routine work session took on a rather more amorous and interesting turn. Clutching her tightly, his voice thick with emotion and hoarse with desire, he asked, "Huanger, what's this character?"
She closed her eyes, her body slumped against his shoulder, her voice quivering and tremulous as she replied, "I don't know."
"Let me write it again," he said.
She tensed, her feet arching involuntarily.
"Do you know now?" he pressed.
"I don't know, Ji Yan. It's uncomfortable. Stop it," she begged.
"Well, then, Huanger, what would you like?"