Daily Life of a Villain at Work [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 83

Chapter 83: The Eleventh Day of Being an Evil Spirit

Nothing can be achieved overnight. While the situation was improving, the death rate involving supernatural events continued to rise.

As fresh faces appeared in key governmental positions, the Sect Leader of the Xuanmen appropriately emerged from seclusion after the Lunar New Year. After offering the customary blessings, the Sect Leader met with several elders and the newly appointed leadership, attempting to establish the Xuanmen Office as a relatively independent agency.

At the very least, task assignments and general direction could not be left to those who didn’t understand the profession. The importance of the Xuanmen needed no explanation; as long as spells and talismans were not replaced by mass-produced weaponry, those in power would always need their help—not just against ghosts, but to eliminate those walking the path of evil sorcery.

The new leadership seemed easy to talk to, but their intention to keep the Xuanmen within the official establishment was clear. The more vital the Xuanmen was, the less the government could allow them to act independently, lest they become an uncontrollable risk. Taoists and monks are, after all, human; they might hold their integrity now, but who could say for sure in the future? There had to be a means of restraint.

Negotiations of this type weren’t settled in one or two sessions; both sides were prepared for a long haul. To show sincerity, the leadership provided benefits to all Xuanmen members and granted various privileges to their families based on their years of service. If no family remained, spouses or close friends could become beneficiaries.

Seeing these tactics to win hearts, the Sect Leader offered some sincerity in return: she presented a pre-compiled introductory textbook. While giving it to the leadership, she suggested that high-level personnel study it. It contained basic knowledge and tips for ordinary people on what to do when encountering ghosts. If such a book could be popularized to some extent, it would be a win-win for both the Xuanmen and the relevant departments.

…

As things looked up and the prophecy regarding her youngest disciple was partially rendered obsolete, Qin Mian could finally shift from observing her in secret to showing concern openly. After refining newly collected herbs into convenient tonic pills, Qin Mian asked for Chu Yu’s current location, stating her intent for a formal visit.

“Master wants to see you,” Chu Yu said, turning to Wen Qingyun as they walked down the street. “Can I give her the detailed address of our home?”

“It’s been months. Does your Master really not know where you live?” Wen Qingyun countered. Her red scarf and matching plush hat were particularly striking. Despite her constitution making her immune to the cold, she still wore a high-neck sweater, a thick down jacket, and thick thermal leggings under her mother’s persistent nagging.

“I don’t deny she knows, but if I don’t proactively tell her, she won’t come,” Chu Yu emphasized.

Wen Qingyun remained noncommittal. The Xuanmen might not have sent spies, but other agencies were another story. Right now, a casual glance back revealed “tails” following them at a distance.

“Fine. But in what capacity is she coming? Your elder?” Wen Qingyun asked.

“If we need to hide the truth from your mother, I can have Master visit as my aunt,” Chu Yu suggested.

“That’s not necessary. Mom’s acceptance of you is quite high now,” Wen Qingyun said, a hint of jealousy creeping into her eyes. Her mother was far too kind. Just because she had bitten Chu Yu’s neck a few times and left marks, her mother had cooked two extra dishes for dinner just to “replenish” Chu Yu’s health.

Chu Yu caught the look in Wen Qingyun’s eyes and couldn’t help but roll hers. What a mama’s girl. Didn’t Wen Qingyun know why her mother was making soup? It was because Wen Qingyun treated Chu Yu like a soda can, popping her open for a drink whenever the mood struck, leaving Chu Yu looking pale and weak. Who knew if the mother was pitying Chu Yu or worried her daughter wouldn’t have enough to “eat” in the future?

With the plan settled, Chu Yu replied to her Master, telling her she could visit in the capacity of a teacher. For the sake of etiquette, Qin Mian decided to visit three days later on Saturday, giving everyone time to prepare.

For those three days, Wen’s mother was relaxed, while Wen Qingyun and Chu Yu were the ones preoccupied. Chu Yu no longer rejected physical intimacy with the non-human Wen Qingyun—after all, the pleasure was mutual. However, Chu Yu didn’t believe she was in love. She felt their relationship was essentially based on the contract; if the contract were voided, the relationship would end.

Consequently, Chu Yu didn’t want her Master to see her looking too disheveled. She requested that Wen Qingyun not bite her anywhere above the neck. This displeased Wen Qingyun. Chu Yu was already her “property”; why couldn’t she mark her?

After Chu Yu righteously stated her demands, Wen Qingyun said nothing—she simply bit Chu Yu’s face, leaving a clear tooth mark.

“Wen Qingyun!” Chu Yu snapped. “Didn’t I say not to bite my face?”

“I didn’t agree,” Wen Qingyun huffed. “Your body is mine. Since when do I need your permission to bite a specific spot?”

Chu Yu: “…”

Fine. She truly couldn’t force Wen Qingyun to do—or not do—anything. Since it had come to this, she would give as good as she got, making sure to leave marks on Wen Qingyun’s face so her Master wouldn’t think she was being bullied too one-sidedly.

…

When Qin Mian arrived with bags of gifts, she was greeted by her disciple’s neck and face covered in ambiguous marks. They were so obvious that Qin Mian couldn’t even pretend to be nearsighted. Fortunately, upon shifting her gaze, she saw tooth marks on Wen Qingyun’s face as well, which eased her heart slightly.

“Hello, I am Xiao Yu’s teacher. I apologize for the intrusion,” Qin Mian said with a perfect smile, placing the gifts on the table.

Looking at Qin Mian’s appearance—she looked twenty-seven or twenty-eight—Wen’s mother had a hard time accepting that this “young person” was, as her daughter claimed, several years older than herself.

“How is it an intrusion? Xiao Yu has mentioned you, Teacher Qin. It’s only natural for a teacher to visit their student,” Wen’s mother adjusted her mindset and welcomed her warmly.

The two elders began a friendly chat. Qin Mian was well-traveled and could talk about anything. Before long, she was sitting on the sofa with Wen’s mother, cracking melon seeds and watching TV. She didn’t look like a transcendent Taoist master at all, but rather like a chatty auntie visiting for the New Year.

Wen Qingyun and Chu Yu sat on the other sofa, occasionally chiming in when the topic involved them. Qin Mian was very tactful; she never mentioned Wen Qingyun being non-human, treating her entirely as a normal living person.

“Speaking of which, Xiao Wen, you’ve been graduated for several months. Have you considered finding a steady job?” Qin Mian asked with a smile.

Wen’s mother instinctively looked at her daughter. It was great having her daughter at home, but she needed her own life. As a mother, she wanted to be her daughter’s backbone, not a cage.

“Not for now. Chu Yu gave me a lot of money, and I haven’t finished spending it,” Wen Qingyun stated. With over four million, and no need to buy a house or a car, she didn’t know how long it would last. Furthermore, Chu Yu had long since paid off her previous debts, and all her monthly income now went straight into Wen Qingyun’s pocket. Since Chu Yu belonged to her, her salary and bonuses naturally did too.

The answer momentarily stunned Qin Mian. But on second thought, Wen Qingyun had helped the Bureau handle many tasks; only taking Chu Yu’s salary was, in a sense, a loss for her.

“If you ever feel like working, I might be able to introduce you to some good jobs,” Qin Mian said.

“Jobs within the official establishment?” Wen Qingyun countered.

Qin Mian nodded. “All benefits would be included.”

“Then I’ll have to decline. I like my freedom and don’t care about being bound by rules. If you have the chance, feel free to introduce some high-paying freelance work; I might accept for the right price,” Wen Qingyun said with a grin.

Part of Qin Mian’s intent had been exposed: it was unclear if the Xuanmen were behind this or if certain leaders were trying to control Wen Qingyun. Wen Qingyun’s words made it clear that “recruiting” or subduing her was impossible—she wouldn’t follow orders. However, she didn’t mind collaborating. As long as the price was right, she would help solve things that gave the Xuanmen headaches.

After exchanging views implicitly, it was nearly dinner time. Wen Qingyun didn’t want her mother to labor alone to host a guest, so she suggested going out for hot pot. Qin Mian agreed, though she couldn’t help but steal a few more glances at the hickeys on her disciple’s neck.

Her Sect Master’s judgment was correct: compared to the completely unreasonable Great Demon, Wen Qingyun was very human. As long as they maintained a good attitude and offered satisfactory compensation, partnership was a great idea.

If only the prerequisite for this partnership wasn’t my disciple feeding a ghost with her body, Qin Mian thought. Look how pale her face is; I’ll probably have to deliver tonics every week.

The negotiations between the Xuanmen and the government wouldn’t end in one day; similarly, maintaining a good relationship with Wen Qingyun was a long-term project.

In March, as temperatures rose across the country, the Xuanmen issued their first formal commission to Wen Qingyun: they wanted her to deal with a thousand-year-old female ghost living in an ancient tomb. The ghost’s identity was special—she was someone whose name appeared in history books. Her importance to certain departments was immense, so the leadership hoped for a dialogue rather than a forced exorcism. The reason for inviting Wen Qingyun was simple: the ghost didn’t trust the living or Taoists; she would only talk to a powerful peer.

“What is the reward?” Wen Qingyun asked Qin Mian, nonchalantly pulling Chu Yu into her lap.

Qin Mian’s eyelid twitched. She swore that if it weren’t for the fact that her disciple was clearly willing, she would have drawn her sword to snatch her back, regardless of the Sect Master saying this “union” benefited both sides.

“You can state your requirements first. We will do our best to satisfy them,” Qin Mian said, keeping her voice calm.

How did Qin Mian know her disciple was willing? As a Master, if she couldn’t see the indulgent resignation in Chu Yu’s eyes, she would be a failure.

“I want a large villa near the ocean. The neighbors should be civilized and polite—no ‘dirty things’ mixed in,” Wen Qingyun said.

“Done. Give us the detailed area, and we will handle the paperwork within half a month,” Qin Mian agreed immediately.

“I also want a storefront near the villa. It doesn’t need to be huge, about eighty square meters. I want to open a fruit shop,” Wen Qingyun continued.

Qin Mian nodded. “Fine.”

Wen Qingyun thought hard. “And five million more as startup capital for the shop.”

“No problem,” Qin Mian answered crisply. Providing these material things was trivial for her and the forces behind her. A villa or even an office building was a small price to pay.

“Where is this ghost?” Wen Qingyun asked.

“In A-City, G-Province. When you are ready, I will take you to the tomb.”

“Is it urgent?”

“Not desperately, but the faster, the better.”

“Then three days from now. Once I’m ready, I’ll have Chu Yu notify you.”

Chu Yu, acting as the intermediary, looked at her Master. “Master, I’ll let you know then.”

Qin Mian: “…” My disciple sounds like she’s on Wen Qingyun’s side.

“Fine,” Qin Mian nodded, then pulled a small wooden box from her storage tool. “I prepared something for you. One per day, a seven-day supply. If the effect is good, I’ll bring more every week,” she said, her concern for Chu Yu no longer hidden.

Chu Yu guessed what was inside. She tried to look serious. “Master, I’m fine, really.” Though she was bitten once or twice a day, she found that her cultivation rose steadily whenever she was near Wen Qingyun. It was as if she were growing stronger just by breathing. Though her complexion was a bit pale, her strength was truly increasing.

“Good. As long as you’re well. I’ll wait for your message.” Seeing Chu Yu being held by Wen Qingyun, Qin Mian couldn’t even pat her shoulder or head. She could only sigh inwardly and leave the box. Forget it. The Sect Master said many times that Xiao Yu’s fate is merged with Wen Qingyun’s—they rise and fall together. For her own sake, Wen Qingyun won’t do anything truly harmful to her.

…

After Qin Mian left, Wen Qingyun bit Chu Yu’s ear, sounding a bit unhappy. “Is your Master pitying you or worried about what I’ll do to you? Coming every week with deliveries.”

“I think it’s both,” Chu Yu said honestly. She opened the box to see seven pills and swallowed one without hesitation.

“Have I done anything bad to you?” Wen Qingyun huffed. “Aren’t my mother and I very good to you?” Was there a better ghost in this world? She hadn’t drained Chu Yu dry to get stronger, she hadn’t restricted her freedom, and she even shared her mother’s love with her! When her mother knitted scarves and hats, she had made a set for Chu Yu too.

“No,” Chu Yu replied, already used to Wen Qingyun’s ways. “Do you need me to go with you in three days, or should I stay to protect your mother?”

“Since she rejects the living and Taoists, you stay,” Wen Qingyun loosened her grip. “Help me pick a good spot for the shop. The location shouldn’t have too much traffic, but it shouldn’t be dead either.”

“You plan to have your mother run the fruit shop?” Chu Yu asked.

“Yes. Mom needs to interact with friendly people. A fruit shop is a good social outlet,” Wen Qingyun didn’t hide her thoughts. “Mom will be the manager, and we’ll be the staff. We can open from 1 PM to 9 PM.”

Chu Yu considered the feasibility. “But then no one will be at the shop during dinner. Should we hire someone else?”

“That works. We can hire two university students for part-time work,” Wen Qingyun agreed. She didn’t need to sleep, but Chu Yu did. If she wanted to do anything during the day, having staff was necessary.

…

Three days later, Wen Qingyun said goodbye to her mother and Chu Yu, traveling with Qin Mian to the ancient tomb. Qin Mian used some unknown method to get them on a plane; they were expected to land at a crowded airport in two hours.

“Can I take this as a sign of your trust?” Wen Qingyun toyed with the identification in her hand—a real ID that existed in the national databases, which Qin Mian had given her.

“I thought we showed our sincerity long ago,” Qin Mian said with a flawless smile.

Wen Qingyun gave a cold laugh. “If you really mean that, how about calling off the people who have been watching us? Then I might believe you.”

“I thought you would have noticed—those aren’t Xuanmen people,” Qin Mian replied. “Furthermore, their presence isn’t just to watch you. It’s also a form of invisible protection for Madam Wen. New decrees are being pushed, and corrupt officials are being jailed. But not everyone has been neutralized. To avoid chaos, some are only being disciplined or demoted. Madam Wen is very important to you, and many people know that.”

Wen Qingyun clicked her tongue, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Relying on those people to protect her mother was less reliable than relying on Chu Yu. At least Chu Yu knew that her mother’s presence kept Wen Qingyun from personally resorting to murder.

“I am not a ghost who listens to reason. I am a ghost without reason,” Wen Qingyun retracted her fake smile. “If my mother is harmed in any way, I won’t care whose fault it was. I will ‘clean up’ every single person under suspicion. Do you understand what I mean?” She looked at Qin Mian with eyes so cold and void of emotion they were bone-chilling.

Qin Mian felt the murderous intent. She never thought Wen Qingyun was a “kind” ghost, so she took the threat seriously. “I know. We will do our best to prevent that from happening.”

Wen Qingyun stared at her. “Do your best? I don’t like your phrasing. I want an absolute guarantee. If you aren’t sure how important my mother is to me, I don’t mind doing something to help you ensure it.”

Qin Mian: “…” Only when alone with Wen Qingyun did she realize how ruthless this being truly was. Human life held no weight to her; one death or ten wouldn’t move her heart. From this perspective, her disciple was indeed special to Wen Qingyun—the only one who could make her let down her guard and restrain her nature.

“I will relay this to the relevant departments and have them strengthen the screening of the surrounding population to ensure no accidents,” Qin Mian said. Both the Xuanmen and the government needed Wen Qingyun now; as long as the demands weren’t outrageous, they would be granted.

“I hope the ‘relevant departments’ know what they’re doing,” Wen Qingyun sneered, turning her gaze out the window.

As time passed, Wen Qingyun’s direct “sisters” now numbered up to “Wen Eighteen,” controlling territory across at least six provinces. Under her orders, the frequency of supernatural events in those provinces was very low. Strong ghosts had even begun to manifest and integrate into human life. Of course, “supernatural events” specifically referred to those discovered by the public. In unseen corners, many evildoers were still being “dealt with.”

With a structured backer, those people’s deaths were made to look perfectly logical—at least on the surface, they had nothing to do with ghosts. Some died in drunk driving accidents, others were attacked by “mentally unstable” men on the street. Some choked while eating, cramped while swimming, or were taken out by a fire during a depraved party. The logic was clear, the evidence formed a stable chain, and cases were closed and filed within days, bodies sent to the crematorium.

…

At 1 PM, Wen Qingyun appeared at the entrance of the ancient tomb, which was surrounded by police tape.

“If everything goes as planned, the ghost is in the main chamber. She was once the most favored princess of the dynasty. If she’s willing to cooperate, many historical mysteries can be solved,” Qin Mian said, standing aside. “If we’re lucky, we might even obtain some authentic ancient texts.”

Wen Qingyun nodded. As a formerly excellent student, she had heard of this princess’s deeds.